bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Study of teenage students’ musculoskeletal health, teenage students training program: the application of intervention mapping approach
Authors: NeJhaddadgar Nazila , Tavafian Sedigheh Sadat , ziapour arash , Abbas Jaffar
Published: June 2021

Background: According to the studies conducted, adolescence and its related health issues are of the most significant issues. The purpose of the study was to develop a Musculoskeletal Health intervention-training program using intervention mapping approach (IMA).Methods: The present study was a study protocol where IMA was used as a planning framework for developing musculoskeletal Health intervention-training program. Six intervention mapping steps were completed in the study. As the first step, needs assessment was performed by reviewing the studies, qualitative evaluation and interviews. In the second step, matrix of change objectives was designed. Later on, after designing the program and planning the program implementation, the program evaluation plan was developed.Results: IMA guided us in designing and implementing a control-oriented training program with the participation of the participants along with the definition of outcomes, performance goals and determinants, theoretical methods and practical applications, intervention program, implementation and step by step assessment.Conclusion: Intervention mapping is a participation-based approach to design and implement promotion programs.
Predominantly Increased Triglyceride-rich Lipoproteins Induced by Dietary Cholesterol Promoted Atherosclerosis Formation in LDL Receptor Knockout Golden Hamster
Authors: Wang Yuhui , Lin Xiao , Ma Ping , Yang Chun , Wang Jinjie , He Kunxiang , Chen Gonglie , Huang Wei , Fan Jianglin , Xian Xunde , Liu George
Published: June 2021

Epidemiological investigation showed that triglyceride is an independent risk factor of cardiovascular diseases, but it is difficult to distinguish the effects of different lipoproteins by an experimental system in vivo, the role of triglyceride-rich lipoproteins (TRLs) in atherosclerosis have not been fully understood. Here we found LDL receptor knock-out (LDLR−/−) hamsters have special characteristics of lipid profile for investigating effects of TRLs. Mixed hyperlipidemia in LDLR−/− hamsters after high cholesterol and high fat (HCHF) diet were marked by increasing of chylomicrons, VLDL and their remnants, but not LDL. Ezetimibe treatment significantly decreased these large particles containing ApoB and ApoE without affecting LDL, leading to the dramatic reduction of plasma cholesterol and triglycerides. 40 days of HCHF diet feeding accelerated aortic atherosclerosis accompanied severe fatty liver, and ezetimibe treatment inhibited their development. Also, TRLs lowering inhibited the expression of vascular adhesion factors and lipid uptake of macrophage. Our results suggest that golden hamster is a proper model for studying hypertriglyceridemia related diseases. In LDLR−/− hamster, TRLs showed independent atherogenicity by triggering inflammatory response of endothelial cells and the formation of foam cells from macrophages. And these TRLs clearance is mediated by LDL receptor. TRLs would be an important therapeutic target for atherosclerotic development with postprandial hyperlipidemia.
Digital light processing based additive manufacturing of resin bonded SiC grinding wheels and their grinding performance
Authors: Ai Qingfeng , Khosravi Jahangir , Azarhoushang Bahman , Daneshi Amir , Becker Björn
Published: June 2021

In this study, an additive manufacturing process based on digital light processing was employed for quick, flexible, and economical fabrication of resin-bonded SiC grinding tools. The grinding wheel has been fabricated using laboratory manufacturing processes that utilize ultraviolet-curable resins and conventional abrasives. Also, desirable geometries and features like integrated coolant holes, which are difficult or even almost impossible to manufacture by conventional processes, are easily achievable. Grinding experiments were carried out by different process parameters, and with two different grinding wheels, i.e. with and without cooling channels with different concentrations (25 wt.% and 50 wt.% grains) to evaluate the grinding efficiency of the produced tools. Grinding forces, tool wear, tool loading, and ground surface quality were measured and analyzed. The wear rates of the grinding wheels with cooling channels were generally less than those without cooling channels, particularly in the deep grinding processes with large contact areas. Grinding tests on a hardened steel have shown that the integration of cooling lubricant channels almost prevents the wheel loading. In addition, by increasing the cutting speed (from 15 to 30 m/s) and decreasing the feed rate (from 10 to 2 m/min) the grinding wheel wear was significantly reduced. Furthermore, surface grinding of aluminum resulted in surface roughness values (Ra) in the range of 1 µm to 2.5 µm, while a Ra of about 0.2 µm was achieved by grinding hardened steel (100Cr6) with the same grinding conditions. Using the higher SiC-grain concentration (50 wt.%), it was determined that the surface roughness was 50% finer. Additionally the tool wear was significantly reduced (up to 30 times depending on the process parameters). The wear characteristics of the grinding wheel was analyzed through a novel image processing system. Significant correlations were found between wear flat of grains and the increase in grinding forces due to the tool wear.
Hydro-Geochemical Characteristics and Quality Evaluations of the Groundwater of an Irrigated Plain Region of Northwestern China
Authors: Yuan Hongying , Yang Shuqing , Wang Bo , Han Tiankai , Ding Xuehua
Published: June 2021

