bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Can Orthopedic Surgery be taught online? A comparative analysis of medical students’ academic performance in online versus in- person class teaching
Authors: Albishi Waleed , Alsanawi Hisham , Alfaleh Ahmed F. , Alrabai Hamza , Alaseem Abdulrahman
Published: November 2022

Objective

Due to controversy and the lack of information in the literature, we conducted this study to assess the impact of online teaching on students’ academic performance during the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and evaluate whether the theoretical part of a surgical specialty, such as an orthopedic surgery, can be learned efficiently using online modalities.

Design

This is an observational study that compared the learning outcomes of medical students, in college of medicine at King Saud University, who took fully online orthopedic surgery courses into the learning outcomes of those who took similar courses in-person prior to the COVID-19 pandemic

Participants

Grades of 530 fourth-year medical students were collected. Of the total participants, 321 (60.6%) were males and 209 (39.4%) were females. A total of 270 (50.9%) students attended in-person classes while 260 (49.1%) students attended online classes during the pandemic

Results

For the online classes, the grades ranged between 20.5 and 40 with a median 32.6. Students who attended online classes had significantly higher grades than those who received in-person classes (32.4 ± 4.8 versus 30.2 ± 4.3, p < 0.001).

Conclusions

Our study showed that there has been significant improvement in the academic performance of students in online classes compared to in-person classes. Online teaching could be considered in orthopedic theoretical knowledge. Appropriate technical support and training for online classes for faculty and students should be established
A multi-year study on the changing perceptions of medical freshmen cohorts on societal expectations of physicians
Authors: Shersad Fouzia
Published: November 2022

Background: Studies have shown that student perceptions of the expectations of external community such as patients, doctors, society, family and friends have a role in driving them to achieve the necessary attributes in early student years. (Stubbing et al., 2019).
Aim of study: To analyse the reasons why freshers chose the medical profession and their perception of societal expectations of physician attributes. Compare freshers’ perceptions with the current scenario of medical education and the public trust in medical professionals. This study also assesses how all these have changed with time.
Summary of Work: From the year 2009 to 2021, an open-ended questionnaire survey was administered, for 13 cohorts of freshers (594 participants) joining the medical college in UAE. Consent was obtained from participants. Approval from the Research and Ethics committee was obtained.
Thematic analysis of the data and word cloud analyses were done using SurveyMonkey. They are compared with the current scenario of public trust in medical professionals.
Summary of Results: The reasons for choosing this profession were classified into 5 major themes. Desirable attributes most commonly appearing five terms for each cohort were ranked. Factors such as compassion, caring, confidentiality, good listener, responsible, knowledgeable, altruistic remained in the top five consistently and did not show variation among the cohorts between 2009 and 2021. Validity of the wordcloud available on SurveymonkeyTM was low and needed human correction of spellings and formats to ensure data validity.
Discussion And Conclusion: The major themes for reasons on choosing the profession have remained the same over thirteen years and are service-oriented commitment for patient care, scholarly achievement and self-actualization. A smaller percentage chose personal gains (social status and financial gains).
Personal attributes which emerged as society's expectations of physicians were patience, compassion, empathy and communication skills. But over the years, there is an increasing frequency of more tangible virtues like integrity and honesty. This could be attributed to the increased reliance on electronic media due to the Covid pandemic Curriculum reforms must focus more on ethics and honesty.
A study of freshers’ perceptions of societal expectations are highly valid. These perceptions are important due to the positive catalytic effect which drives students to meet those expectations and has a positive effect on doctor patient relationship.
Selection tests and their predictive value in university nursing students’ success in the first year of study
Authors: Bruce Judith , Mabizela Sfiso , Tshabalala Amme
Published: November 2022

Background
Academic performance factors such as school-leaving grades and other academic indicators for selection, play a significant role in student success.
Purpose
The study aimed to determine the predictors of academic success based on selection criteria for nursing studies at a South African university.
Methods
This retrospective study involves seven cohorts of first-time nursing students (n = 317). Hierarchical regression was used to explore important variables predicting success in the first year of study. The Chi-square tests were used to determine the association between progression outcome, NBT domains, and school quintiles.
Results
All predicting variables explained 35% of the variance in the first year of study. Most students’ entry-level skills according to the National Benchmark Test (NBT) were at Intermediate Lower level; the NBT MAT (Mathematics) and NBT AL (Academic Literacy) domains, and the National Senior Certificate (NSC) subject, Life Sciences are significant predictors of students passing the first year.
Conclusion
Selection test results predict areas where students are likely to encounter difficulties and inform the interventions needed to achieve academic success.
Teledentistry use during the COVID-19 pandemic: Perceptions and practices of Ontario dentists
Authors: Cheuk Rocco , Adeniyi Abiola , Farmer Julie , Singhal Sonica , Jessani Abbas
Published: November 2022

