bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Levels of heavy metals in pelagic and benthic fish species in river Nun at Amassoma, Bayelsa State, Nigeri
Authors: Koru Joe Alagoa  , Jeremiah Akpodoite Yabefa  , Erepamo Jonathan Yowei
Published: September 2021

The heavy metals content in three fish species from River nun Amassoma axis was investigated. This was done in order to gauge the concentration of heavy metals in fish tissues and to estimate the safety of consuming these fish species on human health. Three species (pelagic and benthic fishes) were collected from local fishermen at the landing jetty and analyzed for heavy metals in the soft tissues using standard procedures. The heavy metals investigated are Cadmium (Cd), Nickel (Ni), Lead (Pb) and Chromium (Cr). Result indicates that Cd>Ni>Pb>Cr in the fish samples analyzed while Chrysichthys auratus showed the greatest abundant characteristics of Cr, Pb, Ni, Cd. There was no significant difference (P>0.05) in concentrations of Cr and Ni for all fish species. However, the results showed that there is a significant difference (P<0.05) in Pb concentration between Chrysichthys auratus, Chrysichthys aluuensis and Petrocephalus bane bane. Cd concentration in the fish species reveal that there is a significant difference (P<0.05) between Chrysichthys auratus and Petrocephalus bane bane but no significant difference (P>0.05) between Chrysichthys auratus and Chrysichthys aluuensis and between Chrysichthys aluuensis and Petrocephalus bane bane Heavy metal in the fish species showed that Chrysichthys auratus>Chrysichthys aluuensis>Petrocephalus bane bane. All metal characteristics were lower than the suggested WHO permissible limit. Benthic fish species have a greater heavy metal concentration than the pelagic fishes. Based on the observation from this study, the continuous and sustained consumption of Chrysichthys auratus and indeed benthic fish species possess a higher risk to health, while Cd poisoning in fish is most culpable of pollution in River Nun at Amassoma. axis.
Co-treatment of cotton (Gossypium hirsutum var R405 2000) with methyl jasmonate and ethephon: Impact on the production of phenolic compounds
Authors: Yao Kouakou François KONAN  , Manéhonon Martine BEUGRÉ  , Sopie Edwige Salomé YAPO  , Hilaire Tanoh KOUAKOU
Published: September 2021

The objective of this study is to show the real impact of methyl jasmonate and ethephon in combination on the production of phenolic compounds in cultivar R405-2000 of the cotton plant Gossypium hirsutum. As well, cotton plants were treated in the field by methyl jasmonate (MeJA), ethephon (ETH) and the association of methyl jasmonate and ethephon (MeJA + ETH). The effect of these treatments was appreciated thanks to a qualitative analysis of total phenols by High Performance Liquid Chromatography. The results showed that ethephon, the metabolic precursor of ethylene, has properties identical to those of MeJA. However, the treatment of cotton leaves with ethephon induces less phenolic compounds than MeJA. On the other hand, the co-treatment of the leaves with MeJA and ethephon leads to an induction of phenolic compounds, which accumulate in greater quantities in the plant the phenols synthesized are more important with an activation of the biosynthetic pathway of stilbenoids because trans-resveratrol and transpiceide, two compounds belonging to the group of stilbenoids were synthesized de novo by the joint application of MeJA and ethephon on cotton leaves when they could not be synthesized when these two elicitors are applied alone.
Behavioral dynamics of pedestrian’s movements: Theoretical aspects of commercial arterial road frontage activities
Authors: Jacob Oluwoye
Published: September 2021

The common scientific approaches to the reasoning of problems are mathematical reasoning or statistical reasoning. Mathematical or formal reasoning is usually deductive, therein one reason from general assumptions to specifics using symbolic logic and axioms for multi criteria decision-making. Mathematical probability, which is the basis of all statistical theories, had its beginning in the past. The aim of this paper is to explore a number of the mathematical and statistical aspects of the disposition and behavior of road frontage activities, which are of importance in pedestrian behavior as considered. It's shown that number of crossings from right to left is proportional to the pedestrian on the right (PXRL ∝ NR) and therefore, the number of crossings left to right is proportional to the pedestrians on the left (PXLR ∝ NL). Frequency distributions of the pedestrians generated for a given shopping string arterial were of 4 kinds, one related to pedestrians passing through not crossing the road, not going into and out of outlets. The second kind related to pedestrians crossing the road for the aim of going into and out of outlets, etc. the third kind related to pedestrian going into shops and eventually, the fourth kind related to others, e.g. Pedestrians generated from parking vehicles, buses, etc. A formula is given for the frequency with crossing from left to right and right to leave based on the land-use activities on the left and right. In considering the capacity of road systems it should be remembered that increases in traffic flow generally produce corresponding decreases in speed. However, it's an assumption that a rise in population generated along the footpath can cause the crossing the road, and usually produce corresponding decreases in vehicle speed. The paper concludes with a constatation of the pedestrian movements at a continuing rate that expressed in mathematical form.
From keyboard to cloud-base network revamped data lifecycle cybersecurity
Authors: Amadi Chukwuemeka Augustine  , Juliet Nnenna Odii  , Stanley A Okolie
Published: September 2021

