bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of geotechnical properties, petrographic characteristics and ultrasonic wave velocity of weak sandstones
Authors: Ogila Waleed Abdelmoghny Metwaly , Aal Mohamed H. Abdel , Bakey Sahar M. Abd El
Published: April 2021

Several new settlements have been constructed in the desert areas of Egypt. These new settlements are composed of many new types of problematic formations that creating many geological and engineering challenges. One of the most problematic formations is weak sandstones that are characterized by low mechanical strength and bearing capacity as well as high deformability and fracturing. The physico-mechanical characteristics of these sandstones are the most crucial parameters in design and stability evaluation of any surface and underground engineering structures. The determination of these parameters is complicated, difficult and time consuming as well as is required a great accuracy in sample preparation and testing procedure, and is considered as expensive testing. The objective of this study is analyzing the shallow marine weak sandstones to determine the best and significant correlations of petrographic characteristics and physical engineering index properties that may be useful for estimating unconfined compressive strength (UCS), uniaxial pore volume compressibility (mv), compressional P-wave velocity (Vp) and dynamic constrained modulus (Es). As well as predicting the UCS and mv from compressional P-wave velocity test and estimating the petrographic parameters from the physical engineering index parameters. The present study revealed that the studied samples are high to very high porous sandstones with very low to moderate density, and classified as extremely weak to weak rocks with very high deformability and very low wave velocity. In this study, the physical properties form non-significant linear relations with UCS, Vp, and Es as well as there are moderately strong to strong correlations between P-wave velocity, constrained modulus, unconfined compressive strength and compressibility characteristics. Based on the regression analysis, the dolomite cement and matrix contents, quartz and rock fragments contents, packing density and proximity, sorting, roundness, mean grain size, and grain to cement contact exhibited weak to strong statistical correlations with mechanical properties of the studied sandstones. These relationships revealed that due to the mineralogical, textural, and microstructure variations of the studied recycle origin sandstones, the non-significant to significant relations are resulted. In this study, the backward multiple regression was applied to predict the UCS, mv, Vp and Es of the studied sandstones by selecting some physical and petrographic characteristics which exhibit statistically significant correlations with them. The results of this study were presented in the form of predictive models and equations.
Concentration, source identification and potential human health risk assessment of heavy metals in chicken meat and egg in Bangladesh
Authors: Atique Ullah AKM , Afrin Shazia , Hosen Mohammad Mozammal , Musarrat Maesha , Ferdoushy Tania , Nahar Quamrun , Quraishi Shamshad B.
Published: April 2021

Chicken meat and hen egg are very popular foodstuffs around the world and highly consumed as curry, fast food, processed food, etc. assuming a promising source of protein. In the present study, the concentrations of Pb, Cd, Cr, As, Hg, Mn, Fe, and Zn in nationally representative samples of chicken meat and hen egg were determined and found in the range of 0.03–2.73, 0.01–0.015, 0.025–0.67, 0.04–0.06, 0.01–0.015, 0.15–0.63, 2.50–38.6, and 1.02–19.4 mg/kg-fw, respectively. The results demonstrated that only Pb exceeded the maximum allowable concentration (MAC) for dietary food. Multivariate statistical analyses depicted that anthropogenic activities were the major source of heavy metals in the investigated foodstuffs. Human health risks associated with the dietary intake of these metals through the consumption of chicken meat and hen egg were evaluated in terms of estimated daily intake (EDI), non-carcinogenic risk of individual heavy metal by target hazard quotient (THQ), total target hazard quotient (TTHQ) for combined metals and carcinogenic risk (CR) for lifetime exposure. The calculated values of EDI, THQ, TTHQ, and CR were below their respective permissible benchmarks indicating the safe consumption of the investigated foodstuffs with respect to heavy metal contamination.
Ramadan daily intermittent fasting reduces objectively assessed habitual physical activity among adults
Authors: Farooq Abdualziz , Chamari Karim , Sayegh Suzan , Akoum Maha El , Al-Mohannadi Abdulla Saeed
Published: April 2021

Background: Muslims around the world practice intermittent fasting during the month of Ramadan once each year. We hypothesized that daily physical activity could be impacted due to the inability to refuel and rehydrate in the fasting state. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the effects of Ramadan fasting on daily physical activity in the adult community of Qatar. Methods: A cohort study design among adults registered with national physical activity community program. Data from a pedometer-based community program was used to extract 3 months of daily step counts before, during, and after Ramadan for the past five years (2015-2019). A survey was conducted among participants to determine fasting practice and other health and environmental factors. Results: A total of 209 participants completed the survey and provided valid data on physical activity. During Ramadan, the average steps per day decreased significantly (-385± SE 158) among participants who fasted (n=155) p=0.046 and increased (+731.4± SE 247) for the non- fasting participants (n=48) p=0.010. Conclusion: Fasting during Ramadan impacts the daily physical activity behavior among Muslims. Interventions should focus on creating awareness of the importance of maintenance of adequate physical activity for adults fasting during Ramadan.
Research on the design of stepping motor drive system controlled by single-chip microcomputer
Authors: Deng Cheng , Bian Erhui , Ge Zhishen
Published: April 2021

