bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Germany’s East Policies: Expert Assessments and Political Prospects
Authors: Devyatkov A. , Makarychev A.
Published: May 2021

The article analyzes the contours of today’s German “Eastern policy” and its interconnection with the Russian-German “strategic partnership”. The authors come to a conclusion, that German “Eastern policy” is embedded not only in the context of (geo)economic interests, but to the same extent in the context of European and Euro-Atlantic solidarity. The format of bilateral “strategic partnership” resolves only a part of Russian foreign policy tasks, without developing multilateral initiatives, which would involve other key actors, like Poland, and would be more productive for realization of Russian interests in Europe.
Polish-German Tandem in Changing Europe
Authors: Ofitserov-Bel'skiy D.
Published: May 2021

The crisis of European integration led to a sharp contradiction of regionalization and consolidation trends in the EU. In these circumstances, there is the deepening of German-Polish partnership in the international arena. Cooperation of two countries is especially effective on the post-Soviet space. For Poland cooperation with Germany gives a chance to improve its status in international policy, because Poland gets involved in discussion of issues that are a prerogative of “the great powers”. The Polish-German tandem demonstrates that changing in contemporary Europe increases the importance of bilateral relationship. These transformations can be a prelude to disintegration, but can also start the formation of new hierarchical relationships in the EU.
TURİZM EĞİTİMİ ALAN ÖĞRENCİLERİN MESLEĞE YÖNELME FAKTÖRLERİ, İSTİHDAM GÖRÜŞLERİ VE KARİYER BEKLENTİLERİNE YÖNELİK BİR ARAŞTIRMA
Authors: ÖZTÜRK Yakup
Published: May 2021

Emek yoğun bir sektör olan turizmde müşteri memnuniyetinin sağlanabilmesi için kalifiye işgücü yetiştirmek ve eğitimli işgücünün istihdamı büyük önem arz etmektedir. Ancak turizm sektöründe yapılan araştırmalar, turizm eğitimi alan öğrencilerin önemli bir kısmının mezuniyetlerinin ardından turizm sektöründe çalışmadıklarına işaret etmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, turizm eğitimi alan öğrencilerin turizm mesleğine yönelme faktörleri ile turizm sektöründeki istihdam ile ilgili görüşleri ve kariyer beklentilerini ortaya koymaktır. Araştırmanın evrenini 2019-2020 akademik yılında, Çankırı Karatekin Üniversitesi Ilgaz Turizm Ve Otelcilik Yüksekokulu ile Meslek Yüksekokulu Turizm ve Otel İşletmeciliği programında kayıtlı öğrenciler oluşturmaktadır. Araştırma sonucuna göre, öğrencilerin turizmde meslek sahibi olmaya yönelme algıları (kendi işini kurma, sosyal olanaklar ve eğitim ve öğretim boyutları) cinsiyet ve daha önce turizm eğitimi alıp almamış olmalarına göre farklılık göstermektedir. Ayrıca katılımcıların turizm sektöründe istihdam algıları (toplumun turizmde istihdam algısı boyutunda) ve kariyer beklentileri kayıtlı oldukları programı tercih değişkenlerine göre farklılaşmaktadır.
Green Polymer-Based Nanocomposites Containing Ceria and Their Use in the Process of Stem Cell Proliferation
Authors: Gofman Iosif V. , Nikolaeva Alexandra L. , Khripunov Albert K. , Ivan’kova Elena M. , Shabunin Anton S. , Yakimansky Alexander V. , Romanov Dmitriy P. , Popov Anton L. , Ermakov Artem M. , Solomevich Sergey O. , Bychkovsky Pavel M. , Baranchikov Alexander E. , Ivanov Vladimir K.
Published: May 2021

A technique of fabrication of bacterial cellulose-based films with CeO2 nanofiller has been developed. The structural and morphological characteristics of the materials have been studied, their thermal and mechanical properties in dry and swollen states having been determined. The preparation methodology gives way to obtaining composites with the uniform distribution of nanoparticles. The catalytic effect of ceria regarding thermal oxidative destruction of cellulose was confirmed by TGA and DTA methods. An increase in CeO2 content leads to a rise in the elastic modulus (1.27-fold rise caused by the introduction of 5 wt.% of the nanofiller into polymer) and strength of the films. This effect is explained by the formation of additional links between polymer macro-chains via the nanoparticles’ surface. The materials fabricated are characterized by a limited swellability in water. Swelling causes a 20-30-fold drop in the stiffness of the material, the mechanical properties of the films in a swollen state remaining germane to their practical use. The application of the composite films in cell engineering as substrates for the stem cells proliferation has been studied. The increase in CeO2 content in the films enhanced the proliferative activity of embryonic mouse stem cells. The cells cultured on the scaffold containing 5 wt.% of ceria demonstrated increased cell survival and migration activity. Analysis of gene expression confirmed the improved cultivation conditions on CeO2-containing scaffolds.
Multispectral Cameras and Machine Learning integrated into Portable Devices as Enabling Technology for Smart Farms
Authors: Helfer Gilson Augusto , Barbosa Jorge Luis Victoria , Alves Douglas , Costa Adilson Ben da , Beko Marko , Leithardt Valderi Reis Quietinho
Published: May 2021