Groundwater is an important resource of water in arid and semi-arid agricultural regions. In order to study the hydro-geological characteristics and water quality of groundwater in different hydro-geological conditions of plain irrigation areas, 85 groundwater samples were collected for analysis of main chemical ions and evaluation of suitability of irrigation water in Wulate Irrigation Area (WLTIA) and Shenwu Irrigation Area (SWIA). The groundwater was found to be weakly alkaline, Fresh water (47.62%) was dominant in the SWIA and brackish water (65.12%) was dominant in the WLTIA. The hydro-chemical types in the two irrigation areas were observed to be mainly Cl-Na and Cl·SO-Ca·Mg, and the ion content was in the order of Cl- > SO42- > HCO3-, Na+ > Mg2+ > Ca2+. The ion content in the WLTIA was found to be higher than that in the SWIA. This was determined to be mainly due to good soil permeability and groundwater mobility in SWIA but the difficulties encountered in the groundwater exchange process in the WLTIA, as well as the influencing effects of the water supply from Wuliangsuhai Lake. The groundwater resources in the two irrigation areas were jointly controlled by evaporation crystallization and rock weathering processes. The dissolution of evaporated salt rock, silicate rock, gypsum, dolomite, and calcite was also a driving factor. This study observed that the chemical compositions of the groundwater in the study area were also affected by ion exchanges and human activities. The evaluation results show that the majority of the groundwater resources in the two irrigation areas could not be directly used for irrigation since salt and alkali damages could easily occur. It was found that the potential for salt damage was relatively serious. This study’s comparison results indicated that the quality of groundwater of the SWIA was relatively higher than that of the WLTIA.
Telerehabilitation assessment domains and process in chronic diseases: a scoping meta-review
Authors: Chapel Blandine , Alexandre François , Heraud Nelly , Ologeanu-Taddei Roxana , Cases Anne-Sophie , Bughin François , Hayot Maurice
Published: June 2021

Background Telerehabilitation (TR) interventions are receiving increasing attention. They have been evaluated in various scientific areas through systematic reviews. However, there is a lack of data on how to standardize assessment and report on their domains to guide researchers across studies and bring together the best evidence to assess TR for chronic diseases.Aims and Objectives The aim of this study is to identify domains of assessment in TR and to qualitatively and quantitatively analyze how they are examined to gain an overview of assessment in chronic disease and understand the complexity of TR interventions.Methods A scoping meta-review was carried out on 9 databases and gray literature from 2009 to 2019. The keyword search strategy was based on "telerehabilitation", “evaluation", “chronic disease" and their synonyms. All articles were subjected to qualitative analysis using the Health Technology Assessment (HTA) Core Model prior to further analysis and narrative synthesis.Results Among the 7412 identified articles, 80 studies met the inclusion criteria. Regarding the domains of assessment, the most frequently occurring were “social aspect” (n = 63, 79%) (e.g., effects on behavioral changes) and “clinical efficacy” (n = 53, 66%), and the least frequently occurring was “safety aspects” (n= 2, 3%). We also identified the phases of TR in which the assessment was conducted and found that it most commonly occurred in the pilot study and randomized trial phases and least commonly occurred in the design, pretest, and postintervention phases.Conclusions Through the HTA model, this scoping meta-review highlighted the multidisciplinarity and comprehensiveness of TR assessment in the recent literature. Future studies will benefit from approaches that leverage the best evidence regarding the assessment of TR interventions, and it will be interesting to extend this assessment framework to other chronic diseases.
Resection or Preservation? A Tough Surgical Decision for Chinese Breast Cancer Patients Who Are in Line with Breast Conserving
Authors: Zhu Pingting , Ji Qiaoying , Liu Xinyi , Xu Ting , Wu Qiwei , Wang Yuejuan
Published: June 2021

Purpose

Breast cancer patients who are in line with breast conserving are faced more challenges in making surgery decision, because breast conservation and mastectomy have equivalent oncologic outcomes. The purpose of this study is to analyze the surgical decision-making process for breast cancer patients and further explore the reasons why do Chinese women who are in line with breast conserving are more likely to choose mastectomy.
Methods

A qualitative study was conducted. With the sample saturation principle, data collected by semi-structured interviews with 14 breast cancer patients who are in line with breast conserving. Colaizzi’s method of phenomenology was used for data analysis.
Results

Three major themes emerged from the data. The themes were the following: (1) lack of significant decision-making support (stereotyping of breast cancer surgery, Inferior quality of interaction with health professions, and without the help of decision aids); (2) can’t mull under the strike (immediacy of the decision, breasts are out of deliberating, and escape); and (3) edified by the Chinese culture (deep family values, hiding concerns about femininity, and conservative character).
Conclusions

Our findings explore the reasons why more Chinese breast cancer patients with breast conserving conditions choose mastectomy, and help patients to choose knowledge-based treatment options which are concordant with their needs, values, and preferences.
COVID-19 Testing and Vaccine Hesitancy in Latinx Farm-Working Communities in The Eastern Coachella Valley
Authors: Gehlbach Daniel , Vázquez Evelyn , Ortiz Gabriela , Li Erica , Sánchez Cintya Beltrán , Rodríguez Sonia , Pozar María , Cheney Ann Marie
Published: June 2021

Background

A novel coronavirus, SARS-CoV-2 (known as COVID-19), spread rapidly around the world, affecting all and creating an ongoing global pandemic. In the United States, Latinx, African American, and Indigenous populations across the country have been disproportionately affected by COVID-19 cases and death rates. An examination of the perceptions and beliefs about the spread of the virus, COVID-19 testing, and vaccination amongst racial/ethnic minority groups is needed in order to alleviate the widespread disparity in new cases and deaths.
Methods

