bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The effect of COVID-19 lockdown on psychiatric admissions: role of gender
Authors: Davies Monica , Hogarth Luke
Published: June 2021

Background

The UK went into nationwide lockdown on 24 March 2020, in response to COVID-19. The direct psychiatric effects of this are relatively unknown.

Aims

We examined whether the first UK lockdown changed the demographics of patients admitted to psychiatric hospitals (to include gender, legality, route of admission and diagnoses), independent of seasonal variation..

Method

We conducted an anonymous review of psychiatric admissions aged ≥18 years in the 6-month period after the announcement of the first UK lockdown (March to August 2020), and in the previous year (March to August 2019), in Kent and Medway NHS and Social Care Partnership Trust in-patient facilities. The number of admissions were compared, along with factors that may help to explain the psychological effects of national lockdown.

Results

There was no significant increase in total number of admissions or the gender percentage. However, there was a 11.8% increase in formal sectioning under the Mental Health Act 1983. This increase was sustained and statistically significant across all 6 months. A sustained decrease in admissions via the crisis team was also observed as being statistically significant. Separate diagnoses saw changes in percentage of admissions between March and May. The most statistically significant was schizophrenia admissions for men in April (18.7%), and women in March (18.4%).

Conclusions

Our findings highlight the effect of COVID-19 on the legal status of psychiatric admissions, and emphasise the importance of having a robust, adaptable and open psychiatric service that caters to the ongoing needs of patients, regardless of government restrictions.
Boat noise interferes with Lusitanian toadfish acoustic communication
Authors: Alves Daniel , Vieira Manuel , Amorim M. Clara P. , Fonseca Paulo J.
Published: June 2021

Anthropogenic noise is considered a major underwater pollutant as increasing ocean background noise due to human activities is impacting aquatic organisms. One of the most prevalent anthropogenic sounds is boat noise. Although motorboat traffic has increased in the past few decades, its impact on the communication of fish is still poorly known. The highly vocal Lusitanian toadfish (Halobatrachus didactylus) is an excellent model to test the impact of this anthropogenic stressor as it relies on acoustic communication to attract mates. Here, we performed two experiments to test the impact of boat noise on the acoustic communication of the Lusitanian toadfish. Using the auditory evoked potential (AEP) technique, we first compared the maximum distance a fish can perceive a boatwhistle (BW), the mate attraction acoustic signal, before and after embedding it in boat noise. Noises from a small motorboat and from a ferryboat reduced the active space from a control value of 6.4–10.4 m to 2.0–2.5 m and 6.3–6.7 m, respectively. In the second experiment we monitored the acoustic behaviour of breeding males exposed to boat noise playbacks and we observed an increase in the inter-onset interval of BWs and a disruption of the usual vocal interactions between singing males. These results demonstrate that boat noise can severely reduce the acoustic active space and affect the chorusing behaviour in this species, which may have consequences in breeding success for individuals and could thus affect fitness.
The role of ligand-gated chloride channels in behavioural alterations at elevated CO2 in a cephalopod
Authors: Thomas Jodi T. , Spady Blake L. , Munday Philip L. , Watson Sue-Ann
Published: June 2021

Projected future carbon dioxide (CO2) levels in the ocean can alter marine animal behaviours. Disrupted functioning of γ-aminobutyric acid type A (GABAA) receptors (ligand-gated chloride channels) is suggested to underlie CO2-induced behavioural changes in fish. However, the mechanisms underlying behavioural changes in marine invertebrates are poorly understood. We pharmacologically tested the role of GABA-, glutamate-, acetylcholine- and dopamine-gated chloride channels in CO2-induced behavioural changes in a cephalopod, the two-toned pygmy squid (Idiosepius pygmaeus). We exposed squid to ambient (∼450 µatm) or elevated (∼1000 µatm) CO2 for 7 days. Squid were treated with sham, the GABAA receptor antagonist gabazine or the non-specific GABAA receptor antagonist picrotoxin, before measurement of conspecific-directed behaviours and activity levels upon mirror exposure. Elevated CO2 increased conspecific-directed attraction and aggression, as well as activity levels. For some CO2-affected behaviours, both gabazine and picrotoxin had a different effect at elevated compared with ambient CO2, providing robust support for the GABA hypothesis within cephalopods. In another behavioural trait, picrotoxin but not gabazine had a different effect in elevated compared with ambient CO2, providing the first pharmacological evidence, in fish and marine invertebrates, for altered functioning of ligand-gated chloride channels, other than the GABAAR, underlying CO2-induced behavioural changes. For some other behaviours, both gabazine and picrotoxin had a similar effect in elevated and ambient CO2, suggesting altered function of ligand-gated chloride channels was not responsible for these CO2-induced changes. Multiple mechanisms may be involved, which could explain the variability in the CO2 and drug treatment effects across behaviours.
Hormonal profile of pubertal age girls with chronic viral hepatitis
Authors: Chaykivska E. F.
Published: June 2021