This paper review seeks to identify the need for a revamped data life cycle security in the era of pervasive threat from skill cyber criminals at this time of internet of things. The motivation is to fill the knowledge gap by presenting some of the ways of data leakages and the likely protection in the organization. The aim is to present a good practice that encourages data confidentiality, acceptable use policy, knowledge of personnel and physical security policy. The building blocks of information security infrastructure across the entire organization is implemented by Enterprise Security Architecture. Rather than focus on individual functional and non-functional components in an individual application, it focuses on a strategic design for a set of security services that can be leveraged by multiple applications, systems, or business processes.
Prevalence of COVID-19 amongst returning Students of University of Port Harcourt, Port Harcourt, Rivers State, Nigeria
Authors: Henrrietta Ogadimma Asuzu-Samuel  , Amanda Adanma Samuel  , Sonia Oghenefejiri Jemifor  , Osuo-Owene Karibo  , Clinton Ubulom Awajigbanam
Published: September 2021

The causative agent of a mysterious pneumonia was identified as clustered of unexplained pneumonia, was identified as a novel coronavirus in Wuhan, China and was named coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) by the World Health Organization. There are thousands of infectious individuals worldwide and millions of deaths. A total number of 248 subjects (124 males and 124 females) of returning students of some Faculties of University of Port Harcourt were used. Questionnaire were used to collect some demographic data from the subjects while Standard Q COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit methods were applied for the screening. The subjects that gave consent were made to sit down comfortably with their head tilted back and nasal samples collected with COVID-19 swab stick. The swab was inserted into an extraction buffer tube and squeezed at the sides to extract the liquid. 4 drops of the extracted specimen were applied to the well of the Standard Q COVID-19 Antigen Test Kit. The result was read in 20 minutes and was recorded. All the results of the study read negative. This showed zero prevalence of COVID-19 disease amongst the returning students of University of Port Harcourt. This could be as a result of age, environmental factor or strong COVID-19 preventive measures within the campus. Nevertheless, continuous observance of COVID-19 preventive protocols, further COVID-19 screening tests amongst the staff and in a hospital, setting is strongly recommended.
Evaluation of twenty chemical element contents in thyroid adenomas using neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry
Authors: Vladimir Zaichick
Published: September 2021

Thyroid adenomas (TA) are benign tumors, but there is a 20% possibility of malignant transformation. The distinguishing between the TA and thyroid cancer (TC) is tricky, therefore new TA biomarkers are needed. Furthermore, the role of chemical elements (ChE) in etiology and pathogenesis of TA is unclear. The aim of this exploratory study was to evaluate whether significant changes in the thyroid tissue levels of twenty chemical elements (ChE) Al, B, Ba, Br, Ca, Cl, Cu, Fe, I, K, Li, Mg, Mn, Na, P, S, Si, Sr, V, and Zn exist in the adenomatous transformed thyroid. Thyroid tissue levels of twenty ChE were prospectively evaluated in 19 patients with TA and 105 healthy inhabitants. Measurements were performed using a combination of non-destructive and destructive methods: instrumental neutron activation analysis and inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry, respectively. Tissue samples were divided into two portions. One was used for morphological study while the other was intended for ChE analysis. It was found that contents of of Al, B, Br, Cl, Cu, Na, and Zn are significantly higher whereas the levels of I some lower. in TA than in normal tissues. It was supposed that the changes in levels Al, B, Br, Cl, Cu, I, Na, and Zn in thyroid tissue can be used as TA markers.
Analgesic radiation therapy for bone metastasis in Dakar
Authors: Kanta Ka  , Mamadou Moustapha Dieng  , Papa Macoumba Gaye  , Boucar Ndong  , Mahomed Ilyas Yessoufou  , El hadj Amadou Sall  , El hadj Aliou Balde  , Ibrahima Thiam  , Awa Sadikh Badiane  , Touria Bouhafa
Published: September 2021

Background: Three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy is a new tool in the Senegalese therapeutic arsenal. Symptomatic bone metastases affect the quality of life of patients. Analgesic radiotherapy is proposed to patients to relieve them. Patients and methods: A prospective descriptive study was carried out on all patients with symptomatic bone metastasis. Hypo-fractionated radiotherapy was performed on the painful site. The visual analogue scale was used to assess pain before radiotherapy, 72 hours and one week after. Results: The sex ratio was 0.5. The median age at diagnosis of symptomatic metastasis was 53 years. All patients received 8 Gy (Gray) in one session. A complete response was noted one week post radiotherapy. Conclusion: Analgesic radiotherapy improves the quality of life of patients with symptomatic bone metastasis.
Why is Immunohistochemical Detection of Metastasized Breast Cancer Cells in the Immunocompetent Host Not Always Easy?
Authors: Priyank A. Shenoy
Published: September 2021

Metastases of breast cancer cells from the tissue of origin to distant sites including vital organs commonly occurs in patients suffering from breast cancer. Such metastases are detrimental to the quality of life of these patients. Clinical pathologists and basic researchers in the field of oncology commonly use techniques like immunohistochemistry to detect disseminated cancer cells in metastasized regions in an attempt to improve patient outcomes. This review sheds light on genotypic and phenotypic changes in disseminated cancer cells that occur during the ongoing process of metastasis, thereby leading to continuous changes in the expression levels of different markers expressed by these cells and making the immunohistochemical detection of breast cancer cells in the non-cognate tissues difficult.
Chronic Inflammatory Mediators Induced Malignant Changes in Tumor Microenvironment of Oral Squamous Cell Carcinoma-New Insight
Authors: T.G. Shrihari
Published: September 2021

