bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
SUPPORTIVE MOVES IN THE SPEECH ACT OF DIRECT COMPLAINT IN ENGLISH AND SERBIAN: A CROSS-CULTURAL AND INTERLANGUAGE PRAGMATIC ANALYSIS
Authors: Lukić Milica , Halupka-Rešetar Sabina
Published: December 2020

This paper examines the use of supportive moves in the speech act of direct, face-to-face complaints produced by English and Serbian native speakers in their respective mother tongues, highlighting similarities and differences in their performance. The study also explores how advanced Serbian L1 learners of English use supportive moves in complaints performed in English and especially, whether and to what extent they apply the pragmatic rules of their native language (pragmatic transfer) in doing so. Data were collected through discourse completion tasks (DCTs). The performance of all three groups of participants is compared, with special focus on the contextual variables of social power and severity of complaint. The results of the research indicate that the two cultures are similar with respect to the production of direct complaints, as well as that a low level of pragmatic transfer is observable in the complaint production of the English learners’ group. In order to avoid pragmatic failure in communication in the target language in general, L2 learners need to be exposed to explicit instruction regarding both the linguistic and the cultural conventions in the foreign language, supported by authentic and suitable teaching materials.
A CORPUS-BASED CONTRASTIVE STUDY OF EXPERIENCER VERBS IN ENGLISH AND SERBIAN: SOME IMPLICATIONS FOR THE STRUCTURE OF VP
Authors: Kovačević Predrag Stevan
Published: December 2020

The aim of this paper is twofold. First, it reports on a parallel corpus study of experiencer verbs in English and Serbian and offers a contrastive description of this class of verbs. This investigation reveals two important observations: (i) a number of Serbian equivalents of English verbs with PP complements require oblique case-marked bare NP complements, (ii) the association between P-heads of these PP complements in English and their Serbian equivalents is not random (i.e. certain Ps in English correlate with certain Ps and/or oblique cases in Serbian). Understanding the potential theoretical significance of these observations is the second goal of the paper. The non-random link between English Ps and their Serbian counterparts speaks in favor of them having a semantic contribution, which goes against Neeleman’s (1997) analysis of Ps in PP complements as having no semantic contribution due to the fact that they LF incorporate into the verb. Neeleman’s (1997) account also fails to generalize to Serbian because oblique-cased bare NP complements exhibit syntactic characteristics of arguments. It is argued that the link between oblique-cased bare NP and PP complements speaks in favor of the functional/semantic equivalence along the lines of Caha (2009, 2013).
Descensus ad Inferos: tres ejemplos de la literatura hispánica medieval del siglo XIII (Libro de Alexandre, General Estoria y Milagros de Nuestra Señora)
Authors:   Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México, Mexico, Fernández Izaguirre Penélope Marcela
Published: December 2020

The journey to the afterlife is a fundamental theme of mythological origin and present in primitive religious thought. Of course, it was in the Middle Ages when writers again addressed the topic of the descent into hell. Although the journey to the underworld was frequently presented as the pilgrimage of a hero or an individual soul, it was also possible that the gods, oblivious to the world of shadows, entered there. Following this perspective, this article will analyze the descent into hell by three female visitors depicted in 13th-century Spanish literature. Thus, in the first place, I will present examples of testimonies created prior to the consolidation of the topic of descensus ad Inferos in the Middle Ages to identify the literary traditions that influenced the reworking of the theme. In the second part, I will describe the topic in three texts of Medieval Hispanic literature, by evoking the digression on Natura in the Libro de Alexandre (cc. 2325-2437), the miracle “De cómo Teófilo fizo carta con el diablo de su ánima et después fue convertido e salvo” from the Milagros de Nuestra Señora (cc.703-866) and the passage about Juno’s fury and revenge from Part Two of the General Estoria. Finally, it will be demonstrated how the episodes describing the descent into hell by Natura, Juno and the Virgin Mary follow a similar structure. Their entrance into Hell is justified by the attributes they possess as mediators.
THE IMPLEMENTATION OF STUDENT PORTFOLIOS TO IMPROVE GRADE 9 STUDENTS’ POSITIVE ATTITUDES TOWARD ASSESSMENTS AT AN INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL IN BOGOR
Authors: Kumalasari Maria Yashinta Putri , Agustin Atalya , Hidayat Dylmoon
Published: December 2020

As an integral part of learning, assessments play important roles in determining the effectiveness of students’ learning. However, in a grade 9 extended mathematics class at an International located in Bogor, it was found that the students showed negative behaviors during the test and learning processes as a manifestation of their attitudes toward assessments. Therefore, the Classroom Action Research modelled by Robert Pelton was conducted to improve students’ positive attitudes toward both formative assessment and summative assessment. As a result, by implementing the student portfolios in sixteen meetings, the students’ positive attitudes toward assessments were developing. This improvement was influenced by the involvement of cognitive, affective, and behavioral responses while the students were developing the student portfolios in this CAR scope and sequence.
Dois Surtos de Escabiose num Hospital Terciário em Portugal
Authors: Gomes Nuno , Guedes Pedro Moura , Norton Pedro , Azevedo Filomena , Lisboa Cármen
Published: December 2020