In order to meet the needs of operation and management of stepping motors in the Internet of things environment, this paper designed the software and hardware of the stepping motor drive system under the control of a single-chip microcomputer based on LabVIEW, which is a graphical programming platform developed by National Instruments Corporation of the United States, and tested and verified the functions of the system. The software part transmitted data between the host computer and the driver terminal based on a service cloud platform called Easy-Control, realizing the network real-time online management operation function. The hardware design made full use of the existing functions of the STM32F407ZGT6 single-chip microcomputer; moreover, the design of circuits was simplified by the special driver chip LV8726TA for stepping motor to increase system stability. The software and hardware of the system were developed on the LabVIEW platform, which had the advantages of high efficiency, short development cycle, low cost, and convenient function expansion. This work provides a scheme for the design and implementation of similar systems.
Synthesis, Molecular Modeling and Biological Evaluation of Novel Imatinib Derivatives as Anticancer Agents
Authors: Günay Fulya , Balta Sevcan , Ng Yuk Yin , Ulucan Özlem , Turgut Zuhal , Gunkara Omer Tahir
Published: April 2021

Different derivatives of imatinib, the first targeted BCR-ABL fusion tyrosine kinase inhibitor, were synthesized by a 3-step reaction method. Firstly, benzamide derivative was obtained then aryl piperazine groups or morpholine were linked by the SN2 reaction. Lastly, palladium catalyzed C-N coupling reaction was conducted with hetaryl amine groups. The structures of the new compounds were characterized by spectroscopic methods. For quantitative evaluation of the biological activity of the compounds, MTT assays were performed, where four BCR-ABL negative leukemic cell lines (Jurkat, REH, NALM6 and MOLT4), one BCR-ABL+ cell line (K562) and one non-leukemic cell line (Hek293T) were incubated with various concentrations of the derivatives. Although imatinib was specifically designed for the BCR-ABL protein, our results showed that it was also effective on BCR-ABL negative cell lines except for REH cell line. Molecular docking simulations suggest that except for compound 6, the compounds prefer a DFG-out conformation of the ABL kinase domain. Among them, compound 10 has the highest affinity for ABL kinase domain that is close to the affinity of imatinib. The common rings between compound 10 and imatinib adopt exactly the same conformation and same type of interactions in the ATP binding site with the ABL kinase domain.
Pandemic-stage propagation dynamics in South Africa suggest pre-existing cross-reactive protection against severe Covid-19
Authors: Engelbrecht Francois , Madhi Shabir , Scholes Robert
Published: April 2021

Early in the Covid-19 outbreak, it was speculated that pre-existing cross-reactive immunity from prior BCG vaccination or exposure to common cold human coronaviruses might confer some protection against Covid-19. Following a year of circulation of SARS-CoV-2 through the world, epidemiological dynamics allow a test of this hypothesis. A dynamic epidemiological model was fitted to the Covid-19 attributed ‘excess deaths’ in South Africa, a country with a long-standing BCG vaccination program and where social-economic circumstances potentially result in frequent exposure to common cold coronaviruses. We show that Covid-19 propagation dynamics in South Africa are consistent with an initially fully susceptible population (no prior cross-immunity protecting against infection), but this requires assuming values of the infection fatality rate (IFR) below or at the lower plausible range (0.31 to 0.53) of internationally reported values. This suggests that some form of pre-existing protection against severe Covid-19 may exist in South Africa. The observed disease propagation dynamics can be explained by both long-lasting immunity and various scenarios of reinfection in the presence of the more transmissible B.1.351 variant, which is also relatively resistant to antibodies induced by infections of prototype SARS-CoV-2. All scenarios of reinfection also require assuming a low IFR in order to replicate the observed attributes of the outbreak.
Health Awareness of Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome and Its Complications in Lebanon: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ahmadieh Hala , Aboudib Khaled , Dassouki Weam , Charbaji Loulwa , El-Dassouki Mohammad Ali Ali , Khalaf Iman Al
Published: April 2021

Background: Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome (PCOS) is a common disorder that has many different presentations in females. However, females with this disorder, and due to their lack of awareness, usually have delayed diagnosis and treatment. The objective of this study is to assess knowledge about PCOS amongst Lebanese women in the reproductive age group.Methods: Cross sectional study was performed on 421 women of age group 18-51 years from all governorates in Lebanon. Written informed consent and participants were included through the help of convenient sampling. A well-conducted questionnaire was constructed and the study was approved by the Institutional Review Board’s Committee at Beirut Arab University (BAU) prior to data collection. Data entry was completed with SPSS (IBM version 23.1) and analyzed descriptive measurements like mean and standard deviation were used for quantitative variables, whereas percentages were used for qualitative variables. Frequencies were assessed for categorical variables. Chi-Square test and P-values, were used to compare between qualitative variables.Results: Among 421 participants, 75% were aware of the term PCOS. More than 60% knew about the various signs and symptoms associated with PCOS but around half were aware about its complications. Around two-third agreed that exercise was one of the methods that could alleviate PCOS symptoms, and around 57% agreed that weight loss could decrease symptoms as well.Conclusions: The results of the present study show that Lebanese women were aware of common symptoms of PCOS. On the other hand, their knowledge was minimal regarding more complex manifestations and complications of PCOS.
An Incremental Snapshot System using Smart Backup for Persistent Disks in Cloud
Authors: S Veena , Aravindhar D.John , Sudha L. , Aruna K.B.
Published: April 2021

