bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Lessons for a Contextualized and Effective Response to Public Health Emergencies
Authors: Assefa Yibeltal , Gilks Charles F , Reid Simon , de Pas Remco van , Gete Dereje Gedle , Damme Wim Van
Published: August 2021

Background: The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) is a timely reminder of the nature and impact of Public Health Emergencies of International Concern. As of 27 May 2021, there were over 169 million cases and over 3.5 million deaths notified since the start of the pandemic. The COVID-19 pandemic takes variable shapes and forms in different regions and countries of the world. The objective of this study is to analyse the COVID-19 pandemic so that lessons can be learned towards an effective public health emergency response. Methods: We conducted a mixed-methods study to understand the heterogeneity of the COVID-19 pandemic. Correlation analysis and scatter plot were employed for the quantitative data. We used Spearman’s correlation analysis. Thematic analysis was conducted on the qualitative data to explain the findings from the quantitative data.Results: We have found that regions and countries with high human development index are most affected by COVID-19 due to international connectedness and mobility of their population related to trade and tourism, and their vulnerability related to older populations and higher rates of non-communicable diseases. The pattern of the pandemic is also variable among high- and middle-income countries due to differences in the governance of the pandemic, fragmentation of health systems, and socio-economic inequities. Conclusion: The aspiration towards a healthier and safer society requires that countries develop and implement a coherent and context-specific national strategy, improve governance of public health emergencies, build the capacity of their (public) health systems, minimize fragmentation, and tackle upstream structural issues, including socio-economic inequities. This is possible through a primary health care approach, which ensures provision of universal and equitable promotive, preventive and curative services, through whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches.
Viral and Immunological Characteristics of COVID-19 Vaccine Breakthrough Infections
Authors: Arashiro Takeshi , Kanno Takayuki , Miyamoto Sho , Saito Shinji , Moriyama Saya , Sekizuka Tsuyoshi , Kanou Kazuhiko , Stucky Ashley , Iida Shun , Ainai Akira , Katano Harutaka , Kageyama Tsutomu , Hanaoka Nozomu , Saito Masumichi , Fujimoto Tsuguto , Kawana-Tachikawa Ai , Matano Tetsuro , Kobayashi Yusuke , Arima Yuzo , Ota Masayuki , Kasamatsu Ayu , Oba Kunihiro , Nakamura-Uchiyama Fukumi , Shimizu Hidefumi , Saito Tomoya , Takeshita Nozomi , Ohnishi Makoto , Wakita Takaji , Suzuki Motoi , Kuroda Makoto , Takahashi Yoshimasa , Suzuki Tadaki
Published: August 2021

Since little is known about viral and host characteristics of breakthrough infections after COVID-19 vaccination, a nationwide investigation of breakthrough cases was initiated in Japan. 130 cases (90%+ received mRNA vaccines) were reported with respiratory specimens in 117 cases and sera in 68 cases. A subset of cases shed infectious virus regardless of symptom presence or viral lineages. Viral lineages for breakthrough infections matched both temporally and spatially with the circulating lineages in Japan with no novel mutations in spike receptor binding domain that may have escaped from vaccine-induced immunity were found. Anti-spike/neutralizing antibodies of breakthrough infections in the acute phase owing to vaccine-induced immunity were significantly higher than those from unvaccinated convalescent individuals but were comparable to vaccinated uninfected individuals, and followed by boosting in the convalescent phase. Symptomatic cases had low anti-spike/neutralizing antibodies in the acute phase with robust boosting in the convalescent phase, suggesting the presence of serological correlate for symptom development in COVID-19 vaccine breakthrough infections.
A blood marker for Parkinson’s Disease: Neuronal exosome-derived α-synuclein
Authors: Kluge Annika , Bunk Josina , Schaeffer Eva , Drobny Alice , Xiang Wei , Knacke Henrike , Bub Simon , Lückstädt Wiebke , Arnold Philipp , Lucius Ralph , Berg Daniela , Zunke Friederike
Published: August 2021

To date, no reliable clinically applicable biomarker has been established for Parkinson’s disease (PD). Our results indicate that a long hoped blood test for Parkinson’s disease may be realized. We here assess the potential of pathological α-synuclein originating from neuron-derived exosomes from blood plasma as a possible biomarker. Following the isolation of neuron-derived exosomes from plasma of PD patients and non-PD individuals immunoblot analyses were performed to detect exosomal α-synuclein. Under native conditions significantly increased signals of disease-associated α-synuclein forms in neuron-derived exosomes were measured in all individuals with PD and clearly distinguished PD samples from controls. By performing a protein misfolding cyclic amplification assay these aggregates could be amplified and seeding could be demonstrated. Moreover, the aggregates exhibited β-sheet-rich structures and showed a fibrillary appearance. Our study demonstrates that the detection of pathological α-synuclein conformers from neuron-derived exosomes from plasma samples has the potential of a promising blood-biomarker of PD.
Propaganda and Education Can Improve the Quality of Life of Patients With Urologic Cancer Before Surgery
Authors: Li Yajian , Huang Guanghua , Du Yanhua , Chen Xueer , Cheng Wenjuan , Wen Jiajie , Shi Hongzhe , Xing Nianzeng
Published: August 2021