Introdução: Os surtos de escabiose em instituições são um problema emergente. Determinar a melhor estratégia para o seu controlo é uma questão atual. Analisámos dois surtos hospitalares de escabiose e revimos a abordagem de surtos institucionais de escabiose.Material e Métodos: Realizámos um estudo observacional retrospetivo de dois surtos independentes de escabiose que ocorreram num hospital terciário português em 2018. Após a identificação dos casos-índice, dos casos de escabiose e dos indivíduos expostos, calculámos a taxa de ataque em doentes e em profissionais de saúde. Avaliámos ainda o tratamento e medidas de controlo de infeção, bem como o custo global de cada surto.Resultados: Os surtos de escabiose ocorreram em duas enfermarias de Medicina Interna. Ambos tiveram como caso-índice doentes institucionalizados e com dermatose no momento do internamento. Na enfermaria 1 foram identificados 409 indivíduos expostos, 14 casos de escabiose e a taxa de ataque foi 3,4%. Na enfermaria 2 foram identificados 254 indivíduos expostos, 17 casos e a taxa de ataque foi 6,7%. Foi realizado o tratamento tópico dos casos e foram implementados cuidados ambientais.Discussão: Na nossa análise, ambos os surtos tiveram como caso-índice doentes previamente institucionalizados e tiveram umimpacto significativo, com centenas de indivíduos expostos e custos consideráveis. A análise de surtos hospitalares de escabiose é fundamentalmente retrospetiva e representa uma oportunidade para rever a estratégia da sua abordagem.Conclusão: É premente a implementação de linhas de orientação sobre a abordagem de surtos institucionais de escabiose.
COPING MECHANISMS IN ADOLESCENTS WHO HAVE VULGENT ACNE IN MTS ASSA’ADA CLASS 3 KANDANGAN SAMBENG DISTRICT
Authors: Sairozi Ali
Published: December 2020

Introduction: Physical conditions in adolescence are a source of changes in self-identity and self-concept, many of which are caused by physical images. As in adolescents who have acne or acne, where this often occurs in adolescents aged 15-19 years in women and 17-21 in men. One of the effects of the occurrence of acne in adolescents is the emergence of coping mechanisms that are adaptive mall. This is reinforced from the results of the initial survey conducted by researchers in grade 3 students at MTs Assa'ada Kandangan, Sambeng District, 10 students obtained data that 7 or 70% of students with acne used a maladaptive coping mechanism and 3 or 30% of students used a mechanism adaptive coping. The purpose of this study was to identify the picture of coping mechanisms in adolescents who have acne vulgaris at MTs Assa’ada class 3 Kandangan Sambeng District.Methods: The design used in this study was descriptive with sampling techniques using total sampling and the instruments used were questionnaires with closed questions to respondents. From the results of the questionnaire data grouping and data tabulation were carried out by descriptive method and transformed in the form of narratives and percentages.Results: The results of the study showed that most respondents had adaptive coping mechanisms. This may be influenced by several factors including: gender and age. Conclusion: The experience factor of the respondents is quite adequate this is because of the time the acne appears itself. If the acne arises the respondent has an effective method or trick in the association to show his confidence. The occurrence of acne that is common in adolescence, then over time teenagers will be able to adjust to the situation, because it is considered normal thing and often occurs in adolescence.
Young Spanish Adults and Disinformation: Do They Identify and Spread Fake News and are They Literate in It?
Authors: de Vicente Domínguez Aida María , Beriain- Bañares Ana , Sierra-Sánchez Javier
Published: December 2020

The infodiet of young Spanish adults aged 18 to 25 was analysed to determine their attitude towards fake news. The objectives were: to establish whether they have received any training in fake news; to determine whether they know how to identify fake information; and to investigate whether they spread it. The study employed a descriptive quantitative method consisting of a survey of 500 representative interviews of the Spanish population aged between 18 and 25 through a structured questionnaire. The results indicate that they are aware of the importance of training, although generally they do not know of any course and when they do, they do not tend to enrol on one either due to lack of interest or time. These young adults feel that they know how to identify fake content and, moreover, that they know how to do so very well. However, they do not use the best tools. While they do not always verify information, they mainly suspect the credibility of information when it is meaningless. However, they do not tend to spread fake information. We conclude that media information literacy training (MILT) is necessary in educational centres that focuses on the main issues identified.
Transport of Gaseous Hydrogen Peroxide and Ozone into Bulk Water vs. Electrosprayed Aerosol
Authors: Elsayed Hassan Mostafa , Janda Mario , Machala Zdenko
Published: December 2020

Production and transport of reactive species through plasma-liquid interactions plays a significant role in multiple applications in biomedicine, environment, and agriculture. We experimentally investigated the transport mechanisms of hydrogen peroxide H2O2 and ozone O3, as the typical plasma species, into water. We measured the solvation of gaseous H2O2 and O3 in airflow into water bulk vs. electrosprayed microdroplets while changing the gas and water flow rates, applied voltage that determines the gas-liquid interface area, and treatment time. The solvation rate of H2O2 and O3 increased with the treatment time and the gas-liquid interface area. The total surface area of the electrosprayed microdroplets was larger than that of the bulk, but their lifetime was much shorter. We estimated that only microdroplets with diameters below ~ 40 µm could achieve the saturation by O3 during their lifetime, while the saturation by H2O2 was impossible due to its depletion from air. Besides the short-lived flying microdroplets, the longer-lived bottom microdroplets substantially contributed to H2O2 and O3 solvation in water electrospray. This study contributes to a better understanding of the gaseous H2O2 and O3 transport into water as a function of different parameters and will lead to design optimization of the plasma-liquid interaction systems.
Microbial Production and Enzymatic Biosynthesis of γ-aminobutyric acid (GABA) Using Lactobacillus plantarum FNCC 260 Isolated From Indonesian Fermented Foods
Authors: Yogeswara Ida Bagus Agung , Kittibunchakul Suwapat , Rahayu Endang Sutriswati , Domig Konrad J. , Haltrich Dietmar , Nguyen Thu Ha
Published: December 2020