Background:Studies have shown the potential role of teledentistry to expedite and improve consultations, diagnosis, and treatment planning while mitigating the risk of COVID-19 transmission in dental offices. However, dental professionals' utilization of teledentistry remains suboptimal. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the perceptions and practices of teledentistry among dentists during the COVID-19 pandemic in Ontario, Canada and identify associated factors.Methods:A cross-sectional study using an online survey was conducted among Ontario dentists in December 2021. The questionnaire inquired about socio-demographic attributes, perceptions about teledentistry use, its usage during the pandemic, and perspectives on its future application. Descriptive statistics including frequency distribution of categorical variables and univariate analysis of continuous variables were conducted first followed by Chi-square tests, to determine the association between professionals’ attributes such as age, gender, years of practice, and location of practice, and their views on teledentistry. SPSS Version 28.0 was used for statistical analysis.ResultsOverall, 456 dentists completed the survey. Majority were general dentists (91%), worked in private practices (94%), were between 55 and 64 years old (33%), and had over 16 years of professional experience (72%). The most common reason for non-utilization was a lack of interest (54%). Those who use teledentistry identified patient triage, consultation, and patient education as the three most important uses. Gender (p<0.05), type of practice (p<0.05), number of settings in which dentists practiced (p<0.05), number of resources accessed (p<0.05), and comfort levels with discussing teledentistry (p<0.05), were all found to be significantly associated with the participants’ current use of teledentistry (n=447). Type of practice (p<0.05), number of practice settings (p<0.05), number of resources accessed (p<0.05), and comfort level with discussing teledentistry (p<0.05) were significantly associated with their future willingness to use teledentistry (n=456).ConclusionsParticipants expressed mixed perceptions toward teledentistry. Despite the increased utilization during the COVID-19 pandemic, participants' lack of interest in teledentistry emerged as a barrier to its use. More education and knowledge dissemination about teledentistry's areas of application and technical aspects of use can increase interest in this tool, which may lead to a greater uptake by dental professionals.
Protective role of renal D-Glucuronyl C5-Epimerase (Glce) in the pathogenesis of kidney fibrosis
Authors: Jing Xiaoqi , Wu Jun , Ding Xiaoyu , Du Zhenyun , Wang Xiaojiang , Huang Lulin , Wang Ran , Mei Changlin , Ding Kan
Published: November 2022

Fibrosis is a common pathway leading to end-stage renal failure and poses a huge threat to human health. However, the molecular mechanisms driving the fibrotic process remain poorly defined. Glucuronyl C5-epimerase (Hsepi, gene name, Glce) is a key enzyme in the biosynthesis of the heparin sulfate chains and previous studies have demonstrated homozygous Glce-/- mice show embryonic lethality and multi-organ defects. By analyzing the kidneys of patients and animal models with renal fibrosis, we observed a significant decrease in Glce protein. In addition, we found ablation of Glce exacerbated kidney fibrosis while overexpressing Glce to UUO-treated mice could improve kidney function through EGFR/ERK signaling pathway. Interestingly, the protective process did not rely on its catalytic isomerase activation. These data uncover a novel function by which Glce plays a protective role in kidney tissues, leading to reduced EMT process and renal failure in kidney fibrosis mice.
Red cell transfusion thresholds in outpatients with myelodysplastic syndromes: results of a pilot randomised trial RBC-ENHANCE and a combined analyses with REDDS
Authors: Buckstein Rena , Callum Jeannie , Prica Anca , Bowen David , Wells Richard , LEBER Brian , Heddle Nancy , Chodirker Lisa , Cheung Matthew , Mozessohn Lee , Yee Karen , Gallagher Jennifer , Parmentier Anne , Jamula Erin , McQuilten Zoe , Wood Erica , Zhang Liying , Mamedov Alexandre , Stanworth Simon , Lin Yulia
Published: November 2022

The optimal hemoglobin (HgB) threshold for red blood cell transfusions in adult patients with myelodysplastic syndromes (MDS) has not been defined. We conducted a randomized multi-center study of two transfusion algorithms (liberal, to maintain Hgb 110-120 g/L, versus restrictive, 85-105 g/L) and combined our findings from RBC-ENHANCE with those of REDDS a previously published study of similar design. Primary objectives were measures of compliance to transfusion thresholds and the achievement of a 15 g/L difference in pre-transfusion Hgb. Secondary outcomes included measures of QOL, iron studies and safety. 66 patients were randomized between February 2015-2020, 33 to each arm in 15 international participating sites. The compliance was 58% and 81% in the restrictive and liberal arms respectively and the mean pre-transfusion Hgb thresholds for restrictive and liberal arms were 85.9 (SD 9) and 98.8 g/L (SD 9). Patients in the liberal arms experienced a mean of 3.4 (SD 2.6) more transfusion visits and received a mean of 5.3 (SD 5.5) extra units of blood during the 12-week study. Selected QOL scores were superior pre-transfusion and more patients achieved clinically important differences in the liberal arm. Further data are needed to establish the feasibility of liberal transfusion policies in MDS outpatients. 
Trial Registration: REDDS: ISRCTN26088319 RBC-ENHANCE: NCT 02099669
Two-stage low-light image enhancement method based on generating saturation-corrected reference images
Authors: Yi Wei Lin , Hu Chang-Hui
Published: November 2022

The saturation information of the image is given less consideration by the existing low-light enhancement methods, which causes color distortion throughout the improvement process. We propose a two-stage low-light image enhancement method based on generating saturation-corrected reference images to address the issues of inadequate illumination improvement of existing low-light images and distortion of color information during illumination enhancement and obtain well-illuminated, clear, and color information-rich enhancement results. In our proposed method, the illumination component in the HSV color space is enhanced using the SVD decomposition after the original color image is first converted into the HSV color space. To improve the saturation component in the saturation channel in HSV color space, a saturation correction is used. In order to get our saturation-corrected photos, we then merge the original hue channel with the modified value channel and saturation channel. The original low-light image is then optimized via gradient descent using the saturation-corrected image as the reference image. It is important to note that each pixel point's gradient descent step size is determined by the luminance weights. The method can better express details, boost brightness, and return more natural colors in various situations and tones, according to qualitative and quantitative test findings
the collision avoidance and the controllability for n bodies in dimension one
Authors: Han Chong-Kyu , Park Donghoon
Published: November 2022