The present work proposed a low-cost portable device as an enabling technology for Smart Farms using multispectral imaging and Machine Learning in soil texture. Clay is an important factor for the verification and monitoring of soil use due to its fast reaction to chemical and surface changes. The system developed uses the analysis of reflectance in wavebands for clay prediction. The selection of each wavelength is performed through an LED lamp panel. A NoIR microcamera controlled by a Raspberry Pi device is employed to acquire the image and unfold it in RGB histograms. Results showed an good prediction performance with R2 of 0.96, RMSEC of 3.66% and RMSECV of 16.87%. The high portability allows the equipment to be used in a field providing strategic information related to soil sciences.
Bidentoquinqueloculina Amaoin. Gen., n. sp., a New Recent Miliolid Foraminifer from the Arabian Gulf
Authors: Kaminski Michael A. , Fiorini Flavia
Published: May 2021

Bidentoquinqueloculina amaoi, a new genus and species from modern sediments of the Arabian Gulf, is described. The new genus differs from Quinqueloculina in the presence of a second tooth on the opposite side of the aperture. The new species appears to be endemic to the Arabian Gulf.
Production of Clone-like Chicken by Primordial Germ Cells Induced From Somatic Cells
Authors: Zhao Ruifeng , Zuo Qisheng , Yuan Xia , Jin Kai , Zhang Yani , Chen Guohong , Li Bichun
Published: May 2021

The chicken primordial germ cell (PGCs) has the unique characteristic of settling in gonad through blood migration, which was the only way to realize the recovery of bird species. However, the PGCs obtained from a single embryo was far from enough to meet the practical application, while somatic cells can be obtained in large quantities. Therefore, the problem of insufficient PGCs can be solved by the induction of somatic cells into PGCs. Here, we successfully transdifferentiate somatic cells into PGCs, which can be transplanted to the recipient to produce offspring. In detail, The CEF of Black-Feathered Langshan Chicken was reprogrammed into iPS by reprogramming factors Oct4, Sox2, Nanog and Lin28, then was induced into PGCs by BMP4/BMP8b/EGF system. The induced PGCs has similar biological characteristics to the primary PGCs, which was transplanted into White Plymouth Rock Chicken, which self-crossed to produce clone-like offspring. It was the the first time to demonstrate the feasibility of avian cloning from somatic cells.
Hotspot DNMT3A mutations in Clonal Hematopoiesis and Acute Myeloid Leukemia sensitize cells to Azacytidine via viral mimicry response
Authors: Scheller Marina , Ludwig Anne Kathrin , Göllner Stefanie , Rohde Christian , Krämer Stephen , Stäble Sina , Janssen Maike , Müller James-Arne , He Lixiazi , Bäumer Nicole , Arnold Christian , Gerß Joachim , Schönung Maximilian , Thiede Christian , Niederwieser Christian , Niederwieser Dietger , Serve Hubert , Berdel Wolfgang E. , Thiem Ulrich , Hemmerling Inga , Leuschner Florian , Plass Christoph , Schlesner Matthias , Zaugg Judith , Milsom Micheal , Trumpp Andreas , Pabst Caroline , Lipka Daniel B. , Müller-Tidow Carsten
Published: May 2021

Somatic mutations in DNA Methyltransferase 3A (DNMT3A) are among the most frequent alterations in clonal hematopoiesis (CH) and Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML), with a hotspot in exon 23 at arginine 882 (DNMT3A-R882). Here we demonstrate that DNMT3A-R882H-dependent CH- and AML cells are specifically susceptible to the hypomethylating agent azacytidine (AZA). Addition of AZA to chemotherapy prolonged AML survival solely in patients with DNMT3A-R882 mutation, suggesting its potential as a novel predictive marker for AZA response. AML and CH mouse models confirmed AZA susceptibility specifically in DNMT3A-R882H-expressing cells. Hematopoietic stem and progenitor cells expressing DNMT3A-R882H exhibited cell-autonomous viral mimicry response as a result of focal DNA hypomethylation at retrotransposon sequences. Administration of AZA boosted hypomethylation of retrotransposons specifically in DNMT3A-R882H expressing cells and maintained elevated levels of canonical interferon-stimulated genes (ISGs), thus leading to suppressed protein translation and increased apoptosis.
Study protocol for a feasibility trial in community pharmacy of a personalised behaviour change intervention to reduce reliever reliance and overuse in individuals with asthma.
Authors: Foot Holly , Beyene Kebede , Horne Rob , Fingleton James , Harrison Jeff , Chan Amy
Published: May 2021

