bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Finland’s and Israel’s Experience of Innovative Development
Authors: Gavrilova N.
Published: May 2021

The production and promotion of high-tech products and new technologies to the global market is an essential condition for the competitiveness of the country. Some states that do not have abundant natural resources have made a stake on the development of advanced technologies. This secured them a place among the world leaders in terms of economic growth and population’s living standards. In-depth analysis of world practices of facilitating innovation is a pre-requisite for formulating the recommendations on the conditions for innovative development and competitiveness of Russia. From this point of view, the experience of Finland and Israel, which have managed to solve the respective problems is very interesting. Besides Finland and Israel, a similar model of innovation development is used in Sweden, Norway, Iceland and several other countries. The advantage of this model is that it creates an opportunity for national leadership at the world market of innovation. The national companies engaged in the development of new technologies create markets for themselves. Namely, they generate new needs and satisfy them, thus, they do not have to follow the market.
ÜNİVERSİTE ÖĞRENCİLERİNDE MÜZİK DİNLEME TERCİHİNİN FİZİKSEL AKTİVİTE, DEPRESYON VE UYKU KALİTESİNE ETKİSİ
Authors: TUNA Hülya , GÜRPINAR Barış , TUZ Kübra , TEKİN GÜRGEN Elif , ÖZDEMİR İLÇİN Nursen
Published: May 2021

Çalışmamızda fizyoterapi öğrencilerinde müzik türü tercihinin fiziksel aktivite, depresyon ve uyku kaliteleri üzerine etkisi incelendi. “Müzikal Tercih Envanteri”ne göre en çok dinlenen ilk üç müzik türünü seçen 238 öğrenci (yaş ortalaması 20,35±1,73yıl; %66,8 kadın) çalışmaya alındı. Fiziksel aktivite, depresyon ve uyku kalite düzeyleri, sırasıyla “Uluslararası Fiziksel Aktivite Anketi”, “Beck Depresyon Ölçeği” ve “Pittsburgh Uyku Kalite İndeksi” ile değerlendirildi. Öğrencilerin en çok dinlediği ilk üç müzik türü pop (%48,7), özgün (%26,1) ve rap/hip hop (%25,2) türleri oldu. Üç müzik türünü dinleyen gruplar arasında toplam fiziksel aktivite ve depresyon düzeyi farklı bulunmadı. Gruplar arasında şiddetli fiziksel aktivite (p=0,036) ve uyku kalite düzeyleri (p=0,023) anlamlı fark gösterdi. İkili grup karşılaştırmalarında rap/hip hop dinleyenlerin şiddetli fiziksel aktivite (p=0,011) ve uyku kalite düzeylerinin (p=0,010) özgün müzik dinleyenlerden daha iyi olduğu bulundu. Çalışmamızda Rap/hip hop türü müzik dinlemenin şiddetli fiziksel aktivite ve uyku kalitesi üzerinde olumlu etkisi olabileceği görüldü.
AUTHORITY AND BUREAUCRACY FROM WEBER'S PERSPECTIVE
Authors: YILMAZ Vedat , TELSAÇ Cüneyt
Published: May 2021

The first name that the bureaucracy concept evokes today is undoubtedly Max Weber. In Weber's management theory; there are three types of authority, which Weber tries to question why people obey orders. Weber; states that these authorities, which he describes as traditional, charismatic, and legal-rational models, can all provide obedience, but each will suit a different stage in the development of organizations. This study aims to reveal the meaning that Weber attributes to the concept of authority trilogy and bureaucracy. As a method, a literature review has been made. The findings obtained have been analyzed with a critical point of view and in detail and content analysis and interpretation techniques have been used to examine the findings. Also including the ideas of the leading thinkers of the Islamic world on the issues of authority and legitimacy has enriched the article.
CRISPR-Cas. A Revolution in the Treatment and Study of ESKAPE Infections: Pre-Clinical Studies
Authors: Gonzalez de Aledo Manuel , Gonzalez-Bardanca Monica , Blasco Lucía , Pacios Olga , Bleriot Inés , Fernandez-Garcia Laura , López María , Fernández-Quejo Melisa , Bou Germán , Tomás María
Published: May 2021

One of the biggest threats we face globally is the emergence of antimicrobial resistant (AMR) bacteria, which runs in parallel with a lack in the development of new antimicrobials. Among these AMR bacteria, pathogens belonging to the ESKAPE group can be highlighted (Enterococcus spp, Staphylococcus aureus, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Acinetobacter baumannii, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Enterobacter spp) due to their profile of drug resistance and virulence. Therefore, innovative lines of treatment must be developed for these bacteria. In this review, we summarize the different strategies for the treatment and study of molecular mechanisms of AMR in the ESKAPE pathogens based on the Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeats (CRISPR) and CRISPR-associated (Cas) proteins' technologies: loss of plasmid or cellular viability, random mutation or gene deletion as well directed mutations that lead to a gene's loss of function.
Organic Dyes Versus Adsorption Processing
Authors: Alguacil Francisco J. , López Félix A.
Published: May 2021

Even in the first quarter of XXI century, the presence of organic dyes in wastewaters is a normal occurrence in a series of countries, and being these compounds toxics, their removal from these waters is of a necessity. Among the separation technologies, adsorption processing appeared as one of the most widely used to reach this goal. The present work reviewed the most recent approaches (first half of 2021 year) about the use of a variety of adsorbents on the removal of, also, a variety of organic dyes of different nature.
Effect of Polyphenols Intake on Obesity-induced Maternal Programming
Authors: Fortunato Isabela Monique , Santos Tanila Wood dos , Ferraz Lucio Fábio Caldas , Santos Juliana Carvalho , Ribeiro Marcelo Lima
Published: May 2021