We present a method of control system design for n bodies in the real line R1 and on the unit circle S1, to be collision-free
and controllable. The problem reduces to designing a controlaffine system in Rn and in n-torus Tn, respectively, that avoids certain obstacles. We prove the controllability of the system by showing that the vector fields that define the control-affine system, together with their brackets of first order, span the whole tangent space of the state space, and then by applying the Rashevsky-Chow theorem.
Simultaneous determination of chlorate and perchlorate in drinking water and foods using ultra performance liquid chromatography - tandem mass spectrometry
Authors: Zhang Wenting , Lu Qiuyan , Zheng Renjin , Qiu Wenqian , Hua Yongyou , Li Yuxiang
Published: November 2022

A method was developed for the determination of chlorate and perchlorate in drinking water and 16 categories of foods by liquid chromatography coupled to a triple quadrupole mass spectrometry (LC-QqQ-MS/MS) with internal standard. The methods of chromatography (mobile phase, chromatographic column, injection volume) and pretreatment (extracting solution, purification cartridge) were improved and validated. After extraction, centrifugation and purification, chlorate and perchlorate were separated on the Torus DEA by gradient elution. The eluent was scanned in negative electrospray ionization mode. The data were acquired by multi-reaction monitoring. The oxygen-18 was added to all samples prior to extraction. The limit of quantification (LOQs) for chlorate and perchlorate were 0.20 µg/L and 0.05 µg/L in drinking water. The recoveries of chlorate and perchlorate were 96.5-109% and 99.3-111%, and intra and inter-day precision values ≤ 5% were obtained in drinking water. The LOQs for chlorate and perchlorate were 6.0 µg/kg and 1.0 µg/kg in fresh food. The LOQs for chlorate and perchlorate were 18.0 µg/kg and 3.0 µg/kg in dry food. For chlorate and perchlorate, the recoveries at three levels were 86.5-103% and 91.3-111%, the RSD (n=6) were 2.53-7.41% and 2.68-7.96% in foods. The 18 samples of drinking water were analysed, the concentration of chlorate and perchlorate was much lower than the limit of WHO drinking water. A total of 583 food samples were analyzed, the concentration of chlorate and perchlorate were ND-2.48 mg/kg and ND-4.55 mg/kg.
Lack of Structural Brain Alterations associated with Insomnia: Findings from the ENIGMA-Sleep working group
Authors: Weihs Antoine , Frenzel Stefan , Bi Hanwen , Schiel Julian , Afshani Mortaza , Bülow Robin , Ewert Ralf , Fietze Ingo , Hoffstaedter Felix , Jahanshad Neda , Khazaie Habibolah , Riemann Dieter , Rostampour Masoumeh , Stubbe Beate , Thomopoulos Sophia , Thompson Paul , Valk Sofie , Völzke Henry , Zarei Mojtaba , Eickhoff Simon , Grabe Hans , Patil Kaustubh , Spiegelhalder Kai , Tahmasian Masoud
Published: November 2022

Existing neuroimaging studies have reported divergent structural alterations in insomnia. Here, we performed a large-scale coordinated meta-analysis by pooling structural brain measures from 1,085 subjects with and without insomnia symptoms across three international ENIGMA-Sleep cohorts. The influence of insomnia on MRI-based brain morphometry using an insomnia brain score was assessed. We collected case-control data from two sites, as well as population-based data from another site. Within each cohort, we used an ordinary least-squares linear regression to investigate the link between the individual regional cortical thickness and subcortical volumes and the presence of insomnia symptoms. Then, we performed a fixed-effects meta-analysis across cohorts based on the first-level results. For the insomnia brain score, weighted logistic ridge regression was performed on one sample, which separated patients with insomnia disorder from controls to train a model based on the segmentation measurements. Afterward, the insomnia brain scores were validated using the other two samples. The model was used to predict the log-odds of the subjects with insomnia given individual insomnia-related brain atrophy. After adjusting for multiple comparisons, we did not detect any significant associations between insomnia symptoms and cortical or subcortical volumes, nor could we identify a global insomnia-related brain atrophy pattern. The current study found inconsistent brain morphology differences between individuals with and without insomnia across three independent cohorts. Further large-scale cross-sectional and longitudinal studies using both structural and functional neuroimaging data are warranted to decipher the pathophysiology of insomnia at the brain level.
Is Losartan a Promising Agent for the Treatment of Type 1 Diabetes-Induced Testicular Germ Cell Apoptosis in Rats?
Authors: Buhur Aylin , Gürel Çevik , Kuşçu Gökçe Ceren , Yiğittürk Gürkan , Oltulu Fatih , Yavaşoğlu Nefise Ülkü Karabay , Uysal Ayşegül , Yavaşoğlu Altuğ
Published: November 2022

