bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Serine/threonine-protein kinase 24 is an inhibitor of gastric cancer metastasis
Authors: Chen Yi-Ling , Wang Chih-Yang , Fang Jung-Hua , Hsu Hui-Ping
Published: March 2021

Background: Gastric cancer patients often present with distant metastasis and advanced stages. Suppressing serine/threonine-protein kinase 24 (STK24, also known as MST3) is known to promote gastric tumorigenesis. Here, we investigated the association between STK24 and the metastasis of gastric cancer.Methods: CRISPR (clustered regularly interspaced short palindromic repeats)/Cas9 technology was used for genetic knockout of STK24 at the genomic DNA level in human MKN45 and mouse M12 gastric cancer cells. To assess the effects of STK24 knockdown, western blot, cell migration, and wound healing assays were conducted in vitro. An in vivo mouse model of liver metastasis was established and tested, and bioinformatics analyses were performed.Results: The knockdown of the STK24 gene enhanced cell migration and increased liver metastasis in the mouse model of gastric cancer. STK24-silenced tumors suppressed CD4+ T cells and induced the expansion of CD11b+Ly6C+ myeloid-derived suppressor cells and F4/80+ macrophages in the spleen of the mice. In MKN45 cells, STK24 silencing resulted in downregulation of E-cadherin (CDH1, Cadherin-1, or epithelial cadherin). In 38 matched specimens of gastric adenocarcinomas and normal tissues, we examined STK24 and CDH1 expression levels via western blot; a significant positive correlation was found between the expression levels of STK24 and CDH1 (R2 = 0.5507, P = 9.72 × 10−8). Furthermore, in Oncomine database and Kaplan-Meier plotter analysis, the loss of CDH1, increase in CCL2, and upregulation of CD44 were correlated with poor prognosis in gastric cancer patients.Conclusions: Our results demonstrate that knockdown of STK24 increases cell migration and metastasis. STK24 suppression is also positively correlated with CDH1 expression in gastric cancer metastasis. Having developed an experimental metastatic model of gastric cancer in syngeneic inbred mice, we have shown that STK24 is important for immune regulation and regulates CDH1 expression during gastric metastasis.
Effectiveness of Neural Mobilization on Pain, Range of motion, and Disability in Cervical Radiculopathy: a Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Rafiq Shazia , Zafar Hamayun , Gillani Prof. Dr. Syed Amir , Waqas Muhammad Sharif , Zia Amna , Liaqat Sidrah , Rafiq Yasir
Published: March 2021

Background: Cervical Radiculopathy (CR) is a disorder of the spinal nerve roots that is largely caused by space occupying lesion which can lead to nerve root inflammation and patient usually presents with radiating pain in his/her upper extremity known as cervical radiculopathy. The objective of the study was to compare the effectiveness of neural mobilization technique with conservative treatment on pain intensity, range of motion and disability.Methods: It was a double blinded randomized clinical trial; data was collected from Mayo Hospital, Lahore through convenience sampling technique. After taking consent from the patients, the patients fulfilling the inclusion and exclusion criteria were selected and randomized blindly and assigned through computer generated random number into two groups i.e. group 1 (neural mobilization), group 2 (conventional treatment). Pain intensity was measured on Numeric pain rating scale, range of motion measured with inclinometer and functional status with neck disability index (NDI). Data was analyzed using SPSS and difference in improvement before, after 02 and 04 weeks was noted and compared. Results: There was significant improvement in pain relief, neck disability and cervical ranges after the treatment in both groups compared to the pre-treatment status (p < 0.00) and when neural mobilization was compared , it was more effective technique than conventional treatment in reducing pain and neck disability (p < 0.00). But there was not statistical difference in mean score of cervical range of motion (p>0.05)Conclusions: The present study concluded that both neural mobilization and conservative treatment were effective as an exercise program for patient with cervical radiculopathy, however neural mobilization was more effective in reducing pain and neck disability in cervical radiculopathy.Trial registration: RCT20190325043109N1
Anaerobic codigestion of slaughter residues with agricultural waste of amaranth quinoa and wheat
Authors: Meneses-Quelal Orlando Washinton , Velázquez-Martí Borja , Gaibor-Chávez Juan , Niño-Ruiz Zulay , Gisbert Andrés Ferrer
Published: March 2021

The objective of this research is to experimentally evaluate the anaerobic co-digestion of slaughterhouse residues in the city of Guaranda with straw residues from agriculture, such as: amaranth, quinoa and wheat. The study was carried out on a laboratory scale using 311 ml biodigesters under mesophilic conditions of 37°C. Anaerobic co-digestion resulted in methane yields of 407 ml CH4/g VS, with a methane content in the biogas of 77% for the mixture of slaughterhouse waste and quinoa (RM-QU (25:75)). The increase in inoculum in the mixtures composed of slaughterhouse residues and quinoa increased the biodegradability between 17 and 22%. However, in the mixtures of slaughterhouse waste and amaranth (RM-AM (0:100)), a further increase in inoculum decreased biodegradability by 5%. To predict and simulate methane production, 5 kinetic models were used: modified Gompertz, logistic equation, transfer, cone and Richards. The cone model was the one that best adjusted the experimental values ​​with those predicted with an R2 of 0.982 to 0.999 and RMSE of 0.61 to 6.92 ml CH4/g VS. The calculation of the theoretical yield was carried out by stoichiometry and elemental analysis of the samples. Theoretical yields ranged between 480–564 ml CH4/g VS for all mixtures of RM with agricultural residues.
Multimodal of Ear and Face Biometric Recognition Using AARK Threshold segmentation and Classifier with Score level fusion
Authors: ALAGARSAMY SANTHAM BHARATHY , Murugan Kalpana
Published: March 2021