Obesity is a complex chronic disease characterized by excess of body fat. It represents a significant public health problem due to the health-related risk factors. There are growing evidences showing that maternal obesity can program the offspring, which influence neonatal phenotype and predispose offspring to a higher prevalence of metabolic disorders such as obesity. This increased risk may also be epigenetically transmitted across generations. Thus, there is an urgent need to find effective reprogramming approaches in order to resume normal fetal development. Polyphenols are bioactive compounds found in fruits and vegetables that exert their anti-obesity effect through its powerful anti-oxidant and anti-inflammatory activities. Polyphenols supplementation has been proven to counteract the deleterious effects of maternal obesity programming on offspring. Indeed, some polyphenols can cross the placenta and protect the fetal predisposition against obesity. The present review summarizes the effects of dietary polyphenols on obesity-induced maternal reprogramming as an offspring anti-obesity approach.
On the Riemann hypothesis for the zeta function
Authors: Yang Xiao-Jun
Published: May 2021

In this paper we address some variants for the products of Hadamard and Patterson. We prove that all zeros of the Riemann $\Xi$--function are real. We also prove that the Riemann hypothesis is true. The equivalence theorems associated with the Riemann zeta--function are obtained in detail.
Circuit Complexity from Cosmological Islands
Authors: Choudhury Sayantan , Chowdhury Satyaki , Panda Sudhakar , Swain Abinash , Gupta Nitin , Mishara Anurag , Selvam Sachin Panneer , Pasquino Gabriel D. , Singha Chiranjeeb
Published: May 2021

Recently in various theoretical works, path-breaking progress has been made in recovering the well-known Page Curve of an evaporating black hole with Quantum Extremal Islands, proposed to solve the long-standing black hole information loss problem related to the unitarity issue. Motivated by this concept, in this paper, we study cosmological circuit complexity in the presence (or absence) of Quantum Extremal Islands in negative (or positive) Cosmological Constant with radiation in the background of Friedmann-Lemaî tre-Robertson-Walker (FLRW) space-time. Without using any explicit details of any gravity model, we study the behaviour of the circuit complexity function with respect to the dynamical cosmological solution for the scale factors for the above mentioned two situations in FLRW space-time using squeezed state formalism. By studying the cosmological circuit complexity, Out-of-Time Ordered Correlators, and entanglement entropy of the modes of the squeezed state, in different parameter space, we conclude the non-universality of these measures. Their remarkably different features in the different parameter space suggests their dependence on the parameters of the model under consideration.
Sensitivity and Adjustment Model of Electrocardiographic Signal Distortion Based on the Electrodes’ Location and Motion Artifacts Reduction for Wearable Monitoring Applications
Authors: Castaño Fabian , Hernández Alher Mauricio
Published: May 2021

Wearable vital signs monitoring and specially the electrocardiogram have taken important role due to the information that provide about high-risk diseases, it has been evidenced by the needed to increase the health service coverage in home care as has been encouraged by WHO. Some wearables devices have been developed to monitor the ECG in which the location of the measurement electrodes is modified respect to the Einthoven model. However, mislocation of the electrodes on the torso can lead to the modification of acquired signals, diagnostic mistakes and misinterpretation of the information in the signal. This work presents a volume conductor evaluation and an ECG signal waveform comparison when the location of electrodes is changed, to find a electrodes’ location that reduces distortion of interest signals. In addition, effect of motion artifacts and electrodes’ location on the signal acquisition are evaluated. A group of volunteers was recorded to obtain ECG signals, the result was compared with a computational model of the heart behavior through the EA ECG, DTW and SNR methods to quantitatively determine the signal distortion. It was found that while the Einthoven method is followed, it is possible to acquire the ECG signal from the patient’s torso or back without a significant difference, and the electrodes position can be moved 6cm at most from the suggested location by the Einthoven triangle in Mason-Likar’s method.
MEDICAL AND DEMOGRAPHIC SITUATION IN THE UDMURT REPUBLIC: REPRODUCTIVE POTENTIAL
Authors:   Izhevsk State Medical Academy of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Izhevsk, Russia, Bushmeleva N.N. , Vakhrusheva Yu.N. ,   Izhevsk State Medical Academy of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation, Izhevsk, Russia
Published: May 2021

