bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Внебольничные пневмонии бактериальной этиологии и спектр чувствительности возбудителей к антибиотикам у коронапозитивных и коронанегативных больных
Authors: Павлович Наталья , Цимбалистова Марина , Аронова Надежда
Published: March 2021

Актуальность. В условиях продолжающейся пандемии коронавирусной инфекции на фоне снижения иммунного статуса организма течение вирусной пневмонии достаточно часто осложняется присоединением бактериальной микрофлоры. Возбудители такой коинфекции могут проявлять множественную лекарственную резистентность, что существенно снижает эффективность этиотропной терапии. В этой связи целесообразным представляется микробиологическое сопровождение пациентов с целью выбора наиболее оптимальных схем лечения.

Цель. Изучение видового состава бактериальных возбудителей внебольничных пневмоний (ВП) у коронапозитивных (Covid-19 +) и коронанегативных (Covid-19 -) пациентов и определение спектра их чувствительности/устойчивости к антибактериальным препаратам.

Материал и методы. Исследован видовой состав микроорганизмов образцов мокроты от 723 пациентов с ВП, поступивших из ЛПО г. Ростова-на-Дону в августе и декабре 2020 года. Идентификацию выделенных культур проводили с помощью бактериологического и масс-спектрометрического методов. Чувствительность бактерий к антибиотикам определяли диско-диффузионным методом.

Результаты. Показано, что в августе в спектре возбудителей ВП превалировали пневмококки и стафилококки, тогда как в декабре вырос процент выделений Acinetobacter spp. и S. haemolyticus. Обнаружена высокая степень изоляции различных видов дрожжей р. Candida, причем у Cov+ больных выявлена тенденция к большей обсемененности (≥104 м.кл./мл). Некоторые возбудители (A. baumannii, S. haemolyticus, P. aeruginosa, S. maltophilia) характеризуются полиантибиотикорезистентностью, а отдельные штаммы этих видов – панрезистентностью ко всем группам антибиотиков.

Заключение. Полученные данные демонстрируют, что тяжелые формы внебольничной пневмонии могут быть обусловлены вирусо-бактериальными и вирусо-бактериально-дрожжевыми ассоциациями возбудителей, включая бактерии с узким спектром чувствительности к антибактериальным препаратам.
Geoprocessing Techniques for the Visualization of Subsurface Geologic Data in Geographic Information Systems
Authors: Williams Nathan D.
Published: March 2021

The ability to visualize subsurface geologic information is critical to sound decision making in many disciplines of geology. While there are numerous commercial off-the-shelf software solutions available to model geologic data in both 2D and 3D, these can be costly and have a steep learning curve. Some of the same functionality of these software packages can be accomplished by workflows that incorporate built-in geoprocessing tools of Geographic Information System (GIS) software. These workflows allow the geologist to plot vertical or inclined borehole data in 2D or 3D, create section views of raster data along section lines, and provide a means to convert contact elevations from existing geologic cross sections into plan-view or 3D space. These workflows have been successfully used to visualize construction data and subsurface geologic information for several embankment dams. Grouting and exploratory borehole data from databases with tens of thousands of records have been transformed into 2D and 3D GIS features. The workflows were instrumental in developing a 3D GIS model of site geology from which a series of geologic cross sections were drawn. These sections were critical in informing risk decisions related to the foundation conditions for a recent risk assessment of an earthen embankment dam.
Improved Automated Mapping of Sinkholes Using High-Resolution DEMs
Authors: Admassu Yonathan , Woodruff Celestine
Published: March 2021

Sinkholes are common surface manifestations of the presence of networks of subsurface caverns in areas where the bedrock geology is dominated by soluble rocks such as limestones. Accurate mapping of sinkholes is crucial as they are hazardous to transportation infrastructure and may serve as conduits of contaminants to the groundwater. The use of high-resolution digital elevation models extracted from LiDAR and tools in ArcGIS have made it a simple task to automate the process of identification of closed depressions. However, these automated methods do not differentiate between sinkholes and other man-made depressions. Multivariate statistical methods such as linear discriminant analysis, quadratic discriminant analysis, and logistic regression were used to produce predictive models based on selected shape factor values such as circularity, sphericity, and curvature. Curvature values, especially when combined with circularity, were found to be the most powerful variables in separating closed depressions into sinkholes and other artificial depressions.
An UV disinfection robot combined cleaning and housekeeping strategy for the hospital during COVID-19 pandemic: How we protect the hospital cleaning staff?
Authors: Devrim İlker , Çatıkoğlu Aslı , Bayram Nuri
Published: March 2021

Background

The Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic presents important infection control challenges for the health care facilities. Proper cleaning of the patient's room after the discharge of the patients is important to protect the housekeeping staff as well as other patients
Methods

In this study, we reviewed our
experience with a novel multipurpose hybrid UV disinfecting and air
disinfecting robot and the impact of it for preventing hospital
cleaners getting occupational COVID-19 infection.
Results

Between 11, March 2020 and 11 December 2020, a total of 301 children with COVID-19 were hospitalized at the COVID-19 ward. The mean hospital stay was 3.77 ± 2.71 days (range from1 to 20 days) and total COVID-19 related-care. The mean working time was 9.4 ± 1.6 months (range 5 to 10 months). The total working hours for a month for one hospital cleaner was 196 to 204 hours per month. The total duration of the UVC-robot was 491 hours 33 minutes for fans and 473 hours 20 minutes for UV lamps. During the follow-up period, two of the hospital cleaners had definitively community-acquired COVID-19 infection, but none of them had symptomatic COVID-19 infection during the study period.
Conclusions