More than one biometric methodology of an individual is utilized by a multimodal biometric system to moderate a portion of the impediments of a unimodal biometric system and upgrade its precision, security, and so forth. In this paper, an incorporated multimodal biometric system has proposed for the identification of people utilizing ear and face as input and pre-preparing, ring projection, data standardization, AARK limit division, extraction of DWT highlights and classifiers are utilized. Afterward, singular matches gathered from the different modalities produce the individual scores. The proposed framework indicated got brings about the investigations than singular ear and face biometrics tried. To certify the individual as genuine or an impostor, the eventual outcomes are then utilized. On the IIT Delhi ear information base and ORL face data set, the proposed framework has checked and indicated an individual exactness of 96.24%
Engineering Disulphide-Free Autonomous Antibody VH Domains to modulate intracellular pathways
Authors: Frosi Yuri , Jiang Shimin , Jiang Shimin , Ramlan Siti Radhiah , Hew Kelly Hew , Engman Alf Henrik , Pillai Anil , Cheng Yue Xiang , Cornvik Tobias , Nordlund Pär , Goh Megan , Lama Dilraj , Verma Chandra S , Thean Dawn Thean , Lane David P , Asial Ignacio , Brown Christopher
Published: March 2021

An attractive approach to target intracellular macromolecular interfaces is to design small high affinity proteins. In this manuscript a stable, autonomous, human derived non-immunogenic, disulphide-free VH domain, has been engineered for intracellular expression studies. VH domains can be designed to possess a large dynamic repertoire of binders, as opposed to other scaffolds types that are highly rigid and possess fewer sites of random variation. Picomolar inhibitors were identified using phage display against the eIF4F complex, which is commonly hyper-activated in many cancers. These molecules were also shown to impair cellular proliferation and to reduce the expression of malignancy related proteins. Structural characterization elucidated that these VH domains bound eIF4E at the eIF4G interaction interface via a novel binding pose. Molecules able to mimic this pose and interfere with the eIF4F complex are potentially important for wide-ranging tumour therapy applications.
Impact of travel ban implementation on COVID-19 spread in Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea during the early phase of the pandemic: A comparative study.
Authors: Gwee Sylvia Xiao Wei , Yong Pearleen Chua Ee , Wang Min Xian , Pang Junxiong
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Since January 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has elicited imposition of some form of travel restrictions by almost all countries in the world. Most of which persist to this day even as some restrictions have been gradually eased. It remains unclear if the trade-off from the unprecedented disruption to air travel was well worth in the course of pandemic containment.Methods: A comparative analysis was conducted on Singapore, Taiwan, Hong Kong and South Korea’s COVID-19 response. Data on COVID-19 cases, travel-related and community interventions, socio-economic profile were consolidated. Trends on imported and local cases were analyzed using computations of moving averages, rate of change, particularly in response to distinct waves of travel-related interventions due to the outbreak in China, South Korea, Iran & Italy, and Europe.Findings: South Korea’s travel restrictions consistently lagged in terms of timeliness and magnitude. The first wave of travel restrictions against China was implemented 34 days after the outbreak in Wuhan, compared to 22-26 days taken by Singapore, Taiwan and Hong Kong. Restrictions against all countries came after 91 days, compared to 78-80 days for the other three countries. Taiwan and Hong Kong were the most efficient in adopting travel restrictions. Singapore’s belated measures and higher importation risk as compared to the other three Asian countries manifested in its deteriorating local transmission. The rate of change of imported cases fell by 1.08-1.43 across all four countries following the first wave of intervention against China, and by 0.22-0.52 in all countries except South Korea in the fifth wave against all international travellers. Conclusion: Travel restriction was effective in preventing COVID-19 case importation in early outbreak phase. However, evidence of its effect on local transmission was lacking. The impact of travel restrictions in containing epidemics cannot be disentangled from local non-pharmaceutical interventions concurrently implemented. Overall, measures should be complementary, with more emphasis on the latter to contain the outbreak effectively.
The Stigma of Digital Amputation: A Survey of Amputees with Analysis of Risk Factors
Authors: Bettlach Carrie Roth , Gibson Ella , Daines John M , payne Emma R , Vuong Linh N , Merrill Corinne M , Pet Mitchell Andrew
Published: March 2021

