bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Managing Professional Promotion Mechanism for Rural Teachers at the Pre-service Stage
Authors: Chi Yang , Hong Xu
Published: July 2021

Rural teachers' pre-service stage professional promotion mechanism refers to a series of rule-based systems of incentives, constraints and guarantees implemented to promote rural teachers' professional growth before they enter into the profession. At present, although the pre-service stage professional promotion mechanism of rural teachers in China has various forms and fruitful contents, the effectiveness of its implementation is very limited. This paper argues that the enrolment mechanism of orientation and priority for rural children, the training mechanism of public funding and contract flexibility, and competition for entry into the countryside, with the compilation of the post, are the current effective mechanisms to promote the professional growth of rural teachers at the pre-service stage.
Анализ динамики эпидемического процесса COVID-19 в мире за неделю с 24.07.2021 г. по 30.07.2021 г.
Authors: Поспелов Михаил , Иванова Александра , Дмитриева Людмила , Зимирова Анастасия , Чумачкова Елена , Сафронов Валентин , Карнаухов Игорь , Щербакова Светлана , Кутырев Владимир
Published: July 2021

В обзоре представлен анализ эпидемиологической ситуации в странах мира по COVID-19, за неделю с 24.07.2021 г. по 30.07.2021 г.
Acute Thoracic Outlet Syndrome Associated with Congenital Pseudarthrosis of the First Rib
Authors: Gibson T. Whitney , Carson Lisa
Published: July 2021

Case:

A 15-year-old right-hand-dominant adolescent girl presented with a nondisplaced first rib fracture and evidence of mesoacromion. She reported radiating numbness, pain, temperature change, and paresthesia in her left arm. An MRI revealed a first rib fracture along with brachial plexus and scalene musculature inflammation. Follow-up radiographs demonstrated bilateral rib anomalies during routine comparison views.

Conclusion:

Congenital pseudarthrosis of the first rib occurs but is not well documented in the literature. This case report describes a case of congenital bilateral first rib pseudarthrosis with associated thoracic outlet syndrome symptoms in a competitive female softball athlete.
Slipped Capital Femoral Epiphysis in an Adult with Panhypopituitarism
Authors: Rosen Matthew , Wong Andrew , Worts Phillip , Hutchinson Hank , Harmon Kristin
Published: July 2021

Case:

Our patient was a 31-year-old woman with previously undiagnosed panhypopituitarism who presented with bilateral slipped capital femoral epiphysis (SCFE). Together with endocrinology, her treatment plan involved medical management of her panhypopituitarism and surgical correction with femoral neck osteotomy. Hormone deficiencies were corrected 6 weeks after replacement therapy began, and the patient was cleared for surgery. By 5 months after osteotomy, examination revealed delayed union and prominent screws bilaterally. Hardware exchange and repeat internal fixation were then performed. At 8 weeks after revision, she presented with avascular necrosis, and the decision was made to proceed with total hip arthroplasty. A 5-year follow-up period was documented.

Conclusion:

This case presented a rare look at SCFE in an adult patient with panhypopituitarism. Other systemic illnesses that can contribute to SCFE or other orthopaedic issues include, but are not limited to, multiple endocrine neoplasia syndromes, vitamin D deficiency, renal osteodystrophy, Kallmann syndrome, Klinefelter syndrome, and pathologies affecting the thyroid and pituitary gland.
Ultrafast Preliminary Screening of COVID-19 by Machine Learning Analysis of Exhaled NO
Authors: Yang Li , Ma Jing , Zhou Wei , Sun Lei , Zhai Dong , Ren Guoqiang , Yu Tie , Chen Jie , Zhang Jinping , Wang Morong , Wang Jie , Deng Weiqiao
Published: July 2021

Background A new coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2, has caused the coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) epidemic. Current diagnostic methods mainly include nucleic acid detection, antibody detection, antigen detection, and chest computed tomography (CT) imaging. Although these methods are crucial for the diagnosis of COVID-19, there is a lack of a rapid and economical method for preliminary screening COVID-19.Methods We measured the FeNO concentrations of 103 subjects without COVID-19 and 46 patients with COVID-19. Using machine learning (ML) method, we build a ML model based on fractional exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) concentration and features of age, and body size for rapid preliminary screening COVID-19 suspects with low-cost.Findings The statistical analysis t-test show that there is a significant difference between the FeNO of healthy people and patients with COVID-19. The ML model can screen out the patients with COVID-19 or other diseases, which show abnormal FeNO distributions. An area under the curve of 0.982 and a sensitivity 0.917 have been achieved for preliminary screening COVID-19 suspects. This non-invasive detection method which takes in two minutes and costs less than a dollar could provide a direction for the control of the rapid spread COVID-19.Interpretation During the COVID-19 pandemic, large numbers and extensive testing of COVID-19 patients remains a problem. Public healthy efforts to limit SARS-CoV-2 spread need to find a more economical and faster screening method.
Use of Landsat EVI in Determining the Degradation of Agroirriation Landscapes Adjacent to the Aydar-Arnasay Lakes System
Authors: Sabirova Nilufar , GROLL Michael , ABBASOV Subkhan
Published: July 2021