Oral cancer is a major cause of mortality and morbidity across the world. Because of extensive use of carcinogenic products such as Tobacco (Smoking or Chewable form), alcohol consumption and some cases due to infectious agents such as HPV (Human papilloma virus) induced oro-pharyngeal carcinoma. These carcinogens induce inflammatory changes in the inflammatory microenvironment of oral cavity. Oral Squamous cell carcinoma is the most common cancer of oral cavity. Chronic inflammatory mediators in tumor microenvironment are adaptive and innate immune cells such as macrophages, neutrophils, T- lymphocytes,mast cells,B-lymphocytes and their secreting factors such as proteases, ROS and cytokines, which in turn activates transcriptional factors (NF-KB,STAT-3) secreted by these immune cells and tumor cells bring about malignant changes. This article briefs about chronic inflammatory mediators in tumor microenvironment of oral Squamous cell carcinoma and their role in tumor progression.
Assessment of Biochemical Profile in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Concurrent Cisplatin Chemotherapy
Authors: Kirthi Koushik  , Janhavi Rao
Published: September 2021

Electrolyte imbalance specifically hypomagnesaemia and hypocalcemia are known events in patients on chemo therapy. We studied thirty- one patients with head and neck cancer who underwent concurrent chemoradiation. Our study has shown that monitoring of calcium and magnesium are equally important and one needs to keep a close watch to avoid morbidity. Objectives: To study and follow the serum magnesium and calcium levels at onset, at different dosage levels of cisplatin and after completion of cisplatin therapy for head and neck cancer patients receiving concurrent radiation. Materials and Method: Serum Calcium and Magnesium levels for thirty-one patients receiving cisplatin based chemotherapy and concurrent radiation were studied. The range of radiation dose was from 56-66 GY/week/30 hrs and cisplatin dose was 40 mg/m2/week. The evaluation was carried out for six consecutive cycles. There was death of one patient during the study. Results: The results showed a reduction in serum calcium and magnesium levels over the treatment period (P = 0.005) with significant error being < 10^-8.
Role of Oral Glutamine in Prevention and Treatment of Oral Mucositis in Head and Neck Cancer Patients Receiving Chemoradiation
Authors: Hashmath Khanum  , Iqbal Ahmed  , V. Chendil  , Rajesh Javarappa  , Amrut Kadam
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the efficiency of glutamine in the prevention & treatment of mucositis in head and neck cancer patients undergoing chemoradiation.
Material and Methods: Forty patients of histologically proven head and neck carcinomas undergoing chemoradiation with Conventional Radiation on telecobalt and concurrent Cisplatin were randomised into 2 groups. The study group received oral glutamine solution 2 hours prior to undergoing radiotherapy on all days of treatment. The severity and duration of mucositis were recorded once every week using WHO and RTOG grading system for all patients undergoing treatment.
Results: Glutamine lead to a delay in the onset of mucositis. The overall incidence of grade  mucositis was significantly low in glutamine arm (22% vs 55%, p= 0.006). On weekly assessments, the incidence of grade mucositis in study arm compared to the control was 0 vs 30%, p=0.02 at 4 weeks, 15.8 vs 45%, p= 0.038 at 5 weeks and 22 vs 70%, p=0.001 at 6 weeks. However, there was no statistically significant difference in the incidence of grade 1 and 2 mucositis in both arms.
Conclusion: Use of oral glutamine reduces the incidence and duration of oral mucositis and hence helpful in the prevention and treatment of oral mucositis with good compliance and further result in good locoregional control of the disease.
Quantitative Analysis of Mast Cells in Benign Odontogenic Tumors
Authors: Kanupriya Gupta  , Jatin Gupta  , Rahul Agrawal  , Neha Verma
Published: September 2021

The aim of this study was to investigate the presence of mast cells in a series of odontogenic tumors. Forty-five cases of odontogenic tumors were investigated using 1% toluidine blue for mast cells, and differences between groups were statistically evaluated. Mast cells were present in 96% of odontogenic tumors. Mast cells are probably one of the major components of the Stromal scaffold in odontogenic tumors.
Preoperative HE4 Tumor Marker and Prognostic Factors in Endometrial Cancer: Review Article
Authors: A. Espiau Romera  , L. Baquedano Mainar  , M.J. Puente Luján  , R. Laborda Gotor  , L. Ruiz Campo  , M.A. Ruiz Conde
Published: September 2021

Purpose of the Review: The aim of the review is to summarize the current evidence of HE4 tumor marker as a prognostic marker of endometrial cancer since it is a novel and not yet validated marker in the management of this neoplasm. Recent Findings: HE4 has been studied as a preoperative prognosis marker and the result is encouraging as it is statistically related to unfavorable prognostic markers in endometrial cancer. Having a preoperative marker that relates with prognosis is a non invasive and cost-effective way to classify the patients before the surgery act. Summary: Clinicians could use HE4 as a prognostic marker to help them in the preoperative decision-making process. Thus, good prognostic patients with a low serum HE4 could have a less invasive surgery avoiding lymphadecnectomy which decrease the morbidity of the procedure and reducing the operative time.
Effectiveness of Einsteinium Nanoparticles in Optothermal Human Cancer Cells, Tissues and Tumors Treatment under Synchrotron Radiation
Authors: Alireza Heidari  , Katrina Schmitt  , Maria Henderson  , Elizabeth Besana
Published: September 2021