During the COVID-19 pandemic, none of the hospital cleaners got hospital-associated COVID-19 infection. The combination of personal protective equipment in addition to UVC-robot integrated environmental disinfection is an important strategy to protect health-care workers.
Simultaneous and Rapid Removal of Safranin O (SO) and Basic Blue 41 (BB) Dyes by Sulfonated Polyacrylamide (PAA-SO3H) As Super-Adsorbent, Isotherms, and Kinetics Studies
Authors: Zare Mohammad Ali , Jamali Zahra , Fadavi Abdoulhamid , Sanaye Reza , Iranpour Maryam
Published: March 2021

The goal of this piece of research would be delving into the nature of simultaneous ultrasound removal of SO and BB dyes into solutions by means of sulfonated polyacrylamide as an efficient adsorbent. Sulfonated polyacrylamide has been synthesized and fully described, applying FT-IR technique. The percentage level of dye removal was investigated under several factors such as the time of sonicating, initial concentrations of dye, pH, and adsorbent dosage. Optimization of parameters was conducted using central composite design (CCD) with response surface methodology (RSM). An acceptable degree of consonance between experimental and calculated values was arrived at. High percentage removal (90.0% and 99.9%) of SO and BB in short time (2.16 min) were recorded through the application of an ultrasound-assisted adsorbent (0.008g).
The Immuno-Inflammatory Effect of IL-27 in Preterm Labor
Authors: Mei Youwen , Ran yuxin , liu zheng , zhou yunqian , He Jie , Yin Nanlin , Qi Hongbo
Published: March 2021

Objective

To investigate the effect of IL-27 on Th1 cells infiltration in human fetal membranes (FMs) and the underlying mechanisms in preterm labor.
Methods

The expression of IL-27 receptor a subunit (IL-27R𝛼) and Th1 cells were studied in human FMs from pregnant women with preterm labor (PL) and term labor (TL). In vitro, we investigated the effects of IL-27 in human amniotic cell lineage on the Th1 related chemokines and adhesive molecules and the underlying intracellular signaling molecules.
Results

The expression of IL-27R𝛼 was higher in human fetal membranes from PL group compared with TL group. Compared with TL group, the PL group had more Th1 cells infiltration in human FMs. Meanwhile, it was confirmed the expression of CXCL9, CXCL10, CXCL11 and ICAM-1 were higher in FMs from PL group to TL group. Moreover, IL-27 stimulation can up-regulate the expression of those chemokines in human amniotic cell lineage via JAK2/STAT1/STAT3 signaling pathway.
Conclusions

The expression of IL-27R𝛼 and number of Th1 cells infiltration were higher at FMs of PL group than TL group. IL-27 could promote Th1 related chemokines and adhesive molecules in human amniotic cell lineage mainly through JAK2/STAT1/STAT3 signaling pathway.
White Thrombosis on Optical Coherence Tomography after Rotational Atherectomy of Severely Coronary Calcified Lesions
Authors: CAO Cheng-fu , MA Yu-liang , LI Qi , LIU Jian , ZHAO Hong , LU Ming-yu , WANG weimin
Published: March 2021

Purpose

Rotational atherectomy (RA) has improved percutaneous treatment of severe coronary calcified lesions, but the "no-reflow" phenomenon remains a serious complication. Platelet activation by RA may contribute to the no-reflow, we use optical coherence tomography (OCT) to test the effect of RA on white thrombosis that could confirm platelet activation indirectly.
Methods

We analyzed 53 consecutive patients with coronary angiographic severe calcified lesions. All the patients were examined by OCT. Twenty patients received RA and OCT imaging performed before and after RA and stent implantation. The remaining patients were as a control group and OCT imaging performed before balloon dilatation and after stent implantation.
Results

The patients were older and higher incidence of Diabetes mellitus in the RA group. In the control group, there was no thrombogenesis during the procedure, but in the RA group, all the target vessels had white thrombosis on OCT after RA. The average number of white thrombus per lesion after RA was 7.23 ± 4.4, and the average length of every white thrombus was 0.51 ± 0.33mm. In Pearson Correlation Analysis, Thrombotic load was related with burr size (r = 0.575, P = 0.040) and rotation number (r = 0.599, P = 0.031).
Conclusions

White thrombosis during RA is proved by OCT in vivo. Treating calcified lesions with RA may enhance thrombogenesis. These data suggest using a proper therapy to avoid no-reflow during RA.
Mainstreaming of conspiracy theories and misinformation
Authors: Johnson Neil , Velasquez Nicolas , Restrepo Nicholas Johnson , Leahy Rhys , Sear Richard , Gabriel Nick , Lupu Yonatan , Larson Heidi
Published: March 2021

