bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Russian Cyber Information Warfare: International Distribution and Domestic Control
Authors: Topor Lev , Tabachnik Alexander
Published: June 2021

Cyber information warfare (IW) is a double-edged sword. States use IW to shape the hearts and minds of foreign societies and policy makers. However, states are also prone to foreign influence through IW. This assumption applies mainly to liberal democratic societies. The question examined in this article is how Russia uses IW on other countries but protects itself from the same activities. The authors’ main argument is that while Russia executes influence operations and IW in cyberspace, it strives for uncompromising control over its domestic cyberspace, thus restricting undesirable informational influence over its population.
Mapping The Life-History, Development, And Survival of Spotted Lantern Fly In Occupied And Uninvaded Ranges
Authors: Maino James Louis , Schouten Rafael , Lye Jessica C , Umina Paul A. , Reynolds Olivia L.
Published: June 2021

The Spotted Lantern Fly (SLF), Lycorma delicatula (Hemiptera: Fulgoridae), is a sap feeding pest native to southeast Asia that has become a global biosecurity threat following invasions into South Korea, Japan, and the United States in the last two decades. Environmental niche modelling has demonstrated considerable potential for further range expansions, including into Australia and Europe. Further analysis on the potential seasonal life-history and survival of this pest in its invasive range can inform monitoring programs and is a next step in biosecurity preparedness. Here, we incorporated eco-physiological information on the development and survival of SLF life stages across temperature regimes. Using gridded climatic data, we then mapped the developmental sequence of SLF across ranges already occupied in China, South Korea, and the United States, as well as uninvaded ranges in Australia and Europe. The model was able to capture global observations of the seasonal appearance of SLF and highlight regional and seasonal vulnerabilities in regions at risk of invasion. Policy makers can use these results to make science-based biosecurity decisions and target preparedness activities through improved life-history predictions in its invasive range.
Mixed logit model based on nonlinear random utility functions: A transfer passenger demand prediction method on overnight D-trains
Authors: Han Bing , Ren Shuang
Published: June 2021

In recent years, with the development of high-speed railway in China, the operating mileage and passenger transport capacity have increased rapidly. Due to the high density of trains in the daytime, we usually set up skylights at night within 0:00-6:00 on high-speed railway for comprehensive maintenance, which contradict with the operation demand of D-series overnight high-speed trains (overnight D-trains for short). In order to dynamically adjust the operation plan of overnight D-trains with skylights coordinately, it is necessary to predict the passenger demand of newly-added overnight D-trains. Therefore, the purpose of this paper is to predict transfer passenger demand by formulating a mixed logit model based on nonlinear random utility functions for different transport modes. Firstly according to Maximum Simulated Likelihood Method, the likelihood function of this mixed logit model is proposed to maximize the overall utility value of different passenger groups. And then we adopt Metropolis-Hastings Algorithm to iteratively solve the probabilities of discrete random variables in utility functions. After that, we estimate the unknown distributions of elements in parameter vectors and solve the optimal solution of this model by traditional algorithms, basic heuristic algorithms and improved heuristic algorithms including Imporved Fireworks-Simulated Annealing Algorithm which is proposed in this paper, respectively. Finally, a real-world instance with related data of Beijing-Shanghai corridor, is implemented to demonstrate the performance and effectiveness of the proposed approaches.
A Novel LSSVM Model Integrated with GBO Algorithm to Assessment of Water Quality Parameters
Authors: Kadkhodazadeh Mojtaba , Farzin Saeed
Published: June 2021

