bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Entrevistas online: potencialidades e desafios para coleta de dados no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19
Authors: Schmidt Beatriz , Palazzi Ambra , Piccinini Cesar Augusto
Published: October 2020

O distanciamento social decorrente da pandemia de COVID-19 fortaleceu o processo já emergente das conexões virtuais entre as pessoas, trazendo implicações também para a condução de pesquisas. O objetivo deste estudo é apresentar as potencialidades e os desafios da realização de entrevistas online no contexto da pandemia de COVID-19. Trata-se de uma comunicação breve, fundamentada em revisão da literatura técnico-científica, que sumarizou as características gerais de entrevistas online, com destaque para as que ocorrem por meio de videoconferência. Foram consideradas plataformas que permitem a realização de entrevistas online (Google Meet, GoToMeeting, Skype, Webex, WhatsApp e Zoom), enfatizando aspectos que auxiliam na seleção de recursos alinhados às necessidades do estudo e ao perfil dos participantes. Considerações éticas e recomendações práticas também foram discutidas. Apesar dos desafios, as entrevistas online se mostram uma alternativa para a continuidade de pesquisas que já estavam em andamento, ou mesmo para a realização de novos estudos durante a pandemia de COVID-19.
Virtualidad en el curso teórico de Medicina Interna en estudiantes de V, VI y VII semestre a propósito de la pandemia COVID-19 durante el primer semestre del 2020, Facultad de Medicina, Escuela de Ciencias de la Salud, Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana
Authors: Luján Piedrahíta Mauricio
Published: October 2020

Estos son tiempos sin precedentes modernos, la aparición del coronavirus 19 (COVID-19) y sus consecuencias han interrumpido y afectado la educación médica. Aunque la prioridad ha sido y debe ser la atención a los pacientes y las comunidades, esta pandemia implica desafíos logísticos y preocupaciones sobre la formación de los futuros médicos, por lo que se requiere una atención intensa y rápida por parte de las escuelas de medicina, directivos (universitarios y hospitalarios) y educadores médicos.
Conceptual approach to problem of economic efficiency substantiation of three-phase alternating current system of electric traction
Authors:   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT), Arzhannikov Boris Alexeevich , Koksharov Vladimir Alexeevich ,   Ural state university of railway transport (USURT)
Published: October 2020

The paper proposes a conceptual approach to economic efficiency substantiation of three-phase alternating current system of electric traction in comparison with one-phase alternating current system of electric traction. It is based on quasi-optimal values of indicators of electric traction system that are necessary for feasibility study and assessment of integral criterion of efficiency, for which, in turn, it is necessary to compare systems by reduced expenditures. Saving of reduced expenditures should also consider out-of-transport effect that is very important for system effect of interaction between railway transport and other enterprises.
Efficiency of using electric power for traction of ED4M electric multiple units
Authors:   Omsk State Transport University (OSTU), Baklanov Alexander Alexeevich , Istomin Stanislav Gennadyevich ,   Omsk State Transport University (OSTU)
Published: October 2020

The paper presents results of 6-car and 8-car ED4M electric multiple unit rides and assessments of various factors influence on power consumption. In particular, the paper considers modes of starting and braking on example of speed-time curves and traction motor current-time curves at different starting accelerations. A detailed analysis showed at unaltered running time due to higher starting acceleration and lower starting braking speed the power consumption decreases and at lower starting acceleration and higher starting braking speed it increases. Besides, the paper considers an influence of such factors as density of population, train length, weather conditions and divergence of characteristics of motor-wheel units of motor cars.
Anisocytosis is Associated With Short-Term Mortality in COVID-19 and May Reflect Proinflammatory Signature in Uninfected Ambulatory Adults
Authors: Hornick Andrew , Tashtish Nour , Osnard Michael , Shah Binita , Bradigan Allison , Albar Zainab , Tomalka Jeffrey , Dalton Jarrod , Sharma Ashish , Sekaly Rafick P. , Hejal Rana , Simon Daniel I. , Zidar David A. , Al-Kindi Sadeer G.
Published: October 2020

BackgroundRed cell distribution width (RDW), a measure of anisocytosis, is observed in chronic inflammation and is a prognostic marker in critically ill patients without COVID-19, but data in COVID-19 are limited.MethodsBetween March 12 and April 19, 2020, 282 individuals with confirmed COVID-19 and RDW available within 7 days prior to COVID-19 confirmation were evaluated. Individuals were grouped by quartiles of RDW. Association between quartiles of RDW and mortality was assessed using the Kaplan-Meier method and statistical significance was assessed using the log-rank test. The association between RDW and all-cause mortality was further assessed using a Cox proportional hazards model. Plasma cytokine levels in uninfected ambulatory adults without cardiovascular disease (n=38) were measured and bivariate Spearman correlations and principle components analysis were used to identify relationships between cytokine concentrations with RDW.ResultsAfter adjusting for age, sex, race, cardiovascular disease, and hemoglobin, there was an association between RDW and mortality (Quartile 4 vs Quartile 1: HR 4.04 [1.08-15.07]), with each 1% increment in RDW associated with a 39% increased rate of mortality (HR 1.39 [1.21-1.59]). Remote RDW was also associated with mortality after COVID-19 infection. Among uninfected ambulatory adults without cardiovascular disease, RDW was associated with elevated pro-inflammatory cytokines (TNF-α, IL8, IL6, IL1b), but not regulatory cytokines (TGFb).ConclusionsAnisocytosis predicts short-term mortality in COVID-19 patients, often predates viral exposure, and may be related to a pro-inflammatory phenotype. Additional study of whether the RDW can assist in the early identification of pending cytokine storm is warranted.
DINÂMICA DOS PONTAIS ARENOSOS NO FLANCO NORTE DO DELTA DO RIO PARAÍBA DO SUL (RJ) ENTRE 1984 E 2017
Authors: Da Costa André Paulo Ferreira , Da Rocha Thais Baptista , Fernandez Guilherme Borges
Published: October 2020