The Arnasay depression in Central Uzbekistan received large quantities of drainage water leading to the formation of the Aydarkul-Arnasay Lake System (AALS). The water level of the AALS drastically increased in 1969, when a flood in the nearby Syrdarya River basin could not be contained in the Chardarya reservoir, and today it occupies an area of 4000 km² of the Mirzachul and Kyzylkum desert. Increasing the lake’s water level also affects the surrounding agricultural land, further enhancing the level of groundwater and soil salinization. But the irrigated farming areas also influence the lake system due to the pollution of the drainage water discharged into the lake. As a result, both the arable land and the lake system are in a process of degradation, leading to reduced productivity and a variety of ecological problems. We used more of the remote sensing method in determining the degradation process in agroirrigation landscapes. Landsat EVI (Enhanced vegetation index) extremely resistant to various atmospheric resistances (aerosols). It monitors plants with very high sensitivity even in low biomass areas. Landsat has 4,5,7,8 series programs. Herein, we used Landsat-5 TM Collection 1 Tier 1 32-Day EVI and Landsat-8 ETM + Collection 1 Tier 1 32-Day EVI. To classify the degradation process in agroirrigation landscapes around the lake, we compared Landsat EVI images from March-April, May-June, June-July, Ilyul-August, August-September. We selected July-August as the optimal month to determine the perennial degradation process.
­­­­A THZ Tunable Metamaterial Reflective Polarization Converter Based Vanadium Oxide Film
Authors: Yu Fuyuan , Shang Xiongjun , Fang Wei , Zhang Qingqing , Wu Yan , Zhao Wang , Zhu Jiabing , Shen Xiaobo
Published: July 2021

In this paper a simple and tunable reflective polarization converter has been investigated numerically based on metamaterial which composes of a two-corner-cut square patch resonator with a slit embedded into Vanadium dioxide film (VO2) and reflective ground layer. All the results obtained by the CST Microwave Studio show that the polarization conversion ratio (PCR) above 90% is achieved from 2.22-5.42THz at the temperature about 25°C under the linearly and circularly polarized wave incidence normally. In addition, the influences on electromagnetic polarization properties have been demonstrated with the insulator-to-metal phase transition of the Vanadium dioxide film (VO2) film by the method of varying the temperature. At the same time, to be demonstrated, the physical mechanism of changeable polarization conversion has been discussed by the distributions of current densities. According to the results, the designed metamaterial could be applied in the area of temperature-controlled sensing, THz wireless communication, tunable polarized devices.
Application of Remodeled Water Quality Indices and Multivariate Statistical Methods for the Appraisal of Water Quality in a Himalayan Lake
Authors: Shafi Mozim , Prakash Chander , Gani Khalid Muzamil
Published: July 2021

This study demonstrates and analyses spatio-temporal changes and trends of 15 water quality parameters that were arbitrated from the samples collected at 11 sampling locations during the water quality monitoring across the Dal Lake from September 2017 to August 2020. Further a revised WQI (named WQImin) was developed contingent on multiple regression modeling comprising six key parameters (NH4-N, DO, COD, WT, TUB and NO3-N) so as to ease the course of action and lessen the systematic costs of the water quality assessment. The results signify that the general mean WQI value 81.9 and seasonal average WQI values ranges from 79.44 to 84.55. The quality of water showed seasonal variance, with lowest values in summer, succeeded by autumn and winter, and highest in spring. Moreover, the suggested WQImin model contingent on the selected six critical parameters displayed execution in the evaluation of Dal Lake’s water quality with R2 = 0.99, RMSE value (5.48) and PE value of 6.34%. This manifested that the developed WQImin model can be convenient and efficacious implement to control and determine Dal Lake’s water quality. Further results showed that most of the nutrients were above the threshold value during the monitoring period, which is the leading cause of eutrophication at some places in the lake.
Radon Concentration in Water and Health Threat to Region of Balakot-Bagh (B-B) Fault Line, Lesser Himalayas, North Pakistan
Authors: Khan Fayaz , khattak Salman , wazir zafar , Ullah Zaheen , Mehmood Ikhtisham , Fatima Arooj
Published: July 2021

The current study was carried out near and surrounding fault line areas of Balakot-Bagh (B-B). The study aimed to find radon concentration levels in drinking water sources near and away from the fault line. The comparison was carried out for the radon level in those samples taken from the area near with those taken away from the fault line. Also, to evaluate health hazard from these drinking water to the people of the area. This area had received an earthquake of magnitude 7.6 in 2005. An active technique, RAD-7, based on alpha spectroscopy was used. The study period for the current study was three months, from 16th May to 15th August 2020. Radon concentrations were found higher in bore water with the mean value of 20.6 BqL− 1. These were 19.5 BqL− 1 and 9.3 BqL− 1 in spring and surface water, respectively. The mean value in all type of sources in the study area was 16.5 BqL− 1 which is higher than the maximum contaminated level of 11.1 BqL− 1 recommended by the U.S. The calculated doses from the radon levels were 0.0532 mSv, 0.0562 mSv and 0.0254 mSv and 0.0449 mSv, respectively.
Past Gait Speed as an Independent Predictor of Mortality in Older Adults Beyond Current Gait Speed
Authors: Solomon Joshua , Chabot Julia , Desmarais Philippe , Forget Marie-France , Nguyen Quoc Dinh
Published: July 2021