In this study, a novel least square support vector machine (LSSVM) model integrated with gradient-based optimizer (GBO) algorithm is introduced for assessment of water quality parameters. For this purpose, three stations including Ahvaz, Armand, and Gotvand in the Karun river basin have been selected to model electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS). First, to prove the superiority of the LSSVM-GBO algorithm, the performance is evaluated with three benchmark datasets (Housing, LVST, Servo). Then, the results of the new hybrid algorithm were compared with those of artificial neural network (ANN), adaptive neuro-fuzzy interface system (ANFIS), and LSSVM algorithms. Input combination for assessment of water quality parameters EC and TDS consists of Ca+ 2, Cl-1, Mg+ 2, Na+ 1, SO4, HCO3, sodium absorption ratio (SAR), sum cation (Sum.C), sum anion (Sum.A), PH, and Q. The modelling results based on evaluation criteria showed the significant performance of LSSVM-GBO among all benchmark datasets and algorithms. Other results showed that in Ahvaz station, Sum.C, Sum.A, and Na+1 parameters, and in Gotvand and Armand stations, Sum.C, Sum.A, and Cl-1 parameters have the greatest impact on modelling EC and TDS parameters. In the next step, EC and TDS modelling was performed based on the best input combination and the best algorithm in different time delays. Based on the results, the highest accuracy of modelling EC and TDS parameters in Gotvand station was [0] month time delays.
Navigating the local foodscape: Qualitative investigation of food retail and dietary preferences in Kisumu and Homabay Counties, western Kenya
Authors: Musuva Rosemary M. , Foley Louise , Wadende Pamela , Francis Oliver , Turner-Moss Eleanor , Were Vincent , Obonyo Charles
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Non-communicable diseases have risen markedly over the last decade. A phenomenon that was mainly endemic in high income countries has now visibly encroached in low and middle-income settings. A major contributor to this is a shift towards unhealthy dietary behavior. The aim of this study was to examine the complex interplay between individual characteristics and the environment to understand how these influenced food choices and practices in Western Kenya.Methods: This study used semi-structured guides to conduct focus group discussions with both male and female members of the community, capturing various socioeconomic groups, from Kisumu and Homabay Counties to further understand their perspective on influences of dietary behavior. Narratives were obtained using digital voice recorders, transcribed verbatim and translated to English. Data analysis adopted an exploratory and inductive analysis approach. Coded responses were analyzed using NVIVO 12 PRO software.Results: From the community’s perspective, the source of food was mainly influenced by individual characteristics such as the cost of goods, the individual’s perspective of the variety of food outlets and the freshness of produce. The major external influence was cited as distance to food vendors. Although participants understood what constitutes a healthy meal, a majority of participants in Kisumu spoke about providing for their family and consuming unbalanced diets due to budgetary constraints. For the majority of households, the woman was the food purchaser and determined day to day meals – reflecting traditional gender roles in the family. Foods consumed in the home were influenced mainly by perceived satiety and cost. Other factors included religion, special occasions and seasons.Conclusion: Although traditional markets and foods are still popular, there is a steady increase in the preference for global food brands and processed food and drink. Given that a major influence on choice of food source is distance and cost, there is a need for policy makers to ensure easy access to traditional markets and promotion of local healthier choices.
Chromatin Accessibility Reveals Potential Prognostic Value of the Peak Set Associated with Smoking History in Patients with Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Liang Han , Deng Jianlian , Luo Tian , Luo Huijuan , Wu Xuan , Ye Yiwang , Wang Shubin , Li Fuqiang , Wu Kui , Lin Cong
Published: June 2021

Considerable differences in molecular characteristics have been defined between non-smoker and smokers in patients with lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD), yet studies of open chromatin patterns associated with LUAD progression caused by smoking are still lacking. Here, we constructed a novel network based on correlations between each ATAC-seq peak from TCGA data using our previously developed algorithm. Subsequently, principal component analysis was performed on LUAD samples with retained peaks filtered by the correlation network and pathway analysis was conducted for potential pathways identification. We identified a set of peaks that discriminated smokers in LUAD patients according to levels of exposure to tobacco quantified in pack-years, and also significantly associated with progression-free survival and overall survival of these patients. We then investigated the gene set related to those peaks and found that the comprising genes are strongly associated with LUAD development, such as B3GNT3, ACTN4 and CLDN3. They are consistent with the important roles for the associated pathways in LUAD oncogenesis induced by smoking, including glycosphingolipid biosynthesis and tight junction pathways. In summary, our study may provide valuable insights on exploration of ATAC-seq peaks and on smoking-related LUAD carcinogenesis from a perspective of open chromatin changes.
Propagation of Chirped Sinh-Gaussian Beams in Uniaxial Crystals Orthogonal to the Optical Axis
Authors: BAYRAKTAR Mert
Published: June 2021

This article includes intensity evolutions and phase changes of chirped sinh-Gaussian(CSG) beam propagating in uniaxial crystal orthogonal to optical axis. Received field expression is calculated utilizing Huygens-Fresnel integration. We see that chirped parameter brings decentered intensity distribution. By adjusting the decay factors, higher peak intensity can be obtained at the receiver side. Broken phase at near field is corrected at phase field. Phase change and amount of circles can be controlled by decay factor and chirped parameter. We hope that our results are helpful for scientist working on optical tracking.
GFI1 tethers the NuRD complex to open and transcriptionally active chromatin in myeloid progenitors
Authors: Helness Anne , Fraszczak Jennifer , Joly-Beauparlant Charles , Bagci Halil , Trahan Christian , Arman Kaifee , Shooshtarizadeh Peiman , Chen Riyan , Ayoub Marina , Côté Jean-François , Oeffinger Marlene , Droit Arnaud , Möröy Tarik
Published: June 2021

GFI1 is a SNAG-domain, DNA binding transcriptional repressor which controls myeloid differentiation, in particular the formation of neutrophils. Here we show that GFI1 interacts with the chromodomain helicase CHD4 and other components of the “Nucleosome remodeling and deacetylase” (NuRD) complex. In granulo-monocytic precursors, GFI1, CHD4 or GFI1/CHD4 complexes occupy sites of open chromatin enriched for histone marks associated with active transcription suggesting that GFI1 recruits the NuRD complex to target genes that are regulated by active or bivalent promoters and active enhancers. Our data also show that GFI1 and GFI1/CHD4 complexes occupy promoters of different sets of genes that are either enriched for IRF1 or SPI-1 consensus sites, respectively. During neutrophil differentiation, overall chromatin closure and depletion of H3K4me2 occurs at different degrees depending on whether GFI1, CHD4 or both are present, indicating that GFI1 affects the chromatin remodeling activity of the NuRD complex. Moreover, GFI1/CHD4 complexes regulate chromatin openness and histone modifications differentially to enable regulation of target genes affecting the signaling pathways of the immune response or nucleosome organization or cellular metabolic processes.
Ecophysiological Effects Induced by an Oligophagous Insect Herbivore in an Early Spring Geophyte
Authors: Sajna Nina , Štruc Tjaša , de Groot Maarten
Published: June 2021

