bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring Health behavior problems in Chinese Adolescent: Scale Development and Preliminary Validation
Authors: Dai Shengting , Qiu Qian , Yan Jingfei
Published: January 2021

Background

Health behaviors shape health and well-being, improve life quality, and provide economic benefit. Adolescence is a life phase in which the opportunities for health are great. Adolescent health brings not only the benefits of the present but also the well-being of the future and the next generation. We aimed to develop a reliable and valid scale that was used to evaluate the health behavior of the late adolescent, namely, the senior high school student.
Methods

In this study, we conducted two surveys: For the first survey, we recruited 526 senior high school students (318 boys, 208 girls; Mage = 16.5), and the data were used for item analysis and exploratory factor analysis. For the second survey, we recruited 542 senior high school students (249 boys, 293; girls; Mage = 15.5), and the data were used for confirmatory factor analysis and internal consistency reliability analysis.
Results

In exploratory factor analysis, we extracted four factors with 23 items in all: exercise awareness and habits (5 items), master and apply healthy behavior knowledge (10 items), emotional regulation (4 items), and environment adaptation (4 items). The Cronbach’s alpha values of the factors ranging from 0.863 to 0.937. A satisfactory goodness of fit model was achieved (CMIN/DF = 3.18, RMR = 0.04, GFI = 0.90, CFI = 0.92, TLI = 0.91, RMSEA = 0.06).
Conclusions

These results suggest that the Chinese version of the Health Behavior Scale is a reliable and valid instrument for assessing the health behavior of senior high school students.
The application of phase difference to analysis the magnetotelluric data
Authors: Chen Hao , Mizunaga Hideki , Tanaka Toshiaki , Zhou Lei
Published: January 2021

Magnetotelluric (MT) method is an electromagnetic geophysical method for inferring the earth's subsurface electrical conductivity from measurements of natural geomagnetic and geoelectric field variation at the earth's surface. The ﬁrst step in MT data processing is to estimate the impedance tensor in the frequency domain from the measured time-series data. The initial MT response function estimator is based on the least-square theory; it can be severely disturbed by the cultural noise. In the presence of a small amount of intermittent contaminated data, it can be improved by remote reference technique, robust procedure or combination of them. In the presence of a large amount of contaminated data, it can still succeed with assistance from data analysis to remove the most contaminated data before the impedance tensor estimation. The phase difference is an important parameter to analyze the data in the frequency domain. In this paper, we investigate three parameters(the predicted coherence, remote coherence and polarization direction) correspond the phase difference to analyze the MT data. We demonstrated that the high predicted coherence could indicate a high signal-to-noise ratio(SNR) or strong coherence noise. The polarization direction was useful to visualize the background noise. The remote coherence was a useful parameter to indicate the quality of the data. In this paper, we will introduce a robust M-estimator at first. At last, we showed the effectiveness of the application of remote linear coherence to the selection strategy based on the M-estimator. By this selection strategy, the result can be improved dramatically in the presence of a large amount of intermittent noise.
Study of the dynamic changes in the chemical constituents of Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.) pericarp during fruit development by a non-targeted metabolomics approach
Authors: Xu Yuanyuan , Gao Yuan , Chen Zhong , Zhao Guochun , Liu Jiming , Wang Xin , Gao Shilun , zhang Duanguang , Jia Liming
Published: January 2021