Periodical snapshots also called persistent disk snapshots are an essential feature associated with every cloud-hosted virtual instance, which minimizes the risk of unexpected data loss in the server and unavailability issues. The conventional method of creating a snapshot of a production-level server is done by temporarily disabling write access to data during the backup, either by stopping the accessing applications or by using the locking API provided by the operating system to enforce exclusive read access. This is not tolerable for high-availability always-online systems, in which service stoppages are not bearable. In order to solve this downtime issue in high-availability systems, the backup can be performed in a smarter way as incremental snapshots in which a read-only copy of the dataset frozen at a point in time is stored as snapshot by allowing applications to continue processing and writing their data to the instance. Also, incremental snapshots work in a way that only blocks which are different from the former snapshots are processed and stored in the subsequent one.This smart backup will reduce the overall space requirement of the snapshot system by storing only the differences in file storage blocks. Also, when implemented this will save energy and infrastructure requirements of the cloud provider as well as the cost and time of the end-user to create a low- latency server.
Success! Facilitating Choice for Renal Patients in The Tropics With Central Venous Lines to Maintain The Integrity of Their Dressings While Attending to Personal Hygiene: A Multi-Phase Study
Authors: Smyth Wendy , McArdle Joleen , Wicking Kristin , Quayle Kimberley , Nagle Cate
Published: April 2021

Aim: To explore individual patients’ choices in personal hygiene, while maintaining the integrity of catheter exit site dressings between dialysis sessions.Background:For patients undergoing haemodialysis via a central venous catheter (CVC), infection is a major life-limiting risk. Meticulous attention to keeping the exit site dressing clean and dry is an essential defence in preventing infections. It is difficult to maintain the integrity of water-resistant dressings in tropical environments. Design:A three-phase exploratory study was conducted in a northern Australian Renal Service. Methods:Phase One employed a cross-sectional survey of nurses on the acceptability and feasibility of two hygiene options: bathing wipes and a waterproof dressing cover. Phase Two used conversational-style interviews with patients about their hygiene preferences, how they endeavoured to keep their dressings dry, and impressions regarding the provided options. Phase Three was a series of case studies of patients trialling the provided options. The STROBE checklist was used.Results:Phase 1: Nurses (n=37) considered both options acceptable and feasible, noting some practical concerns related to their use.Phase 2: Patients (n=27) described hygiene preferences and difficulties they encountered with keeping dressings dry. They were enthusiastic about trying the proposed options. Phase 3: Patients (n=22) appreciated being able to shower without wetting their exit site dressings. Individuals were inventive in modifying the application and use of the waterproof cover according to their body shape and exit site location. Although participants liked both options, the waterproof covering was most popular and most frequently used. Intactness of the dressings was 83% during the trial; there were no CVC-associated infections during the study.Conclusion:Assisting patients keep their dressings dry and intact during personal hygiene in a tropical environment promoted dignity and autonomy.Implications for clinical practice:Patients demonstrated their willingness to undertake a more active role in their dressing care.
Handgrip Strength Could Be an Early Predictor of Cognitive Impairment in the Chinese Population
Authors: Su Hang , Sun Xiaokang , Li Fang , Guo Qihao
Published: April 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the level and changes of handgrip strength in pre-clinical Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and AD participates, and to evaluate the association between handgrip strength and cognitive function.Methods1431 participants from the memory clinic of Shanghai JiaoTong University Affiliated Sixth People’s Hospital and community were enrolled into the final analysis, included 596 AD, 288 mild cognitive impairment (MCI), and 547 normal individuals (NC). All participants received a comprehensive neuropsychological assessment. Mini-mental state examination (MMSE), montreal cognitive assessment-Basic (MoCA-BC), and the Chinese version of the Addenbrooke’s cognitive examination (ACE-III-CV) were used as cognitive tests. The receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) was plotted to assess the power of the handgrip strength as a screening measure to discriminate AD and MCI.ResultsThe results showed that participants with lower handgrip strength had lower MMSE, MoCA-BC, and ACE-III-CV scores (P <0.05). Handgrip strength in the mild cognitive impairment (MCI) group was significantly lower than that of normal individuals (NC), and the AD group had a further decline (both P<0.01). Multivariate logistic regression was performed with the handgrip strength quartiles, the results showed ORs of AD for increasing levels of handgrip strength were 1.00, 0.58 (0.46–0.78), 0.51 (0.36–0.73), and 0.50 (0.35–0.68), showing a decreasing trend (Pfor trend < 0.001). The receiver operating characteristic curve demonstrated that the handgrip strength cut-off points for identification of AD were16.8 kg and 20.7 kg among the female participates above and under 70 yrs, 24.4 kg and 33.3 kg for the male participates above and under 70 yrs, respectively.ConclusionsStronger handgrip strength was associated with better performances on cognitive function, handgrip strength could be an early predictor of cognitive impairment in the Chinese population. The current study provides a foundation for non-cognitive features as early predictors of cognitive impairment, researches on the association between frailty and cognition will be further developed in the future.
Clinical Assessment of Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (Imci) Given by Professionals Trained Between 2012 and 2015 in Colombia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Cañas Jovana Alexandra Ocampo , Sierra Andrés Mauricio García , Mora Yaira Yohanna Pardo , Oliveros Diana Sofía Rios , Galvis Álvaro José Ayala , Flórez Luis Jorge Hernández , Rueda Jhon Sebastián Patiño
Published: April 2021

