bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PHYSICAL ACTIVITY AND HEALTHY LIFESTYLE
Authors: KOZACHUK Irina V.
Published: December 2020

We justified the need to understand the significance of physical education and sport for a person. Every person wants to live his life happily ever after. Therefore, everything must be done to maintain health until it is too late. Usually, due to the wrong lifestyle, a person has poor health, nervous disorders, diseases. Does a person do everything possible to maintain his health? Many diseases can be avoided if you properly build your lifestyle. Sport and physical education are not only a healthy lifestyle, but in general a normal and healthy life, which opens up more and more opportunities for the realization of forces and talents. We considered the issue of the importance of physical activity in human life, preservation and promotion of health. We discussed the problems of a sedentary lifestyle. We analyzed the need to preserve and promote health through physical activity.
The internal division of the Pliocene Lillo Formation: correlation between Cone Penetration Tests and lithostratigraphic type sections
Authors: Deckers Jef , Louwye Stephen , Goolaerts Stijn
Published: December 2020

The highly fossiliferous Lillo Formation (Pliocene, southern margin North Sea Basin) is formally subdivided in five lithostratigraphical members. While these members are generally relatively easily identifiable in outcrops, they are much more difficultly identifiable in boreholes, hampering geological studies. In the Port of Antwerp area, however, an already existing and dense network of Cone Penetration Tests (CPTs) provides an alternative and additional tool for the recognition of the different lithologies in the Lillo Formation.
CPTs reveal a clear geotechnical threefold division of the Formation. The lower and upper intervals, herein named CPT units Li-A and Li-C respectively, are characterized by high qc and low Rf values and correspond to shell-bearing, sandy lithologies. CPT unit Li-A can further be divided in a shelly basal subunit Li-A1 and an overlying sandy subunit Li-A2. CPT units Li-A and Li-C are separated by CPT unit Li-B characterized by low qc and high Rf values which correspond to more clayey lithologies.
Four CPTs selected in close vicinity of four well-documented outcrops, some of them being formal stratotypes for the Formation and some of its members, allowed to correlate the geotechnical units with detailed lithological descriptions as well as the formal stratigraphy. CPT unit Li-A1 can be correlated to the Luchtbal Member and the basal part of the Oorderen Member, whereas unit Li-A2 corresponds to the superjacent sandy body of the Oorderen Member. The overlying CPT units Li-B and Li-C seem to correlate differently in different outcrops to the clayey upper part of the Oorderen Member, Kruisschans and Merksem Members. This inconsistency hinders any direct correlation between the geotechnical stratigraphy and lithostratigraphy of the Members of the Lillo Formation. Further research is needed to find the reason(s) for this inconsistency.
MEDIA BAHAN ALAM UNTUK MENGEMBANGKAN KEMAMPUAN KLASIFIKASI PADA ANAK USIA DINI
Authors: Arini Ira , Fajarwati Ayu
Published: December 2020

Pemanfaatan bahan alam yang ada di sekitar lingkungan sekolah masih jarang sekali dilakukan oleh guru untuk mendorong kemampuan klasifikasi pada anak usia dini usia 5-6 tahun. Guru hanya menggunakan media berupa benda konkret yang ada di kelas saja. Tujuan penelitian ini adalah untuk mendeskripsikan penggunaan media bahan alam dalam membantu meningkatkan kemampuan klasifikasi pada anak usia dini. Metode yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini yaitu metode penelitian deskriptif kualitatif dengan Teknik pengumpulan data berupa observasi, wawancara, dan dokumentasi. Hasil observasi selama lima kali pertemuan, menunjukkan bahwa guru menggunakan media bahan alam untuk mengembangkan kemampuan mengklasifikasi benda pada anak usia dini. Media bahan alam yang adalah batu-batu kecil, benih padi, biji salak, biji asam, air, sirup warna warni, batang pohon kering dan daun. Aktivitas belajar yang dilakukan siswa adalah mencari, mengumpulkan, mengelompokkan, membedakan, bermain sains dan menanam. Penelitian ini menyimpulkan bahwa penggunaan media bahan alam dapat meningkatkan kemampuan klasifikasi anak usia dini.Teachers rarely use natural materials around the school environment to encourage classification skills in children aged 5-6 years. Teachers only use media in the form of concrete objects in the classroom. The purpose of this study was to determine the use of natural media in improving early childhood’s classification ability. The method used in this research is descriptive qualitative with interviews, observation and documentation as data collection method. The results of this study indicate that the teacher used the natural media to develop their pupils’ object classification skills. During playing and learning activities teachers used natural materials such as tree branches, seeds, colourful liquid or syrup and inanimate objects. Learning activities carried out by students were searching, collecting, grouping, differentiating, playing science, and planting. This study concludes that the use of natural media can improve the classification skills of early childhood.
Examination of Meeting the Needs of University Students from Social Support Systems
Authors: DÜŞÜNCELİ Betül , ÇOLAK Tuğba Seda , DEMİR Süleyman , KOÇ Mustafa
Published: December 2020

