bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
APPLICATION OF A SEMI-AUTOMATED TECHNIQUE IN LUNG LESION SEGMENTATION
Authors: Rossi Farli
Published: January 2021

Segmentation is one of the most important steps in automated medical diagnosis applications, which affects the accuracy of the overall system. In this study, we apply a semi-automated technique that combines an active contour and low-level processing techniques in lung lesion segmentation by extracting lung lesions from thoracic Positron Emission Tomography (PET)/Computed Tomography (CT) images. The lesions were first segmented in Positron Emission Tomography (PET) images which have been converted previously to Standardised Uptake Values (SUVs). The segmented PET images then serve as an initial contour for subsequent active contour segmentation of corresponding CT images. To measure accuracy, the Jaccard Index (JI) was used. Jaccard Index (JI) was calculated by comparing the segmented lesion to alternative segmentations obtained from the QIN lung CT segmentation challenge, which is possible by registering the whole body PET/CT images to the corresponding thoracic CT images. The results showed that the semi-automated technique (combination techniques between an active contour and low-level processing) in lung lesion segmentation has moderate accuracy with an average JI value of 0.76±0.12.
A NETWORK OF OUN(B) MEMBERS' RESISTANCE IMPRISONED IN THE AUSCHWITZ CONCENTRATION CAMP: AN EXAMPLE OF THE TRANSFORMATION OF SURVIVAL TACTICS INTO RESISTANCE TACTICS BASED ON THE EXPERIENCE OF UNDERGROUND CONFRONTATION
Authors: ISAIUK Olesia
Published: January 2021

The article discusses the formation of resistance tactics built by members of the OUN(B) prisoners in the Auschwitz concentration camp with the active involvement of a psychological and moral factor in the context of looking at the problem of B. Bettelheim and V. Frankl. The theoretical models of both researchers, partly formed based on their own experience as political prisoners of the Nazi concentration camps, emphasize the significant role in the effectiveness of the survival model of preserving the autonomy of thinking, the ability to build reality models alternative to the positions of the regime and maintain motivation, based on the aim, the main condition for which is to get out of the concentration camp. A number of daily activities and routines are also offered to support this psychological model. Long before the probable detention in the concentration camp, a sort of modus vivendi was formed in the OUN(B) based on the usual OUN clandestine tactics and moral and psychological requirements for members of the Organization, which included most of the necessary elements of survival tactics, developed by Bettelheim. One from the most important elements of its was ability of own system of views spreading to another prisoners, what served as the first phase of transformation into wide resistance movement. This leads to an analysis of the mechanisms of resistance of OUN(B) members in Auschwitz, compared to their pre-prisoner tactics and comparison between internal requirements for OUN members and Bettelheim’s survival complex.
Keywords: survival tactics, resistance tactics, monopoly on household decisions, OUN(B), Bandera Group, Auschwitz, concentration camp.
FATHER STEPAN ONYSHKEVYCH: THE CREATOR AND BUILDER OF ZUNR
Authors: POSIVNYCH Mykola
Published: January 2021

Rev. Stepan Onyshkevych was the founder and organizer of the Ukrainian People's Republic (UNR) in exile. At the beginning of the 20th century, the personae of a Greek Catholic priest S. Onyshkevych (12/21/1861 – 12/16/1944), brightly stood out among other famous persons of Galicia.

S. Onyshkevych together with Mychajlo Hrushevskyy, Ivan Franko, Volodymyr Okhrymovych and others founded the National Democratic Party which was one of the most popular political parties in Ukraine at that time.

Onyshkevych a leading representative as well as a member of the Ukrainian National Council and its provisional parliament was instrumental in laying down the economic and legal and agrarian foundations of this newly created state known as ZUNR.

Based on his memoirs and different sources, the milestones of his life and activities have been studied and analyzed. For example, the author found out that S. Onyshkevych had been the ambassador to the Austro-Hungarian parliament. He was instrumental in forming local policy in Rudkivskyi County while organizing and founding the UNR in exile, a member of the Central Committee of the Ukrainian National Democratic Alliance (UNDO), and its local leadership.

Another aspect of his life's achievement was economic and entrepreneurial activities like organizing different cooperatives (dairy, loan, basketry coops), public and youth organizations ("Ridna Shkola," society "Sich," fire brigade, drama club, etc.). Of great importance was the creation of a legal defense committee for farmers and Ukrainian peasants. He furthered a farmers union.