BackgroundIn patients with asthma, over-reliance and overuse of short-acting beta2 agonist (SABA) is common and associated with increased morbidity and mortality. Patient beliefs are a key driver of inappropriate reliever use. A recently developed, brief, online intervention has been shown to identify and shift patient beliefs that drive inappropriate reliever use. Whether this intervention works to shift beliefs in individuals with asthma when delivered by community pharmacists is unknown. ObjectiveTo investigate the feasibility and acceptability of a brief community pharmacist-delivered behavior change intervention, and its effect on beliefs about SABA and SABA use in patients with asthma. MethodsThis is a non-randomised, before- and after- study of 120 individuals aged 18 years and older, prescribed a SABA for their asthma symptoms, presenting to one of two enrolled community pharmacies in Auckland, New Zealand. At enrolment, all participants will complete the SABA Reliance Questionnaire (SRQ), Asthma Control Test and 5-item Medication Adherence Report Scale via an online survey platform. Control participants will receive usual asthma care from their community pharmacy. Intervention participants will receive the intervention to shift any misplaced beliefs about SABA, comprising the SRQ to identify individual beliefs about SABA, then personalized information and discussion between pharmacist and patient based on the specific responses to the questionnaires. Those on SABA monotherapy and/or are at risk of SABA overuse will be referred to the general practitioner. Effect on beliefs about SABA and actual SABA use will be assessed by the SRQ and dispensing records, respectively. Feasibility will be evaluated through participant recruitment and retention rates, intervention fidelity, appropriateness and procedures of outcome measures pre- and post-intervention, and acceptability by obtaining feedback from participants (both patients and pharmacists) on the intervention.
A detailed and radioisotope-free protocol for electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA)
Authors: NGUYEN NGUYEN HOAI
Published: May 2021

To comprehensively characterize the functions of a transcription factor (TF), it is required to analyze the interaction of this TF with its targeted loci. Several methods such as β-glucuronidase (GUS) or luciferase reporter, yeast one-hybrid (Y1H), chromatin-immunoprecipitation (ChIP), and electrophoretic mobility shift assay (EMSA) assays have been developed. Of these, EMSA is an in vitro method which can prove the direct interaction between TF and targeted DNA fragment. This protocol is to provide a detailed procedure for a safe EMSA assay (without using any radioisotope).
Machine learning of serum metabolic patterns encodes early-stage lung adenocarcinoma
Authors: Huang Lin , Qian Kun
Published: May 2021

Early cancer detection greatly increases the chances for successful treatment, but available diagnostics for some tumours, including lung adenocarcinoma (LA), are limited. An ideal early-stage diagnosis of LA for large-scale clinical use must address quick detection, low invasiveness, and high performance. Here, we conduct machine learning of serum metabolic patterns to detect early-stage LA. We extract direct metabolic patterns by the optimized ferric particle-assisted laser desorption/ionization mass spectrometry within 1 second using only 50 nL of serum. We define a metabolic range of 100-400 Da with 143 m/z features. We diagnose early-stage LA with sensitivity~70-90% and specificity~90-93% through the sparse regression machine learning of patterns. We identify a biomarker panel of seven metabolites and relevant pathways to distinguish early-stage LA from controls (p < 0.05). Our approach advances the design of metabolic analysis for early cancer detection and holds promise as an efficient test for low-cost rollout to clinics.
Application of machine learning for acoustic emissions waveform to classify galling wear on sheet metal stamping tools
Authors: Griffin James Marcus , Shanbhag Vignesh. V. , Pereira Michael. P. , Rolfe Bernard. F.
Published: May 2021

Galling wear in sheet metal stamping processes can degrade the product quality and adversely affect mass production. Studies have shown that acoustic emission sensors can be used to measure galling. In the literature, attempts have been made to correlate the acoustic emission features and galling wear in the sheet metal stamping process. However, there is very little attempt made to implement machine learning techniques to detect acoustic emission features that can classify non-galling and galling wear as well as provide additional wear-state information in the form of strong visualisations. In the first part of the paper time domain and frequency domain analysis are used to determine the acoustic emission features that can be used for unsupervised classification. Due to galling wear progression on the stamping tools, the behaviour of acoustic emission waveform changes from stationary to a non-stationary state. The initial change in acoustic emission waveform behaviour due to galling wear initiation is very difficult to observe due to the ratio of change against the large data size of the waveform. Therefore, a time-frequency technique “Hilbert Huang Transform” is applied to the acoustic emission waveform as that is sensitive to change of wear state, and is used for the classification of ‘non galling’ and the ‘transition of galling’. Also, the unsupervised learning algorithm fuzzy clustering is used as comparison against the supervised learning techniques. Despite not knowing a priori the wear state labels, fuzzy clustering is able to define three relatively accurate distinct classes: “unworn”, “transition to galling”, and “severe galling”. In the second part of the paper, the acoustic emission features are used as an input to the supervised machine learning algorithms to classify acoustic emission features related to non-galling and galling wear. An accuracy of 96% was observed for the prediction of non-galling and galling wear using Classification, Regression Tree (CART) and Neural Network techniques. In the last part, a reduced Short Time Fourier Transform of top 10 absolute maximum component acoustic emission feature sets that correlates to wear measurement data “profile depth” is used to train and test supervised Neural Network and CART algorithms. The algorithms predicted the profile depth of 530 unseen parts (530 unseen cases), which did not have any associated labelled depth data. This shows the power of using machine learning techniques that can use a small data training set to provide additional predicted wear-state on a much larger data set. Furthermore, the machine learning techniques presented in this paper can be used further to develop a real-time measurement system to detect the transition of galling wear from measured acoustic emission features.
Severity: A QoS-aware approach to cloud application elasticity
Authors: Tsagkaropoulos Andreas , Verginadis Yiannis , Papageorgiou Nikos , Paraskevopoulos Fotis , Apostolou Dimitris , Mentzas Gregoris
Published: May 2021