In the present study, we isolated and screened thirty strains of GABA-producing lactic acid bacteria (LAB) from Indonesian traditional fermented foods. Two strains were able to convert monosodium glutamate (MSG) to GABA after 24 h of cultivation at 37oC based on thin layer chromatography (TLC) screening. 16S rDNA sequencing and proteomic identification using MALDI-TOF MS identified these two strains as Lactobacillus plantarum designated as L. plantarum FNCC 260 and L. plantarum FNCC 343. The highest yield of GABA production obtained from the fermentation of L. plantarum FNCC 260 was 809.2 mg/l of culture medium after 60 h of cultivation. Supplementation of 0.6 mM pyridoxal 5’-phosphate (PLP) and 0.1 mM pyridoxine led to the increase in GABA production to 945.3 mg/l and 969.5 mg/l, respectively. The highest GABA production of 1226.5 mg/l of culture medium was obtained with 100 mM initial concentration of MSG added in the cultivation medium. The open reading frame (ORF) of 1410 bp of the gadB gene from L. plantarum FNCC 260 encodes 469 amino acids with a calculated molecular mass of 53.57 kDa. The production of GABA via enzymatic conversion of monosodium glutamate (MSG) using purified recombinant glutamate decarboxylase (GAD) from L. plantarum FNCC 260 expressed in Escherichia coli was found to be more efficient (5-fold higher within 6 h) than the production obtained from fermentation. L. plantarum FNCC 260 could be of interest for the synthesis of GABA.
Bioengineered Scaffolds for Thermo-responsive Drug Delivery in Wound Healing
Authors: Castillo-Henríquez Luis , Castro-Alpízar Jose , Lopretti-Correa Mary , Vega-Baudrit José
Published: December 2020

innate and adaptive immune responses lead to wound healing by regulating a complex series of events promoting cellular cross-talk. An inflammatory response is presented with its characteristic clinical symptoms: heat, pain, redness, and swelling. Some smart thermo-responsive polymers like chitosan can be used to create biocompatible and biodegradable scaffolds with 3D architectures similar to human structures, allowing their efficient and safe use as tissue engineering and drug delivery systems in chronic wounds. Locally heated tumors above polymer lower critical solution temperature can induce its conversion into a hydrophobic form, enhancing drug release until the thermal stimulus is gone, where a lower release is due to the swelling of the material. This paper integrates the relevant reported contributions of bioengineered scaffolds for thermo-responsive drug delivery in wound healing. Therefore, we present a comprehensive review that aims to demonstrate the capacity of these systems to provide spatially and temporally controlled release strategies for one or more drugs used in wound healing. In this sense, the novel manufacturing techniques of 3D-printing and electrospinning are explored for the tuning of their physicochemical properties to adjust therapies according to the patient’s convenience, as well as reduce drug toxicity and side effects.
The Neuromelanin Paradox and its Dual Role in Oxidative Stress and Neurodegeneration
Authors: Moreno García Alexandra , Kun Alejandra , Calero Lara Miguel , Calero Olga
Published: December 2020

Aging is associated with an increasing dysfunction of key brain homeostasis mechanisms and represents the main risk factor across most neurodegenerative disorders. However, the degree of dysregulation and the affectation of specific pathways set apart normal aging from neurodegenerative disorders. In particular, the neuronal metabolism of catecholaminergic neurotransmitters appears to be a specifically sensitive pathway that is affected in different neurodegenerations.

In humans, catecholaminergic neurons are characterized by an age-related accumulation of neuromelanin (NM), rendering the soma of the neurons black. This intracellular NM appears to serve as a very efficient quencher for toxic molecules. However, when a neuron degenerates, NM is released together with its load (many undegraded cellular components, transition metals, lipids, antibiotics) contributing to initiate and worsen an eventual immune response, exacerbating the oxidative stress, ultimately leading to the neurodegenerative process.

This review focuses on the analysis of the role of NM in normal aging and catecholaminergic metabolism due to its capability as a pro-oxidant and other harmful molecules, versus its involvement in oxidative stress and aberrant immune response, which it is highly dependent on NM saturation state and its extracellular release.
Are Dietary Indices Associated with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome and Its Phenotypes? A Case-Control Study
Authors: Cutillas-Tolín Ana , Arense-Gonzalo Julian , Mendiola Jaime , Adoamnei Evdochia , Navarro-Lafuente Fuensanta , Sanchez-Ferrer María Luísa , Sanchez Maria Teresa Prieto , Carmona-Barnosi Ana , Vioque Jesus , Torres-Cantero Alberto M.
Published: December 2020