This research aims to uncover the personae of Stepan Onyshkevych, and his community policies and his involvement as such. A methodical basis for this is a complex approach in analyzing this situation.
Keywords: pastoral and political activity, West Ukrainian People's Republic, public organizations, cooperative movements.
AN OPERATION OR A «KETTLE»: DEBALTSEVE EVENTS AT THE BEGINNING OF 2015 IN UKRAINIAN PUBLIC OPINION
Authors: PIDSHYBIAKIN Serhii
Published: January 2021

The author analyzes the Ukrainian public opinion on the events on the front line near Debaltseve in the Donetsk region in January-February 2015. It is stated that the offensive in January 2015 of pro-Russian terrorists, together with Russian regular troops, had to destroy the "Debaltseve ledge" as, since the end of July 2014, the city was under the control of the Ukrainian authorities. The task also included the encirclement and defeat of the Ukrainian army, deployment of the offensive, and occupation of Artemivsk and Kramatorsk. As a result of fierce fightings, which lasted from January 27 to February 18, Russian troops destroyed the "Debaltseve ledge" and took, in particular, essential for transport connection settlements Vuhlehirsk, Chornukhine, Debaltseve. The author states that the significant losses inflicted on the enemy by Ukrainian soldiers forced him to abandon further offensive actions and to seize new territories.

While the official representatives of the military-political command (starting with the President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko and the Chiefs of Staff of the Armed Forces of Ukraine) and loyal media and expert circles considered the withdrawal of Ukrainian troops from Debaltseve a successful operation, that in general saved personnel and combat capability of the army, the opposition was skeptical. It noted that both because of the enemy's treachery and the Ukrainian military leadership's unprofessional actions, the Ukrainian army first was encircled under Debaltseve ("kettle"), and later - lost control of the strategic railway junction.
Keywords

Debaltseve, military operation, «kettle», Ukrainian public opinion, politics, mass media, expert community, Ukraine, Russia.
ON THE QUESTION OF THE RELEVANCE OF THE STATE FORMING PROGRAM OF THE ORGANIZATION OF UKRAINIAN NATIONALISTS
Authors: HAVRYLIV Ihor
Published: January 2021

Implementation of the national idea of Ukrainians into life is the development of the Ukrainian independent unite state. It is based on principles of democracy, law, equity, in the distribution of welfare, a proper level of life, the successful development of the Ukrainian culture and national achievements, the adequate reaction on global challenges and threats in the protection of national and state interests, etc. All this was worked out in the ideological and political postulates during the interwar period and tried to implement the state-forming program of the Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists in the years of World War II. If the leading states, war participants listened to these principles concerning the building of the world under the motto: "Freedom to Peoples - Freedom to Man!" it would be possible to avoid millions of human victims, mass destruction, and many years of confrontation of the West and East. Theoretical and practical gains of the Ukrainian nationalists are actual at present-day as well and underline their importance in the development of Ukraine as an independent state. It facilitates the successful struggle against Russia's aggression, becoming the specific protection in saving of the gains of Euro –Atlantic civilization. Progressive countries have to take the Ukrainian factor into consideration in the further progress of humanity in guaranteeing its stability and prosperity.
Keywords: Ukrainian Independent Unite State, Organization of Ukrainian Nationalists, national idea, state forming program, World War II, Ukrainian nationalists, liberation struggle, totalitarian regime.
WAS THERE BETRAYAL IN THE OUN? (HISTORIOGRAPHICAL EVALUATIONS REASONS AND PREREQUISITES FOR THE SPLIT OF THE NATIONALISTS ORGANIZATION IN 1940)
Authors: FUTALA Vasyl
Published: January 2021

The study presents views of Ukrainian and foreign authors on the circumstances that led to the split of the OUN in 1940, pays attention to the so-called "betrayals" in the nationalist environment, carried out the classification of the causes of the crisis in the underground organization, provides promising areas of research problems.

There are two groups of priority reasons for the split of the OUN in 1940: internal and external. From the first group, some researchers have singled out the following factors: tactical (Stepan Lenkavskyi, Petro Mirchuk, Volodymyr Kosyk, Mykhailo Koval, Ryszard Torzecki, etc.), psychological (Zenon Pelenskyi, Ivan Patryliak) and personal (Zynovii Knysh, Oleksandr Ischuk) character. External causes of the split were due to German (Anatolii Kentii) or Soviet (Ihor Havryliv) factors. In the historical literature, there is no unambiguous answer to the question: was there betrayal in the OUN? Right-wing professor Stanislav Kulchytskyi, who was in charge of a historical working group at the Government Commission for the Study of the OUN and UPA, stated there was no betrayal by Yevhen Konovalets' inner circle. It is necessary to talk about the betrayal of individual OUN members, such as Roman Baranovskyi.

