bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Book Review: International Practice Development in Health and Social Care (2nd Edition)
Authors:   Lothian Health Board, Edinburgh, Scotland, White Nicki
Published: November 2021

I was asked to review this book in my role as a clinical educator and novice practice developer. My introduction to practice development and person-centred practice came through the 2019 Inspire Improvement Fellowship, run by the Foundation of Nursing Studies, and through my work as a practice teacher for student specialist practitioner district nurses at Queen Margaret University, Edinburgh. My initial thoughts were how relatable this book is to me in practice. It is up to date, with references to Covid-19 and the WHO’s Year of the Nurse and Midwife 2020. The first part explores the theory of practice development and this follows through to later chapters where readers will find the application of theoretical ideas in practice. Practice development is explored at micro, meso and macro levels, supported by the book’s progression from smaller, ward-based projects to large system-based interventions. The evolution of practice development is also evident, moving from its origins within nursing to multidisciplinary and interagency approaches and contexts. I found it useful that chapters flowed through themes, with the final chapters focusing on leadership, workplace cultures and wellbeing, which are currently hot topics in the ever-changing landscape of health and social care. A wide range of references is helpfully used throughout to encourage more in-depth analysis and further reading.
Revisão sistemática de estudos sobre o alumínio como fator de risco para a Doença de Alzheimer
Authors: Freitas Ana Clara Barbosa de , Santos Ana Liriel Cláudio , Bezerra Maria Clara Medeiros , Nascimento Samir Cauã Tabosa do
Published: November 2021

Este artigo apresenta uma revisão bibliográfica sistemática de estudos científicos a respeito de análises do alumínio como possível fator de risco para ocasionar a Doença de Alzheimer. Foi realizada a revisão consultando as bases de dados SCIELO (descritor: Doença de Alzheimer e alumínio) e Google Acadêmico (descritor: Doença de Alzheimer e alumínio). Como resultado, foram analisados 19 ensaios, os quais demonstram a relação entre a Doença de Alzheimer e o teor de alumínio de alimentos.
Tecnologia da informação e desempenho da gestão documental
Authors: Morais Silvia Cintra Borges , Mussi Clarissa Carneiro , Lima Mauricio Andrade de
Published: November 2021

Esta pesquisa desenvolveu uma proposta de estrutura conceitual para analisar a contribuição da tecnologia da informação (TI) ao desempenho da gestão documental (GD) em instituições públicas. A pesquisa é de natureza exploratória e bibliográfica e a elaboração da estrutura foi guiada pelos fundamentos do Balanced Scorecard (BSC). Uma estrutura composta por perspectivas de desempenho da gestão documental, objetivos estratégicos, mapa estratégico, indicadores, bem como, perguntas norteadoras para análise da contribuição da TI. A composição da estrutura permitiu identificar um amplo espectro de possibilidades de apoio da TI ao desempenho da GD. De forma geral, estas possibilidades estão relacionadas à satisfação dos usuários, à qualidade dos processos da GD, à capacidade de aprender, inovar e melhorar a GD e à otimização dos recursos financeiros da GD e consequentemente da organização como um todo.
Toplumsal cinsiyet algısı ve etkileyen faktörler: Mardin örneği
Authors: ÇİFÇİ Sema , SAKA Günay , AKIN Ayşe
Published: November 2021

Amaç: Türkiye’nin güneydoğusunda bir il olan Mardin’de 20- 65 yaş aralığında yer alan bireylerin toplumsal cinsiyet rollerine ilişkin algı düzeylerini ve etkileyen faktörleri saptamaktır. Yöntem: 20-65 aralığında 1055 kişi olarak hesaplanan araştırmada 990 kişiye ulaşılmış ve bu kişilere 2 bölümden oluşan anket, yüz yüze uygulanmıştır. Birinci bölümde; sosyo-demografik özellikler ikinci bölümde ise “Toplumsal Cinsiyet Algısı Ölçeği” kullanılmıştır. Ölçekten alınan puan 25-125 aralığında olup, yüksek puanlar toplumsal cinsiyet algısının olumlu olduğunu ifade etmektedir. Bulgular: Bireylerin yaş ortalaması 33.27 ± 10.70 olup %67.2’si kadındır; %15.4’ü okuryazar değildir. Bireylerin %56.7’si görücü usulü ve %1.6’sı berdel yoluyla evlenmiştir. Akrabası ile evlenen bireylerin oranı %36.3’tür. Araştırma kapsamına alınan bireylerin ölçekten aldıkları puan ortalaması 79.34 ± 15.32’dir. Kişinin çalışma durumu, kadın olma, bekârlık, genç yaşta olma, doğum yerinin kent olması, ekonomik durumunun iyi olması, bireylerin ve ailelerininin eğitim seviyesinin yüksek olması gibi faktörler toplumsal cinsiyet algısını olumlu yönde etkilerken çocuk sahibi olma, eşlerin akraba olması, kırsal bölgede yaşıyor olma vb. faktörler olumsuz yönde etkilemektedir. Sonuç: Toplumsal cinsiyet algı düzeyi puan ortalaması yapılan benzer çalışmalara göre düşüktür. Bireylerin algı düzeylerini çeşitli sosyo demografik faktörler etkilemektedir. Bölgenin sosyoekonomik ve kültürel şartları da göz önüne alınarak; kamu, sivil toplum ve basın yayın kuruluşları ile iş birliği içerisinde toplumsal cinsiyet algısını geliştirmeye yönelik çalışmalar yürütülmelidir.
Monitoring vineyard water status using Sentinel-2 images: qualitative survey on five wine estates in the south of France
Authors: Laroche Pinel Eve , Duthoit Sylvie , D. Costard Anne , Rousseau Jacques , Hourdel Jérome , Vidal-Vigneron Marie , Cheret Véronique , Clenet Harold
Published: November 2021