Significance. The demographic crisis in Russia, registered since 2016, has deteriorated again and the forecast remains unfavorable, substantiating the need for reserves to protect the reproductive potential. Assessment of medical and demographic processes and the possibility of managing them is an important scientific and practical task, the solution of which is relevant for the Udmurt Republic against the background of the existing unfavorable trends in the socio-economic situation. Purpose of the study. To evaluate medical and demographic situation in the Udmurt Republic. Material and method. Medical and demographic indicators for 2012-2019 were studied on the basis of the Rosstat official statistics and materials of the Territorial Body of the State Statistics Service of the Udmurt Republic (according to the information support schemes approved by the Ministry of Health of the Udmurt Republic). Data of the federal statistical observation forms No. 13 for the period 2012 - 2019 were used as the research material. To compare the analyzed indicators in the Udmurt Republic, the Volga Federal District and the Russian Federation as a whole, the authors used materials available from the website of the Federal Research Institute for Health Organization and Informatics of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation (https://mednet.ru). To assess dynamics in the analyzed indicators, the growth rate index (%) was calculated. Results. The study has analyzed and evaluated major health and demographic indicators of the Udmurt Republic and compared them with similar indicators of the Russian Federation and the Volga Federal District. Results of the study include as follows: a steady decline in the Republic population; the reproduction indicators in the Republic are below the replacement level; low level of health across all age groups; the gynecological morbidity among females is 1.5-2-fold higher than in Russia and the Volga Federal District; high morbidity among females during pregnancy, childbirth and the postpartum period.
COMPARATIVE ANALYSIS OF MACRO- AND MICRONUTRIENT PROFILE OF YOUNG MALES IN THE RUSSIAN NORTHEAST
Authors:   ", Averyanova I.V. ,   Arktika",   Scientific Research Center, the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Magadan, Russia, Vdovenko S.I. ,   "Arktika" Scientific Research Center, the Far Eastern Branch of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Magadan, Russia
Published: May 2021

Significance. According to WHO, unbalanced diet is one of the leading causes of chronic diseases. Adolescence should be considered a person’s life most important period in terms of developing eating habits that define the body macro- and micronutrient intake. The purpose of the study was to assess diet type and balance and specify region-related macro- and micronutrient diet profiles among young Caucasian and Aborigine males in the North-East of Russia. Material and method. ASPON-nutrition software program was used to analyze the availability of proteins, fats, carbohydrates, fiber, vitamins, as well as macro- and microelements in diets of young males residing in the Magadan Region and Chukotka Autonomous District (mean age equals to 17-21 years, n = 278). Results. The study has identified a clear imbalance in the diet characterized by a low intake of the protein-lipid component, a shortage of polyunsaturated fatty acids, and a complete lack of fiber intake against the background of the increased share of mono- and disaccharides as well a deficiency of macro-, microelements and vitamins in the diet. The deviations have proved to be typical of people residing in the city of Magadan, primarily of the young indigenous population who experience a 100 percent nutritional deficit for a number of components.
MODERNIZATION OF THE CONTENT OF THE LEVELS OF PROFESSIONAL TRAINING OF NURSES AS A MEANS OF FORMING SPECIALISTS OF THE NEW FORMATION
Authors:   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia, Pozdeeva T.V. , Pchelina N.V. ,   Privolzhsky Research Medical University, Nizhny Novgorod, Russia,   Arzamas Medical College, Arzamas, Russia
Published: May 2021

Significance. Due to a widespread use of the «lean manufacturing» concept in health and lack of skills in applying lean technologies in practice among health specialists, educational institutions are challenged to modernize content of the levels of professional training of nurses. Purpose. To identify major directions for modernizing levels of professional training of nurses as a means of forming specialists of the new formation. Material and methods. The study was conducted on the basis of the Arzamas Medical College and health care facilities of Arzamas that provide outpatient health care. Students in Nursing (qualification «nurse» / «medical brother») in the second and third year (312 people) and practicing nurses (123 people) were selected as the respondents. Special questionnaires were developed. Conclusions. The study results substantiate the need to update the training content at all levels of professional education of nurses - both basic and postgraduate. Modernization of the content of the levels of training should incorporate training in innovative lean manufacturing, in improving motivation and readiness for innovations in professional activities, in developing initiative and responsibility for personal performance and organizational performance as a whole into major professional educational programs for nurses and programs of advanced training of nurses. The practical results of the study made it possible to identify major directions for modernizing levels of professional training of nurses and served basis for the development of the «Model for developing competencies in «lean manufacturing» tools on the basis of a medical college». Scope of application. The data obtained in the course of the research can be used as additional information in realizing the basic professional educational program in the specialty 34.02.01 «Nursing», as well as in developing training programs for nurses at primary health care settings.
Connections Beyond Campus: Ontario University Library Outreach Programs for High Schools
Authors: Buchansky Heather
Published: May 2021

Over the past few decades, partnerships and programming between secondary school and post-secondary librarians and libraries have been widely discussed in library literature. These collaborations often exist to help high school students develop information literacy (IL) skills and to provide a smoother transition to university-level research. This paper examines the current high school outreach activities at Ontario university libraries that aim to bridge the gap between high school and post-secondary education.

The purpose of this research, conducted through online surveys and interviews with academic librarians in the province, is to provide a snapshot of high school outreach activities and to highlight the benefits and challenges of such programming. It also examines why some libraries no longer offer such activities or programs. This analysis of the variety of outreach activities aims to generate discussion and ideas that academic libraries can use to connect with high school libraries.
Profiling Serum Antibodies with a Pan Allergen Phage Library Identifies Key Wheat Allergy Epitopes
Authors: Monaco Daniel R. , Sie Brandon M. , Nirschl Thomas R. , Knight Audrey C. , Sampson Hugh A. , Nowak-Wegrzyn Anna , Wood Robert A. , Hamilton Robert G. , Frischmeyer-Guerrerio Pamela A. , Larman H. Benjamin
Published: May 2021