O delta do rio Paraíba do Sul apresenta feições típicas associadas a deltas assimétricos dominados por ondas. Destas feições, os pontais (spits) arenosos que ocorrem no flanco norte do delta tem particular importância para a evolução da planície deltaica. O modelo de formação e evolução mais recente descreveu a ocorrência de ciclos regulares de emersão, crescimento e assimilação à planície desses spits arenosos. Entretanto, diversos trabalhos presentes na literatura argumentam que a morfodinâmica das desembocaduras em deltas possui caráter não-linear ou irregular. Diante disso, o presente trabalho tem por objetivo analisar a dinâmica dos spits arenosos no flanco norte do delta do rio Paraíba do Sul a partir de imagens da série histórica LANDSAT, dados de vazão e índices de oscilação das águas do Pacífico Sul (SOI). Para tanto, foi realizado o mapeamento geomorfológico da área de estudo, análise dos dados de vazão e os Índices de Oscilação das águas do Pacífico Sul (SOI). Os resultados obtidos mostraram diversos períodos de emersão, crescimento, conexão à planície e retrabalhamento dos spits arenosos, sugerindo ocorrência de ciclos curtos não-lineares de evolução dessas feições. Os resultados mostraram uma possível relação entre os períodos de retrabalhamento dos spits arenosos com as estações secas e ocorrência do fenômeno La Ninã.
CONTRIBUIÇÃO AO ESTUDO DE VOÇOROCAS A PARTIR DO USO EXPERIMENTAL DE LASER SCANNER TERRESTRE E VANT
Authors: Loureiro Hugo Alves Soares , Guerra Antonio José Teixeira , Andrade Aluísio Granato de
Published: October 2020

A pesquisa aplicada em Geomorfologia envolve coleta e análise de dados e se insere no planejamento, manejo e decisão sobre ocupação, produção, recreação e conservação. Nesse sentido, o uso de geotecnologias no estudo da erosão tem crescido e é preciso conhecer sua capacidade de contribuição. Por isso, o objetivo deste artigo é apresentar potenciais metodológicos e analíticos que o uso de Laser Scanner Terrestre (LST) possui, combinado ao imageamento por VANT, para monitorar e diagnosticar a erosão por voçorocas. As técnicas foram utilizadas de maneira experimental, trazendo um debate das relações metodológicas possíveis, explicitando prós e contras de cada uma. Ambas oferecem variadas possibilidades analíticas. No presente trabalho, as características de cada equipamento revelaram resultados quantitativos, pelo uso do LST, e qualitativos, com o VANT. Nota-se a complementaridade entre as duas técnicas, contribuindo para os estudos sobre erosão linear. As imagens aéreas geradas pelo VANT permitiram verificar caminhos preferenciais e variação de acúmulo de material erodido, além de servir ao processamento de dados do LST. A partir da nuvem de pontos deste, foram calculados 2.240,34 m² de área da voçoroca, ou 0,22ha, e 20,34 m³ de volume de solo erodido. Pelos dados e cálculos obtidos, foi estimada uma taxa erosiva de 8,65 t·ha-1·ano para um período mínimo de atividade erosiva de 17 anos. O uso destas geotecnologias segue desafiador na Geomorfologia, principalmente na erosão por voçorocas. Sua tarefa é ampliar a compreensão dos processos, as variações de escala e desenvolver novas pesquisas, com maior detalhe e precisão, na busca por ações de controle mais eficazes.
Robust Design of a Future 100% Renewable European Energy Supply System with Hydrogen Infrastructure
Authors: Caglayan Dilara , Heinrichs Heidi U. , Robinius Martin , Stolten Detlef
Published: October 2020

In light of the latest trends in global installed capacities, the importance of variable renewable energy sources (VRES) to future energy supply systems is evident. Despite this, the inherent intermittency of VRES remains an obstacle to their widespread adoption. Green hydrogen is often suggested as an energy carrier that can account for this in a sustainable manner. In the analysis, a robust European energy system in the context of 2050 and with 100% VRES energy supply is designed through an iterative minimal cost-optimization approach that ensures robust security of supply over 38 weather-year scenarios (1980-2017). The impact of spatial VRES variability is factored in by defining exclusive VRES groups within each optimization region and, from this, it can be seen that higher numbers of groups in each region offer cheap electricity generation locations to the optimizer and thus decrease the total annual cost of the system. Beyond this, the robust system design and impact of inter-annual variability is identified by iteratively combining the installed capacities of different system designs obtained by applying 38 historical weather years. The robust system design outlined here has significantly lower capacities in comparison to the maximum regional capacities obtained in the first round of optimization.
Fish Biodiversity in the Swamp Ecosystem of Barumun River Area
Authors: Khairul Khairul , Khairul Khairul
Published: October 2020