Background
We investigated whether past values of gait speed in older adults provide additional prognostic information beyond current gait speed alone. We assessed various models to best describe past and current value for prediction.
Methods
We used data from the first five yearly rounds of the National Health and Ageing Trends Study, starting from 2011. The cohort consisted of 4289 community-dwelling participants aged 65 years and older. Gait speed was measured at baseline (Y1) and one year later (Y2). Three-year follow-up for mortality started in year 2. We estimated hazard ratios of various models using combinations of Y1 gait speed, Y2 gait speed, and change in gait speed from Y1 to Y2.
Results
The mean gait speed at year 2 was 0.77 m/s (0.26) and slightly increased by a mean of 0.04 m/s (0.20) from Y1 to Y2. A 0.1 m/s higher gait speed at Y2 was associated with decreased mortality (HR, 0.81 [0.78, 0.84]). Gait speed improvement from Y1 to Y2 decreased mortality (HR, 0.95 [0.92, 0.99] per 0.1 m/s increase). Models including both Y2 gait speed and change indicated that improvement in gait speed was associated with increased mortality (HR, 1.05 [1.00, 1.11]), independently of Y1 gait speed.
Conclusions
Past gait speed is predictive of mortality, independent of current gait speed, however, gait speed recovery does not completely negate mortality risks. Past gait speed information is a useful measure for risk prediction in older adults, but the direction of time is important for modelling and data interpretation.
A Case Study From Ramannapeta Mandal, Nalgonda, Telangana, India: Fluoride Contamination of Ground Water
Authors: Ganaboina G.Machender , Kota Narsimha
Published: July 2021

The groundwater quality evaluation for fluoride element was studied in Ramannapeta Mandal, Nalgonda District, and Telangana State, India. The water samples were collected in pre and post monsoon seasons in the year of 2015-2016 from hand pumps bore wells or dug wells in the villages of Ramannapeta Mandal. The collected water samples were analyzed within a week. The Spatial distributions of fluoride maps were prepared with the help of the Remote Sensing Imaginary (RSI) and Geographical Information System (GIS) techniques. The range of fluoride in the study area varied from 0.6 to 5.6 ppm whereas the maximum permissible limit in drinking water is 1.5 ppm (As per Bureau of Indian Standard (BIS) guideline-IS: 10500: 1991). The high contamination 4.0-5.5 ppm of fluoride in drinking water was observed in Siripuram, Dubbaka villages. During the study, it was found that the most of villages in Ramannapeta Mandal are affected with high fluoride content in drinking water in the range of 1.5-3.0 ppm. Nalgonda district including Ramannapeta Mandal is underlain by different rocks such as granites (80%), gneisses, dolerite, dykes (10%), older metamorphic and intrusive (10%). The lock of freshwater exchange due to periodical drought conditions, the granitic rocks and the arid climate of the region are the factors for the higher incidence of fluoride in the groundwater resources. The constructions of rain water harvesting structures are proposed to minimize fluoride content in drinking water.
Influence of a Socially Assistive Robot on Physical Activity, Play Behavior, and Toy-use Behaviors of Children in a Free Play Environment: A Within-Subjects Study
Authors: Vora Joseline Raja , Helmi Ameer , Zhan Christine , Olivares Eliora , Vu Tina , Wilkey Marie , Noregaard Samantha , Fitter Naomi T. , Logan Samuel W.
Published: July 2021

Background: Play is critical for children’s physical, cognitive, and social development. Technology-based toys like robots are especially of interest to children. This pilot study explores the affordances of the play area provided by developmentally appropriate toys and a mobile socially assistive robot (SAR). The objective of this study is to assess the role of the SAR on physical activity, play behavior, and toy-use behavior of children during free play. Methods: Six children (5 females, Mage = 3.6 ± 1.9 years) participated in the majority of our pilot study’s seven 30-minute-long weekly play sessions (4 baseline and 3 intervention). During baseline sessions, the SAR was powered off. During intervention sessions, the SAR was teleoperated to move in the play area and offered rewards of lights, sounds, and bubbles to children. Thirty-minute videos of the play sessions were annotated using a momentary time sampling observation system. Mean percentage of time spent in behaviors of interest in baseline and intervention sessions were calculated. Paired-Wilcoxon signed rank tests were conducted to assess differences between baseline and intervention sessions. Results: There was a significant increase in children’s standing (~15%; Z = -2.09; p = 0.037) and a tendency for less time sitting (~19%; Z = -1.89; p = 0.059) in the intervention phase as compared to the baseline phase. There was also a significant decrease (~4.5%, Z = -2.70; p = 0.007) in peer interaction play and a tendency for greater (~4.5%, Z = -1.89; p = 0.059) interaction with adults in the intervention phase as compared to the baseline phase. There was a significant increase in children’s interaction with the robot (~11.5%, Z = -2.52; p = 0.012) in the intervention phase as compared to the baseline phase. Conclusions: These results may indicate that a mobile SAR provides affordances through rewards that elicit children’s interaction with the SAR and more time standing in free play. This pilot study lays a foundation for exploring the role of SARs in inclusive play environments for children with and without mobility disabilities in real-world settings like day-care centers and preschools.
DNA Methylation Changes Were Involved in Inhibiting Ethylene Signaling and Delaying Senescence of Tomato Fruit Under Low Temperature
Authors: Duan Wenhui , Xie Shiyin , Song Hongmiao
Published: July 2021