Allergic reactions occur when IgE molecules become crosslinked by antigens such food proteins. The physiologic consequences range from mild to life-threatening. Here we create the ‘AllerScan’ bacteriophage display library for efficiently profiling allergic antibodies to characterize binding specificities associated with known allergens. AllerScan enables sensitive and unbiased characterization of circulating IgE and IgG antibody reactivities against thousands of allergenic proteins from hundreds of organisms at peptide resolution. Using AllerScan to analyze food allergy reactivities, we identify robust anti-wheat IgE reactivities in wheat allergic patients but not in wheat-sensitized individuals. Meanwhile, a wheat allergen epitope, alpha purothionin, elicits dominant IgE responses among allergic patients but frequent IgG responses among sensitized and non-allergic patients; a double-blind placebo-controlled trial shows that alpha purothionin reactivity, among others, is strongly modulated by oral immunotherapy. Our proof-of-principle results thus suggest that AllerScan to be a high-throughput platform for unbiased analysis of allergic antibody fine specificities.
Chemically Defined and Xeno-free Culturing Protocol for Human Extended Pluripotent Stem Cells
Authors: Liu Bei , Chen Shi , Xu Yaxing , Lyu Yulin , Bai Yun , Xu Jun , Deng Hongkui
Published: May 2021

Human extended pluripotent stem (EPS) cells have shown great applicative potentials in basic and translational research. One prerequisite for the wide applications of EPS cells is the development of a xeno-free culture system for maintain these cells in vitro. Here we report a protocol for culturing and generating human EPS cells using a chemically defined and xeno-free culture system.
Agent-based Multi-tier SLA Negotiation for Intercloud
Authors: Li Lin , Lin Kaibiao , Zhu Shunzhi
Published: May 2021

The evolving intercloud enables idle resources to be traded among cloud providers to facilitate optimizing utilization and to improve the cost-effectiveness of service for cloud consumers. However, several challenges are raised for this multi-tier dynamic market, where cloud providers not only compete for consumer requests but also cooperate with each other. To establish a healthier and more efficient intercloud ecosystem, this paper proposed a multi-tier agent-based fuzzy constraint-directed negotiation (AFCN) model for a fully distributed negotiation environment without a broker to coordinate the negotiation process. The novelty of AFCN is the use of a fuzzy membership function to represent imprecise preferences of the agent, which not only reveals the opponent’s behavior preference but can also specify the possibilities prescribing the extent to which the feasible solutions are suitable for the agent’s behavior. Moreover, this information can pass and guide each tier of negotiation to generate a more favorable proposal. Thus, the multi-tier AFCN can not only improve the performance of negotiation, but also enforce global consistency to improve the integrated solution capacity in the intercloud. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed multi-tier AFCN model outperforms other agent negotiation models and gives full play to the efficiency and scalability of the intercloud in terms of the level of satisfaction, the ratio of successful negotiation, the average revenue of the cloud provider, and the buying price of the unit cloud resource.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices among Lebanese Obstetricians and gynecologists toward Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) and pregnancy
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abass Linda Abou , Berry Atika , Youssef Janet
Published: May 2021

Introduction: The pandemic of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has seriously disturbed the daily life of the general population particularly the life of the pregnant women. Since the obstetricians and gynecologists (OBGYN) are often the primary health care providers during pregnancy, hence the importance of their critical role in preventing and managing COVID-19 infection in their patients.Objectives: This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes and practices of OBGYN in order to identify existing gaps and to improve patient and occupational safety.Methods: A cross-sectional study, using an online survey, was conducted during the rapid rise of COVID-19 pandemic in Lebanon over the period extending between 20th October and 20th November 2020 among Lebanese OBGYNs. The analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) software. Data collected is subjected to descriptive analysis. A good level of knowledge was defined when the percentage of correct answers reaches more than 80% of the respondents.Results: A total of 279 OBGYNs participated in the survey of which 57% were males. The majority of them (64.2%) were aged more than 45 years, married (79.9%) with large work experience (70.3%). Only 28.3% were reluctant to take care of COVID-19 patient. Most of them feared of contracting COVID-19 or transmitting COVID-19 to their family member due to occupational exposure and 42.3% felt overwhelmed. 62.7% of them considered that policies implemented by the ministry of public health are sufficient. The majority of OBGYNs had a good level of knowledge in different basic and specific domains related to COVID-19 and pregnancy. Furthermore, a good practice score in all relevant aspects (personal, clinic and patient) was revealed.Conclusion: The high knowledge and practice scores, among Lebanese OBGYNs disclose a strong commitment from the part of these physicians to fulfill their responsibilities during this pandemic towards themselves and their patients.
Using Response Surface Methodology of Deep Hole Electrical Discharge Machining Study of Nickel-Base Alloy Inconel-718
Authors: Chen Shao Hsien , Huang Kuo-Tai
Published: May 2021