Background: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is common metabolic disease that poses a major risk to public health and fertility. Previous studies indicate that DM may cause male infertility by triggering oxidative stress and germ cell apoptosis in the testis. Present study aimed to investigate the possible antiapoptotic effect of losartan against DM-induced testicular germ cell apoptosis.
Methods and Results:Expreimental DM model was induced by intraperitoneal injection of streptozocin (STZ, 55 mg/kg) to 28 rats, which were then randomly assigned to 4 groups; 1 mL saline solution was given to DM+saline group by oral gavage, 5 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM+low-dose losartan, 20 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM+mid-dose losartan and, 80 mg/kg/day oral losartan was given to DM+high-dose losartan group for 4 weeks. Bax, Bcl-2 and cleaved-Caspase 3 immunoexpression, terminal-deoxynucleotidyl transferase dutp nick end labeling (TUNEL), Annexin-V and Real Time PCR analyses performed to evaluate antiapoptotic effects of losartan on diabetic rats' testis. In addition, biochemical analyzes carried out to evaluate change in oxidative stress.
Conclusion: The results showed that losartan may have dose-related antiapoptotic effects on rats' testis via decreasing oxidative stress.
Mdiating effect of coping style on disease acceptance and quality of life in patients with acute stroke:a cross-sectional study
Authors: Mei Dan , Zhang Pan , Lu Mengqian , Sun Zhumei , Xing Fengmei
Published: November 2022

Background
Stroke is the third leading cause of death and disability in the world, which often leads to physical dysfunction of patients and seriously affects their quality of life. Promoting patients to accept disease and actively respond to discomfort caused by disease can improve their quality of life. However, the role of coping styles in the relationship between disease acceptance and quality of life of stroke patients is still unclear.
Methods
Data were collected from 375 stroke patients, and the patient's population, disease status, disease acceptance, coping style and quality of life were obtained through questionnaire survey. Person correlation analysis was used to determine whether disease acceptance and coping style were related to quality of life, and stratified multiple regression method and PROCESS program in SPSS were used to analyze the mediating effect of coping style.
Results
The quality of life of stroke patients was positively correlated with disease acceptance (r = 0.638, P < 0.01), positively correlated with positive coping (r = 0.519, P < 0.01), negatively correlated with negative coping (r=-0.383, P < 0.01), positively correlated with disease acceptance (r = 0.597, P < 0.01), and negatively correlated with negative coping (r=-0.406, P < 0.01), The intermediary effect accounted for 33.4%.
Conclusion
Disease acceptance can directly predict the quality of life of stroke patients. Coping style plays a part of intermediary role between disease acceptance and quality of life. Promoting patients to accept disease is one of the effective ways to improve the quality of life of patients.
Aplication of Box-Behnken Design to Optimize the Coprecipitation Parameters to Assess As and Cd Contamination in Marine Fish
Authors: Sá Ivero Pita , Higuera Julymar Marcano , Silva Carlos Alberto , Nogueira Ana Rita Araujo
Published: November 2022

A Box-Behnken design approach was used to plan the experiments for As and Cd determination in fish samples. It combines microwave-induced plasma optical emission spectrometry (MIP OES) with silver nitrate and potassium chromate coprecipitation. Multiple Response methodology (MR) has been adopted to express the output parameters (responses) that are decided by the input process parameters. MR also quantifies the relationship between the variable input parameters and the corresponding output parameters. Factors that directly affect the coprecipitation procedure, such as silver and chromate concentrations and solvent volume, were optimized. The optimized conditions were 5.46 x10− 4 mol L− 1 [CrO42−] and 1.16 x10− 3 [Ag+], without needed of solvent addition. The procedure provided preconcentration factors of 25 and 11 for As and Cd, respectively, and LOD adequate to the international legislation. The trueness was assessed with the analysis of certified reference materials (CRMs) and compared with inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS). Relative standard deviations < 9% and 3.5% and recoveries > 91% and 88% were obtained for As and Cd, respectively. The method was applied to local market fish samples and showed suitability for As and Cd determination by MIP OES.
Abnormal performance of Peroral endothelial myonomy (POEM): a case misdiagnosed as achalasia of cardia
Authors: Yu Wen-Quan , Gao Hui-Jiang , Zhai Li-Xue , Wei Yu-Cheng
Published: November 2022

Background: Pseudoachalasia is a rare disease that behaves similarly to achalasia (AC), making it sometimes difficult to differentiate.
Case presentation: We report a case of 49-year-old m ale with adenocarcinoma of the gastroesophageal junction misdiagnosed as achalasia. No obvious abnormalities were found in his initial examinations including upper digestive endoscopy, upper gastrointestinal imaging and chest computed tomography (CT). During the subsequent introduced-peroral endoscopic myotomy(POEM), it was found that the mucosal layer and the muscular layer had severe adhesion, which did not receive much attention, delayed the clear diagnosis and effect treatment, and ultimately led to a poor prognosis for patients.
Conclusions: This case suggests that when patients with AC found mucosal and muscular adhesions during POEM surgery, the possibility should be considered that the lesion may be caused by a malignant lesion.
Nuclear Respiratory Factor 1 drives hepatocellular carcinoma progression by forming a positive feedback loop with LPCAT1-ERK1/2-CREB axis
Authors: Liu Ran , Yin Chuanzheng , Zhao Peng , Guo Bing , Ke Wenbo , Zheng Xichuan , Xie Dawei , Wang Yaofeng , Wang Gengqiao , Jia Yinzhao , Gao Yang , Hu Wenjun , Liu Gang Logan , Song Zifang
Published: November 2022