While a multitude of cloud vendors exist today offering flexible application hosting services, the application adaptation capabilities provided in terms of autoscaling are rather limited. In most cases, a static adaptation action is used having a fixed scaling response. In the cases that a dynamic adaptation action is provided, this is based on a single scaling variable. We propose Severity, a novel algorithmic approach aiding the adaptation of cloud applications. Based on the input of the DevOps, our approach detects situations, calculates their Severity and proposes adaptations which can lead to better application performance. Severity can be calculated for any number of application QoS attributes and any type of such attributes, whether bounded or unbounded. Evaluation with four distinct workload types and a variety of monitoring attributes shows that QoS for particular application categories is improved. The efficacy of our approach is demonstrated with a prototype implementation of an application adaptation manager, for which the source code is provided.
Comparative Analyses of 35 Complete Chloroplast Genomes from the Genus Dalbergia (Fabacaeae) and the Identification of DNA Barcodes for Tracking Illegal Logging and Counterfeit Rosewood
Authors: Hong Zhou , Peng Dan , He Wenchuang , Zhang Ningnan , Yang Zengjiang , Tembrock Luke R , Wu Zhiqiang , Liao Xuezhu , Xu Daping
Published: May 2021

The genus Dalbergia contains more than 120 species several of which are trees that produce traditional medicines and extremely high value timber commonly referred to as rosewood. Due to the rarity of these species in the wild, the high value of the timber, and a growing international illicit trade CITES has listed the entire genus in appendix II and the species D. nigra in appendix I because it is considered threatened with extinction. Given this and the fact that species or even genus level determination is nearly impossible from cut timber alternative molecular methods are needed to identify and track intercepted rosewood. In order to improve molecular identification of rosewood, we sequenced and assembled eight chloroplast genomes including D. nigra as well as conducted comparative analyses with all other available chloroplast genomes in Dalbergia and closely related lineages. From these analyses numerous repeats including simple sequence repeats (SSR) and conserved nucleotide polymorphisms unique to subclades within the genus were detected. From phylogenetic analysis using the CDS of 77 coding genes the groups Siam rosewood and scented rosewood based mainly on wood characteristics were supported as monophyletic. In addition, several instances of paraphyly and polyphyly resulting from mismatch between taxonomic determinations and phylogenetic tree topology were identified. Ultimately, the highly variable regions in the chloroplast genomes will provide useful plastid markers for further studies regarding the identification, phylogeny, and population genetics of Dalbergia species including those frequently intercepted in illegal trade.
Specifics of Determination of Human Biological Age by Blood Samples Using Epigenetic Markers
Authors: Kipen Viachaslau , Bahdanava Maryna , Burakova Aryna , Dobysh Olga , Zotova Olga , Bulgak Aleksandr , Lemesh Valentina
Published: May 2021

Our research focused on the selection of already known markers, as well as the search for other infonormative markers based on data made publicly available on the GEO NCBI platform (genome-wide DNA methylation projects using the Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip (Illumina ©)). The main objective of the study was to demonstrate that the accuracy of determining the biological age of a person in the presence of chronic diseases using linear-dependent methylation markers is comparable to the accuracy of determining the biological age of a healthy person. Criminologists, as a rule, do not have information about the chronic diseases of a person who has left a biological trace at the scene (blood, for example). However, the lack of this information, as we have shown for a some of diseases, does not play a critical role in the precise determination of biological age. Additionally, an obstacle was removed when transferring the information content of markers from Infinium Human Methylation 450K BeadChip chips to SNaPshot technology. The analysis was carried out on a sample of 236 Belarusians, for whom the methylation profile for 7 Cpg markers is presented. It is shown that the information content of markers is preserved Our analysis shows the possibility of creating the universal test system for predicting biological age according to marker methylation. The system can be used in the work of the most criminalist in the world with the same task.
A Self-Efficacy-Enhancing Intervention for Chinese Patients after Total Hip Arthroplasty: Study Protocol for A Randomized Controlled Trial with 6-Month Follow-Up
Authors: Deng Bo , Chen Yu mei , Zhang Mei fen , Meng Ya , Zhang Yi heng , Tan Xing xian , Zhou Xiao hong
Published: May 2021

Background: Total hip arthroplasty (THA) is a common and effective surgical method for advanced hip arthritis. Rehabilitation exercises are important to improve joint function after THA and are usually conducted in a home-based program. Poor patient adherence limits improvements in pain and function, affecting quality of life. The increasing use of THA in the aging Chinese population underscores the need to develop strategies that maximize functional outcomes. The purpose of this pilot study is to develop and assess the feasibility of a self-efficacy-enhancing intervention (SEEI) to improve exercise adherence in patients undergoing THA. Methods: This single-blinded, parallel, randomized control trial will recruit 150 patients after THA and randomly assign them to an intervention or control group using computer-generated block randomization. The control group will receive usual care using evidence-based guidelines. The intervention group will receive the 6-month SEEI comprising personalized exercise guidance and self-efficacy education delivered using one face-to-face education session and four telephone consultations, supplemented by written materials. Participants are encouraged to build confidence in their own abilities, set rehabilitation goals, and self-monitor their physical exercise. Results: Assessments will be conducted at baseline, and 1, 3, and 6 months postsurgery. The outcome indicators are exercise adherence, physical function, anxiety and depression, self-efficacy of rehabilitation, joint function, and quality of life.Conclusions: This study will test a theory-based intervention program to improve self-efficacy in rehabilitation, which may significantly impact out-of-hospital rehabilitation. The results will provide evidence to inform the postoperative recovery of patients undergoing THA or similar procedures.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trials Registry (ChiCTR2000029422), registered 31 January 2020.
A New Classification of Talocalcaneal Coalitions Based On Computed Tomography For Operative Planning
Authors: Wang Anhong , Shi Weili , Chen Linxin , Xie Xing , Zhao Feng , Pi Yanbin , Jiao Chen , Hu Yuelin , Jiang Dong , Guo Qinwei
Published: May 2021