The blades in the high-pressure turbine section of engines of modern aerospace and defense industries need to be drilled for pressurization. The milling and drilling of nickel-base material Inconel-718 are likely to create tool wear and tear, so the drilling process of milling is replaced by deep hole electrical discharge machining (EDM) extensively. However, the EDM creates reaming or overcut phenomenon, so reducing overcut by parameter optimization is an important study. This study used will use response surface methodology to establish the influencing factors of machining parameters in the hole enlargement and machining speed. The experimental results show that the main influencing factor in the nickel-base alloy deep hole EDM is the discharge voltage (V), the secondary factor is the discharge current (I). The hole enlargement of processed hole without optimization is 60um~100um. The DOE is used for hole enlargement measurement and machining speed measurement to design important parameters, and to predict experiment data analysis. The half normal probability graph, Pareto chart and Analysis of variance (ANOVA) are used to learn about the significant factors of parameters and the influence of interaction. The outlet value of optimized parameters is relatively uniform, and the hole morphology is relatively free of residue stacking. Finally, the inlet and outlet results are improved by 17.9% compared with the original parameters. The optimization parameter value predicted by the fitted model is 0.0392mm, and the optimized upper and lower holes validation experiment machining error is 0.0380mm, and the values are quite close, proving that this prediction model is accurate. The model prediction of this DOE can enhance the applied technology of deep hole EDM for nickel-base alloy.
Evaluation of the Pathways for Survivors program to address breast cancer survivorship associated distress
Authors: Umashankar Saumya , Mamounas Matina Elise , Matthys Madeline , Hadeler Edward Kenji , Wong Emily Claire , Hicks Greg , Hwang Jimmy , Chien A. Jo , Rugo Hope S. , Hamolsky Deborah , Esserman Laura , Melisko Michelle
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Breast cancer patients not infrequently experience escalation of anxiety after completing curative treatment. This study evaluated the acceptability and psychological impact of a one-day workshop emphasizing behavioral strategies involving intention and self-efficacy.Methods: Breast cancer survivors attending a one-day Pathways for Survivors workshop, provided feedback, and completed electronic quality of life (QOL) questionnaires at baseline, 1- and 6-weeks, and 6-months post workshop. Attendees’ baseline QOL scores were compared to follow up (FUP) scores. Scores from patients receiving routine FUP care were also compiled as a reference population.Results: Seventy-seven patients attended one of nine workshops. Mean satisfaction was 9.7/10 with the workshop, and 9.96/10 with the moderator. Participants’ baseline mean Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System (PROMIS) anxiety and depression scores were 57.8 ± 6.9 and 55.3 ± 7.5, significantly higher than routine FUP care patients (49.1 ± 8.3 and 47.3 ± 8 respectively). PROMIS anxiety and depression scores decreased and Happiness Index Profile (HIP-10), measuring intention and resiliency, increased significantly at 1- and 6-week FUPs.Conclusions: Pathways for Survivors was favorably received. Anxiety and depression decreased significantly at 1- and 6-weeks post workshop and remained below baseline at 6 months. Increased HIP-10 scores support that patients incorporated skills from the workshop. A one-day workshop led by a lay moderator significantly improved several psychological measures, suggesting it may be a useful and time-efficient strategy to improve QOL in breast cancer survivors. We are investigating whether an abbreviated “booster” of the intervention at a later date could further improve and maintain QOL gains.
Clinical Impact of Rare Variants Associated with Inherited Channelopathies: A Five-Year Update
Authors: sarquella georgia , Fernandez Anna , cesar sergi , arbelo elena , coll monica , Perez Alexandra , Puigmule Marta , Iglesias Anna , Alcalde Mireia , Vallverdu Marta , Fiol Victoria , Ferrer Carles , olmo Bernat del , Pico Ferran , Lopez Laura , garcia ana , jorda paloma , tiron coloma , toro rocio , grassi simone , oliva antonio , brugada josep , brugada ramon , campuzano oscar
Published: May 2021

A proper interpretation of the pathogenicity of rare variants is crucial before clinical translation. Ongoing addition of new data may modify previous variant classifications; however, how often a reanalysis is necessary remains undefined. We aimed to extensively reanalyze rare variants associated with inherited channelopathies originally classified five years ago and its clinical impact. In 2016, rare variants identified through genetic analysis were classified following the American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics’ recommendations. Five years later, we have reclassified the same variants following the same recommendations but including new available data. Potential clinical implications were discussed. Our cohort included fourty-nine cases of inherited channelopathies diagnosed in 2016. Update show that 18.36% of the variants changed classification mainly due to improved global frequency data. Reclassifications mostly occurred in minority genes associated with channelopathies. Similar percentage of variants remain as deleterious nowadays, located in main known genes (SCN5A, KCNH2 and KCNQ1). In 2016, 69.38% of variants were classified as unknown significance, but now, 53.06% of variants are classified as such, remaining the most common group. No management was modified after translation of genetic data into clinics. After five years, nearly 20% of rare variants associated with inherited channelopathies were reclassified. This supports performing periodic reanalyses of no more than five years since last classification. Use of newly available data is necessary, especially concerning global frequencies and family segregation. Personalized clinical translation of rare variants can be crucial to management if a significant change in classification is identified.
Efficacy of The Acupressure Wrist-Ankle Strap Combined With CBTI In Mild Insomnia Patients With Anxiety Disorders: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Yuan Ying , Zhou Qinghui , Fang Fanfu , Li Weihong , You Yanli
Published: May 2021