It is alleged that due to the absence of reliable historical sources and its politicization has no prospects of study question about the so-called «Archive of Senyk». Nevertheless, historians should continue exploring the relationship between the OUN Regional Executive and the Ukrainian Nationalist Leadership in 1929–1940. It is emphasized that in the context of Ukrainian national memory policy, historians' important task is a deep analysis of the lessons of the OUN split 1940. After all, the question is very relevant to today's consolidation and unity not only nationalist structures but also all national-state one's forces.
Keywords: historiography, historiographical source, OUN, betrayal, schis
Comparative analysis of oral cavity sanation in children under general anesthesia and inhalation anesthesia with nitrogen oxide
Authors: Proskokova S. V. , Khosrovyan N. M. , Eremin D. A. , Kabisova G. S. , Meskhiya N. G. , Mikhailova E. G.
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to carry out a comparative analysis of the volume of dental intervention under conditions of combined endotracheal anesthesia and inhalation anesthesia of nitrous oxide in pediatric dentistry.

Materials and methods. Within the framework of this study, the results of oral cavity sanitation were analyzed in 300 patients aged 2 to 5 years. The median age was 3.7 years. The participants were divided into 2 equal samples: 150 patients underwent sanitation under general anesthesia (anesthesia group), 150 under conditions of inhalation anesthesia of nitrous oxide (sedation group). In the sedation group, there were 83 (55.3%) boys and 67 (44.7%) girls, in the anesthesia group – 89 participants (59.3%) were male, and 61 (40.7%) were female. The patients included in this study had comparable dental status. Also, when performing dental interventions in both groups, according to indications, local anesthesia was performed: children under 4 years old – lidocaine, children over 4 years old – articaine.

Results. Based on the results of the analysis of the data obtained, it was found that the number of visits required for full-fledged dental treatment was statistically significantly lower in the anesthesia group compared to the sedation group: thus, all patients who underwent combined endotracheal anesthesia required only one visit to the clinic for necessary treatment. But it was also found that the total time of dental treatment differed depending on the anesthetic aid used: in the anesthesia group, it usually took from 1 to 2 hours (in 98% of patients), during this time a complete sanitation of the oral cavity was carried out, and in the sedation group varied more widely, with half of the patients in the range from 30 minutes to 1 hour (14% and 36.7% of children, respectively), but the number of visits for complete oral cavity sanitation increased to 8.

Conclusions. In the present work, it was revealed that dental treatment under general anesthesia in children was more effective than the same treatment under conditions of inhalation anesthesia of nitrous oxide with preserved consciousness. The use of combined endotracheal anesthesia allows to reduce the number of visits to the clinic and avoid refusals from further dental treatment. General anesthesia was also more effective than sedation in terms of the number of cured teeth with caries, chronic pulpitis and extracted teeth. Nitrous oxide inhalation anesthesia provides partial retention of consciousness, is more manageable and better tolerated by children.
Domestic prophylactic agents in maintaining the dental health of the elderly
Authors: Iordanishvili A. K.
Published: January 2021

Goal. To investigate dental health and oral microbiota in elderly people who use domestic care products after the completion of their sanitation.

Material and methods. The prevalence and intensity of the course of dental caries, periodontal pathology, pathology of the oral mucosa, as well as the microbiota in 96 people aged 61 to 73 years were studied using conventional research methods in dentistry in elderly patients who visited a dentist for a year according to the appealability (group 1) or were under dynamic supervision and regularly carried out individual oral hygiene with the help of domestic ASEPTA products (group 2).

Results. Individual prophylactic and hygienic measures for the care of the oral cavity, regularly carried out by elderly patients of group 2, significantly improved their dental health, contributed to the secondary prevention of periodontal diseases and a significant reduction in periodontal pathogens in the oral cavity.

Conclusion. Elderly patients who are regularly observed by a dentist with a complex of measures for the primary and secondary prevention of dental diseases carried out 2 times a year, as well as with their proper adherence to oral care, it is possible to achieve effective treatment of the pathology of hard dental tissues, remission of inflammatory pathology of periodontal disease, and also good oral hygiene, which has a positive effect on their quality of life.
Investigations on Endohelmint Fauna of Teleost Fishes of Aras and Murat Rivers in Turkey
Authors: ASLAN ÇELİK Burçak , OĞUZ Mehmet Cemal
Published: January 2021