Background: Distributing propaganda materials is a way of doctor-patient communication. Our study aims to demonstrate its influence on patients' quality of life with newly diagnosed urologic cancer before surgery.Methods: Patients with urologic cancer were retrospectively enrolled from April 2020 to March 2021 in the Cancer Hospital of Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences. The propaganda materials were written and published by our center and distributed after admission. The quality of life was assessed by EORTC QLQ-C30 version 3.0 on the day of admission and after patients read the materials.Results: A total of 180 patients were included. Most of them were male and with renal cancer. Sleep disturbance (p=0.002), appetite loss (p=0.013), fatigue (p=0.002) and physical function (p=0.006) showed statistically significant improvement after the intervention. In subgroup analysis, the changes of sleep disturbance, fatigue and physical function remained significant among patients with renal cancer. Several items remained significant among younger patients(≤57 years old).Conclusions: Distributing proper propaganda materials could exert significant impacts among patients with urologic cancer. Patients with renal cancer and younger patients might be more likely to benefit from that.
Age-dependent Oral Manifestations of Neurofibromatosis Type 1: A Case-control Study
Authors: Thota Eshwar , Veeravalli John Jim’s , Manchala Sai Krishna , Lakkepuram Bhargavi Priya , Kodapanen Jayasurya , Wang Li-Tzu , Ma Kevin Sheng-Kai
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Craniofacial manifestations of neurofibromatosis type 1 (NF1) are considered as a result of tumor compression. We sought to determine age-dependent salivary changes, carious, and periodontal complications in NF1 patients without tumors in the oral cavity.Objective and methods: Eleven NF1 patients without tumors in the oral cavity and 29 matched controls without NF1 were enrolled in this case-control study. Demographic information, medical history, and data of intraoral examinations, including the Decayed, Missing, and Filled Teeth (DMFT) scores and Russel’s periodontal index (PI), were recorded. The functional salivary analysis was performed for sialometry, salivary pH values, and amylase activity. Ingenuity Systems Pathway Analysis (IPA) was conducted to identify mutually activated pathways for NF1-associated oral complications.Results: NF1 patients were associated with periodontitis (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.06-1.73, P = 0.04), gingivitis (OR=1.55, 95% CI=1.09-2.01, P = 0.0002), and decreased salivary flow rate (OR=1.40, 95% CI=1.05-1.76, P = 0.005). Periodontal destruction, salivary changes, and dental caries in NF1 patients were age dependent. Subgroup analyses based on age stratification suggested that salivary flow rates and salivary amylase activity were significantly lower among NF1 patients aged over 20 years and that salivary pH values, PI and DMFT scores were higher among NF1- controls aged over 20. All oral complications were not significantly presented among NF1 patients aged below 20. IPA analyses suggested that cellular mechanisms underlying NF1-associated oral complications involved chronic inflammatory pathways as well as fibrosis signalling pathway.Conclusion: NF1 patients without tumors in the oral cavity presented with a higher prevalence of age-dependent oral complications, including periodontal destruction and salivary gland dysfunction, which were associated with chronic inflammatory pathogenesis.
The Role of pSOFA Score Combined with C-Reactive Protein and Procalcitonin in the Prognostic Evaluation of Children with Sepsis: A Single-Center Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhou Bin , Huang Yuge , Zhong Mianling , Zeng Cizheng , Wu Jiayuan
Published: August 2021

Background: The pediatric sequential organ dysfunction（pSOFA）score, C-reactive protein（CRP）and procalcitonin（PCT）play an important role in the prognosis assessment of children with sepsis. This study explores the value of their combined application, so as to provide a more comprehensive diagnosis method for the early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of pediatric sepsis.Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study method was used to collect and analyze the clinical data of 289 children who were hospitalized and diagnosed with sepsis in the Pediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) of the Affiliated Hospital of Guangdong Medical University from August 2018 to August 2019. The 28-day survival outcome was divided into survival group and death group. Compare the differences in various physiological and laboratory data of the two groups of children within the first 24 hours after admission to PICU; Use binary logistic regression to analyze high-risk factors that affect the prognosis of children with sepsis; The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was drawn, and the area under the ROC curve (AUC) was used to evaluate the role of pSOFA score combined with CRP and PCT in the early diagnosis and prognosis evaluation of children with sepsis.Results: A total of 289 children were included in the study, 254 cases (87.9%) in the survival group and 35 cases (12.1%) in the death group; There were statistically significant differences between the two groups of children in age, whether to continuously pump vasoactive drugs, mechanical ventilation time, Glasgow coma score, gastrointestinal function, and serum PCT concentration (all P<0.05);Binary logistic regression showed that: pSOFA score and continuous intravenous pumping of vasoactive drugs are high-risk factors for poor prognosis in children with sepsis (P<0.05);The AUC of CRP and PCT in predicting the death of children with sepsis were 0.547 (95%CI: 0.488-0.606), 0.667 (95%CI: 0.609-0.721); and pSOFA+CRP, pSOFA+PCT and pSOFA scores The AUC for predicting the death of children with sepsis was 0.947 (95%CI: 0.914-0.970), and the difference was not statistically significant (P>0.05);Conclusions: The pSOFA score is of high value for the prognostic evaluation of children with sepsis; but the pSOFA score combined with CRP and PCT can not improve the prognostic evaluation ability of children with sepsis.
The Time to Initiate Trophic Feeding and Its Predictors Among Preterm Neonate Admitted to Neonatal Intensive Care Unit, Multicenter Study, Northwest Ethiopia, 2020.
Authors: Adimasu Daniel , Tafere Yilikal , Eshetie Teodros , Endalew Bekalu , Abebaw Ermias , Adimasu Mekonen
Published: August 2021