In the current study, thermoplasmonic characteristics of Einsteinium nanoparticles with spherical, core-shell and rod shapes are investigated. In order to investigate these characteristics, interaction of synchrotron radiation emission as a function of the beam energy and Einsteinium nanoparticles were simulated using 3D finite element method. Firstly, absorption and extinction cross sections were calculated. Then, increases in temperature due to synchrotron radiation emission as a function of the beam energy absorption were calculated in Einsteinium nanoparticles by solving heat equation. The obtained results show that Einsteinium nanorods are more appropriate option for using in optothermal human cancer cells, tissues and tumors treatment method. Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM) image of Einsteinium nanoparticles with 50000x zoom.
The Role of Acceptance and Commitment-based Group Therapy on Pain Tolerance and State-trait Anxiety in Gastrointestinal Cancer Patients
Authors: Mahdi Fatemizadeh  , Farideh Ghavasi  , Benyamin Siran Hesari  , Iman Akbarzadeh  , Nasim Nadi Moghadam  , Masoomeh Shirzad
Published: September 2021

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the impact of acceptance and commitment group therapy on pain tolerance and state-trait anxiety in patients with gastrointestinal cancer. This quasi-experimental study was performed with pretest, posttest and control group. There were 24 participants in the study, 12 of them in the control group and other 12 in the experimental group. The experimental group received eight sessions of acceptance and commitment based therapy and the control group received no psychotherapy. The instruments used in this study were short-form McGill Pain questionnaire-2 and state-trait anxiety questionnaire. Results showed an increase in pain tolerance and decrease in anxiety in patients in the experimental group.
Glypicans - A Brief Review
Authors: Kanupriya Gupta  , T.P. Chaturvedi  , Jatin Gupta
Published: September 2021

Glypicans (GPCs) are a family of proteoglycans that are bound to the cell surface by a glycosyl-phosphatidylinositol anchor. Six glypicans have been found in the mammalian genome (GPC1 to GPC6). Glypicans can be released from the cell surface by a lipase called Notum, and most of them are subjected to endoproteolytic cleavage by furin-like convertases. In vivo evidence published so far indicates that the main function of membrane-attached glypicans is to regulate the signaling of Wnts, Hedgehogs, fibroblast growth factors and bone morphogenetic proteins (BMPs). Surprisingly, the regulatory activity of glypicans in the Wnt, Hedgehog and BMP signaling pathways is only partially dependent on the heparan sulfate chains. It is obvious that our knowledge of glypican functions is still very limited despite the recent advances. A better understanding of these functions will make a significant contribution to the study of signaling pathways that play a very important role in developmental morphogenesis and several human diseases, including cancer.
Ra-SBRT is Potential Immune Adjuvant for Innate Immune Cell Populations in Advance Stage NSCLC Patients
Authors: Arun Chairmadurai  , Harish Chandra Goel  , Sandeep Jain  , Aklank Jain  , Hridayesh Prakash
Published: September 2021

Bystander toxicity and tissue fibrosis are the major complications with conventional radiation therapy for cancer patients. In this context, we here propose RapidArc - Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (Ra-SBRT) as a non-invasive and immune adjuvant approach for the successful eradication of advance stage NSCLC. Ra-SBRT is highly focused and capable of destroying tumors with high grade metastatic lesions and spared normal tissues. Follow up of stage 4th NSCLC patient revealed that Ra-SBRT is potentially immunogenic which was evident by increased number of iNOS+ Tumor Associated macrophages (M1-TAM), Siglac-8+ eosinophils, basophils and subsequent prolongation of disease free survival of 4th stage NSCLC patients by 3 years. This study demonstrated M1 retuning potential of Ra-SBRT which is a pre-requisite of effective management of inoperable and highly metastatic tumors of lung with least or no bystander impact.
Brain Tumour Classification by Machine Learning Applications with Selected Biological Features: Towards A Newer Diagnostic Regime
Authors: Krishnendu Ghosh  , Jayanta Kumar Chandra  , Anirban Ghosh
Published: September 2021

Histopathologically classified low-grade brain tumours show overlapping biological characteristics making them difficult to distinguish. In the present study low-grade brain tumour patient samples of three different histopathological types have been trained through machine learning technique using selected features for its classification. We used specifically the fundamental proliferation, invasion, macrophage infiltration triangle of cancer hallmark with propidium iodide (PI) marked cell-cycle, Ki67 marked proliferative indexing, invasion with MMP2 expression and presence of macrophage/microglia by silver-gold staining, CD11b+ and Iba1+ cell presence as biological parameters. These parameters when trained with proper machine learning protocol through extraction of underling features and represented in a 2D perceivable space are found capable of distinguishing the tumour types. Extracted features from such parameters in a six-dimensional featured space were trained through statistical learning theory while support vector machine (SVM) maximizes their predictive precision. The leave one out (LOO) cross validation process was applied to judge the accuracy of training followed by auto-encoder (AE) to reduce feature dimension at two which is visually perceptible. From the biological features quantified with standard methods it was found impossible to demarcate the three types of low grade brain tumours. However, after training through SVM and LOO cross validation when the six-dimensional featured space had been reduced into two-dimension using AE, the combined output of the features showed clear zonation in that 2D space. This indicates that the overlapping biological characteristics of these tumour types, when trained through proper support vector machine and reduced from multiple to two dimensional space provides a clear patho-clinical classification edge using a combination of common biological features. Hence, machine learning applications may potentially be used as a complementary diagnostic protocol with the conventional practice.
A Retrospective Survey of Patients Undergoing Maintenance Hemodialysis vis-à-vis Cancer Prevalence
Authors: Kenji Ina  , Yuu Hosoe  , Kazuhiro Ito  , Miho Tatematsu  , Masako Sakakibara  , Megumi Kabeya  , Satoshi Kayukawa  , Yoshihiro Ohta
Published: September 2021