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is a complex hormonal disorder which impair ovarian function. The adherence to healthy dietary patterns and physical exercise are the first line of recommended treatment for PCOS patients, but it is no clear what type of diet is more adequate. In this case-control study, we explore the association between the adherence to five dietary quality indices widely used and PCOS. We enrolled 126 cases of PCOS and 159 controls (Murcia, Spain). Diagnostic of PCOS and its phenotypes were established following the Rotterdam criteria [hyperandrogenism (H), oligoanovulation (O), polycystic ovaries morphology (POM)]. We used a validated food frequency questionnaires to calculate the scores for five dietary indices: alternate Healthy Eating index (AHEI), AHEI-2010, relative Mediterranean Dietary Score (rMED), alternate Mediterranean Dietary Score (aMED) and Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH). We used multivariable logistic regression to estimate adjusted odds ratios and confidence intervals. In the multivariable analysis, AHEI-2010 index was inversely associated with “H+O” PCOS’ phenotype (ORQ3 VS Q1= 0.1; 95% CI :(0.0; 0.9); P for trend= 0.02). In conclusion, we did not find any statistical significative association between dietary indices and total, anovulatory and ovulatory PCOS, but it seems interesting explore these association among the diverse phenotypes of PCOS in studies with higher sample size.
Extended Trochanteric Osteotomy in Revision Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Abdel Matthew P. , Wyles Cody C. , Viste Anthony , Perry Kevin I. , Trousdale Robert T. , Berry Daniel J.
Published: December 2020

Background:

Extended trochanteric osteotomies (ETOs) provide wide femoral and acetabular exposure, give direct access to the femoral medullary canal, and facilitate implant removal and new implant placement during selected revision total hip arthroplasties (THAs). Previous studies are limited by modest patient numbers and limited length of follow-up. The goals of the current study were to assess the union rate, complications, and outcomes of contemporary ETOs performed during revision THAs.

Methods:

From 2003 to 2013, 612 ETOs were performed during revision THAs at 1 institution using 2 techniques: Paprosky (laterally based osteotomy; n = 367) and Wagner (anteriorly based osteotomy; n = 245). The indications for the revision procedures were aseptic loosening (65%), periprosthetic joint infection (18%), periprosthetic fracture (6%), femoral implant fracture (5%), and other (6%). The mean patient age was 69 years, and 57% of the patients were male. The mean number of previous THAs was 1.6. The median duration of follow-up was 5 years (range, 2 to 13 years).

Results:

The mean Harris hip scores increased from 57 preoperatively to 77 at the latest follow-up (p < 0.001). Radiographic and clinical union was achieved in 98% of the patients at a mean of 6 months (range, 1 to 24 months). The mean migration of the proximal trochanteric osteotomy fragment prior to union was 3 mm (range, 0 to 29 mm). ETO fragment migration of >1 cm occurred in 7% (37) of the 501 hips that had radiographic analysis. Nine hips (2%) had nonunion of the ETO. Intraoperative fracture of the ETO diaphyseal fragment occurred in 22 hips (4%), postoperative fracture of the ETO diaphyseal fragment occurred in 3 hips (0.5%), and postoperative fracture of the greater trochanter occurred in 41 hips (7%). Survivorship at 10 years free of revision for aseptic femoral loosening, free of femoral or acetabular component removal or revision for any reason, and free of reoperation for any reason was 97%, 91%, and 82%, respectively.

Conclusions:

This large series of ETOs shows that the union rate is high and clinically important trochanteric migration is infrequent. The most common complications are fracture of the osteotomy fragment intraoperatively or postoperatively.

Level of Evidence:

Therapeutic Level IV. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Thermodynamic Analysis of Ozone-Safe Low Boiling Working Media for Turbo-Expander Plants
Authors: Ovsyannik A. V. , Kliuchinski V. P.
Published: December 2020

The article considers 46 low-boiling working media (LBWM) with zero potential for ozone layer destruction. Out of them, 14 ones are single-component hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, 28 ones are multi-component mixtures of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants, and the four ones are native refrigerants. Thermodynamic analysis of working media based on the classical turbo-expander scheme with a heat exchanger designed to cool the superheated LBWM that has left the turbo-expander has been performed. For this scheme, a cycle is constructed in T–s-coordinates. The LBWM was compared using the exergetic coefficient of efficiency (KE). In the course of the study, it was found that for some LBWM, the sequence of location of the exergetic efficiencydependences on temperature at thermodynamically optimal working medium pressures is preserved over the entire temperature range under study (from 100 to 300 оC). In other words,if the working medium has the highest exergetic efficiency coefficient, then this property is inherent in it at any temperature in a given interval. It is proposed to perform the analysis of the LBWM for exergetic efficiency at an arbitrarily selected temperature (250 оC). The study demonstrated that the highest exergetic efficiency of natural refrigerants is R600A (50.25 %), among single component hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants – R245FA (50.00 %), R1233ZD(E) (49.91 %), R236EA (49.59 %), among multi-component mixtures of hydrofluorocarbon refrigerants – R429A (47.92 %), R430A (47.49 %) and R423A (47.47 %). Out of the all examined refrigerants, the following ones have the highest exergetic efficiency of all the considered LBWM: R600A, R245FA, R1233ZD(E), R236EA, R1234ZE(Z), R236FA. They belong to both natural refrigerants (hydrocarbons) and single-component hydrofluorocarbons. It should be noted that each of these working media has its drawbacks: some have a high potential for global warming, others are explosive, and others have a high cost.
Deformable Microgel for Enhanced Oil Recovery in High-Temperature and Ultrahigh-Salinity Reservoirs: How to Design the Particle Size of Microgel to Achieve Its Optimal Match with Pore Throat of Porous Media
Authors: Yuan Chengdong , Pu Wanfen , Varfolomeev Mikhail A. , Wei Junnan , Zhao Shuai , Cao Li-Na
Published: December 2020