Background: Trophic feeding is a small volume, hypo-caloric feeding, gut priming or minimal enteral feeding acclimate the immature gut of enteral fasting preterm neonates. Delayed starting of trophic feeding had resulted in short and long-term physical and neurological sequels. The current study aimed to assess time to initiate trophic feeding and its predictors among preterm neonates admitted in the neonatal intensive care unit of Debre Markos, Felege Hiwot, and Tibebe Ghion comprehensive specialized hospitals.Methods: An institutional-based prospective follow-up study was conducted among 210 neonates. The data were collected with interview and chart review, entered into Epi data 3.1 and exported to Stata 14.1 for analysis. Multivariable Cox regression models were fitted to identify predictors of time to initiate trophic feeding. Result: A total of 210 neonates were followed for 10136 person-hours of risk time and 191 (90.95%) of neonates were started trophic feeding. The overall incidence of starting trophic feeding was 2 per 100 (95% CI: 2, 2.2) person-hours observations. The median survival time was 42 hours (95% CI: 36, 48). APGAR- score at first minute <7 (AHR: 0.6, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.82), gestational age of <34 weeks (AHR: 0.69, 95% CI: 0.5, 0.94), presence of respiratory distress syndrome (AHR: 0.5, 95% CI: 0.36, 0.68), presence of hemodynamic instability (AHR: 0.37, 95% CI: 0.24, 0.57), presence of perinatal asphyxia (AHR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44, 0.89), cesarean section delivery (AHR: 0.63, 95% CI: 0.44, 89) and being delivered within the study hospitals (AHR: 0.54, 95% CI: 0.39, 0.74) were found to be statistically significant predictors of time to initiate trophic feeding.Conclusion: There was a significant delay to initiate trophic feeding in the studied hospitals. Gestational age of below 34 weeks, APGAR-score of less than seven, out-born delivery, cesarean delivery, presence of respiratory distress syndrome; perinatal asphyxia, and hemodynamic instability were predictors of delay in starting of trophic feeding. Standardized feeding guideline has to be implemented to overcome delays in enteral feeding initiation.
N6-methyladenosine-mediated CELF2 Regulates CD44 Alternative Splicing Affecting Tumorigenesis via ERAD Pathway in Pancreatic Cancer
Authors: Lai Shihui , Wang Yan , Li Ting , Dong Yihong , Lin Yihao , Wang Liang , Zhang Xiang , Weng Shangeng , Lin Chengjie
Published: August 2021

Background: Alternative splicing (AS) of genes has been found to affect gene stability, and its abnormal regulation can lead to tumorigenesis. CELF2 is a vital splicing factor to participate in mRNA alternative splicing. Its downregulation has been confirmed to promote the occurrence and development of pancreatic cancer (PC). However, the regulatory role and mechanisms in PC has not been elucidated.Methods: 80 patients diagnosed with PC were included in this study. The relationhip between CELF2 expression and clinicopathological characteristics was analyed. RNA immunoprecipitation qRT-PCR and RNA pull-down experiments were performed to confirm the potential mechanisms of CELF2 abnormal expression in PC. AS model of PC was established by TCGA database. Functional experiments in vitro and in vivo were conduced to reveal the effects of CELF2 or CD44 on PC cells proliferation, migration and invasion. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to reveal the mechanism of CELF2-mediated CD44 AS in PC. Results: CELF2 was downregulated in PC tissues, which affected tumor TNM stage and tumor size, and low expression of CELF2 indicated a poor prognosis of PC. In vivo and in vitro experiments showed that abnormal expression of CELF2 affected the stemness, apoptosis, and proliferation of PC cells. Furthmore, we also found that CELF2 was targeted by ALKBH5 for m6A modification, leading to CELF2 degradation by YTHDF2. Bioinformatic analysis of AS model based on the TCGA database indicated that CELF2 could target CD44 to form different spliceosomes, thereby affecting the biological behavior of PC cells. The conversion of CD44s to CD44V is the key to tumorigenesis. Transcriptomic analysis was conducted to reveal the mechanism of CELF2-mediated CD44 AS in PC. We found that CELF2-mediated splicing of CD44 led to changes in the level of endoplasmic reticulum stress, further regulating the endoplasmic reticulum-associated degradation (ERAD) signaling pathway, thereby affecting apoptosis and cell stemness. In addition, ERAD signaling pathway inhibitor, EerI, could effectively reverse the effect of CD44 on tumors. Conclusions: This study indicates that CELF2 promotes AS of CD44, affecting the ERAD pathway and enhence the biological behavior of PC cells. CELF2 is expected to be a new target for targeted-drug development
Understanding the Dynamics of SARS-CoV-2 Variants of Concern in Ontario, Canada: A Case Study
Authors: Layton Anita , Sadria Mehrshad
Published: August 2021