The present study investigated the cancer prevalence and anticancer treatment patients undergoing hemodialysis at Nagoya Memorial Hospital. We retrospectively analyzed 663 patients undergoing hemodialysis between September 2014 and August 2019, including patient characteristics such as age, sex, and underlying diseases, cancer type, and cancer treatment. Seventy-eight patients (11.9%) of the dialysis population were diagnosed with cancer. Cancer type was then compared between registered cancer patients undergoing maintenance dialysis (N = 78) and non-dialysis controls (N = 3279) during the same period. Colorectal carcinoma is the most common malignancy diagnosed in our hospital, accounting for approximately 15% of all types of cancers. The data of anticancer treatment for this disease were compared between dialysis patients (N = 15) and controls (N = 563), whose clinical stages were defined according to the Japanese Classification of Colorectal, Appendiceal, and Anal Carcinoma. Since the need to administer chemotherapeutic agents to dialysis patients with colorectal carcinoma will increase, oncologists should collaborate with nephrologists to cautiously manage anticancer treatment to avoid severe toxicities.
Molecular Pathology of Immune Checkpoint Inhibitor-Induced Myocarditis
Authors: Krystal A. Hughes  , Gerald M. Higa
Published: September 2021

The improvement in tumor outcomes associated with the use of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) is supported by results of numerous clinical trials. Even though most publications reporting the clinical efficacy of these agents include a discussion of the biological mechanisms, narratives related to the complex nature of the adaptive immune response are frequently, though they should not be, mundane. It is also apparent that there tends to be a cursory, or even complete absence, of explanations related to the pathological mechanism(s) of the toxic reactions in the vast majority of papers that report adverse events associated with ICI therapy. Furthermore, the belief that cytotoxic CD8+ T cells mediate not only the antitumor, but also immune-related adverse, effects may be plausible, yet incorrect. This being the case, instead of providing only clinical details of a severe adverse event associated with combination ICI therapy in a patient with melanoma, the authors chose to scrutinize the repertoire and role of T cells in the pathogenesis of myocarditis as an example of other ICI-associated incidents of autoimmunity.
Geometric Changes in the Parotid, Submandibular, and Thyroid Glands during Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy for Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wenyong Tan  , Ming Yang  , Yong Dai  , Desheng Hu
Published: September 2021

Background: Intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) for nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) acts on the tumor and affects surrounding organs at risk (OARs). This study aimed to quantify the geometric changes in the parotid gland, the submandibular gland (SMG), and the thyroid, during the course of treatment. Methods: Twenty patients diagnosed with locally advanced NPC were consecutively enrolled, and received definitive chemoradiotherapy in 33 fractions over 6.5 weeks. Each patient underwent planning computed tomography (pCT) followed by six weekly repeat CTs (rCTs) without contrast enhancement. Each rCT was rigidly registered to its pCT. Changes in terms of volume, position, and shape of the OARs were assessed. Differences in left- and right-sided OARs were compared. Results: Radiation doses to the parotid, SMG, and thyroid were 32.12 ± 11.2 Gy (mean ± standard deviation SD), 25.46 ± 8.62 Gy, and 18.89 ± 10.24 Gy, respectively. Volume reductions of 28.6% ± 14.6% (mean ± SD), 26.6% ± 17.1%, and 12.3% ± 11.3% were observed in the parotid, SMG, and thyroid, respectively. Rate of volume loss for the parotid and SMG decreased from 1.6-1.7% per day in the first week to 0.5%-0.6% in the last week. Contrarily, not all thyroid lobes decreased in volume during treatment. The center of mass of the parotid shifted 2.0-2.6 mm medially; for the SMG and thyroid, a 0.1-0.5 mm medial shift was noted. The displacement in the anterior-posterior and cranial-caudal directions was < 0.6 mm. The 3-dimensional vector displacements of the parotid and SMG were 2.2-2.9 mm, and that of thyroid was 4.0-4.3 mm. The overlapping metrics of all three OARs decreased over time, and the shortest perpendicular distance increased from 1.5-1.8 mm in the first week to 2.4-2.5 mm in the last week. The geometric differences between weeks were statistically significant (P<0.05). Conclusions: The volume, position, and shape of the OARs changed significantly during IMRT for NPC. These geometric changes displayed a time association, suggesting the necessity to re-plan treatment for better sparing of these OARs.
Curcumin Inhibits Retinoblastoma Cell Proliferation by miR-26a Targeting the Tumor Suppressor Gene Rb1 in Y79 Cells
Authors: Jing Bai  , Duo Guo  , Xiangyi Liu
Published: September 2021