Conformance control treatment in high-temperature and ultrahigh-salinity reservoirs for easing water/gas channeling through high-permeability zones has been a great challenge. In this work, we propose a deformable microgel that can be used at more than 373.15 K and ultrahigh-salinity conditions (total dissolved solids  > 200 kg/m3, Ca2+ + Mg2+ > 10 kg/m3) and present a method for choosing the suitable particle size of the microgel to achieve an optimal match with the pore throat of the core. First, the particle size distribution of the microgel was analyzed to decide d50, d10, and d90 (diameter when cumulative frequency is 50, 10, and 90%, respectively). Coreflooding experiments were conducted under different permeability conditions from 20 to 900 md to investigate the migration and plugging patterns of the microgel by analyzing and fitting injection pressure curves together with the change in the morphology of the produced microgel analyzed by a microscope. The migration and plugging patterns were divided into three patterns: complete plugging; plugging—passing through in a deformation or broken state—deep migration; and inefficient plugging—smoothly passing through—stable flow. The second pattern can be further divided into three subpatterns as strong plugging, general plugging, and weak plugging. Finally, on the basis of five patterns, we build a quantitative matching relation between the particle size distribution of microgel and the pore-throat size of cores by defining three matching coefficients α = d10/d, β = d50/d, γ = d90/d (d is the average pore-throat diameter). The effectiveness of this quantitative matching relation was verified by evaluating the plugging ability (residual resistance factor) in a post-waterflooding process after the injection of 1.5 pore volume (PV) of microgel. For a strong permeability heterogeneity, the strong plugging is believed to be the expected pattern. The particles size and the pore-throat size should meet the following relationship: 1 < α < 2, 2 < β < 4, 4 < γ < 6. In this scenario, the deformable microgel particles could achieve both an effective plugging and a deep migration. The quantitative matching relation with multiple matching coefficients determined based on the particle size distribution might help to choose suitable particles more precisely in comparison to the method based on one matching coefficient (mostly, the ratio of the average diameter of particles to the average pore-throat diameter). In addition, the method itself to build a quantitative matching relation according to particle size distribution can be used for designing different particle-type conformance control agents for profile control and water shutoff treatment in field applications.
Stability Analysis for Severe Slugging Including Self-Lifting
Authors: de Azevedo Gabriel Romualdo , Baliño Jorge Luis , Andreolli Ivanilto
Published: December 2020

In this paper we investigate stability for severe slugging including self-lifting by using a stability solver. The stability solver is a tool in which a numerical linear stability analysis is applied to a mathematical model for a two-phase flow in a pipeline-riser system. The self-lifting approach is interesting because different configurations for the stationary state may occur. Depending on the system parameters, experiments show that two unstable regions may exist. Several parametric analyses are realized to evaluate the influence of self-lifting and to determine an optimal operational condition. Stability maps for severe slugging are built, and experimental data from literature are included, showing a very good agreement; in particular, the two unstable regions were satisfactorily predicted by the stability solver.
Motor Coordination in Space: An Analysis of the Effects of Microgravity on XRCCI DNA Repair Protein Function
Authors: Nagam Vishruth
Published: December 2020

While in space, astronauts have been known to face exposure to stressors that may increase susceptibility to DNA damage. If DNA repair proteins are defective or nonexistent, DNA mutations may accumulate, causing increasingly abnormal function as one ages [1]. The DNA single-strand break repair protein XRCC1 is important for cerebellar neurogenesis and interneuron development [2]. According to previous studies, a deficiency of XRCC1 can lead to an increase in DNA damage, in mature neurons, and ataxia (a progressive loss of motor coordination) [2]. I propose to address how XRCC1’s efficiency can change in microgravity conditions. This experiment’s relevance is underscored by the importance of motor coordination and physical fitness for astronauts; determining the potential effects of microgravity on XRCC1 is crucial for future space exploration.
Bacteriological and Physicochemical Assessment of Water Quality of the Public Swimming Pools in Klang Valley Malaysia
Authors: Rosli Muhammad Naim
Published: December 2020

Background: Water is essential for life and it been used for various activities such as drinking, bathing, and recreational purposes and also one of the modes of the transmission of the disease.Objective: The objective of this study to assess the presence of bacteriological and physicochemical quality of swimming pools’ water in Lembah Klang, Malaysia.Methodology: Seven water samples collected from outdoor and indoor swimming pools (hotel, apartment, and public swimming pool) in Lembah Klang, Malaysia. Water samples were collected in sterile bottles (30 ml). Physicochemical parameters were determined using water quality testing kit pH & chlorine apparatuses. The water sample was cultured and incubated. The presence of bacteria was counted by the total bacterial count method.Result: The ranges of mean values of the various chlorine level parameters of the selected water samples investigated for the apartment, hotel, and municipal were, 0.56±1.01, 0.77±0.95, and 1.19±0.91. All the physicochemical parameters except conductivity values were within the permissible limits of the World Health Organization (WHO) standards 2006 and American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas (ANSI/APSP) 2015. The mean, standard plate count of water samples from the selected apartment, hotel, and municipal’s swimming pools were, 28407.14±28469.05, 8192.86±10556.36, and 3257.14±6250.17which above the WHO Guideline limit, thus signifying contamination.Conclusion: The study recommends improvement in the personal hygiene of swimmers, adequate cleansing of the pools, and enforcement of standards by the government.
Comparison of Linear Vortex Panel Method and Finite Volume Method for Calculation of Generated Lift in Potential Flow Over Two-Dimensional Car Bodies
Authors: Moammaei Saeid , Jamei Mehran Khaki , Abbasi Morteza
Published: December 2020