Background

In Colombia, official statistics indicate that infant mortality by 2020 would reach 7.22 per thousand live births. Prevalent and preventable diseases represent 70% of total infant mortality, so strategies such as Integrated Management of Childhood Illnesses (IMCI) are still relevant for the country. This research seeks to establish whether the professionals trained in IMCI between 2011 and 2015 apply the strategy in the prevention and care of children under 5 years of age.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was carried out in general practitioners, nurses and pediatricians who had some level of training in the IMCI strategy between 2012 and 2015. A survey based on the basic competences established in the framework of the IMCI strategy was used: evaluate, classify, and treat and, in addition, the basic care registry component was incorporated.
Results

Skills in the IMCI Strategy were observed in 259 consultations for children. 229 children were between 2 months and 5 years old, 30 children were between 0 and 2 months old (84.4% vs 11.6%, respectively). 51.4% of the evaluations were carried out in the Public Health Service Provider Institutions (HPIs) compared to 48.6% (126/259) in the private HPI. In children from 0 to 2 months, 92% of general practitioners, 82.58% of nurses, and 59.39% of pediatricians correctly assessed danger signs. In children from 2 months to 5 years, the health professional who best evaluated the danger signs was the pediatrician with a 70% correct evaluation, followed by nurses and general practitioners with a 65% correct evaluation.
Conclusions

Pediatricians were shown to perform better on the IMCI strategy in children 2 to 5 years of age. However, in the 0–2-month age group, general practitioners and nurses outperformed pediatricians on the IMCI strategy
Midterm Outcomes After Arthroscopic Coracoid Decompression Combined With Manipulation for the Treatment of Frozen Shoulder Associated With Subcoracoid Impingement
Authors: Jin Shengyang , Wang Xiaohong , He Yu , Huang Wei , Wang Ze , Meng Chunqing , Wang Hong
Published: April 2021

Background

Patients with frozen shoulder (FS) suffer considerably, and some also present with subcoracoid impingement. However, effective treatments for frozen shoulder associated with subcoracoid impingement (FSASI) are limited. Primary purpose of this study was to introduce an arthroscopic coracoid decompression method combined with manipulation to treat FSASI and investigate its mid-term efficacy.
Methods

From April 2015 to May 2018, 177 patients with frozen shoulder who had no positive response to conservative therapy after a minimum of 6 months underwent arthroscopic coracoid decompression combined with manipulation. Shoulder condition was evaluated using the abbreviated Constant-Murley score (ACMS) and the modified University of California at Los Angeles Shoulder Rating Scale (MUCLA) preoperatively; at the 1st, 3rd, and 6th months postoperatively; and at the final follow-up (May 15, 2020).
Results

Eight patients were lost to follow-up, and 169 were included in the final analysis. The mean follow-up duration was 38.22 (range, 24–60) months. The ACMS improved from 16.39 ± 2.99 points (preoperative) to 72.08 ± 1.04 points at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). The MUCLA improved from 10.84 ± 0.71 points (preoperative) to 32.94 ± 0.74 points at the last follow-up (p < 0.001). Improvements in ACMS and MUCLA scores were significant in the first 3 months, then leveled off, and remained stable between the 6th month and the final follow-up. Recovery of forward flexion and abduction progressed synchronously, and almost full scores were achieved (9.96 ± 0.08 and 9.92 ± 0.11 points, respectively). Some patients lost ranges of motion: eight patients partially lost forward flexion and abduction, four partially lost external rotation, and fourteen partially lost internal rotation. The ACMS pain rating score improved from 1.12 ± 0.68 (preoperative) to 13.06 ± 0.71 points, and the MUCLA pain rating score improved from 1.67 ± 0.27 (preoperative) to 8.94 ± 0.43 points (last follow-up). Most improvements occurred in the first month after surgery. Timely pain improvement can effectively help patients improve sleep; complaints of sleep disturbance decreased significantly postoperatively. No complications or recurrence occurred.
Conclusion

Arthroscopic coracoid decompression combined with manipulation was an alternative method for treating FSASI, and satisfactory results were maintained through midterm follow-up.
CD82 Protects Against Glaucomatous Axonal Transport Deficits via mTORC1 Activation in Mice
Authors: Zhao Yin , Ye Meng , Huang Jingqiu , Mou Qianxue , Luo Jing , Hu Yuanyuan , Lou Xiaotong , Yao Ke , Zhao Bowen , Duan Qiming , Li Xing , Zhang Hong
Published: April 2021