In this study, it is aimed to determine which social support systems respectively preferred by students to meet their basic needs. The research was conducted with 347 university students from Sakarya University Faculty of Education, 243 of whom were female and 104 of whom were male. A ranking chart was used to determine the rank of fulfilment of the five basic needs of the students, as in the Maslow's hierarchy of needs, (physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization), by social support systems (family, relatives, friends, teacher-school, and society). The data was analyzed by rank order judgment scaling. As a result of the research, it was found that university students regard family as the primary social support system in meeting all their needs (physiological, safety, love and belonging, esteem, and self-actualization). The ranking does not change in meeting the needs of safety, love and belonging, and esteem; in meeting the physiological needs, it was observed that relatives are preferred more than friends. Another finding of the research is that in meeting the need for self-actualization, relatives are preferred the least.
The potential impact of COVID 19 on poor and conflict-ridden communities in Sub-Sahara Africa (SSA): A conceptual paper
Authors: Nyashanu Mathew , Tsopotsa Tistsi , Mbalinda Scovia Nalugo , North Gemma , Mguni Maureen , Nyashanu Nicole Shinga
Published: December 2020

The first cases of the novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19), previously known as 2019-nCoV, were reported in late December 2019 in Wuhan, China (Wu, Zhao, Yu B, et al 2020). The virus then spread to Malaysia and Thailand and eventually to the Americas, Europe, Australia and Africa. On the 11thof March 2020 the World Health Organisation (WHO) declared the COVID-19 a global pandemic. This concept paper  explores the potential impact of COVID-19 on poverty stricken and conflict-ridden communities in Sub-Sahara Africa. In doing so, the paper also explored the implications for public health professionals working with these communities, including recommendation for future policy development.
QTL mapping of root traits in wheat under different phosphorus levels using hydroponic culture
Authors: Yang Mengjiao , Wang Cairong , Hassan Muhammad Adeel , Li Faji , Xia Xianchun , Shi Shubing , Xiao Yonggui , He Zhonghu
Published: December 2020

Background: Phosphorus (P) is an important in ensuring plant morphogenesis and grain quality, therefore an efficient root system is crucial for P-uptake. Identification of useful loci for root morphological and P uptake related traits at seedling stage is important for wheat breeding. The aims of this study were to evaluate phenotypic diversity of Yangmai 16/Zhongmai 895 derived doubled haploid (DH) population for root system architecture (RSA) and biomass related traits (RBT) in different P treatments at seedling stage using hydroponic culture, and to identify QTL using 660K SNP array based high-density genetic map.Results: All traits showed significant variations among the DH lines with high heritabilities (0.76 to 0.91) and high correlations (r =0.59 to 0.98) among all traits. Inclusive composite interval mapping (ICIM) identified 34 QTL with 4.64–20.41% of the phenotypic variances individually, and the log of odds (LOD) values ranging from 2.59 to 10.43. Seven QTL clusters (C1 to C7) were mapped on chromosomes 3DL, 4BS, 4DS, 6BL, 7AS, 7AL and 7BL, cluster C5 on chromosome 7AS (AX-109955164 - AX-109445593) with pleiotropic effect played key role in modulating root length (RL), root tips number (RTN) and root surface area (ROSA) under low P condition, with the favorable allele from Zhongmai 895. Conclusions: This study carried out an imaging pipeline-based rapid phenotyping of RSA and RBT traits in hydroponic culture. It is an efficient approach for screening of large populations under different nutrient conditions. Four QTL on chromosomes 6BL (2) and 7AL (2) identified in low P treatment showed positive additive effects contributed by Zhongmai 895, indicating that Zhongmai 895 could be used as parent for P-deficient breeding. The most stable QTL QRRS.caas-4DS for ratio of root to shoot dry weight (RRS) harbored the stable genetic region with high phenotypic effect, and QTL clusters on 7A might be used for speedy selection of genotypes for P-uptake. SNPs closely linked to QTLs and clusters could be used to improve nutrient-use efficiency.
Microsecond Pulse Electrical Stimulation Inhibit the Proliferation of Cervical Cancer Cells through the Ras-Raf-MAPK Pathway
Authors: Xu Xiaoyue , Wang Shiyan , Cao Tingting , Xie Bing , Sun Xiuli , Wang Jianliu
Published: December 2020

Objective: Using microsecond pulsed electrical stimulation (μsPES) applied to treat pelvic floor dysfunctions(PFDs) to stimulate the cervical cancer cells. To explore the effects and mechanisms of different μsPES on the proliferation of cervical cancer cells. Methods: Scheme #1 (1/4/1 Hz, 270/230/270 μs, 30min), scheme #2 (30 Hz, 500 μs, 20min), and scheme #3 (50 Hz, 250 μs, 20min) were selected from a pelvic floor rehabilitation therapy instrument. Three μsPES-based schemes each at 20, 40, 60, 80, and 100 mA current values were used to stimulate SiHa cells and HeLa cells. Cell counting kit-8 (CCK-8) assay was used to detect cell proliferation. Scheme #2 at 100 mA current was employed to stimulate SiHa cells and HeLa cells and then western blotting was applied to detect the expressions of the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway. Results: Current with higer frequency and current intensity tended to have a more proliferation inhibition on cervical cancer cells. μsPES had a stronger proliferation inhibition in SiHa cells than HeLa cells. The expressions of MAPK, MEK1/2 and p-MEK1/2, Raf and p-Raf, Ras protein were significantly decreased in SiHa cells and HeLa cells compared with the control. The p-MAPK was up-regulated in HeLa cells while down-regulated in SiHa cells. Conclusions: μsPES could inhibit the proliferation of cervical cancer cells by suppressing the Ras-Raf-MAPK pathway. The μsPES applied for functional rehabilitation of pelvic floor nerves and muscles is safe for cervical cancer patients at the cellular level
KLF5 Inhibition Overcomes Oxaliplatin Resistance In Patient-Derived Colorectal Cancer Organoids by Restoring Apoptotic Response
Authors: Shen Xiaohui , Gao Han , Zhang Yuchen , Xu Zhuoqing , Feng Wenqing , Li Wenchang , Miao Yiming , Xu Zifeng , Zong Yaping , Zhao Jingkun , Lu Aiguo
Published: December 2020