Background Current classifications emphasize the morphology of the coalition, however, subtalar joint facets involved should also be emphasized.Objective The objective of this study was to develop a new classification system based on the articular facets involved to cover all coalitions and guide operative planning.Methods Patients were diagnosed with talocalcaneal coalition using a CT scan, between January 2009 and February 2021. We classified the coalition into four main types according to the shape and nature of the coalition: I, inferiorly overgrown talus or superiorly overgrown calcaneus; II, both talus and calcaneus overgrew; III, coalition with an accessory ossicle; (I-III types are non-osseous coalition) IV, complete osseous coalition. Then each type was further divided into three subtypes according to the articular facets involved. A, the coalition involving the anterior facets; M, the coalition involving the middle facets, and P, the coalition involving the posterior facets.Results There were 106 patients (108 feet) included in this study. Overall, 8 feet (7.5%) were classified as type I, 75 feet (69.4%) as type II, 7 feet (6.5%) as type III, and 18 feet (16.7%) as type IV. Twenty-nine coalitions (26.9%) involved the posterior facets only (subtype-P), 74 coalitions (68.5%) involved both the middle and posterior facets (subtype-MP), and five coalitions (4.6%) simultaneously involved the anterior, middle, and posterior facets (subtype-AMP). Type II-MP coalition was the most common.Conclusion A new classification system of the talocalcaneal coalition to facilitate operative planning was developed.
Lag Between COVID-19 Cases And Subsequent Deaths
Authors: Donovan Sara , Brett-Major David , Lawler James V.
Published: May 2021

Background: Observed COVID-19 cases and deaths are frequently used as independent factors to justify the use or de-escalation of non-pharmaceutical interventions. To investigate and describe the temporal relationship between changes in epidemic curves for COVID-19 cases and deaths, a longitudinal analysis of these metrics was performed for 16 states in the United States and three countries.Results: The analysis performed demonstrates a considerable, consistent lag between a surge in COVID-19 cases and the subsequent rise in attributable deaths, with approximately a month-long lag observed.Conclusions: The time lag identified must be incorporated in health emergency decision making in order to avoid the pre-mature de-escalation of disease mitigation measures.
WITHDRAWN: Role of Growth Factors & Neurophysiological Markers In Evaluation of Neuroplasticity Using 1Hz rTMS With Physical Therapy In Ischemic Stroke: A Double Blind, Parallel Group, Sham Controlled Randomized Trial
Authors: Sharma Hina , Kumar Nand , Vishnubhatla Sreenivas , MR Rajeswari , Srivast M.V. Padma
Published: May 2021

Background: The therapeutic benefits of repetitive trans cranial magnetic stimulation along with physical therapy to study the neuroplasticity and neurogenesis in ischemic stroke patients has not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study is to determine the neuroplasticity using serum growth factors as a surrogate marker, using 1Hz rTMS with conventional physiotherapy in patients with sub acute ischemic stroke.Methods: In this study, participants with first ever ischemic stroke (N = 96), onset within 15 days were randomized after a run-in period of 75 ± 7 days along with standard physical therapy to receive 10 sessions of real 1Hz rTMS (N = 47) on contralesional premotor cortex or to sham stimulation (N = 49) for 2 weeks. Participants, investigators and outcome assessors were blinded. The primary efficacy outcome was change in the level of peripheral serum growth factors VEGF & BDNF at third month. The secondary outcome was measurement of neurophysiological parameters and their correlation with growth factors levels.Results: Modified intention to treat analysis showed significant up regulation in the mean level of serum VEGF & BDNF from pre to post rTMS in Real rTMS Group. Trend of decrease in Resting Motor Threshold and increase in Motor Evoked Potential in the affected hand was seen. Statistically significant negative correlation between motor evoked potential and mean VEGF (rho = -1.000, P<0.001) in the affected hand in Real rTMS Group was seen.Conclusion: Total ten sessions of 1Hz rTMS plus physical therapy on contralateral hemisphere resulted in up regulation of serum growth factors possible reflecting improved neuroplasticity. Trial funded by Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR), India, CTRI/2016/02/006620. Retrospectively registered. Note: As this is not a regulatory trial, therefore under Indian regulatory authorities, ICMR, any trial registered before 1st April 2018 was registered as retrospective study. Ethics committee approval for this study was taken in 2012.
Comparison Between Healthcare Professionals And The General Population On Parameters Related To Natural Remedies Used During The COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Alotiby Amna Abdullah , Alshareef Maram Hashim
Published: May 2021