Purpose: We aimed to quantify the stigma associated with digital amputation using the Neuro-QOL Stigma patient-reported outcomes instrument and examine the patient and injury factors associated with a more severe amputation stigma experience. Methods: This descriptive retrospective cohort study analyzed 164 patients who underwent digital amputation. Records were reviewed for age at amputation, sex, indication, laterality, level, number of amputated digits, and a diagnosis of depression that preceded amputation. Enrolled patients remotely completed the Neuro-QOL stigma computer adaptive test, a battery of PROMIS instruments, and a questionnaire clarifying personal/injury details. Multivariable analysis was used to identity factors associated with a more severe stigma experience.Results: Among 164 digital amputees enrolled, the observed mean Neuro-QOL Stigma score of 47.2 +/- 8 is slightly below the population mean of 50. Younger age, a worker’s compensation claim, and a diagnosis of depression at the time of amputation are each independently associated with a more severe stigma experience after digital amputation. Neither socioeconomic variables, anatomic details of the injury, nor mechanism were independently associated with Neuro-QOL Stigma. Conclusions: While we have previously targeted patients with more severe injuries for discussion of coping with physical stigma, our findings suggest that attention should perhaps instead be focused on digital amputees who are young, depressed, and/or involved with worker’s compensation. A surgeon may be of service to the at-risk patient by offering referral to a mental health provider who can offer depression treatment and/or support the patient’s process of coping and adjustment.
Inorganic Phosphorous, Lime and Vermicompost Induced Changes on Phosphorus Fractions and Other Properties of Acidic Soil of Cheha District, Ethiopia
Authors: Alemu Bereket Ayenew , Melese Asmare
Published: March 2021

Background: In acid soils, soluble inorganic phosphorus is fixed by aluminum and iron, so that phosphorous availability to plant would be inhibited. Thus, an incubation study was conducted to evaluate the effects of lime, vermicompost, and mineral P fertilizer on the distribution of P fractions and oxalate and dithionite extractable aluminum and iron. The treatments consisted of three rates of phosphorous (0, 74.51 and 149.01 kg P ha-1), three rates of vermicompost (0, 5 and 10 ton VC ha-1) and four rates of lime (0, 5.70, 9.20, and 11.50 ton CaCO3 ha-1). The experiment was laid out as a complete randomized design in a factorial arrangement. Results: Combined application of lime, vermicompost and mineral P significantly increased (p<0.05) labile phosphorus fractions and decreased potential sorption capacities of the soil. As the increased soil pH, reduced exchangeable acidity and oxalate extractable Fe and Al the integrated applications of these amendments fixed aluminum and iron instead of phosphorus, thus rendering phosphorus available by keeping the inorganic phosphorus in a bioavailable labile phosphorus pool compared to sole application of the amendments. Conclusions: Combined applications of lime, vermicompost and inorganic P to acidic soils of Goha-1 in Cheha district could convey enhanced amount of available P and ensures the maintenance of higher levels of labile P. It might also contribute towards meeting crop P requirements.
Addressing single spin crossover molecules in a two-dimensional monolayer
Authors: Tong Yongfeng , Kelaï Massine , Bairagi Kaushik , Repain Vincent , Lagoute Jérôme , Girard Yann , Rousset Sylvie , Boillot Marie-Laure , Mallah Talal , Enachescu Cristian , Bellec Amandine
Published: March 2021

Bistable spin-crossover molecules are particularly interesting to the development of innovative electronic and spintronic devices as they present two spin states that can be controlled by external stimuli.
In this purpose, being able to switch at will the spin state of a single molecule in a dense molecular array is a key milestone. However, the elastic interactions between the molecules favour more cooperative behaviour where patches of neighbouring molecules switches simultaneously. We demonstrate here that the interaction of iron II spin-crossover molecules with a metallic substrate can strongly reduce their cooperative behaviour until addressing independently single molecular spin state. Mechanoelastic model is able to reproduce well such findings.
The key factors affecting cumulative live birth rate after single oocyte retrieved in women during IVF/ICSI-ET: a retrospective analysis of 1380 PCOS patients
Authors: Li You , Xia Leizhen , Tan Jun , Wu Qiongfang , Zhang Ziyu
Published: March 2021

Background: The factors affecting the cumulative live birth rate (CLBR) of PCOS patients who received in vitro fertilization/intracytoplasmic sperm injection-embryo transfer (IVF/ICSI-ET) are unknown.Methods: Here we carried out a retrospective analysis of 1380 PCOS patients who received IVF/ICSI-ET for the first time from January 2014 to December 2016. According to the cumulative live births of PCOS patients after single oocyte collection, they were divided into cumulative live births group (group A) and non-cumulative live births group (group B).Results: The conservative cumulative live birth rate was 63.48%. There were 876 cumulative live births (group A) and 504 non-cumulative live births (group B) according to whether the patients had live births or not. Competition analysis showed that duration of infertility, primary/secondary type of infertility, stimulation protocols, starting dose of gonadotrophins and oocyte retrieved numbers were significantly correlated with CLBR. The Cox proportional risk regression model of PCOS patients showed that stimulation protocols had a significant impact on CLBR. Patients in the GnRH-antagonist protocol group and the mild stimulation protocol had lower CLBR than those in the Prolonged GnRH-agonist protocol, which was statistically significant. PCOS patients with the starting dose of gonadotrophins greater than 112.5u had lower CLBR than those with less than 100u, which was statistically significant. Women with 11-15 oocytes and 16-20 oocytes had higher CLBR than women with 1-9 oocytes, which was statistically significant.Conclusions: According to our statistical results, patients with PCOS represent a challenge for reproductive medicine.
EMID1: a multifunctional molecule identified in a murine model for the invasion- independent metastasis pathway
Authors: Kawata Takuya , Muramatsu Koji , Shishito Namiko , Ichikawa-Tomikawa Naoki , Oishi Takuma , Kakuda Yuko , Akiyama Yasuto , Yamaguchi Ken , Sakamoto Michiie , Sugino Takashi
Published: March 2021