Background: Oxaliplatin resistance is a major challenge for treatment of metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC). Many molecular targeted drugs for refractory CRC have been developed to solve colorectal cancer drug resistance, but their effectiveness and roles in the progression of CRC and oxaliplatin- resistance still not clear.Methods: PDOs derived from CRC patients were constructed to conduct the sensitivity assays of oxaliplatin in vitro. Oxaliplatin resistant PDOs were selected and treated under the combined treatment of ML264(a KLF5 inhibitor) and oxaliplatin to determine the effects of KLF5 inhibition on apoptosis. Using CRC cell lines to investigate downstream mechanisms and xenograft models to confirm whether ML264 can restore oxaliplatin sensitivity of CRC cells in vivo.Results: We successfully constructed CRC PDOs and conducted the sensitivity test of oxaliplatin in PDOs from different patients. We found that ML264 restores oxaliplatin sensitivity in CRC PDOs by restoring the apoptotic response, and this effect was achieved by inhibiting the KLF5/Bcl-2/caspase3 signal pathway. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) and luciferase reporter assay verified that KLF5 promoted the transcription of Bcl-2 in CRC cells. KLF5 inhibition also overcomed oxaliplatin resistance in xenograft tumors.Conclusions: Our study demonstrated that ML264 can restores oxaliplatin sensitivity in CRC PDOs by restoring the apoptotic response. KLF5 might be a potential therapeutic target for CRC resistant to oxaliplatin. PDOs have strong potential in evaluating inhibitors and drug combinations therapy in a preclinical environment.
The Ideal Approach for Treatment of cT1N+ and cT2Nany Esophageal Cancer.: A NCDB Analysis
Authors: Huang Binhao , Chan Ernest G. , Pennathur Arjun , Luketich James D. , Zhang Jie
Published: December 2020

BackgroundNeoadjuvant therapy followed by surgery is recommended for locally advanced esophageal cancer. With the inaccuracies of clinical staging particularly for cT1N+ and cT2Nany tumors, some have proposed consideration of surgery followed by adjuvant treatment. Our objective is to evaluate the efficacy of neoadjuvant therapy vs surgery followed by adjuvant therapy, and to identify the ideal sequence of treatment in patients with cT1N+ and cT2Nany tumors.MethodsWe performed an analysis utilizing the National Cancer Database (2006-2015) identifying all patients with cT1N+ and cT2Nany esophageal cancer undergoing esophagectomy and additional chemotherapy or radiotherapy. The treatment was stratified as: neoadjuvant therapy (NT), adjuvant therapy (AT) and combination therapy of neoadjuvant and adjuvant (CT) groups and outcomes were analyzed.ResultsWe identified 2795 patients with 81.9% (n=2289) receiving NT, 10.2% (n=285) AT, and 7.9% (n=221) CT. There were no significant differences noted in survival among AT, NT, and CT group in cT1N+(P=0.376), cT2N-(P=0.436), cT2N+(P=0.261) esophageal cancer by multivariate analysis using Cox regression model. This relationship held true in both squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma. ConclusionIn clinical T1N+, T2Nany patients, there was no evident superiority of NT over AT. Surgery followed by adjuvant therapy can be considered to be an alternative option in these patients. Further prospective studies are needed to validate these findings.
Baseline Malaria Prevalence at the Targeted Pre-elimination Districts in Ethiopia
Authors: Nega Desalegn , Abera Adugna , Gidey Bokretsion , Mekasha Sindew , Abebe Abnet , Dillu Dereje , Mehari Degu , Assefa Gudissa , Hailu Samuel , Haile Mebrahatom , Etana Kebede , Solomon Hiwot , Tesfaye Gezahagn , Nigatu Daniel , Destaw Zelalem , Tesfaye Berhane , Serda Belendia , Yeshiwondim Asnakew , Yeshiwondim Assefaw , Teka Hiwot , Nahusenay Honelegn , Abdulmenan Semira , Reda Hailemariam , Bekele Worku , Zewdie Ayele , Tollera Getachew , Assefa Ashenafi , Tasew Geremew , Woyessa Adugna , Abate Ebba
Published: December 2020