Chronic viral hepatitis (CVH) is more than 70% of the total number of children with chronic hepatitis, and in the population - 0.5%. Adolescents are the most vulnerable group of the population due to the physiological and psychological characteristics of this age. The liver coordinates both adaptive and reproductive processes in the body, and during puberty is the formation of pituitary-gonadal relationships. The aim: to study the features of hormonal homeostasis in adolescent girls with CVH. Materials and methods. We examined 300 girls aged 12-17 years, of which 120 patients with CVH (60 patients with hepatitis B and 60 - with hepatitis C) and 180 relatively healthy patients with physiological sexual development. The diagnosis of CVH was established on the basis of medical history, clinical, virological, biochemical, morphological and instrumental examination. Results. Analysis of the obtained data of the functional state of the liver in the examined patients with CVH revealed disorders of the morphofunctional state of the liver, manifested by cytolysis syndrome, cholestasis, hepatocellular insufficiency and mesenchymal-inflammatory syndrome. In patients with CVH there was a decrease in the production of luteinizing hormone (4.35 ± 0.09 vs. 5.13 ± 0.08 mIU / ml, p<0.01); follicle-stimulating hormone (4.40 ± 0.15 vs. 5.40 ± 0.07 mIU / l, p<0.01); prolactin (215.56 ± 4.76 vs. 282.93 ± 8.36 mIU / ml, p <0.01); progesterone (2.09 ± 0.10 vs. 2.78 ± 0.08 nmol / l, p<0.01) on the background of increasing the average level of estradiol (468.65 ± 21.32 vs. 437.45 ± 9.59 pmol / l, p<0,01) and free testosterone (1,98 ± 0,08 vs. 1,16 ± 0,04 nmol / l, p <0,01). Thyroid status was characterized by a relative decrease in the production of thyroid-stimulating hormone (1.74 ± 0.04 vs. 2.15 ± 0.05 μIU / ml (p<0.01) and an increase in the secretion of free triiodothyronine (9.32 ± 0.09 vs. 5,46 ± 0.07 pmol / l, p<0.01) and free thyroxine (23.35 ± 0.76 vs. 18.55 ± 0.20 pmol / l, p<0.01). chronic infectious process, affects the morphofunctional state of the liver and leads to dysfunction of the hypothalamic-pituitary-ovarian and pituitary-thyroid systems, manifested by pathological changes in the secretion of gonadotropins, prolactin, thyroid-stimulating hormone, sex steroids and hormonal steroids.
Small intestine acetylcholinesterase activity in experimental animals exposed to low doses of ionizing radiation
Authors: Anschev A. S.
Published: June 2021

Radioactive contamination of the environment has become one of the most important environmental factors and the problem of the possible consequences of the global and rapid change in the level of radiation load on the biosphere for all living things is of particular importance. The objective: to study the activity of AChE in the small intestine of rats - males and females of different ages - both under physiological conditions and under conditions of prolonged γ-irradiation in a total dose of 0.75 Gray. Experimental studies were performed on 510 rats of different ages and sexes of the Wistar line. All animals were kept under standard conditions and on the standard diet of the vivarium. Total γ-irradiation was performed with the use of gamma therapeutic unit "AGAT-R" №83 (isotope 60Co). Analysis of the results showed that the most significant changes in AChE activity underwent in the small intestine of males and females 12 days after the end of the ionizing factor, and for all subsequent stages of the study was characterized by its gradual decrease. Previously unknown pathophysiological mechanisms of violation of the morphofunctional status of the small intestine of offspring obtained from predecessors after chronic γ-irradiation in low doses, the implementation of radiation effects of parental irradiation in their offspring have been obtained. The results of experimental research will provide an opportunity for theoretical justification and practical development of ways of metabolic correction of negative manifestations of radiation-induced damage to the genome in the body of the offspring of irradiated parents. Given the dynamics of changes in acetylcholinesterase activity during the aging of animals, we concluded that prolonged exposure to ionizing radiation at a total dose of 0.75 Gray contributes to the strengthening of involutional changes in the functional state of the small intestine.
Historical aspects of the development of customs clearance on maritime transport
Authors: Dzhemlikhanov Timur
Published: June 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the historiography of maritime transport and customs clearance. The historical aspects of the development of customs clearance in maritime transport are covered. The origin of shipbuilding and the development of navigation are analyzed, and it is indicated that in the process the customs for the transportation of goods through foreign territory were approved. The same customs in the form of duties were established in the courts. In practice, the duty in its economic essence served not so much as a tax as a levy, so it was paid not from the goods, but for the right of people to enter this territory.
The treatment dynamics assessment among patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, infected with human immunodeficiency virus
Authors: Moroz L. V. , Melnyk T. O.
Published: June 2021

Introduction: the article represents prospective study results of the treatment dynamics among patients with chronic viral hepatitis B, infected with human immunodeficiency virus. Particularly, the role of qHBsAg dynamics in the serum concerning CHB treatment effectiveness of CHB/HIV coinfected patients as well as clinical and laboratory factors influencing on this marker.The study purpose: To assess treatment dynamics of CHB/HIV coinfected patients basing on quantitative HBsAg determination and other clinical and laboratory test applying. Material and methods: 60 coinfected patients were examined – the main group, 60 CHB monoinfected patients – comparison group to reach established study purpose. Diagnosis of HIV and chronic hepatitis B were verified. A clinical, laboratory, serological, molecular-genetic methods were used. Statistical processing of results was held with applying parametric and nonparametric methods for the data analysis.Research results: There was a slight increase by 1.10 times in serum ALT in “a period of ≤ 6 months of antiviral therapy” with a subsequent decrease by 1.20-1.46 times in “a period of ˃ 6 months of therapy”. There was a decrease in the serum qHBsAg of coinfected patients in accordance with the duration of therapy by 1.56-21.10 times, and in case of the presence of "ALT flare" by 1.31-72.72 times. The greatest decrease in serum qHBsAg by 1.63-42.00 times during HAART was also observed in patients with an initial CD4 + count <350 cells / μl.  A serum qHBsAg was 11.24 times lower after ˃ 12 months of therapy in the group of CHB/HIV coinfected patients with ΔCD4 + ˃100 cells / μl compared with the group of patients with ΔCD4 + 0 - 100 cells / μl.Conclusions: A serum qHBsAg possibly to be decreased by 2 log10 among CHB/HIV coinfected patients after starting HAART with dual activity against HBV and HIV which includes nucleoside reverse transcriptase analogs (Tenofovir Disoproxil Fumarate (TDF) and lamivudine (3TC)). Defined main influencing factors on qHBsAg decreasing included: “ALT flare”, CD4+ count, ΔCD4+ as a result of monofactorial analysis. It is necessary to conduct further multifactorial analysis to determine complex of factors which could influence on further HBsAg by 2 log10 and HBsAg clearance.
Assessment of bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with chronic pancreatitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease considering exocrine pancreatic insufficiency
Authors: Lazaruk T. , Fediv O.
Published: June 2021