From November to December 2020 the research team conducted focus groups with members of Latinx farm-working communities in the Eastern Coachella Valley, located in the inland southern California desert region. A total of seven focus groups, six in Spanish and one in Purépecha, with a total of 55 participants were conducted. Topics covered include knowledge of the coronavirus, COVID-19 testing and vaccination.
Results

Using theme identification techniques, the findings identify structural factors that underly perceptions held by immigrant, migrant, and indigenous Latinx community members about COVID-19, which, in turn, shape attitudes and behaviors related to COVID-19 testing and vaccination. Common themes that emerged across focus groups include misinformation, lack of trust in institutions, and insecurity around employment and residency.
Conclusions

This racial/ethnic minority population is structurally vulnerable to historical and present-day inequalities that put them at increased risk of COVID-19 exposure, morbidity, and mortality. Findings from the focus groups indicate a significant need for interventions that decrease structural vulnerabilities by addressing issues of (dis)trust in government and public health among this population.
Elevated METTL16 expression in PDAC confers synthetic lethality to PARP inhibition by antagonizing MRE11-mediated DNA end resection
Authors: Zeng Xiangyu , Zhao Fei , Kloeber Jake , Deshpande Rajashree , Mer Georges , Paull Tanya , Lou Zhenkun
Published: June 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most lethal cancers worldwide. Characterization of the recurrent genetic alterations in PDAC will yield improved understanding and therapies for this disease. Here, we report that PDAC patients with elevated expression of METTL16, one of the “writers” of RNA N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification, may benefits from poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase (PARP) inhibitor treatment. Mechanistically, METTL16 interacts with MRE11 in an RNA-dependent manner; and, this interaction inhibits MRE11’s exonuclease activity in a methyltransferase-independent manner, thereby repressing DNA end resection. Upon DNA damage, ATM phosphorylates METTL16 at Ser419 within its C terminus, resulting in METTL16 conformational change and autoinhibition of its RNA binding. This dissociates the METTL16-RNA-MRE11 complex and releases inhibition of MRE11. Concordantly, PDAC cells with high METTL16 expression levels show increased sensitivity to PARP inhibitors, especially when combined with gemcitabine. Thus, our findings have revealed a role for METTL16 in homologous recombination repair and suggest that combination of PARP inhibitors with gemcitabine could be an effective treatment strategy for PDAC patients with high METTL16 expression.
An auxin-mediated ultradian rhythm promotes root regeneration in Arabidopsis
Authors: Vu Quy , Song Kitae , Park Sung-Jin , Xu Lin , Nam Hong Gil , Hong Sunghyun
Published: June 2021

Ultradian rhythms have been proved to be critical for diverse biological processes. However, comprehensive understanding of the short-period rhythms remains limited. Here, we discover that leaf excision triggers a gene expression rhythm with ~ 3-h periodicity, named as the excision ultradian rhythm (UR), which is regulated by the plant hormone auxin. Transcriptome analysis found more than 4,000 excision UR genes which are diverse in terms of biological function. Promoter–luciferase analyses showed that the spatiotemporal patterns of the excision UR were positively associated with de novo root regeneration (DNRR), a post-embryonic developmental process. Genetic studies showed that EXCISION ULTRADIAN RHYTHM 1 (EUR1), which encodes ENHANCER OF ABSCISIC ACID CO-RECEPTOR1 (EAR1), an abscisic acid signaling regulator, was required to generate the excision ultradian rhythm and promote root regeneration. Moreover, the ear1 mutant exhibited the absence of auxin-induced excision UR generation and partial failure to rescue DNRR. These results demonstrate that leaf excision activates EAR1-mediated excision UR and reprograms the expression of a large set of genes involved in DNRR.
Using an OSCE Protocol in Evaluating Teaching Effectiveness of the CBL Teaching Method in Clinical Practice
Authors: Li Shanshan , Wang Junrong , Yang Boyi , Jiang Wei
Published: June 2021

Background: With the continuing growth of learning resources, it is important to explore and analyze the effectiveness of a teaching method. Case-based learning (CBL) is defined in a number of ways depending on the discipline and type of ‘case’ employed. Objective Structured Clinical Examination (OSCE), a more objective and comprehensive assessment tool which could be used to evaluate clinical operation skills of clinical medical staff and students. Objectives: To determine the effectiveness of CBL, in terms of students’ feedback and formative OSCE grades.Method: In the Chinese eight-year medical program practice stage, CBL teaching is carried out, and the results of OSCE are used to evaluate the effect of CBL teaching. The eight-year internship students were randomly divided into the traditional teaching group (TT group) (n=26) and the CBL group (n=24). Result: The scores of the CBL group in the ability to collect medical history, operation of basic skills, test bank answers were all statistically better than those of TT group (p <0.05). The physical examination ability score in CBL group was higher than the TT group but was not statistical different (p>0.05).Conclusion: The results showed that the performance of the CBL teaching group was better than that of the TT group. The OSCE assessment is objective and comprehensive, but lacks analysis of abilities such as literature review, English skills and problems encountered in CBL teaching, which still needs further study to better promote CBL teaching.
Assessing The Impacts Of COVID 19 On Livestock Production, Market Value Chain And Health Practices In Selected Districts Of East Wollega Zone, Ethiopia
Authors: Lemu Geremew Haile , Hirpa Eyob , Amante Morka , Yimer Lema , Furgasa Walkite , Anbase Namommsa
Published: June 2021