Parents - particularly moms - increasingly consult social media for support when taking decisions about their young children, and likely also when advising other family members such as elderly relatives. Minimizing malignant online influences is therefore crucial to securing their assent for policies ranging from vaccinations, masks and social distancing against the pandemic, to household best practices against climate change, to acceptance of future 5G towers nearby. Here we show how a strengthening of bonds across online communities during the pandemic, has led to non-Covid-19 conspiracy theories (e.g. fluoride, chemtrails, 5G) attaining heightened access to mainstream parent communities. Alternative health communities act as the critical conduits between conspiracy theorists and parents, and make the narratives more palatable to the latter. We demonstrate experimentally that these inter-community bonds can perpetually generate new misinformation, irrespective of any changes in factual information. Our findings show explicitly why Facebook's current policies have failed to stop the mainstreaming of non-Covid-19 and Covid-19 conspiracy theories and misinformation, and why targeting the largest communities will not work. A simple yet exactly solvable and empirically grounded mathematical model, shows how modest tailoring of mainstream communities' couplings could prevent them from tipping against establishment guidance. Our conclusions should also apply to other social media platforms and topics.
Endless Elastic Beam Travelling on a Moving Rough Surface With Zones of Stick and Sliding
Authors: Vetyukov Yury
Published: March 2021

We study the planar deformation of a beam that travels across a given control domain supported by a moving rough plane, which is a prototype for various technological processes. A sufficiently small misalignment between the guideways at the ends of the domain results into a stationary regime of motion, which features a zone of sticking contact near the entry to the control domain followed by infinitely many segments of transverse sliding with alternating directions. Self-similarity of this solution of an essentially nonlinear boundary value problem is the primary novel result of the present contribution. Closed-form analytic results are validated against a finite element simulation of the transient evolution process, which demonstrates stability of the obtained solution and provides insights regarding the characteristic time scales of establishing of subsequent zones of sliding.
Research on Direct Shear Strength Characteristics of Mechanically Biologically Treated Waste
Authors: Zhang Zhenying , Zhang Jiahe , Wang Qiaona , Wang Min , Nie Chengyu
Published: March 2021

Mechanically biologically treated (MBT) waste has significant characteristics such as high stability and low moisture content, which can reduce water, soil, and gas pollution in subsequent treatments. This pre-treatment method is environmentally friendly and sustainable, and has become a popular research topic in the field of environmental geotechnical engineering. Using a direct shear test apparatus and five shearing rates (0.25, 1, 5, 10, and 20 mm/min), the shear strength characteristics of MBT waste at the Hangzhou Tianziling (HT) Landfill were studied. The results indicate: (1). With the increase in horizontal shear displacement, the shear stress of MBT waste gradually increases without a peak stress phenomenon, which is a displacement hardening curve; (2). The shear strength increased with an increase in the shearing displacement rate, and the sensitivity coefficient was 0.64–2.66. (3). The shear strength, shearing rate, and normal stress correlation model are established, and the model has a high degree of fit with the overall experimental data; (4). Cohesion (c), internal friction angle (φ), and the logarithm of the shearing rate are linear; (5). The range of c of MBT waste is 22.32–39.51 kPa, and φ is 64.24–.68.52°. Meanwhile, the test data are compared with the test data in the literature, and the shear characteristics of HT-MBT waste are discussed. The research results of this study can provide a reference for the stability calculation of MBT landfills.
Association Between Ambient Air Pollution and Multiple Sclerosis: a Systemic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tang Chao , Li Qing-Ru , Mao Yan-Mei , Xia Yuan-Rui , Guo Heng-Sheng , Wang Jun-Ping , Shuai Zong-Wen , Ye Dong-Qing
Published: March 2021

The effects of air pollutants on autoimmune diseases are gaining increasing attention. At present, no studies have conducted systemic review and meta-analysis on ambient air pollution and multiple sclerosis (MS). In this paper, literature was collected in order to explore whether there was a connection between air pollutants and MS or not. Through electronic literature search, literature related to our research topic was collected in Cochrane Library, Embase and Pubmed till August 18, 2020 according to certain criteria. Pooled risk estimate and 95% confidence intervals (95%CI) were calculated by random-effect model analysis. After removing copies, browsing titles and abstracts and reading full text, 6 studies were finally included. The results showed that only particulate matter (PM) with aerodynamic diameter ≤10 (PM10) was related to MS (pooled HR=1.058, 95% CI=1.050-1.066), and no correlation was found between other pollutants and MS. There was no publication bias, and the heterogeneity analysis results were stable. PM is correlated with the disease MS, while other pollution is not connected with MS. More literature results need to be included to meta-analysis results for further study.
Assessment of Persistent Organic Pollutant accumulation in Sediments of the Klip River Wetland, Johannesburg
Authors: Olasupo Ayo , Buah-Kwofie Archibold
Published: March 2021

The accumulation of Polyaromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) and Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) was investigated in sediments of the Klip River wetland Johannesburg South Africa. The wetland serves as an important source of potable water to the Vaal Dam Johannesburg and purifier of contaminants from different anthropogenic activities at the Witwatersrand basin. In this study, PCBs and PAHs were found to be spatially distributed in surface and core sediments of the two major tributaries entering into the wetland. The total concentration of PAHs and PCBs found in the surface sediments ranged from 45–95 mg/kg and 0.2–5.3 mg/kg respectively. Highlights of the distribution of PAHs indicated the upstream sites of both tributaries to be more polluted and were attributed to the proximity of these sites to heavy traffic and industrial complexes. Conversely, the downstream sites were more polluted with residues of PCBs and were attributed to anthropogenic activities from the residential settlements of Soweto and Lenasia. The total amount of PAHs and PCBs found in the sediment core site were 2.4 − 6.3 mg/kg and 0.17–0.80 mg/kg respectively, which is significantly lower than the concentrations found in the surface sample sites. Risk characterization of the sites indicated that about 60% of the investigated sites could be classified as moderately to highly polluted sites with potential ecological risk. A further investigation is therefore required for comprehensive ecotoxicological risk assessment.
Cytotoxic and Genotoxic Effects of Clopyralid Herbicide on Allium Cepa Roots
Authors: Amaç Eslem , Liman Recep
Published: March 2021