Our previous analysis using a mouse metastasis model identified EMI Domain Containing 1 (EMID1) as a potential candidate metastasis-promoting gene. Although EMID1 was isolated as a member of the Emu gene family, which is expressed during mouse embryogenesis, little is known about the molecule. We sought to clarify the molecular function of EMID1 and the protein expression. Overexpression and knockdown studies using mouse cell lines identified two novel functions of EMID1: intracellular signaling involving enhancement of cell growth via cell cycle promotion and suppression of cell motility, and inhibition of cell-matrix adhesion by extracellularly secreted EMID1. EMID1 deposited on the culture dish induced self-detachment of cells that overexpressed the protein and inhibited adhesion of additionally seeded cells. This multifunctional property involving both intracellular signaling and the extracellular matrix suggests that EMID1 may be a matricellular proteins. Expression analysis using immunohistochemical staining revealed expression of EMID1 that was limited to chief cells of the gastric fundic gland and β cells of the pancreatic islets in normal adult human tissues, implying cell-specific functions of this molecule. In addition, increased expression of EMID1 protein detected in some cases of human cancers implies that EMID1 might be a new therapeutic target for cancer treatment.
Labor institution environment and labor agglomeration based on provincial panel data analysis
Authors: Guan Huaping , Tao Aiyuan , Yang Fan
Published: March 2021

With the shift in regional economic patterns in China, Chinese labor forces are showing a trend toward concentration. Many scholars are analyzing this trend of labor agglomeration from the perspective economies of scale and transaction costs. This study explains the phenomenon of labor agglomeration from the perspective of the labor system environment. First, it considers that the labor system environment includes the social contract environment and labor contract environment. Second, it attempts to show that a good labor system environment can promote labor agglomeration through theoretical analysis, while technological advancement can promote the agglomeration of professional and technical talents. Third, this study uses provincial panel data to conduct an empirical analysis. Finally, the paper presents some policy suggestions for maintaining a good labor system environment, including improving the level of public service of the floating population and building harmonious labor relations.
Comprehensive mapping of SARS-CoV-2 interactions in vivo reveals functional virus-host interactions
Authors: Wang Yue , Yang Siwy Ling , DeFalco Louis , Anderson Danielle , Zhang Yu , Aw Ashley , Lim Su Ying , Lim Xin Ni , Tan Antson Kiat Yee , Zhang Tong , Chawla Tanu , Su Yan , Lezhava Alexander , Merits Andres , Wang Lin-Fa , Roland Huber
Published: March 2021

SARS-CoV-2 has emerged as a major threat to global public health, resulting in global societal and economic disruptions. Here, we investigate the intramolecular and intermolecular RNA interactions of wildtype (WT) and a mutant (Δ382) SARS-CoV-2 virus in cells using high throughput structure probing on Illumina and Nanopore platforms. We identified twelve potentially functional structural elements within the SARS-CoV-2 genome, observed that identical sequences can fold into divergent structures on different subgenomic RNAs, and that WT and Δ382 virus genomes can fold differently. Proximity ligation sequencing experiments identified hundreds of intramolecular and intermolecular pair-wise interactions within the virus genome and between virus and host RNAs. SARS-CoV-2 binds strongly to mitochondrial and small nucleolar RNAs and is extensively 2’-O-methylated. 2’-O-methylation sites in the virus genome are enriched in the untranslated regions and are associated with increased pair-wise interactions. SARS-CoV-2 infection results in a global decrease of 2’-O-methylation sites on host mRNAs, suggesting that binding to snoRNAs could be a pro-viral mechanism to sequester methylation machinery from host RNAs towards the virus genome. Collectively, these studies deepen our understanding of the molecular basis of SARS-CoV-2 pathogenicity, cellular factors important during infection and provide a platform for targeted therapy.
Particulate Matter Concentrations and Their Association With COVID-19 Related Mortality in Mexico During June 2020 Saharan Dust Event 
Authors: Kutralam-Muniasamy Gurusamy , Pérez-Guevara Fermín , Martínez Ignacio Elizalde , Chari Shruti Venkata
Published: March 2021

The present study evaluated the impact of Saharan dust event on particulate matter (PM; PM10 and PM2.5) concentrations by analyzing the daily average PM data between Saharan dust days (June 23 - 29, 2020) and non-Saharan dust days (June 15 to June 22 and June 30 to July 12, 2020) for four major affected regions in Mexico and by comparing with three major previous events (2015, 2018 and 2019). The results showed PM10 and PM2.5 concentrations were 2-5 times higher during the Saharan dust event with the highest daily averages of 197 μg/m3 and 94 μg/m3, respectively and exceeded the Mexican standard norm (NOM-020-SSA1-2014). When comparing with the previous Saharan dust episodes of 2015, 2018 and 2019, the levels of PM10 and PM2.5 considerably increased and more than doubled across Mexico. The correlation analysis revealed a positive association of PM levels with the number of daily COVID-19 cases and deaths during Saharan dust event. Furthermore, the human health risk assessment showed that the chronic daily intake and hazard quotient values incremented during Saharan dust days compared to non-Saharan days, indicating potential health effects and importance of taking necessary measures to ensure better air quality following the COVID-19 pandemic.
A Design of Compact Wideband Antenna Based on Hybridization of Minkowski Fractal Curves on Hexagonal Patch and Partial Ground Plane with Truncated Corners
Authors: Bharti Gurpreet , Sivia Jagtar Singh
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript, a compact wideband antenna using a partial ground plane has been designed by the hybridization of Minkowski fractal curves on the hexagonal radiating patch. Further, the corners of this partial ground plane have been truncated and the Minkowski curves superimposed on each truncated corner and finally, the L – shaped stub has been employed to enhance the performance parameters of the antenna in terms of the number of frequency bands and impedance bandwidth. Different prototypes of an antenna have been compared and found that prototype with L – shaped stub and ground plane with truncated corners using Minkowski curve (proposed prototype) exhibits better antenna performance parameters. The proposed prototype of the antenna reveals the maximum bandwidth of 10.86GHz (140.10%) with four distinct frequency bands 4.4, 7.1, 10.8, 16.3GHz. Designed antenna has also been fabricated and tested for authentication of simulated results with measured results and found in reasonable agreement with each other. The proposed antenna uses a low-cost FR4 substrate with a compact overall size of 24×30×1.6mm3. Due to the wider bandwidth, stable radiation pattern, and gain at the desired frequency points, the proposed antenna can be used for different wireless applications.
Dendrimer-modified Gold Nanorods as a Platform for Combinational Gene Therapy and Photothermal Therapy of Tumors
Authors: Ye Lili , Chen Yaoming , Mao Jizong , Lei Xiaotian , Yang Qian , cui chunhui
Published: March 2021