Background: Insomnia is very common in current society, and patients are often accompanied by a certain degree of anxiety, depression, etc. Recent studies have found that the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis excitement-inhibition state is an important indicator of sleep quality. Wrist-ankle acupuncture (WAA) is safe and effective for insomnia. The acupressure wrist-ankle straps, based on WAA theory, is a portable WAA point compression strap, which can treat diseases by automatically applying pressure to the treatment location and be operated by patients themselves. We design this trial to evaluate the clinical effect of the acupressure wrist-ankle strap in the treatment of mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorders. Methods/design: This trial is a parallel-design, patients-assessor blinded, randomized, sham-controlled. In total, 108 patients diagnosed with mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorders will be randomly equally assigned into two groups, acupressure wrist-ankle strap group or non-acupressure wrist-ankle strap group; they will receive treatments for 8 weeks with 5 sessions each week. Rating scales, sleep monitor and laboratory tests will be used to observe the clinical effect. From the perspective of the circadian secretion of peripheral blood-related hormones in the hypothalamic- pituitary- adrenal (HPA) axis, the possible mechanism of acupressure wrist-ankle straps for treating insomnia is studied.Discussion: The results of this study will confirm the efficacy of acupressure wrist-ankle strap combined with CBTI in the treatment of mild insomnia patients with anxiety disorder and whether its mechanism is related to HPA axis. The acupressure wrist-ankle strap may become a pure physical, no side effect treatment of mild insomnia.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (identifier: ChiCTR2000039352; registration date: 24 October 2020).
Hub-and-spoke social networks among Indonesian cocoa farmers homogenize farming practices
Authors: Matous Petr , Bodin Örjan
Published: May 2021

Smallholder farms support the livelihoods of 2.5 billion people and their decisions on fertilizers use have profound sustainability implications. We investigated if and how social influence exerted through peer-to-peer information exchange affect the use of fertilizer among 2734 Indonesian cocoa farmers across 30 different villages. Results show that the structures of these village-based social networks strongly relate to farmers’ use of fertilizer. In villages with highly centralized networks (i.e. where one or very few farmers holds disproportionately central position in the village network), a large majority of farmers report the same fertilizer use. By contrast, in less centralized networks, fertilizer use varies widely. The observed community-level distributions of fertilizer use are consistent with complex contagion mechanisms in which social influence is only exerted by opinion leaders that are much more socially connected than others. Our findings suggest significant policy implications for development programs targeting smallholder farming communities.
Direct Anterior Approach for Total Hip Arthroplasty in the Lateral Decubitus Position Versus Supine Position: A Random Clinical Trial
Authors: Xiao Yao , Li Zhanglai , Lin Feitai , Zhang Yiyuan , Weng Yan , Chen Jinhua , Feng Eryou
Published: May 2021

Background: Direct anterior approach (DAA）for total hip arthroplasty (THA）could be performed either in the lateral decubitus position or supine position. However, there is an obvious absence of literature regarding the differences, which position may be more conducive to recovery, technically more demanding, associated with component malposition or more complications. Methods: From Jan.1st, 2020 to oct.1st, 2020, 45 patients were recruited for primary unilateral THA using the DAA. In total, 27 patients (60%) underwent THAs using the DAA in the supine position, and 18 patients (40%) in the lateral decubitus position. All surgeries were performed by a high-volume surgeon. Technical information, clinical and radiographic outcomes, SF-12 and patient-reported outcomes such as WOMAC were evaluated. All the date were tested with Generalized Linear Mixed Models Analysis, GLM Repeated Measurement Analysis, Independent samples t-test or Pearson’s chi-square test.Results: There were no differences in Population characteristics before surgery. The operation time, length of stay and blood loss in the LP group and the SP group were no differences. The prosthesis of the two groups were in a good position. pre-operative and the first and third day after the surgery of CK-MB and Hb,pre-operative and the last follow-up of HSS,WOMAC,UCLA,VAS,SF-12,and pre-operation and post-operation of Offset,FA and LLD, all the above indicators show no significant difference. And the incidence of complications in the lateral position was lower than that in the supine position.Conclusion: Both THA via DAA in the lateral decubitus position and in the supine position produced excellent clinical outcomes. From the perspective of the occurrence of complications, we are more inclined to use the lateral position.
Therapeutic Potential of an Intestinotrophic Hormone, Glucagon-Like Peptide 2, for Treatment of Type 2 Short Bowel Syndrome Rats with Intestinal Bacterial and Fungal Dysbiosis
Authors: Hu Xiuting , Cheng Wei , Fan Shengxian , Huang Yuhua , Chen Xi , Jiang Zhiwei , Wang Jian
Published: May 2021

Background: Previous studies showed that type 2 short bowel syndrome (SBS) rats were accompanied by severe intestinal bacterial dysbiosis. Limited data are available for intestinal fungal dysbiosis. Moreover, no effective therapeutic drugs are available for these microbiota dysbiosis. The aims of our study were to investigate the therapeutic potential of glucagon-like peptide 2 (GLP-2) for these microbiota dysbiosis in type 2 SBS rats.Methods: 8-week-old male SD rats which underwent 80% small bowel resection, ileocecum resection, partial colon resection and jejunocolostomy, were treated with saline (SBS group, n=5) or GLP-2 (GLP2.SBS group, n=5). The Sham group rats which underwent transection and re-anastomosis were given a saline placebo (Sham group, n=5). 16S rRNA and ITS sequencing were applied to evaluate the colonic bacterial and fungal composition at 22 days after surgery, respectively.Results: The relative abundance of Actinobacteria, Firmicutes and proinflammatory Proteobacteria increased significantly in SBS group rats, while the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes, Verrucomicrobia and Tenericutes decreased remarkably. GLP-2 treatment significantly decreased Proteus and increased Clostridium relative to the saline treated SBS rats. The diversity of intestinal fungi was significantly increased in SBS rats, accompanied with some fungi abnormally increased and some resident fungi (e.g., Penicillium) significantly decreased. GLP-2 treatment significantly decreased Debaryomyces and Meyerozyma, and increased Penicillium. Moreover, GLP-2 partially restored the bacteria-fungi interkingdom interaction network of SBS rats.Conclusion: Our study confirms the bacterial and fungal dysbiosis in type 2 SBS rats, and GLP-2 partially ameliorated these microbiota dysbiosis.
Lysosomal-Immune Axis Is Associated with COVID 19 Disease Severity: Insights from Patient Single Cell Data
Authors: Pande Rahul , Teeple Erin , Huang Weixiao , Klinger Katherine , Rajpal Deepak , Kumar Dinesh
Published: May 2021