This paper describes one of the aspects of the panel method to analyze the aerodynamic characteristics of a sedan. The linear vortex panel method has been developed to simulate the ideal flow over a two-dimensional arbitrary car and, it also calculates the aerodynamic load on the body. By satisfying the boundary conditions on each control point, our linear algebraic equations are obtained. The results are sensitive to the distribution of the panels over the body thus the body is broken up equally into very small panels. After solving the set of equations, the vortices strength is obtained and the pressure distribution for the upper and the lower surface of the body is calculated. The impact of the angle of attack on the aerodynamic behavior of the intended car is investigated and it is found that the lift coefficient increases with the free stream angle from -4 to 4. The accuracy of the results has been determined by checking them against the standard CFD data. The pressure distribution trend is found very much in confirmation with the CFD results, however, a discrepancy at the rear end is observed. Therefore, it can be concluded that this method does not seem practical for geometries with steep slopes in the rear part of the car. Finally, both methods are applied to the other modified geometries with lower slopes at the rear section and the results compare well with the fluent.
Detection of SARS-CoV-2 virus using acute respiratory infections sentinel surveillance system (PIDIRAC) in Catalonia (Spain)
Authors: Jané Mireia , Martínez Ana , Ciruela Pilar , Mosquera Mar , Martínez Miquel , Basile Luca , Vidal MªJosé , Noguera MªMercè , Molina Patricia de , Vila Jordi , Marcos MªAngeles
Published: December 2020

In the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in Catalonia (Spain), the first SARS-CoV-2 case confirmed was notified to the Catalonia Epidemiological Surveillance Network (RVEC) on 25 February 2020. The present study describes and analyses the respiratory samples obtained in primary care using PIDIRAC epidemiological sentinel surveillance system to complement the pandemic surveillance system activated, and describe whether SARS‑CoV-2 was circulating before the first case detected in Catalonia, between October 2019 and April 2020.During this period, 878 respiratory samples from patients with acute respiratory infection or influenza syndrome obtained by PIDIRAC epidemiological sentinel surveillance system were analysed. Of the total sample, 51.9% tested positive to influenza virus and 48.1% to other respiratory viruses, with SARS-CoV-2 being present in 6 samples. The first SARS‑CoV‑2 positive case showed the first symptoms on 2 March 2020. These were 3 men and 3 women aged between 25 and 50 years old (mean age 44.5 years old). Fever, general discomfort, coughing, chills, and arthromyalgia were the most frequent symptoms in the SARS-CoV-2 cases. Likewise, 44 samples that had tested positive for coronavirus during 2018-2019 were typed. They were all typed as one of the regular CoV, none of them being SARS-CoV-2.The acute respiratory infections sentinel surveillance system (PIDIRAC) reinforces the global epidemiological surveillance, allows to corroborate whether there is virus circulation or not, and helps confirm that generalised community transmission in Catalonia took place in mid-March.
Mass Production of Calendering-Compatible Sulfur-Rich Secondary Particles via Hail-Inspired Nanostorm Technology for Advanced Metal-Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Feng Lanxiang , Yu Peng , Fu Xuewei , Yang Mingbo , Wang Yu , Yang Wei
Published: December 2020

Scalable fabrication of high-quality thick sulfur electrodes with high-energy-density and good calendering-compatibility is a prerequisite for the practical success of metal-sulfur batteries. However, this task turns out extremely challenging due to the lack of not only advanced sulfur-rich active materials via scalable approach, but also quality-control principles for thick electrodes. Here, we first develop a new hail-inspired sulfur nanostorm (HSN) technology that can efficiently produce high-performance sulfur-rich secondary particles (S-rich SPs) with applesnail-egg-like structures. This biomimetic S-rich SPs rationally integrate critical material functions and good calendering-compatibility. Meanwhile, a concept of “healthy” microenvironment as learned from cell biology is proposed, for the first time, as a key principle revealing the critical role of calendering-compatibility in the quality-control of thick sulfur electrodes. Consequently, an ultrahigh areal capacity of 12 mAh cm− 2 @ 1 mA cm− 2 is realized. Further, we successfully demonstrate a pouch cell with an exceptional energy density of 430 Wh kg− 1 or 1,004 Wh L− 1 in a quasi-lean electrolyte condition. The technology and concept of this study may bring in new insights and general principles for design of advanced thick electrodes with, but not limited to, sulfur-based active materials.
Stereotactic and Robotic Minimally Invasive Thermal Ablation of Malignant Liver Tumours - A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tinguely Pascale , Paolucci Iwan , Ruiter Simeon , Weber Stefan , Jong Koert de , Candinas Daniel , Freedman Jacob , Engstrand Jennie
Published: December 2020