Background: The exploitation of novel nanomaterials combining diagnostic and therapeutic functionalities within one single nanoplatform is challenging for tumor theranostics.Methods: In this work, we synthesized dendrimer-modified gold nanorods for combinational gene therapy and photothermal therapy (PTT) of cancer cells. Seed-mediated synthesized gold nanorods were modified with GX1 peptide-modified amine-termi-nated generation 3 poly(amidoamine) dendrimers via Au-S bond. The obtained GX1 modified dendrimer-stabilized Au NRs (Au NR@PAMAM-GX1) are performed as a gene delivery vector to gene (FAM172A) for computed tomography (CT) imaging, thermal imaging, photothermal therapy (PTT) and gene therapy of Colon cancer cells (HCT-8 cells).Results: We find that Au NR @ PAMAM-GX1 can specifically deliver FAM172A to cancer cells with excellent transfection efficiency. The HCT-8 cells treated with the Au NR@PAMAM-GX1/FAM172A under laser irradiation have a viability of 20.45%, which is much lower than the survival rate of other single-mode PTT treatment or single-mode gene therapy. In addition, animal experiment results confirm that Au NR@PAMAM-GX1/FAM172A complexes can achieve tumor thermal imaging, PTT and gene therapy after tail vein injection.Conclusion: The synthesized Au NR@PAMAM-GX1 is a potential nanoplatform for tumor imaging and treatment.
Influence of Tibetan Plateau On The North American Summer Monsoon Precipitation
Authors: Wen Qin , Han Zixuan , Yang Hajun , Cheng Jianbo , Liu Zhengyu , Liu Jian
Published: March 2021

It has been well known that the uplift of the Tibetan Plateau (TP) can significantly enhance the Asian monsoon. Here, by comparing the sensitivity experiments with vs without the TP, we find that TP uplift can also increase the precipitation of North American Summer Monsoon (NASM), with atmosphere teleconnection accounting for 6% and oceanic dynamical process accounting for another 6%. Physically, TP uplift generates a stationary Rossby wave train traveling from Asian continent to the North Atlantic region, resulting in an anomalous high-pressure over tropical-subtropical North Atlantic. The anomalous subtropical high enhances the low level southerly winds, forcing an anomalous upward motion over North American monsoon (NAM) region and then an increased summer precipitation there. In addition, TP uplift enhances the Atlantic meridional overturning circulation, which reduces the meridional temperature gradient and leads to a northward shift of Hadley Cell over eastern Pacific-Atlantic section. The latter shifts the convection center northward to 10°N and further increases the NASM precipitation. The enhanced NASM precipitation can also be understood by the northward shift of Intertropical Convergence Zone. Our study implies that the changes of NAM climate can be affected by not only local process but also remote forcing, including the Asian highland.
Diagnosis of Advanced Cervical Cancer, Missed Opportunities?
Authors: Mattern Jérémie , Letendre Irène , Sibiude Jeanne , Pénager Cécile , Jnifen Asma , Souare Fatoumata , Ayel Sophie , Nguyen Thuy , Mandelbrot Laurent
Published: March 2021

Background
Cervical cancer is common worldwide but despite the existence of primary and secondary prevention strategies, the survival rate is decreasing in France. This survival rate is impacted by the increasing proportion of advanced-stage cancer. Our objective was to determine the factors associated with a diagnosis of advanced-stage cervical cancer in an urban population in France
Methods
A retrospective study was conducted on all consecutive records of patients diagnosed with cervical cancer between January 2006 and December 2018 in a single center in Paris. The data collected were demographic characteristics, medical and gynecological history, circumstances of diagnosis, diagnostic and therapeutic management. The patients were divided into two groups according to the FIGO 2018 stage at diagnosis: group A stages Ia 1 to Ib2 and group B advanced stages Ib3 a to IV.
Results
From 2006 to 2018, among 96 patients who were diagnosed with cervical cancer, 25 (26%) were in group A and 71 (74%) in group B. Women in group B had less frequently received regular gynecological care than in group A (36.9% vs 84.2%, p < 0.001) and a fewer had Pap test screening in the previous 3 years (30.4% vs 95.0%, p < 0.001). Parity greater than 3 was more frequent in group B (69.6% vs 42.9%, p = 0.031). The diagnosis was made during a routine examination or cervical smear in only 9.23% and 16.18% respectively in group B, vs 60 % of cases in 45.82% of cases in group A (p < 0.001 and p = 0.003). Vaginal bleeding was observed in 85.29% in group B vs 36% in group A (p < 0.001). Histological type was squamous cell carcinoma 87.32% of group B and 56% of group A (p < 0.001).
Conclusion
Diagnosis of cervical cancers at advanced stages was mostly in women who did not benefit from the recommended screening. Universal access to screening is necessary for the prevention and early treatment of cervical cancer.
Health risk assessment and bioaccumulation of heavy metals in Procambarus clarkii from six provinces of China
Authors: Mo Aijie , Huang Yangyang , Gu Zemao , Liu Chunsheng , Wang Jianghua , Yuan Yongchao
Published: March 2021