Insect herbivores, whose larval stages live and feed inside a plant leaf, are expected to have an impact on the leaf beyond the actual tissue damage. They might influence leaf photosynthesis. Here, we provide a brief insight by studying a simple model relationship between the spring geophyte ramsons Allium ursinum with short-lived green leaves and its oligophagous, leaf-mining hoverfly Cheilosia fasciata. We expected that the effect of leaf miners on short-lived leaves could interfere with resource allocation for the next season. Measurements of leaf greenness and chlorophyll fluorescence were performed to evaluate the stress impact of leaf miner damage upon photosynthesis during the short vegetative season of ramsons. Results showed that the onset of leaf senescence occurred earlier in infested leaves, which was also indicated by lower maximum efficiency of photochemistry compared to non-infested leaves. There was no evidence that infested leaves were able to compensate for the damage by increasing the rate of photosynthesis. Given the short lifespan of leaves and the earlier onset of senescence in infested leaves, we discuss two differential hypotheses: negative effects for the plant if the larvae have already left the mine, and negative effects for the leaf miner if the larvae are still developing inside the leaf.
Use Of Plant Growth-Promoting Bacteria And Humic Acids For Phytostabilization of Acid-Generating Mining Wastes
Authors: Bratkova Svetlana , Nikolova Katerina , Genova Petya , Angelov Anatoliy
Published: June 2021

Generation of acidic mine drainage is a major environmental problem in areas with mining waste. The cost-effective method for reclaiming of acid-generating mining wastes is a vegetation cover. Using plant growth-promoting bacteria (PGPR) and humic acid in remediation have several beneficial effects. The application of both humic substances and PGPR resulted in a decrease in Cu, Fe, Zn and sulfate concentrations in a variety of drainage water samples. Both PGPR and humic acid improve plant growth when used separately, however, the combination of both treatments has the most positive effect on fresh biomass yield – between 22% and 43 % and dry biomass of plants – between 31% and 41 %. Furthermore, addition of Bacillus and Pseudomonas bacteria, in combination with humic acids, to poor soil for reclamation improved grass mineral nutrition and reduced Cu and Zn uptake. The treatment with PGPR and humic acids significantly increased the uptake of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium by plants.
Selection of Nuclear Genotypes Associated with the Thermo-inducibility of Owen-type Cytoplasmic Male Sterility in Sugar Beet (Beta vulgaris L.)
Authors: Matsuhira Hiroaki , Kitazaki Kazuyoshi , Matsui Katsunori , Kubota Keisi , Kuroda Yosuke , Kubo Tomohiko
Published: June 2021

The stability of cytoplasmic male sterility expression in several genetic backgrounds was investigated in sugar beet (Beta vulgaris L.). Nine genetically heterogenous plants from old cultivars were crossed with a cytoplasmic male-sterile line to obtain 266 F1 plants. Based on marker analysis using a multiallelic DNA marker linked to restorer-of-fertility 1 (Rf1), we divided the F1 plants into 15 genotypes. We evaluated the phenotypes of the F1 plants under two environmental conditions: greenhouse rooms with or without daytime heating during the flowering season. Three phenotypic groups appeared: those consistently expressing male sterility (MS), those consistently having restored pollen fertility, and those expressing MS in a thermo-sensitive manner. All plants in the consistently male-sterile group inherited a specific Rf1 marker type named p4. We tested the potential for thermo-induced male-sterile plants to serve as seed parents for hybrid seed production, and three genotypes were selected. Open pollination by a pollen parental line with a dominant trait of red-pigmented hypocotyls and leaf veins resulted in seed setting on thermo-induced male-sterile plants, indicating that their female organs were functional. More than 99.9% of the progeny expressed the red pigmentation trait; hence, highly pure hybrids were obtained. We determined the nucleotide sequences of Rf1 from the three genotypes: one had a novel allele and two had known alleles, of which one was reported to have been selected previously as a nonrestoring allele at a single US breeding station but not at other stations in the US, or in Europe or Japan, suggesting environmental sensitivity.
Platelet Rich Plasma-Derived Exosomal USP15 Promotes Cutaneous Wound Healing via Deubiquitinating EIF4A1
Authors: Xu Yan , Lin Ze , He Lei , Qu Yanzhen , Liu Ouyang , Han Yu , Xu Chao , Duan Deyu
Published: June 2021

Background: Epithelial regeneration is an essential wound healing process, and recent work suggests that different types of exosomes (Exos) can be employed to improve wound repair outcomes by promoting such epithelial regeneration. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is known to facilitate enhanced wound healing, yet the mechanisms underlying its activity are poorly understood. Results: We found that PRP-derived exosomes (PRP-Exos) effectively promoted the in vitro proliferation, migration, and wound healing activity of human immortalized keratinocytes (HaCaT cells). USP15 was further identified as a key mediator through which these PRP-Exos were able to promote tissue repair both in vitro and in vivo. At a mechanistic level, USP15 enhanced the functional properties of HaCaT cells by promoting EIF4A1 deubiquitination. Conclusions: PRP-Exos and USP15 represent promising tools that can promote wound healing via enhancing epithelial regeneration.
Problematic Khat Use Among Prisoners in Debre Berhan Prison, Ethiopia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Berhanu Kaleab , Haile Yohannes Gebreegziabhere , Limenhe Asnake , Habatmu Kassahun , Alem Atalay
Published: June 2021