Background: Stereotactic navigation techniques aim to enhance treatment precision and safety in minimally invasive thermal ablation of liver tumours. We qualitatively reviewed and quantitatively summarised the available literature on procedural and clinical outcomes after stereotactic navigated ablation of malignant liver tumours.Methods: A systematic literature search was performed on procedural and clinical outcomes when using stereotactic or robotic navigation for laparoscopic or percutaneous thermal ablation. The online databases Medline, Embase and Cochrane Library were searched. Endpoints included targeting accuracy, procedural efficiency and treatment efficacy outcomes. Meta-analysis including subgroup analyses were performed.Results: Thirty-four studies (2 randomised controlled trials, 3 prospective cohort studies, 29 case series) were qualitatively analysed and 22 studies included for meta-analysis. Weighted average lateral targeting error was 3.7mm (CI 3.2,4.2), with all four comparative studies showing enhanced targeting accuracy compared to free-hand targeting. Weighted average overall complications, major complications and mortality were 11.4% (6.7, 16.1), 3.4% (2.1, 5.1) and 0.8% (0.5, 1.3). Pooled estimates of primary technique efficacy were 94% (89, 97) if assessed at 1 – 6 weeks and 90% (87, 93) if assessed at 6 – 12 weeks post ablation, with significant remaining between-study heterogeneity. Pooled odds ratio of primary technique efficacy for stereotactic versus free-hand targeting was 1.9 (1.2, 3.2)(n = 6 studies).Conclusions: Advances in stereotactic navigation technologies allow highly precise and safe tumour targeting, potentially leading to enhanced early treatment efficacy. The use of varying definitions and terminology limit comparability of safety and efficacy among studies, highlighting the crucial need for further standardization of follow-up definitions.
Cytokine and Chemokine mRNA Expressions After Mycobacterium Tuberculosis-Specific Antigen Stimulation in Whole Blood From Hemodialysis Patients with Latent Tuberculosis Infection
Authors: Park Ji Young , Park Sung-Bae , Park Heechul , Kim Jungho , Kim Ye-Na , Kim Sunghyun
Published: December 2020

There have been few reports on the kinetics of hemodialyzed (HD) patients’ immune responses in latent tuberculosis infection (LTBI). Nine cytokines and chemokines were screened through relative mRNA expression levels in whole blood samples after stimulation with Mycobacterium tuberculosis (MTB)-specific antigens from HD patients with LTBI (HD/LTBI), HD patients without LTBI, and healthy individuals and results were compared with QuantiFERON-TB Gold In-Tube (QFT-GIT) test.Only the CCL11 mRNA expression level of the HD/LTBI group was significantly higher than the other two groups (P = 0.028). CCL11 mRNA expression level of the > 0.7 IU/mL group in QFT-GIT test was significantly higher than the < 0.2 IU/mL group in QFT-GIT test and the 0.2-0.7 IU/mL group in QFT-GIT test (P = 0.0043). The present study reveals that the relative mRNA expression of CCL11 was statistically different in LTBI based on the current cut-off value (i.e., ≥ 0.35 IU/mL) and in the > 0.7 IU/mL group. These results suggest that CCL11 might be an alternative biomarker for LTBI diagnosis in HD patients.
Anlotinib Inhibits the Growth of Breast Cancer Cells by Promoting Autophagy and Apoptosis via the Akt/GSK-3α Signalling Pathway
Authors: Chen Shuyi , zhu ping , wang xue , jin youping , zhi xiuling , Yang Huanjun , zhou ping
Published: December 2020

Background: Anlotinib, a multi-target tyrosine kinase inhibitor, has already been indicated to have significant anticancer effects on lung cancer, colon cancer and ovarian cancer in a phase II clinical trial, but its effect on breast cancer (BC) has not been adequately investigated. Methods: The proliferation activity of BC cell lines MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 with the treatment of anlotinib was tested by Cell Counting Kit-8 (CCK-8) assay and immunocytochemistry (ICC) staining. We investigated the alteration of cell cycle and apoptosis and autophagy level and the underlying mechanism in the cell lines by quantitative real-time reverse-transcription polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR), Western blots, ICC and TUNEL staining and flow cytometry. Further, AT-3 cells were subcutaneously injected into C57BL/6 mice, followed by anlotinib intragastrically. The extracted tumours were assessed by qRT-PCR, Western blots and immunohistochemistry.Results: We found that anlotinib suppressed the cell viability and proliferation of MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines and tumour growth in BC xenografts in mice, likely due to abnormal cell cycle arrest and induction of autophagy and apoptosis. Then, we further examined the underlying mechanism of anlotinib, and the results indicated that anlotinib induced apoptosis by promoting autophagy in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells by regulating the Akt/GSK-3α pathway. The analysis of data from patients with BC collected in TCGA revealed that increased VEGFA expression was related to BC.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that anlotinib inhibited the growth of BC cells via promoting apoptosis through autophagy mediated by Akt/GSK-3α signalling and may be an effective new drug for BC treatment.
Cardiovascular Disease in Women with Breast Cancer – A Nationwide Registry Study
Authors: Jakobsen Marie , Kolodziejczyk Christophe , Jensen Morten Sall , Poulsen Peter Bo , Khan Humma , Kümler Thomas , Andersson Michael
Published: December 2020