Background: Encouraged by the success in malaria control and prevention strategies, several malaria endemic countries have adopted elimination strategies worldwide. Accordingly, Ethiopian ministry of health launched malaria elimination with a stepwise approach by primarily targeting the low-transmission districts and their adjacent areas/zones in order to shrink the country’s malaria map progressively. Hence, this community survey was conducted to establish baseline malaria information at the preliminary phase of elimination for measuring future intervention success in elimination goal. Methods: Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted at twenty malaria elimination targeted districts selected from five regional states and one city administration in Ethiopia. The GPS enabled smart phones programmed with Open Data Kit were used to enumerate 9326 study households and collect data from 29,993 residents. Care Start™ Malaria HRP-2/PLDH Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were used for blood testing at field level. Armpit digital thermometers were used to measure axillary temperature.Result: Overall malaria prevalence by RDTs was 1.17% (339/28973). The prevalence at district levels ranged from 0.0% to 4.7%. The total prevalence of febrile cases (axillary temperature >37.5oc) in the survey was 9.2% (2760/29993). Among the 2,510 febrile individuals tested with RDTs, only 3.35% (84/2510) were malaria positive. Among all study participants, 0.88% (255/28973) malaria positives were afebrile and 0.29% (84/28973) were febrile individuals. The 75.2% (255/339) of all malaria positives were afebrile. Of the total afebrile malaria cases, 10.2% (26/255) were under-five children and 89.8% (229/255) were above 5 years of age. Conclusion: The 1.17% malaria prevalence that ranges 0 to 4% in some districts by rapid diagnostic tests should be given due consideration by the elimination program. Especially the higher prevalence of afebrile individuals (0.88%) in these transmission settings indicates there may be sustaining hidden transmission. Therefore, active case detection with more sensitive diagnostic techniques than this conventional method is suggested to know more real magnitude of residual malaria in the elimination targeted low transmission areas and break the chain of transmission.
ITGA3 Is a Reliable Biomarker and Putative Therapeutic Target for Glioma
Authors: Zhang Qing , Zhu Chen , Guan Gefei , Shen Shuai , Han Yunhe , Yang Lianhe , Cheng Wen , Wu Anhua
Published: December 2020

Background: Glioma is the most prevalent and malignant primary central nervous system tumor in adults. As a member of the integrin alpha chain family of proteins, integrin subunit alpha 3 (ITGA3) has been found to play a critical role in the occurrence and progression of several cancers, including lung, ovarian, and pancreatic cancers. However, the role of ITGA3 in glioma remains unclear.Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA), REMBRANDT, GSE16011, GSE59612, and GSE4290 datasets were used to analyze relevant characteristics of ITGA3 in glioma. R language and GraphPad Prism 7.00 were employed as major tools for statistical analysis and graph manipulation.Results: We identified that ITGA3 expression was upregulated in glioma and related to unfavorable outcomes of glioma patients. Expression of ITGA3 also tended to be enriched in aggressive subtypes of glioma. We demonstrated that expression of ITGA3 was negatively correlated with glioma purity. In gliomas with high ITGA3 expression, the anti-glioma immune response was inhibited. ITGA3 also regulated angiogenesis within the glioma microenvironment and promoted the epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) and autophagy of glioma cells. GSEA analysis revealed that ITGA3 could activate ERK1/2 and PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathways.Conclusion: Our data suggested that ITGA3 promoted the malignant progression of glioma by regulating the immunity of glioma as well as the EMT and autophagy of glioma cells, which could act as a therapeutic target for glioma.
Long non-coding RNA SREBF2-AS1 promotes cell progression by increasing SREBF2 expression in Hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Qu Lili , Cai Xiaoxiao , Gong Lailing , Shen Peng , Zhu Yefei , Jiao Mei , su chuan
Published: December 2020

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) are emerging as one of important regulators that may be involved in the progression of cancers in humans.
Methods
Comprehensive analysis of the lncRNA expression profile of HCC was performed by using TCGA and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database to screen the target lncRNA(s). LncRNA of SREBF2-AS1 was selected and its expression level in a cohort of 15 pairs of HCC tissues was verified by quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR). Loss-of-function and gain-of-function assays were carried out to investigate the role of SREBF2-AS1 in HCC progression in vitro. Tumor formation assay was performed to verity the role of SREBF2-AS1 in HCC progression in vivo.
Results
Database analysis showed that the expression of SREBF2-AS1 was upregulated in HCC, which was correlated with neoplasm grade and over survival time. The expression of SREBF2-AS1 was verified in a cohort of 15 pairs of HCC tissues. SREBF2-AS1 knockdown mitigated HCC cell growth and promoted apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Whereas, SREBF2-AS1 overexpression promoted tumor cell growth. Furthermore, our investigation demonstrated that the oncogenic activity of SREBF2-AS1 is partially attributable to the regulation of sterol regulatory element-binding protein 2 (SREBF2) expression.
Conclusions
Our study highlights the regulatory role of SREBF2-AS1 in promoting HCC progression, suggesting that SREBF2-AS1 might be a potent therapeutic target by regulating the expression of SREBF2 for patients with HCC.
Unexplained infertility and expectant management in women aged 39 or above: is it acceptable to ask couples to wait one year before receiving IVF? A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Carosso Andrea Roberto , EEKELEN Rik van , Revelli Alberto , CANOSA Stefano , MERCALDO Noemi , STURA Ilaria , COSMA Stefano , SCARAFIA Carlotta , SESTERO Marta , BENEDETTO Chiara , GENNARELLI Gianluca
Published: December 2020