Background

Cathine and cathinone which are the main psychostimulant components of khat, a green leaf chewed by many people in Yemen and East Africa for recreational purposes are controlled drugs by the UN, but khat chewing is legal in those countries. There are reports on the prevalence of khat use and its association with some health problems and alteration of behavior in communities of those countries. However, there is lack of evidence on the prevalence and associated factors of problematic khat use (PKU) among prisoners. This study aimed to assess the prevalence and associated factors of PKU among prisoners of Debre Berhan prison in Ethiopia.
Methods

A cross-sectional study was conducted to assess history of PKU among prisoners before imprisonment at Debre Berhan prison. Randomly selected 347 prisoners were interviewed using Drug Abuse Screening Test (DAST) to screen for PKU in May 2017. Data were entered using Epi-Data version 3.1 and analyzed using Stata version 13 software. Bivariate and multivariable binary logistic regressions were conducted. Crude odds ratio and adjusted odds ratio (AOR), with 95% confidence interval (CI), are reported. Variables with p-value of < 0.05 were reported to be significantly associated with PKU.
Results

About one-third (28.5%) of the prisoners had PKU before imprisonment. Factors significantly associated with increased odds of PKU included being non-Orthodox Christian in religion (AOR = 18.1; 95% CI= (3.8, 85.8)), infrequent visit to worship place irrespective of religion (AOR = 2.9; 95% CI= (1.1, 7.9)), being urban resident (AOR = 22.0; 95% CI= (7.7, 62.9)), perception that the current offence is related to using the substance (AOR = 6.0; 95% CI= (2.8, 12.8)), family history of substance use (AOR = 4.1; 95% CI= (1.2, 14.6)), and living alone before imprisonment (AOR = 3.55; 95% CI= (1.2, 10.7)). Whereas, being married was significantly associated with lower odds of PKU (AOR = 0.3; 95% CI= (0.0, 0.8)).
Conclusion

Higher prevalence of PKU before imprisonment is reported in this population. In addition to other socio-demographic factors that showed association with use of the substance, current offence that led to imprisonment was also perceived as related to PKU. To prevent crime and health-related consequences of PKU in the community integrated action is recommended.
Decreased eGFR predicts long-term recurrence after catheter ablation of atrial fibrillation
Authors: Zheng Jing , Zu De-ling , Cheng Ke-yun , Xia Yun-long , Dong Ying-xue , Gao Zhen-yan
Published: June 2021

Background: Catheter ablation is an established therapy for atrial fibrillation (AF), but recurrence after ablation is still a great challenge. A higher prevalence of AF has been reported among patients with chronic renal disease. However, little is known about the effect of renal function on the efficiency of AF ablation. This study aimed to evaluate the effect of renal function on the prognosis of catheter ablation for AF. Methods: A total of 306 consecutive drug-refractory symptomatic patients with AF who underwent first-time catheter ablation were enrolled in the present study. The individuals underwent circumferential pulmonary vein isolation for paroxysmal AF and stepwise ablation for persistent AF. Results: Following up 27.2 ± 19.5 months after a single procedure, 202 patients (66.01%) were free of atrial tachyarrhythmia (non-recurrence group), and the other 104 patients experienced recurrence (recurrence group). The recurrence group had a larger left atrial diameter (LAD) and left atrial volume (LAV), a higher LAV index (LAVI) (p < 0.01, respectively), and a lower estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) (53.5 ± 14.4 vs. 65.5 ± 13.3 ml/min/1.732, p < 0.001) and creatinine clearance rate (CCr) (85.2 ± 26.1 vs. 101.5 ± 29.4 ml/min, p < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis indicated eGFR and LAVI as independent predictors of long-term recurrence after single catheter ablation. Conclusion: Decreased eGFR and elevated LAVI may facilitate the long-term recurrence of atrial tachyarrhythmia after catheter ablation for AF.
Application of Fusion-Fluorescence Imaging Using Indocyanine Green in Endoscopic Endonasal Surgery: Preliminary Data
Authors: Lee Min Ho , Lee Tae-Kyu
Published: June 2021

PurposeIndocyanine green (ICG) has been used in endoscopic surgery in the neurosurgical field, but it has been challenging to determine the associated efficiency due to limitations with visualization in the previous endoscopic system. A new endoscopic system was recently introduced; therefore, we summarize our experiences with the application and integration of the system.MethodsFrom March to May 2021, a newly introduced endoscopic system was used in 6 patients. (3 pituitary adenomas, 1 pituitary apoplexy, 2 tuberculum sellae meningiomas) and 12.5 mg of ICG was injected for each study.ResultsThree pituitary adenomas, including one acromegaly, were well identified with ICG. However, one pituitary apoplexy and two meningiomas were not visualized with ICG. Meanwhile, ICG appeared to be effective for determining the viability of nasoseptal mucosa.ConclusionICG provides real-time information during endoscopic endonasal surgery. We suggest that the pituitary adenoma can be stained with an ICG using the fusion-fluorescence imaging endoscopic system. This approach will enhance the surgeon’s ability to achieve gross total resection.
Highly Accurate and Efficient Two Phase - Intrusion Detection System (TP-IDS) using Distributed Processing of HADOOP & Machine Learning Techniques
Authors: Jadhav Abhijit Dnyaneshwar , Pellakuri Vidyullatha
Published: June 2021