Background: Glaucoma is a leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide characterized by progressive optic nerve degeneration and retinal ganglion cell (RGC) loss. Axonal transport deficits have been demonstrated to be the earliest crucial pathophysiological changes underlying axonal degeneration in glaucoma. The critical feature of this pathological process and the significance of early intervention remain to be further explored. Here, we explore the role of a tetraspanin superfamily member CD82 in protection of glaucomatous neurodegeneration in an acute ocular hypertension mouse model. Methods:Expression level of CD82 in retina was examined before and after an acute ocular hypertension (AOHT) model in mouse. Overexpression of CD82 was achieved by intraocular injection of adeno-associated virus vector expressing CD82. Axonal transport deficits were evaluated by intravitreally injected Cholera toxin B (CTB) from eyes to superior colliculus and the distribution of endogenous synaptophysin. Subsequent optic nerve (ON) degeneration phenotypes were also examined including axon loss, myelin damage, and Aβ accumulation. In vitro neurite outgrowth assay was performed in SH-SY5Y cells with Cd82-plasmid transfection. Another optic nerve crush (ONC) model was taken to further validate the neuroprotective effects of CD82 by evaluation of axonal regeneration, RGC survival, and visual function of mice. Downstream pathway of CD82 was analyzed by qPCR examination and western blotting analysis as well as phenotype detection.Results:We found a transient downregulation of CD82 after acute IOP elevation, with parallel emergence of axonal transport deficits. Overexpression of CD82 with AAV2/9 vector in mouse retina improved optic nerve (ON) axonal transport and ameliorated subsequent axon degeneration. In vitro neurite outgrowth assay displayed longer neurite length of SH-SY5Y cells with transfection of Cd82-plasmid. Moreover, CD82 overexpression could stimulate ON regeneration and restore mouse vision after an optic nerve crush model. CD82 exerted protective effect through upregulation of TRAF2, which was an E3 ubiquitin ligase and activated mTORC1 through K63-linked ubiquitylation and intracellular repositioning of Raptor. Conclusions:These findings indicate that CD82 overexpression protects against glaucomatous axonal transport deficits through TRAF2-dependent activation of mTORC1 pathway, which offers deeper insights into tetraspanins superfamily and demonstrated potential neuroprotective strategy in glaucoma treatments.
Bio-Inspired Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals for Beam-Steering Applications
Authors: Gnawali Rudra , Volk Andrew , Agha Imad , Payne Tamara , Touma Jimmy
Published: April 2021

The self-collimation of light through Photonic Crystals (PCs) due to their optical properties and through a special geometric structure offers a new form of beam steering with highly optical control capabilities for a range of different applications. The objective of this work is to understand self-collimation and bending of light beams through Spatially Variant Photonic Crystals (SVPCs) made from dielectric materials such as silicon dioxide as well as common polymers used in three-dimensional printing like SU-8. These PCs can be used for optical communications, multiplexing, and beam-tuning devices for light detection and ranging applications. In this paper we show the optical properties and potential applications of two different SVPC designs that can control light through a 90-degree bend and optical logic gates. These two-dimensional SVPC designs were optimized for operation in the near-infrared range of approximately 800–1000 nm for the 90-degree bend and 700-100nm for the optical logic gate. These SVPCs were shown to provide high transmission through desired regions with low reflection and absorption of light to prove the potential benefits of these structures for future optical systems.
Do health policies address the availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality of human resources for health?: Analysis of three decades of National Health Policy of India
Authors: Dubey Sweta , Vasa Jeel , Zadey Siddhesh
Published: April 2021

Background Human Resources for Health (HRH) are crucial to improve health services coverage and population health outcomes. The World Health Organisation (WHO) promotes four dimensions - availability, accessibility, acceptability, and quality (AAAQ) for HRH strengthening. Integrating AAAQ dimensions in policymaking is essential to reduce the critical shortage of HRH in India.Methods We created a multilevel framework to evaluate the incorporation of AAAQ dimensions along with strategies and actions that can improve them in HRH-related policies. HRH-related recommendations of all versions of the National Health Policy of India (NHPI) were classified according to targeted dimensions and cadres. We evaluated the extent to which NHPIs incorporated AAAQ dimensions over three decades. Furthermore, dimension-wise normalized indices were formulated to calculate HRH deficits for pre-NHPI years to assess situational deficiencies. Finally, we evaluated whether or not the HRH recommendations of NHPIs addressed the deficient cadres and dimensions for the corresponding year.Results We observed that HRH availability and quality were focused more in NHPI compared to accessibility and acceptability. Doctors were prioritized over auxiliary nurses-midwives and health assistants. AAAQ indices showed deficits in all dimensions in almost all cadres over the years. The cadres focused by NHPI recommendations did not completely correspond to the deficient cadres.Conclusion The framework and indices based method can help identify the gaps between targeted and needed dimensions and cadres for effective HRH strengthening in countries. At the global level, the application of framework and indices will allow a comparison of strengths and weaknesses of HRH-related policies of various nations.
A Negative Piezo-conductive Effect From Doped Semiconducting Polymer Thin Films
Authors: Yi Chao , Shen Lening , Zheng Jie , Gong Xiong
Published: April 2021