In this study which has been done between April 2008 and June 2009, fishes captured from Ağrı and Erzurum were examined by endoparasite fauna. Examined fishes are as follows: Acanthobrama marmid Heckel, 1843, Alburnus akili Battalgil, 1942, Barbus plebejus Bonaparte, 1839, Barbus mursa Güldenstädt, 1773, Capoeta barroisi Lortet in Barrois, 1894, Capoeta capoeta Güldenstädt, 1773, Cyprinus carpio Linnaeus, 1758, Leuciscus cephalus Linnaeus, 1758. Consequently, a total of 908 individual parasites were detected from six parasite species; Rhabdochona denudata Dujardin, 1845 (Nematoda), Neoechinorhynchus sp. and Pomphorhynchus sp. (Acanthocephala), Bothriocephalus acheilognathi Yamaguti, 1934, and Caryophyllaeus laticeps Pallas, 1781 (Cestoda), Allocreadium isoporum Looss, 1894 (Digenea). The distribution of the infection prevalence, mean intensity, and abundance values of parasite species were determined. As a result of our study, 93 of 233 (39.91%) fish were reported with parasites.
Photocatalytic Degradation of Tetracycline by a Novel (CMC)/MIL-101(Fe)/β-CDP Composite Hydrogel
Authors: Zhang Hui , Zhou Liang , Li Jing , Rong Sijia , Jiang Jianping , Liu Shengquan
Published: January 2021

Herein, we report a novel carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC)/MIL-101 (Fe)/poly(β-cyclodextrin) (β-CDP) hydrogel with high photocatalytic activity. β-CDP can significantly enhance the photoactivity of MIL-101(Fe) in the hydrogel prepared by a simple solvothermal method. The structure and property of this composite hydrogel were characterized by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, X-ray diffraction, scanning electron microscopy, and transmission electron microscopy. Tetracycline was selected as a model pharmaceutical antibiotic to evaluate the photocatalytic activity of the composite hydrogel under visible light irradiation and darkness, respectively. This composite hydrogel shows excellent activity for degrading pharmaceutical antibiotics under visible light irradiation. The increased photocatalytic activity can be attributed to β-CDP, which acts as a promoter and affords an efficient separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs of MIL-101(Fe). Moreover, the composite hydrogel is shown to have good water retainability. The hydrogel is inexpensive and shows high photocatalytic activity. Hence, it can be used as an efficient photocatalytic material.
Genetic Rescue and the Plight of Ponui Hybrids
Authors: Undin Malin , Lockhart Peter J. , Hills Simon F. K. , Castro Isabel
Published: January 2021

Long-term sustainable and resilient populations is a key goal of conservation. How to best achieve this is controversial. There are, for instance, polarized views concerning the fitness and conservation value of hybrid populations founded through multi-origin translocations. A classic example concerns Apteryx (kiwi) in New Zealand. The A. mantelli of Ponui Island constitute a hybrid population where the birds are highly successful in their island habitat. A key dilemma for managers is understanding the reason for this success. Are the hybrid birds of Ponui Island of “no future conservation value” as recently asserted, or do they represent an outstanding example of genetic rescue and an important resource for future translocations? There has been a paradigm shift in scientific thinking concerning hybrids, but the ecological significance of admixed genomes remains difficult to assess. This limits what we can currently predict in conservation science. New understanding from genome science challenges the sufficiency of population genetic models to inform decision making and suggests instead that the contrasting outcomes of hybridization, “outbreeding depression” and “heterosis,” require understanding additional factors that modulate gene and protein expression and how these factors are influenced by the environment. We discuss these findings and the investigations that might help us to better understand the birds of Ponui, inform conservation management of kiwi and provide insight relevant for the future survival of Apteryx.
A Case Study on the Use of Contexts and Socio-Scientific Issues-Based Science Education by Pre-service Junior High School Science Teachers in Indonesia During Their Final Year Teaching Internship
Authors: Nida Safwatun , Pratiwi Novida , Eilks Ingo
Published: January 2021