The wine industry must face many challenges because of climate change. One of them is the increase in temperatures and droughts events. These changes sometimes lead to yield losses and can also impact the quality of the wine produced (e.g., increased alcohol content). The management of available water is also a sensitive issue as water requirements for vineyard irrigation are quickly increasing in the south of France. In this context, there is a need for a decision tool that can help evaluate the vine water status through the entire growth season at a large scale. To address this issue, we have previously developed a model (see Laroche-Pinel et al. 2021a) which predicts the vine Stem Water Potential (Ψstem) using Sentinel-2 (S2) images. This model was developed based on a field campaign over three years. The present study now aims to investigate the feedback of winegrowers on the outputs of our model. Therefore, it was applied on the plots of five wine estates that do not belong to the set used in the initial paper. The qualitative results show interesting spatial and temporal consistency in accordance with winegrower knowledge, irrigation data, and weather forecast. The predicted Ψstemhighlights spatial variability in vine fields where a water source emerges and reflects the differences between vine fields with a drip or sparkling irrigation or without an irrigation system. The predicted Ψstem also clearly reacts to a peak in temperature. According to their feedback, three of the five winegrowers would be glad to use this service in the years to come.
Closed Form Solution of Plane-Parallel Turbulent Flow Along an Unbounded Plane Surface
Authors: Sun Bohua
Published: November 2021

In this letter, a century-old problem is studied; namely, to find a unified analytic description of the non-uniform distribution of mean velocity across the entire domain of turbulent flow for all Reynolds numbers within the framework of the Prandtl mixing length theory. Considering the Prandtl mixing length model, a closed form solution of the mean velocity profile of plane turbulent flow is obtained, and approximate analytical solution of the van Driest mixing length theory is proposed. The profiles of several useful quantities are given, such as turbulent viscosity, Reynolds turbulent stress, Kolmogorov's scaling law, and energy dissipation density. It is shown that the energy dissipation density at the surface is finite, whereas Landau's energy dissipation density is infinite. The closed form solution reveals that the universality of the turbulent velocity logarithmic profile no longer holds, but the von K\'arm\'an constant is still universal. Furthermore, a new formulation of the resistance coefficient of turbulent flow in pipes is given in implicit form.
The future of Europe: a political discussion of prospects of the European Union integration project
Authors:   Higher School of Economics, Medushevsky Andrey
Published: November 2021

The European integration project as designed by its founders seventy years ago is experiencing difficulties in the current conditions of globalization, confronting challenges which were unpredictable beforehand. Many of these are of crucial character for the European Union, putting in question its constitutional organization, institutional structure, and political sustainability in the international balance of power. The list of most important issues includes ones like the yet incomplete character of the Union’s legal construction, which is balanced between supranational and national forms of regulation; the erosion of legitimacy of European institutions; the growing democracy deficits in transnational and national governance; the decline of solidarity in inter-governmental relations; and the falling level of accountability and decision-making mechanisms in Europe. The very natural response to these problems was a Pan-European discussion, stimulated by European elites after Brexit, on the future of the European project in order to frame existing opinions, provide a fresh start to “the European dream”, and possibly find appropriate solutions to legitimacy problems. An analysis of this ongoing discussion is the main subject of this article. This analysis involves such key issues as the future role of the EU founding agreements, as to keeping them or amending them in order to reconstruct the European constitutional settlement. It demonstrates the complex nature of the basic communitarian concept, in view of its various interpretations by different ideological trends such as cosmopolitism and confederation and federation movements. It explores the current agenda of institutional reforms involving parliamentarian and presidential strategies and reviews proposed solutions of the European leadership problem. The conclusion of the article makes it clear that the European Union is confronted today with the most dramatic challenge in its entire history. It consists in the necessity of making a decisive choice between two polar options — to preserve an amorphous conglomerate of states or to establish a new federal state. This must be done in a rather short period in order to avoid falling apart and to become a full-fledged and independent global political player.
POSSIBLE INFLUENCE OF A MAJOR INFERRED FAULT ON THE OCCURRENCE OF SINISTRAL TOP-TO-THE NW DEFORMATION IN THE ZAGROS HINTERLAND FOLD-AND-THRUST BELT, IRAN
Authors:   Shiraz University, GHANBARIAN Mohammad , DERAKHSHANI Reza ,   Utrecht University, MAZIDI Morteza ,   Shiraz University
Published: November 2021