Clopyralid is a one of the synthetic pyridine-carboxylate auxin herbicides and used to control perennial and annual broadleaf weeds in wheat, sugar beets and canola etc. In this study, dose dependent cytotoxicity and genotoxicity of clopyralid at different concentrations (25, 50, and 100 µg/mL) on the Allium cepa roots were evaluated at macroscopic (root growth) and microscopic levels (Mitotic index (MI), chromosome aberrations (CAs) in ana-telophase cells and DNA damage) using root growth inhibition, Allium ana-telophase and comet tests. The percentage root growth inhibition and concentration reducing root growth by 50% (EC50) of clopyralid in relation to the negative control were determined by using various concentrations of clopyralid (6.25–1000 µg/L). The 96 h EC50 of clopyralid was recorded as 50 µg/L. The gradual decrease in root growth and the MI reveals the cytotoxic effects of clopyralid. All the tested concentrations of clopyralid induced total CAs (polyploidy, stickiness, anaphase bridges, chromosome laggards, and disturbed ana-telophase) and DNA damage dose and time dependently. This study confirmed cytotoxic and genotoxic effects of clopyralid on non-target organism.
Effectiveness of MI VarnishTM and PreviDentâ Varnish in Non-cavitated Interproximal Lesions: A Randomized Clinical Trial.
Authors: Helal Narmin M. , Azzahrani Ghadi S. , Azzouz Lujain Z. , Sabbgh Heba J.
Published: March 2021

Background: the clinical investigations regarding the efficacy of different fluoride products are limited. Aim: to compare the effectiveness of Colgateâ PreviDentâ and MITM varnishes to the standard (1.23%) acidulated phosphate fluoride gel in the remineralization of non-cavitated proximal incipient lesions. Design: this randomized clinical trial included 91 lesions which were assigned to three groups. We performed an initial examination, and 3- and 6-month follow-ups. Result: teeth treated with both MITM and Colgateâ PreviDentâ varnishes showed statistically significant improvements in caries progression. In the Colgateâ PreviDentâ group, nine surfaces with white spots with dryness remained unchanged, one surface changed to a white spot without dryness, and one surface improved to a sound surface. In the MITM group, nine surfaces with white spots with dryness remained unchanged, and one surface changed to a white spot without dryness. Only teeth treated with MI varnishTM showed significant improvements radiographically. Teeth affected by outer enamel caries remained the same or improved to sound surfaces. Additionally, teeth with inner enamel caries remained the same. Conclusion: both MITM and Colgateâ PreviDentâ varnishes are effective therapies to remineralize non-cavitated incipient lesions. However, there were no significant differences in the radiographic outcomes among the three types of varnish applications. Trial registration This clinical trial was registered at ClinicalTrials.gov (no. NCT03925740), and the first registration date was on 24/04/2019. Ethical approval was obtained from the institutional ethical committee at King Abdulaziz University (REC-013-01019).All methods were carried out in accordance to the ethical committee at King Abdulaziz University guidelines and regulations.
Experiences of Nurses on Perceived Therapeutic Communication Barriers in Ethiopia, A Qualitative Study
Authors: EMISHAW SOLOMON , ANIMAW WORKU , DESIE TIGABU , SELOMON NIGUSIE , MAREW CHALIE , BIRHANU ADANE , TIGABU AGIMASIE , WUBNEH MOGES
Published: March 2021

Background: Communication is the exchanging of the message by using verbal and non-verbal ways. It is an essential skill, particularly for nurses. Communication barriers are hinders that affect the giving and receiving of information between nurses and patients.Objective: The purpose of this study was to explore the experience of nurses on perceived communication barriers.Methods: An exploratory study design was employed using a qualitative approach. A purposive sampling technique was used to select 15 nurses who were interviewed both in focused group discussion and in-depth interview using an unstructured interview guide. Interviews were audio-taped, transcribed verbatim and analyzed using thematic analysis. Results: Perceived communication barriers were explored and the analysis was made using deductive approach thematic analysis. Perceived communication barriers were categorized into five themes includes; socio-demographic related communication, common related communication, nurse related communication, patient-related communication, and environment-related communication barriers.Conclusion: Nurses, patients, and the environments are the main perceived communication barriers as indicated in both in-depth interviews and focused group discussion. Lack of medical facilities or access is the main barrier of the nurse to patient communication, which needs great attention of the stakeholders. To enhance communication with the patients; nurses and other stakeholders like the ministry of health, health bureaus, and hospital authorities need to recognize the communication barriers. Giving awareness on the communication barriers for the nurses helps to minimize the barriers and improve the nurses to patients' communication.
The Large Deep-Seated Landslide Induced by the March 12th, 2012 Rainfall Event in the City of Azazga, Northern Algeria: Deformation Characteristics and Failure Mechanisms
Authors: Bourenane hamid , Bensalem Rabah , Oubaiche El Hadi , Braham Massinissa , Meziani Aghiles Abdelghani , Bouhadad Youcef , Tebbouche Mohamed Yacine
Published: March 2021