Objectives To comprehend the epigenetic mechanism of low temperature in delaying senescence of fruit, the changes of DNA methylation patterns of genes related to ethylene biosynthesis and signaling were analyzed in tomato fruit. Results In the present results, the expression level of LeEIN3, SlERF-A1 and LeERT10 decreased, and the expression level of LeCTR1 increased in tomato fruit stored at the low temperature of 11 oC. Meanwhile, the DNA methylation level of CpG island of LeEIN3, SlERF-A1 and LeERT10 increased, and the DNA methylation level of CpG island of LeCTR1 decreased in tomato fruit, respectively. The low temperature suppressed ethylene signaling via changing DNA methylation and gene expression, and delayed senescence of tomato fruit. Conclusions The present study offered valuable information for understanding the role of DNA methylation in senescence of fruit, and provided a foundation for genetic modifying the epigenetic target sites and controlling fruit senescence.
Guiding Organisational Decision-Making About COVID-19 Asymptomatic Testing in Workplaces: Mixed-Method Study to Inform an Ethical Framework
Authors: Scheer Jan van der , Ansari Akbar , McLaughlin Meredith , Cox Caitriona , Liddell Kathleen , Burt Jenni , George Jenny , Kenny Rebecca , Cousens Ruth , Leach Brandi , McGowan James , Morley Katherine , Willars Janet , Dixon-Woods Mary
Published: July 2021

Background: Workplace programmes to test staff for asymptomatic COVID-19 infection have become common, but raise a number of ethical challenges. In this article, we report the findings of a consultation that informed the development of an ethical framework for organisational decision-making about such programmes.Methods: We conducted a mixed-method consultation – a survey and semi-structured interviews – in a case study organisation that had introduced asymptomatic testing for all staff working on-site in its buildings. Analysis of closed-end survey data was conducted descriptively. An analysis approach based on the Framework Method was used for the open-end survey responses and interview data. The analyses were then integrated to facilitate systematic analysis across themes. Inferences were based on the integrated findings and other inputs (literature review, ethical analysis, legal and public health guidance, expert discussions) to develop an ethical framework. Results: The consultation involved 61 staff members from the case study organisation (50 survey respondents and 11 interview participants). There was strong support for the asymptomatic testing programme: 90% of the survey respondents viewed it as helpful or very helpful. Open-ended survey responses and interviews gave insight into participants’ concerns, including those relating to goal drift, risk of false negatives, and potential negative impacts for household members and people whose roles lacked contractual and financial stability. Integration of the consultation findings and the other inputs identified the importance of a whole-system approach with appropriate support for the key control measure of isolation following positive tests. The need to build trust in the testing programme, for example through effective communication from leaders, was also emphasised.Conclusions: This consultation, together with other inputs, informed an ethical framework intended to support employers. The framework may support organisational decision-making in areas ranging from design and operation of the programme through to choices about participation. The framework is likely to benefit from further consultation and refinement in new settings.
Determinants of Sputum Ordering for Tuberculosis Diagnosis in People Living with HIV in the Greater Accra Region, Ghana
Authors: Kasozi Daniel , Govule Philip , Katongole Simon Peter , Sarfo Bismark
Published: July 2021

BackgroundTuberculosis (TB) remains a significant public health concern, and a leading cause of ill-health and death globally. More so, People living with HIV have been shown to carry an increased risk of developing TB with an estimated one-third of deaths in this population. The World Health Organization recommends systematic and routine screening of PLHIV for TB on every clinic visit and further testing using sputum for those with a positive TB screen test. Not all PLHIV with a positive TB screen test in Ghana are further tested for TB using sputum and the factors for this are not well understood. This study assessed factors associated with sputum ordering for TB diagnosis in PLHIV who were screened positive for TB in three hospitals providing HIV care and treatment services in the Greater Accra region of Ghana.MethodsMixed method study performed at three purposively selected hospitals providing HIV care and treatment services in the Greater Accra region. The study involved a cross sectional review of patients’ charts and in-depth interviews with health workers involved in the care and treatment of PLHIV. Quantitative data was analyzed using STATA version 15. Chi square test was used for bivariate analysis. Logistic regression was used for multivariate analysis. P≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Inductive thematic analysis was used to determine emerging themes from the interviews. The major themes were represented with representative quotations.ResultsFour hundred (400) patient charts were reviewed of which 67.7% were female with median age of 39 (IQR 31-49). TB screening was recorded in 78% (95% CI 73.6, 82.0) of the patients of whom ninety-two (92) patients had a positive TB screen test. Only 53 (57.6%) who had a positive screen test had sputum ordered for further TB testing. In the multivariate analysis, patient general appearance described as abnormal (OR=3.05, p=0.036), having more than one TB symptom (OR=3.42, p=0.028) and presence of an alternative presumptive diagnosis (OR=0.34, p=0.023) were associated with having a sputum test ordered. High patient numbers, inability to produce sputum, unwillingness of the not so sick patients to provide sputum and the costs associated with chest X-ray were perceived as the challenges to further testing for TB.ConclusionTB screening in PLHIV is still lower than recommended and almost half of PLHIV with a positive TB screen test did not have a sputum test documented. Sputum testing was likely to be done in patients with an abnormal general appearance and more than one TB symptom and unlikely in those with an alternative presumptive diagnosis. High workload, costs of TB tests, lack of training for health workers and inability to produce sputum by patients were the barriers to sputum testing highlighted by the health workers.
A Spatio-Temporal Hybrid Strauss Hardcore Point Process for Forest Fire Occurrences
Authors: Raeisi Morteza , Bonneu Florent , Gabriel Edith
Published: July 2021