Swamp flooded is a habitat of various types of fish, which as an feeding ground, shelter, and reproduction. Diversity of fish types has been utilized by the people to catch fish, as a material of consumption and economic income. One of the flooded swamp that people have utilized in the Barumun River area. The purpose of this research is to know the biodiversity of fish in the swamp flooded Barumun River.  This research is explorative, with the determination of observation stations with purposive sampling methods. Fish are captured using hand cast fishing nets, fishing rods, and gill nets. Fish are identified using relevant books. Total fishing catches during the study amounted to 298 individuals consisting of 13 genera and 17 speisies. The average value of the Keanakaragaman index is 1,85 with a low cathedral. The average value of uniformity index (E ') is 0,67 in medium category. The average value of the Dominancy index (C) is 0,027 in low category. Based on the results of the study concluded the waters of Rawa Sungai Barumun has suffered disruption due to land function and pollution. This is evidenced by the Oil Palm Factory PT. Nubika Jaya and palm plantations area.
COVID-19: What Do We Have Learnt So Far?
Authors:   Department of Paediatrics, National Institute of Blood Disease & Bone Marrow Transplantation, Karachi, Pakistan, Zaidi Samreen Kulsoom
Published: October 2020

Coronaviruses (CoVs) are the largest group of viruses; order is Nidovirales while family is Coronaviridae. They are further subdivided into four groups, the alpha, beta, gamma and delta coronaviruses [1]. These viruses usually cause mild infections but two zoonotic epidemics of the betacoronaviruses, severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus (SARS-CoV) [2] and Middle East respiratory syndrome coronavirus (MERS-CoV) [3] have occurred in this century, mortality rates of 10% for SARS-CoV [4] while a very high i.e. 37% for MERS-CoV [5].
Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia in Pediatric Population: A Rare Presentation
Authors:   Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, Pakistan., Asghar Rabiah , Tariq Javera ,   Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, Pakistan., Jiskani Shahzad Ali ,   Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, Pakistan., Ali Sundas ,   Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, Pakistan., Zafar Aneela ,   Department of Pathology, Pakistan Institute of Medical Sciences Islamabad, Pakistan.
Published: October 2020

Abstract: Acute Promyelocytic Leukemia (APL) is a very uncommon type of acute myeloid leukemiacomprising less than 10% of pediatric population. Acute Promyelocytic leukemia is a neoplastic proliferation of abnormal promyelocytes in bone marrow, caused by cytogenetic abnormality t(15;17). Majority of patients (80%) have long term survival, and death occurs in approximately 10% of patients in early course of the disease; mainly because of hemorrhage. Hemorrhagic complications can be reduced by appropriate therapy if started timely, which ultimately reduces the risk of death.We report a case of 7 years old boy with complaints of fever off and on for past 06 months, bruises and swelling on left leg for 1 week, blood containing vomiting for 1day. He was diagnosed as APL on bone marrow biopsy. Keywords: Acute promyelocytic leukemia, Paediatric, Retinoic acid syndrome, All-Trans retinoic acid, FAB AML-M3, Sudan Black-B.
In Situ Geochemical Compositions of the Minerals in Basaltic Rocks from the West Philippine Basin: Constraints on Source Lithology and Magmatic Processes
Authors: Yuan Long , Yan Quanshu , Liu Yanguang , Wu Shiying , Wang Ruirui , Shi Xuefa
Published: October 2020

Since the early Cenozoic, the West Philippine Basin (WPB) and the whole Philippine Sea Plate (PSP) has undergone a complex geological evolution. In this study, we presented K-Ar ages, in situ trace element, and major element compositions of minerals of basalts collected from the Benham Rise and the Central Basin Fault (CBF) in the WPB, to constrain their magmatic process and regional geological evolution. Olivine phenocrysts and microlites in the alkali basalts (20.9 Ma) from the Benham Rise have forsterite (Fo) contents of 56.90%–76.10% and 53.13%-66.41%, respectively. The clinopyroxenes in the tholeiites (29.1 Ma) from the CBF is predominantly diopside and augite, and it is depleted in light rare earth elements (LREEs) (LaN/YbN=0.13–3.40) and large-ion lithophile elements (LILEs). The plagioclases in the basalts from both of the Benham Rise and the CBF are predominantly labradorite and andesine, with a minor amount of bytownite, and it is enriched in LREEs, Ba, Sr, and Pb and exhibits strong positive Eu anomalies. However, there exist obvious differences in plagioclase compositions between these two tectonic sites. The source lithology of the Benham Rise basaltic rocks could be garnet pyroxenite, and yet that of the CBF could be spinel-lherzolite. The calculated mantle potential temperature beneath the Benham Rise is 1439°C–1473°C, which is significantly higher than that beneath the CBF (1345°C–1381°C), suggesting there existed thermal anomaly beneath the Rise during basaltic magmatism. This study also calculated the temperature and pressure of the clinopyroxenes and plagioclases, which have been used to indicate magmatic processes. Finally, we suggest that the Benham Rise basaltic rocks may be related to a mantle plume (e.g., the Oki-Daito mantle plume), and the CBF was once located in a back-arc spreading center behind an active subduction zone. The extinction of the Oki-Daito mantle plume activity might be at about 20.9 Ma, and cessation of the back-arc spreading of WPB was at about 29.1 Ma or younger.
Objective Driven Solid Surface Roughness Characterization for Enhanced Formation Evaluation
Authors: Ma Shouxiang Mark , Leu Gabriela , Chen Songhua , Eid Mahmoud
Published: October 2020

Smooth solid surfaces of reservoir rocks are assumed in formation evaluation, such as NMR petrophysics and reservoir wettability characterization through contact angle measurements. Measuring the degree of surface roughness, or smoothness, and evaluating its effects on formation evaluation are topics of research. In this paper, we will primarily focus on details in characterizing solid surface roughness, though its applications will also be exemplified.