A rainfall-induced deep large landslide occurred on March 12, 2012, in the city of Azazga (northern Algeria) causing heavy damages to residential buildings and public infrastructures. In this work, we investigate the inventory mapping, deformation characteristics, the controlling factors and the failure mechanisms of this landslide based on field investigation, aerial photographs/satellite images interpretation, deep boreholes equipped with piezometers and inclinometers as well as subsurface geophysical imaging by Electric Resistivity Tomography (ERT). The obtained landslide inventory map shows that the landslide of March 2012, affected an area of 0,40 km2. This landslide is considered as partial reactivations of large pre-existing one (0,606 km2) which represents 6,65 % of the total urban area. Moreover, the analyses identified two types of involved causative factors: (i) the triggering factor related to the antecedent rainfall and human activity through slope excavations and embankment; (ii) susceptibility factors related to the lithological nature and the internal structure of the flysch deposits, their weak mechanical resistance characteristics, the presence of shallow aquifers, steep slope and basal erosion and undercutting of the Iazoughen and Aboud rivers torrents. The inclinometers measurements and ERT imaging reveal a complex, deep-seated and rapidly moving landslide whose failure surfaces located at the depth of 11 to 28 m and an average velocity of 1 to 28 cm yr-1 with a displacement in the Northwest direction toward the Aboud and Iazoughen rivers. The entire slip surface is located along the geotechnical interface between the flyschs bedrock and the overlying scree. This comprehensive study provides a useful information of rainfall-induced landslides as well as guidance for landslide hazard mitigation and prevention.
Modeling Osteoclast Defect and Altered Hematopoietic Stem Cell Niche in Osteopetrosis with Patient-Derived iPSCs
Authors: Zeytin Inci Cevher , Alkan Berna , Ozdemir Cansu , Cetinkaya Duygu , OKUR FATMA VISAL
Published: March 2021

Background

Patients with osteopetrosis present with defective bone resorption caused by the lack of osteoclast activity and hematopoietic alterations, but their bone marrow hematopoietic stem/progenitor cell and osteoclast contents might be different. Osteoclasts recently have been described as the main regulators of HSCs niche, however, their exact role remains controversial due to the use of different models and conditions. Investigation of their role in hematopoietic stem cell niche formation and maintenance in osteopetrosis patients would provide critical information about the mechanisms of altered hematopoiesis. We used patient-derived induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) to model osteoclast defect and hematopoietic niche compartments in vitro.
Methods

iPSCs were generated from peripheral blood mononuclear cells of patients carrying TCIRG1 mutation. iPSC lines were differentiated first into hematopoietic stem cells-(HSCs), and then into myeloid progenitors and osteoclasts using a step-wise protocol. Then, we established different co-culture conditions with bone marrow-derived hMSCs and iHSCs of osteopetrosis patients as an in vitro hematopoietic niche model to evaluate the interactions between osteopetrotic-HSCs and bone marrow-derived MSCs as osteogenic progenitor cells.
Results

We first demonstrated myeloid-skewed hematopoietic differentiation potential of osteopetrotic iPSC-derived hematopoietic progenitors and phenotypically normal and functionally defective osteoclast formation. Upon co-culture with healthy iHSCs, the expression of the genes involved in HSC homing and maintenance (Ang-1, Sdf-1, Jagged-1, N-Cadherine, Kit-L, Opn) in osteopetrotic MSCs which revealed impaired osteogeneic differentiation, as well as their attraction ability over HSCs recovered significantly. Similar change in the phenotype of osteopetrotic iHSCs occured when they interacted with healthy MSCs.
Conclusion

Our results establish significant alterations in both MSC and HSC compartments of the hematopoietic niche in osteopetrosis patients, which are restored with normal MSC activity supporting the role of defective osteoclasts in all these processes.
Comparison of Survival Outcomes for Axillary Surgery Extent Based on Intraoperative Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy Result After Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy for Breast Cancer
Authors: Chun Jung Whan , Kim Jisun , Chung Il Yong , Ko Beom Seok , Kim Hee Jeong , Lee Jong Won , Son Byung Ho , Ahn Sei-Hyun , Lee Sae Byul
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo investigate the survival difference between limited axillary surgery and full axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) in patients with 1-3 positive sentinel lymph node biopsies (SLNBs) after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NAC).MethodWe retrospectively analyzed data from 676 patients who underwent surgery between 2007 and 2017 with cT1-4, cN0-3, cM0 breast cancer at the time of diagnosis and 1-3 positive SLNBs after NAC. The patients received either SLNB only or completed level I or II ALND based on SLNB results. After propensity score matching, 483 patients who had undergone SLNB only (n=188) and ALND (n=295) were included. We examined overall survival, axillary recurrence-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival and compared them between the subgroups.ResultAt a median follow-up of 59.4 months, no significant statistical difference was observed in overall survival, axillary recurrence-free survival, regional recurrence-free survival, and distant metastasis-free survival between SLNB only and ALND. No significant differences were observed in the 5-year axillary recurrence-free survival (93.1% vs. 94.0%, hazard ratio [HR]=0.94, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.43-2.05, p=0.876) and 5-year overall survival (97.7% vs. 97.3%, HR=1.65, 95% CI=0.58-4.65, p=0.347) between the two groups.ConclusionOur analysis suggests that SLNB alone may be a possible option for patients with 1-3 sentinel node-positive breast cancer following NAC without significant compromise of recurrence or overall survival.
Experimental and Analytical of Ultrasonic Elliptical Vibration Cutting of Micro-pyramid Reflective Mold Based on Guided Wave Transmission
Authors: Jiang Tao , Yang Jintao , Pi Jun , Luo Wenyu , Zhang Jun
Published: March 2021