SARS-COV-2 has become a leading cause of illness, hospitalizations, and deaths worldwide yet heterogeneity in disease morbidity remains a conundrum. In this study, we analyzed publicly available single-cell RNA-seq data from 75076 cells sequenced from clinically staged COVID-19 patients using a network approach and identified lysosomal-immune axis as a factor significantly associated with disease severity. Our results suggest modulation of lysosomal-immune pathways may present a novel drug-targeting strategy to attenuate SARS-Cov-2 infections.
Plasma Levels of D-dimer and Fibrin Degradation Products Correlate with Bullous Pemphigoid Severity: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Sijia , Lu Mei , Zhao Zijun , Peng Xueting , Li Liang , Fang Min , Xia Yumin , Liu Yale , Cheng Chuantao
Published: May 2021

Background Bullous pemphigoid (BP), the most frequent blistering dermatosis in the elderly, is associated with increased mortality. The severity of BP can be assessed by detecting the anti-BP180 immunoglobulin G (IgG) titer, but the lab test is not available in many community clinics. BP patients are usually in a hypercoagulable state with increased levels of D-dimer and fibrin degradation products (FDPs). ObjectivesTo evaluate the use of D-dimer and FDPs in assessing BP severity. Methods We compared the levels of plasma D-dimer, FDPs, eosinophils, and anti-BP180 IgG titer between 48 BP patients and 33 Herpes zoster (HZ) patients (control group). Correlational analyses were conducted to determine the relationships between the lab values and BP.ResultsThe plasma D-dimer and FDP levels were higher in BP patients than in HZ controls (D-dimer: 3297 ±2517 µg/L vs. 569.70 ±412.40 µg/L; FDP: 9.74 ±5.88 mg/L vs. 2.02 ±1.69 mg/L, respectively, P<0.0001). Significant positive correlations were found between D-dimer/FDP levels and BP severity markers (anti-BP180 IgG titer [D-dimer: r=0.3928, P=0.0058; FDP: r=0.4379, P=0.0019] and eosinophil counts [D-dimer: r=0.3625, P=0.0013; FDP: r=0.2880, P=0.0472]) in BP patients. We also found an association between FDP and urticaria/erythema lesions (r=0.3016, P=0.0372), but no other BPDAI components. In 19 BP patients with complete remission after systemic glucocorticoid treatment, D-dimer and FDP levels decreased post-therapy (D-dimer: 5559 ±7492µg/L vs. 1738 ±1478 µg/L; P<0.0001; FDP: 11.20 ±5.88 mg/L vs. 5.13 ±3.44 mg/L; P=0.0003), where as they did not in BP patients with treatment resistant.Conclusion Plasma D-dimer and FDP are convenient markers to evaluate BP severity.
Development of a New cryo-S(T)EM Technique Allowing Simultaneous STEM and SEM Imaging and its Application to Biological Samples
Authors: Usukura Jiro , Narita Akihiro , Matsumoto Tomoharu , Usukura Eiji , Sunaoshi Takeshi , Watanabe Syunya , Tamba Yusuke , Nagakubo Yasuhira , Mizuo Takashi , Azuma Junzo , Osumi Masako , Nimura Kazutaka , Tamochi Ryuichiro , Ose Yoichi
Published: May 2021

A new type of cryo-electron microscopy (cryo-S(T)EM) technique made possible by installing a new cryo-transfer holder and an anti-contamination trap on a scanning electron microscope (Hitachi SU9000) allowed simultaneous collection of both transmission (transmission electron microscopy, TEM) images and surface (scanning electron microscopy, SEM) images at -180°C. The ultimate temperatures of the cryo-transfer holder and the anti-contamination trap reached − 190°C and − 210°C, respectively, by applying a liquid nitrogen slush. The TEM images obtained by the new cryo-S(T)EM method showed quality equal or superior to that of images obtained by conventional 100 kV TEM, although the resolution did not improve at -180°C due to slight drifting of the sample stage. Cryo-S(T)EM also had the unexpected advantage of enabling observations of intracellular structures in thick frozen cells by accelerating the sublimation of ice surrounding the specimens. The spatial architecture of the cytoskeleton, poly-ribosome-chains, endoplasmic reticulum (ER), mitochondria, etc., became visible in thick frozen cells via sufficient (deep) sublimation of ice in combination with the unroofing method. In particular, it should be noted that the ER appeared as a wide and flat structure beneath the cell membrane while forming a large spatial network together with tubular ER.
Growth in Ever-Increasing Acidity Condition Enhanced the Adaption and Bioleaching of Leptospirlium Ferriphilum
Authors: Liu Ronghui , Zhou Hongbo
Published: May 2021