In the present study, fault slip data, the geometry of en-echelon vein arrays (tension gash), and pressure-solution seams (stylolites), in the northeastern margin of Fars Province were analyzed. The results of this study indicate that in the time of the development of these structures, the maximum principal (σ1) stress axes were generally horizontal and directed towards NE-SW and ENE-WSW. This general direction is compatible with the expected directions of σ1 stress axes responsible for the occurrence of the sinistral top-to-the NW ductile and brittle-ductile shear zones of the area. This compatibility suggests a long-lasting stable stress condition over a long period and different pressure/temperature conditions. This longstanding constant stress state can be interpreted as the result of the occurrence of a major strike-slip NW-SE trending fault in the NE of the Zagros Hinterland Fold-and-Thrust Belt. The dextral activities of the Main Zagros Thrust and this inferred fault, which are subparallel, might result in the sinistral topto-the NW deformation in the area between this fault, which we named it Abarkuh Fault and the Main Deep Fault. This inferred fault has been covered by Quaternary alluvium of the Abarkuh plain, but the great age difference of rock units of the Esteghlal Anticline and its northeastern rock exposures, and the significant change in topography between the Abarkuh plain and its southwestern mountains can be two consequences of the existence of this probable fault.
ASSESSMENT OF FLOOD INFLUENCE CRITERIA IN THE LAM RIVER BASIN USING A COMBINED DELPHI-AHP METHOD
Authors:   Hanoi University Natural Resources and Environment, DUNG Nguyen , MINH Dang ,   Thuyloi University
Published: November 2021

Flood is represented as one of the most destructive natural hazards to humankind. Assessing and predicting floods hazard is necessary to offer appropriate solutions for flood mitigation and sustainable environmental management. It is only possible when the main criteria that contributed to creating the flood hazard are pointed out. The purpose of the current research was to choose and attribute scores to all various flood-causing factors in the Lam river basin. Firstly, the Delphi method was applied to the expertbased survey to choose six key parameters that led to the floods, including rainfall, slope, relative slope length, drainage density, land cover, and soil. Then, Analytic Hierarchy Process (AHP) approach is employed as an effective tool to obtain a better understanding of all the factors or indicator contributions in the flood process based on weight given to each of six flood influencing elements. The consistency analyses revealed that the findings were coherent and consistent with a previous study. It is also interesting to notice that rainfall and slope are the most prominent flood occurrence criteria with 45% and 25.5%, respectively. However, the influence of other factors (drainage density, relative slope length, land cover, and soil) is not visible. These parameters are assigned to the small weights and do not have a significant influence on the flood phenomenon. The study results provide baseline information, which needs to be taken into account to mitigate and control floods.
RESOURCE-SAVING TECHNOLOGIES FOR DEVELOPMENT OF MINERAL DEPOSITS
Authors:   Wroclaw University of Science and Technology, RYBAK Jaroslaw , KHAIRUTDINOV Marat ,   National Research Technological University “MISIS”, TYULYAEVA Yulia ,   National Research Technological University “MISIS”, KONGAR-SYURYUN Cheynesh ,   National Research Technological University “MISIS”
Published: November 2021

The relevance of the work is caused by the need to survive the mining industry during the protracted post-reform crisis and to minimize its negative impact on the ecology of the region through the development of technogenic mineral resources. Purpose of work. Substantiation of the possibility of replacing the traditional components of the filling composite with own or attracted man-made wastes after their processing to a level that meets the conditions of environmental safety and economic feasibility. Research methods: systematization, analysis and generalization of theoretical and experimental research in this area, as well as patent data. Results. A generalization is made, the result of an analysis of the mechanism and rates of accumulation of waste from mining and processing of mineral raw materials is given, and a multifactorial mathematical model of degradation of environmental ecosystems as a result of the impact of waste is formulated. A historical background is given and an assessment of the development of mineral deposits with backfilling with hardening mixtures based on utilized man-made waste in a closed cycle is given. A promising method of activating the binding components of the hardening mixture is recommended, treatment in a high-speed mill - disintegrator. The results of experimental studies of the possibility of using metallurgical slags of the Chusovoy metallurgical plant as a binder and as an inert filler of ore dressing wastes of PJSC Uralkali are given. It is shown that if the content of unrecovered metals in industrial waste is more than the background level, they can be disposed of after the extraction of metals within the framework of a single technological cycle of waste-free production. It is concluded that when preparing a filling composite, it is possible to replace traditional commercial components with man-made waste from mining and processing and metallurgical industries after extracting useful components from them and neutralizing hazardous impurities. The prospect of the transition of mining production to an innovative principle of organization, which excludes the storage of waste, is noted, for which it is advisable to combine physical-technical and physical-chemical technologies at the design stage in the technological process of resource development. Conclusions. The involvement of man-made waste in a closed production cycle increases the environmental and economic efficiency of enterprises. Conversion of production to minimize waste volumes and their use in their own or in related production is an effective step towards sustainable development of the mining region.
REGULARITIES OF CHANGES IN THE GAS-DYNAMIC AND GEOMECHANICAL SITUATION AT POTASH MINES
Authors:   Zarubezhshakhtstroy LLC, ZEMSKOV Alexander , LISKOVA Maria ,   Perm National Research Polytechnic University, SHARIPZYANOVA Guzel ,   Moscow Polytechnic University
Published: November 2021