Surface roughness can be measured by methods of contacts and non-contacts techniques, such as stylus profilometer, atomic force microscopy, and different kinds of optical measurements. Each technique has different sensitivities, measurement artifacts, resolutions and sizes of field-of-view (FOV). Intuitively, while a finer resolution measurement provides the closest account of all surface details, the corresponding small FOV may compromise the representativeness of the measurement, which is particularly challenging for charactering heterogeneous samples such as carbonates. To balance the FOV and measurement representativeness, and to minimize artifacts, laser scanner confocal microscopy (LSCM) is selected in this study.

In developing a methodology for quantifying the surface roughness (R), more than 20 rock samples were selected to determine optimal resolutions for overall R quantification. Five symmetrical measurement areas were used per sample, as well as a range of magnifications to achieve resolutions from pore level of about 20 µm down to surface level of about 0.2 µm. The length scale of R is orders-of-magnitude smaller than the typical carbonate pore sizes; therefore, a pore size filter has been developed and applied to remove the solid surface pore size effect on R computation. Once the measurement is considered reliable, the R qualification, which is objective driven, is established.

Results for the more than 20 rock samples tested indicate that rocks with similar rock types have similar R values. Grainy limestones have relatively higher R values compared to dolostones, consistent to the latter's crystallization surface features. Muddy limestones have smoother surfaces, resulting in the lowest R values among the rocks studied. For sandstones, R varies with clay types and content. For rocks containing two distinct minerals, two R values are observed from the R profiles, which justifies the use of two surface relaxivity (ρ) values in NMR data processing of these rock types.

The second half of the paper is devoted to the use of R to improve the NMR based pore typing, i.e., the effect of solid roughness on the surface relaxivity, ρ, separated from mineralogy effects, thereby NMR based pore body size distribution. The importance of using R corrected ρ values is demonstrated with an excellent match between the enhanced NMR pore size distributions and that derived from independent measurement of micro-CT scanning.
From Field Operations to Economics: Breaking the Barriers. Next Level of Integration
Authors: Mukanov Adil , Saginbayev Almat , Salikhov Ruslan
Published: October 2020

Integrated production data management system (PDMS) solution is presented that incorporates three remote locations of the company's different departments (Field Operation, Engineering and Economics) into a single working environment. Automated workflows implemented on the basis of PDMS aimed to improve speed and efficiency of engineering analysis and economic planning.

PetroKazakhstan Kumkol Resources JSC operates a wellstock consisting of more than fifteen hundred wells. Operational data is loaded into a system on a daily basis at a central office on the field site. At this stage data is quality checked and used for production monitoring.

All information is automatically synchronized to the office in Kyzylorda city, where production back allocation is performed. Every month regulatory reports are generated from the system. Decline curve analysis forecasts at well level are frequently applied for daily routine economical assessment of well intervention and surface construction operations. Moreover, saved forecasts are also automatically available for budgeting purposes in Almaty office.

As a result of integrated PDMS solution, PKKR JSC engineers and economists get easy and automated access to raw operational data as well as results of allocated production and forecasting by the decline curve analysis (DCA). Automated workflows for back allocation, regulatory report generation and forecast result data sharing made different departments closer and decision making more efficient. Overall, data travel distance of about 1500 km.

Shared workspace with standard analytical templates (plots, reports, maps, forecasts) allowed engineers to promote best practices across organization, align reservoir surveillance and monitoring approach in a common standardized way. PDMS allows engineers, previously overloaded with manual data handling and reporting, to have more time to solve reservoir and production engineering problems. Meanwhile, the economists gain direct and automated access for DCA forecasts, performed by reservoir engineers, not only at field, but also at well level. This helps prioritize each well's economic potential and rank accordingly, which is critical in budget planning.

The novelty of integrated PDMS solution is that it brings a new level of integration of different departments into synergy. Teamwork spread beyond engineering, operations and geology, adding economists into the team to address today's operational challenges.
The Detrimental Impacts of Negative Age Stereotypes on the Episodic Memory of Older Adults: Does Social Participation Moderate the Effects?
Authors: Chan Stephen Cheong Yu , Au Alma May Lan , Lai Simon Man Kin
Published: October 2020