COVID-19, caused by a newly discovered strain of coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), has had a significant impact on many sectors at the global, regional, and national levels, including the livestock sector. Study Methods: A questionnaire survey and observational study were carried out from September 2020 to November 2020 with the aim of assessing the impacts of COVID 19 on livestock farming practices, market chain, consumption of animal products, and animal health care services in selected districts of East Wollega zone. Small scale farmers, abattoir workers, consumers, and private sectors involved in the production, processing, and distribution of livestock products, and veterinarians were purposively selected for this study. Based on the survey, 365 (91.25%) respondents agreed as the pandemic was the major challenge to livestock farming practices. The assessment shows that COVID 19 created worst 270 (67.5%) and high impact 75 (18.75%). The major reasons mentioned were measures taken by the government such as lockdown, economic decline, low number of manpower due to calls to stay at home, and social distance. Observational studies indicated that dairy shops, meat shops, and local abattoirs, hotels, and restaurants were totally/partially closed, especially during the first 6 months of the pandemic. The average monthly income from livestock and their products showed about 60.93% shortfalls (from 1,130,500 birr to 688,800 birr). Regarding consumer perception, there was low demand for livestock products mainly due to the perceived disease risk. The most important animal health constraints during this pandemic were unusual preventive practices such as lack of vaccination and deworming, scarcity of drugs at the veterinary clinic, low number of veterinarians and inability to cover the cost of drugs and personnel. The present study suggests that the pandemic's impact on the livestock production, product supply chain and animal health services might be continue, which will have a significant effect on the sustainability of livestock production systems and the contribution of livestock subsectors on the household and national economy and global food security. It is therefore, essential that the government and other concerned bodies should give attention to the livestock sector to mitigate the impacts of the disease.
The Diagnostic Value of Contrast-enhanced 2D Mammography in Everyday Clinical use
Authors: Neeter Lidewij , Raat Frank , Meens-Koreman Stephanie , Stiphout Rogier van , Timmermans Steffie , Duvivier Katya , Smidt Marjolein , Wildberger Joachim , Nelemans Patty , Lobbes Marc
Published: June 2021

Contrast-enhanced mammography (CEM) has shown to be superior to full-field digital mammography (FFDM), but current results are dominated by studies performed on systems by one vendor. Information on diagnostic accuracy of other CEM systems is limited. Therefore, we aimed to evaluate the diagnostic performance of CEM on an alternative vendor’s system.We included all patients who underwent CEM in one hospital in 2019, except those with missing data or in whom CEM was used as response monitoring tool. Three experienced breast radiologists scored the low-energy images using the BI-RADS classification. Next, the complete CEM exams were scored similarly. Histopathological results or a minimum of one year follow-up were used as reference standard. Diagnostic performance and AUC were calculated and compared between low-energy images and the complete CEM examination , for all readers independently as well as combined. Breast cancer was diagnosed in 23% of the patients (35/152). Compared to low-energy images, overall CEM sensitivity increased from 74.3% to 87.6% (p<0.0001), specificity from 87.8% to 94.6% (p=0.0146). AUC increased from 0.872 to 0.957 (p=0.0001). Performing CEM on the system tested, showed that, similar to earlier studies mainly performed on another vendor’s systems, both sensitivity and specificity improved when compared to FFDM.
Structure-based Assessment of Homologous Analogues of Natural products: A computational approach to predict the therapeutic effects of natural products
Authors: Rao Aditya , Shetty Nandini
Published: June 2021

The present study describes a novel strategy to screen natural products (NPs) for their therapeutic effects with the predicted mechanism of action. The method entitled 'Structure-based Assessment of Homologous Analogues of Natural products-SAHANA' follows the comparison of NPs against prescribed synthetic chemical drugs to deduce activity cliffs and core fragments, based on the molecular properties and 2-dimensional structural similarities. The method was applied to predict the biological effect of the identified NPs as antidiabetic molecules. Selected NPs were assessed for their pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamics properties. The biological interactions and structural stability of the bound structures were evaluated using molecular docking and molecular dynamics simulations. The study yielded NPs with significant structural similarities to prescribed drugs. Further, their binding interactions stabilized the macromolecular structure. The results envisage a strong indication that the natural products can produce therapeutic effects efficiently if administered individually. The results also encourage using the current screening strategy to identify competent natural product drugs against any disease condition ad libitum.
Investigation of sources, diversity, and variability of bacterial aerosols in Athens, Greece: a pilot study
Authors: Metaxatos Angelina , Manibusan Sydonia , Mainelis Gediminas
Published: June 2021