The article describes and analyzes the results of bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with chronic pancreatitis and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease considering the level of fecal elastase-1.The aim of our study was to investigate the features of Bioelectrical impedance analysis in patients with chronic pancreatitis (CP) and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) considering the level of fecal elastase-1.Materials and methods. We examined 84 patients: 30 patients with CP and 54 patients with comorbid pathology - CP and COPD aged 30-65 years (52.36 ± 1.83 years). Patients were hospitalized in the gastroenterology department of theRegionalClinicalHospital,Chernivtsy,Ukraine with exacerbation of CP. COPD was in stable or unstable remission. Fecal elastase-1 level was determined by using the Pancreatic Elastase ELISA (BIOSERV Diagnostics). Biometric measurements were performed with a body composition analyzer BC-601 (TANITA,Japan). All examined patients were divided into groups depending on the exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI): severe (n=9), moderate (n=34), mild (n=23) and normal (n=18).Results. The group of patients with severe EPI was characterized by weight loss. It can be explained by the appearance of absorption disorders of nutrients (malabsorption and maldigestion syndromes). In the groups of moderate and mild EPI fat and cell mass were significantly lower than normal rate in control group. There is a positive correlation between fecal elastase-1 and the level of patients’ metabolism (p<0,05).Conclusions. Bioelectrical impedance analysis (percentage of fat mass, visceral fat level and muscle mass) correlates with the level of fecal elastase-1, which can be used as an additional criteria for the severity of CP and for the control of the effectiveness of substitution therapy.
Evaluation of the effectiveness of treatment of experimental postoperative peritonitis
Authors: Droniak M. M.
Published: June 2021

Purpose: to develop a new method of lavage of the abdominal cavity in the experimental conditions.Materials and methods. In the experiment we use 40 rats Wistar line weighing 160-240 g, kept in a vivarium in compliance with all standards.Research results and their discussion. During relaparotomy, we performed mechanical cleaning of the abdominal cavity from fecal masses, layers of fibrin, the abdominal cavity was washed twice with 100 ml of 0.02% decamethoxine solution at a temperature of 30-35 ° C. After removing the drug residues from the abdominal cavity, we pour 50 ml of Extranil peritoneal dialysis solution at a temperature of370C, the active substance of which is icodextrin, not glucose, ie it is not a nutrient medium for microorganisms, but has antimicrobial action due to hyperosmolarity and increases its adsorption properties.
Morphometric characteristics of latitude parameters of the middle cranial fossa of mature age human depending on extreme type of skull structure
Authors: Chekanova I. V. , Vovk O. Yu. , Malakhov S. S. , Dubina S. O.
Published: June 2021

The study of the structure, shape and size of the skull and its individual structures is in great demand not only from the point of view of expansion of knowledge of craniology, but also modern practical medicine. This is due to the rapid development of new methods for diagnosing pathological processes and the development of less traumatic methods of surgical treatment. The purpose of this study is to establish the size of the transverse parameters of the middle cranial fossa of a mature person depending on the three extreme types of skull. The research was conducted using a study of 50 craniotomograms and 50 bone preparations of the skull of men and women of mature age. The studied material was divided into three groups from the standpoint of studying individual anatomical variability. In order to achieve the goal of the study, the transverse parameters of the middle cranial fossa of mature people at different levels and from both halves were measured. The established indicators of transverse dimensions show that all latitudinal parameters tend to increase from the anterior parts of the middle cranial fossa to the posterior parts. The results of the study also show that the total latitudes and transverse dimensions of the left and right parts of the middle cranial fossa predominate in brachicrans and gradually decrease to dolichocrans with average values in mesocrans. This coincides with the fact that the brachycrane has a short and wide skull shape, the dolichocrane has an elongated and narrow one, and the mesocrane has average skull length and width values. The results of this study significantly supplement the existing information on the individual anatomical variability of the middle cranial fossa of a mature person and also allow more detailed application of these data in practical medicine.
Biometric changes in highly myopic eyes before and after phacoemulsification with intraocular lense implantation
Authors: Zavgorodnia N. G. , Mykhailenko N. V.
Published: June 2021