A year after the initial wild-type Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) strains began their devastation of the world, they were supplanted by new variants of concern (VOC). In Ontario, Canada, the wild type was overtaken first by the Alpha/B1.1.17 variant, and then by the Delta/B.1.617 variant. The principal objective of the present study is to develop and apply a much expanded Susceptible-Infection-Recovered-type model to better understand the spread of multiple VOC, and assess the effectiveness of vaccination and non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPI). The model represents competition among VOC, and reveals their mutual inhibitory effects. By separately tracking asymptomatic and symptomatic infections, model simulations identify a significant role of vaccine breakthrough in the spread of Delta. Furthermore, the severity of a Delta outbreak depends not only on the NPI and vaccination rate but also on the vaccine types. Alarmingly, despite Ontario’s existing NPI and relatively successful vaccine rollout, a future, more dangerous VOC could potentially infect a significant fraction of the province’s population and overwhelm the health care system. To stop that VOC, the province may need the simultaneous and rapid deployment of a third booster vaccine and stringent NPI.
Identification and Treatment of Primary Cervical Gestational Trophoblastic Neoplasia: a Retrospective Study of 13 Patients and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Xiaoyu , Yang Junjun , Wan Xirun , Feng Fengzhi , Zhao Jun , Ren Tong , Xiang Yang
Published: August 2021

Background: Primary cervical gestational trophoblastic neoplasias (GTNs) are extremely rare ectopic GTNs. Such lesions are difficult to diagnose clinically because of their rarity, with abnormal vaginal bleeding of a non-specific cause being the most common symptom. To that end, this retrospective study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of cervical GTN and to explore diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.Results: Thirteen patients diagnosed with primary cervical GTN at the Department of Gynecology, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Beijing, China, between June 1, 1988 and May 31, 2020 were included in the study. All patients had irregular vaginal bleeding, including six who presented with massive bleeding. Seven patients (53.8%) were initially misdiagnosed with a cervical pregnancy. All patients received chemotherapy; 11 (84.6%) also underwent hysterectomy because of chemoresistant lesions or uncontrolled bleeding. All patients achieved complete remission; however, two women (15.4%) experienced a relapse during the median follow-up period of 35 months. A comprehensive review of English-language literature published between 1980 and 2020 identified 22 case reports encompassing 27 patients. The definitive diagnosis was achieved via pathology in 26 of them (96.3%), and hysterectomy was performed in 21 (77.8%).Conclusions: Owing to its rarity and nonspecific symptoms, the diagnosis of primary cervical GTN is challenging and often relies on pathology. The combination of chemotherapy and hysterectomy is the main therapeutic strategy for this disease.
Maternal Dissatisfaction During the Postpartum Recuperation Period is an Independent Risk Factor for Postpartum Depression after Caesarean Section in China – A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Li Liping , Chen Chaojin , You Yiying , Muhetaer Mierzhati , Huang Fei , Pan Jingru , Zhou Shaoli , Hei Ziqing , Luo Chenfang , Wang Yanling
Published: August 2021

Background: Postpartum depression (PD) is a common disorder associated with severe adverse infant and maternal outcomes, which is becoming an important public health problem. However, studies on the clinical relevance of anesthesia and PD are very limited. This study aimed to examine risk factors for PD amongst Chinese parturients of caesarean section from the perspective of anesthesiology, especially during the standard Chinese postpartum recuperation period known as “doing the month”.Methods: Prospective cohort study of 125 women who received caesarean sections aged from 21 to 46 years. The Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale were evaluated at the day before caesarean section and 6 weeks postpartum. Demographic, clinical, and treatment, including postoperative prognostic data and conditions during “doing the month”, were recorded and compared between PD and non-PD groups. Univariable and multivariable logistic regression methods were used to explore the risk factors associated with the occurrence of PD. Results: 44 (34.9%) patients were diagnosed PD at 6 weeks postpartum. Occurrence of PD was associated with postoperative pain, pruritus, dissatisfaction with “doing the month”. Multivariate regression analysis showed that lumbago (OR 5.68, 95% CI 1.69-19.06; p=0.005), maternal total dissatisfaction during “doing the month”(OR 6.87, 95% CI 2.48-19.04; p=0.001), and dissatisfaction with mother in-law during “doing the month”(OR 3.22, 95% CI 1.43-16.16; p=0.020) were independent risk factors for PD, while mild activity pain was independent protective factor for PD 6 weeks postpartum (OR 0.018, 95% CI 0.01-0.25; p=0.003). Conclusions: PD was a commonly experienced psychological disorders for women undergoing caesarean section. Postpartum lumbago, maternal total dissatisfaction and dissatisfaction with mother in-law during “doing the month” and mild activity pain were main factors for PD at 6 weeks postpartum.
Cost-effective surveillance of an invasive species: application of info-gap theory to the Asian House Gecko Hemidactylus frenatus
Authors: Liu Yang , Wang Penghao , Thomas Melissa L. , Zheng Dan , McKirdy Simon J.
Published: August 2021

Invasive species can lead to community-level damage to the invaded ecosystem and extinction of native species. Most surveillance systems for the detection of invasive species are developed based on expert assessment, inherently coming with a level of uncertainty. In this research, info-gap decision theory (IGDT) is applied to model and manage such uncertainty; surveillance of the Asian House Gecko, Hemidactylus frenatus Duméril and Bibron, 1836 on Barrow Island, is used as a case study. Our research provides a novel method for applying IGDT to determine the robust population threshold (K) to trigger detection, robust-optimizing surveillance costs rather than minimizing surveillance costs. We demonstrate that increasing the population threshold for detection increases both robustness to the errors in the model parameter estimates, and opportuneness to lower surveillance costs than the accepted maximum budget. This paper provides guidance for decision makers to balance robustness and required surveillance expenditure. IGDT offers a novel method to model and manage the uncertainty prevalent in biodiversity conservation practices and modelling. The method outlined here can be used to design robust surveillance systems for invasive species in a wider context, and to better tackle uncertainty in protection of biodiversity and native species in a cost-effective manner.
Association between Postoperative Adjuvant Chemotherapy and Disease-Specific Survival in Women with Ovarian Sex Cord-Stromal Tumors: A SEER-based Study
Authors: Li Jiawei , Sun Mingming , Li Jun , Jiang Wei
Published: August 2021