Background: in older women, it is difficult to distinguish between ‘true’ unexplained infertility and age-related infertility. Unexplained infertile couples can have further expectant management before starting assisted reproductive treatments to avoid unnecessary, invasive and expensive treatment. However, ovarian reserve rapidly declines after 39 years or more, as the live birth rate after in vitro fertilization. It is thus uncertain if such a waiting policy, is also appropriate for women of advanced age.Methods: couples who had access to a waiting list for approximately one year before receiving reimbursed public IVF were compared with those paying for access to immediate private treatment at the IVF unit of S. Anna academic hospital and its private appendix. To allow for comparisons between these two strategies, we followed up couples who opted to pay for one year after the last embryo transfer from their first cycle. Clinical procedures regarding diagnosis and treatment were the same for both groups. We calculated the proportion of live births in both groups and compared these using a two-sample Z test for equality of proportions. The imbalance between these groups in terms of prognosis was accounted for using inverse probability weighting.Results: 635 couples were evaluated. Out of 359 couples in the immediate group, 70 (19.5%) had a live birth of which 11 after natural conception and 59 after IVF. Out of 276 couples in the waiting group, 57 (20.7%) had a live birth of which 37 after natural conception and 20 after IVF. There was no statistically significant difference between the two strategies in terms of the cLBR (19.5% immediate versus 20.7% waiting, 95% CI for difference: -0.07to 0.05), also after weighting (16.8% immediate versus 26.6% waiting, bootstrap 95%, CI for difference: -0.20 to 0.01).Conclusion(s): the cLBR for the ‘waiting before in vitro fertilization’ and the ‘immediate’ strategies were similar. Further studies are necessary to validate these findings and to better characterize these patients in order to individualize treatment and optimize economic resources, particularly in a setting of publicly-funded IVF.Trial registration: retrospectively registered
The architecture of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome
Authors: Cao Changchang , Cai Zhaokui , Xiao Xia , Rao Jian , Hu Naijing , Yang Minnan , Xing Xiaorui , Zhou Bing , Wang Xiangxi , Wang Jianwei , Xue Yuanchao
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 carries the largest single-stranded RNA genome and is the causal pathogen of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. How the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome is folded in the virion remains unknown. To fill the knowledge gap and facilitate structure-based drug development, we developed a virion RNA in situ conformation sequencing technology, named vRIC-seq, for probing viral RNA genome structure unbiasedly. Using vRIC-seq data, we reconstructed the tertiary structure of the SARS-CoV-2 genome and revealed a surprisingly "unentangled globule" conformation. We uncovered many long-range duplexes and higher-order junctions, both of them were under purifying selections and contributed to the sequential package of the SARS-CoV-2 genome. Unexpectedly, the D614G and two accompanying mutations might remodel duplexes into more stable forms. Lastly, the structure-guided design of potent small interfering RNAs could obliterate the SARS-CoV-2 in Vero cells. Overall, our work provides a framework for studying the genome structure, function, and dynamics of emerging deadly RNA viruses.
Dynamic accuracy analysis of a 5PSS/UPU parallel mechanism based on rigid-flexible coupled modeling
Authors: Li Yanbiao , Wang Zesheng , Chen Chaoqun , Xu Taotao , Chen Bo
Published: December 2020

In order to improve the low output accuracy caused by the elastic deformations of the branch chains, a finite element-based dynamic accuracy analysis method for parallel mechanisms is proposed in this paper. First, taking a 5–prismatic–spherical–spherical (PSS)/universal–prismatic–universal (UPU) parallel mechanism as an example, the error model is established by a closed vector chain method while its influence on the dynamic accuracy of the parallel mechanism is analyzed through numerical calculation and simulation. According to the structural and error characteristics of the parallel mechanism, a vector calibration algorithm is proposed to reduce the position and pose errors along the whole motion trajectory. Then, considering the elastic deformation of the rod, the rigid-flexible coupling dynamic equations of the mechanism are established by combining the finite element method with the Lagrange method, and the equations are vectorially superimposed by means of internal force cancellation to synthesize the elastic dynamics equation of the connecting rod. Based on the constraint condition of each moving part, the elastodynamic model of the whole machine is obtained. Furthermore, the effect of component flexibility on the dimensionless root mean square error of the displacement, velocity and acceleration of the moving platform is investigated by using a Newmark method, and the dynamic accuracy influenced by these dimensionless root mean square errors is further studied. The research work establishes an important theoretical foundation for the development of the prototype.
Demographic Features of Identified PLWHA Infected through Commercial and Nonmarital Noncommercial Heterosexual Contact in China from 2015 – 2018: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dong Zhilong , Ma Liying , Cai Chang , Gao George Fu , Lyu Fan
Published: December 2020