Network security and data security are the biggest concerns now a days. Every organization decides their future business process based on the past and day to day transactional data. This data may consist of consumers confidential data, which needs to be kept secure. Also, the network connections when established with the external communication devices or entities, a care should be taken to authenticate these and block the unwanted access. This consists of identification of the malicious connection nodes or identification of normal connection nodes. We expect, everytime whenever there is a connection request, it should be recognized as a type of normal node or malicious node connection request. For that, we use a continuous monitoring of the network input traffic to recognize the malicious connection request called as an intrusion and this type of monitoring system is called as Intrusion detection system(IDS). IDS helps us to protect our network and data from insecure and malicious network connections. Many such systems exists in the real time scenario, but they have critical issues of performance like accuracy and efficiency. These issues are addressed as a part of this research work of IDS using machine learning techniques. The TP-IDS is designed in two phases for increasing accuracy. In phase I of TP-IDS, Suppor Vector Machine (SVM) and k Nearest Neighbor (kNN) are used. In phase II of TP-IDS, Decision Tree (DT) and Naïve Bayes (NB) are used, where phase II is the validation phase of the system for increasing accuracy. Also, both the phases are having Hadoop distributed file system underlying data storage & processing architecture, which allows parallel processing to increase the speed of the system and hence achieve the efficiency in TP-IDS.
Easily Prepared Nanobody-horseradish Peroxidase Fusion Protein-based Immunoassay to Detect Antibodies Against Genotype 2 Porcine Reproductive and Respiratory Syndrome Viruses
Authors: Duan Hong , Chen Xu , Zhao Jiakai , Zhu Jiahong , Zhang Guixi , Fan Mengnan , Zhang Beibei , Wang Xueting , Sun Yani , Liu Baoyuan , Zhou En-Min , Zhao Qin
Published: June 2021

Background: Nanobodies are the third generation of genetically-engineered antibodies, possessing advantages of small molecular weight, simple genetic engineering, and low production cost for promising diagnostic application. In this study, a competitive ELISA (cELISA) using nanobody-horseradish peroxidase (HRP) fusion protein was utilized as an ultrasensitive probe for the first time to detect antibodies against genotype 2 porcine reproductive and respiratory syndrome virus (PRRSV). In addition, a platform for easily producing the nanobody-HRP fusion protein against PRRSV was designed and developed. Results: In the present study, three nanobodies against the PRRSV-N protein were screened by Camel immunization, library construction, and phage display. Subsequently, a recombinant HEK293S cell line stably secreting nanobody-HRP fusion protein against PRRSV-N protein was successfully designed and constructed using the lentivirus transduction assay. Using the cell lines, the fusion protein was easily produced. Then, a novel cELISA was developed using the nanobody-HRP fusion protein for detecting the antibodies against genotype 2 PRRSV in pig sera, exhibiting a cut‑off value of 23.19% and good sensitivity (100%), specificity, and reproducibility. The compliance rate of cELISA with a commercial IDEXX ELISA kit was 96.4%. By testing the sequential sera from the challenged pigs, the results showed that the sensitivity of cELISA was higher than the commercial IDEXX ELISA kit. In addition, the commercial IDEXX ELISA kit can be combined with the developed cELISA for the differential detection of antibodies against genotype 1 and 2 PRRSV in pig sera.Conclusions: By screening the three nanobodies against the genotype 2 PRRSV-N protein, a recombinant HEK293S cell line stably secreting nanobody-HRP fusion protein against PRRSV-N protein was developed (Scheme 1a). Subsequently, a cELISA was developed for detecting the antibodies against genotype 2 PRRSV using the fusion protein and demonstrated high sensitivity, specificity, and reproducibility (Scheme 1b). More importantly, the production of the fusion protein using the developed platform is simple and low cost.
Implementation of Active Learning Methods in Nursing Undergraduate Study Programs – A Group Interview
Authors: Pivač Sanela , Skela-Savič Brigita , Jović Duška , Avdić Mediha , Kalender-Smajlović Sedina
Published: June 2021