Background
Nuclear respiratory factor 1 (NRF1) is a transcription factor that participates in several kinds of tumor, but its role in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains elusive. This study aims to explore the role of NRF1 in HCC progression and investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Methods
HCC transcriptome sequencing data from TCGA was analysed. Functional role of NRF1 on HCC cells was explored by gain- and loss-of-function experiments including CCK8, colony formation assay, flow cytometry analysis, transwell assay, wound-healing assay and xenograft tumor model. Western blot, qRT-PCR, chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and dual luciferase reporter assay were utilized to investigate the underlying mechanisms.
Results
NRF1 was overexpressed and hyperactive in HCC tissue and cell lines and high expression of NRF1 indicated unfavorable prognosis of HCC patients. NRF1 promoted proliferation, migration and invasion of HCC cells both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, NRF1 activated ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway by transactivating lysophosphatidylcholine acyltransferase 1 (LPCAT1), thus promoting cell cycle progression and epithelial mesenchymal transition (EMT) of HCC cells. Meanwhile, LPCAT1 upregulated the expression of NRF1 by activating ERK1/2-CREB signaling pathway, forming a positive feedback loop.
Conclusions
NRF1 is overexpressed in HCC and promotes HCC progression through NRF1-LPCAT1-ERK1/2-CREB positive feedback loop. NRF1 is a promising therapeutic target for HCC patients.
Endoscopic far-lateral supracerebellar infratentorial approach for resection of dumbbell-shaped trigeminal schwannoma: Surgical techniques and preliminary results
Authors: Chen Pin , Yan Chaolong , Xie Tao , Li Chen , Liu Tengfei , Yang Qiaoqiao , Liu Shuang , Wu Silin , Yeh Yuyang , Zhang Xiaobiao
Published: November 2022

Background
Trigeminal schwannomas (TSs) are mostly benign tumors and the dumbbell-shaped subtype is the most challenging, surgery remains difficult and risky.
Objective
We introduce a novel surgical approach named endoscopic far-lateral infratentorial supracerebellar approach (EFL-SCITA) for removing dumbbell-shaped TSs, and further discuss our experience and operation technique.
Methods
EF-SCITA was performed for resection of 5 cases of TSs between January 2020 and April 2022. The entire procedure was done endoscopically with the goal of total tumor resection. During the operation, the tumor was exposed in close proximity and multiple angles under the endoscope, and the peri-tumor nerves were carefully identified and protected, especially the normal trigeminal fiber bundles around the tumor.
Results
All the tumors of 5 cases involved the middle and posterior cranial fossa, of which total removal was achieved in 2 cases, near-total removal in 2 cases and subtotal removal in 1 case. Most common preoperative symptoms improved after surgery. Two patients had postoperative mild facial paralysis (House-Brackmann grade II), 1 patient had abducens palsy, both recovered during the follow-up period. Two patients experienced new postoperative facial hypesthesia and 1 experienced mastication weakness, which were not recovered. There was no tumor recurrence or residual tumor growth during the follow-up period in any of the patients.
Conclusion
EFL-SCITA is a new and effective alternative for the surgical treatment of TSs. For dumbbell-shaped TSs, this approach provides sufficient surgical field exposure and freedom of operation.
The Transfer Film Effects Induced by 3D Printing Polyether-ether-ketone with Excellent Tribological Properties
Authors: Li Yang , Zheng Jibao , Sun Changning , Li Dichen
Published: November 2022

The building principle of additive manufacturing determines that the printing orientation is one of the key factors affecting the tribological properties of joint prosthesis. Here, fused filament fabrication was used to fabricate polyetheretherketone (PEEK) joint prosthesis, and the effects of printing orientation on the tribological properties of PEEK were investigated by pin-on-plate tribometer in 25% new born calf serum. The UHMWPE transfer film formed on the surface of PEEK, which could be attributed to the mechanically capture of wear debris by the 3D printing groove morphology. The transfer film could be regulated by printing orientation of PEEK. When the printing orientation was parallel to the sliding direction of wear, the number and size of transfer film was larger due to more steady stress compared to other directions. As a result, the friction coefficient, wear volume and wear rate of friction pairs were all decreased from 90° to 0° direction. In addition, the concept and equation of transfer rate was proposed to quantitatively evaluate the ability of wear debris came into being transfer film on the surface of PEEK.
Curcumin derivative 1,2-bis((3E,5E)-3,5-bis(4-chlorobenzylidene)-4-oxopiperidine-1- yl)ethane-1,2-dione hemihydrate, ST09, regulates miR-197-5p/GPX3 axis in breast cancer cells and abrogates tumor growth in mouse xenograft model
Authors: Nirgude Snehal , Desai Sagar , Ravindran Febina , Mahadeva Raghunandan , Sharma Shivangi , Thumsi Jayanthi , Choudhary Bibha
Published: November 2022