The retinoblastoma (Rb1) gene is one of the most important tumor suppressor genes. Dysfunction of Rb protein drives tumorigenesis by overcoming barriers to cellular proliferation. Consequently, factors modulating Rb function are of great clinical import. Here, we show that miR-26a was differentially expressed in human retinoblastoma cells, tissues and serums from retinoblastoma patients, compared with human retinal microvascular endothelial cells, non-tumor tissues and serums from healthy children, and that it tightly regulated the expression of Rb1 by specifically targeting a conserved sequence motif in its UTR, leading to low expression of Rb1. In vitro experiments determined that miR-26a directly participated in the regulation of cell proliferation of human Y79 RB cells. Our results also suggest that curcumin modulated the miR-26a expression profile, thereby exerting its anti-proliferation effects on Y79 RB cells via up-regulation of Rb1. To our knowledge, these data indicate for the first time that miR-26a directly regulates cell proliferation by targeting Rb1 in retinoblastoma and that miR-26a could be a potential therapeutic approach for retinoblastoma.
Changes in Pulmonary Function and Development of Clinical Radiation Pneumonitis in Breast Cancer Patients following Post Mastectomy Radiation Therapy
Authors: Sindhu Nagaraj  , Rajesh Javarappa  , V. Chendil  , B.R. Kiran Kumar  , Iqbal Ahmed  , Amrut S. Kadam
Published: September 2021

Background: Lung is the main organ at risk for radiation induced injury while treating breast cancers with Post Mastectomy Radiotherapy (PMRT). Restrictive lung changes are usually seen in spirometry which tends to normalize by 1 year. Central Lung Distance (CLD) is shown to correlate well with the percentage of ipsilateral lung volume irradiated. Aims and Objectives: Spirometric changes following Radiation Therapy (RT) to chest wall in breast cancer patients using conventional fractionation and its correlation with acute radiation pneumonitis. Materials and Methodology: Thirty Breast cancer patients who received RT to chest wall +/- supraclavicular fossa and axilla, following Modified Radical Mastectomy (MRM) and neoadjuvant or adjuvant chemotherapy using tangential beams with Co60 teletherapy to a dose of 50 Gray in conventional fractionation were included and followed up till 6 months post RT. Baseline chest X-ray and spirometry done pre-RT were compared with those taken at 1, 3 and 6 months after completion of RT. Patients were evaluated at each visit for signs and symptoms of radiation pneumonitis, when present were graded as per Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) criteria. Results: There was a significant fall in Forced Vital Capacity (FVC) by the end of 3 months (p value <0.01) which improved by 6 months without any active intervention in 95% of the patients. Mean baseline FVC was 83% which decreased to 70% by the end of 3 months and 79% at 6 months. Forced Expiratory Volume in first second (FEV1) and FEV1/FVC did not show any significant change compared to baseline. Spirometric changes correlated with reversible restrictive lung changes. One out of 30 patients developed symptomatic acute radiation pneumonitis (5%) of grade 3 severity who had moderate restrictive lung disease. Conclusion: Significant decrease in FVC of the lungs is present following PMRT in carcinoma of breast patients in the initial 3 months which tends to normalize by 6 months. 5% of the patients develop symptomatic acute lung toxicity which can be further reduced by minimizing the irradiated lung volume.
Prokrastination – Präkrastination
Authors: Schaudy Franz J.
Published: September 2021

Der erste Teil des Beitrags ist praxisbezogen, der Inhalt leitet sich direkt aus der beruflichen Erfahrung ab. Die Subjektivierung von Arbeit und die von der Gesellschaft weitestgehend akzeptierte Forderung, alle beruflichen Tätigkeiten sofort und ohne Aufschub erledigen zu müssen, führt zu einer Zunahme von Präkrastination im beruflichen Bereich und einer Zunahme von Prokrastination im privaten Bereich. Die Unterscheidung dieser beiden zwanghaften Verhaltensmuster nach Bereichen führt zu einer neuen differenzierteren Sichtweise von Prokrastination und verweist zugleich auf den kausalen Zusammenhang zwischen »Prokrastination« und »Präkrastination«.
Morgen, morgen, nur nicht heute …
Authors: Kirchhoff Christine , Schnackenberg Carolin , Uhlig Tom D.
Published: September 2021

Ausgehend von dem Befund, dass mit dem Einsetzen der psychologischen Forschung zur Prokrastination ein Bedeutungswandel von einer neutralen bis positiven Konnotation zu einer überwiegend negativen Konnotation stattgefunden hat, wird Prokrastination zunächst begriffsgeschichtlich eingeordnet und so die psychologische Engführung als Arbeitsstörung erweitert. Anschließend wird die psychologische Prokrastinationsforschung vorgestellt und dafür plädiert, auch die sozioökonomischen Bedingungen miteinzubeziehen sowie aus einer psychoanalytischen Perspektive nach den unbewussten Bedeutungen zu fragen. In Form eines »Berichts aus der Forschungswerkstatt« wird die derzeit an der IPU Berlin laufende Interviewstudie zur Prokrastination vorgestellt.
Die Attraktivität der sowjetischen Vergangenheit und ein Neubeginn
Authors: Schor-Tschudnowskaja Anna
Published: September 2021

Die Nachwirkung der Vergangenheit gilt als unbestritten, doch ihre konkreten Formen und vor allem ihr Zusammenhang mit den kulturell verankerten Zeitperspektiven lassen viele Fragen offen. Am Beispiel der postsowjetischen Gesellschaft Russlands und anhand von Befunden aus einer von der Autorin durchgeführten Studie werden im folgenden Beitrag einige dieser Fragen diskutiert. Der Fokus der Betrachtung liegt auf Ambivalenzen und Widersprüchen in der Wahrnehmung der Vergangenheit und den postutopischen Spezifika in der Betrachtung der Rolle der Vergangenheit.
Fen bilimleri öğretmenlerinin sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve sıfır atık ile ilgili görüşlerinin belirlenmesi
Authors: DAL Şuheda , OKUR AKÇAY Nilüfer
Published: September 2021