In the past years, piezo-conductive sensors have drawn great attention in both academic and industrial sectors. The piezo-conductive sensors made by inorganic semiconductors exhibited poor mechanical flexibility, restricting their further practical applications. In this study, we report the piezo-conductive sensors by a semiconducting polymer, poly(3,4-ethylenedioxythiophene) doped with tosylate ions (PEDOT:Tos) thin films. Systemically studies indicate that the piezo-conductive response of the PEDOT:Tos thin films is originated from the deformation of the PEDOT crystal cells and the stretched π-π distances induced by Tos. Moreover, the negative piezo-conductive effect, for the first time, is observed from PEDOT:Tos thin film under the pressure. A working mechanism is further proposed to interpret the transient from a positive to a negative piezo-conductive response within the PEDOT:Tos thin films. Our studies offer a facile route to approach effective piezo-conductive sensors based on conjugated polymers.
Genetic Relationships and Diversity Analysis in Turkish Laurel (Laurus Nobilis L.) Germplasm Using ISSR and SCoT Markers
Authors: YILMAZ Abdurrahim , Ciftci Vahdettin
Published: April 2021

Laurel (Laurus nobilis L.) has been used in the Mediterranean basin since ancient ages. Nowadays, Turkey, Mexico, Portugal, Italy, Spain, France, Algeria, and Morocco use aromatic leaves for commercial purposes, and Turkey is the largest exporter in the world. In this study, molecular characterization and genetic relationships of 94 Turkish laurel genotypes were determined by ISSR and SCoT markers. The experiment was conducted with 16 ISSR and 10 SCoT markers. While 348 of 373 bands were polymorphic with a 94.04% polymorphism rate, Nei's genetic distances ranged between 0.17 and 0.70 with 0.39 mean in ISSR. In SCoT, 175 of 227 bands were polymorphic with 76.07% polymorphism rate, and Nei's distances varied between 0.12 and 0.51. Sufficient genetic diversity determined with diversity parameters consisting the average Shannon's information index (ISSR:0.46, SCoT:0.35), the overall gene diversity (ISSR:0.19, SCoT:0.18), and the effective number of alleles (ISSR:1.52, SCoT:1.38). AMOVA (Analysis of molecular variance) revealed most of the variation was within genotypes (%96). Neighbor-joining algorithms, principal coordinate analysis (PCoA), and model-based structure resulted in harmony and clustered according to the geographical regions and provinces they collected. Genotypes were divided into two groups in ISSR and SCoT with UPGMA clustering resulting in a similar polymorphism distribution. The correlation coefficient (r) determined by marker systems' Nei's genetic distance matrices was 0.88. The results of the study put forward resources for advanced breeding techniques, and contribute to the preservation of genetic diversity, and management of genetic resources for the breeders.
Generation of a dystrophin mutant dog by nuclear transfer using CRISPR/Cas9-mediated somatic cells
Authors: Oh Hyun Ju , Chung Eugene Chung , Kim Jaehwan , Kim Min Jung , Kim Geon A , Lee Seok Hee , Ra Kihae , Eom Kidong , Park Soojin , Chae Jong-Hee , Kim Jinsoo , Lee Byeong Chun
Published: April 2021

Dystrophinopathy is caused by mutations in the dystrophin gene, which lead to progressive muscle degeneration, necrosis, and finally death. Recently, golden retrievers have been suggested as a useful animal model for studying human dystrophinopathy, but the model has limitations due to difficulty in maintaining the genetic background using conventional breeding. In this study, we successfully generated a dystrophin mutant dog using the CRISPR/Cas9 system and somatic cell nuclear transfer. The dystrophin mutant dog displayed typical phenotypes, such as elevated serum creatine kinase, dystrophin deficiency, skeletal muscle defects, an abnormal ECG, and avoidance of ambulation, all of which are consistent with human dystrophinopathy. These results indicate that dystrophin mutant dogs can be a reliable and effective animal model for preclinical studies into new therapies for human dystrophinopathy.
Laparoscopic Specimen Extraction in Vitro: Preliminary Experience
Authors: Huang Yuanbi , Yi Tian , He Huajie , Li Qiguang , Long Xian , Hu Gaohua , Chen Qiwei , Li Yongpeng , Chen Rongchao , Yi Xianlin
Published: April 2021