Purpose: ST09, a potent curcumin derivative, exhibited apoptotic and anti-migratory activity in breast cancer cells in vitroand tumor reduction in vivo reported earlier. Here we aim to understand ST09 induced transcriptomic changes on regulation of the novel miR-197/GPX3 axis.We also aim to understand combinatory potential of ST09, anti-tumor efficacy in xenograft mice tumor model and its bioavailability studies.
Methods: We performed mRNA-seq and miRNA-seq to capture the transcriptome of ST09 induced breast cancer cells. We used integrated approaches, to show regulation of miR-197/GPX3 axis via ST09. By performing luciferase assay and GPX activity assay, we confirm that GPX3 is one of the major targets of miR-197. We also showed anti-tumor effect ST09 on TNBC xenograft mice model. Phalloidin staining and wound healing assay were assayed to study migrastatic properties of ST09. The bioavailability studies of ST09 were also performed.
Results:This study explored the global transcriptome profile of ST09 treated breast cancer cells (luminal and TNBC). The integrated approach revealed ST09 mediated regulation of a novel miRNA-mRNA axis, miR-197-5p/GPX3. Using GPX3 enzyme assay, we show the anti-proliferative role of GPX3 in breast cancer cells. We established GPX3 as a direct target of miR-197-5p. We show that ST09 potentiates the effect of cisplatin on breast cancer cells in vitro and reduces tumor burden in vivo with minimum toxicity. ST09 also showed a significant tumor reduction TNBC xenograft mice model. We show that the bioavailability of ST09 is 200X better than curcumin.
Conclusion: ST09 is a potent curcumin derivative with a tumor-suppressive role. The integrated approach with the ST09 drug indicated the role of the miR-197-5p/GPX3 axis in breast cancer cells. ST09 upregulated GPX3 by repressing miR-197-5p and mediated the anti-proliferative effect in breast cancer cells. ST09 can be exploited either as a single chemotherapeutic agent or in combination treatment modalities, reducing the dosage of potent drugs.
Learning Inverse Kinematics using Neural Computational Primitives on Neuromorphic Hardware
Authors: Zhao Jingyue , Monforte Marco , Indiveri Giacomo , Bartolozzi Chiara , Donati Elisa
Published: November 2022

Current low latency neuromorphic processing systems, and future ones based on ultra-low power mixed-signal circuits in advanced technology nodes and memristive nano-scale devices, hold great potential for developing autonomous artificial agents. However, the variable nature and low precision of the underlying hardware substrate pose severe challenges for robust and reliable performance. To address these challenges, we adopt hardware-friendly processing strategies based on brain-inspired computational primitives, such as triplet spike-timing dependent plasticity, basal ganglia inspired disinhibition, and cooperative-competitive networks. We demonstrate this approach by presenting an example of robust real-time motor control using a hardware spiking neural network implemented on a mixed-signal neuromorphic processor, trained to learn the inverse kinematics of a 2-joint robotic arm. The final system is able to perform low-latency control robustly and reliably using noisy silicon neurons. The spiking neural network, trained to control two joints of the iCub robot arm simulator, performs a continuous target reaching task with 97.93% accuracy, 33.96 ms network latency, 102.1 ms system latency and with an estimated power consumption of 26.92 µW. This work provides insights into how specific computational primitives used by real neural systems can be applied to neuromorphic computing for solving real-world engineering tasks. It represents a milestone in the design of end-to-end spiking robotic control systems, relying on event-driven sensory encoding, neuromorphic processing, and spiking motor control.
A qualitative descriptive cross sectional study to assess the development of stress among Fujairah Primary health care nurses and ways of coping up during Covid-19 pandemic crisis.
Authors: Varghese Reena
Published: November 2022

Aim: The aim of this study was to explore perceptions of the most salient sources of stress in the early stages of the coronavirus pandemic in a sample of nurses who were working in Fujairah Primary health care during the year 2020-21.
Background: During pandemic process, nurses reported to experience stress due to a very high risk of being infected and workload. The coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic has exposed nurses to conditions that threaten their health, well-being, and ability to work. It is therefore critical to study nurses’ experiences and well-being during the current crisis in order to identify risk groups for ill health and potential sources of organizational intervention.
Method: A qualitative descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample consisting of 180 nurses working in Fujairah Primary health care centers. To collect data, an online survey questionnaire was formulated which was used together with the Perceived Stress Scale among a sample of 280 nurses who were working in Fujairah Primary health care 2021. Content analysis was conducted on nurses’ responses (n = 180) for their perceptions.
Results: 180 nurses’ responses(N) were randomly chosen as samples in this current study of which majority were female (n = 161, 89.4%) and only 10.6%(n=19) were males. Findings revealed the distribution of respondents by stress level either low and moderate. 89.4% of respondents had moderate stress level as compared to 10.6% with less stress. There is no presence of normal and high stress. There was no significant association between the stress when compared to socio-economic factors like age, gender, marital status, qualification, and job title (P > 0.05). But when it compared to the relationship with working position and working area, it was showing a significant association (P ≤0.05).
Conclusion: Nearly more than half of the nurses in Fujairah primary health care centers perceived stress above average during COVID-19 pandemic, and their working conditions also affected this situation.
Implications for Nursing Management: Healthcare institutions should provide opportunities for nurses to discuss the stress they are experiencing, support one another, and make suggestions for workplace adaptations during this pandemic. Meeting physiological needs, applying psychological guidance and counselling interventions in the stress management of nurses may contribute to the reduction of their stress levels. Effective infection control, reducing workload, increasing the number of nurses and strengthening the coping mechanisms can minimize the perceived stress level of nurses.
A Personalized Recommendation System by Incorprating Graph Neural Network with Attention Mechanism
Authors: Wilson Mark , Korshin James , Pollard Bernd , Leckie Krik
Published: November 2022