Background: Older adults' cognitive abilities can be impaired through priming of negative age stereotypes. However, it is unclear whether the effects of negative priming can be extended to episodic memory, which is believed to be the most age-sensitive type among the long-term memory systems, in Asian populations. Social participation has recently emerged as a potential protective factor for maintaining the cognitive function of older adults. The purpose of this study was to examine the effects of negative age stereotype priming on episodic memory and the moderating role of social participation in the priming effect.Methods: A total of 105 community-dwelling older adults residing in Hong Kong were randomly allocated to two experimental conditions. Participants were primed either with negative age stereotype words (n = 53) or neutral words (n = 52) using an implicit priming task. Episodic memory performance was assessed using the Hong Kong List Learning Task (HKLLT), which includes total learning, two delayed recalls and a recognition task. Analysis of covariance (ANCOVA) was used to assess group differences in the priming task and memory performance, while a series of moderation analyses were performed to examine the moderating effects of social participation.Results: The group that received negative age stereotype priming performed significantly worse than the group that received neutral words in their episodic memory test. Additional analyses showed that socially active individuals might be less prone to the effects of negative age stereotypes for the recognition task only.Conclusions: Older adults who are more socially active might be more immune to the effects of negative age stereotype priming on episodic memory. These results provide initial support for the hypothesis that social participation might act as an effective strategy to ward against negative age stereotype priming.Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov: NCT04202120 (first posted December 17, 2019), (Retrospectively registered)
Body Weight Estimation of Yak Based on Cloud Edge Computing
Authors: Zhang Yu_an , Sun Zijie , Zhang Chen , Yin Shujun , Wang Wenzhi , Song Rende
Published: October 2020

In stock farming, the body size parameters and weight of yaks can reasonably reﬂect the growth and development characteristics, production performance and genetic characteristics of yaks. However, it is diﬃcult for herders to measure the body size and weight of yaks by traditional manual methods. Fortunately, with the development of edge computing, herders can use mobile devices to estimate the yak’s body size and weight. The purpose of this paper is to provide a machine vision-based yak weight estimation method for the edge equipment and establish a yak estimation comprehensive display system based on the user’s use of the edge equipment in order to maximize the convenience of herdsmen’s work. In our method, a set of yak image foreground extraction and measurement point recognition algorithm suitable for edge equipment were developed to obtain yak’s measurement point recognition image, and the ratio between body sizes was transmitted to the cloud server. Then, the body size and weight of yaks were estimated using the data mining method, and the body size estimation data were constantly displayed in the yak estimation comprehensive display system. 25 yaks in different age groups were randomly selected from the herd to perform experiments. The experimental results show that the foreground extraction method can obtain segmentation image with good boundary, and the yak measurement point recognition algorithm has good accuracy and stability. The average error between the estimated values and the actual measured values of body height, oblique length, chest depth, cross height and body weight is 1.95%, 3.11%, 4.91%, 3.35% and 7.79%, respectively. Compared with the traditional manual measurement method, the use of mobile end to estimate the body size and weight of yaks can improve the measurement eﬃciency, facilitate the herdsmen to breed yaks, reduce the stimulation of manual measurement on yaks, and lay a solid foundation for the ﬁne breeding of yaks in Sanjiangyuan region.
Global Scientific Output Trend for Akkermansia muciniphila Research: A Bibliometric and Scientometric Analysis
Authors: Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Aazami Hossein , raftar shahrbanoo keshavarz azizi , Ashrafian Fatemeh , Ejtahed Hanieh-Sadat , Hashemi Ehsan , Tavassol Zahra Hoseini , Badi Sara Ahmadi , Siadat Seyed Davar
Published: October 2020

Background: Akkermansia muciniphila is an anaerobic bacterium residing in the healthy intestinal tract of host and its quantity has a negative correlation with various host diseases. This study for the first time provides a holistic bibliometric aspect of Akkermansia muciniphila research in the literature and shows the hot topic terms of these articles in any period of time.Methods: Scopus database was selected to retrieve documents relevant to Akkermansia muciniphila in any language up to 2019. The bibliometric profile of Akkermansia muciniphila articles including subject area, year distribution, citations, institutions, journals, authors, and countries was systematically characterized and the collaboration networks of authors and countries as well as the burst detection algorithm of the words in the titles, abstracts and keywords were visualized.Results: There is a progressive growing trend in research on Akkermansia from 2004 to 2019 with a total of 566 articles during this period. Out of 353 original articles, there are 194 animal studies (155 studies on mice) and 112 human studies. Also, 65 various diseases were investigated in these studies. The most focused conditions are obesity (71 articles) and type2 diabetes (39 articles). The United States is the leading country on Akkermansia publications (n=132), followed by China (n=95). Frontiers in Microbiology is the most dominant journal with 23 Akkermansia publications. In addition, “cancer” is the hot topic of recent Akkermansia research.Conclusion: Akkermansia research is of progressive interest during the last decade and the studies on this subject move towards its relationship with cancer and its promising effect on health.
Mesenchymal stem cells accelerated growth and metastasis of neuroblastoma and preferentially homed towards both primary and metastatic loci in orthotopic neuroblastoma model
Authors: YU Jiao-Le , CHAN Shing , Fung Marcus Kwong-Lam , Chan Godfrey Chi Fung
Published: October 2020