Soapberry (Sapindus mukorossi Gaertn.) is a multi-functional tree, which is widely used in daily chemicals, biomedicine, biomass energy and landscaping. The pericarp of soapberry can be used as medicine or detergent. However, there is no systematic study on chemical constituents of soapberry pericarp in fruit development, and the dynamic changes of these constituents are far from clear. In this study, we applied a non-targeted metabolomics approach using an ultra-high performance liquid chromatography-Q Exactive HF hybrid quadrupole-Orbitrap mass spectrometer (UHPLC-QE-HF-MS) to comprehensively profile the variations of metabolites in soapberry pericarp at eight fruit development stages. The metabolome coverage of UHPLC-QE-HF-MS on a HILIC column was higher than that of a C18 column. A total of 111 metabolites were putatively identified, and these metabolites showed three accumulation patterns (pre-accumulation, mid-accumulation and post-accumulation) with fruit development. Twenty-five of these 111 metabolites (including amino acids and their derivatives, flavonoids, organic acids, fatty acids, nucleotides and their derivatives, alkaloids, carbohydrates, terpenoids, vitamins, phosphorylated intermediates) were present at significantly different levels between the two adjacent stages, which were involved in 13 KEGG pathways, among them 5 pathways (flavonoid biosynthesis; histidine metabolism; aminoacyl-tRNA biosynthesis; flavone and flavonol biosynthesis; and phenylalanine, tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis) were most relevant. S8 stage (fruit ripening stage) is the most suitable stage for fruit harvesting to utilize the pericarp, during which the accumulation of many bioactive and valuable metabolites (e.g., furamizole, alpha-tocopherol quinone, sucrose) in the pericarp was highest. To the best of our knowledge, this was the first time that the metabolomics in soapberry pericarp during the whole fruit development was profiled. This study will be beneficial to guide the harvesting, processing and application, and pave the way for further studies on the biosynthesis mechanism of the main metabolites of the soapberry pericarp.
Plasma Neurofilament Light Chain Predicts Large Vessel Occlusions in Patients with Acute Ischemic Stroke
Authors: wang zhiqiang , Wang Rongyu , Li Yuxia , Li Mao , Zhang Yaodan , Jiang Lianyan , Fan Jin , Wang Jian , Wang Qingsong , Yang Dongdong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPlasma neurofilaments light chain (pNfL) is a marker of axonal injury. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of pNfL as a predictive biomarker for stroke due to large vessel occlusion (LVO).MethodsThis retrospective study was developed from a prospectively collected stroke database, which was conducted at a large academic comprehensive stroke center in western China. Consecutive patients ≥18 years with first-ever acute ischemic stroke (AIS) of anterior circulation within 24 hours of symptom onset were included. Stroke severity was analyzed at admission using the NIHSS score. The pNfL drawn within 24 h from symptom onset was analyzed with a novel ultrasensitive single molecule array. The diagnosis of LVO was based on vascular imaging.ResultsA total of 845 patients (male, 480 (56.80%); mean age, 62.67 (±11.84) years) were included analysis, and 144 (17.00%) were diagnosed with LVO. pNfL was markedly higher in patients with LVO (56.99(±14.67) versus 37.86(±13.82) pg/ml; P<0.001) than Non-LVO. pNfL was valuable for the prediction of LVO (OR, 1.099; 95% CI, 1.081-1.118; P<0.001), even adjusted for conventional risk factors (OR, 1.078; 95% CI, 1.058-1.098; P<0.001). The best cut-off value of pNfL to differentiate between patients with LVO and Non-LVO was 43.08 pg/mL, which yielded a sensitivity of 84.70% and specificity of 66.00%, with the area under the curve (AUC) at 0.826 (95% CI, 0.792-0.860; P<0.001). The highest AUC was reached by a combination of pNfL and NIHSS (AUC, 0.876; 95% CI, 0.849-0.902; P<0.001).ConclusionsStrokes with LVO were distinguishable from those without LVO following the determination of pNfL in the blood samples within 24 hours of onset. The pNfL is a promising biomarker of AIS with LVO.Clinical trial registration: ChiCTR1800020330.
Divergent dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase isoenzyme expression in the central nervous system
Authors: Kozlova Alena Alekseevna , Ragavan Vinitha Nair , Jarzebska Natalia , Lukianova Iana Vadimovna , Bikmurzina Anastasia Evgenievna , Rubets Elena , Suzuki-Yamamoto Toshiko , Kimoto Masumi , Mangoni Arduino , Gainetdinov Raul Radikovich , Weiss Norbert , Bauer Michael , Markov Alexander Georgievich , Rodionov Roman Nikolaevich , Bernhardt Nadine
Published: January 2021

The endogenous methylated derivative of L-arginine, N G -N G -dimethyl-ʟ-arginine (asymmetric dimethylarginine, ADMA), an independent risk factor in many diseases, inhibits the activity of nitric oxide synthases and, consequently, modulates the availability of nitric oxide. While most studies on the biological role of ADMA have focused on endothelial and inducible nitric oxide synthases modulation and its contribution to cardiovascular, metabolic, and renal diseases, a role in regulating neuronal nitric oxide synthases and pathologies of the central nervous system is less understood. The two isoforms of dimethylarginine dimethylaminohydrolase (DDAH), DDAH1 and DDAH2, are thought to be the main enzymes responsible for ADMA catabolism. A current impediment is the limited data on specific tissue and cellular distribution of DDAH enzymes within the brain. In this study, we provide a detailed characterization of the regional and cellular distribution of DDAH1 and DDAH2 proteins in adult murine and human brain. Immunohistochemical analysis showed a wide distribution of DDAH1, mapping to multiple cell types, while DDAH2 was detected in a limited number of brain regions and exclusively in neurons. Our results provide key information for the investigation of the pathophysiological roles of the ADMA/DDAH system in neuropsychiatric diseases and pave the way for the development of novel selective therapeutic approaches.
Muon-catalyzed Fusion and Annihilation Energy Generation will Supersede Non-sustainable T+D Nuclear Fusion
Authors: Holmlid Leif
Published: January 2021

Background : Large-scale fusion reactors using hydrogen isotopes as fuel are still under development at several places in the world. These types of fusion reactors use tritium as fuel for the T +D reaction. However, tritium is not a sustainable fuel, since it may require fission reactors for its production, and since it is a dangerous material due to its radioactivity with main risks of release to the environment during tritium production, transport and refuelling operations. Thus, widespread use of fusion relying on tritium fuel should be avoided. At least two better methods for producing the nuclear energy needed in the world using deuterium or ordinary hydrogen as fuel indeed already exist, and more need to be developed. It should be noted that the first experiments with sustained laser-driven fusion above break-even using deuterium as fuel were published already in 2015. Similar results for T+D fusion do not exist yet, which gives no confidence in this approach. Results: The well-known muon-induced fusion (conventionally called muon-catalyzed fusion) can use deuterium as fuel. With the recent development of a high intensity (10 13 muons per laser shot) muon source (patented), this method is technically and economically feasible today. Due to the low energy cost of producing muons at < 1 MeV with this new source, the length of the so-called catalytic chain is not important. This circumvents the 60 year-old enigma with the alpha sticking process. The recently developed annihilation energy generation uses ordinary hydrogen in the form of ultradense hydrogen H(0) as fuel. Conclusions: muon-induced fusion is able to directly replace most combustion-based power stations in the world, giving sustainable and environmentally harmless power (primarily heat), in this way eliminating most CO 2 emissions of human energy generation origin. Annihilation-based power generation has the potential to replace almost all other uses of fossil fuels within a few decades, also in mobile applications, including spaceflight where it is the only method able to give relativistic rocket propulsion (Acta Astronautica 2020).
RNA Binding Protein RNPC1 Promotes Gastric Cancer Progression via Stabilizing the Aurora Kinase B mRNA
Authors: Ji Chunmei , Zhang Xu , Fang Wentong , Meng Ling , Wei Xiaolong , Lu Chen
Published: January 2021