Background: There is increasing concern about cardiovascular disease (CVD) after breast cancer (BC). The aim of this study was to estimate the prevalence of different types of CVD in women diagnosed with BC compared to cancer-free controls as well as the incidence of CVD after BC diagnosis.Methods: We performed a cohort study based on data from national registries covering the entire Danish population. We followed 16,505 cancer-naïve BC patients diagnosed from 2003 to 2007 five years before and up to 10 years after BC diagnosis compared to 165,042 cancer-free controls. Results: We found that 15.6% of BC patients were registered with at least one CVD diagnosis in hospital records before BC diagnosis. Overall, BC patients and controls were similar with regards to CVD comorbidity before BC diagnosis. After BC diagnosis, the incidence of all CVD diagnoses combined was significantly higher in BC patients than controls up to approximately 6 years after the index date (BC diagnosis). The incidence of heart failure, thrombophlebitis/thrombosis and pulmonary heart disease including pulmonary embolism remained higher in BC patients than controls during the entire 10 year follow-up period. Furthermore, we found that the risk of heart failure and thrombophlebitis/thrombosis was higher after chemotherapy. Conclusions: Focus on CVD in BC patients is important to ensure optimum treatment with regards to BC as well as possible CVD. Strategies to minimise and manage the increased risk of heart failure, thrombophlebitis/thrombosis and pulmonary heart disease including pulmonary embolism in BC patients are especially important.
One Repeated Transplantation of Allogeneic Umbilical Cord Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in Type 1 Diabetes: An Open Parallel Controlled Clinical Study
Authors: Lu Jing , Shen Shanmei , Ling Qing , Zhang Wei , Qu Duoduo , Wang Bin , Bi Yan , Zhu Dalong
Published: December 2020

Background: The preservation or restoration of b-cell function in type 1 diabetes (T1D) remains as an attractive and challengeable therapeutic target. Mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) are multipotent cells with high capacity of immunoregulation, which emerged as a promising cell-based therapy for many immune disorders. The objective of this study was to examine the efficacy and safety of one repeated transplantation of allogeneic MSCs in individuals with T1D. Methods: This was a nonrandomized, open-label, parallel-armed prospective study. MSCs were isolated from umbilical cord (UC) of healthy donors. 53 participants including 33 adult-onset (³18 years) and 20 juvenile-onset T1D were enrolled. 27 subjects (MSC-treated group) received an initial systemic infusion of allogeneic UC-MSCs, followed by a repeat course at 3 months, whereas the control group (n=26) only received standard care based on intensive insulin therapy. Data at one-year follow-up was reported in this study. The primary endpoint was clinical remission defined as a 10% increase from baseline in the level of fasting and/or postprandial C-peptide. The secondary endpoints included side effects, serum levels of HbA1c, changes in fasting and postprandial C-peptide, and daily insulin doses. Results: After 1-year follow-up, 40.7% subjects in MSC-treated group achieved the primary endpoint, significantly higher than that in the control arm. Three subjects in MSC-treated group, in contrast to none in control group, achieved insulin independence and maintained insulin free for 3 to 12 months. Among the adult-onset T1D, the percent change of postprandial C-peptide was significantly increased in MSC-treated group than in the control group. However, changes in fasting or postprandial C-peptide was not significantly different between groups among the juvenile-onset T1D. Multivariable logistic regression assay indicated that lower fasting C-peptide and higher dose of UC-MSC correlated with achievement of clinical remission after transplantation. No severe side effects were observed. Conclusion: One repeated transplantation of allogeneic UC-MSCs is both safe and beneficial to preserve b-cell function for individuals with T1D. Trial registration: NCT 02763423. Registered on April 19, 2016 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/
Effect Of Prior Cancer History on The Survival of Gallbladder Cancer Patients: A Propensity Score Matching Study Based on The SEER Database
Authors: Ren Jie , Liu Wei , Li Qinglin , Cui Ruixia , Tong Yingmu , Qu Kai , Liu Chang , Zhang Jingyao
Published: December 2020

Background: The effect of previous malignancy history on the survival of individuals with a second primary gallbladder cancer remains unclear. Therefore, this study was conducted to analyze the impact of previous malignancy history on the survival of individuals with gallbladder cancer and to compare the prognostic differences between gallbladder cancer patients with and without previous cancer.Methods: Extract the United States Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database from 2004 to 2015 for cases diagnosed with gallbladder cancer. The Kaplan-Meier curves and log-rank test were used to compare the survival difference between gallbladder cancer individuals with and without previous malignancy. Cox proportional hazards regression model was used to explore the risk factors of gallbladder cancer.Results: A total of 5861 patients with gallbladder cancer were enrolled, including 5622 (95.9%) patients without prior primary cancer and 239 (4.1%) patients with prior primary cancer. Patients with gallbladder cancer with prior primary malignancy were older, and the tumors were at localized and regional stages more frequently and more early stages. The Kaplan-Meier curves showed that gallbladder cancer patients with prior cancer had better overall survival (OS) (P=0.027) and gallbladder cancer-specific survival (GCSS) (P<0.001) before propensity score matching (PSM), and gallbladder cancer patients with prior cancer had better GCSS (P<0.001), and there was no difference in OS (P=0.113) between gallbladder cancer patients with and without prior cancer after PSM. Multivariable cox regression analysis revealed that prior malignancy history was not a risk factor for OS (HR=0.875, 95%CI: 0.752-1.018, P=0.084), but it was beneficial to GCSS (HR=0.404, 95%CI: 0.318-0.513, P<0.001).Conclusions: Gallbladder cancer individuals with previous primary malignancy have different clinical characteristics from those without previous primary malignancy. Gallbladder cancer patients with previous primary malignancy have better progress than those without previous malignancy.