Background: Majority of neuroblastoma patients develop metastatic disease at diagnosis and their prognosis is poor with current therapeutic approach. Major challenges are how to tackle the mechanisms responsible for tumorigenesis and metastasis. Human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSCs) may be actively involved in the constitution of cancer microenvironment.Methods: In our study, an orthotopic neuroblastoma murine model was utilized to mimic the actual scenario. Human neuroblastoma cell line SK-N-LP was transfected with luciferase gene, which were inoculated with/without MSCs into the adrenal area of SCID-beige mice. The growth and metastasis of neuroblastoma was observed by using Xenogen IVIS 100 in vivo imaging and evaluating gross tumors ex vivo. The homing of MSCs towards tumor was analyzed by tracing fluorescence signal tagged on MSCs using CRI MaestroTM imaging system.Results: hMSCs mixed with neuroblastoma cells significantly accelerated tumor growth and metastasis of neuroblastoma in vivo. hMSCs could be recruited by primary tumor and also become part of the tumor microenvironment in the metastatic lesion. The metastatic potential was significantly reduced when hMSCs were pre-treated with stromal cell derived factor-1 (SDF-1) blocker, AMD3100, suggesting that the SDF-1/CXCR4 axis was a prime mover in the metastatic process.Conclusions: MSCs accelerated and facilitated tumor formation, growth and metastasis. Furthermore, the homing propensity of MSCs towards both primary tumor and metastatic loci can also provide new therapeutic insights in utilizing bio-engineered MSCs as vehicles for targeted anti-cancer therapy against advanced cancers.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of genes involved in the drought stress response of two peanut (Arachis hypogaeaL.) varieties
Authors: Jiang Chunji , Li Xinlin , Zou Jixiang , Ren Jingyao , Jin Chunyi , Zhang He , Yu Haiqiu , Jin Hua
Published: October 2020

Background: The peanut is one of the most important oil crops worldwide. Qualities and yields of peanut can be dramatically diminished by abiotic stresses particularly by drought. Therefore, it would be beneficial to gain a comprehensive understanding on peanut drought-responsive transcriptional regulatory activities, and hopefully to extract critical drought-tolerance-related molecular mechanism from it. Results: In this study, two peanut Arachis hypogaea L. varieties, NH5 (tolerant) and FH18 (sensitive), which show significantly differential drought tolerance, were screened from 23 main commercial peanut cultivars and used for physiological characterization and transcriptomic analysis. NH5 leaves showed higher water and GSH contents, faster stomatal closure, and lower relative conductivity (REC) than FH18. Under the time-course of drought-treatments 0 h (CK), 4 h (DT1), 8 h (DT2) and 24 h (DT3), the number of down-regulated differential expressed genes (DEGs) increased with the progression of treatments indicating repressive impacts on transcriptomes by drought in both peanut varieties. Conclusions: Nevertheless, NH5 maintained more stable transcriptomic dynamics than FH18. Furthermore, annotations of identified DEGs implicate signal transduction, the elimination of reactive oxygen species, and the maintenance of cell osmotic potential which are key drought-tolerance-related pathways. Finally, evidences from the examination of ABA and SA components suggested that the fast stomatal closure in NH5 was likely mediated through SA rather than ABA signaling. In all, these results have provided us a comprehensive overview of peanut drought-responsive transcriptomic changes, which could serve as solid foundation for further identification of the molecular drought-tolerance mechanism in peanut and other oil crops.
Disparities in Cervical Cancer Screening Participation in Iran: a Cross-sectional Analysis of the 2016 Nationwide Steps Survey
Authors: Amin Rozhin , Kolahi Ali-Asghar , Jahanmehr Nader , Abadi Ali-Reza , Sohrabi Mohammad-Reza
Published: October 2020

Background: One of the most important concerns in every healthcare system is the elimination of disparities in health service utilization and achievement of health equity. This study aims to investigate the disparities in cervical cancer screening participation in Iran.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted using data from the National Non-Communicable Risk Factors Survey in 2016 (STEPs 2016). Data on cervical cancer screening in addition to demographic and socio-economic factors from 15975 women aged 18 and above were analyzed. The distribution of surveyed women with regard to cervical cancer screening practice was described. Chi Square and logistic regression were used to assess the association of demographic and socio-economic factors with cervical cancer screening participation.Results: Overall, 52.1% of women aged 30-59 years, had undergone cervical cancer screening at least once in their lifetime. Participation rate in cervical cancer screening programs varied between provinces; ranging from 7.6% in Sistan and Baluchestan to 61.2% in Isfahan. Single marital status, illiteracy, being employed, and having no insurance coverage were associated with lower participation. Age and area of residence were insignificant predictors for participating in cervical cancer screening program. Analysis of the cervical cancer uptake rates across the socio-economic levels revealed that the service is less utilised by high income groups.Conclusions: Participation in cervical cancer screening program in Iran is not optimal and could be improved. With regard to the distribution of cervical cancer screening practice, social and geographical disparities indicate the need for further research and more comprehensive strategies in order to reduce them.
Recruitment And Retention Of Participants From Socioeconomically Deprived Communities: Lessons From The Awareness And Beliefs About Cancer (ABACus3) Randomised Controlled Trial.
Authors: Kolovou Vasiliki , Moriarty Yvonne , Gilbert Stephanie , Quinn-Scoggins Harriet , Townson Julia , Padgett Louise , Owen Sioned , Buckle Peter , Edwards Adrian , Hepburn Julie , Lau Mandy , Matthews Maura , Mitchell Caroline , Neal Richard , Playle Rebecca , Robling Michael , Smits Stephanie , Trubey Robert , Wood Fiona , Brain Kate
Published: October 2020