High short-sightedness is a complicating factor in phacoemulsification cataract affecting the achievement of high visual results. There are no data in the literature that would reflect changes in the biometric parameters of eyes with high myopia after cataract phacoemulsification with intraocular lens implantation. The authors have shown the reliability of this surgical treatment, the absence of complications and a negative effect on the hydrodynamics of the eye. Patients underwent the ophthalmic examination and for patients preparing for phacoemulsification + IOL: A- and B-scanning, endothelial microscopy, optical biometry. In the group of patients with high myopia, regardless of the age, ranged from 3.1 mmto 3.9 mmwith a mean of 3.52 ± 0.34 mm(variation within 10%), while in the group of patients with myopia and concomitant cataract the fluctuations in anterior chamber depth were recorded in the range from 2.6 mmto 4.4 ± 0.1 mmwith average values of 3.14 ± 0.038 mm(variation within 25%). In the dynamics of treatment, a significant reduction in intraocular pressure according to Maklakov by 6.9% was noted in 6 months from baseline (p <0.001) - from 18.6 ± 2.34 to 17.4 ± 1.09 mmHg. Art. At the same time, it should be emphasized that the main effect of reducing intraocular pressure was expected already within 1 month (17.9 ± 1.06 mmHg) after surgery (3.9%, p = 0.006), followed by decrease by 3.1% after 6 months of follow-up (p = 0.008). The research results showed a direct correlation between the endothelial layer density and the anterior chamber depth. Thus, before surgery r = 0.248, and after surgery r = 0.119, i.e. after phacoemulsification with IOL implantation, the density of the endothelial layer depends on changes in the anterior chamber depth (p <0.05). This research has shown that phacoemulsification with IOL implantation is accompanied by positive changes in the size of the mutually located structures of the anterior chamber of the eyeball.
Stretching and injuries in men undertaking running training
Authors: Piekorz Zuzanna , Kwiatkowski Damian , Lewandowski Andrzej
Published: June 2021

Introduction. Physical activity appears in men’s life from the very beginning of their existence, however over last few decades it has become more popular as an amateur sport and recreation. One of the simplest form of physical activity considered as sport is running. Runners very often begin workouts thinking about improving their health but it comes with a risk of getting injured. There are however a lot of factors which can prevent injuries to occur. One of them is doing stretching exercises. The purpose of the study is to validate if stretching exercises can lower the risk of suffering an injury by men beginning a running workouts. In this study it was assumed that doing additional stretching exercises lowers the risk of suffering an injury and is common in people training long-distance running. Materials and Methods.182 men who do running workouts in the city of Bydgoszcz were examined with the use of author’s original questionnaire. It concerned sociodemographic data, running-related issues, stretching and the aspects of sports injuries. Statistics. Ordinal scales were analyzed with nonparametric rank tests, such as the Mann-Withney test, while the nominal scales were tested with nonparametric tests from the Pearson's chi-squared test group. Results. It was found that the largest group of runners are men aged about 32 years, doing running workouts as a part of amateur sport. Of all the subjects, 31% of runners declared the use of additional stretching training. People running with greater frequency and volume, expressed in kilometers, more often decide to undertake stretching exercises. 70% of tested athletes suffered a running-related injury. There was no significant effect of stretching on reducing the risk of injury to runners. Conclusions. Stretching is not very popular among running enthusiasts. Greater running experience and high training loads are factors that make runners decide to use additional stretching exercises more often. The lack of significant differences in the frequency of injuries of competitors using and not undertaking stretching does not allow an unequivocal assessment of its impact on reducing the risk of injury in runners.
Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided cylindrical interstitial laser ablation (CILA) on in vivo porcine pancreas
Authors: Truong Van Gia , Jeong Seok , Park Jin-Seok , Tran Van Nam , Kim Sung Min , Lee Don Haeng , Kang Hyun Wook
Published: June 2021

This study aims to demonstrate the feasibility of cylindrical interstitial laser ablation (CILA) in porcine pancreatic tissue to develop a EUS-guided PC ablation technique with enhanced safety. A diffusing applicator created a uniformly symmetrical laser ablation in pancreatic tissue. Ex vivo tests presented that both ablation thickness and volume increased linearly with the applied power (R2 = 0.96 and 0.90, respectively) without carbonization and fiber degradation. The numerical simulations matched well with the experimental results in terms of temperature development and thermal damage (deviation of ≤ 15%). In vivo tests with EUS confirmed easy insertion and high durability of the diffusing applicator. EUS-guided CILA warranted a feasible therapeutic capacity of ablating in vivo pancreatic tissue. The proposed EUS-guided CILA can be a feasible therapeutic approach to treat PC with predictable thermal ablation and enhanced safety.
Approaches to tuning the exceptional point of PT-symmetric double ridge stripe lasers
Authors: Fu Ting , Wang Yufei , Zhou Xuyan , Du Fangling , Fan Jian , Wang Xueyou , Chen Jingxuan , Qi Aiyi , Zheng Wanhua
Published: June 2021

Electrically injected Parity-time (PT)-symmetric double ridge stripe semiconductor lasers lasing at 980 nm range are designed and measured. The spontaneous PT-symmetric breaking point or exceptional point (EP) of the laser is tuned below or above the lasing threshold by means of varying the coupling constant or the mirror loss. The linewidth of the optical spectrum of the PT-symmetric laser is narrowed, compared with that of traditional single ridge (SR) laser and double ridge (DR) laser. Furthermore, the far field pattern of the PT-symmetric laser with EP below the lasing threshold is compared with that of the PT-symmetric laser with EP above the lasing threshold experimentally. It is found that when the laser start to lase, the former is single-lobed while the latter is double-lobed. when the current continues to increase, the former develops into double lobe directly while the latter first develops into single lobe and then double lobe again.
Multi-path-based quasi-real-time key provisioning in quantum-key-distribution enabled optical networks (QKD-ON)
Authors: Yu Xiaosong , Liu Xiang , Liu Yuhang , Nag Avishek , Zou Xingyu , Zhao Yongli , Zhang Jie
Published: June 2021