Background: The last procedure of the surgeon in laparoscopic surgery is to extract the specimen with the smallest incision. This experiment aimed to explore the maximum diameter of specimens that can be extracted with different adjuvant incision length and shape by in vitro physical experiments.Materials and Methods: We use the abdominal wall with the muscle layer of pigs was fixed on a square wooden frame to simulate the abdominal wall of humans. Then, making specimen extraction port: circular, inverted Y-shaped and straight-line incisions with different sizes and lengths respectively，and making different sizes and species specimens. These specimens are extracted from different incisions by force device. Measure the tension value (N), and record the length or diameter of the smallest auxiliary incision that the largest sample diameter can pass through. This experiment provides us with preliminary experience on how to choose the appropriate specimen extraction auxiliary incision according to the specimen diameter in surgery. Results: The maximum diameters of specimens that can be extracted with circular ostomy diameters of 2.4, 2.7 and 3.3 cm are 4.0, 4.5 and 6.0 cm, respectively. Specimens with diameters of 6.0, 8.0 and 10.0 cm could be extracted with inverted Y-shaped incisions with the length around umbilicus of 1 cm and extension length of 1.0, 3.0, 4.0 cm, respectively. Moreover, these same specimens could be extracted with inverted Y-shaped incisions with the length around umbilicus of 2 cm and extension length of 0.0, 1.0 and 2.0 cm, respectively. In straight-line incisions, tough tissue specimens (made from chicken gizzard) with diameters of 1.0, 2.0, 4.0 and 6.0 cm could be removed from incisions with diameters of 1.0, 2.0, 3.0 and 4.0 cm, respectively. Conclusion: Along with preoperative imaging, surgical planning and trocar position, the shape and length of adjuvant incisions can be used to improve the extraction of specimens via laparoscopy.
Cerebrospinal Fluid Analysis Predicts Enhancement on MRI in Bacterial and Tuberculous Meningitis: A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Goto Ryoji , Horiuchi Yurino , Kawakami Haruka , Chikada Ayaka , Yasuda Tsutomu , Takeuchi Sousuke , Arai Noritoshi
Published: April 2021

Background Along with cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) analysis, enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI scans are useful to diagnose and presume the pathogen of meningitis. However, the conditions for its appearance have not been clarified. This study aimed to investigate the possibility of CSF parameters as predictors of the existence of enhancement on contrast-enhanced head or spinal MRI scans in patients with bacterial meningitis (BM) or tuberculous meningitis (TM).Methods A total of 12 patients with BM and 23 patients with TM who underwent both CSF analyses and contrast-enhanced MRI scans were included in this study. The correlation between CSF analyses and MRI findings has been examined using receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis.Results Contrast enhancement was found in 7 and 10 patients with BM and TM, respectively. In patients with BM, higher CSF protein and lower CSF glucose were associated with the presence of the enhancement on MRI, while the CSF leukocyte or neutrocyte count did not show any difference. In contrast, not only the CSF protein and glucose but also the leukocyte and lymphocyte counts were associated with the enhancement in patients with TM. Furthermore, CSF adenosine deaminase (ADA) in patients with TM showed neither correlation with CSF leukocyte count nor discriminant ability of the MRI findings.Conclusions CSF analysis predicts the existence of enhancement on contrast-enhanced MRI scans of the central nervous system both in patients with BM and those with TM. Our findings about the CSF cell count and CSF ADA indicate the mechanism of the blood–brain barrier (BBB) breakdown in BM and TM.
Comparative analysis of prophages carried by human and animal-associated Staphylococcus aureus strains spreading across the European regions
Authors: Naorem Romen Singh , Goswami Gunajit , Gyorgy Schneider , Fekete Csaba
Published: April 2021

Staphylococcus aureus is a major human and animal pathogen although the animal-associated S. aureus can be a potential risk of human zoonoses. Acquisition of phage-related genomic islands determines the diversity of the S. aureus species and contributes to adapt to various host conditions. This study characterized and compared the genome architecture, distribution nature, and evolutionary relationship of 65 complete prophages carried by human and animal-associated S. aureus strains spreading across the European regions. The genomes of the analyzed prophages showed mosaic architecture with extensive variation in genome size and displayed low sequence similarity in their functional modules. The phylogenetic analyses generated seven clades in which prophages of the animal-associated S. aureus scattered in all the clades and showed slightly different clustering patterns than human-associated S. aureus prophages. The presence of various virulence factors in prophages of animal-associated S. aureus suggested that these prophages could have more pathogenic potential than prophages of human-associated S. aureus. This study showed that the S. aureus phages are dispersed among the several S. aureus serotypes and around the European regions. Further, understanding the phage functional genomics is necessary for the phage-host interactions and could be used for tracing the S. aureus strains transmission.
Transport properties of the lateral multilayer/monolayer PtSe2 diode
Authors: zandvakili F. , Berahman M.
Published: April 2021

A heterostructure of trilayer/monolayer platinum diselenide has been introduced and further studied. Applying the non-equilibrium green function tuned with density functional theory, it has been shown that such a junction forms a diode structure. The current voltage characteristic shows proper diode characteristics in nanoscale. Using the transmission spectrum and projected density of state, we have demonstrated that in forward bias, the conduction band and the valence band are aligned. Therefore, the possibility of tunneling enhances and this leads to the increase of current while in reverse bias such a possibility does not exist. We have also investigated the atoms of the junction and have identified the effective ones in the transmission.
Federal and State Cooperation Necessary but Not Sufficient for Effective Regional Mental Health Systems: Insights From Systems Modelling and Simulation
Authors: Occhiptinti Jo-An , Skinner Adam , Carter Samantha , Heath Jacinta , Lawson Kenny , McGill Katie , McClure Rod , Hickie Ian B.
Published: April 2021