BackgroundRNPC1, was reported to act as a tumor suppressor by binding and regulating the expression of the target genes in various cancers. However, the role of RNPC1 on the gastric cancer and the underly mechanisms were still unclear.MethodsGastric cancer cells were stably transfected with lentivirus. Proliferation, migration, invasion, cell cycle in vitro as well as tumorigenesis in vivo were performed to assess the role of RNPC1. Quantitative real-time PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect the relation between RNPC1 and Aurora kinase B (AURKB). RNA immunoprecipitation(RIP), RNA electrophoretic mobility shift assay (REMSA), dual-luciferase reporter assay were employed to identify the direct binding sites of RNPC1 with AURKB mRNA. CCK-8 assay conducted to confirm the function of AURKB in RNPC1-induced growth promotion. ResultsHigh RNPC1 expression was found in gastric cancer tissues and cell lines, associated with high TNM stage. RNPC1 overexpression could significantly promote the proliferation, migration, invasion of gastric cancer cells. Knockdown of RNPC1 could impede gastric cancer tumorigenesis in nude mice. AURKB expression was positively related with RNPC1. RNPC1 binded to the 3'-untranslated region (3'-UTR) of AURKB directly and enhanced AURKB mRNA stability. AURKB could reversed the proliferation induced by RNPC1 in gastric cancer cells. RNPC1 resulted in mitotic defects, aneuploidy and chromosomal instability in gastric cancer cells, as AURKB did. ConclusionRNPC1 acted as an oncogene in gastric cancer by influencing cell mitosis by regulating AURKB mRNA stability, which may provide a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
A Dual-band Polarization Insensitive Metamaterial Absorber With a Single Metal Square Patch for Sensing Application
Authors: Kang Yongqiang , Wang Jun , Liu Hongmei
Published: January 2021

We proposed a dual-band polarization-insensitive metamaterial absorber consisting of merely the metal square patch and a continuous metal ground separated by a middle dielectric layer. Two resonance peaks derived from `the fundamental resonance (with 97% absorbance) and the surface lattice resonance (with 99% absorbance) are realized. It is different from previous work the dual-band response is obtained by combining two resonances of different sizes. Moreover, a first-order diffraction mode of grating predicted the resonance wavelength of the proposed absorber. The surface electromagnetic field distributions of the unit-cell structure reveal the physical origin of the dual-band absorption. Importantly, the first absorption peak result from surface lattice resonance with narrow line-width has large sensitivity perform and high quality factor, which has significant potential in the application of biosensors and monitoring.
Association of Sleep Disturbance With Longitudinal Cognitive Decline Among Cognitively Normal Elders
Authors: Feng Wei , Kuetche Mandela William Nzoyoum , Zhang Meng , Liu Mengmeng , Liu Yue , Aklilu Deginet , Wang Wei , Wang Xiaonan , Guo Xiuhua
Published: January 2021

Background: A lot of evidence demonstrated sleep disturbance (SD) gets associated with Alzheimer’s disease (AD), but whether or not sleep disturbance could be the preclinical stage of AD is still unknown.Objective: 463 cognitively normal elders (357 normal and 106 SD) in baseline with cognitive and biomarker data were included in the study. Participants were collected from 2005 to 2020 (16 years follow-up) in the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI).Methods: A generalized linear mixed model was used to adjust time variables and other covariates selected by the Akaike Information Criterion (AIC). Besides, the marginal effect estimation method was used to evaluate the interaction between sleep disturbance and time on cognitive decline. Cox regression was used to assess the survival risk of AD in sleep disturbance.Results: The age range of participants was 73.60±5.71 years old, and the female proportion was 43.63%. Taking time as a continuous variable in longitudinal analyses, it was found that sleep disturbance had a significant long-term negative effect on MMSE, PACC, CSF Aβ, and ventricular volume (P<0.05). Cox regression analysis showed that sleep disturbance is a significant risk factor of AD (HR=1.55, 95% CI=1.08 to 2.22).Conclusion: Sleep disturbance in baseline was associated with subsequent cognitive decline among cognitively normal elders and is an increased risk of AD, which means sleep disturbance could probably be the pre-symptomatic stage of AD.
Differences in Multimodal EEG and Clinical Correlations Between Alzheimer’s Disease and Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Lin Nan , Gao Jing , Mao Chenhui , Sun Heyang , Lu Qiang , Cui Liying
Published: January 2021