We propose a new point process model that combines, in the spatiotemporal setting, both multi-scaling by hybridization and hardcore distances. Our so-called hybrid Strauss hardcore point process model allows different types of interaction, at different spatial and/or temporal scales, that might be of interest in environmental and biological applications. The inference and simulation of the model are implemented using the logistic likelihood approach and the birth-death Metropolis-Hastings algorithm. Our model is used to describe forest fire occurrences in Spain.
The Promise, Problems, and Pitfalls of Including Pregnant Women in Lassa Fever Vaccine Clinical Trials: A Qualitative Analysis of Sub-Sahara Africa Investigators' Perception
Authors: Salami Kolawole A , Mandi Henshaw E , Imbault Nathalie , Tornieporth Nadia G
Published: July 2021

Background
Lassa fever run a uniquely severe course in pregnancy. There are plans for Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials in endemic West African countries. We tried to assess the perception of West African investigators to including pregnant women in these studies.
Methods
Interviews were conducted with eight investigators from sub-Saharan Africa. Six of them from West Africa. Data were analyzed thematically.
Results
Respondents had limited experience with pregnant women in clinical trials but desired a paradigm shift. They identified pregnant women's willingness, a robust community engagement strategy, and adequate safety data as enablers, while lack of safety data, persistent fears about potential harm to pregnant women and offspring, and inappropriate community engagement activities as potential barriers.
Conclusion
The inclusion of pregnant women in Lassa fever vaccine clinical trials should be a priority of vaccine developers. Investigators are willing to conduct these studies provided adequate measures to ensure safety is in place.
Kidney Damage After Sepsis: A Long-term Follow-up. An Experimental Study.
Authors: Liberatore Ana Maria Alvim , Obara Giovana C. , de Souza Rodrigo Barbosa , Cassiano Luara L. , Koh Ivan Hong Jun
Published: July 2021

Background: Acute kidney injury (AKI) in sepsis is a common event. This study aims to evaluate the long-term impact of sepsis on renal hemodynamics and morphology. Methods: Wistar rats underwent sepsis and survivors (n = 24) were followed for up to six months, monitoring macro, regional and micro hemodynamics of the kidney, serum creatinine, and renal histology. The naive animals were used as the control group (n= 6), and sepsis was induced by E. coli e.v. inoculation. Surviving animals were monitored for up to six months. Results: Overall, the findings show that sepsis survivors have long-term hemodynamic and morphological compromise, as well as a progressive worsening of renal functional unit components over time. Even after six months of recovery from sepsis, severe renal hypoxia, chronic inflammation, evidence of increased vascular resistance, and renal fibrosis were observed in surviving animals. These alterations were present in animals with a healthy appearance and normal MAP. Conclusion: Those findings may represent a state of severely impaired physiology and be a contributing factor to the higher susceptibility to renal failure in the face of a new infectious challenge or to other pathological stimuli in the post-sepsis periods.
The Structure of Blood–tumor Barrier and Distribution of Chemotherapeutic Drugs in Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Brain Metastases
Authors: Ye Ling-yun , Sun Li-xiang , Zhong Xiu-hua , Chen Xue-song , Hu Song , Xu Rong-rong , Zeng Xiao-ning , Xie Wei-ping , Kong Hui
Published: July 2021