Objective: For more than a decade, suicide rates in Australia have shown no improvement despite significant investment in reforms to support regionally driven initiatives. Further recommended reforms by the Productivity Commission call for Federal and State and Territory Government funding for mental health to be pooled and new Regional Commissioning Authorities established to take responsibility for efficient and effective allocation of ‘taxpayer money.’ This study explores the sufficiency of this recommendation in preventing ongoing policy resistance.Method: A system dynamics model of pathways between psychological distress, the mental health care system, suicidal behaviour and their drivers was developed, tested, and validated for a large, geographically diverse region of New South Wales; the Hunter New England and Central Coast Primary Health Network (PHN). Multi-objective optimisation was used to explore potential discordance in the best-performing programs and initiatives (simulated from 2021 to 2031) across mental health outcomes between the two state-governed Local Health Districts (LHDs) and the federally governed PHN. Impacts on suicide deaths, mental health-related emergency department presentations, and service disengagement were explored.Results: A combination of community-based acute care services, family psychoeducation, post-attempt aftercare, and safety planning minimises the number of suicides across the PHN and in the Central Coast LHD (16% reduction; 95% interval, 14.4 – 18.0%), and performs well in the Hunter New England LHD (14.2% reduction, 12.7–15.9%), suggesting that aligned strategic decision making between the PHN and LHDs would deliver substantial impacts on suicide. Results also highlighted a marked trade-off between minimising suicide deaths versus minimising service disengagement. Conclusions: Competing priorities between the PHN and LHDs (each seeking to optimise the different outcomes they are responsible for) can undermine the optimal impact of investments for suicide prevention. Systems modelling provides essential regional decision analysis infrastructure to facilitate coordinated federal and state investments for optimal impacts.
Prevalence and screening of precancerous lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract: A cross-sectional study in North of Iran
Authors: Mansour-Ghanaei Fariborz , Pour Alireza Gharib , Joukar Farahnaz , Mansour-Ghanaei Alireza , Sepehrimanesh Masood , Hassanipour Soheil
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Precancerous lesions of the UGI tract are the second major cancer-related deaths and responsible for more than ten percent of cancer-related deaths worldwide. The aim of this study was to evaluate the frequency of precancerous lesions in the upper gastrointestinal tract of patients under patronage of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation in Guilan province as vulnerable population. Methods: In a cross-sectional study from March 2017 to March 2018, three hundred patients under patronage of Guilan branch of Imam Khomeini Relief Foundation aged more than 40 years were enrolled. All patients were underwent endoscopy and checked for Helicobacter pylori infection. Results: The most frequent lesions in the esophagus, stomach and bulb were grade A mucosal breaking (58.7%), erosions (57.0%), and ulcers (6.3%), respectively. Esophageal lesions were higher in the age more than 60 years (P=0.036). Smokers and patients with familial history of cancers in the 2ndand 3rd grade of relatives had more lesions in the bulb (P=0.005 and P=0.010, respectively). Female patients, those with age lower than 50 years and no-smoker had lower frequency of intestinal metaplasia (IM) (P=0.024, P=0.030, and P=0.003, respectively). Also, there was positive association between gastric atrophy and age (P=0.009). Furthermore, chronic active gastritis were seen more frequently in male patients (P=0.003) and smokers (P=0.010). Significant positive association between consumption of fish meat and occurrence of IM was detected (P=0.010). Conclusions: Male gender, higher age and smoking for IM and male gender, higher BMI and smoking for H. pylori infection were the predictive risk factors. It seems early diagnosis of precancerous lesions help to prevent cancers and to increase the survival rate.
Anticancer Activity Of Silver Nanoparticles Synthesized Using Extract of Animal Waste As A Traditional Medicine On MCF-7 Human Breast Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Mousavi-Khattat Mohammad , Nourbakhshan Hamid , Roumi Mehrnaz , Ebrahiminejad Mahshid , Fazeli Yasaman , Shakeran Zahra
Published: April 2021

Green synthesis methods are environmentally friendly, cost effective and nonhazardous for biomedical applications in comparison with other methods. The aim of the study was green synthesis of silver nanoparticles using medicinal animal dung extract as a reducing, capping and stabilizing agent for the first time among other synthesis methods of silver nanoparticles. Female donkey’s dung was capable to reduce silver ions to nanoparticles and stabilize them. Silver nanoparticles with average sizes of 36 nm were synthesized and characterized by UV-Vis, FT-IR, XRD and TEM. Moreover, synthesized nanoparticles were analyzed in terms of anticancer activity by MTT assay on MCF-7 cell line. UV–Visible spectrophotometer showed an absorbance peak in the range of 414-433 nm. To identify the phytochemical coating of particles, FTIR analysis was used. Transmission electron microscope (TEM) images and X-ray diffraction (XRD) confirmed the formation of small spherical silver nanoparticles. The MTT assay revealed potent anticancer effects of the aqueous extract synthesized nanoparticles on MCF-7 cells, incubated for 24 hours. Based on the current findings, it is strongly believing that the use of donkey’s dung offers large scale production of biocompatible silver nanoparticles that can be suggested to possess valuable anticancer agents against breast cancer cell lines.