Background. Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) are the two main types of dementia. We aim to investigate the difference between AD and FTD by use of multimodal EEG analyses. Additionally, the difference in correlations between EEG and clinical data was also investigated.Methods. Thirty-one patients diagnosed with AD and 15 patients with FTD were recruited (2008.1-2020.2), along with 24 healthy controls. Clinical data were reviewed. EEG microstate analysis, spectral analyses, and connectivity analysis were performed. Results. Microstate duration was increased in AD for microstate B and increased in FTD for microstate A compared to controls. Correspondingly, microstate C occurrence was decreased in both dementia groups, compared to control group. After divided into early onset and late onset AD, increased mean duration and reduced mean occurrence were observed in early onset AD, compared to late onset AD, with no significant difference in visual EEG score. CSF Aβ42 was correlated to microstate B coverage in AD (r = -0.833, P = 0.010), and microstate D occurrence in FTD (r = 0.786, P = 0.021). ADL and MMSE were also related to visual EEG score and microstate, but for different variables in the two dementia groups. Spectral analysis revealed decreased power in 8-30 Hz and increased power in delta band in both dementia. AD had higher spectral power in the temporal region, compared to FTD. Reduced alpha and beta coherences were demonstrated in AD in bilateral frontal, fronto-temporal, and fronto-occipital connections, and in FTD in the right frontal and fronto-temporal connections. Conclusions. Multimodal EEG analyses show different results between AD and FTD. Reduced coherence is across more brain areas in AD, including intra-anterior and anterior-posterior regions, compared to FTD, which only had frontal-temporal connectivity involved. Spectral analysis revealed a general EEG slowing. Increased microstate duration and decreased occurrence may be attributed to EEG slowing, for different classes in different types of dementia. Microstate may be more sensitive than visual EEG inspection. The correlations with clinical severity and biomarkers indicate that EEG is a potential biomarker for diagnosis and disease assessment.
Exploring the Effectiveness of DDL in an L2 Context through a Non-control-group Asynchronous Experimental Design
Authors: Ozer Mustafa , OZBAY ALI SUKRU
Published: January 2021

This study aims at a rediscovery of the extent to which a DDL-based intervention could become instrumental in facilitating grammar instruction with a specific focus on EAP and learner autonomy and reducing the number of repeating learners in a preparatory program participated mostly by Turkish-L1 learners studying EAP. It also provides a context-restricted longitudinal depiction of the effectiveness of a DDL-based grammar instruction endorsed by teacher (also referred to as the researcher) mentorship across groups asynchronously, thus re-testing the limits of DDL-oriented corpus pedagogy in contexts where a control group is not available, unlike the traditional control-group study design. To this end, a corpus was compiled out of the existing reading and listening materials in use ad hoc by the name of the Alternative Corpus of Academic Texts (ACAT), and a total of 19 grammar lessons covering topics in the curriculum of the second level of the grammar course taught were developed using the ACAT. Blind pre and post-test procedures were administered with all four experimental groups independent of each other to gradually build up a local understanding of the governing pattern of learner achievement through DDL and corpus-based teacher-prepared materials at the end of each intervention period. The data analysis demonstrated a rise in student achievement across all groups despite the lack of a teacher disseminating knowledge to students in class in the traditional sense, thus showing that a sense of autonomy could be gained through DDL-enhanced teaching. With the design being unorthodox compared to most other DDL studies in the literature, this study shows that the triple powers of DDL, self-discovery, occasional teacher supervision, and corpus-based teaching materials, could help learners of English survive autonomously no matter how hectic the curriculum run at an institution is. All in all, further research is needed to deepen this insight so that this sort of DDL practices could be implemented at the institutional level.
Osteoporosis Delimit the Indication for Additional Fixation in Oblique Lumbar Interbody Fusion
Authors: Cai Kaiwen , Luo Kefeng , Zhu Jinjin , Zhang Kai , Yu Shengkai , Ye Yi , Jiang Guoqiang
Published: January 2021

Study design: A retrospective cohort study.Objective: To detect the boundary of indications of fixation in OLIF surgery.Methods: Review patients undergoing stand-alone or combined OLIF. Measure the disc height increment (ΔDH), foraminal height (FH), cage subsidence (CS). VAS and the ODI was used to evaluate low back pain and functionality. Multiple linear regression were used to determine the risk factors of CS.Results: A totle of 66 consecutive patients included. The BMD in combined group was significantly lower than that of stand-alone group(p=0.005). The combined group showed better FH maintenance at 6 months (p= 0.049) and last follow-up (p= 0.019). In combined group, tCS was significantly lower at all post-operation point (p≤0.001). BMD was a mild negative correlated factor for CS in combined group (r= -0.602, p= 0.001)and a strongly negative correlated factor in stand-alone group (r= -0.797, p< 0.001). Greater mCS significantly associated with worse VAS (r=0.685, p<0.001) and ODI (r=0.616, p<0.001) in stand-alone group, and this effect was significantly weakened in the combined group as VAS (r=0.427, p=0.033) and ODI (r=0.594, p=0.002). Patients with stand-alone OLIF were at risk of severe CS when BMD <-1.38, while those with combined OLIF had an equal risk when BMD < -4.77.Conclusions: The long-term fusion rates and functionality improvements of OLIF with or without fixation are comparable. Patients with BMD < -1.38 may not suitable for stand-alone procedure due to higher risk of severe CS and worse clinical outcomes. Additional fixation can extends the applicable boundary to a BMD = -4.77.
Medium Term Outcome of Lancaster Cortical Window Technique For Extraction of Femoral Stem in Revision Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Singh Amit , Mukherjee Sunirmal , Patel Kuntal , Herlekar Deepak , Gandavaram Srikant , Charalambous Nicholas
Published: January 2021