With its information-theoretic security, quantum-key-distribution-enabled optical networks (QKD-ON) have become a promising candidate for future optical networks. The concept of quantum key pool (QKP) was introduced to offer an effective strategy for storing quantum keys. However, with the loss on its theoretical security due to storing these keys, balancing the storage of quantum keys and the security requirements of QKD-ONs poses a major challenge in their practical deployments. Hence, in this paper a concept of quasi-real-time key provisioning (QRT-KP) is introduced to address the tradeoff between quantum key storage and the degree of security. To satisfy the practical deployment of QRT-KP and the requirement of high-traffic flow, we propose a multi-path based QRT-KP (MP-QRT-KP) algorithm. Simulation results show that the MP-QRT-KP effectively enhances the performance of QKD-ONs in different scenarios, and it turns out that the algorithm performs better than single-path based QRT-KP (SP-QRT-KP) in terms of the success probability of key-allocation requests and key-resources utilization.
Whispering-gallery mode InGaN microdisks on GaN substrates
Authors: Zi H. , Fu W. Y. , Tabataba-Vakili F. , Kim-Chauveau H. , Frayssinet E. , De Mierry P. , Damilano B. , Duboz J- Y. , Boucaud Ph. , Semond F. , Choi H. W.
Published: June 2021

Microdisks fabricated with III-nitride materials grown on GaN substrates are demonstrated, taking advantage of the high material quality of homoepitaxial films and advanced micro-fabrication processes. The epitaxial structure consists of InGaN/GaN multi-quantum wells (MQWs) sandwiched between AlGaN/GaN and InAlN/GaN superlattices as cladding layers for optical confinement. Due to lattice-matched growth with low dislocations, an internal quantum efficiency of ∼40% is attained, while the sidewalls of the etched 8 µm-diameter microdisks patterned by microsphere lithography are optically smooth to promote the formation of whispering-gallery modes (WGMs) within the circular optical cavities. Optically pumped lasing with low threshold of ∼5.2 mJ/cm2 and quality (Q) factor of ∼3000 at the dominant lasing wavelength of 436.8 nm has been observed. The microdisks also support electroluminescent operation, demonstrating WGMs consistent with the photoluminescence spectra and with finite-difference time-domain (FDTD) simulations.
Efficient diode-pumped Er:YAP master-oscillator power-amplifier system for laser power improvement at 2920 nm
Authors: Yao Weichao , Li Enhao , Uehara Hiyori , Yasuhara Ryo
Published: June 2021

We report on the first demonstration of laser-diode-pumped master-oscillator power-amplifier (MOPA) system based on Er-doped bulk material working at 2920 nm. The relaxation oscillation at the beginning of the laser pulse from the Er:YAlO3 (YAP) oscillator was suppressed effectively when the pump frequency was increased to 140 Hz, as a result of the establishment of a three-level system. In the amplifier, the small signal gain of the Er:YAP strongly depends on pump duration and repetition frequency, and can reach the upper limit of parasitic oscillation. Further, 25.5 mJ of output pulse energy has been achieved from the amplifier at 150 Hz frequency (2.2 ms pump duration), with over 32% of optical-to-optical efficiency. Further improvement of the amplification ability of the MOPA system was discussed.
Transverse mode locking of different frequency-degenerate families based on annular beam pumping
Authors: Zhang Shunqin , Fu Zenan , Lai Linquan , Jia Fuqiang , Qiao Dun , Fan Yuanlong , Li Kang , Copner Nigel
Published: June 2021

Optical vortex arrays have been achieved in an end-pumped

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laser pumped by an annular beam. Spontaneous transverse mode locking of Laguerre–Gaussian modes in different frequency-degenerate families has been obtained by merely adjusting the pump power. A maximum output power of 0.88 W and optical conversion efficiency of 13.6% are achieved for optical vortex arrays. Optical vortex arrays formed in different frequency-degenerate families of Laguerre–Gaussian modes can be actively controlled by the position of the axicon. This work provides a way to research transverse mode locking of Laguerre–Gaussian modes in different frequency-degenerate families based on annular beam pumping.
Comprehensive analysis of lncRNA biomarkers in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma by lncRNA-mediated ceRNA network
Authors: Gong Ke , Xie Ting , Luo Yong , Guo Hui , Chen Jinlan , Tan Zhiping , Yang Yifeng , Xie Li
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) has a high incidence globally, and its pathogenesis remains unclear. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA), as a molecular sponge, participates in the regulation of competitive endogenous RNA (ceRNA). We aimed to construct a ceRNA network and screened out possible lncRNAs to predict KIRC prognosis.

Material and methods

All KIRC data were downloaded from the TCGA database and screened to find the possible target lncRNA; a ceRNA network was designed. Next, GO functional enrichment and KEGG pathway of differentially expressed mRNA related to lncRNA were performed. We used Kaplan-Meier curve analysis to predict the survival of these RNAs. We used Cox regression analysis to construct a model to predict KIRC prognosis.

Results

In the KIRC datasets, 1457 lncRNA, 54 miRNA and 2307 mRNA were screened out. The constructed ceRNA network contained 81 lncRNAs, nine miRNAs, and 17 mRNAs differentially expressed in KIRC. Survival analysis of all differentially expressed RNAs showed that 21 lncRNAs, four miRNAs, and two mRNAs were related to the overall survival rate. Cox regression analysis was performed again, and we found that eight lncRNAs were related to prognosis and used to construct predictive models. Three lnRNAs from independent samples were meaningful.