Background: Recruitment of research participants poses challenges in socioeconomically deprived areas. The Awareness and Beliefs About Cancer (ABACus) phase 3 Randomised Control Trial recruited adult participants from socioeconomically deprived areas using a combined healthcare/community engagement model. We report the strategies used to successfully recruit and retain our trial participant sample.Methods: Community and healthcare settings in areas of high socioeconomic deprivation were identified by lay advisors who recruited participants opportunistically or by appointment. Follow-up was done by telephone or post at 2-weeks and 6-months after recruitment, and all participants were offered financial incentives. Qualitative interviews were conducted with lay advisors regarding their experience and reflections.Results: The lay advisors identified and contacted 107 potential recruitment venues across South and West Yorkshire and South East Wales of which 41.1% (n= 42) were opened for recruitment. A total of 234 participants were recruited, with 91% (n= 212) retention at 2-weeks and 85% (n= 199) at 6-months. Community settings yielded 75% (n= 176) of participants. Participants had a mean age of 61.3 years and 63.3% (n= 148) were female, with 66% (n= 154) resident in the most deprived geographical areas. Lay advisors described recruitment as intensive, although engaging participants was easier in community settings.Conclusions: The ABACus3 trial achieved recruitment and high retention with a population that is often “hard to reach” or entirely missed in health research. Strategies were specifically tailored to engage the venues and adult residents of highly deprived areas. Future studies recruiting adults living in the most deprived areas might benefit from community recruitment and from collaborating with local gatekeepers who are key to engagement.This study adheres to CONSORT guidelines.Trial Registration: Retrospectively registered with ISRCTN (http://www.isrctn.com/ISRCTN16872545) on 12.01.2018.
Coagulation parameters are associated with the prognosis of immunoglobulin A nephropathy: a retrospective study
Authors: Xia Ming , Liu Di , Peng Liang , Li Yan , Liu Haiyang , Wu Lingzhi , Chen Guochun , Liu Yu , Liu Hong
Published: October 2020

Background. Interstitial fibrosis/tubular atrophy (T) score is a known determinant of the progression of immunoglobulin A nephropathy (IgAN). Strong evidence indicates that the components of the coagulation system closely linked with fibrotic events have been highlighted in the kidney. However, whether the coagulation system can affect the renal outcome of IgAN remains unclear. Herein, we investigated the association of coagulation parameters and pathological phenotype of IgAN and their combined effects on the deterioration of renal function.Methods. This retrospective study included N=291 patients with biopsy-proven IgAN from May 2009 to April 2013 in the Second Xiangya Hospital. Clinical data, pathological features were collected, and the associations of coagulation parameters at biopsy, T score, and renal outcome were evaluated. T score indicated the degree of tubular atrophy or interstitial fibrosis. The renal outcome was defined as an end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or an irreversible 50% estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) reduction. Results. Shorter prothrombin time (PT) and the activated partial thromboplastin time (APTT) were significantly associated with T (both p<0.001). PT (<11.15s) or APTT (<29.65s) had worse cumulative survival rate (p=0.008, p=0.027 respectively) and were significantly but not independently associated with a higher risk of renal outcome (p=0.012, p=0.032 respectively). In the combined analyses of PT, APTT, and T lesions, the odd ratios for the outcome were significantly higher in the presence of T with PT (<11.15s) or APTT (<29.65s).Conclusion. Shorter PT and APTT are associated with an increased incidence of the T lesion and are additional factors that portend a poorer prognosis in IgAN. Monitoring coagulation function might be important when assessing the risk of progression. Additional studies exploring the molecular mechanism between coagulation and IgAN pathology are needed.
Willingness to perform induced abortion and associated factors among graduating Midwifery, Medical, Nursing, and Public health officer students of University of Gondar, Northwest Ethiopia: Institution based Cross sectional study
Authors: Enyew Mihretu Molla
Published: October 2020

Background: In developing countries, abortion is often unsafe and a signiﬁcant cause of maternal morbidity and mortality accounting for about 8% (4.7%–13.2%) of maternal mortality worldwide. Internationally, safe abortion services are recognized as reducing maternal mortality, and liberalized abortion laws are associated with reduced mortality resulting from unsafe abortion procedures. However, health care providers have moral, social and gender-based reservations that affects their willingness towards providing induced abortion services. The purpose of this study was to assess willingness to perform induced abortion and associated factors among graduating Midwifery, Medical, Nursing, and Public health officer students of University of Gondar. Methods: Institution based cross sectional study was conducted from March 29 to May 30, 2019. All graduating students available during data collection period were considered as study population. Stratified simple random sampling technique was used to select 424 study participants. Pre tested, semi- structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to collect data. Data analysis was done using SPSS version 20. Ethical clearance was obtained from School of midwifery under the delegation of institutional review board of university of Gondar.Results: 290 students out of 424 students were willing to perform induced abortion for indications supported by Ethiopian abortion law, making a proportion of 68.4% (95%Cl: 64.2, 72.9). Sex (Being male (AOR = 4.89, 95%CI: 3.02, 7.89)), religion (being orthodox than protestant (AOR = 10.41, 95%CI: 3.02, 21.57)), being Muslim than protestant (AOR = 5.73, 95%CI: 1.37, 15.92)) and having once or less a week religious attendance (AOR=2.00, 95% CI: 1.20, 3.34) were factors associated with willingness towards performing induced abortion.Conclusions: According to this study willingness of students towards providing induced abortion services was good. However female students, protestant followers and those students with more than once a week religious attendance should be encouraged to support women’s access to induced abortion services by referring them to other health care professionals willing to provide induced abortion services.
CT scan blend signs are not associated with poor outcome in patients with ICH who undergo stereotactic minimally invasive surgery
Authors: Yang Xu , Zhu Yan , Zhang Linshan , Wang Likun , Mao Yuanhong , Li Yinghui , Luo Jingbiao , Wu Guofeng
Published: October 2020