Background Ovarian sex cord-stromal tumors (SCSTs) are relatively rare tumor. The standard treatment is surgery, while adjuvant chemotherapy remains controversial. This study evaluated the effect of adjuvant chemotherapy and disease-specific survival (DSS) in patients with SCSTs.Methods 323 Patients with SCSTs were enrolled from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Demographic and clinicopathological characteristics were compared using Mann–Whitney U-test, Fisher’s exact test, and chi-square test. DSS were estimated by Kaplan–Meier and compared with the log-rank test. Cox proportional hazards model was used to control for confounders.Results A total of 323 patients were included in this study, and the mean age was 44 years (range, 10-89 years). The most common histologic subtype was granulosa cell tumor (GCT) (n=197, 61%). 60.7% were diagnosed with stage IA or IB disease and 18% with stage IC disease. Among them, 62.2% of patients (n=201) received chemotherapy. The Median follow-up time was 71 months (range,1-224 months). 12.7% (41/323) of patients experienced death. Patients who did not received chemotherapy (n=122) had better DSS compared to those who received chemotherapy, 5-year DSS rates were 93.5% VS 80.3% (P = 0.0005), 10-year DSS rates were 93.0% and 78.69% (P = 0.0002). Multiple Cox regression analysis showed that higher stage (p＜0.001), poor differentiation（P=0.24）, larger tumor size(size＞10cm) （P=0.018） were independently associated with an increased hazard of death，while histological subtype（P=0.082）,adjuvant chemotherapy(p=0.762), complete staging surgery（p=0.554）was not associated with prognosis.ConclusionChemotherapy could not improve the prognosis and may be associated with poorer DSS. Age, histopathologic subtype, complete staging surgery, lymphadenectomy are not associated with prognosis.
Pre-procedural Determination of Device Size in Left Atrial Appendage Occlusion Using Three-dimensional Cardiac Computed Tomography
Authors: Cho Iksung , Kim William D. , Lee Oh Hyun , Cha Min Jae , Seo Jiwon , Shim Chi Young , Pak Hui-Nam , Joung Boyoung , Hong Geu-Ru , Gransar Heidi , Shin Seung Yong , Kim Jung-Sun
Published: August 2021

Background: The two-dimensional-based LAAO size prediction system using transesophageal echocardiography is limited by the complex structure of the left atrial appendage (LAA). The LAA anatomy can be evaluated more precisely using three-dimensional images from cardiac CT; however, a CT-based sizing method has not been established. We aimed to assess the accuracy of measurements derived from cardiac computed tomography (CT) images for selecting left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO) devices.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 62 patients with Amplatzer Cardiac Plug and Amulet LAAO devices who underwent implantation from 2017 to 2020. The minimal, maximal, average, area-derived, and perimeter-derived diameters of the LAA landing zone were measured using CT-based images. Predicted device sizes using sizing charts were compared with actual successfully implanted device sizes.Results: The mean size of implanted devices was 27.1 ± 3.7 mm. The perimeter-derived diameter predicted device size most accurately (mean error = -0.8 ± 2.4 mm). All other parameters showed significantly larger error (mean error; minimal diameter = -4.9 ± 3.3 mm, maximal diameter = 1.0 ± 2.9 mm, average diameter = -1.6 ± 2.6 mm, area-derived diameter = -2.0 ± 2.6 mm) than the perimeter-derived diameter (all p for difference <0.05). The error for other parameters were larger in cases with more eccentrically-shaped landing zones, while the perimeter-derived diameter had minor error regardless of eccentricity. When oversizing was used, all parameters showed significant disagreement.Conclusions: The perimeter-derived diameter on cardiac CT images provided the most accurate estimation of LAAO device size regardless of landing zone eccentricity. Oversizing was unnecessary when using cardiac CT to predict an accurate LAAO size.
Concurrent chemoradiotherapy with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil for T3 N0 glottic carcinoma without vocal cord fixation
Authors: Toya Ryo , Watakabe Takahiro , Murakami Daizo , Matsuyama Tomohiko , Saito Tetsuo , Fukugawa Yoshiyuki , Nishimoto Kohei , Orita Yorihisa , Oya Natsuo
Published: August 2021