This study is the first attempt to describe the composition, diversity, and potential sources of bacterial aerosols in the urban air of Athens by DNA barcoding (analysis of 16S rRNA genes). It is also the first field application of the recently developed Rutgers Electrostatic Passive Sampler (REPS) to study the microbial diversity of aerosols. Three sampling campaigns 6–10 days in duration were conducted in the summer and fall of 2019. The completely passive REPS captured a sufficient amount of biological material to demonstrate the diversity of airborne bacteria and their variability over time. Overall, in the air of Athens, 793 OTUs were detected. Firmicutes, Proteobacteria, and Actinobacteria were the dominant Phyla, while the Cyanobacteria, Bacteroidetes, and Fusobacteria were the minor Phyla. The observed Phyla were further classified into 54 families. The families with high prevalence across our samples contained genera known to have pathogenic species, e.g., Streptococcus, Corynebacterium, Gemella, Pseudomonas, Staphylococcus, Neisseria; many species belonging to human or animal commensal microbiota were also detected. The paper discusses the likely sources of observed airborne bacteria, including soil, plants, animals, humans. Given the variability in bacterial composition over time, it is obvious that the contribution of those sources to airborne microbiota is dynamic. However, a more accurate linkage between the sources and airborne bacteria requires further study. Also, the exact functional and ecological role and, even more importantly, the impact of observed bacterial aerosols on public health and the ecosystem is still unknown and required further analysis.
Competition in depleting resource environments shapes the thermal response of population fitness in a disease vector
Authors: Huxley Paul , Murray Kris , Pawar Samraat , Cator Lauren
Published: June 2021

Mathematical models that incorporate the temperature dependence of lab-measured life history traits are increasingly used to predict how climatic warming will affect ectotherms, including disease vectors and other arthropods. These temperature-trait relationships are typically measured under laboratory conditions that ignore how conspecific competition in depleting resource environments—a commonly occurring scenario in nature—regulates natural populations. Here, we used laboratory experiments on the mosquito Aedes aegypti, combined with a stage-structured population model, to show that intensified larval competition in ecologically-realistic depleting resource environments can significantly diminish the vector’s maximal population-level fitness across the entire temperature range, cause a 6°C decrease in the optimal temperature for fitness, and contract its thermal niche width by 10°C. Our results provide evidence for future studies to consider competition dynamics under depleting resources when predicting how eukaryotic ectotherms will respond to climatic warming.
Immobilized Covalent Triazine Frameworks Films as Effective Photocatalysts for Hydrogen Evolution Reaction
Authors: Hu Xunliang , Hussain Irshad , Tan Bien
Published: June 2021

Covalent triazine frameworks (CTFs) have recently been demonstrated as promising materials for photocatalytic water splitting and are usually used in the form of suspended powder. From a practical point of view, immobilized CTFs materials are more suitable for large-scale water splitting applications, owing to their convenient separation and recycling potential. However, existing synthetic approaches mainly result in insoluble and unprocessable powders, which makes their future device application still a huge challenge. Herein, we report an aliphatic amine-assisted interfacial polymerization method to obtain free-standing, crystalline CTFs film with excellent photoelectric performance. The lateral size of the film was up to 250 cm2, the average thickness can be regulated from 30-500 nm. The crystalline structure was confirmed by high-resolution transmission electron microscope (HR-TEM), powder X-ray diffraction (PXRD), and small-angle X-ray scattering (SAXS) analysis. Intrigued by the good light absorption, crystalline structure, and big lateral size of the film, it was immobilized on a glass support that exhibited good photocatalytic hydrogen evolution performance (5.4 mmol h-1 m-2) and was easy to recycle.
Research on Cutting Force and Surface Integrity of TC18 Titanium Alloy by Longitudinal Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Milling
Authors: Xie Weibo , Wang Xikui , Liu Erbo , Wang Jian , Tang Xiaobin , Li Guangxi , Zhang Jian , Yang Liquan , Chai Yongbo , Zhao Bo
Published: June 2021

In order to study the influence of rotational speed and amplitude on the surface integrity, TC18 titanium alloy samples were milled by the process of conventional milling and longitudinal ultrasonic vibration assisted milling. The experimental data were obtained by dynamometer, thermometer, scanning electron microscope, X-ray diffractometer and three-dimensional surface topography instrument for observation and analysis. The results show that the rotational speed has a significant effect on the cutting force, cutting temperature, surface morphology and surface residual stress. Compared with ordinary milling, the surface micro-texture produced by ultrasonic vibration milling is more regular, , and with the increase of rotational speed, the influence of ultrasonic vibration on cutting force and cutting temperature decrease. There are adverse effects on surface roughness after ultrasonic vibration superposition. The influence of ultrasonic vibration on the surface residual compressive stress is also greatly reduced when the rotational speed is greater than 2400 rpm. In addition, a certain depth of plastic deformation layer can be formed under the surface of ultrasonic vibration machining, and the depth of deformation layer increases with the increase of vibration.
High Dose Vitamin-D-substitution in patients with COVID-19: study protocol for a randomized, double blind, placebo controlled, multi-centre study- VitCov Trial
Authors: Jaun Fabienne , Lüthi-Corridori Giorgia , Abig Kristin , Makhdoomi Anja , Haas Philippe , Schuetz Philipp , Braendle Michael , Gabutti Luca , ELzi Luigia , Muser Juergen , Leuppi-Taegtmeyer Anne B , Gizendanner Stéphanie , Tarr Philipp , Leuppi Joerg D.
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe Coronavirus disease 19 (Covid-19) pandemic has caused more than a million deaths and new treatments are urgently needed. Factors associated with a worse Covid-19 prognosis include old age (> 65 years), ethnicity, male sex, obesity and people with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, cardiovascular disease, and respiratory diseases. Further, vitamin D deficiency has been reported to be a predictor of poor prognosis in patients with acute respiratory failure due to Covid-19. Vitamin D deficiency is a modifiable risk factor, which - according to a recent clinical case series – has the prospect of reducing hospital stay, intensive care and fatal outcomes. Vitamin D has potent immunomodulatory property sand its supplementation might improve important outcomes in critically ill and vitamin D deficient Covid-19 patients. Despite the evidence that supports an association between vitamin D deficiency and Covid-19 severity, there is uncertainty about the direct link. The aim of the trial is therefore to assess if high dose vitamin D supplementation has a therapeutic effect in vitamin D deficient patients with Covid-19.MethodsRandomized, placebo-controlled double blind, multi-centre study trial to compare a high single dose of vitamin D (140’000 IU) followed by treatment as usual (TAU) (VitD + TAU) with treatment as usual only (placebo + TAU) in patients with Covid-19 and vitamin D deficiency.DiscussionVitamin D substitution in patients with Covid-19 and vitamin D deficiency should be investigated for efficacy and safety. The objective of the study is to test the hypothesis that patients with vitamin D deficiency suffering from Covid-19 treated under standardized conditions in hospital will recover faster when additionally treated with high dose vitamin D supplementation. Latest studies suggest, that vitamin D supplementation in patients with Covid-19 is highly recommended to positively influence the course of the disease. With this randomised controlled trial, a contribution to new treatment guidelines shall be made.Trial registration: clinicaltrials.gov: NCT04525820 and SNCTP: 2020 − 01401
Feasibility and Preliminary Efficacy of the Lifestyle, Exercise and Diet (LEAD) Study: A Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial of a Combined Exercise and Diet Intervention in Older Adults with Vascular Risk Factors and Early Dementia Risk
Authors: Koblinsky Noah , Anderson Nicole , Ajwani Fatim , Parrott Matthew , Dawson Deirdre , Marzolini Susan , Oh Paul , MacIntosh Bradley , Middleton Laura , Ferland Guylaine , Greenwood Carol
Published: June 2021