Mining operations in potash and salt deposits are complicated by gas emissions and gas dynamic phenomena. The analysis of a large number of gas dynamic phenomena and intense gas emissions at potash mines in Russia and Belarus allowed the authors to identify some patterns. In particular, it was found that the maximum number of gas dynamic phenomena occurs in the 7–10 year of operation of the mines. The purpose of the study is to analyze and identify available information on the influence of heliophysical and manmade factors on the state of rock massifs, which will allow purposefully predicting and preventing the manifestations of these factors, increasing labor safety and efficiency of mining enterprises. Research methods: methods of a full-scale mine experiment to determine the gas content of rocks and the gas content of workings, as well as analysis of statistical data. The results of the study showed that the analysis of data on 84 cases of gas dynamic phenomena at the mines of PJSC Uralkali revealed an increase in the volume of gas emissions from the developed lavas spaces at the mines of JSC Belaruskali as a result of a drop in barometric pressure on the surface. In conclusion, it can be noted that the combination of natural factors together with a powerful man-made impact on the environment creates certain prerequisites for disasters of various scales, ranging from destructive earthquakes to subsidence of mountain pressure, gas dynamic phenomena and intense gas emissions in mines and mines. The set of established patterns formed the basis for the development of a number of preventive measures that increase the safe working conditions of miners and the efficiency of mining enterprises.
DYNAMICS OF GAS EMISSION FROM EXPOSED SURFACE OF GAS-BEARING COAL SEAMS HAVING MEDIUM THICKNESS
Authors:   Tula State University, KACHURIN Nikolai , STAS Galina ,   Tula State University, KACHURIN Alexander ,   Tula State University
Published: November 2021

The goal of the research was to clarify the regularities of the dynamics of gas release from the surface of the outcrop of the developed coal seam. The main research methods were theoretical methods of mathematical physics and non-equilibrium thermodynamics. Gas-bearing coal seams are usually mined underground. When driving development workings, outcropping surfaces of gas-bearing coal seams appear and gases in the seams under excessive pressure are released into the atmosphere of the mine workings. Gas-bearing coal seams are usually mined underground. When driving preparatory workings, surfaces of outcropping of gas-bearing coal seams arise and gases that are in the seams under excessive pressure are released into the atmosphere of the mine workings. The most important gas-dynamic characteristic of this process is the rate of gas release, which represents the volume of gases released from a unit area of exposure of a coal seam per unit of time. A generalized law of resistance for gas filtration in a rock mass is recommended, and a fairly rigorous thermodynamic substantiation is given. It is shown that the densities of gas mass flows in accordance with the postulate of their linear relationship with the driving forces are determined by the Onsager relation. The results obtained and their discussion is presented. Mathematical models are proposed for engineering calculations of the dynamics of methane release from the outcropping surface of medium-thick coal seams. The error of the adopted approximations does not exceed 3%. The intensity of methane release is directly related to the planogram of work in the working face. Analysis of this dependence indicates that during the extraction cycle, methane release increases due to an increase in the area of the gas-release surface. The main conclusions are as follows: mathematical modeling of the processes of gas movement in a porous sorbing medium using approximate mathematical models representing linearized equations of mathematical physics; the regularities of the dynamics of the rate of gas release from the surface of the outcrop of a gas-bearing coal seam is the theoretical basis for the mathematical description of the process of gas release; the use of a linearized hyperbolic filtration equation most accurately describes the processes of methane release from the outcropping surface of mined coal seams.
Effects of Hemorrhagic Shock and Resuscitation on Mesenteric Circulation
Authors: Treffalls Rebecca N , Stonko David P , Edwards Joseph , Abdou Hossam , Savidge Samuel G , Morrison Jonathan J
Published: November 2021

Vascular beds may be variably affected by hemorrhage, which may have implications for resuscitation. The vascular anatomy of swine has been described with focus on its use for vascular and endovascular research; however, current research has predominantly focused on anatomy. (1,2) There is a lack of research regarding the physiology of mesenteric circulation at baseline physiology, as well as during hemorrhagic shock and resuscitation. The aim of this study was to develop a large animal model to characterize the implications of hemorrhage on mesenteric circulation and reperfusion. We constructed a surgical protocol to measure intestinal perfusion, as well as pressure and flow data of the superior mesenteric artery (SMA), portal vein, inferior vena cava (IVC), and aorta.
Cadmium Resistance, Microbial Biosorptive Performance and Mechanisms of a Novel Biocontrol Bacterium Paenibacillus sp. LYX-1
Authors: Luo Yixin , Liao Min , Zhang Yuhao , Xu Na , Xie Xiaomei , Fan Qiyan
Published: November 2021