Conclusion

The construction of ceRNA network was involved in the process and transfer of KIRC, and three lncRNAs may be potential targets for predicting KIRC prognosis.
Bullying experience in urban adolescents: Prevalence and correlations with health-related quality of life and psychological issues
Authors: Ngo Anh Toan , Nguyen Long Hoang , Dang Anh Kim , Hoang Men Thi , Nguyen Trang Huyen Thi , Vu Giang Thu , Do Hoa Thi , Tran Bach Xuan , Latkin Carl A. , Ho Roger C. M. , Ho Cyrus S. H.
Published: June 2021

This study examined the 3-month rate of bullying experience, associated factors, and measure the relationships between bullying experience with health-related quality of life and different mental disorders among secondary school students. We performed a cross-sectional study in four secondary schools in Hanoi, Vietnam. Bullying experience was evaluated by using questions about eighteen specific-bullying behaviors. EuroQol-5 dimensions-5 levels (EQ-5D-5L) and Depression, Anxiety, and Stress Scale– 21 items (DASS-21) were used to measure health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and mental health of participants, respectively. Among 712 secondary school students, the 3-month prevalence of physical, social aggression, verbal, and sexual bullying experience were 8.4%; 31.2%; 11.9%, and 2.7%, respectively. Being bullied were negatively associated with levels of classmates and family support, as well as levels of school security. Being overweight or obese was related to a higher likelihood of suffering social aggression compared to normal BMI. Being bullied was significantly associated with the decrement of HRQOL, and the increased risk of depression, anxiety, and stress among adolescents. Findings of this study suggested that holistic approaches involving family, peers, and schools, along with enhancing school security, are potential approaches to reduce the impact of bullying on adolescents’ life and well-being.
Anxiety and associated factors among Ethiopian health professionals at early stage of COVID-19 pandemic in Ethiopia
Authors: Dagne Henok , Atnafu Asmamaw , Alemu Kassahun , Azale Telake , Yitayih Sewbesew , Dagnew Baye , Maru Alemayehu Abiy , Andualem Zewudu , Mequanent Sisay Malede , Tadesse Demewoz , Hailu Chekol Soliyana , Mengistu Mamo Eyerusalem , Simegn Wudneh
Published: June 2021

Introduction

In late 2019, a new coronavirus disease known as COVID-19 (novel coronavirus disease 2019) was identified. As there is no any drug to treat this pandemic, the healthcare professionals are disproportionately at higher risk. The mental health outcome is expected to be high. Anxiety is expected to have a significant impact on health professionals, especially among those who work without adequate resources for self-protection.

Objectives

The objectives of this research was to assess self-reported anxiety symptoms and associated factors among Ethiopian healthcare professionals in the early stages of the pandemic.

Methods

We have conducted an online cross-sectional study to collect information from healthcare professionals in Ethiopia during the early stage of the outbreak from April 7, 2020 to May 19, 2020. GAD-7 was used for measurement of anxiety. We have used a cut of point of 10 and above to report anxiety symptoms. We have used Google Forms for online data collection and SPSS-22 for analysis. To determine associated factors for anxiety, a binary logistic regression model was used. Variables with p-value < 0.2 during the bivariable binary logistic regression were exported for further analysis in the multivariable binary logistic regression. Finally, variables with p-value <0.05 were considered as significantly associated with the outcomes.

Results

Three hundred and eighty-eight healthcare professionals filled the online questionnaire; Majority (71.1%) were males. Significant number of respondents (78.9%) reported lack of adequate personal protective equipment (PPE) at the work place. The prevalence of anxiety was 26.8%.

Being female (AOR: 1.88; 95% C.I:1.11, 3.19), visiting/treating 30–150 patients per day (AOR: 3.44; 95% C.I:1.51, 7.84), those employed at private healthcare institutions (AOR: 2.40; 95% C.I:1.17, 4.90), who do not believe that COVID-19 is preventable (AOR: 2.04; 95% C.I:1.04, 4.03) and those who reported lack of PPE (AOR: 1.98; 95% C.I:1.04, 3.79) were more likely to be anxious.

Conclusions

The anxiety prevalence among healthcare professionals in Ethiopia during early stage of COVID-19 pandemic was high. This study shows that lack of preventive equipment, being female, contact with many patients, low self-efficacy and working in private health facilities were risk factors for anxiety. Anxiety prevention among health professionals during COVID-19 pandemic requires a holistic approach including provision of sufficient PPE, improving self-efficacy and addressing problems both at public and private institutions and focusing more on female health professionals.
Efficient energy and completion time for dependent task computation offloading algorithm in industry 4.0
Authors: Abdel-Kader Rabab Farouk , El-Sayad Noha Emad , Rizk Rawya Yehia
Published: June 2021

Rapid technological development has revolutionized the industrial sector. Internet of Things (IoT) started to appear in many fields, such as health care and smart cities. A few years later, IoT was supported by industry, leading to what is called Industry 4.0. In this paper, a cloud-assisted fog-networking architecture is implemented in an IoT environment with a three-layer network. An efficient energy and completion time for dependent task computation offloading (ET-DTCO) algorithm is proposed, and it considers two quality-of-service (QoS) parameters: efficient energy and completion time offloading for dependent tasks in Industry 4.0. The proposed solution employs the Firefly algorithm to optimize the process of the selection-offloading computing mode and determine the optimal solution for performing tasks locally or offloaded to a fog or cloud considering the task dependency. Moreover, the proposed algorithm is compared with existing techniques. Simulation results proved that the proposed ET-DTCO algorithm outperforms other offloading algorithms in minimizing energy consumption and completion time while enhancing the overall efficiency of the system.
Tamoxifen resistance alters sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil in a subset of estrogen receptor-positive breast cancer
Authors: Watanabe Takayuki , Oba Takaaki , Tanimoto Keiji , Shibata Tomohiro , Kamijo Shinobu , Ito Ken-ichi
Published: June 2021