The ultrasonic elliptical vibration cutting (UEVC) technique has been found to be a promising technique for ultraprecision machining of microstructural functional surfaces. However, the current UEVC technique can’t achieve higher frequency ultrasonic cutting due to its rigid orthogonal vibration transmission. To further study the cutting mechanism and removal characteristics in high frequency UEVC of microstructural surface, the UEVC based on flexible guided wave transmission is proposed which can achieve 96.8 kHz. The influence of bending vibration of guided wave band on longitudinal vibration is elaborated with the model of the bending vibration dynamic model of the guided wave. The model of elliptical trajectory deflection of tool tip is established. Based on the theoretical modeling and finite element simulation, the residual height and material removal characteristics of elliptic trajectory with variable deflection angle are simulated and analyzed. The results show that when the deflection angle is between 10° and 70°, the tangential force is small and stable. Finally, the cutting experiments of micro-pyramid reflective mold in guided wave UEVC and conventional cutting (CC) are carried out. Compared with CC, high-frequency UEVC can obtain micro-pyramid elements with average roughness of 5.21 nm, that verifies the applicability of high-frequency UEVC in precision machining of microstructure.
Expression Level and Prognostic Potential of MAP3K8 in Human Cancers Based on Data Mining
Authors: Hao Jiatao , Cao Yumeng , Yu Hui , Zong Lu , An Ruifang , Xue Yan
Published: March 2021

Background: MAPK kinase kinase 8 (MAP3K8) is a member of the MAP3K family with a major role in the regulation of the MAPK pathway and immune response. Differential expression of MAP3K8 is closely correlated with tumorigenesis. In this study, we used bioinformatics tools to explore expression level, prognostic values, and interactive networks of MAP3K8 in human cancers.Methods: Expression profile of MAP3K8 was analyzed using the Oncomine Platform, the Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA), and UALCAN. Survival analysis was evaluated via UALCAN, GEPIA, and DriverDBv3 databases. Then, MAP3K8 related functional networks were explored within GeneMANIA and Cytoscape. Moreover, Metascape was used to analyze Gene Ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathways.Results: We found that MAP3K8 was down-expressed in most cancer samples compared with paired normal tissues. Results from databases revealed that high MAP3K8 expression was associated with poorer prognosis of OS in kidney renal clear cell carcinoma (KIRC) (GEPIA: Log-rank p=0.006, HR=1.5; DriverDBv3: Log-rank p=1.68e-07, HR=2.21; UALCAN: p=0.002) and thymoma (THYM) (DriverDBv3: Log-rank p=0.011, HR=5.44; UALCAN: p=0.041). High MAP3K8 expression was correlated with better prognosis of OS in mesothelioma (MESO) (GEPIA: Log-rank p=0.016, HR=0.56; DriverDBv3: Log-rank p=0.002, HR=0.46) and skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) (GEPIA: Log-rank p=0.00092, HR=0.64; UALCAN: p=0.017). Gene regulation network suggested that MAP3K8 was mainly involved in immune cell function and MAPK signaling pathway. Conclusions: MAP3K8 overexpression was correlated with improved survival in MESO and SKCM, and with damaged survival in KIRC and THYM, reemphasizing the potential for identifying predictive biomarkers and therapeutic targets focused on MAP3K8 and the MAPK pathway.
Horizontal Gravity in Ocean Ekman transport
Authors: Chu Peter C.
Published: March 2021

Three-dimensional gravity vector field g (= igλ+jgφ+kgz) in geodesy has been greatly simplified to a uniform vertical vector (-g0k) in oceanography with (λ, φ, z) the (longitude, latitude, height), (i, j, k) the corresponding unit vectors, and g0 = 9.81 m/s2. Recent studies by the author show such simplification incorrect. The horizontal gravity is important in ocean dynamics. Along the same path, the horizontal gravity is included into the classical Ekman layer dynamics with constant eddy viscosity and depth-dependent-only density ρ(z) represented by an e-folding near-inertial buoyancy frequency. A new Ekman spiral and in turn a new formula for the Ekman transport are obtained. With the horizontal gravity data from the global static gravity model EIGEN-6C4 and the surface wind stress data from the Comprehensive Ocean-Atmosphere Data Set (COADS), the Ekman transport due to the horizontal gravity is crucial and cannot be neglected.
Synthesis and characterization of nanocomposites based on aniline and pyrrole in montmorillonite
Authors: saiah ouiddad , Yahiaoui Ahmed , Hachemaoui Aicha
Published: March 2021