In order to explore whether the newly discovered biocontrol strain Paenibacillus sp., LYX-1 having antagonistic effect on peach brown rot was resistant to Cd2+, a series of growth of strain LYX-1 under different Cd concentration and biosorption experiments were conducted to living and dead strain LYX-1. Meanwhile, the Cd2+ resistance and biosorption mechanisms were further identified by Cd-resistant genes, TEM, SEM-EDS, FTIR and XPS analysis. The results showed that strain LYX-1 could resist 50 mg/L Cd2+ and the adsorption process of both living and dead strain LYX-1 all satisfied the pseudo-second kinetic equation. Under pH 8.0 and at a dose of 1.0 g/L strain, the removal capacities of living and dead cells were as high as 90.39% and 75.67% at 20 mg/L Cd2+, respectively. For the adsorption isotherm test, results revealed that both Langmuir (R2=0.9704) and Freundlich (R2=0.9915) model could describe the Cd2+ biosorption well for living strain LYX-1. The maximum equilibrium biosorption capacities of living and dead biomass were 30.6790 and 24.3752 mg/g, respectively. The adsorption mechanism was controlled by chemisorption with -OH, -NH, -C=O, O=C-O, C-N, S2− and phosphate functional groups on the cell surface of strain LYX-1, which were further identified by XPS. The insignificant biosorption difference of living and dead biomass was caused by CzcD gene in strain LYX-1 detoxifying cadmium through the heavy metal efflux system. The above results indicated that strain LYX-1 had higher tolerance and fixed capacity to Cd2+.
The Impact of COVID-19 Infection on the Quality of Life of Health Care Workers
Authors: Shanshal Sadeel , Al-Qazaz Harith Kh.
Published: November 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic has negatively affected the entire world and one of its impacts was the increased level of stress and anxiety, especially among healthcare workers. Therefore, this study aims at evaluating the quality of life (QoL) and sleep quality of healthcare professionals in Iraq.Methods: This study assessed the QoL and sleep quality by using World Health Organization Quality of Life Instruments (WHOQOL-BREF) and the Insomnia Severity Index (ISI) respectively. The questionnaires were administered through an online cross-sectional survey targeted at workers in medical fields in Iraq from 1st to 20th of August 2021. Results: Three hundred medical health workers participated, and females constituted 75.3%. The two questionnaires had very good internal consistency. The highest scoring domain was the social relationships, followed by physical health. Significant difference was found in the mean scores of psychological health domain between males and females, with higher scores observed in males. The mean of the total ISI score was 11.58 ± 6.88 with a range between 0 and 27. Severe insomnia was observed in only 9.7% of the participants. A significant negative correlation (r = -0.118) was found between age and ISI scores of the participants. Significant differences were found between males and females with higher ISI mean score observed among males. Conclusion: The quality of life and sleep pattern can be impacted by COVID-19 infection with the psychological aspect of QoL being the most affected and some degrees of insomnia being observed in many participants.
Community Perspectives on Addressing and Responding To HIV-Testing, Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PrEP) and Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP) Among African, Caribbean and Black (ACB) People in Ontario, Canada
Authors: Etowa Josephine , Tharao Wangari , Mbuagbaw Lawrence , Baidoobonso Shamara , Hyman Ilene , Obiorah Suzanne , Aden Muna , Etowa Egbe B , Gebremeskel Akalewold , Kihembo Medys , Nelson LaRon , Husbands Winston
Published: November 2021

Background

The African, Caribbean, and Black (ACB) population of Ontario, Canada is comprised of individuals with diverse ethnic, cultural and linguistic backgrounds and experiences; some of whom have resided in Canada for many generations, and others who have migrated in recent decades. Even though the ACB population represents less than 3.5% of the Canadian population, this group accounts for 21.7% of all new HIV infections. It is well-documented that ACB populations, compared to the general population, experience multi-level barriers to accessing appropriate and responsive HIV services. In this paper, we present qualitative findings on the ACB population’s experiences with HIV-testing, pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) and obtain their perspectives on how to improve access.
Methods

We conducted twelve Focus Group Discussions (FGDs), within a two-day World Café event and used socio-ecological framework and community-based participatory research (CBPR) approaches to guide this work. We meaningfully engaged ACB community members in discussions to identify barriers and facilitators to HIV testing, PEP and PrEP and how these may be addressed. The FGDs were transcribed verbatim and thematic analysis guided data interpretation. Credibility of data was established through data validation strategies such as external audit and peer-debriefing.
Results

Our analyses revealed multi-level barriers that explain why ACB community members do not access HIV testing, PEP and PrEP. Fear, health beliefs, stigma and lack of information, were among the most frequently cited individual- and community-level barriers to care. Health system barriers included lack of provider awareness, issues related to cultural sensitivity and confidentiality, cost, and racism in the health care system. Participants identified multi-level strategies to address the HIV needs including community-based educational, health system and innovative inter-sectoral strategies.
Conclusion

CBPR, co-led by community members, is an important strategy for identifying the multi-level individual, interpersonal, community, institutional and structural factors that increase HIV vulnerability in ACB communities, notably anti-Black systemic racism. Study findings suggest the need for targeted community-based strategies and strategies aimed at reducing health system barriers to testing and care.
Semi-Interpenetrated Polymer Networks Based On Modified Cellulose and Starch As Gel Polymer Electrolytes For High Performance Lithium Ion Batteries
Authors: Hadad Saeed , Hamrahjoo Mahtab , Dehghani Elham , Salami-Kalajahi Mehdi , Eliseeva Svetlana N. , Roghani-Mamaqani Hossein
Published: November 2021