Background The extraction of a femoral stem during the revision hip arthroplasty can be a daunting task and can lead to catastrophic complications for the patient. A sound technique employed intraoperatively helps in speedy recovery of the patient and reduces the risk of future surgical interventions. In this study, we present a medium-term outcome of our novel Lancaster Cortical Window technique which can be used for removal of cemented or uncemented femoral stems. Methodology The study was conducted at a specialist centre in the North-West of the UK from January 2014 to May 2019. This is a retrospective case series where patients were treated surgically using Lancaster Cortical Window technique for removal of femoral implant during a revision hip arthroplasty. Patient’s electronic notes and the radiographs were used to evaluate the functional and radiological outcome. Results In this study, 18 patients were managed surgically using Novel Lancaster Window technique. The mean age of the all the patients was 81.5 years and the male to female ratio was 10:8. Fifteen patients underwent revision surgery for aseptic loosening of the femoral and acetabular component. Rest of the three patients had revision surgery for a broken femoral stem, intraoperative femoral canal perforation while implanting a total hip replacement femoral stem and infection. Twelve femurs were replanted with uncemented long femoral stems and six with long cemented stems. The cortical window osteotomy united in all the patients in 4.2 months (mean). The mean follow up of these patients is 20.9 months, and none of them had any implant subsidence or loosening at the time of their last follow up. Conclusion We believe Lancaster cortical window technique can be safely used for removal of cemented stems during revision hip arthroplasty without the need for expensive equipment’s.
Effects of delaying the removal of the intravaginal progesterone device by 24 h in the 5d Co-synch protocol in heifers
Authors: Fernandez-Novo Aitor , Santos-Lopez Sergio , Pesantez-Pacheco Jose Luis , Villalobos Natividad Pérez , Heras-Molina Ana , Gonzalez-Martin Juan Vicente , Astiz Susana
Published: January 2021

Background

In beef herds, increasing animal welfare, improving reproductive performance and easing animal management are key goals in farm economics. This study explored whether delaying the removal of the intravaginal progesterone device by 24 h in heifers synchronized with a 5d Co-synch 72 h protocol could improve reproductive efficiency of fixed-time artificial insemination (FTAI). In Experiment 1, we examined whether such a modified protocol would provide an acceptable, total synchronization rate (TSR) in cycling Holstein heifers. Heifers (13.4 ± 0.69 mo.) were randomly assigned to the standard 5d Co-synch 56 h protocol (5dCo56; n = 10), the standard 5d Co-synch 72 h protocol (5dCo72; n = 17), or the modified 5d Co-synch 72 h protocol, in which removal of the progesterone device was delayed by 24 h (6dCo48; n = 19). Heifers were considered synchronized (TSR) if serum progesterone value > 1.0 ng/mL and the corpus luteus (CL) was detectable by ultrasonography on Day 5, if progesterone < 1.0 ng/mL and at least one follicle had a diameter > 8 mm on Day 7.5, and if progesterone > 1.0 ng/mL and CL was detectable on Day 15. In Experiment 2, 309 cycling beef heifers on 18 commercial farms were subjected to the 5d Co-synch 72 h or 6d Co-synch 48 h protocol and conception rate (CR) studied.
Results

In experiment 1, the three protocols in dairy heifers led no differences on TSRs of 80.0% (5dCo56), 88.2% (5dCo72) and 89.5% (6dCo48). In experiment 2, the CR from the beef heifers, observed during two consecutive reproductive seasons did not differ: 59.7% for 5dCo72 and 62.0% for 6dCo48 (P = 0.907). Heifer age, body condition score or stress score did not significantly affect conception rate.
Conclusions

These results suggest that delaying removal of the intravaginal progesterone device by 24 h during the standard 5d Co-synch 72 h protocol provides satisfactory results without reducing reproductive efficiency of heifers.
Exploring the true immunotherapy candidates to acquire the promising immunological response in breast carcinomas
Authors: Li Xiang , Ma Lei , Sun Ye , Li Kai , Ren Hong , Tang Shou-Ching , Sun Xin
Published: January 2021

Background: Immune checkpoint blockade of immune therapy has been applied in multiple systemic malignancies, and have improved the overall survival to a greater extent, whether it will apply to breast cancer remains unknown. Methods: We endeavored to explore the possible factors that may influence the breast carcinoma associated immune therapy outcomes with using several public databases. Results: The possible treating target of TNF superfamily member 4 (TNFSF4), was selected from massive candidates for its abnormal expression profile, survival associated status, immune system reactions predication. For the first time, we revealed the oncogenic features of TNFSF4 in breast carcinoma, and TNFSF4 was further revealed to be closely related to anti-tumor immunity treatment, including multiple immune effector molecules and T-cell signatures, which was independent on endocrine status, and has not ever been referred to. Moreover, the immune treatment of TNFSF4 blockade also indicated the underling effects on stem cells’ expansion, which more strongly and specifically demonstrated the powerful effects of applying the TNFSF4 blockade based immune therapies in breast carcinomas. Conclusions: For the first time, we aim to dig out the embedding stars that may contribute to breast cancer therapies, and provide one potential but crucial potent for treating breast carcinoma indistinguishably, and long-term effective.
Relations of Dietary patterns and sleep disorders in shift workers
Authors: Khorasaniha Reihaneh , Sotoudeh Gity , Milajerdi Alireza , Khajehnasiri Farahnaz
Published: January 2021