Background: Healthy diet and exercise are associated with reduced risk of dementia in older adults. Evidence for the impact of clinical trials on brain health is less consistent, especially with dietary interventions which often rely on varying intervention approaches. Our objective was to evaluate the feasibility and preliminary efficacy of a 6-month intervention combining exercise with a novel dietary counselling approach among older adults with vascular risk factors (VRFs) and early dementia risk. Methods: Participants with VRF’s and SCD or early MCI were cluster randomized into the intervention (exercise + Baycrest Brain-healthy Eating Approach (EX+DIET)) or control group (exercise + brain health education (EX+ED)). Both groups participated in 1-hour of supervised exercise per week and were prescribed additional exercise at home. EX+DIET involved 1-hour per week of group-based dietary counselling comprising didactic education focused on brain healthy eating recommendations, goal setting and strategy training. Whereas, EX+ED involved 1-hour per week of group-based brain health education. The primary outcome was change in hippocampal volume from baseline to 6 months. Secondary outcomes included fitness, diet, cognition, and blood biomarkers. Recruitment challenges and early discontinuation of the trial due to COVID-19 necessitated a revised focus on feasibility and preliminary efficacy. Results: Of 190 older adults contacted, 14 (7%) were eligible and randomized, constituting 21% of our recruitment target. All participants completed the intervention and attended 90% of exercise and diet/education sessions on average. All 6-month follow-up assessments pre-COVID-19 were completed but disruptions to testing during the pandemic resulted in incomplete data collection. No serious adverse events occurred and all participants expressed positive feedback about the intervention. Mean improvements in peak oxygen consumption were observed in both EX+DIET (d = .98) and EX+ED (d =1.15) groups. Substantial improvements in diet and HbA1c were observed in the EX+DIET group compared to EX+ED (d = 1.75 and 1.07, respectively). Conclusions: High adherence and retention rates were observed among LEAD participants and preliminary findings illustrate improvements in cardiorespiratory fitness and diet quality. These results indicate that a larger trial is feasible if difficulties surrounding recruitment can be mitigated. Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: NCT03056508
The importance of overbank deposits and paleosol analyses for comprehensive volcanic hazard evaluation: The case of Holocene volcanism at Miravalles Volcano, Costa Rica
Authors: Ryan Peter Crowley , Alvarado Guillermo , McCanta Molly , Barca Malia , Davis Gabrielle , de Mendoza Luis Hurtado
Published: June 2021

On the flanks of the dormant Miravalles volcano, systematic fieldwork and radiocarbon dating of buried humus-rich soils (paleosols) and wood fragments, augmented by mineralogical and geochemical analysis, reveal extensive and previously undocumented Holocene activity. Phase 1 consisted of 8.3 ka (~6300 BCE) volcanic debris avalanche and thick lapilli blast and fallout deposit that appear coeval. Hiatus 1 marks 2600 years of inactivity ensued followed by Phase 2 lapilli interbedded with ~5.5 ka lahars below a 5.3 ka basaltic lava flow (~3400 BCE). Hiatus 2 lasted 1800 years from 5.3 ka to 3.5 ka (3300-1500 BCE), after which a very active Phase 3 ensued (3.5 to 0.5 ka; 1600 BCE to 1500 CE) with > four lapilli eruptions, > 4 lahars, > 6 layers of ash and pumice, and small andesitic lava flows. The most recent evidence for eruption is an 880-year-old (0.9 ka; 1070 CE) lapilli overlain by gravels that may represent distal lahar sediments. Evidence indicates the occurrence of at least two, if not three, destructive lahars on the southwest flank of Miravalles in the past 500 years. The overbank sedimentary record indicates much more activity of Miravalles volcano over the past 3500 years (since 1500 BCE) than previously known, with a minimum of 24 events in that span. Overbank floodplain deposits are likely to contain the most compete record of recent activity in active and dormant volcanoes, and in the absence of dateable vegetation fragments, radiocarbon dating of paleosol A-horizons is very useful, with a precision of ~ 10%, i.e. 800 + 80 ybp.
Understanding the Contaminant Chemistry of Water Resource at Urban Solid Waste Disposal Site, Hyderabad, India
Authors: Peddi Nageswara Rao , Reddy A G S , Kumar Ravi
Published: June 2021