In this study, nanostructured composites based on montmorillonite (MMT), polypyrrole and aniline (poly(pyrrole-co-aniline)/MMT) were prepared via in-situ chemical polymerization of aniline and pyrrole in the presence of montmorillonite and ammonium persulfate as oxidants. Pyrrole and aniline were introduced to MMT-H+ and polymerized within the interlayer to obtain polypyrrole/MMT-H+,polyaniline/MMT-H+ and poly(aniline-co-pyrrole)/MMT-H+ nanocomposites.The nanocomposite copolymer and homopolymer compositions were also characterized by Fourier transform infrared(FT-IR) spectroscopy, UV–Vis spectroscopy, X-raydiffraction and electrochemical response,the results show that what we obtain is really a nanocomposite.
Prevalence and Risk Factors for Urinary Schistososmiasis Among School Children in Uwandani Shehia, Pemba, Zanzibar - Tanzania
Authors: Suleiman Adam R. , Mubi Marycelina , Ali Abdalla I , Okafor Chukwuma J. , Eze Paul , Omodior Oghenekaro
Published: March 2021

Despite repeated rounds of mass drug administratiion (MDA) of praziquantel, Uwandani Shehia in Pemba, Zanzibar-Tanzani, remains a hotspot of transmission of Schistosoma haematobium. This study was designed to determine the prevalence and risk-factors of urinary schistosomiasis among school children in Uwandani. We adopted a mixed methods approach. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire, and the filtration technique was used to detect S. haematobium eggs in 10 ml of urine from 300 school children. We also conducted 30 in-depth interviews with parents and teachers, 4 focus group discussions with adult community members, and 8 group discussions with the students between May & June 2017. The S. haematobium infection prevalence was 11%. Schistosoma haematobium infection prevalence was significantly higher in the age group 13-15 years, compared to the younger age groups. About 67.0% of the school children infected with S. haematobium had the light intensity infection, shedding fewer than or equal to 50 eggs per 10 ml of urine, while the heavy intensity of infection (>50 eggs/10 ml) was found in 33 % of infected primary school children. Results of ANOVA revealed significant differences in praziquantel uptake by age-group. There was low community knowledge of S. haematobium risk factors, high engagement in risky behavior and high awareness of S. haematobium infection symptoms. Although uptake of praziquantel is high, this did not translate to a lowering of S. haematobium infection prevalence among school children. Frequency of contact with open water sources – an important risk factor for S. haematobium infection is high in the study population. We conclude that barriers to health behavior change continue to exist, and the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis appears to be increasing among school aged children in Uwandani Shehia, Pemba, Zanzibar-Tanzania. We suggest combining MDA praziquantel uptake programs with affordable snail control interventions for reducing urinary schistosomiasis prevalence.
Fast algorithm for the determination of the optimum filter for bone SPECT image reconstruction
Authors: houimli Afef , benmhammed Issam , letaief Bechir , Ben-Sellem Dorra
Published: March 2021

In SPECT, the reconstructed images are strongly affected by poisson noise, poor spatial resolution and bad contrast due to the radioactivity disintegration and procedures acquisition. In this paper, we propose an algorithm to improve the traditional FBP reconstruction and to choose the most suitable technique for bone SPECT image denoising. The proposed approach is composed of two steps. The first one consists of denoising the acquired sinograms using successively eight currently used filters in nuclear medicine: Wiener, Metz, Hamming, Hann, Shepp-Logan, Parzen, Butterworth and Gaussian combined with Butterworth filters. The second step is a simultaneous reconstruction of the axial slices using a new 3D FBP algorithm for each filter. A comparative study of these filters is tested and evaluated on a dataset containing thirty one bone SPECT image. The results show that the difference between these filters is statistically significantly different from each other (p<0.05) and the 3D FBP with the combination between Butterworth and Gaussian provide the best performance. The selected method is compared to three denoising methods. These methods are tested on a Shepp Logan phantom and bone SPECT images. Experimental results show that the 3D FBP reconstruction with the pre-processing combination (Gaussian (Std=0.3) + Butterworth (fc=0.47, ordre=3)) filter is more accurate and robust compared to other methods. It provides the highest performance in term of contrast, SNR, CNR ensuring a shorter processing time. It accelerates the reconstruction, reduces noise and artifacts while preserving detailed features. This approach could be considered as a valuable candidate to enhance the quality of the reconstructed bone SPECT image.
Electrophoretic deposition and electro-codeposition in nanoparticle-containing molten inorganic salts
Authors: jin weiliang , xiao saijun , kou qian , ding desheng , zhang jun , fang xiaohong , ge chuntao , zhong cong , Zhu Hongmin , Haarberg Geir Martin
Published: March 2021

Molten inorganic salts containing solid nanoparticles with a stable and uniform dispersion have attracted great attention as efficient heat transfer and storage materials1,2 and for catalysis for chemical reactions3-5. Compared with those in aqueous suspensions6,7, electrophoretic deposition and electro-codeposition in molten inorganic salts containing nanoparticles, have not been reported in the literature. Here we report the possibility of electrophoretic deposition of nanoparticles and electro-codeposition of nanoparticles and metal ions in high-temperature molten salts. In molten fluorides and chlorides, a cell voltage of 1.2-1.5 V below the decomposition voltage of the electrolytes, was applied to perform the electrophoretic deposition of nanoparticles (e.g., TiB2 and ZrB2), resulting in compact and adhesive coatings. In molten chlorides containing TiB2 nanoparticles, with the introduction of electroactive specimen MoO3, the electro-codeposition of TiB2 nanoparticles and Mo-containing ions has been achieved to yield a dense and adhesive Mo/TiB2 nanocomposite coating with homogeneous distribution of Mo and TiB2, without the assistance of stirring of molten salts. These findings should present opportunities to synthesize various coatings and films via the proposed processes.
A novel alien invasive species introduction, Clerodendrum paniculatum Linn (Pagoda) Lamiaceae, in a tropical African forest
Authors: Bernard Omomoh Eromosele , Brown Leah , Meiger Karst , Adekunle Victor A. J. , Oboh Ganiyu
Published: March 2021