Bu araştırmada, fen bilimleri öğretmenlerinin sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve sıfır atık ile ilgili görüşlerinin belirlenmesi amaçlanmaktadır. Çalışmanın örneklem grubu Ağrı il merkezi ve merkez köylerde görev yapan toplam 102 fen bilimleri öğretmeninden oluşmaktadır. Çalışmada veri toplama aracı olarak “Sürdürülebilir Kalkınma ve Sıfır Atık ile İlgili Görüş Formu” kullanılmıştır. Araştırma, tarama modelinin kullanıldığı nicel bir çalışmadır. Elde edilen verilerin analizinde içerik analizi kullanılmıştır. Araştırmanın sonucunda, fen bilimleri öğretmenlerinin sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve sıfır atıkla ilgili kavramlar hakkında genel olarak bilgi sahibi oldukları fakat bazı konularda bilgilerinin yetersiz olduğu tespit edilmiştir. Öğretmenlerin çoğu, sürdürülebilirliğin devamlılık ve süreklilik olduğunu aynı zamanda geleceğe yatırım yapmak olduğunu, doğal kaynakların korunması ve geleceğe aktarımı, kalkınmanın sürekli olması, ekonomik devamlılık anlamına geldiğini belirttikleri görülmüştür. Sıfır atığın amacını ise fen bilimleri öğretmenlerinin çoğu tekrar geri dönüşüme kazandırmak ve atık oluşumunu azaltmak olarak ifade etmişlerdir. Öğretmenlerin geri dönüşüm ile ilgili yaptıkları etkinliklerin geri dönüşüm kutuları oluşturmak, atık malzemeleri değerlendirerek yeni materyal oluşturmak, atık pilleri toplamak, öğrencileri bilgilendirmek, mavi kapak toplamak, projeler hazırlamak gibi etkinlikler olduğu sonucuna ulaşılmıştır. Araştırma sonucuna bağlı olarak; öğretmenlerin sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve sıfır atık konusunda kendilerini geliştirmelerini sağlamak için seminerler düzenlenmeli, öğretmenlerin sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve sıfır atık konusunda öğrencilere daha verimli olmaları için projeleri destekleyecek maddi olanakların sağlanması, öğretmenlere sürdürülebilir kalkınma ve sıfır atık alanında uzman kişiler tarafından bilgilendirme yapılması gibi önerilerde bulunulmuştur.
Profitability and Risk Analysis of Catfish Farming Breeding Business in Sleman District, Sleman Regency, Yogyakarta
Authors:   UPN “Veteran” Yogyakarta, Indonesia, KP Hasa Nurrohim , Subagio Hani , Satoto Shinta Heru
Published: September 2021

This study aims to analyze the profitability and risk of the catfish breeding business in the catfish farmer group in Sleman district, Sleman district, Yogyakarta. Respondents were selected using the census method because the number of population members was less than 30 people. The results of the profitability analysis using the Expense Structure Ratio (ESR), show that the ESR is 0.041, which means that the fixed costs used in production are 4.1% of the total cost. Benefit Cost Ratio (BCR) of 1.304 which shows that every 1 Rupiah in catfish farming investment will generate a profit of 30.4%. The results of the Gross Margin Ratio of 0.265 indicate that the breeding cultivation business provides a gross margin of 26.5% of the remaining income after paying direct costs related to production. From the results of the risk analysis, it was found that the income risk opportunities faced were 14.4% in each harvest season, the magnitude of the risk opportunities due to the increase in feed prices was 5.55%, and the risk of loss due to production fluctuations was 0.28. This study recommends that catfish farming farmers need to ensure the expenditure of production costs and strive to overcome risks both from internal and external factors.
Validating a Scale for Measuring Students' Perspectives toward Global Citizenship: A Case at a Private University in Vietnam
Authors:   Van Lang University, Vietnam, Nguyen Minh Thanh
Published: September 2021

Globalization is one of the most significant phenomena of the 21st century, affecting many aspects of human society. In the wave of this influence, higher education institutions in many countries have adjusted themselves in order to prepare their students to be global citizens. However, research shows a need to evaluate whether the integration of global citizenship education is effective among different institutions and contexts. Many scholars are in favor of measuring students' perspectives as a solution. Additionally, although many organizations, such as UNESCO, and other researchers have investigated this issue, the measurement model is mainly designed for large-scale research. Therefore, this study aimed to validate a scale for measuring student perspectives toward global citizenship in a particular context of a university. Notably, the adopted scale measures global citizenship perspectives via three components: social responsibility, global competence, and global civic activism. In the study, each component was measured separately via three smaller measurement models. All the models were validated by using the PLS-SEM approach. The data for validating were collected from 171 students at a private university in Vietnam through an online survey. The result of data analysis suggested that the original scale (which was designed for the context of developed countries) could be employed in the context of developing countries. Nevertheless, some adjustments should be made in term of social responsibility and global competence.
Forgiveness and Perceived Social Support in Teenagers
Authors:   Düzce University (Turkey), Bayın Ümit , Kaya Mehmet ,   Sakarya University (Turkey)
Published: September 2021