The Hyderabad urban solid waste dump site though located on a rocky hillock has highly weathered mantle apart from inter-connected network of fractures. These hydrological features favored massive dissipation of contaminants into the surface as well as sub-surface water resources. The surface water bodies in the vicinity turned into leachate pools and groundwater in the zone of influence is not fit for any use. It is assumed that apart from hydrological factors hydrogeochemical characteristics also contributed to contamination of pore water. Efforts were made through the Paper to underline the preferential chemistry of water resources at solid waste disposal sites that stimulated the ion enrichment. Both surface (15) and groundwater (79) samples were gathered during 2011 and 2012 hydrological cycles and tested for major parameters. Few samples (15) of 2012 were also analyzed to determine TOC, BOD, and COD. The general order of abundance of prominent ion species in groundwater was Cl-, Ca2+, Na+, Mg2+, HCO3- and SO42-. Very high and similar Cl- concentration in surface water (37 meq/l) and contaminated groundwater (40 mq/l) establish that solid waste stockpile was the point source through leachate. The presence of high (>200 mg/l) TOC, BOD and COD in many surface and groundwater samples supports the inference. Modified Piper plots display the Ca-Mg-Cl and Ca-Mg-HCO3 were the dominant hydrochemical facies in groundwater, whereas many surface water and few groundwater samples belong to Na-Cl/SO4 type. A good correlation (~0.90) between Cl- - Ca2+, TH, Na+, and Mg2+ points out that these ion species were from the same source. Gibbs plots, positive CAI-1 and 2, together with >2 ratios of Ca2+/Mg2+, Cl-/Na+ in many samples divulge water-rock interaction and ion exchange were also controlling the hydrochemistry. The low HCO3-/Cl-, TA/TH and SO42-/HCO3- values indicate an insufficient influx of freshwater and non-lithogenic sources altered the groundwater chemistry. >0.50 ratio of Na++K+/TZ+, Ca2+/Na+, Ca2+/HCO3- together with cross plots of Na+K vs Cl-+ SO42-, HCO3-+ SO42- vs Ca2++Mg2+ and Langelier and Ludwig (modified) diagram confirm the multiple ionization processes were operating in aqueous system. Favorable hydrochemistry in the form of alkaline water, high TH, Cl- and prevailing redox conditions as well as methanogenic phase of dump yard might have spurred up ion enrichment activity within the zone of influence of point source.
The Effects of Molar Activity on [18f]FDOPA Uptake in Patients With Neuroendocrine Tumors.
Authors: Stormezand Gilles N. , Schreuder Romano S.B.H. , Brouwers Adrienne H. , Slart Riemer H.J.A. , Elsinga Philip H. , Walenkamp Annemiek M.E. , Dierckx Rudi A.J.O. , Glaudemans Andor W.J.M. , Luurtsema Gert
Published: June 2021

Background6-[18F]fluoro-L-3,4-dihydroxyphenyl alanine ([18F]FDOPA) is a commonly used PET tracer for the detection and staging of neuroendocrine tumors. In neuroendocrine tumors. [18F]FDOPA is decarboxylated to [18F]dopamine via the enzyme amino acid decarboxylase (AADC), leading to increased uptake when there is increased AADC activity. Recently In our hospital, a new GMP compliant multi-dose production of [18F]FDOPA has been developed, [18F]FDOPA-H, resulting in a higher activity yield, improved molar activity and a lower administered mass than the conventional method ([18F]FDOPA-L). AimThis study aimed to investigate whether the difference in molar activity affects the [18F]FDOPA uptake at physiological sites and in tumor lesions, in patients with NET. It was anticipated that the specific uptake of [18F]FDOPA-H would be equal to or higher than [18F]FDOPA-L.Methods We retrospectively analyzed 50 patients with pathologically confirmed NETs and stable disease who underwent PET scanning using both [18F]FDOPA-H and [18F]FDOPA-L within a time span of 5 years. A total of 100 [18F]FDOPA scans (50 [18F]FDOPA-L and 50 [18F]FDOPA-H with average molar activities of 8 and 107 GBq/mmol) were analyzed. The SUVmean was calculated for physiological organ uptake and SUVmax for tumor lesions in both groups for comparison, and separately in subjects with low tumor load (1-2 lesions) and higher tumor load (3-10 lesions). ResultsComparable or slightly higher uptake was demonstrated in various physiological uptake sites in subjects scanned with [18F]FDOPA-H compared to [18F]FDOPA-L, with large overlap being present in the interquartile ranges. Tumor uptake was slightly higher in the [18F]FDOPA-H group with 3-10 lesion (SUVmax 6.83 vs. 5.19, p<0.001). In the other groups, no significant differences were seen between H and L.Conclusion[18F]FDOPA-H provides a higher activity yield, offering the possibility to scan more patients with one single production. Minor differences were observed in SUV’s, with slight increases in uptake of [18F]FDOPA-H in comparison to [18F]FDOPA-L. This finding is not an concern for clinical practice, but could be of importance when quantifying follow-up scans while introducing new production methods with a higher molar activity of [18F]FDOPA
Power Efficient Multichannel Discrete Time Based LTI System for DSP
Authors: Jain Vivak , Chakrabarti Prasun , Hati Ananda Shankar , Kumar Prince
Published: June 2021