We record a novel introduction of Clerodendrum paniculatum in Africa. The novel species appears to have a negligible impact within the new environment. In this communication, we describe the novel alien species and the environment to which it has been introduced.
Analysis of Current Status and Simulations of Future Spread of COVID-19 in the United States
Authors: Liu Xiaoping , DeVries A
Published: March 2021

COVID-19 has killed more than 500,000 people in the United States, as of mid-February 2021. Forecasting of COVID-19 spread is helpful for key policy discussions. The transmission coefficient kn of COVID-19 spread varies across time. Accurately forecasting COVID-19 spread is difficult because of the time-dependent kn and becomes more complicated when coronavirus vaccination needs to be considered. In this study, the l-i AIR model was further developed for analyzing COVID-19 spread accompanied by coronavirus vaccinations in the United States. We determined all values of kn prior to January 13, 2021 and calculated the actual number of cumulative infections (In) including asymptomatic infected individuals. We observed 4 plateaus of kn, which corresponded to four national social events. This suggests that events that reduce social distancing and/or percentage of mask wearing played an important role in the acceleration of COVID-19 transmission. Our simulations show that if the American people return to their normal life before 100 million of people are vaccinated, there is likely to be at least one large surge of daily COVID-19 cases. However, if the American people partially return (kn≤0.4) to normal life after 100 million vaccinations, and completely return (kn=1) to normal life after two thirds of the US population are vaccinated in addition to those who have gained some immunity through coronavirus infections, the US may avoid any additional major surge of COVID-19 cases.
Designing the Information Educational Environment of the Studying Course for the Educational Process Management Using Cloud Services
Authors: Karintseva O.I. , Yevdokymov A.V. , Yevdokymova A.V. , Kharchenko М.O. , Dron V.V.
Published: March 2021

The authoritative International Data Corporation (IDC) estimates that by 2023, global spending on public cloud services and infrastructure will be more than double, mainly due to the introduction of digital transformations. Globally, the cloud market is becoming a field of increasingly fierce competition between the world's leading IT corporations. Modern education is rapidly evolving due to teachers who in recent years have introduced cloud services in their professional activities. There was an urgent question about the formation of information and educational environment for cooperation, collaboration, communication and learning mobility. This study is devoted to the analysis of the methods peculiarities of designing the information and educational environment of the discipline with the help of GoogleServices. The authors reviewed Google Services for designing open and closed information and educational environments, which are free, so they can be actively used in the educational process. The advantages of open and closed information-educational environment of the discipline as environments for the organization and management of the educational process are described. In the study, the authors identified the following characteristics of the information and educational environment: openness (support for modern standards, Internet / Intranet technology); scalability (increasing the number of services provided in the environment; the amount of information that can be processed); expansion of databases and knowledge (does not lead to the need to reconfigure the system); integration (the ability to organize a single educational environment to expand the tasks associated with the development and design of educational and methodological support of the educational process); adaptability (dynamic adjustment to the needs of both a particular educational institution and an individual user).
Academic Orientation Programme 2021. Researcher Visibility & Sharing our work beyond the University
Authors: Martindale Debbie
Published: March 2021

This
presentation introduces academics and researchers to the value of formal and
informal technologies in promoting the visibility and discoverability of their
online researcher identity. Topics covered in the presentation include Open
Access, Creative Commons licensing, Institutional Repositories, Research Data
Management, ORCID, Research Collaboration & Social Scholarship, Researcher
impact &citation analysis, Social Media, and Altmetrics.
Untangling hybrid hydrological models with explainable artificial intelligence
Authors: Althoff Daniel , Bazame Helizani Couto , Nascimento Jessica Garcia
Published: March 2021

Hydrological models are valuable tools for developing streamflow predictions in unmonitored catchments to increase our understanding of hydrological processes. A recent effort has been made in the development of hybrid (conceptual/machine learning) models that can preserve some of the hydrological processes represented by conceptual models and can improve streamflow predictions. However, these studies have not explored how the data-driven component of hybrid models resolved runoff routing. In this study, explainable artificial intelligence (XAI) techniques are used to turn a ‘black-box’ model into a ‘glass box’ model. The hybrid models reduced the root-mean-square error of the simulated streamflow values by approximately 27, 50, and 24% for stations 17120000, 27380000, and 33680000, respectively, relative to the traditional method. XAI techniques helped unveil the importance of accounting for soil moisture in hydrological models. Differing from purely data-driven hydrological models, the inclusion of the production storage in the proposed hybrid model, which is responsible for estimating the water balance, reduced the short- and long-term dependencies of input variables for streamflow prediction. In addition, soil moisture controlled water percolation, which was the main predictor of streamflow. This finding is because soil moisture controls the underlying mechanisms of groundwater flow into river streams.