Background
Reports on the treatment results of chemoradiotherapy (CRT) for T3 N0 glottic carcinoma without vocal cord fixation are limited. We retrospectively evaluated the efficacy and toxicity of concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT) with docetaxel, cisplatin, and 5-fluorouracil (TPF) for T3 N0 glottic carcinoma without vocal cord fixation.
Methods
Twenty-five patients were treated with TPF-CCRT. The chemotherapy consisted one or two cycles of TPF as follows: docetaxil (50 mg/m2), cisplatin (60 mg/m2), and 5-FU (600 mg/m2/day for 5 days). RT was delivered with a once-daily fraction of 2 Gy without elective nodal irradiaion (ENI). After the RT of 40 Gy and one cycle of chemotherapy, five patients (20%) were judged as having no tumor regression and underwent surgery. The remaining 20 patients underwent RT with a median total dose of 66 Gy.
Results
Of the five patients who underwent surgery after the delivery of 40 Gy, two showed residual carcinoma pathologically and the other three were confirmed to have complete pathological response to the treatment. During the follow-up period after a series of therapies, one patient had local failure. None of the patients exhibited regional or distant failure. The 5-year local control, laryngeal preservation, and overall survival rates were 87%, 92%, and 95%, respectively. Neutropenia was frequently observed during the treatment but was manageable in all the cases. No acute toxicities of grade 5 or late toxicities ≥ grade 3 were observed.
Conclusions
In this study, TPF-CCRT provided excellent tumor control with acceptable toxicities. Intensive local treatment with CCRT while omitting ENI is a reasonable approach for T3 N0 glottic carcinoma without vocal cord fixation.
Non-monotonic variation of the Kramers point band gap with increasing magnetic doping in BiTeI
Authors: Shikin A. M. , Rybkina A. A. , Estyunin D. A. , Klimovskikh I. I. , Rybkin A. G. , Filnov S. O. , Koroleva A. V. , Shevchenko E. V. , Voroshnin V. Yu. , Petukhov A. E. , Kokh K. A. , Tereshchenko O. E. , Petaccia L. , Santo G. Di , Kumar S. , Kimura A. , Skirdkov P. N. , Zvezdin K. A. , Zvezdin A. K.
Published: August 2021

Polar Rashba-type semiconductor BiTeI doped with magnetic elements constitutes one of the most promising platforms for the future development of spintronics and quantum computing thanks to the combination of strong spin-orbit coupling and internal ferromagnetic ordering. The latter originates from magnetic impurities and is able to open an energy gap at the Kramers point (KP gap) of the Rashba bands. In the current work using angle-resolved photoemission spectroscopy (ARPES) we show that the KP gap depends non-monotonically on the doping level in case of V-doped BiTeI. We observe that the gap increases with V concentration until it reaches 3% and then starts to mitigate. Moreover, we find that the saturation magnetisation of samples under applied magnetic field studied by superconducting quantum interference device (SQUID) magnetometer has a similar behaviour with the doping level. Theoretical analysis shows that the non-monotonic behavior can be explained by the increase of antiferromagnetic coupled atoms of magnetic impurity above a certain doping level. This leads to the reduction of the total magnetic moment in the domains and thus to the mitigation of the KP gap as observed in the experiment. These findings provide further insight in the creation of internal magnetic ordering and consequent KP gap opening in magnetically-doped Rashba-type semiconductors.
Research on Temperature Field Prediction Model of Electric Spindle Based on Improved BP Neural Network
Authors: Zhou Enwen , Zhao Yanling , Dai Ye , Zhang Jingwei , Zhang Yuan , Li He
Published: August 2021

The motorized spindle is the core component of CNC machine tools. In order to ensure its processing performance and processing safety, the temperature field of motorized spindle is studied. The three-dimensional model of the motorized spindle is established, and the convective heat transfer coefficient of the internal heat load and the simulation boundary condition are calculated by combining the heat transfer theory. The simulation is carried out by the finite element analysis software, and the internal temperature distribution of the motorized spindle under thermal steady state is calculated. Based on the numerical simulation analysis method and the thermal balance test method, the data basis for the prediction model of the motorized spindle temperature field is provided. The traditional BP neural network algorithm and PSO-BP neural network algorithm are used to predict the temperature of the motorized spindle measuring point under specific working conditions, and the temperature field prediction results are compared and analyzed. The results show that the PSO-BP neural network prediction model has good compatibility for variable data input, and the prediction results show little difference, which has high prediction accuracy and robustness.
Delta plus variant with neutral mutation is less virulent compared to wild type SARS-CoV2
Authors: Upadhyay Sonal , Kumar Anuj , Kumar Pradeep , Dubey Pawan K. , Tripathi Anima , Ali Akhtar , Tiwari Kavindra Nath , Bhushan Ravi
Published: August 2021

BackgroundWith the start of the Coronavirus disease19 (COVID19) pandemic, the Coronavirus has mutated constantly. Recently a new variant called Delta plus has been reported in few countries, including South Africa, Brazil and India. The Delta plus variant contains an additional mutation called K417N on the coronavirus spike. The present study aims to determine the virulence and transmissibility of the Delta plus variant and to check the efficiency of different antibodies on its neutralization.Materials and MethodsDifferent computational tools such as PROVEAN, an online tool, HOPE server, simulation using CABS Flex, Clus pro, an online docking tool, were used to predict the structure and function of Delta plus variant by performing a comparative study with wild type protein. Also, to find an effective antibody against Delta plus variant, antigen-antibody docking studies were conducted through Clus pro server. Furthermore, we performed a 2D interaction diagram analysis to find the amino acid residue's interaction against antibodies.Results PROVEAN and HOPE showed the mutation (K417N) in the S-glycoprotein of Delta plus as NEUTRAL mutation. This mutation causes the loss of cysteine bonds leading to the destabilization of the 3D structure of spike protein. Furthermore, the RMSF plot emphasizing the 17th amino acid position of wild and Delta plus mutant revealed the high fluctuation of mutant protein structure compared to the wild protein structure. Further, a comparative docking study against hACE2 shows higher binding energy of wild-type RBD (-751.7 kcal/mol) than mutant RBD (-750.1 kcal/mol). Moreover, antigen-antibody docking study revealed higher affinity of BD-23 Fab antibodies with greater interaction energy ( -997 kcal/mol) compared to other antibodies and thus may prove to be a promising therapeutic against Delta plus variant.ConclusionDelta plus variant is less stable, has a lower binding affinity to hACE2 and has less virulence than wild type. However, the BD-23 Fab antibody has shown a more significant association for this variant and can be used in its treatment.
Experimental Studies on Oscillation Modes of Vibration Separation Devices
Authors: Demianenko M. , Volf M. , Pavlenko I. , Liaposhchenko O.
Published: August 2021