Contamination with heavy metals in wild red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) from 7 different geographical areas in six provinces of China (Hubei, Hunan, Jiangxi, Anhui, Jiangsu, and Shandong) was evaluated. Concentrations of chromium (Cr), arsenic (As), lead (Pb), cadmium (Cd), and mercury (Hg) in the abdominal muscle, gonad, and hepatopancreas were determined by inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) and Atomic Fluorescence Spectrometer (AFS). Except for the Cd content in hepatopancreas, the contents of selected heavy metals in three different tissues were significantly lower than the proposed limits provided by United States Environmental Protection Agency (USEPA). The maximum accumulations of Cd and Pb were in hepatopancreas, while the maximum accumulation of As was in gonad, and the maximum accumulations of Hg and Cr were in abdominal muscle. The highest contents of Cr, Hg, and Pb were all detected in Dongting Lake, Hunan, which was consistent with the trend of the metal pollution index (MPI). Risk value of the target hazard quotient (THQ) was below 1.0, suggesting that the intake of selected heavy metals through crayfish consumption would not pose a significant health risk to consumers.
Application of Improved Incision in the Protection of Superficial Temporal Artery.
Authors: Yan Renchun , Fang Xinyun
Published: March 2021

Objective: To explain the clinical importance of protecting the superficial temporal artery and introduce a method of protecting the superficial temporal artery.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 75 emergency patients undergoing frontotemporal craniotomy. The data was divided into traditional incision group and improved incision group according to the different surgical incision methods.Results: There were 38 cases in the traditional incision group, 13 of which had superficial temporal artery injury. Only 8 cases (21%) underwent the anatomical separation of superficial temporal artery during the operation. Whereas there were 37 cases in the improved incision group, with none showing superficial temporal artery injury. Conclusion: No strong consciousness of protecting the superficial temporal artery was shown in the clinical emergency surgery. The improved incision is a simple and easy way to protect the superficial temporal artery.
Waterbed leakage drives EU ETS emissions: COVID-19, the Green Deal & the recovery plan
Authors: Bruninx Kenneth , Ovaere Marten
Published: March 2021

Because of the EU ETS' cancellation policy, its fixed cap or waterbed is punctured, meaning that shocks and overlapping policies can change cumulative carbon emissions, i.e., waterbed leakage. This paper explains the mechanisms behind waterbed leakage and quantifies the effect of COVID-19, the European Green Deal, and the recovery stimulus package on cumulative EU ETS emissions and allowance prices. We find that the negative demand shock of the pandemic has limited effect on the EU ETS price and is almost completely translated into lower carbon emissions, because of high waterbed leakage. Increasing the 2030 reduction target to -55% increases the price of allowances to 67 euro/ton CO2 today and decreases carbon emissions in the period 2020-2050 by around 16.3 GtCO2 or 42% of the cumulative cap under current policies. These results are robust to significant changes in allowance demand triggered by overlapping policies in the period 2021-2031.
Scleral Fixation Using a Hydrophilic Four-haptic Lens and Polytetrafluoroethylene Suture: A Phase I Clinical Trial
Authors: Junqueira Natacha , Chaves Leandro , Poli-Neto Omero , Scott Ingrid , Jorge Rodrigo
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To assess the safety of scleral fixation using Akreos AO60 IOL and Gore-Tex suture. Methods: Prospective evaluation of 20 patients who underwent scleral fixation of Akreos AO60 with Gore-Tex. Patients presenting with aphakia or dislocated IOL without capsular support were enrolled in the study. Main outcome measures included visual acuity, endothelial cell density, and postoperative complications over 6 months of follow-up.Results: Mean ± SD uncorrected logMAR visual acuity improved from 1.92 ± 0.23 (20/1600 Snellen equivalent) preoperatively to 0.80 ± 0.56 (20/125) post-surgery (p < 0.001). Mean ± SD BCVA logMAR was 0.43 ± 0.23 preoperatively and 0.37 ± 0.24 (20/50) post-surgery (p = 0.312). Exposure of suture occurred in 8/20 (40%) eyes over the 6 months of follow-up. The mean ± SD endothelial cell density was 1,740.50 ± 522.92 cells/mm2 and 1,187.19 ± 493.00 cells/mm2 (p < 0.001) pre and postoperatively, respectively. Mean ± SD postoperative spherical equivalent was -1.12 ± 1.50D. Postoperative complications included hypotony in 15% of the patients, ocular hypertension and transient vitreous hemorrhage in 10%, and retinal detachment and transient lens opacification in 5%. Conclusion: Scleral fixation with an Akreos AO60 and Gore-Tex appears safe. However, caution must be taken regarding suture exposure, and scleral flaps can be a technique to reduce the risk of this complication. Phase II studies are needed.
Five-year Outcomes of Trabeculectomy Combined With Phacoemulsification Compared to Trabeculectomy Followed by Phacoemulsification: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Arimura Shogo , Iwasaki Kentaro , Orii Yusuke , Takamura Yoshihiro , Inatani Masaru
Published: March 2021