Background & aimsFew studies have been done on the association of dietary intakes with SDs among shift workers, in particular those exposed to air pollution. We aimed to investigate the association of major dietary patterns with risk of SDs in shift workers of a cement factory in Iran.MethodsThis cross-sectional study was carried out on 257 male shift workers in a cement factory in Iran. Usual dietary intake of participants was assessed using a validated self-administrated 147-item dish-based FFQ. To examine sleep disturbances of participants, we used the Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS).ResultsThree major dietary patterns including Classic Iranian (CI), Modern Iranian (MI), and High Protein Low Fruit and vegetables (HPLF) were identified. The CI pattern was mainly consisted of high-protein animal foods, fruit and vegetables, while, the MI pattern had high amounts of refined grains, solid oils, and caffeine drinks. No significant association was found between adherence to the CI pattern and risk of SDs (OR: 2.33; 95% CI: 0.69, 7.81) and also for the MI dietary pattern (OR: 0.62; 95% CI: 0.20, 1.93). However, we found a significant direct association between the HPLF dietary pattern and risk of SDs (OR: 3.92; 95% CI: 1.03, 14.86).ConclusionThis study showed a significant direct association between a dietary pattern high in animal proteins and solid oils and low in fruit and vegetables with risk of sleep disorders among shift workers in the cement factory. However, no such association was found for the two other dietary patterns.
Sigmoid Volvulus in the Developing Countries: The Lack of Resources Might be a Blessing in Disguise
Authors: MEJRI Atef , Arfaoui Khaoula , Saad Sarra , Rchidi Jasser , Omri Ahmed , Mseddi Mohammed Ali
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSigmoid volvulus is the most common type of volvulus. Its epidemiological features as well as its management differ between developed and developing countries. Tis work aims to analyze the epidemiological features and to access the surgical management of sigmoid volvulus in Tunisia, which is a developing country from North Africa and where there is a paucity of information regarding sigmoid volvulus.MethodsThis is a retrospective review of 64 patients with sigmoid volvulus treated in the General Surgery department of Jendouba Hospital in Tunisia from January 2005 to December 2019. In the absence of endoscopic management, all patients underwent surgical treatment.Results:64 patients were treated for acute sigmoid volvulus. There were 54 (84.4%) men with a male to female ratio of 5.4/1. The mean age was 62 years. The classic triad of abdominal pain, abdominal distention and constipation was reported in 56 (87.5%) patients. The mean duration of symptoms was 4.2 days. The accurate preoperative diagnosis was made in 58 (90.62%) cases. Forty patients (74%) had viable bowel obstruction and all of them had resection and primary anastomosis. Sixteen patients had gangrenous bowel obstruction of which 6 patients had resection-primary anastomosis and 10 had Hartmann’s procedure. Out of the total five deaths reported, there were only two among patients who had resection-primary anastomosis for gangrenous bowel obstruction. The commonest post-operative complication was surgical site infection in 5 cases (35.71%). The median length of hospital stay following surgery was 8 days (range 5 – 18 days). None of the patients had recurrences of volvulus after median follow up of 11 months.Conclusion Although Tunisia belongs to the volvulus belt, the epidemiologic features of sigmoid volvulus are not similar to those reported in the other African countries and tend rather to be similar to those of developed countries. Our results show that the absence of non-operative treatment can be tolerable and surgical management should be advocated as much as possible.
Light Detection and Ranging (LIDAR) Laser Altimeter for the Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) Spacecraft
Authors: Senshu Hiroki , Mizuno Takahide , Umetani Kazuhiro , Nakura Toru , Konishi Akihiro , Ogawa Akihiko , Ikeda Hirokazu , Matsumoto Koji , Noda Hirotomo , Ishihara Yoshiaki , Sasaki Sho , Tateno Naoki , Ikuse Yasuyuki , Mayuzumi Katsunori , Kase Teiji , Kashine Hisayoshi
Published: January 2021

An altimeter is a critical instrument in planetary missions, for both safe operations and science activities. We present required specifications and link budget calculations for light detection and ranging (LIDAR) onboard the Martian Moons Exploration (MMX) spacecraft. During the mission phase, this LIDAR will continuously measure the distance between the spacecraft and its target. The time-series distance provides important diagnostic information for safe spacecraft operations and important information for geomorphological studies. Because MMX is a sample return mission, its LIDAR must accommodate physical disturbances on the Martian satellite surface. This resulted in changes to the optical system design.
Low velocity drop weight impact behavior of Al2O3-Ni-ZrO2 and Al2O3-Ni-Cr2O3 nanocomposite systems
Authors: Yıldız Betül Kafkaslıoğlu , Büyük Murat , Tür Yahya Kemal
Published: January 2021