Introduction: Herbal medicine is a common method for symptom relief and treatment because of its ample availability and lack of regulation on its prescription. However, herbal use is associated with adverse effects, drug interaction, and sometimes life-threatening complications. During the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic, people shifted toward herbs when modern medical field failed to discover a treatment or immunization early in the course of the disease. Based on expert consensus, herbal medicine was recommended in Eastern countries, although trials were still ongoing. Methods: A descriptive web-based anonymous survey was created and distributed online all-over Saudi Arabia to gather information on commonly used herbs, knowledge, and attitude towards them among general population (GP) and health care workers (HCWs).Results: Although natural product use was high among GPs, both groups used similar herbs, reflecting cultural tradition and beliefs. However, GPs show better knowledge and attitude about herbal medicine than HCWs. Conclusion: Mental exhaustion during the COVID-19 pandemic and a lack of medicine-based evidence might influence HCW’s trust and knowledge on herbal medicine. Therefore, research and educational courses on herbal medicine for all medical practitioners are needed for proper counseling, thereby reducing risk and ensuring patient safety.
Characterization Of Microstructure And Selected Properties of SnSbCu Alloy After FSP
Authors: Hrabia-Wiśnios Joanna , Leszczyńska-Madej Beata , Madej Marcin , Węglowska Aleksandra
Published: May 2021

The paper presents the results of research on the microstructure and selected mechanical properties of the SnSbCu bearing alloy after friction stir processing (FSP). The Whorl tool was used for modification; the process was carried out using two rotational speeds of the tool: 280 and 450 RPM and a constant linear speed of 355 mm/min. Microstructure studies were performed employing the techniques of light microscopy and scanning electron microscopy along with analysis of the chemical composition of micro-areas. Additionally, the phase composition was investigated by means of the X-ray diffraction method and statistical analysis of the precipitates present in the investigated alloy. In addition, hardness, flexural strength and uniaxial compression tests were performed before and after FSP modification. It was proved that using FSP to modify the SnSbCu alloy promotes refinement and homogenization of the microstructure, as well as improvement of the flexural strength, whereas no changes in the hardness level were found.
Analytical, FEA, And Experimental Research of 2D-Vibration Assisted Cutting ( 2D-VAC) In Titanium Alloy Ti6Al4V
Authors: Kurniawan Rendi , Ahmed Farooq , Park Gun Chul , Ko Tae Jo
Published: May 2021

In the 2D-Vibration Assisted Cutting (2D-VAC) method, the cutting tool shakes in a 2-dimensional approach because of superimposed high-frequency modulation. This high-frequency modulation effect creates a displacement at a tiny scale of micrometers and causes an escalation in the resultant cutting speed. Consequently, 2D-VAC has superior advantages compared to traditional cutting (TC). This manuscript describes research on 2D-VAC that focuses on modeling cutting forces (mathematical model) and finite element analysis (FEA) results. The FEA results are focused on the von Mises stress, plastic strain, cutting force, cutting temperature, and residual stress. In addition, an experiment for the chip formation, micro-structure layer, and micro-hardness was also analyzed in this study. According to the modeling results, the cutting force has a comparable pattern to the FEA results. The stress contour result confirms that the 2D-VAC method has lower stress than that in the TC method during tool retraction mode. Additionally, the plastic strain in the 2D-VAC method can be higher than that in the TC method. According to the temperature results, the peak temperature in the 2D-VAC could be higher than that in the TC method. The residual stress shows that there is a compressive effect. Thus, the compressive stress is higher than that in the TC method. Micro-hardness results confirmed that there is not too much change from the original surface in the 2D-VAC method. The result of micro-structure morphology also confirmed that there is a significant shear deformation flow in case of the TC method, although less occurs in the 2D-VAC method.
Application and Validation of a Biotic Ligand Model for Calculating Acute Toxicity of Lead to Moina Dubia in Lakes of Hanoi, Vietnam
Authors: Pham Hong Thi , Vu Long Duc , Le Ngoc Chi , Hoang Thu-Huong Thi
Published: May 2021

It is increasingly being recognized that biotic ligand models (BLMs) are valuable in the risk assessment of metals in aquatic systems. The authors investigated the effect of pH, Ca, Mg, K, Na on the acute toxicity of Pb to Moina dubia, native zooplankton in lakes of Hanoi, Vietnam. Calcium, Magnesium and pH strongly influenced acute Pb toxicity to Moina dubia. Based on this data set, a acute Pb-BLM for Moina dubia was developed according to condition of Hanoi lakes. The developed BLM was shown, in an independent validation with data on acute toxicity test on natural water sets, to be capable of predicting chronic Pb toxicity with 81.3% accuracy. The results proved that BLM can be useful tool for calculating the acute toxicity based on water-quality criteria in lake of Hanoi.
Prediction of Hemodynamic Tolerance of Intermittent Hemodialysis in Critically Ill Patients: A Cohort Study
Authors: Passos Rogerio da Hora , Caldas Juliana , Ramos Joao Gabriel , de Melo Erica , Silveira Marcelo Augusto Duarte , Batista Paulo Benigno
Published: May 2021