Low pH could eliminate the jarosite accumulation and improve the interfacial reaction rate during bioleaching process. However, a great challenge existed between microbial activity and bioleaching ability in low pH conditions. This study demonstrated that the adaption and bioleaching of Leptospirilum ferriphilum could be improved after long term adaptive evolution under acidity condition. It was found that the acidity adapted strain showed robust activity in wider pH, high concentration of ferrous iron and lower temperature. Although the enhancement for heavy metal tolerance was limited, the tolerance for MgSO4, Na2SO4 and organic matter was great. More importantly, both pyrite and printed circuit boards bioleaching revealed the higher bioleaching ability of the acid-resistant strain. These adaptation and bioleaching details provided an available approach for the improvement of bioleaching techniques.
Berberine Promotes TREM2-Dependent Phagocytosis of Amyloid-β By Microglia
Authors: Wang Yang-Yang , Huang Zhen-Ting , Zou Qian , Pu Yin-Shuang , Yuan Ming-Hao , Jing Feng , Wang Sheng-Yuan , Cai Zhiyou
Published: May 2021

Background: The production and accumulation of amyloid-β (Aβ) is the most important pathological feature of Alzheimer’s Disease (AD), and the deficiency of Aβ clearance contributes to the progression of AD. TREM2-dependent microglial activation may be the key to Aβ clearance. BBR plays the neuroprotective role in the progression of AD by inhibiting Aβ production and promoting Aβ degradation. However, the specific relationship between BBR and microglial activation remains unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate whether BBR can inhibit the pathological progression of Aβ in AD by changing the phenotype of microglia.Methods: Western blot and Immunofluorescence staining were applied to detect the effects of BBR on the transformation of resting microglia to different phenotypes. ELISA, Immunohistochemistry and Immunofluorescence were used to detect the effect of BBR on microglial phagocytosis of Aβ. Morris water maze (MWM) test was applied to test the effect of BBR on the spatial learning and memory of experimental animals.Results: Firstly, BBR promoted the phagocytosis of Aβ1-42 by BV2 cells. Secondly, BBR promoted the changes of microglia to phenotypes M2 and DAM in vivo and in vitro, which were in close proximity to Aβ and reduced Aβ aggregation. Finally, BBR ameliorated spatial learning and memory impairment in APP/PS1 mice.Conclusion: BBR could enhance the phagocytosis of microglia, which decreased Aβ level and improved the spatial learning and memory of APP/PS1 mice.
Chlorophyll derivative activated with sunlight for malaria vector control: a small-scale field study
Authors: Abdelkader Mahmoud , El-Tayeb Tarek
Published: May 2021

Background

Malaria is a life-threatening infectious disease transmitted through the bite of the Anopheles mosquito; hence, it could be prevented by a proper vector control. To date, this could be achieved by controlling adult mosquitoes using synthetic chemicals such as DDT for indoor residual spraying (IRS) and pyrethroid-treated bed nets. These approaches possess potential toxicities; therefore, a new ecologically safe technology for vector control was developed in this study.
Methods

Small-scale field studies were performed in the swamp with anopheline larvae from different sub-saharan countries, such as Sudan, Uganda and Ethiopia. Photodynamic control of anopheles larvae was employed using a chlorophyll derivative, pheophorbide-a (Ph-a) as a photosensitizer and sunlight as a light source. This could interrupt the life cycle of the Anopheles mosquitoes from the larval stage, which induces the interruption of the malaria disease cycle.
Results

Ph-a accumulates in the larval body and upon sunlight exposure, it induces oxidative stress, which causes 85 to 100% larval death 24 hours after treatment with Ph-a. This photosensitizer’s effect persisted up to 21 days in the new generations in the same breeding site (residual effect). It is a target selective formula that has shown no effect on the other beneficial organisms in the breeding site.
Conclusions

This technique was found to be both effective and highly selective. It achieved a high mortality rate of mosquito larvae, while maintaining the highest levels of human safety and environmental friendliness.
Hysterectomy and bilateral salpingoophorectomy in female-to-male transsexual: does testosterone induce anatomopatological changes? A retrospective study
Authors: Pereda Marina Martin , Vergara Maria Amores , Morente Lorena Sabonet , Mesa Ernesto Gonzalez , Reina Pilar Espejo , Lopez Jesus S. Jimenez
Published: May 2021

Background

Testosterone replacement treatment as part of gender reassignment therapy has repercussions on the final pathological result of the hysterectomies that are performed. The objective of this review is to analyze the surgical pieces of hysterectomies performed on FTM patients (female-to-male) and to describe possible changes related to testosterone. There are few studies and with a low number of patients where this possible repercussion is addressed.
Methods

A retrospective study was carried out, which included 117 patients between the ages of 21 and 56, operated on between 2010 and 2019, with at least an average duration of treatment of 5 years before gender reassignment surgery. Main outcome measure were changes in follicle stimulating hormone (FSH), luteinizin hormone (LH), testosterone (TST) and estradiol in blood, both preoperatively and postoperatively. Also the differente types of endometrium and ovaries found in histerectomy pieces.
Results

the pathological study revealed that 95 (80.3%) cases showed an atrophic endometrium, 7 (6%) cases an endometrium with secretory-type changes, and 15 (13.7%) cases with weakly proliferating endometrium.
Conclusions

Our data revealed that the most frequent histology after chronic administration of parenteral testosterone was such compatible with atrophic endometrium, coinciding with what has been published in the literature up to now. More long-term studies on the effects of parenteral testosterone are still needed.