Background:Understanding the demographic characteristics of people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) infected through commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) or nonmarital noncommercial heterosexual contact (NMNCHC) is important for HIV/AIDS prevention and control.Methods:Cases reported through the Chinese HIV/AIDS Case Reporting System (CRS) from 2015 to 2018 were analyzed. A descriptive and preliminary inferential analysis were performed for those demographic characteristics deemed of interest.Results:Overall, 523,121 identified PLWHA between 2015 and 2018 in the CRS were analyzed. The constituent ratio of heterosexual transmission increased from 66.25% in 2015 to 71.48% in 2018. The proportion of CHC heterosexual transmission decreased from 40.18% in 2015 to 37.99% in 2018, while that of NMNCHC increased from 46.33% in 2015 to 49.02% in 2018. PLWHA infected through NMNCHC were significantly younger than those who were infected through CHC (Student’s t test, P<0.0001), with an average age gap ranging from 5.63 (2015) to 7.46 (2018) years, and the average age of both groups increased annually. The frequency of newly identified PLWHA who were infected through CHC had a remarkable increase among the ages of 65 and above. Gender distribution was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 8909.00(2015), 9941.90(2016), 11004.00 (2017), 12836.00(2018), all P < 0.0001), and the ratio of men to women in the NMCHC group was 1.50:1 (2015), 1.51:1 (2016), 1.54:1 (2017), and 1.52:1 (2018), while in the commercial heterosexual contact (CHC) group, these ratios were 11.45:1 (2015), 12.08:1 (2016), 12.53:1 (2017), and 13.28:1 (2018). Marital status was significantly different between CHC and NMNCHC (χ2 = 94.67 (2015), 109.88(2016), 58.18(2017), 152.38(2018), all P < 0.0001). As the educational level improved, the proportion of NMNCHC also increased (Cochran - Armitage test, P<0.0001).Conclusions:We found that heterosexual transmission was the primary mode of HIV transmission in China from 2015 to 2018. PLWHA infected through CHC and NMNCHC had different characteristics in age, gender, marital status, and educational level. The frequency of PLWHA infected through CHC increased substantially in the age group of 65 and above. This study provides useful baseline data for future studies on the heterosexual transmission of HIV in China.
Clinical effect of minimally invasive surgery for inguinal cryptorchidism
Authors: Wang Yunjin , Chen Liu , Cui Xu , Zhou Chaoming , Zhou Qing , Zhang Zhengmian
Published: December 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the clinical effect of minimally invasive surgery for inguinal cryptorchidism. Methods: The patients were divided into the minimally invasive surgery group (n=100) and the traditional surgery group (n=58). In the minimally invasive surgery group, patients with low inguinal cryptorchidism (n=54) underwent surgery with a transscrotal incision, and patients with high inguinal cryptorchidism (n=46) underwent laparoscopic surgery. Results: There was no difference in the hospital stay duration or cost between the minimally invasive surgery group and the traditional surgery group (P>0.05). As for the operative time, minimally invasive surgery of low inguinal cryptorchidism was shorter than traditional surgery (P=0.033), while minimally invasive surgery of high inguinal cryptorchidism was comparable to traditional surgery (P=0.658). Additionally, there were no cases of testicular atrophy, testicular retraction, inguinal hernia or hydrocele in either group. There was no significant difference in the incidence of poor wound healing between the two groups (P>0.05). Although there was no significant difference in the incidence of scrotal hematoma between the two groups (P>0.05), the incidence in the minimally invasive surgery group was higher than that in the traditional surgery group. Conclusions: Minimally invasive surgery including a transscrotal incision for low inguinal cryptorchidism and laparoscopic surgery for high inguinal cryptorchidism is as safe and effective as traditional surgery, and could also provide a good cosmetic effect for children.
Microbial fuel cell assisted utilization of glycerol for succinate production by mutant of Actinobacillus succinogenes
Authors: Zheng Tianwen , Xu Bin , Ji Yaliang , Zhang Wenming , Xin Fengxue , Dong Weiliang , Wei Ping , Ma Jiangfeng , Jiang Min
Published: December 2020

Background: The global production of glycerol is increasing year by year since the demands of biodiesel is rising. It is benefit for high-yield succinate synthesis due to its high reducing property. A. succinogenes, a succinate-producing candidate, cannot grow on glycerol anaerobically, as it needs a terminal electron acceptor to maintain the balance of intracellular NADH and NAD+. Microbial fuel cell (MFC) has been widely used to release extra intracellular electrons. However, A. succinogenes is a non-electroactive strain which need the support of electron shuttle in MFC, and pervious research showed that acid tolerant A. succinogenes has higher content of unsaturated fatty acids, which may be beneficial for the transmembrane transport of lipophilic electron shuttle.Results: MFC assisted succinate production was evaluated using neutral red as an electron shuttle to recover the glycerol utilization. Firstly, an acid tolerant mutant JF1315 was selected by atmospheric and room temperature plasma (ARTP) mutagenesis aiming to improve transmembrane transport of neutral red (NR). Additionally, MFC was established to increase the ratio of oxidized NR to reduced NR. By combining these two strategies, ability of JF1315 for glycerol utilization was significantly enhanced, and 23.92 g/L succinate was accumulated with a yield of 0.88 g/g from around 30 g/L initial glycerol, along with an output voltage above 300 mV.Conclusions: A novel MFC-assisted system was established to improve glycerol utilization by A. succinogenes for succinate and electricity production, making this system as a platform for chemicals production and electrical supply simultaneously.
Previous Trend, Present Prevalence and Integrated Knowledge, Attitude and Practice Towards Malaria and Use of Insecticide-treated Mosquito Net in the Rural Setting of Welkait District, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Yhdego Tsegay Gebremaryam , Garedew Asnake Desalegn , Yifat Fitsum Tigu
Published: December 2020