Background: The evaluation and management of fluid balance are key challenges when caring for critically ill patients requiring renal replacement therapy (RRT). The aim of this study was to assess the ability of clinical judgment and other variables to predict the occurrence of hypotension during intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) in critically ill patients.Methods: This was a prospective, observational, single-center study involving critically ill patients undergoing IHD. The clinical judgment of hypervolemia was determined by the managing nephrologists and critical care physicians in charge of the patients on the basis of the clinical data used to calculate the ultrafiltration volume and rate for each dialysis treatment.Results: Seventy-nine (31.9%) patients presented with hypotension during IHD. Patients were perceived as being hypervolemic in 109 (43.9%) of the cases by nephrologists and in 107 (43.1%) by intensivists. The agreement between nephrologists and intensivists was weak (kappa =0.561). Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis yielded an AUC of 0.81 (95% CI 0.75 to 0.84; P < 0.0001), and a cutoff value of 70 mm for the vascular pedicle width (VPW) had the highest accuracy for the prediction of the absence of hypotension.Conclusions: The clinical judgment of hypervolemia did not predict hypotension during IHD. The high predictive ability of the VPW may assist clinicians with critical thinking.
Evaluation of Online Medical Education During COVID-19 Pandemic in Shanghai：A Prospective Study
Authors: Song Yaxiang , Wang Shu , Liu Yixian , Liu Xinying , Peng Ai
Published: May 2021

Background: The global popularity of COVID-19 has led China’s universities to conduct online teaching. However, the real feedback from medical teachers and students regarding online education is unclear. The purpose of this study was to investigate the characteristics and effectiveness of online teaching among teachers and students in Medical School of Tongji University during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: A prospective survey was conducted to investigate the current status on online education among teachers and students in Medical School of Tongji University. Results: 1) 488 valid questionnaires were collected from 223 males (45.7%) and 265 females (54.3%), including 394 students (80.7%) and 94 teachers (19.3%). 2) Although students thought that too much learning tasks were assigned in the mode of online teaching, most of teachers and students endorse this teaching mode. 3) Male students had better performance than female students in online class. 4) Compared with male teachers, female teachers had less experience on online educational course recording and teaching training. They had more difficulty in adapting to online education. There was no significant difference in the acceptance of online teaching among teachers in different age groups Conclusions: 1) Most teachers and students supported and satisfied with the implement of online education during the epidemic pandemic. Although teachers were less adaptable to online education than students, they still had the positive opinions. 2) Gender influenced the acceptance of online teaching. Male teachers and students showed better adaptability than female counterpart. 3) Though online teaching had advantages, it still cannot completely replace traditional offline teaching.
The Predictive Role of Platelet-to-Lymphocyte Ratio and Systemic Immune-Inflammation Index in Young and Middle-Aged Patients with Tibial Plateau Fractures
Authors: Song Qingcheng , Hu Hongzhi , Deng Xiangtian , Xing Xin , Chen Wei , Zhang Yingze
Published: May 2021

Background

There is suggestive evidence that the platelet-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR) and systemic immune-inflammation index (SII) are related to the severity of fracture. The purpose of this study was to investigate the role of PLR and SII in predicting fracture severity in young and middle-aged patients with tibial plateau fractures (TPFs).
Methods

The retrospective cohort study involving 229 isolated TPFs was performed between January 2015 and December 2019. Medical records of hospitalized patients were extracted from the electronic case system. Three experienced orthopedic surgeons classified the imaging data according to the Schatzker classification. All the patients were divided into two groups: group1 consisted of fractures of mild to moderate severity (Schatzker types I-IV), and group2 consisted of fractures of severe severity (Schatzker types V-VI). Platelet, neutrophil, and lymphocyte values at admission were obtained. The PLR = platelet/lymphocyte counts and the SII = platelet × neutrophil/lymphocyte counts were noted. Patients in groups 1 and 2 were statistically compared in terms of PLR and SII value on hospital admission.
Results

There were significant differences in the blood PLR, SII, Na+ and K+ levels, and neutrophil count between the two groups. According to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, the cut-off of PLR and SII were 157.9 and 923.9, respectively. Our results showed that high PLR and SII were remarkably associated with the severity of TPFs. The sensitivity was 60% and the specificity was 86.9% when using the PLR ≥ 157.9 to predict the severity of the TPFs whereas the sensitivity was 63.3% and the specificity was 74.4% to predict the severity of TPFs at SII ≥ 923.9. In the multivariate analyses, the high preoperative PLR and SII were identified as independent predictors of severe TPFs.
Conclusions

The PLR and SII are simple and economical biomarkers that can be calculated from routine blood tests and can be used to predict the severity of tibial plateau fractures.
Intranasal Delivery of Human Wharton’s Jelly-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells Alleviates Memory Deficits In Sporadic Alzheimer’s Rat Models By Regulating Neurotrophic and Apoptotic Genes
Authors: Eslami Ebrahim , Hour Farshid Qiyami , Sadr Marjan , Ajdary Marziyeh , Shabani Ronak , Mehdizadeh Mehdi
Published: May 2021