Poly(ethylene oxide) (PEO) is one of the most famous polymer electrolytes; however, its low conductivity and capacity have prevented its commercial applications. This study utilizes carboxymethyl starch (CMS) and oxidative carboxymethyl cellulose (OCMC) natural polymers with a high potential to dissolve lithium ions (Li+) in to help PEO ionic conductivity. The semi-interpenetrating polymer networks (semi-IPNs) consist of crosslinked poly(ethylene glycol) methyl ether methacrylate (PEGMA) with poly(ethylene glycol) diallyl (PEGDA) and free CMS/OCMC chains. Effect of increasing the amount of natural polymer on the electrochemical properties of semi-IPNs is investigated. Semi-IPN CMS50% and semi-IPN OCMC50% deliver excellent results such as high conductivity (in order 10-2 Scm-1) at room temperature, electrochemical stability window higher than 4.5 V, high Li+ transfer number, high discharge capacities (191 and 203 mAh g–1 with capacity retention of 85 and 88.5% after 100 cycles at 0.2 C, respectively), and stable cyclic behavior.
The Early-Stage Triple-Negative Breast Cancer Landscape Derives a Novel Prognostic Signature and Therapeutic Target
Authors: Yang Yun-Song , Ren Yi-Xing , Liu Cheng-Lin , Hao Shuang , Xu Xiao-En , Jin Xi , Jiang Yi-Zhou , Shao Zhi-Ming
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a highly heterogeneous disease. Patients with early-stage TNBCs have distinct likelihood of distant recurrence. Current therapeutic guidance is still limited.Methods: We extracted transcriptome data for 189 pathologically confirmed pT1-2N0M0 TNBC patients at Fudan University Shanghai Cancer Center. Candidate mRNAs were filtered, which was followed by differential expressed mRNAs analysis, survival analysis, and LASSO Cox regression model. All-subsets regression program was used for constructing a multi-mRNA signature in the training set (n=159); the accuracy and prognostic value were then validated using an independent validation set (n=158). Results: Here, we profiled the transcriptome data from 189 early-stage TNBC patients along with 50 paired normal tissues. Early-stage TNBCs are featured of basal-like and immune-suppressed subtype and homologous recombination ability deficiency. We developed a prognostic signature contained seven mRNAs from transcriptome data (ACAN, KRT5, TMEM101, LCA5, RPP40, LAGE3, CDKL2). In both the training (n=159) and validation cohorts (n=158), the signature could identify patients with relatively high recurrence risks and serve as an independent prognostic factor. The signature had better prognostic value than traditional clinicopathological features in both sets. Among the seven mRNAs, TMEM101 is highly expressed in TNBC and represents a potential therapeutic target. Inhibition of TMEM101 impaired tumor progression.Conclusions: Our 7-mRNA signature could accurately predict recurrence risks of early-stage TNBCs. Clinical and genomic low risk TNBC patients may have the opportunity to avoid adjuvant chemotherapy
Evaluation of the Potential Effect of Cry1Ab Expressing Straw on ICR Mice
Authors: Lv Bo , Tang Yun-e , Li Chao-min , Dai Ou-lin , Peng Yong , Chen Li-jun , Wang Zhi
Published: November 2021

Cry1Ab toxin has been effectively integrated into crops such as rice and cotton for pest control, and the safety evaluation of transgenic rice has attracted widespread attention. Nevertheless, the effects of transgenic rice straw on animal model are still unclear. Hence, the present study conducted an integrated analysis to evaluate the unintended effects of transgenic rice straw expressing Cry1Ab protein on the Institute of Cancer Research (ICR) mice under 90-day treatment. The results indicated that Cry1Ab rice straw had no significant effects on the behavior and body weight of mice. In addition, physiological indicators, including hemogram, blood biochemistry, apoptosis rate, and calcium ion concentration of the blood lymphocytes, displayed no alterations under Cry1Ab protein stress. Similarly, Cry1Ab rice straw had no adverse effects on several antioxidase activities (i.e., catalase, superoxide dismutase, peroxidase, glutathione peroxidase, and acetylcholine esterase). Moreover, we recorded that Cry1Ab stress did not adversely impact the sperm quality and follicular development of male and female ICR mice. Collectively, this integrated analysis indicates that Cry1Ab rice straw has no adverse or toxic effects on ICR mice after 90-day treatment and provides multi-level perspectives to assess the safety of genetically modified crops on non-target mammals.
Crocin Protects Malathion-induced Parkinson-like Disease by Inhibiting Apoptosis and α-synuclein Accumulation in Rats’ Striatum
Authors: Mohammadzadeh Leila , Rahbardar Mahboobeh Ghasemzadeh , Razavi Bibi Marjan , Hosseinzadeh Hossein
Published: November 2021

BackgroundLong-term exposure to organophosphates might result in neurodegenerative diseases, comprising Parkinson's disease. Malathion is an organophosphate pesticide with high neurotoxicity. Oxidative stress, apoptosis, and α-synuclein accumulation are important underlying mechanisms in Parkinson’s disease. According to studies, crocin, an active constituent of saffron, has anti-apoptotic, anti-inflammatory, and anti-oxidant properties. Thus, the effect of crocin on malathion-induced Parkinson-like disease in rats was investigated in this study. Materials and methods6 groups of male Wistar rats were used: 1. Control (normal saline), 2. Malathion (100 mg/kg/day, i.p), 3. Crocin (10 mg/kg/day, i.p) + malathion, 4. Levodopa (10 mg/kg/day, i.p) +malathion, 5. Crocin (40 mg/kg/day, i.p), and 6. Polyethylene glycol (PEG) (vehicle of levodopa) groups. The drugs were administered for 28 days. The amounts of Bcl-2, Bax, caspases 3, 8, 9 proteins in the striatum were measured by western blotting. Also, the amounts of protein and mRNA level of the α-synuclein in striatum tissue were measured by western blotting and RT-qPCR methods.ResultsMalathion induced apoptosis by increasing the amount of Bax/Bcl2 ratio, caspase 3 and 9 proteins in rat striatum tissue. It also increased the protein and mRNA level of α-synuclein in striatal tissue. Co-administration of crocin or levodopa with malathion inhibited the toxic effects of malathion on striatal tissue. ConclusionCrocin ameliorates the neurotoxic effect of malathion by its anti-apoptotic activity and regulating the expression of proteins involved in Parkinson's disease pathogenesis. As a result, crocin has the potential to be used as a treatment for malathion-induced neurotoxicity.
Stem Cell Transplant for Mantle Cell Lymphoma in Taiwan
Authors: Wang Yu-Hung , Hsieh Ching-Yun , Hsiao Liang-Tsai , Lin Tung-Liang , Liu Yi-Chang , Yao Ming , Tan Tran-Der , Ko Bor-Sheng
Published: November 2021

Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL) is a B-cell lymphoma featuring an aggressive course and a progressive relapsing pattern. International guidelines recommend early consolidative autologous stem cell transplant (auto-SCT) for eligible patients while reserving allogeneic SCT (allo-SCT) as second-line therapy for refractory cases. Since data describing the implementation of transplants in the Asian population with MCL are limited, we aimed to analyze post-SCT outcomes of 99 MCL patients from the Taiwan Bone Marrow Transplant Registry database. The median age was 56 years, and 11% of the patients had blastoid variant MCL. Ninety-four patients received auto-SCT, while 13 patients received allo-SCT, eight of which received allo-SCT after failing auto-SCT. Before auto-SCT, 52% of the patients were in their first complete remission (CR1). Overall, 37 patients (39%) relapsed after auto-SCT. The median post-auto-SCT progression-free survival and overall survival (OS) were 43.6 months and not reached, respectively. Blastoid variant MCL, transplant not received in CR1, and disease progression within 12 months post-auto-SCT independently predicted inferior OS in multivariate analysis. The median post-allo-SCT OS was 74 months. Two patients (15%) died of MCL recurrence post-allo-SCT. Three patients with refractory diseases were salvaged with ibrutinib or venetoclax to allo-SCT. Treatment strategies incorporating novel agents warrant further optimization.
Assessing Population-Based Adherence To The Updated Physical Activity Guidelines is All But Obvious
Authors: Vähä-Ypyä Henri , Sievänen Harri , Husu Pauliina , Tokola Kari , Mänttäri Ari , Heinonen Olli J. , Heiskanen Jarmo , Kaikkonen Kaisu M. , Savonen Kai , Kokko Sami , Vasankari Tommi
Published: November 2021

Objective: The aerobic part of the recently updated physical activity (PA) guidelines for adults no longer requires the minimum 10-minute bouts for the accumulated time. In this study, the adherence of Finnish adult population to the new PA guidelines was evaluated using both absolute and relative cut-points describing the individual cardiorespiratory fitness (CRF) in relation to the intensity of PA.Methods: Totally, 1645 adults aged 20-64 years, participated in this study. The participants were instructed to wear a triaxial hip-worn accelerometer for one week. The participants with estimated maximal oxygen uptake less than 7.9 MET were categorized as low CRF group and the others as adequate CRF group. Results: The adequate CRF group had higher adherence to PA guidelines with the absolute thresholds, but the use of relative thresholds inverted the results. The adherence varied from 16 % to 100 % depending on the fitness group and the analysis parameters of accelerometer data.Conclusion: The absolute thresholds provide a more appropriate basis to assess the adherence to PA recommendations in population-based samples and interventions. The use of individually determined relative thresholds may be more useful for individual exercise prescriptions in PA counseling.
Venogenic Erectile Dysfunction: Diagnosis on Computed Tomography Cavernosography and Endovascular Treatment Using An Anterograde Access via Deep Dorsal Penile Vein
Authors: Hoppe Hanno , Diehm Nicolas
Published: November 2021

Background
The underlying etiologies of erectile dysfunction may be manifold. Among them, vasculogenic etiologies are of increasing relevance and are not strictly limited to the elderly population. According to recent study, venogenic erectile dysfunction appears to be even more relevant than arteriogenic erectile dysfunction. Venogenic erectile dysfunction due to venous leakage causes insufficient penile blood retention. Proper diagnosis of venous leakage should include both color Doppler flow analysis and computed tomography cavernosography for adequate patient selection and treatment planning. Besides surgical ligation of penile draining veins, endovascular treatment methods may demonstrate more promising results. Especially endovascular embolization of venous leakage using an anterograde access via deep dorsal penile veins appears to be more beneficial for patients’ clinical outcome and awareness of this technique should be raised among endovascular interventionalists.
Case presentation
A 47-year-old man was diagnosed with venogenic erectile dysfunction due to venous leakage on color Doppler flow analysis and computed tomography cavernosography. He did not respond to PDE-5-inhibitors. This patient demonstrated major venous leakage of paired deep dorsal penile veins via periprostatic veins and internal pudendal veins draining into both iliohypogastric veins. This patient’s venous leak was treated with endovascular embolization using an anterograde access via deep dorsal penile veins.
Conclusion
In patients with erectile dysfunction due to venous leakage embolization using an anterograde access via deep dorsal penile veins is a safe non-invasive endovascular treatment option. A wider use of this technique may contribute not only to improved patient health but also to homogenization of future study results.
The Impact of Segmentectomy Versus Lobectomy on Pulmonary Function in Patients With Non-small-cell Lung Cancer: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Xu Yuan , Qin Yingzhi , Ma Dongjie , Liu Hongsheng
Published: November 2021