BackgroundMalaria is still a burden to Ethiopia, especially among the productive ages of the society. Although insecticide-treated mosquito nets (INTs) are widely used by the rural community, malaria remains a leading public health issue. This study aimed to evaluate a 5-year trend, current prevalence and community knowledge, attitude and practice (KAP) towards malaria and use of ITNs as a strategy for prevention of malaria among the rural setting of Welkait district, northwest Ethiopia.MethodsA cross-sectional study was carried out on 403 households to identify the prevalence rate of malaria. Besides, a 5-year (2015-2019) retrospective data was analyzed. Random sampling technique was used to select representative households among the community. Well-structured questionnaire were used to collect KAP data about malaria and utilization of ITNs. Blood samples were collected and examined for identification of malaria parasites using standard microscopic procedure. SPSS version 22 was used for the analysis of the quantitative data. ResultsOf 36,219 outpatients examined, 7,309 (20.2%) malaria-positive cases were reported during 2015-2019. Overall prevalence of malaria continually declined from 2015-2019. Male slide-confirmed (61.4%, N = 4,485) were significantly higher than female (38.6%, N = 2,824) (p < 005). Nineteen (4.7%) confirmed malaria cases were screened during parasitological survey (12 cases of P. falciparum and 7 cases of P. vivax). Most 78.4% (316) and 84.1% (339) of the respondents knew malaria is a communicable and curable disease respectively and 75.6% (239) of them associated it with mosquito bit. From 82.4% (332) respondents who believed malaria is preventable, 81.0% (269) of respondents considered ITNs as the main prevention method. About 64% (257) of the respondents possessed ITNs, of these, 66.9% (172) consistently used ITNs during the peak season. Majority 83.6% (337) of the respondents had a positive attitude towards ITNs. ConclusionsAlthough the retrospective data showed a declining trend of malaria in the district, the current prevalence survey revealed significant increase in malaria infection in the locality. This was due to by unsustainable distribution and inconsistent use of ITNs among the population. We recommend the governments and stockholders to give emphasis on full coverage of ITNs and educate the community about ITNs usage.
Effects of Tocilizumab in COVID-19 patients: a cohort study
Authors: Vu Christine , Deronde Kailynn J , Vega Ana D , Maxam Meshell , Holt Gregory , Natori Yoichiro , Zamora Jose Gonzales , Salazar Veronica , Boatwright Renata , Morris Stephen R , Corvino Daniela de Lima , Betances Anmary Fernandez , Colucci Leah , keegan James , Lopez Andy , Rezk Andrew Hany , Rodriguez Yvette , Moraru Gabriela M , Doblecki Susanne , Zerda David De La , Abbo Lilian M
Published: December 2020

Background: Due to the lack of proven therapies, we evaluated the effects of early administration of tocilizumab for COVID-19. By inhibition of the IL-6 receptor, tocilizumab may help to mitigate the hyperinflammatory response associated with progressive respiratory failure from SARS-CoV-2. Methods: A retrospective, observational study was conducted on hospitalized adults who received intravenous tocilizumab for COVID-19 between March 23, 2020 and April 10, 2020.Results: Most patients were male (66.7%), Hispanic (63.3%) or Black (23.3%), with a median age of 54 years. Tocilizumab was administered at a median of 8 days (range 1-21) after initial symptoms and 2 days (range 0-12) after hospital admission. Within 30 days from receiving tocilizumab, 36 patients (60.0%) demonstrated clinical improvement, 9 (15.0%) died, 33 (55.0%) were discharged alive, and 18 (30.0%) remained hospitalized. Successful extubation occurred in 13 out of 29 patients (44.8%). Infectious complications occurred in 16 patients (26.7%) at a median of 10.5 days. After tocilizumab was administered, there was a slight increase in PaO2/FiO2 and an initial reduction in CRP, but this effect was not sustained beyond day 10.Conclusions: Majority of patients demonstrated clinical improvement and were successfully discharged alive from the hospital after receiving tocilizumab. We observed a rebound effect with CRP, which may suggest the need for higher or subsequent doses to adequately manage cytokine storm. Based on our findings, we believe that tocilizumab may have a role in the early treatment of COVID-19, however larger randomized controlled studies are needed to confirm this.
Efficient Targeted Gene Insertion in Maize using Agrobacterium-Mediated Delivery
Authors: Svitashev Sergei , Peterson Dave , Barone Pierjuigi , Lenderts Brian , Schwartz Chris , Feigenbutz Lanie , Clair Grace St. , Jones Spencer
Published: December 2020

CRISPR-Cas is a powerful DNA double strand break technology with wide-ranging applications in plant genome modification. However, the efficiency of genome editing depends on various factors including plant genetic transformation processes and types of modifications desired. Agrobacterium infection is the preferred method of transformation and delivery of editing components into the plant cell. While this method has been successfully used to generate gene knock-outs in multiple crops, precise nucleotide replacement and especially gene insertion into a pre-defined genomic location remain highly challenging. Here we report an efficient, heritable, selectable marker-free site-specific gene insertion in maize using Agrobacterium-mediated delivery. Advancements in maize transformation and new vector design enabled targeted insertion with frequencies as high as 8–10%. Importantly, these advancements allowed not only an improvement of the frequency but also of the quality of generated events. These results further enable the application of genome editing for trait product development in a wide variety of crop species amenable to Agrobacterium-mediated transformation.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on retailer performance: empirical evidence from India
Authors: S.D. Khaled Amgad , Mohamed Alabsy Nabil , A. Al-Homaidi Eissa , M.M. Saeed Abdulmalek
Published: December 2020

The study aims to synthesize the challenges that retailers are facing during the COVID-19 emergency. The research is definitive, informative, and based on a single design of cross-sectional research. Quantitative data based on the research instrument were produced (a questionnaire). Five hundred responses were collected from employees of major retail stores in India. Retailer performance is considered a dependent variable, whereas employee well-being, customer and brand protection, use of technology, government policies, and supply chain are used as independent variables. The current study results indicated that employee well-being and government policies have a significant positive impact on retailer performance, while customer and brand protection, use of technology, and supply chain have a significant positive impact on retailers’ performance. This study will help retailers develop strategies for their employees to protect them and understand that technology is needed in the new normal times. This study highlights the need to be flexible in executing strategic strategies, but retailers need to develop comprehensive action plans, including selecting managers of initiative and defining goals and deadlines. Provided that retailers’ current reality is different from the old normal, no time is lost in taking audacious action.
Public finance management system in modern conditions
Authors: Chornovol Alla , Tabenska Julia , Tomniuk Tetiana , Prostebi Liudmyla
Published: December 2020