In this research, the aim is to investigate the relationship between forgiveness and perceived social support in teenagers in terms of various variables (gender, high school type, education level of parents, expressed relative communication and expressed family, friends, teacher support). The population of the research consists of high school students studying in Kocaeli province in 2019-2020 education year and the research sample consists of 422 students who are chosen with appropriate sampling method from four different high school types in Kocaeli. The data was gathered with “Personal Information Form”, “Forgiveness Scale for Teenagers” and “Perceived Social Support Scale”. Also, in order to analyse the data, pearson product-moment correlation coefficient technique, regression analysis, one-way analysis of variance, T-test were used (p<.05). According to the findings obtained from the research, it was found that there is a significant relation in a positive way between teenagers’ forgiveness tendency and perceived social support points. In addition, it was determined that there is a significant and positive relation between perceived social support and empathy establishment aspect of forgiveness and again, between perceived social support and forgiveness tendency. The obtained findings were discussed and interpreted by dealing with the research’s hypothesis frame and the related researches. In addition, the research findings and suggestions for the next researches were given place in this research.
Restructuring the Civic Education Paradigm in Indian Schools: Measures to Cultivate a Generation of Responsible Citizens
Authors:   Step By Step School, Uttar Pradesh, India, Goyal Arya
Published: September 2021

Political science as a subject is integral to the development of sensible and patriotic citizens, yet it is not given the attention it deserves in the Indian education system. Solidified by the findings of field research conducted in five schools that cater to India’s middle-income bracket (the largest segment of the population), this research paper brings forth the reluctance of over 92% of the representative sample to undertake education in a discipline as important as political science- a distressing figure indeed. The sample involved random selection of students of grade 11 in the five schools mentioned herewith; qualitative research was obtained through anonymous questionnaires allowing a safe space for truthful responses, and quantitative data were obtained through access to the schools’ records pertaining to subject selection for grades 11-12. This paper will highlight some of the current deficiencies in the system, undertake a comparative study of how it stands vis-à-vis those of European countries, and arrive at recommendations to the National Council of Educational Research and Training (NCERT) and to the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) on how to improve civic education among high school students in the country, eventually fostering a moral and capable Indian generation.
Prevalence of Gastroenteritis Among Children Under Five Years of Age at a District Hospital
Authors:   Umm Al-Qura University (KSA), University of Bahri (Sudan), Ministry of Health (KSA), Elamin Mohamed Osman , Rahmutalah Hatim , Natto Hatim Abdullah Yousef , Elamin Fowzi Omer , Alfahmi Mohamed Hulayyil
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Gastroenteritis is a devastating disease particularly in children less than five year of age globally. In 1825, for the first time the term gastroenteritis was used to describe this symptom. Study design: A hospital-based descriptive study conducted among children less than five years of age. Setting: District teaching Hospital. The study was conducted during one Month, from February to march, 2017. Objectives: To study Prevalence of Gastroenteritis disease among children under 5 years of age, identify the prevalence rate and other risk factors associated with the disease. Material & Methods: The sample of the population covered all children under 5 years admitted the hospital during the specified period. (n = 50 child).Data were collected using a scientifically constructed Questionnaire. Data was analyzed using the computer soft-ware program (SPSS). Results: The study revealed that gender distribution indicated that gastroenteritis was more prevalent in male children than in female children. Also the study revealed that gastroenteritis was higher among families who have lower income 150 SDG (66.0%) and there was relationship between the family income and gastroenteritis. Conclusion: The study concluded that gastroenteritis was more prevalent in male children than in female children. And also low socio economic status, and sanitation practices and low parental education leads to gastroenteritis (GE) among children less than five years of age admitted to Ibrahim Malik teaching hospital in Khartoum state. Recommendations: Study recommends that Ministry of Health should implement health education program and training for raising knowledge and awareness of gastroenteritis among mothers, the department of health should improve the quality of water to avoid water borne disease that leads to gastroenteritis.
Does Spending More on Healthcare Yields Higher Life Expectancy? A Case Study on Gulf Cooperation Council Countries
Authors:   Ministry of Health (Kuwait), AlSaied Nouf S. , AlAli Musaed S. ,   The Public Institute of Applied Education and Training (Kuwait)
Published: September 2021

This study aims to evaluate the nexus between economic factors and life expectancy in Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries. Using the data of 115 countries for the year 2019, results revealed that only healthcare expenditure (HE) per capita showed statistically significant direct relation with life expectancy while GDP per capita and percentage of country GDP allocated to healthcare sector did not show any statistically significant effect. Based on panel OLS regression model used in this research, results showed that with the amount of money GCC countries spend on their healthcare systems, four out of the six GCC countries had a life expectancy that was lower than the estimated life expectancy by 3.28 years indicating inefficiency in their healthcare systems. The output also indicates that even though economic factors have an effect on life expectancy to a certain point, other factors such as the quality of the healthcare system staff, education, corruption, pollution, and other non-economic factors also affect life expectancy.
Cardionephrology and cardiorenal disease in Italy: state of the art
Authors: Lullo Luca Di , Bellasi Antonio , Barbera Vincenzo , Ronco Claudio
Published: September 2021

The interactions and feedback mechanisms involved in heart and renal failure are more complex than previously thought and are grouped under the term “cardio-renal axis”. In the last decades, it has always been emphasized that renal dysfunction in patients with heart failure can be attributed exclusively to low renal plasma flow resulting from reduced cardiac output. In the last two decades cardiorenal syndrome has been established to set complex and close interactions between heart and kidney. Cardiologists and nephrologist should interact in their daily clinical practice to provide better patients’ management. In this review, we will point out main features of cardiorenal axis and cardiorenal syndrome to shift into specific sets of management in Italy starting by Guyton’s hypothesis till present days.