Despite the rapid development of alternative energy sources, the role of hydrocarbons in the global fuel and energy balance remains significant. For their transportation and further processing, pre-processing is carried out using a set of equipment. In this case, the mandatory devices are separators. In terms of specific energy consumption and separation efficiency, methods based on the action of inertia forces are optimal. However, standard designs have common disadvantages. A method of dynamic separation is proposed to eliminate them. The proposed devices are automatic control systems. The object of regulation is hydraulic resistance, and elastic forces are the regulating actions. Aerohydroelastic phenomena accompany the operation of dynamic separation devices. Among them, the most interesting are flutter and buffeting. Oscillations of adjustable baffles accompany them. It is necessary to conduct a number of multifactorial experiments to determine the operating parameters of dynamic separation devices. In turn, physical experiments aim to identify patterns and features of processes occurring during vibration-inertial separation (i.e., the dependence of various parameters on velocity). Therefore, the article proposes a methodology for carrying our physical experiments on dynamic separation and a designed experimental setup for these studies. As a result, the operating modes of separation devices for different thicknesses of baffle elements were evaluated. Additionally, the dependences of the adjustable element’s deflections and oscillation amplitudes on the gas flow velocity were determined for different operating modes of vibration separation devices.
Heamanite-(Ce), (K0.5Ce0.5)TiO3, a new perovskite supergroup mineral found in diamond from Gahcho Kué, Canada
Authors: Anzolini Chiara , Siva-Jothy William K. , Locock Andrew J. , Nestola Fabrizio , Balić-Žunić Tonči , Alvaro Matteo , Chinn Ingrid L. , Stachel Thomas , Pearson D. Graham
Published: August 2021

Heamanite-(Ce) (IMA 2020-001), ideally (K0.5Ce0.5)TiO3, is a new perovskite-group mineral found as an inclusion in a diamond from the Gahcho Kué mine in the Northwest Territories, Canada. It occurs as brown, translucent single crystals with an average maximum dimension of ~80 μm, associated with rutile and calcite. The luster is adamantine, and the fracture conchoidal. Heamanite-(Ce) is the K-analog of loparite-(Ce), ideally (NaCe)Ti2O6. The Mohs hardness is estimated to be 5½ by comparison to loparite-(Ce), and the calculated density is 4.73(1) g/cm3. Electron microprobe wavelength-dispersive spectrometric analysis (average of 34 points) yielded: CaO 10.70, K2O 7.38, Na2O 0.16, Ce2O3 13.77, La2O3 8.22, Pr2O3 0.84, Nd2O3 1.59, SrO 6.69, BaO 2.96, ThO2 0.36, PbO 0.15, TiO2 45.77, Cr2O3 0.32, Al2O3 0.10, Fe2O3 0.09, Nb2O5 0.87, UO3 0.01, total 99.98 wt%. The empirical formula, based on 3 O atoms, is: [(K0.268Na0.009)Σ0.277(Ce0.143La0.086Pr0.009Nd0.016)Σ0.254(Ca0.326Sr0.110Ba0.033Pb0.001)Σ0.470Th0.002]Σ1.003 (Ti0.979Nb0.011Cr0.007Al0.003Fe0.002)Σ1.002O3. The Goldschmidt tolerance factor for this formula is 1.003. Heamanite-(Ce) is cubic, space group Pm3m, with unit-cell parameter a = 3.9129(9) Å, and volume V = 59.91(4) Å3 (Z = 1). The crystal structure was solved using single-crystal X-ray diffraction data and refined to R1(F) = 2.61%. Heamanite-(Ce) has the aristotypic perovskite structure and adopts the same structure as isolueshite and tausonite. The six strongest diffraction lines are [dobs in angstroms (I in percentages) (hkl)]: 2.764 (100) (110), 1.954 (41) (200), 1.596 (36) (211), 1.045 (16) (321), 1.236 (13) (310), and 1.382 (10) (220). The Raman spectrum of heamanite-(Ce) shows two broad bands at 560 and 787 cm−1, with no bands observed above 1000 cm−1. Heamanite-(Ce) is named after Larry Heaman, a renowned scientist in the field of radiometric dating applied to diamond-bearing kimberlites, mantle-derived eclogites, and lamprophyre dikes. The dominant REE should appear as a Levinson suffix, hence heamanite-(Ce).
Pliniusite, Ca5(VO4)3F, a new apatite-group mineral and the novel natural ternary solid-solution system pliniusite–svabite–fluorapatite
Authors: Pekov Igor V. , Koshlyakova Natalia N. , Zubkova Natalia V. , Krzątała Arkadiusz , Belakovskiy Dmitry I. , Galuskina Irina O. , Galuskin Evgeny V. , Britvin Sergey N. , Sidorov Evgeny G. , Vapnik Yevgeny , Pushcharovsky Dmitry Yu
Published: August 2021