Objective: Segmentectomy has been reported as an alternative to lobectomy for small-sized NSCLC without detriment to survival. The long-term benefits of segmentectomy over lobectomy on pulmonary function have not been firmly established. This meta-analysis aims to compare postoperative changes in pulmonary function in NSCLC patients undergoing segmentectomy or lobectomy.Methods: Medline, Embase, Web of Science and Scopus were searched through March 2021. Statistical comparisons were made when appropriate.Results: Fourteen studies (2412 participants) out of 324 citations were included in this study. All selected studies were high quality, as indicated by the Newcastle–Ottawa scale for assessing the risk of bias. Clinical outcomes were compared between segmentectomy and lobectomy. ΔFEV1 [10 studies, P<0.01, WMD = 0.40 (0.29, 0.51)], ΔFVC [4 studies, P<0.01, WMD = 0.16 (0.07, 0.24)], ΔFVC% [4 studies, P<0.01, WMD = 4.05 (2.32, 5.79)], ΔFEV1/FVC [2 studies, P<0.01, WMD = 1.99 (0.90, 3.08)], and ΔDLCO [3 studies, P<0.01, WMD = 1.30 (0.69, 1.90)] were significantly lower in the segmentectomy group than in the lobectomy group. Subgroup analysis showed that in stage IA patients, the ΔFEV1% [3 studies, P<0.01, WMD = 0.26 (0.07, 0.46)] was significantly lower in the segmentectomy group. The ΔDLCO% and ΔMVV% were incomparable.Conclusion: Segmentectomy preserves more lung function than lobectomy. There were significantly smaller decreases in FEV1, FVC, FVC%, FEV1/FVC and DLCO in the segmentectomy group than in the lobectomy group.
Identification of sentinel plant species for evaluating phytotoxicity of veterinary antibiotics in mediterranean europe
Authors: García Rosa M. , Martínez-Fernández Jesús , Rodríguez Antonio , Torre Ana de la
Published: November 2021

Background
Antibiotics used to treat livestock species enter agricultural fields when they are excreted by grazing animals or are present in manure that is added to fields as fertiliser. In the European Union, the potential effects of such antibiotics on terrestrial plants must be evaluated following the standardised OECD 208 method, which specifies the crop and wild species that should serve as “sentinels” for assessing antibiotic exposure. The present study aimed to compare this approved list of sentinel species against crop and wild plant species actually present in agricultural and pasture lands in Mediterranean Europe in order to identify the most appropriate sentinel plants for the region. The study focused on Spain as a region representative of Mediterranean Europe. Georeferenced layers for wild plant species and cultivated areas (crops), livestock density and land cover were combined, and then selection criteria were applied, leading to the identification of sentinel crop species for agriculture and pasture scenarios.
Results
In the agriculture scenario, the sentinel crop species were barley, wheat, corn, sunflower, dried pie, alfalfa, vetch, oilseed rape and sugar beet; the sentinel wild species were Papaver rhoeas, Galium aparine and Chenopodium album. In the pasture scenario, sentinel wild species were Bromus tectorum, Agrostis capillaris, Trifolium pratense, Lotus corniculatus and Galium aparine. The following common weed species in field boundaries or in pasture lands also emerged as potential sentinel species for risk assessment, even though they are not listed in the OECD 208 method: Sonchus oleraceus, Avena sterilis, Dactylis glomerata, Hordeun murinum and Lolium rigidum.
Conclusions
The sentinel species identified in this study may be useful in risk assessment procedures covering Mediterranean Europe. The method developed for this study could be useful for identifying sentinel species for other geographical areas.
Comparison of Pedicle Screw Fixation With or Without Cement Augmentation Combined With Single-segment Isthmic Spondylolisthesis in Osteoporotic Spine
Authors: Peng Jian-cheng , Guo Hui-zhi , Zhan Chen-guang , Huang Hua-sheng , Ma Yan-huai , Zhang Shun-cong , Xu Yue-rong , Mo Guo-ye , Tang Yong-chao
Published: November 2021

PurposeThis study aims to investigate the necessity of cement-augmented pedicle screw fixation in single-segment isthmic spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis.MethodFifty-nine cases were reviewed retrospectively. Thirty-three cases were in the polymethylmethacrylate-augmented pedicle screw (PMMA-PS) group, and the other 26 cases were in the conventional pedicle screw (CPS) group. Evaluation data included operation time, intraoperative blood loss,hospitalization cost, hospitalization days, rates of fusion, screw loosening, bone cement leakage, visual analog scores (VAS) , Oswestry disability index (ODI) , Lumbar Lordosis（LL）, Pelvic Tilt（PT） and Sacral Slope（SS）. ResultsThe operation time and blood loss in the CPS group decreased significantly compared to the PMMA-PS group (P < 0.05). The average hospitalization cost of the PMMA group was significantly higher than that of the CPS group (P < 0.05). There was no significant difference for the average hospital stay between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The initial and the last follow-up postoperative VAS and ODI improved significantly in the two groups (P < 0.05). There were no significant differences in VAS and ODI at each time point between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). The last postoperative spine-pelvic parameters were significantly improved compared with preoperation (P < 0.05). In the PMMA-PS group, the fusion rate was 100%. The fusion rate was 96.15% in the CPS group. No significant difference was found between the two groups for the fusion rate (P > 0.05). Nine cases in the PMMA-PS group had bone cement leakage (27.27%). There was not screw loosening in the PMMA-PS group. There were 2 cases of screw loosening in the CPS group. There were no significant differences in screw loosening, postoperative adjacent segment fractures, postoperative infection or postoperative revision between the 2 groups (P > 0.05). ConclusionsThe use of PMMA-PS on a regular basis is not recommended for posterior lumbar interbody fusion for the treatment of single-segment isthmic spondylolisthesis with osteoporosis.