Background: We aimed to compare the outcomes of trabeculectomy followed by phacoemulsification and trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification.Methods: A total of 141 patients with open-angle glaucoma who underwent trabeculectomy followed by (n = 48) or combined with (n = 93) phacoemulsification were included. We analyzed the data collected in “The Collaborative Bleb-Related Infection Incidence and Treatment Study” (CBIITS), which was a prospective cohort study conducted in 34 clinical centers including 1,249 eyes. The main outcome was the cumulative probabilities of success based on IOP within 5 years. Surgical failure was defined as performance of an additional glaucoma surgery or fulfilling one of the following criteria: preoperative intraocular pressure (IOP) >21 mmHg (A), IOP >18 mmHg (B), or IOP >15 mmHg (C). The secondary outcomes were the cumulative probabilities of success, but data on phacoemulsification during the 5-year follow-up were censored, the risk factors for surgical failure, and Δvisual acuity.Results: There was no significant difference in the cumulative probabilities of success of the main outcome. When data on phacoemulsification during the 5-year follow-up were censored, the probabilities of success in trabeculectomy followed by phacoemulsification were significantly higher for criteria A (p = 0.02), B (p < 0.01), and C (p < 0.01). Lower preoperative IOP, younger age, and trabeculectomy combined with phacoemulsification were associated with poorer outcome. Trabeculectomy followed by phacoemulsification had significantly worse Δ logMAR visual acuity at 6 and 12 months (p < 0.01).Conclusion: The cumulative probabilities of success after trabeculectomy combined with or followed by phacoemulsification remained unchanged. Combining phacoemulsification adversely affects the cumulative probabilities of success after trabeculectomy. Visual acuity improvements noted in the early postoperative period after combining phacoemulsification disappeared within 5 years.
Influence Of Fleming’s Vark Learning Styles On Student Radiographers’ Competency In Lumbar Spine Imaging
Authors: Sule Derick Seyram , Kyei Kofi Adesi , Abubakar Salim Abdul-Razak
Published: March 2021

Background: The relationship between student learning styles and academic achievement has been investigated within different academic contexts. However, the relationship between learning styles and students' performance in the professional context of radiography hasn’t received the needed attention and is very much evident based on the absence of an established study approach that ensures achievement of clinical competences. A cross-sectional experimental study design was initially employed to determine students’ learning preferences. A multi-modal teaching approach of a clinical procedure (specifically lumbar spine imaging) was then taught to all the students by a qualified clinical tutor via their disclosed learning preferences. Finally, the students were examined clinically by a clinical supervisor who was blinded to the learning preferences of these students and the results were analyzed to conclude on the best approach to learning the clinical practice.Results: Among the respondents, 58.1% preferred the multimodal (dual, trimodal and quadrimodal) learning styles while 41.9% preferred one dominant learning style: Kinesthetic (K), Read and Write (R), Auditory (A) and Visual (V). The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) revealed no significant difference between different learning styles and student performance in clinical practice. Thus, there was no significant correlation between the clinical competencies of the different learning style groupings. Conclusion: The study provided evidence that multimodal learners had more flexible learning approaches than those with single preferences, thus informing radiography educators on the importance of using varied and flexible pedagogy for effective integration of theory and practice.
Sulfhydryl groups as potential biomarkers of water pollution
Authors: Romdhani Chourouk , Alhalili Zahrah , Elarbaoui Soumaya , Smiri Moez
Published: March 2021

Thiols represent a source of environmental pollution especially wastewater. The present work aims to evaluate the degradation of sulfur in two biological treatment plants in Tunisia: conventional plant of Rades Malienne, and vertical and horizontal flow from the Grombalia plant. We analyzed (1) wastewater properties, (2) the hydrosulfur (thiol) group, (3) membrane processes ultrafiltration technique and (4) characterization of the quality of wastewater from different plants. We used ultrafiltration membrane assisted ZnO and TiO2 NPs application on real effluents from different biological treatment plants. STEP1 is found to be more loaded with sulphur. Application of AC-ZnO membrane gives 99.07% and 99.55% of sulfur removal from wastewater of STEP1 and STEP3. STEP3 is 50 times less charged on sulfur than STEP1. We suggested that when the sulphur content is high, this leads to an increase in mineral elements. This could be explained by the interactions between thiols and the major elements that cause mineral pollution.
Comparison between the Gravitational Redshift in the Kerr and Schwarzschild Fields
Authors: McGruder Charles
Published: March 2021