Background: Brain metastasis is an important cause increasing the mortality of non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. In brain metastasis, blood-brain barrier (BBB) is frequently impaired, while blood-tumor barrier (BTB) formed and leading to poor effects of chemotherapy. However, the characteristics of BTB and the impacts of BTB on chemotherapeutic drug delivery remain unclear. The present study investigated the structure of BTB, as well as the distribution of routine clinical chemotherapeutic drugs in both brain and peripheral tumors. Methods: Bioluminescent image was used to confirm the formation of brain metastases of transplanted lung cancer Lewis cells in mice. The permeability of BBB and BTB was measured by fluorescent tracers of evans blue and fluorescein sodium. Transmission electron microscopy (TEM), immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence were performed to analyze structural differences between BBB and BTB. The content of chemotherapeutic drugs (gemcitabine, paclitaxel and pemetrexed) in tissues was assayed by liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS).Results: Brain metastasis exhibited increased BTB permeability compared with normal BBB detected by fluorescence tracers. TEM showed abnormal blood vessels, damaged endothelial cells, thick basement membranes, impaired intercellular endothelial tight junctions, as well as increased fenestrae and pinocytotic vesicles in metastatic lesions. Immunohistochemistry and immunofluorescence revealed that astrocytes were distributed surrounded the blood vessels both in normal brain and the tumor border, but no astrocytes were found in the inner metastatic lesions. By LC-MS/MS analysis, gemcitabine and paclitaxel showed higher permeability in brain metastatic lesions.Conclusions: Brain metastases of lung cancer disrupted the structure of BBB, and this disruption was heterogeneous. Chemotherapeutic drugs can cross the BTB of brain metastases of lung cancer but have difficulty crossing the normal BBB. The permeability of chemotherapeutic agents is related to their molecular weight and liposolubility.
Combined Indexes of Serum NLR, CRP, LDH, IL-6 and D-Dimer Levels are a Biomarker of Disease Severity and Prognostic Predictor in Patients with Coronavirus Disease 2019
Authors: Li Jing , Tang Mingyang , Liu Didi , Wang Fengchao , Yang Yanqing
Published: July 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease-2019 (COVID-19) has become a worldwide emergency and has had a severe impact on human health. Inflammatory factors have the potential to either enhance the efficiency of host immune responses or damage the host organs with immune overreaction in COVID-19. Therefore, there is an urgent need to investigate the functions of inflammatory factors and serum markers that participate in disease progression. Methods: In total, 54 COVID-19 patients were enrolled in this study. Disease severity was evaluated by clinical evaluation, laboratory tests, and computed tomography (CT) scans. Data were collected at: admission, 3–5 days after admission, when severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) RNA detection became negative, and composite endpoint. Results: We found that the positive rate in sputum was three times higher than that in throat swabs. Higher levels of C-reactive protein (CRP), lactate dehydrogenase (LDH), D-dimer (D-D), interleukin-6 (IL-6) and neutrophil-to-lymphocyte (NLR) or lower lymphocyte counts suggested more severe disease, and the levels of cytokines and serum markers were intrinsically correlated with disease progression. When SARS-CoV-2 RNA detection became negative, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve demonstrated that LDH had the highest sensitivity independently, and four indicators (NLR, CRP, LDH, and D-D) when combined had the highest sensitivity in distinguishing critically ill patients from mild ones. Conclusions: Monitoring dynamic changes in NLR, CRP, LDH, IL-6, and D-D levels, combined with CT imaging and viral RNA detection in sputum, could aid in severity evaluation and prognosis prediction and facilitate COVID-19 treatment.
Hematological and Cytometrical Parameters of Japanese Quails Coturnix Coturnix Japonica, Temminck & Schlegel, 1848 as Per Sex and Different Stages of Growth
Authors: Bhattacherjee Ananya , Mohanty Prafulla Kumar , Mallik Bandi Kumar
Published: July 2021

This study delineates influence of sex and age on haematological and cytometrical parameters in Japanese quail. Sixty birds were sampled, out of which 20 belong to each age-group (chicks, growers and adults). Haemoglobin, Total Erythrocyte Count, Packed Cell Volume, Erythrocyte indices, Total Leukocyte Count and Differential Leukocyte Count for all 3 age groups and cytometry of blood cells for chicks were analysed. Haemoglobin and packed cell volume of chicks differs significantly with other age-groups at p < 0.01. Significant differences at p = 0.01, p < 0.01 and p < 0.05 observed in lymphocytes, monocytes and Heterophil to Lymphocyte ratio between chicks and growers. Length, length to breadth, nuclear length, breadth, area and Nucleus to Cytoplasm of erythrocytes, length and area of lymphocytes, breadth and area of heterophils also vary significantly at p < 0.01 between Japanese quail chick male and female. Moreover, breadth of erythrocyte and length of heterophil differs significantly at p < 0.05 between two groups. Thus, age and sex influence physiology and hence haematology and may therefore affect egg and meat production.
The Perception of Medical Students Towards Virtual Learning During Corona Pandemic at Faculties of Medicine at Alzaiem Alazhari and Khartoum Universities, Khartoum, 2021
Authors: A'lamElhuda Daffalla , S.M Leenah Mohammed , M Alamin Mustafa .E.
Published: July 2021

Background: “Is COVID-19 pandemic the end of classical class room based education?” the most frequent question nowadays after the forced restrictions which included educational intuition lockdown، objectives, this paper aimed to study the perception of medical students towards virtual learning during COVID-19 pandemic at faculties of medicine at Alzaiem Alazhari and Khartoum universities in Sudan , 2021.Methods: This was a descriptive cross-sectional faculty -based study in which self-administered questionnaires were distributed to 357 medical students at faculties of medicine at Alzaiem Alazhari university and university of Khartoum. Respondents were selected using simple random sampling, and data was analyzed using SPSS 26. Results: This study revealed that the average number of hours that spent on virtual learning before and during the COVID-19 pandemic were statistically significant (p<0.05), with average of 1.9 hours per day before the pandemic and average of more than 3 hours per day during the pandemic (57.9%) .Moreover, the majority of the participants 77.9% (n=279) thought that virtual learning did not successfully replace the face to face classical teaching especially the clinical medical students 87.2% (n=312) who claimed that clinical skills cannot be taught virtually and they need the direct patient contact education in order to practice the clinical skills in a proper way.Conclusion: Virtual learning in these two medical faculties was found to be well perceived, because its pros outweighed its cons, as it was the most appropriate method to use in order to continue the education process during the pandemic.
Magnetically Guided Theranostics: Enhancing the Contrast of Magnetic Resonance Imaging With Multiple-Layer Montmorillonite-Based Iron/Platinum Nanoparticles for the Treatment of Orthotopic Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Chan Ming-Hsien , Lu Chi-Ning , Chung Yi-Lung , Chang Yu-Chan , Li Chien-Hsiu , Chen Chi-Long , Wei Da-Hua , Hsiao Michael
Published: July 2021