Background: Modern and active learning methods form an important part in the education of Nursing students. They encourage the development of communication and critical thinking skills, and ensure the safe health care of patients. Our aim was to obtain naturalistic data from nurse educators regarding the use and effects of implementing active learning methods (Peyton's Four-Step Approach, Mind Mapping, Debriefing and Objective Structured Clinical Examination methods) in the study process of students of Nursing after a completed education module, Clinical skills of mentors, as part of the Strengthening Nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina Project. Methods: Qualitative research was conducted and a group interview technique was used for data collection. Beforehand, research participants were included in a two-day education module, Clinical skills of mentors, as part of the Strengthening Nursing in Bosnia and Herzegovina Project. 14 nurse educators participated. Group interviews were conducted in September 2019. Content analysis of the discussion transcriptions was conducted. Results: The obtained categories form four topics: 1) positive effect on the development of students' communication skills 2) positive effect of learning methods on the development of students' critical thinking skills 3) ensuring a safe learning environment 4) implementation of active learning methods.Conclusions: The use of various active learning methods in simulation settings improves the Nursing students’ critical thinking and communication skills. Therefore, we believe that Peyton’s Four-Step Approach, Mind Mapping and Debriefing methods should be included as tools for effective student learning and as preparation for directly performing safe nursing interventions with a patient. Effective approaches to the assessment of Nursing students may ensure quality patient health care in accordance with the vision of the nursing profession.
Simultaneous Beat-To-Beat Heart Rate And Systolic Blood Pressure Variability In Patients With And Without Neurally Mediated Syncope
Authors: Akbarzadeh Amirhossein , Akbarzadeh Fariborz , Kazemi Babak
Published: June 2021

Background: Autonomic changes play an essential role in the genesis of neurally mediated syncope (NMS). The aim of this study was to compare the changes of the autonomic nervous system (ANS) by measuring spectral indices of beat-to-beat systolic blood pressure and heart rate variability (SBPV and HRV) in ranges of low frequency (LF), high frequency (HF), and the LF/HF ratio during head-up tilt test (HUTT) in patients with and without a syncope response. Methods: In this case-control study of 46 patients with a suspected history of unexplained syncope, data were recorded separately during the typical three phases of HUTT. Patients who developed syncope were designated as the case group and the rest as the control group. Results: Thirty one patients experienced syncope during HUTT. Resting HRV and SBPV indices were significantly lower in cases than controls. After tilting in the syncope group, both HF and LF powers of SBPV showed a significant and gradual decrease. LF/HF in HRV increased in both groups similarly during the test but in SBPV, mainly driven by oscilations in its LF power, it increased significantly more during the first two phases of the test in syncope patients only to paradoxically decrease during active tilt (p< 0.001). Conclusion: Our findings show an abnormal autonomic function in patients with syncope, both at rest and tilting. Fluctuations of spectral indices of beat-to-beat SBPV, a potential noval index of pure sympathetic activity, show an exaggerated response during tilt and its withdrawal before syncope.
Blindness and Deafness – an Extreme Phenotype in Friedreich Ataxia
Authors: Damásio Joana , Sardoeira Ana , Araújo Maria , Carvalho Isabel , Sequeiros Jorge , Barros José
Published: June 2021

IntroductionFriedreich ataxia is the most frequent hereditary ataxia worldwide. Subclinical visual and auditory involvement has been recognized in these patients, with co-occurrence of severe blindness and deafness being rare.Case ReportWe describe a patient, homozygous for a 873 GAA expansion in the FXN gene, whose first symptoms appeared by the age of 8. With 22 years-old he developed sensorineural deafness, and with 26 visual impairment. Deafness had a progressive course over eleven years, until a stage of extreme severity which hindered communication. Visual acuity had a catas­trophic deterioration, with blindness three years after visual impairment was first noticed. Audiograms documented progressive sensorineural deafness, most striking for low frequencies. Visual evoked poten­tials disclosed bilaterally increased P100 latency. He passed away at the age of 41 years old, at a stage of extreme disability, blind and deaf, in addition to the com­ple­te phenotype of a patient with Friedreich ataxia of more than 30 years durationDiscussion﻿Severe vision loss and extreme deafness has been described in very few patients with Friedreich ataxia. Long duration, severe disease and large expanded alleles may account for such an extreme phenotype; nonetheless, the role of factors as modifying genes warrants further investigation in this subset of patients.
Platelets Lead Morphological, Phenotypic and Functional Changes in Tumor Cells.
Authors: Rodríguez-Martínez Alba , Simon-Saez Iris , Perales Sonia , Garrido-Navas Carmen , Russo Alessandro , de Miguel-Perez Diego , Puche-Sanz Ignacio , Alaminos Clara , Ceron Jorge , Lorente Jose A. , Cristofanilli Massimo , Ortigosa-Palomo Alba , Real Pedro J , Rolfo Christian , Serrano Maria Jose
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPlatelets are active players in tumorigenesis, although the exact interactive mechanisms and their direct impact on tumor cells remain largely unknown. MethodsBidirectional transference of lipids, proteins and RNA between platelets and tumor cells and its impact on tumor cell behavior and tumor process are analyzed in this work. Phenotypic, genetic and functional modifications induced by platelets were analyzed both in tumor cell lines and in circulating tumor cells (CTCs). ResultsBesides cross-talk between platelets and tumor cells, we demonstrated an efficient exchange of lipids, proteins and RNA. Remarkably, we observed that platelets transferred structural components to tumor cells with higher efficiency than tumor cells to platelets (p=0.001). This biological interplay occurred by direct contact, internalization or via extracellular vesicles. As a result, tumor cells acquired platelet markers (CD61 and CD42), showed decreased EpCAM, expressed epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition markers, and increased proliferation rates. Analysis of platelets marker CD61 in CTCs showed intra and inter patient heterogeneity.ConclusionsOur results demonstrated, for the first time, that platelets educate tumor cells by highly efficient transference of lipids, proteins and RNA through different mechanisms. These results suggest that tumor cells and CTCs might acquire highly dynamic and aggressive phenotypes due to platelets interaction including EMT, stem-like phenotype and high proliferative rates.
Effect of a High-Protein Diet on the Renal Function in Healthy Individuals Without Chronic Kidney Disease: A Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Xie Zhijuan , Ou Jihong , Zhu Yan
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHigh-protein (HP) diets have been recommended for weight loss including obese persons. However, the potential effects of HP regimens on kidney health for persons without chronic kidney disease (CKD) are still controversial. MethodsTo investigate the effects of HP diets versus standard protein/low protein (SP/LP) ones on renal function in individuals without CKD, we conducted this meta-analysis. ResultsThirty-nine RCTs including 3400 participants were considered in this meta-analysis. HP diets resulted in an increased GFR (standardized mean difference [SMD] = 0.64, 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.03, 1.26) and concentrations of serum urea (MD = 1.05, 95% CI: 0.66, 1.44), creatinine (MD = 2.94, 95% CI: 1.30, 4.58), and uric acid (MD = 19.89, 95% CI: 12.35, 27.43) in obese subjects when compared with SP/LP diets. The results in T2D and health participants did not show a notable detrimental effect on renal outcomes. Subgroup analysis showed that an increase in GFR was presented in obese subjects following an intervention shorter than 6 months. No significant differences were found in the urinary albumin excretion between the HP and SP/LP diets in obese and T2D populations, except for the healthy participants which was reported by only one study.Conclusions﻿This meta-analysis showed that HP diets were associated with increased GFR, serum urea, creatinine, and uric acid in obese adults. Future studies are warranted to examine whether resulted glomerular hyperfiltration from HP diet can cause kidney damage in obese individuals.
Precise Machining Based on Ritz Non-uniform Allowances for Titanium Blade Fabricated by Selective Laser Melting
Authors: Zhang Bo , Yuan Juntang , wang zhenhua , Li Xi
Published: June 2021