The Schwarzschild and Kerr metrics are solutions of Einstein field equations of general relativity representing the gravitational fields of a non-rotating spherical mass and a rotating black hole respectively. Unlike the Kerr field, the gravitational redshift in the Schwarzschild field is well known. We employ the concept of stationary clocks to derive the gravitational redshift in the Kerr field demonstrating that frame dragging plays no role. We then calculate the Kerr gravitational redshift for the earth, sun, white dwarfs and neutron stars and compare them with the Schwarzschild gravitational redshift, showing that the gravitational redshift on earth and from the sun does not differ from the Schwarzschild gravitational redshift. For extreme cases of rapidly rotating white dwarfs and neutron stars there is a significant difference between the two gravitational redshifts. Unlike the Schwarzschild gravitational redshift, the Kerr gravitational redshift has to date not been put on a firm observational basis. We point out that the gravitational redshift in the Kerr field possess a latitude dependency, which cannot be confirmed through solar or terrestrial observations, but can be on rapidly rotating white dwarfs and neutron stars
Photovoltaic Partner Selection for High-efficiency Photovoltaic-electrolytic Water Splitting Systems: Brief Review and Perspective
Authors: PHAM DUY PHONG , Lee Sunhwa , Yi Junsin
Published: March 2021

Photovoltaic-electrolysis water splitting (PV-EWS) is the most promising approach for high solar-to-hydrogen (STH) efficiency. The present PV-EWS systems achieve the highest STH performance by using a III−V triple-junction configuration, which, however, involves a complex and expensive manufacture process. Therefore, in this work, we demonstrate a III−V double junction device that can be used as an alternative to the III−V triple-junction device for high STH conversion efficiency of the PV-EWS systems. We estimate the STH performance via coupling world-recorded multi-junction photovoltaic (PV) and our experimented cell configurations with an EWS system. The results show that the III−V double junction, owing to the good trade-off between the efficiency loss and compensation, exhibits a higher STH efficiency than the III−V triple-junction. Furthermore, strategies for improving the efficiency of the III−V double junction device for low-cost PV-EWS system are discussed.
An Approach to Incorporate Rhizosphere Priming Effect into Soil Organic Matter Models
Authors: Chertov Oleg , Kuzyakov Yakov , Priputina Irina , Frolov Pavel , Shanin Vladimir , Bykhovets Sergey , Grabarnik Pavel
Published: March 2021

Purpose. This study is aimed to develop a model of priming effect (accelerated mineralisation of soil organic matter (SOM)) induced by root exudate input into nitrogen (N) limited rhizosphere soil as a typical case for most terrestrial ecosystems. This ecologically important process in the functioning of the “plant-soil” system was parameterized for temperate and boreal forests.Methods. A model of priming effect has been developed based on the concept of N mining to making up for the N scarcity in exudates by accelerating SOM mineralisation. Lacking N for microbial growth is mined from the SOM mineralisation considering C:N ratio of soil. The model has a built-in food web module, which calculates soil fauna feeding on microorganisms, the release of by-products of faunal metabolism and mineral N used for root uptake.Results. The model verification demonstrated the similar order of the priming effect as in the published experiments. Testing at the pedon level revealed a high sensitivity of the model to N content in root exudates. Testing of the model at the ecosystem level revealed that CO2 emission from the priming can reach 25–30% of CO2 emission from the whole Ah horizon of forest soil. The same intensities were simulated for the fauna-derived N released within the rhizosphere.Conclusion. The new model reflects important ecological consequences of the main target function of priming effects within the “plant – soil – microorganisms – fauna” system – the microbial acceleration of C and N cycling in the rhizosphere and detritusphere to mobilise mineral N for plants.
Levels of Trace Elements and Rare Earth Elements in Honey From Jordan
Authors: Tahboub Yahya R , Al-Ghzawi Abd Al-Majeed A. , Al-Zayadneh Shaker S , AlGhotani Mohammad S
Published: March 2021

Honey is a common sweetener in the Jordanian diet with annual consumption of about one thousand tons, two-third of them are imported. It is believed that the elemental profile of honey is an indicator of safety and origin. In the literature, there is a lack of studies concerning levels of trace elements in honey in Jordan. A total 49 elements including 18 rare earth elements (REEs) were analyzed by inductively coupled plasma-mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) in mono-floral, and multi-floral imported honey samples, and multi-floral local samples. Regarding mono-floral samples, Black forest samples has the highest total metal content, while Acasia has the lowest total metal content. Local multi-floral honey has the largest Sr, and total REEs levels, while it has the lowest Mn levels. Very low levels of toxic elements were found in all samples, indicating the safety of honey in Jordan for human consumption. Results of this study showed that advanced statistical models are required to discriminate between multi-floral imported and local honey.
Low Complexity Sparse Beamspace DOA Estimation Via Single Measurement Vectors for Uniform Circular Array
Authors: Zhao Di , Tan Weijie , Deng Zhongliang , Li Gang
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we present a low complexity beamspace direction-of-arrival (DOA) estimation method for uniform circular array (UCA), which is based on the single measurement vectors (SMVs) via vectorization of sparse covariance matrix. In the proposed method, we rstly transform the signal model of UCA to that of virtual uniform linear array (ULA) in beamspace domain using the beamspace transformation (BT). Subsequently, by applying the vectorization operator on the virtual ULA-like array signal model, a new dimension-reduction array signal model consists of SMVs based on Khatri-Rao (KR) product is derived. And then, the DOA estimation is converted to the convex optimization problem. Finally, simulations are carried out to verify the eectiveness of the proposed method, the results show that without knowledge of the signal number, the proposed method not only has higher DOA resolution than subspace-based methods in low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR), but also has much lower computational complexity comparing other sparse-like DOA estimation methods.