The public finance management system is an important lever for equalizing financial and budgetary disproportions in the context of institutional changes. The paper aims to substantiate the directions of development of the public financial management system. Economic and statistical methods and correlation-regression analysis methods are used to determine the relationship between the GDP deflator and the share of revenues, expenditures, the general government budget deficit, and public debt in GDP, assessing the features of the public financial management system in Ukraine and EU countries. This study reveals that one of the main restraining factors in the public finance system development is a significant level of uncertainty in economic processes, which intensifies macroeconomic fluctuations, significant indicators of the share of public debt and budget deficit of the state administration sector pose risks to financial and economic stability; their potential negative impact on socio-economic processes is much more destructive than the pro-cyclical nature of fiscal policy. From this point of view, the public finance management system should be directed at optimizing financial and budgetary tools to prevent the growth of public debt and budget deficit in gross domestic product, which determines the importance of substantiating further development directions of the public financial management system. It is concluded that the mechanism of public financial management in recent years is quite rigid and restrictive, in the context of institutional change expands the tools of public financial management and increases its impact on socio-economic processes.
Isparta’da Hat Sanatının Cami Örnekleri Üzerinden İncelenmesi
Authors: Çelik Yunus Emre
Published: December 2020

İslam sanatının önemli bir kolu olan hüsn-i hat; kitap sanatları içinde sayılmakla birlikte, İslam mimarisinde de mühim bir tezyin unsuru olarak karşımıza çıkar. Levha şeklinde yahut doğrudan duvara nakşedilmiş surette medreseler, hanlar hatta meskenlerde görülen hat sanatı, en zengin kullanımını camilerde bulmuştur. Tarih içinde cami tezyinatında kullanılan yazılar, usta hattatlar tarafından nakşedileceği camiye özel olarak tasarlanmış ve yazılmıştır. Ancak estetik hassasiyetin zayıf olduğu mahallerde yazı, sanat hüviyetinden uzaklaştırılmış, kitsch seviyesinde örnekler meydana gelmiştir. Isparta ili merkezinde bulunan tarihi camiler özelinde hat sanatının mimari tezyin unsuru olarak kullanımı incelendiğinde, merkezi camilerde dahi ciddi noksanlar görülmektedir. Araştırmada; camiler üzerinde saha çalışması yapılmış, söz konusu binalarda bulunan yazılar estetik ve anatomik olarak tetkik edilmeye gayret edilmiştir. Tarihi perspektif içerisinde mevcut noksanların durumu ele alınarak aynı hataların tekrar etmemesi için tavsiyelerde bulunulmuştur. Bir diğer nokta olarak; sanatın gerektirdiği uzmanlık düsturunun göz ardı edilmesinin, şehir ve medeniyet esasları özelinde sonuçları ele alınmıştır.
The Effect of Artesunate and Brotowali (Tinospora Crispa) Combination on Histopathological, and Expression of Nuclear Factor Kappa B (NF-kÎ²) in Renal Tubules of Mice Infected With Plasmodium Berghei
Authors: Merici Angela , Fitri Loeki Enggar , Budiarti Niniek
Published: December 2020

Brotowali (BR) extract (Tinospora crispa) can be used as an antimalarial. Aim: to determine the effect of BR extract in histopathological and expression of NFÎºB in mice tubules infected by Plasmodium berghei treated by artesunate (AR). Method: we used 42 C57BL / 6J strain mice as experimental animals, which were randomly divided into 7 groups : negative control (NC), positive control (PC), treatment group consist of AR 32 mg/kb (group 1); BR 70 mg/kg (group 2), combination of AR+BR 50 mg/kg (group 3), AR+BR 60 mg/kg (group 4), and AR+BR 70 mg/kg (group 5). Â Histological examination (hematoxylin-eosin (HE) staining) and expression of NFKB (immunohistochemical staining) in the kidneys were performed on 7th and 14th. Result: compared to PC group, BR with doses of 70 mg until 14th day, improved the degree of tubular necrosis, interstitial fibrosis, tubular degeneration, and inflammatory cell infiltration (p <0.001) but did not reach NC group (p <0.05). The combination of AR+BR until the 14thÂ  day with dose of 50, 60, 70 mg all of dose improves significantly in-term of degree of tubular cell necrosis and inflammatory cell infiltration. The degree of interstitial fibrosis on 14th day only improved in group 4 and 5 (p<0.001 and p=0.003). The level of NF-kB expression on day 7 and day 14 was reduced in group 2, group 4, and group 5 compared to PC group. There was positive correlation on 7th and 14th between NF-kÎ² expression and tubular degeneration, tubular cell necrosis, inflammatory cell infiltration, and interstitial fibrosis. Conclusion: the combination of AR+BR extract can improve histopathological features and reduce NF-kÎ² expression in mice tubules infected by Plasmodium berghei with an optimal dose was 60 mg/day for 7-14 days or 70 mg for 7 days.