Alzheimer's disease (AD) is the most common cause of dementia in adulthood, followed by cognitive and behavioral deficits. Today, mesenchymal stem cell (MSC)-based therapy is a suitable therapeutic option to improve regenerative medicine approaches against neurodegenerative disorders, including AD. This study aimed to investigate the effects of human Wharton’s jelly-derived MSCs (WJ-MSCs) on Alzheimer's rat models by evaluating the expression of neurotrophic factors involved in neurodegenerative diseases, such as brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) and nerve growth factor (NGF), as well as the expression of apoptotic factors, such as B-cell lymphoma 2 (BCL2, an apoptosis inhibitor), BCL2-associated X protein (BAX, an apoptosis initiator), and caspase 3 (an apoptosis executioner). The AD rat modeling was performed by intrahippocampal injection of 8 µg/kg of amyloid β1-42 (Aβ1-42). The animals were divided into three groups of eight rats each: I) control; II) AD model; and III) MSC-treated model. Behavioral tests (i.e., passive avoidance and Morris water maze tests) showed cognitive improvements. Also, amelioration of cells in the CA1 area of the hippocampus was detected by cresyl violet (Nissl) staining. Besides, real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) of the hippocampus indicated an increase in BDNF and NGF genes and a decrease in apoptosis-related genes (BCL2, BAX, and caspase 3). Overall, the WJ-MSCs improved the cognitive function in AD rat models by increasing neurotrophic factors and decreasing apoptotic factors.
WITHDRAWN: Discovery of Potential Compounds Against SARS-COV-2 Based on 3clpro/Rdrp Dual-Target an in Silico Approach
Authors: Li Jiaojiao , Zhu Lin , Qin Zheng , Li Zhengfu , Gao Xun , Shen Jinyang
Published: May 2021

Currently, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2(SARS-CoV-2) lacks clinically specific drugs. In this study, the new coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 3-chymotrypsin-like protease(3CLpro)and RNA-dependent RNA polymerase(RdRp)were used as targets for virtual screening. After analysis of molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulation results, ZINC04259665,ZINC12659533 and ZINC70705490 have good docking scores,and they are stable in combination with 3CLpro/RdRp. The prediction of drug-like properties found that ZINC04259665 has good druggability and has the potential to further explore its anti-SARS-CoV-2.
The Effects of Hydrogen-Rich Water on Skin Wound Healing in Dogs
Authors: Qi Dong-Dong , Wang Ting , Hayat Muhammad Abid , Liu Tao , Zhang JianTao
Published: May 2021

Background: Hydrogen-rich water (HRW) has been shown to be one of underlying therapeutic strategies regarding wound treatments. This study explored the effects of drinking HRW on skin wound healing in dogs. Eight circular wounds were analyzed in each dog. The experimental group was treated with HRW twice daily, while the control group was provided with distilled water (DW). The wound tissues of dogs examined histopathologically. The fibroblasts, inflammatory cell infiltration, the average number of new blood vessels, and the level of malondialdehyde (MDA) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity in the skin homogenate of the wound was measured using the corresponding kits. The expression of Nrf-2, HO-1, NQO-1, VEGF, and PDGF were measured by real-time fluorescence quantitative method. Results: We observed that HRW wound had significant average healing rate and faster average healing time. Histopathological results showed that the average number of blood vessels and the average thickness of epidermis were significantly different from the DW group. The MDA levels were higher in the DW group than in the HRW group but the SOD levels were higher in the HRW group than in the DW group. The results of qRT-PCR showed that the expression of each gene was significantly different between the two groups. Conclusions: The results showed that HRW treatment could promote skin wound healing in dogs, accelerate wound epithelization, reduce inflammatory reaction, stimulate the expression of cytokines related to wound healing, and shorten wound healing time.
Synthesis of Policies Applied in the Fight Against Malaria in two African Countries at different Stages of Intervention (Model of Burkina Faso and Model of Senegal) using Data from Surveys and Literature
Authors: BIKUNDI Elvire MFUENI , ROBERT Annie , BOULAND Catherine , AKOTIONGA Edouard , SOUGOU MAREME Ndèye , COPPIETERS Yves
Published: May 2021

Background: Malaria is a global public health problem with many cases each year (228 million cases in 2018 with 405,000 deaths). Most malaria cases occur in Africa. Methods: Data used for analysis are from Demographics and Health Surveys (DHS) 2017-2018 for Burkina Faso and DHS 2017 for Senegal. We added information from a synthesis of literature. Linear regression models were performed with an estimation of the mean number of persons using ITNs among groups (urban or rural areas, wealth level, highest education level in the household and age of household head) in each country. We evaluated the importance of co-factors in the relationship between the number of ITNs (insecticide-treated nets) in a household and the number of household members by calculating the R-squared. A criteria grid used for this synthesis of literature included eight important sub-groups: funding sources, entomological monitoring, use of ITNs, use of insecticide, malaria case management, health system organization, communication and surveillance. Results: Senegal and Burkina Faso have the same proportion (51%) of households in which all children under 5 sleep under ITNs. We found R-squared (R2=0.007 in Burkina Faso and R2=0.16 in Senegal) for the relationship between the number of ITNs in a household and household size. When wealth level, age of head of household, area of residence (rural or urban), highest education level in the household and number of bedrooms in the household were controlled for, we found R2=0.106 for Burkina Faso and R2=0.167 for Senegal. We found that Senegal’s national malaria program is decentralized with entomological monitoring in all districts, which is normal considering the intervention stage in the fight against malaria. In Burkina Faso, we found centralization of routine data.Conclusion: Our study synthesized the health policies applied in African countries which are at different stages of intervention in the fight against malaria and which have succeeded in maintaining low malaria prevalence (in Senegal) or in rapidly decreasing the prevalence of the disease (in Burkina Faso). Being close to elimination, Senegal required more active malaria surveillance than passive surveillance. Burkina Faso did not require a lot of active surveillance being not close to malaria elimination. These results merit a review in the context of each African country.