This paper proposes a power-efficient multichannel discrete-time system based on a Cat swarm-based optimization algorithm for multi-signaling processing of the different signals from different musical instruments. The purpose is to provide an adjustable signaling rate to avoid aliasing. The multichannel discrete-time system can increase and decrease the sampling frequency by fraction value according to the incoming signal's maximum frequency from various musical instrument sources. Here, the multichannel discrete-time system introduces zeros and removes the samples uniformly according to requirements. To make it power efficient and reduce resource utilization by applying particle swarm optimization algorithm at the implementation time on FPGA.
A Study of The Clinical Viability of A Prototype Compton Camera for Prompt Gamma Imaging Based Proton Beam Range Verification
Authors: Polf Jerimy , Barajas Carlos A. , Kroiz Gerson C. , Peterson Stephen W. , Maggi Paul , Mackin Dennis S. , Beddar Sam , Gobbert Matthias K.
Published: June 2021

We present Compton camera (CC) based PG imaging for proton range verification at clinical dose rates. PG emission from a tissue-equivalent phantom during irradiation with clinical proton beams was measured with a prototype CC. Images were reconstructed of the raw measured data and of data processed with a neural network (NN) trained to identify “true” and “false” PG events. From these images, we determine if PG images produced by the prototype CC could provide clinically useful information about the in vivo range of the proton beams delivered during proton beam radiotherapy. NN processing of the data was found necessary to allow identification of the proton beam path from the PG images. Furthermore, to allow the localization of the end of the proton beam range with a precision of ≤ 3mm with the prototype CC, ~1 x 109 protons would need to be delivered, which is on the order of magnitude delivered for a standard proton radiotherapy treatment field. To obtain higher precision in beam range determination and to allow imaging a single proton pencil beam delivered within the full treatment field, further improvements in PG detection rates by the CC, NN data processing, and image reconstruction algorithms are needed.
Landscape Resistance Index Aiming At Functional Forest Connectivity
Authors: Vanderley-Silva Ivan , Valente Roberta Averna
Published: June 2021

The terrestrial surface is the basis for defining the species dispersion paths and overcoming the matrix resistance. In this approach, connecting paths with high levels of integrity must avoid barriers and anthropized areas. In this context, the main objective of this study was to develop the Landscape Resistance Index based on environment integrity. It was developed through Structural Equation Modeling (SEM), supported by the criteria of Land Surface Temperature, Nighttime Reflectance, and Inverted NDVI, which are called observed variables. The landscape studied in the Green Belt Biosphere Reserve of São Paulo has suffered from urban sprawl. However, it has significant remnants of the Atlantic Forest, which is a biodiversity hotspot. Our results indicated criteria variability in the landscape, however, modeled through the SEM, obtaining a significant adjustment of the Landscape Resistance Index, with CFI of 1.00 and RMSEA of 0.00. The index reflects the resistance levels of the land-use/land-cover, expressed by the class interval, ranging from 0% (1.73) to 100% (493.88), with the highest values associated with the anthropized uses and forest isolation. This way, the index based on environmental attributes reflects the structure of functional forest connectivity, supporting the planning design of forest corridors across landscapes.
Effect of A Standardized Extract of Asparagus Officinalis Stem on HSP 70 Induction and Redox Balance in Bovine Cumulus-Granulosa Cells
Authors: Khoi Ho , Homma Kohei , Takanari Jun , Bai Hanako , Kawahara Manabu , Nguyen Khang , Takahashi Masashi
Published: June 2021

Heat shock protein 70 (HSP70) is a well-known heat shock (HS)-induced protein that acts as an intracellular chaperone to protect cells against stress conditions. Although HS induces HSP70 expression to acquire stress-resistant ability to cells, HS causes toxicity to cells by increasing reactive oxygen species (ROS). Recently, a standardized extract of Asparagus officinalis stem (EAS), produced from the by-product of asparagus, was found to induce HSP70 expression without HS and regulate cellular redox balance in the cells. However, the effect of EAS on the function of reproductive cells remains unknown. In the present study, we investigated the effect of EAS on HSP70 induction and oxidative redox balance in cultured bovine cumulus-granulosa(CG) cells. EAS significantly increased HSP70 expression, whereas no effect was observed in HSP27 and − 90 under non-heat stress condition. EAS decreased ROS generation and DNA damage, and increased glutathione (GSH) synthesis both under non-HS and HS conditions. Moreover, EAS synergistically increased HSP70 and HSF1 expression. EAS also increased progesterone (P4) levels in CG cells. HSP70 inhibitor significantly decreased GSH and increased ROS, as well as decreased HSF1, Nrf2, and Keap1 in the presence of EAS. These results suggest that EAS regulates redox balance through HSP70 in bovine CG cells.