In Asia, including Taiwan, malignant tumors such as Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) one of the liver cancer is the most diagnosed subtype. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) has been a typical diagnostic method for accurately diagnosing HCC. When it is difficult to demonstrate non-enhanced MRI of tumors, radiologists can use contrast agents (such as Gd3+, Fe3O4, or FePt) for T1-weighted and T2-weighted imaging, which can remain in the liver for a long time to facilitate diagnosis via MRI. However, sometimes it is difficult for T2-weighted imaging to detect small tumor lesions because the liver tissue may actively absorb iron ions. This makes early cancer detection a challenging goal. To develop a method that can more efficiently diagnose and simultaneously treat HCC during MRI examination, we designed a functionalized montmorillonite (MMT) material with a porous structure to benefit related drugs, such as mitoxantrone (MIT) delivery or as a carrier for the FePt nanoparticles (FePt NPs) to introduce cancer therapy. Multifunctional FePt@MMT can simultaneously visualize and treat various diseases and can be used as an inducer of magnetic fluid hyperthermia (MFH). After loading the drug MIT, FePt@MMT-MIT provides both MFH treatment and chemotherapy in one nanosystem. These results ultimately prove that functionalized FePt@MMT-MIT could be integrated as a versatile drugs delivery system by combining with MRI, chemotherapeutic drugs, and magnetic guide targeting.
Novel Molecular Subgroups of Intrahepatic Cholangiocarcinoma Discovered by Single-Cell RNA Sequencing-Assisted Multi-Omics Analysis
Authors: Bao Xuanwen , Li Qiong , Chen Jinzhang , Chen Diyu , Ye Chanqi , Dai Xiaomeng , Wang Yanfang , Li Xin , Rong Xiaoxiang , Cheng Fei , Jiang Ming , Zhu Zheng , Ding Yongfeng , Sun Rui , Huang Lingling , Wu Wei , Guo Yixuan , Wu Jiangchao , Fu Wenguang , Tano Vincent , Fang Weijia , Guo Tiannan , Sheng Jianpeng , Zhao Peng , Ruan Jian
Published: July 2021

Intrahepatic cholangiocarcinoma (ICC) is a relatively rare but highly aggressive tumour type that responds poorly to chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Comprehensive molecular characterization of ICC is essential for the development of novel therapeutics. We performed a comprehensive multi-omics analysis of ICC via proteomic, whole-exon sequencing (WES) and single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNA-seq). We identified three molecular subtypes with deteriorating prognosis in ICC: chromatin remodelling, metabolism, and inflammation. The inflammation subtype was associated with a poor prognosis. Our random forest algorithm revealed that the mutation of KMT2D frequently occurred in the metabolism subtype and were associated with lower inflammatory activity. scRNA-seq further identified a novel APOE+C1QB+ macrophage subtype, which showed the capacity of promoting the inflammation subtype and contributing to a poor prognosis in ICC. Taking together, with a single-cell transcriptome-assisted multi-omics analysis, we identified novel molecular subtypes of ICC and valided APOE+C1QB+ TAMs as potential novel immunotherapy targets against ICC.
Clinical Outcomes of Ankle Distraction Arthroplasty Versus Supramalleolar Osteotomy
Authors: Yang Zongyu , Cui Liang , Tao Shiwu , Wang Li , Zhang Fengqi , Zhao Jianyong , Shao Xinzhong
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPost-traumatic ankle arthritis is increasing in young people and it is very important to preserve the ankle range of motion in young patients. This study aimed to compare ankle distraction arthroplasty versus supramalleolar osteotomy for post-traumatic ankle arthritis.MethodsThis retrospective study reviewed 32 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for post-traumatic ankle arthritis from January 2015 to December 2018 after failure of conservative treatment. Thirteen ankles that underwent ankle distraction arthroplasty were age-, sex-, and body mass index-matched with 19 ankles that underwent supramalleolar osteotomy. Patients returned for clinical and radiologic follow-up at an average of 32 (range, 24–48) months postoperatively. Outcomes were the comparison of the pre- and postoperative Visual Analog Scale (VAS) pain scores and American Orthopedic Foot & Ankle Society (AOFAS) ankle-hindfoot scores, complications, subjective patient-rated satisfaction, and ankle function.ResultsThe VAS and AOFAS scores of the two groups were significantly improved at final follow-up compared with preoperatively (p<0.05), but did not significantly differ between groups. The ankle distraction arthroplasty group had better postoperative ankle mobility than the supramalleolar osteotomy group. There was no significant difference between the two groups in the tibial anterior surface angle, talar tilt angle, tibial lateral surface angle, and other imaging parameters, but supramalleolar osteotomy was more effective in correcting the load-bearing line of the ankle and hindfoot. The complication rate was similar in both groupsConclusionsAnkle distraction arthroplasty and supramalleolar osteotomy both achieved good pain relief and improved function in patients with traumatic ankle arthritis.Level of evidence: Level III, retrospective comparative series.
Analysis of Spectral Transmission in Si Solar Cell With Pyramidal Texturization by Using PC3S Simulation
Authors: Rais Ahmad Rujhan Mohd , Sinin Nurul Aqidah Mohd , Sepeai Suhaila , Ibrahim Mohd Adib , Zaidi Saleem H. , Sopian Kamaruzzaman
Published: July 2021