As an important link in the information service of Internet products, the recommendation system has become an important way for users to get information from the huge amount of Internet data. Among existing studies, collaborative filtering has become a widely used method in recommender systems due to its good performance, but it uses a shallow model that cannot learn the deep non-linear features of users and items. In addition, content-based recommendation methods make recommendations by making full use of user registration information and item profiles, but this method also requires effective feature extraction, relying on feature engineering i.e., by manually extracting or design features, which makes the effectiveness and scalability of the method very limited and limits the performance of the recommendation algorithm. In recent years, deep learning has made a great impact in natural language processing, speech recognition, and image processing. This has led to a new breakthrough in the research of recommendation systems. Graph neural network algorithms extend traditional deep learning methods, such as convolution, to the domain of graph data, and combine the idea of data propagation to form deep learning algorithms on graphs, which have achieved good results in social networks, recommendation systems, knowledge graphs, and other fields. In this paper, we focus on the shallow output of the intermediate layer output. A multi-headed attention mechanism is used to fuse the multi-layer output information, so that the shallow structural features provided by the intermediate layer can be better involved in the scoring prediction task, which makes the application of graph neural networks in recommendation systems further improved.
Pembaharuan Sistem Perundangan Kelantan di bawah Pentadbiran Siam-British, 1902–1915
Authors:   Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Rosdi Mohamad Roslaily , Arifin Azmi ,   Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia, Arshad Rasyidah ,   Pusat Pengajian Ilmu Kemanusiaan, Universiti Sains Malaysia, 11800 USM, Pulau Pinang, Malaysia
Published: November 2022

Kajian ini membincangkan pembaharuan sistem perundangan di Kelantan bermula dari zaman pemerintahan Siam sehingga pentadbiran British antara tahun 1902 dan 1915. Sebelum pengenalan undang-undang British, undang-undang syariah telah diamalkan di Kelantan sejak sekitar tahun 1880-an. Namun di bawah pentadbiran Siam-British yang bermula pada tahun 1902, undang-undang Barat telah menggantikan undang-undang syariah kerana British menganggap undang-undang tersebut primitif. Kajian ini bertujuan mengenal pasti matlamat perubahan dan langkah-langkah yang diambil oleh pentadbir Siam-British untuk mengubah sistem perundangan Kelantan dan sama ada pelaksanaan undang-undang Barat telah membantu dalam mengurangkan masalah jenayah di Kelantan atau sebaliknya. Kajian ini menyimpulkan bahawa perubahan yang dilaksanakan oleh British bukan bermatlamat untuk membawa kemakmuran dan keadilan kepada peribumi, sebaliknya untuk mengukuhkan cengkaman British dan eksploitasi mereka di Kelantan. British cuba melemahkan kedudukan sultan sebagai pemerintah dan menghapuskan pengaruh institusi perundangan Islam dalam pentadbiran Kelantan bagi mencapai matlamat tersebut. Mereka juga mengubah suai institusi undang-undang, mahkamah dan polis untuk mengekang potensi penentangan peribumi terhadap campur tangan mereka.
Malay Text Reception among Sufi Orders in West Java: A Study on Wawacan Layang Siti Hasanah
Authors:   Faculty of Adab and Humanities, UIN Syarif Hidayatullah, Jakarta, Indonesia, Maulani Abdullah , Holil Munawar ,   Faculty of Humanities, University of Indonesia, Depok, West Java, Indonesia
Published: November 2022

The article discusses the active reception of Malay texts among members of the Qadiriyah wa Naqshabandiyah (TQN) Sufi order in West Java. It focuses on the text entitled Wawacan Layang Siti Hasanah. The TQN members adapted the Malay Cerita Siti Hasanah and turned it into a wawacan, a narrative text in Javanese verse specific to West Java, from as early as 1792 up to the early 20th century. This article discusses the various TQN members’ reception of the Malay hikayat (tales) from the end of the 18th century until the 20th century. Using a literary reception and literary anthropology analysis approach to the Wawacan Layang Siti Hasanah, the analysis found that the text functioned as a didactic text to teach women that they must always obey their husbands. It also contains several Sufi values such as ma’rifa (mystical knowledge of the Godhead) and Nūr Muḥammad (the essence of Muhammad). This article will also show that in the process of adapting the story to their wishes, the TQN members in West Java also turned it into a wawacan and changed the way it was used among the members of the Sufi orders and pesantren (Islamic boarding school) communities.
Pokojne osobe kao nositelji subjektivnih prava
Authors: Tucak Ivana , Nedić Tomislav
Published: November 2022