Selective Laser Melting (SLM) is an increasingly concerned trend in Ti-6Al-4V blade manufacturing, while the SLMed Ti-6Al-4V blade cannot be used directly because of poor surface integrity and high residual stresses. Precise machining after SLM is a feasible solution but also a challenge. The low rigidity of the blade will lead to deformation when machining. The deformation can lead to surface error and may make defect parts. Two-steps machining processes to address the problems were proposed in this paper. First, a non-uniform allowance distribution was allocated and optimized in semi-finishing based on Ritz solution to elastic deformation. The blade was simplified as a cantilever thin plate with various thickness, and the thickness of finishing allowance was designed and optimized on the premise of ensuring the thin-wall stiffness of the blade, so as to realize the design of Ritz non-uniform allowance. Then, finishing machining was conducted to achieve precise parts. A blade deformation model was established to evaluate surface error with cutting force moving and changing. Finite element analysis and experimental validation in ball-end milling of a blade were conducted. FEA results and experimental results showed dimensional errors have been reduced up to 50%. Further surface tests demonstrated that the mean surface roughness reduced from 7.88 μm to 0.815 μm. And the residual surface stresses of the SLM samples changed after semi-finishing machining due to the residual stress relaxation and redistribution. The results demonstrated that the proposed method enhanced the surface quality of blade fabricated by SLM.
A Novel Prognostic Cancer-related lncRNA Signature in Papillary Renal Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Binghai , Dong Di , Yao Qin , Zou Yuanzhang , Hu Wei
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPapillary renal cell carcinoma (pRCC) ranks second in renal cell carcinoma and the prognosis of pRCC remains poor. Here, we aimed to screen and identify a novel prognostic cancer-related lncRNA signature in pRCC. MethodsThe RNA-seq profile and clinical feature of pRCC cases were downloaded from TCGA database. Significant cancer-related lncRNAs were obtained from the Immlnc database. Differentially expressed cancer-related lncRNAs (DECRLs) in pRCC were screened for further analysis. Cox regression report was implemented to identify prognostic cancer-related lncRNAs and establish a prognostic risk model, and ROC curve analysis was used to evaluate its precision. The correlation between RP11-63A11.1 and clinical characteristics was further analyzed. Finally, the expression level and role of RP11-63A11.1 were studied in vitro. ResultsA total of 367 DECRLs were finally screened and 26 prognostic cancer-related lncRNAs were identified. Among them, ten lncRNAs (RP11-573D15.8, LINC01317, RNF144A-AS1, TFAP2A-AS1, LINC00702, GAS6-AS1, RP11-400K9.4, LUCAT1, RP11-63A11.1, and RP11-156L14.1) were independently connected with prognosis of pRCC. These ten lncRNAs were incorporated into a prognostic risk model. In accordance with the median value of the riskscore, pRCC cases were separated into high and low risk groups. Survival analysis indicated that there was a significant difference on overall survival (OS) rate between the two groups. The area under curve (AUC) in different years indicated that the model was of high efficiency in prognosis prediction. RP11-63A11.1 was mainly expressed in renal tissues and it correlated with the tumor stage, T, M, N classifications, OS, PFS, and DSS of pRCC patients. Consistent with the expression in pRCC tissue samples, RP11-63A11.1 was also downregulated in pRCC cells. More importantly, upregulation of RP11-63A11.1 attenuated cell survival and induced apoptosis. ConclusionsTen cancer-related lncRNAs were incorporated into a powerful model for prognosis evaluation. RP11-63A11.1 functioned as a cancer suppressor in pRCC and it might be a potential therapeutic target for treating pRCC.
Trends and factors associated with iron supplementation during pregnancy among women who had pregnancy in the preceding five years of the 2016 EDHS: Multivariate decomposition analysis
Authors: Tareke Abiyu Abadi , Bekele Ermias
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Study estimated in 2019 iron deficiency related anemia accounts 1.89% and 1.07% of total disability adjusted life years (DALYS) to reproductive age women globally and sub saran Africa respectively. Anemia at the time of pregnancy may cause small sized baby, preterm birth, and perinatal, neonatal and maternal mortality. Iron and folic acid supplementation during pregnancy will minimize the risk of iron deficiency and risk of anemia.Methods: For this time series analysis, dataset of 2005, 2011 and Ethiopian demographic health surveys was used. A total weighted sample of 7234 in 2005, 7786 in 2011 and 7543 in 2016 are encompassed in this study. The Logit based Multivariate decomposition analysis for non-linear response outcome was calibrated to detect the factors contributed to the change in iron supplementation between 2005 and 2016 study period. The Logit based multivariate decomposition analysis utilizes the output from the logistic regression model to assign the observed change in iron supplementation over time into two components. Stata version 16.0 was used to analysis the data.Results: Proportion of iron supplementation during pregnancy increased by more than a third (32%) between the period of 2005 and 2016. From the output of multivariate decomposition regression, major of the change in iron supplementation was due to change in coefficients. Women’s age, working s status and region of living (all except Dire Dawa) were variables as sources of change in iron supplementation under the category of change in coefficients. Additionally, age, region, wealth status, employment status/working status, ANC follow up to the last pregnancy and media exposure were variables attributable to the change of iron supplementation during pregnancy under the category of endowment.Conclusion: Rate of iron supplementation at the time of pregnancy increased dramatically over the last decade in Ethiopia. Change in the proportion of women aged ≥ 35 years, population of each region, wealth status (poorer, middle & richer), working women, ANC follow up and media exposed as well as change in behavior of women aged ≥ 35 years, employed women and region of living were sources of change for iron supplementation between 2005 and 2016 period.
Determining Nitrogen Fertilizer Cost Using Turfgrass Response
Authors: Shaddox Travis Wayne , Unruh Joseph Bryan
Published: June 2021