Sequential treatment with endocrine or chemotherapy is generally used in the treatment of estrogen receptor (ER)-positive recurrent breast cancer. To date, few studies have investigated the effect of long-term endocrine therapy on the response to subsequent chemotherapy in ER-positive breast cancer. We examined whether a preceding endocrine therapy affects the sensitivity to subsequent chemotherapy in ER-positive breast cancer cells. Three ER-positive breast cancer cell lines (T47D, MCF7, BT474) and tamoxifen-resistant sublines (T47D/T, MCF7/T, BT474/T) were analyzed for sensitivity to 5-fluorouracil, paclitaxel, and doxorubicin. The mRNA levels of factors related to drug sensitivity were analyzed by RT-PCR. MCF7/T cells became more sensitive to 5-fluorouracil than wild-type (wt)-MCF7 cells. In addition, the apoptosis induced by 5-fluorouracil was significantly increased in MCF7/T cells. However, no difference in sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents was observed in T47D/T and BT474/T cells compared with their wt cells. Dihydropyrimidine dehydrogenase (DPYD) mRNA expression was significantly decreased in MCF7/T cells compared with wt-MCF7 cells. The expression of DPYD mRNA was restored with 5-azacytidine treatment in MCF7/T cells. In addition, DPYD 3′-UTR luciferase activity was significantly reduced in MCF7/T cells. These data indicated that the expression of DPYD mRNA was repressed by methylation of the DPYD promoter region and post-transcriptional regulation by miRNA in MCF7/T cells. In the mouse xenograft model, capecitabine significantly reduced the tumor volume in MCF7/T compared with MCF7. The results of this study indicate that endocrine therapy could alter the sensitivity to chemotherapeutic agents in a subset of breast cancers, and 5-fluorouracil may be effective in tamoxifen-resistant breast cancers.
Prioritizing solutions to incorporate Prosthetics and Orthotics services into Iranian health benefits package: Using an analytic hierarchy process
Authors: Shahabi Saeed , Pardhan Shahina , Ahmadi Teymourlouy Ahmad , Skempes Dimitrios , Shahali Shabnam , Mojgani Parviz , Jalali Maryam , Lankarani Kamran Bagheri
Published: June 2021

Introduction

Health benefits package (HBP) is regarded as one of the main dimensions of health financing strategy. Even with increasing demands for prosthetics and orthotics (P&O) services to approximately 0.5% of the world’s population, only 15% of vulnerable groups have the chance to make use of such benefits. Inadequate coverage of P&O services in the HBP is accordingly one of the leading reasons for this situation in many countries, including Iran.

Aims

The main objective of this study was to find and prioritize solutions in order to facilitate and promote P&O services in the Iranian HBP.

Study design

A mixed-methods (qualitative-quantitative) research design was employed in this study.

Methods

This study was conducted in two phases. First, semi-structured interviews were undertaken to retrieve potential solutions. Then an analytic hierarchy process (AHP) reflecting on seven criteria of acceptability, effectiveness, time, cost, feasibility, burden of disease, and fairness was performed to prioritize them.

Results

In total, 26 individuals participated in semi-structured interviews and several policy solutions were proposed. Following the AHP, preventive interventions, infant-specific interventions, inpatient interventions, interventions until 6 years of age, and emergency interventions gained the highest priority to incorporate in the Iranian HBP.

Conclusion

A number of policy solutions were explored and prioritized for P&O services in the Iranian HBP. Our findings provide a framework for decision- and policy-makers in Iran and other countries aiming to curb the financial burdens of P&O users, especially in vulnerable groups.
Improving mandibular reconstruction by using topology optimization, patient specific design and additive manufacturing?—A biomechanical comparison against miniplates on human specimen
Authors: Lang Jan J. , Bastian Mirjam , Foehr Peter , Seebach Michael , Weitz Jochen , von Deimling Constantin , Schwaiger Benedikt J. , Micheler Carina M. , Wilhelm Nikolas J. , Grosse Christian U. , Kesting Marco , Burgkart Rainer
Published: June 2021