1 vol% Ni particulate Al2O3 matrix nanocomposites prepared by the heterogeneous precipitation method with ZrO2 (5 vol%) or Cr2O3 (1 vol%) additives were subjected to the low energy drop weight impact tests to compare the behavior of the compositions under low energy impact and to investigate the damage mechanisms. The pure Al2O3, Al2O3/Ni, Al2O3/ZrO2, and Al2O3/Cr2O3 compositions with the same additive ratios were also produced to make the comparison systematically. Also, the Vickers hardness measurements were carried out and a significant increase in hardness was attained for both Al2O3/Ni + ZrO2 and Al2O3/Ni + Cr2O3. The average hardness value around 24.8 ± 1.0 GPa was measured for Al2O3/Ni + ZrO2 and Al2O3/Ni + Cr2O3 which means ∼ 15% improvement compared to the pure Al2O3. Between all the compositions, the maximum force (Fmax) value was obtained for Al2O3/Ni + ZrO2 for 12 J impact energy level (26617 N) according to the low energy drop weight impact test results. Tensile radial crack network formation, cone formation, fracture and crushing of the cone structure were observed as damage mechanisms for all the compositions. The volume of conical frustum structure was evaluated for each composition and the effect of microstructure on possible ballistic performance was also discussed.
Special Hook Design for Hatch Cover Stocking Gantry Crane, Strength, Numerical Analysis under Static Loading
Authors: ŞENGÜL Ömer , KAM Menderes
Published: January 2021

In this study, Computer-Aided Design (CAM) of special crane hooks used to close the stack type hatch covers used for sea freight transport, which is of great importance in our world, has been made. In this design, bolt and pin connections were preferred in the connections of the hook with the crane, as well as the connection with the welding performed in other studies. Thanks to these fasteners, corrosion events caused by the place of use and environmental conditions will also be prevented, and the strength values and reliability of the material will be increased. Critical sections with high-stress values on this design were determined by the Finite Element Method (FEM) with ANSYS R3 analysis program. In this design, the necessary improvements and strength calculations of the hook were made. Numerical calculations performed by the FEM and strength calculation results were compared. Results overlap: This, in turn, has been associated with the fact that the design made for us provides an optimal level of efficiency. These calculations are based on the data of St-37 structural steel. According to the results of these strength calculations, improvements were made in the design. As a result of improvements in special design and strength values for hatch cover stocking gantry Crane hooks, the design is expected to be standardized.
Development of the child’s ego strength scale: An observation-based assessment of the board game behaviors in play therapy in Korea
Authors: Lee Ji Yoen , Lee Young-ae , Yoo Mee Sook
Published: January 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to develop a scale for assessing children’s ego strength through the observation of children playing board games in a therapeutic setting. Because ego strength is an index of psychosocial health, it is important to assess ego strength in childhood. In particular, children aged 7 to 9 exhibit their ego-strength characteristics in a situation challenged by self-competence due to their latency period. Therapists can identify such ego strength through game behaviors of children aged 7 to 9 in the play therapy setting. Thus, it is needed to develop a scale by selecting game play behaviors that grasp ego-strength.Method: Data were collected from 127 play therapists and play therapist-supervisors, who observed 468 play therapy sessions and 55 children aged 7-9 who received play therapy in Korea. The scale was created through content validity verification, factor analysis and verification of criterion-related validity. Results: We generated a Child’s Ego Strength Scale (CESS) consisting of five sub-factors (Coping Strategy, Cognitive Strategy, Ego Restriction, Interpersonal Functioning, Frustration Tolerance) through exploratory factor analysis. The scale met the goodness of fit criteria in a confirmatory factor analysis. The analysis of therapy sessions of children with strong and weak ego strength, as identified by play therapists, showed a significant difference between the two groups in all five sub-variables. There was a significant correlation between the CESS scores and scores of ego strength-related variables of the Rorschach scale, indicating good criterion-related validity. Conclusion: The CESS appears to be a practical method for the assessment of ego strength in the field of child counseling.
Relationships of Family food environment with food and nutrition literacy in Chinese school-age children
Authors: Li Niuniu , Su Xiao , Liu Tan , Sun Jing , Zhu Wenli
Published: January 2021

Background: Eating behavior is inﬂuenced by multiple factors and understanding the interplay of these factors is necessary to promote children’s healthy food choice. This study investigated the relations of family food environment (FFE) with food and nutrition literacy (FNL) in Chinese school-age children.Methods: A total of 605 children aged 7-13 years from Grade 1 to 5, and their caregivers participated in the cross-sectional study in Beijing of China during April 2019. The FFE was assessed by the validated Family Food Environment Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children (FFEQ-SC). For the children of Grade 3 to 5 (n=260), the FNL, including cognitive and skill domains, was assessed by Food and Nutrition Literacy Questionnaire for Chinese School-age Children (FNLQ-SC). Both FFEQ-SC and FNLQ-SC were developed firstly for Chinese school-age children who had good reliability. The anthropometric data (height and weight) was derived from local health information management system for primary schools.Results: Overall, 68.9% of the children’s families had high level of FFE. The total FNL score of 260 children at Grade 3-5 was 63.2±10.3. Comparison of children’s FNL scores among different levels of FFE showed the children with higher level of FFE, especially higher level of caregiver’s educational degree and FNL, were more likely to have higher FNL scores (P<0.05). The multivariate analysis showed the children’s total FNL score was significantly related with family caregiver (β= -0.123, P=0.04) and caregiver’s nutritional literacy (β= 0.210, P=0.002). Furthermore, the children with higher level of caregiver’s nutritional knowledge were less likely to be overweighted or obesese (OR=0.043, P=0.04).Conclusions: Family food environment, especially caregivers’ FNL, was related with children’s FNL, even the risk of overweight. These findings highlight the importance of targeting nutritional knowledge of family caregivers to facilitate the children’s FNL to maintain good health.
Revisiting Methods For Modeling Longitudinal and Survival Data: The Framingham Heart Study
Authors: Ngwa Julius S , Cabral Howard J , Cheng Debbie M , Gagnon David R , LaValley Michael P , Cupples L. Adrienne
Published: January 2021