Numerous nitrogen (N) sources are used in turfgrass management and vary from soluble to slow-release. Determining the least expensive N source can be confusing for consumers. Price per ton and price per pound N are common price comparison methods. An improved approach could use longevity of the N source to balance the price. The objective of this study was to determine the longevity of turfgrass response to N sources and to determine the cost to achieve such responses. This study was conducted in Ft. Lauderdale and Jay, FL, from 1 Jan. to 31 Dec. 2018 on ‘Riley’s Super Sport’ (Celebration®) bermudagrass (Cynodon dactylon). Treatments included nontreated turfgrass, urea, ammonium sulfate, stabilized urea, methylene urea, ureaformaldehyde, two natural organics, sulfur-coated urea, and two polymer-coated urea fertilizers. Treatments were arranged in a split-plot design with N sources as whole plots and N rate (N applied at 49 and 98 kg·ha−1 every 4 months) as subplots. Turf quality was recorded on a scale of 1 to 9, where 1 = dead/brown turf and quality, 6 = minimal acceptable, and 9 = optimal healthy/green turf. Turf quality ratings were recorded weekly and used to determine response longevity (days quality ≥6.0) and area under the turfgrass response curve (AUTRC). Urea resulted in response longevity greater than or equal to other N sources during each season except when applied at 98 kg·ha−1 of N during the fall fertilizer cycle in Jay. Natural organics were ≈6-fold more expensive than urea in Jay and Ft. Lauderdale using turfgrass response longevity and AUTRC. Urea and sulfur-coated urea were the least expensive soluble and slow-release N source, respectively, using dollars per pound N, dollars per acre per day, and dollars per acre per quality-day during each fertilizer cycle and annual average in Jay and Ft. Lauderdale. No evidence was found supporting the use of turfgrass response as a more effective method of determining fertilizer cost than dollars per pound N.
What Makes Them Snap? Gratifications of Using Snapchat by Generation Z
Authors: Aakash Kamble  , Supriya Desai  , Smita Mehendale
Published: June 2021

This paper aims to understand the motivations and behavioural patterns of Snapchat use by Generation Z (Gen-Z) and their social relationships with friends and romantic companions. Focus group discussion and in-depth interview methodology were employed to conduct the research with 49 respondents participating in focused group discussions. The respondents reported Snapchat being adopted for connecting with friends as it provided them with secure and authentic experience over other social media platforms. The gratifications gained from the use of Snapchat by Gen Z users were identified emerging from the features and experience of using the technology platform. The results were supported for uses and gratifications as the respondents justified the ephemerality of Snapchat being useful, the gratifications gained from snapping with friends and social groups. Snapchat was seen as a useful medium for security, privacy and ephemerality it provided along with a medium for authentic communications with friends and romantic companions.