Jedno je od temeljnih pitanja teorije i filozofije prava što znači imati pravo, odnosno tko se može smatrati nositeljem subjektivnih prava. Paralelnim razvitkom bioetičke doktrine, navedeno pitanje o nositeljima subjektivnih prava sve se više aktualizira, pa se tako postavlja pitanje mogu li nositelji subjektivnih prava biti i životinje, drveće, fetusi, buduće generacije ili strojevi (umjetna inteligencija). Također, navedeno se pitanje odnosi i na pokojne osobe gdje se, preliminarno, također postavlja zahtjevno pitanje o krajnjoj točki života te konačnom nastupanju smrti. Kritičkom razradom postavki suvremenih teoretičara prava u kontekstu dviju ključnih teorija – teorije volje i teorije interesa – te njihovih međusobnih razlika, u radu se pokušava ponuditi prikaz o pokojnicima kao potencijalnim nositeljima subjektivnih prava. U tom se pogledu navedena pravnoteorijska razrada promatra reflektivno u kontekstu građanskopravne doktrine o subjektivnim pravima, kao jednim od temeljnih područja unutar općeg dijela građanskog prava. Pravni subjektivitet pokojnika promatra se i u okviru problematike (postmortalne zaštite) prava osobnosti, ali se isto tako postavlja pragmatički u odnosu na recentnu tuzemnu sudsku praksu, kao i praksu Europskog suda za ljudska prava, gdje su se pojavila zanimljiva pravna pitanja koja impliciraju pitanje o pokojnim osobama kao nositeljima subjektivnih prava.
Evaluación etológica del enriquecimiento con grillos (Acheta domesticus) y gusanos rey (Zophobas morio) en monos Churucos (Lagothrix lagotricha) mantenidos en cautiverio
Authors: Estrada Cely Gloria Elena , Ángel Ramírez Lina Fernanda , Martínez-Moyano Edgar
Published: November 2022

El cautiverio de animales silvestres produce importantes alteraciones conductuales y fisiológicas, derivadas, entre otras, de la restricción de espacio y limitada variedad alimenticia, por lo que resulta necesario el establecimiento continuo de estrategias de compensación como los enriquecimientos. La investigación tuvo como objetivo la evaluación etológica de enriquecimientos con grillos (Acheta domesticus) y gusano rey (Zophobas morio) en especímenes de monos churuco (Lagothrix lagotricha) albergados en la Unidad de Apoyo Hogar de Paso para Fauna Silvestre de la Universidad de la Amazonía, ubicada en el perímetro rural de Florencia - Caquetá, Colombia. Para su desarrollo se implementó un bioterio para la reproducción de los invertebrados utilizados en los enriquecimientos, y se trabajó con 16 especímenes primates (ocho machos y ocho hembras), para cuyo seguimiento conductual se instauraron etogramas durante 11 semanas, de las cuales, en las cuatro primeras no se aplicaron enriquecimientos con el fin de identificar el patrón conductual inicial. El análisis de las interacciones entre las variables conductuales estudiadas (alimentación, locomoción, interacciones sociales, descanso, alerta, cuidado y actividades varias), se realizó mediante la prueba LSD de Fisher (α=0,05); para identificar diferencias entre los factores fijos para cada una de las variables se empleó un análisis de varianza y se desarrolló adicionalmente un análisis de componentes principales. Como resultado principal se encontró que la implementación de los enriquecimientos generó un incremento en el tiempo de inversión para las categorías de alimentación, locomoción, interacciones sociales y actividades varias; y una disminución en la categoría de descanso, logrando así una efectiva motivación para la aparición de conductas naturales de la especie.
Especismo y transhumanismo
Authors: Guerrero Naudín Isabel Cristina
Published: November 2022

El especismo es un tipo de discriminación en el que arbitrariamente se otorgan ventajas a algunas especies sobre otras aun teniendo intereses equivalentes (1). Algunos ejemplos que podemos observar claramente son: la relación que se tiene con los perros y gatos en los hogares que les ha puesto en una posición de superioridad, liderando los movimientos por los derechos de los animales, las normas de bienestar para animales de granja, pero la continuidad en su explotación (2) y dejando el vacío legal respecto a las especies silvestres que siguen perdiendo sus hábitats debido a las industrias que benefician al hombre.
La relación humano/animal siempre ha sido motivo de análisis para las personas, desde los egipcios que mantuvieron una cultura de cuidado, respeto y veneración tanto para los animales domésticos como para los salvajes (3), hasta los griegos que realizaron juicios a animales que de alguna manera habían causado un mal a alguna persona, lo que sugiere que los animales eran considerados sujetos de derecho (4). Siempre, desde la superioridad que se otorgó a sí mismo, el hombre ha intentado decidir cómo clasificar a los animales para definir el trato que se les dé.
Dietary Flavonoids and Adult Neurogenesis: Potential Implications for
Brain Aging
Authors: Davinelli Sergio , Medoro Alessandro , Ali Sawan , Passarella Daniela , Intrieri Mariano , Scapagnini Giovanni
Published: November 2022

Adult neurogenesis deficiency has been proposed to be a common hallmark in different age-related neurodegenerative diseases. The administration of flavonoids is currently reported as a potentially beneficial strategy for preventing brain aging alterations, including adult neurogenesis decline. Flavonoids are a class of plant-derived dietary polyphenols that have drawn attention for their neuroprotective and pro-cognitive effects. Although they undergo extensive metabolism and localize in the brain at low concentrations, flavonoids are now believed to improve cerebral vasculature and interact with signal transduction cascades involved in the regulation of adult neurogenesis. Further-more, many dietary flavonoids have been shown to reduce oxidative stress and neuroinflammation, improving the neuronal microenvironment where adult neurogenesis occurs. The overall goal of this review is to summarize the evidence supporting the role of flavonoids in modulating adult neurogene-sis as well as to highlight how these dietary agents may be promising candidates in restoring healthy brain function during physiological and pathological aging.