Background: Statistical methods for modeling longitudinal and time-to-event data has received much attention in medical research and is becoming increasingly useful. In clinical studies, such as cancer and AIDS, longitudinal biomarkers are used to monitor disease progression and to predict survival. These longitudinal measures are often missing at failure times and may be prone to measurement errors. More importantly, time-dependent survival models that include the raw longitudinal measurements may lead to biased results. In previous studies these two types of data are frequently analyzed separately where a mixed effects model is used for the longitudinal data and a survival model is applied to the event outcome. Methods: In this paper we compare joint maximum likelihood methods, a two-step approach and a time dependent covariate method that link longitudinal data to survival data with emphasis on using longitudinal measures to predict survival. We apply a Bayesian semi-parametric joint method and maximum likelihood joint method that maximizes the joint likelihood of the time-to-event and longitudinal measures. We also implement the Two-Step approach, which estimates random effects separately, and a classic Time Dependent Covariate Model. We use simulation studies to assess bias, accuracy, and coverage probabilities for the estimates of the link parameter that connects the longitudinal measures to survival times. Results: Simulation results demonstrate that the Two-Step approach performed best at estimating the link parameter when variability in the longitudinal measure is low but is somewhat biased downwards when the variability is high. Bayesian semi-parametric and maximum likelihood joint methods yield higher link parameter estimates with low and high variability in the longitudinal measure. The Time Dependent Covariate method resulted in consistent underestimation of the link parameter. We illustrate these methods using data from the Framingham Heart Study in which lipid measurements and Myocardial Infarction data were collected over a period of 26 years.Conclusions: Traditional methods for modeling longitudinal and survival data, such as the time dependent covariate method, that use the observed longitudinal data, tend to provide downwardly biased estimates. The two-step approach and joint models provide better estimates, although a comparison of these methods may depend on the underlying residual variance.
Measles Outbreak in Complex Emergency: Estimating Vaccine Effectiveness and Evaluation of the Vaccination Campaign in Borno State, Nigeria, 2019
Authors: Baptiste Anne Eudes Jean , Wagai John , Luce Richard Ray , Masresha Balcha Girma , Klinkenberg Don , Veldhuijzen Irene , Oteri Joseph , Dieng Boubacar , Ikeonu Obianuju Caroline , Mele Sule , Audu Musa Idowu , Braka Fiona , Hahné Susan , Sanders Lieke E.A.M. , Hak Eelko
Published: January 2021

Background: From January to May 2019, large measles outbreaks affected Nigeria. Borno state was the most affected, recording 15,237 suspected cases with the state capital of Maiduguri having 1,125 cases investigated and line-listed by March 2019. In Borno state, 22 of the 27 Local Government Areas (LGAs or Districts), including 37 internally displaced persons (IDPs) camps were affected. In response to the situation, an outbreak response immunization (ORI) campaign was conducted in the 13 most affected LGAs. In addition to conventional vaccination teams, special teams were deployed in security compromised areas, areas with migrants, and for nomadic and IDPs. Here we describe the outbreak and the ORI campaign. We also assess the measles-containing vaccine (MCV) coverage and vaccine effectiveness (VE) in order to quantify the population-level impactMethods: We reviewed the ORI activities, and conducted an analysis of the surveillance and the outbreak investigation reports. We assessed VE of MCV by applying the screening-method. Sensitivity analyses were also conducted to assess the effect of final classification of cases on the VE of MCV. The MCV coverage was assessed by a post-campaign coverage survey (PCCS) after completion of the ORI through a quantitative survey in the 12 LGAs that were accessible. Results: Of the total 15,237 reported measles cases, 2,002 cases were line-listed and investigated, and 737 were confirmed for measles by week 9 of 2019. Of the investigated cases 67.3% (n = 1,348) were between 9 and 59 months of age. Among the 737 confirmed cases, only 9% (n = 64) stated being vaccinated with at least 1 dose of MCV. The overall VE for MCV was 98.4 % (95%CI: 97.8 – 98.8). No significant differences were observed in the VE estimates of lab-confirmed and epi-linked cases when compared to the original estimates. The aggregated weighted vaccination coverage was 85.7% (95% CI: 79.6 – 90.1).Conclusion: The experience in Borno demonstrates that adequate VE can be obtained in conflict-affected areas. In complex emergencies affected by measles outbreaks, health authorities may consider integration with other health strategies and the engagement of security personnel as part of the ORI activities.