Management of light is a crucial task in solar cell design and structure because it increases the path length of the light inside, which in turn increases the probability of electron-hole pair generation. This study addresses the impact of a pyramidal textured structure on spectral transmission in the morphology of silicon. The morphology of silicon wafers was investigated using PC3S spectral transmission software to study the spectral transmission, reflectance, collection probability, mobility, carriers, electric field, velocity, current and surface recombination. Spectral transmission on the front surface with pyramidal texture showed a better transmission percentage than the planar surface. The texture with a depth of 20 µm and base length of 20 µm exhibited good performance in front spectral transmission, spectral reflectance, electric field, velocity, current and surface recombination from the top to the bottom of the sample. The planar surface had more reflectance and lower collection probability than the other pyramidal textured samples due to its low mobility, carriers, electric field, velocity and current but high surface recombination.
The Externality of Negative Emotion
Authors: Zhou Weina , Wang Shun
Published: July 2021

To identify the causal impact of emotional contagion, recent studies mainly rely on online or lab experiments. This paper examines the causal impact of emotional contagion among middle school students, using a nationally representative school-based survey in China. We focus on schools that randomly assign students to classrooms and isolate the variations in classmates’ emotions based on a factor that originates outside the classroom: whether the classmate had a serious illness before primary school. We find that the effect of emotional contagion in a real-world setting is larger than previous findings from experimental studies have shown.
Intermediate Risk of Choledocolithiasis: Are We on the Right Path?
Authors: Giron Felipe , Rodríguez Lina M , Conde Danny , Vanegas Marco , Rey Carlos , Venegas David , Niño Laura , Gutierrez Fernando , Nassar Ricardo M , Jimenez Daniel , Rojas Susana
Published: July 2021

Background Choledocolithiasis is the presence of stones in the bile duct, commonly associated with cholelithiasis, with an incidence of 5-18%. Risk of choledocolithiasis should be assessed in every patient who must undergo cholecystectomy to define the next step, which can be either surgical or endoscopic. The American Gastroenterology Society (ASGE) proposed a predictor scale of choledocolithiasis based on ultrasound findings, liver function tests, and the presence of pancreatitis and/or cholangitis. Therefore we aim to describe our experience managing patients with intermediate risk of choledocolithiasis according to the ASGE guidelines and actual presence of bile duct stones in magnetic resonance cholangiopancreatography. MethodsA retrospective observational study with a prospective database was conducted. Patients over 18 years old who complied with inclusion criteria between January and December 2019, were registered. Descriptive statistics of all study parameters were provided. Analysis included socio demographic data, laboratory values ​​and imaging. Bivariate, multivariate and ROC analysis was performed. Results 327 patients with biliary disease were classified as having intermediate risk for choledocolithiasis. Half the patients were at least 65 years old (iqr 20). All patients underwent MRI cholangiography. 24.77% were diagnosed with choledocolithiasis. Bile duct dilation was documented in only 3.06% of cases. Diagnosis of choledocolithiasis is associated with age OR: 1.87 (p 0.02), alkaline phosphatase OR: 2.44 (p 0.02) and bile duct dilation < 6 mm OR: 14.65 (p 0.00). ConclusionsThere is a high proportion of patients classified as intermediate risk who did not have choledocolithiasis by colangioresonance. There is a persistently high variability in accuracy of imaging techniques in intermediate risk patients. Therefore, enhancing the criteria to define intermediate risk for patients in order to optimize resources is of paramount importance.
Effect of Laser Welding Speed on Grain Morphology and Tensile Property of TA15 Titanium Alloy Bottom-Locking Joint
Authors: Wang Jiayao , Qi Na , Zhao Yanqiu , Li Yue , Zhan Xiaohong
Published: July 2021

The laser welding of TA15 titanium alloy with the bottom-locking joints is carried out by TruDisk-12003 disc laser. In this paper, the microstructure and tensile properties of welded joints with different welding speeds are studied. The microstructure is observed by optical microscope. The tensile fracture morphology and chemical composition are analyzed by scanning electron microscope (SEM) and energy dispersive spectrometer (EDS) respectively. The experimental results show that the width of weld zone (WZ) is decreased significantly with the increasing of welding speed. The β columnar crystal shows respective morphology and growth direction in WZ under different welding speeds, meanwhile, the number of acicular martensite which is precipitated in columnar crystal also presents different. Besides, the aggregate growth zone of columnar crystal at the bottom of weld zone gets smaller with the increase of welding speed. The maximum tensile strength for the TA15 titanium alloy bottom-locking joint, which is fractured at weld joint, reaches 89% of the BM. Besides, the EDS results illustrate that the burning loss of stabilization element is inevitable.