Background: The initial CT blend sign has been used as an imaging marker to predict haematoma expansion and poor outcomes in patients with a small volume intracerebral haemorrhage (ICH). However, the relationship between the blend sign and outcomes remains elusive. The present study aimed to retrospectively measure the impact of initial CT blend signs on short-term outcomes in patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent stereotactic minimally invasive surgery (sMIS). Methods: We enrolled 242 patients with spontaneous ICH. Based on the initial CT features, the patients were assigned to a blend sign group (91 patients) or a non-blend sign (control) group (151 patients). The NIHSS, GCS and mRS were used to measure the efficacy of the sMIS. The rates of severe pulmonary infection and cardiac complications were also compared between the two groups. Results: No significant differences in NIHSS and GCS at one week or two weeks after surgery were observed between the two groups. The proportion of patients with good outcomes during follow-up was not different in the two groups. Both groups displayed good functional outcomes relative to the state at admission. The rate of re-haemorrhaging increased in the blend sign group. No significant differences in severe pulmonary infections and cardiac complications were noted between the two groups. Conclusions: The initial CT blend sign was not associated with poor outcome in patients with hypertensive ICH who underwent sMIS. ICH patients with CT blend signs should undergo sMIS if they are suitable candidates for surgery.
Comparing Zirconia to Anterior Strip Crowns in Primary Anterior Teeth in children, A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Alaki Sumer M , Abdulhadi Bashaer S , AbdelBaki Medhat A , Al-Alamoudi Najla M
Published: October 2020

Background: Providing restorations to anterior teeth in children is a challenging task due to the need for high esthetics, strength, and durability.Aim: this study was done to compare prefabricated primary zirconia with resin composite strip crowns on primary maxillary central and lateral incisors with regards to gingival health, plaque accumulation, recurrent caries, restoration failure, and opposing teeth wear over a period of 3, 6 and 12 months.Methods: Children attending the King Abdulaziz University, Faculty of Dentistry (KAUFD) clinics who needed restorations were screened for inclusion criteria. A total of 120 teeth were treated; 60 with zirconia and 60 with strip crowns. Randomization was done by simple random allocation using SPSS software version 20.0 (Armonk, NY; IBM Corp.). A simple descriptive statistic was used for analysis by Wilcoxon Signed-Rank test and Chi-square test. Level of significance was set at (α = 0.05) and level of confidence at (95%).Results: Zirconia crowns showed significantly less gingival bleeding at the 3- and 6-months follow up periods (p<0.006, p<0.001; respectively), less plaque accumulation at all follow up visits (p<0.001), no restoration failure (p<0.001), but more wear to opposing teeth (p<0.02). No significant difference was found between the two crowns with regards to recurrent caries (p<0.135).Conclusion: Based on our data we conclude that overtime teeth covered with zirconia crowns show better gingival health and less bleeding, plaque accumulation as well as less loss of material. On the other hand, zirconia can cause more loss of opposing tooth structure.Trial Registration: The presented research was registered retrospectively at ClinicalTrials.gov under registration number NCT03184012.
Prevalence of Tumor necrosis factor alpha inducing protein (tipα) gene of Helicobacter pylori and its association with Upper Gastrointestinal Diseases in India
Authors: Mahant Shweta , Mehra Shubham , Chhawchharia Ayushi , Karmakar Bipul Chandra , Paul Sangita , Mukhopadhyay Asish Kumar , Bose Sudeep , Das Kunal , Das Rajashree
Published: October 2020

Background: Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) is known to cause several gastro-duodenal diseases including chronic Gastritis, Peptic Ulcer disease and Gastric Cancer. Virulent genes of H. pylori like cagA, vacA are known to be responsible for the disease pathogenesis. But these virulence genes are not always found to be associated with disease outcome in all populations around the world. Relationship of H. pylori with Gastro Esophageal Reflux Diseases is controversial and uncertain. Tumor necrosis factor alpha inducing protein tipα is a new discovered virulent gene of H. pylori and is an inducer of certain cytokines and chemokines that are responsible for causing stomach cancer. Therefore, we conducted a study which aims to find the prevalence of tipα gene in the Indian population and its association with H. pylori related upper gastrointestinal diseases.Results: 267 clinical H. pylori isolates are included in our study for finding the prevalence of tipα gene and its association with cagA and vacA gene using PCR assay. The current study shows the prevalence rate of tipα gene in the Indian population to be 59.9%. Our study has found a significant association (p < 0.05) of tipα gene with Non Ulcer Dyspepsia (NUD) and also an association of cagA and vacA s1m1 with Gastritis and Duodenal Ulcer.Conclusion: Our study demonstrates for the first time the presence of tipα as virulent factor of H. pylori strain in Indian population isolated from patients suffering from upper gastrointestinal diseases. Further, tipα is significantly associated with NUD but not with other upper gastrointestinal diseases in India.