In this study, topology optimized, patient specific osteosynthesis plates (TOPOS-implants) are evaluated for the mandibular reconstruction using fibula segments. These shape optimized implants are compared to a standard treatment with miniplates (thickness: 1.0 mm, titanium grade 4) in biomechanical testing using human cadaveric specimen. Mandible and fibula of 21 body donors were used. Geometrical models were created based on automated segmentation of CT-scans of all specimens. All reconstructions, including cutting guides for osteotomy as well as TOPOS-implants, were planned using a custom-made software tool. The TOPOS-implants were produced by electron beam melting (thickness: 1.0 mm, titanium grade 5). The fibula-reconstructed mandibles were tested in static and dynamic testing in a multi-axial test system, which can adapt to the donor anatomy and apply side-specific loads. Static testing was used to confirm mechanical similarity between the reconstruction groups. Force-controlled dynamic testing was performed with a sinusoidal loading between 60 and 240 N (reconstructed side: 30% reduction to consider resected muscles) at 5 Hz for up to 5 · 105 cycles. There was a significant difference between the groups for dynamic testing: All TOPOS-implants stayed intact during all cycles, while miniplate failure occurred after 26.4% of the planned loading (1.32 · 105 ± 1.46 · 105 cycles). Bone fracture occurred in both groups (miniplates: n = 3, TOPOS-implants: n = 2). A correlation between bone failure and cortical bone thickness in mandible angle as well as the number of bicortical screws used was demonstrated. For both groups no screw failure was detected. In conclusion, the topology optimized, patient specific implants showed superior fatigue properties compared to miniplates in mandibular reconstruction. Additionally, the patient specific shape comes with intrinsic guiding properties to support the reconstruction process during surgery. This demonstrates that the combination of additive manufacturing and topology optimization can be beneficial for future maxillofacial surgery.
Responsabilidad en inteligencia artificial: Señoría, mi cliente robot se declara inocente
Authors: Laín Moyano Graziella
Published: June 2021

La trascendencia que ha adquirido la ia no es fruto de la casualidad, sino más bien de la necesidad de acelerar procesos en aras de la, en ocasiones por exceso, tan ansiada eficacia, sin desconocer la eficiencia como argumento a favor de esta que sumar al anterior. Pero los aspectos positivos no deben apabullar y ocultar los reparos que este recurso comporta. Conviene no olvidar qué es lo que subyace detrás de la IA, que no es otra cosa que, pese a quien pese, el ser humano. El algoritmo se retroalimenta y toma decisiones propias, pero no nace de la nada, sino por voluntad de su autor. Todo esto nos aproxima a una necesidad como es el análisis de la responsabilidad de los sistemas de IA.
Sistema Didático Elkonin-Davidov-Repkin
Authors: Damazio Ademir , Cunha André Luiz Araújo , Rosa Josélia Euzébio da
Published: June 2021

O presente dossiê –  Sistema Didático Elkonin-Davydov-Repkin, da Obutchénie:  Revista de  Didática  e  Psicologia  Pedagógica (do  Programa  de  Pós-Graduação  em  Educação  e  do  Grupo  de  Estudos  e  Pesquisas  em  Didática  Desenvolvimental  e  Profissionalização Docente (GEPEDI),  da  Faculdade  de  Educação,  da  Universidade  Federal  de Uberlândia –   objetiva socializar um  conjunto  de estudos  e  pesquisas relativos às contribuições do referido sistema e da teoria do ensino desenvolvimental, formulada, inicialmente, por D. Elkonin, Vasili V. Davydov e um grupo de colaboradores, para o desenvolvimento na educação básica.
Ensino desenvolvimental: uma análise da produção do conhecimento da educação física escolar no Brasil à luz do sistema de Elkonin-Davídov
Authors: Real Márcio Penna Corte , Santos Adnelson Araújo dos
Published: June 2021

Este artigo apresenta a produção científica brasileira, no campo da educação física, que visa a formação do pensamento teórico no ensino escolar, a partir da teoria do ensino desenvolvimental, especificamente, dos estudos de V. V. Davídov. O corpus de análise é consubstanciado por material bibliográfico coletado no portal de periódicos da Coordenação de Aperfeiçoamento de Pessoal de Nível Superior – CAPES; no portal de revistas da Scientific Electronic Library Online – SCIELO; e no banco de teses e dissertações da CAPES. A análise identifica os caminhos da produção científica na perspectiva desenvolvimental, na área da educação física escolar no Brasil. Neste viés, o presente trabalho redunda em contribuições para as reflexões que buscam articular o sistema Elkonin-Davídov com a educação física escolar brasileira.
Educação Física no Ensino Médio: atividade de estudo e possibilidades do desenvolvimento do movimento corporal consciente na adolescência
Authors: Dias Júnior Marcos Jerônimo , Rosa Sandra Valéria Limonta
Published: June 2021

O artigo apresenta a síntese de uma pesquisa que investigou a relação entre ensino, aprendizagem e desenvolvimento na disciplina Educação Física no Ensino Médio. Com base na teoria histórico-cultural do desenvolvimento humano e na teoria do ensino desenvolvimental, as questões norteadoras da investigação realizada são sintetizadas da seguinte forma: Quais as necessidades e quais as contribuições da Educação Física no Ensino Médio para o desenvolvimento dos adolescentes? Como organizar seu ensino de forma a impulsionar o desenvolvimento dos estudantes? O objetivo geral foi analisar o trabalho pedagógico, por meio dos conceitos de luta e capoeira, organizado a partir dos aportes teóricos da periodização histórico-cultural do desenvolvimento humano e da teoria do ensino desenvolvimental, no processo de desenvolvimento dos adolescentes e como ocorre tal desenvolvimento. Além disso, analisar as bases pedagógico-didáticas da teoria do ensino desenvolvimental e as possibilidades desta teoria para a organização da atividade de estudo da Educação Física no Ensino Médio. A metodologia de pesquisa foi a realização de um experimento didático com os conceitos de luta e capoeira, em duas turmas da segunda série do Ensino Médio de uma escola da Rede Estadual de Ensino de Goiás, na cidade de Anápolis. A análise dos resultados do experimento didático formativo confirmou a necessidade e a importância da Educação Física no Ensino Médio no processo geral de desenvolvimento dos estudantes adolescentes, particularmente na formação da gestualidade motora significativa e no desenvolvimento do movimento corporal consciente.