The new apatite-group mineral pliniusite, ideally Ca5(VO4)3F, was found in fumarole deposits at the Tolbachik volcano, Kamchatka, Russia, and in a pyrometamorphic rock of the Hatrurim Complex, Israel. Pliniusite, together with fluorapatite and svabite, forms a novel and almost continuous ternary solid-solution system characterized by wide variations of T5+ = P, As, and V. In paleo-fumarolic deposits at Mountain 1004 (Tolbachik), members of this system, including the holotype pliniusite, are associated with hematite, tenorite, diopside, andradite, kainotropite, baryte and supergene volborthite, brochantite, gypsum and opal. In sublimates of the active Arsenatnaya fumarole (Tolbachik), pliniusite–svabite–fluorapatite minerals coexist with anhydrite, diopside, hematite, berzeliite, schäferite, calciojohillerite, forsterite, enstatite, magnesioferrite, ludwigite, rhabdoborite-group fluoroborates, powellite, baryte, udinaite, arsenudinaite, paraberzeliite, and spinel. At Nahal Morag, Negev Desert, Israel, the pliniusite cotype and V-bearing fluorapatite occur in schorlomite-gehlenite paralava with rankinite, walstromite, zadovite-aradite series minerals, magnesioferrite, hematite, khesinite, barioferrite, perovskite, gurimite, baryte, tenorite, delafos-site, wollastonite, and cuspidine. Pliniusite forms hexagonal prismatic crystals up to 0.3 × 0.1 mm and open-work aggregates up to 2 mm across (Mountain 1004) or grains up to 0.02 mm (Nahal Morag and Arsenatnaya fumarole). Pliniusite is transparent to semitransparent, colorless or whitish, with a vitreous luster. The calculated density is 3.402 g/cm−3. Pliniusite is optically uniaxial (–), ω = 1.763(5), ε = 1.738(5). The empirical formulas of pliniusite type specimens calculated based on 13 anions (O+F+Cl) per formula unit are (Ca4.87Na0.06Sr0.03Fe0.02)Σ4.98(V1.69As0.66P0.45S0.12Si0.09)Σ3.01O11.97F1.03 (Mountain 1004) and (Ca4.81Sr0.12Ba0.08Na0.05)Σ5.06(V2.64P0.27S0.07Si0.03)Σ3.01O12.15F0.51Cl0.34 (Nahal Morag). Pliniusite has a hexagonal structure with space group P63/m, a = b = 9.5777(7), c = 6.9659(5) Å, V = 553.39(7) Å3, and Z = 2. The structure was solved using single-crystal (holotype) X-ray diffraction, R = 0.0254. The mineral was named in honor of the famous Roman naturalist Pliny the Elder, born Gaius Plinius Secundus (AD 23–79). It is suggested that the combination of high temperature, low pressure, and high oxygen fugacity favors the incorporation of V5+ into calcium apatite-type compounds, leading to the formation of fluorovanadates.
Consumption trends of milk and dairy products in Slovakia and its comparison with other V4 countries
Authors: Kubicová Ľubica , Predanócyová Kristína , Šedík Peter , Smutka Luboš , Kádeková Zdenka , Košičiarová Ingrida
Published: August 2021

Milk consumption is a very important part of consumers’ daily diet due to its positive health effect. The purpose of the paper is to evaluate the market of milk and dairy products. The paper analyzes the development of milk consumption in V4 countries, which was described by using regression functions. The data were obtained from the statistical offices of chosen countries. Based on the achieved results it was found that in Slovakia and Hungary milk consumption is very low, but in the Czech Republic and Poland consumption is recorded in the range of recommended doses and is sufficient. Looking to the future, based on the described trend of consumption, it is possible to assume that the situation in the Slovak Republic will be accompanied by unfavorable developments and in comparison with other V4 countries, Slovakia will consume the least milk and dairy products per capita. Moreover, a questionnaire survey orientated on the level of milk consumption and consumer behavior was conducted on the sample of 518 respondents. Average Slovak consumers consume daily 1 glass of milk, 20 g of cheese, 70 g of curds, and 250 g of sour-milk or other dairy product. Depending on the level of consumption, 3 consumer segments were defined for which different consumer behavior was identified, especially in the issue of factor assessment. In general, however, it is concluded that the quality and price of milk and dairy products are crucial for consumers to make their choice.
AcknowledgmentThis paper is supported by the Operational Program Integrated Infrastructure within the project: Demand-driven research for the sustainable and innovative food, Drive4SIFood 313011V336, co-financed by the European Regional Development Fund.
Socioeconomic Determinants of Infant Mortality Rate in Asean: A Panel Data Analysis
Authors: Sari Vita Kartika , Prasetyani Dwi
Published: August 2021

The infant mortality rate indicates the health status of a country. Previous studies have proven that socioeconomic factors have a significant influence on infant mortality rates in both developed and developing countries. Further studies on infant mortality rates are useful for public service strategic policy in the health sector. The main purpose of this study was to analyze the socioeconomic factors influencing infant mortality rates in ASEAN based on panel data estimates for 2000-2017. The dependent variable for this study was infant mortality rate, while the independent variables were health expenditure, female labor force, maternal fertility rate, and GDP per capita. The authors concluded that the main cause of infant mortality in ASEAN is care during delivery. Other influencing factors include family health status, maternal education level, and socio-economic inequality. This study found that the size of the female workforce has a strong influence on increasing the infant mortality rate in ASEAN. The fertility rate also had a strong influence on increasing infant mortality rate in ASEAN, while GDP per capita had a negative influence on infant mortality rate.  Health expenditure is proven to have no effect on the increase of infant mortality rates in ASEAN.