This paper presents a case study looking at the use of daily life contexts and socio-scientific issues by pre-service science teachers (PSTs) in Indonesia during their final year teaching internship. The study is based on a questionnaire distributed to 42 PSTs at a State University in East-Java after they took part in a teaching internship program. The questionnaire focuses on the contexts the PSTs used in their teaching and how the contexts were used. Additionally, eight of the PSTs who taught a unit on environmental pollution were interviewed to more deeply explore how deeply they referred to real-world contexts in their teaching practice and whether or not they presented the topics as socio-scientific issues (SSIs). Most of the PSTs stated that they had used daily life contexts quite often when teaching. The most frequent contexts the PSTs used were daily life objects and questions related to society and the environment. The contexts were mostly introduced at the beginning of the lesson, before the science content was taught. They suggested that the function of contexts was generally for motivational purposes and for student engagement with science concepts. The contexts were rarely used to provoke societal discussions, even though the PSTs acknowledged that many contexts can be used in the sense of socio-scientific issues and were considered to potentially provoke discussions beyond science.
Nanotechnology-Based Strategies for Berberine Delivery System in Cancer Treatment: Pulling Strings to Keep Berberine in Power
Authors: Javed Iqbal Muhammad , Quispe Cristina , Javed Zeeshan , Sadia Haleema , Qadri Qamar Raza , Raza Shahid , Salehi Bahare , Cruz-Martins Natália , Abdulwanis Mohamed Zeinab , Sani Jaafaru Mohammed , Abdull Razis Ahmad Faizal , Sharifi-Rad Javad
Published: January 2021

Cancer is a multifactorial disease characterized by complex molecular landscape and altered cell pathways that results in an abnormal cell growth. Natural compounds are target-specific and pose a limited cytotoxicity; therefore, can aid in the development of new therapeutic interventions for the treatment of this versatile disease. Berberine is a member of the protoberberine alkaloids family, mainly present in the root, stem, and bark of various trees, and has a reputed anticancer activity. Nonetheless, the limited bioavailability and low absorption rate are the two major hindrances following berberine administration as only 0.5% of ingested berberine absorbed in small intestine while this percentage is further decreased to 0.35%, when enter in systemic circulation. Nano-based formulation is believed to be an ideal candidate to increase absorption percentage as at nano scale level, compounds can absorb rapidly in gut. Nanotechnology-based therapeutic approaches have been implemented to overcome such problems, ultimately promoting a higher efficacy in the treatment of a plethora of diseases. This review present and critically discusses the anti-proliferative role of berberine and the nanotechnology-based therapeutic strategies used for the nano-scale delivery of berberine. Finally, the current approaches and promising perspectives of latest delivery of this alkaloid are also critically analyzed and discussed.
Antidromic Spike Propagation and Dissimilar Expression of P2X, 5-HT, and TRPV1 Channels in Peripheral vs. Central Sensory Axons in Meninges
Authors: Gafurov Oleg , Koroleva Kseniia , Giniatullin Rashid
Published: January 2021

Background: The terminal branches of the trigeminal nerve in meninges are supposed to be the origin site of migraine pain. The main function of these peripheral sensory axons is the initiation and propagation of spikes in the orthodromic direction to the second order neurons in the brainstem. The stimulation of the trigeminal ganglion induces the release of the neuropeptide CGRP in meninges suggesting the antidromic propagation of excitation in these fibers. However, the direct evidence on antidromic spike traveling in meningeal afferents is missing.

Methods: By recording of spikes from peripheral or central parts of the trigeminal nerve in rat meninges, we explored their functional activity and tested the expression of ATP-, serotonin-, and capsaicin-gated receptors in the distal vs. proximal parts of these nerves.

Results: We show the significant antidromic propagation of spontaneous spikes in meningeal nerves which was, however, less intense than the orthodromic nociceptive traffic due to higher number of active fibers in the latter. Application of ATP, serotonin and capsaicin induced a high frequency nociceptive firing in peripheral processes while, in central parts, only ATP and capsaicin were effective. Disconnection of nerve from trigeminal ganglion dramatically reduced the tonic antidromic activity and attenuated the excitatory action of ATP.

Conclusion: Our data indicate the bidirectional nociceptive traffic and dissimilar expression of P2X, 5-HT and TRPV1 receptors in proximal vs. distal parts of meningeal afferents, which is important for understanding the peripheral mechanisms of migraine pain.
Aortic Sources of Embolism
Authors: Viedma-Guiard Elena , Guidoux Celine , Amarenco Pierre , Meseguer Elena
Published: January 2021

Aortic arch atheroma is a frequent finding in ischemic stroke patients. Its role as a source of cerebral emboli or a marker of atherosclerosis is unclear. Transesophageal echography is considered the gold standard for its detection, whereas computed tomography angiography is a good alternative; magnetic resonance and positron emission tomography could be proposed to better analyze plaque vulnerability. Despite the interest in this condition, the optimal antithrombotic treatment remains uncertain, while intensive lipid-lowering therapy should be recommended. This review aims to offer guidance on patients with aortic arch atheroma, about its causal role in stroke, diagnosis, and treatment based on current available evidence.
Intensity and Dose of Neuromuscular Electrical Stimulation Influence Sensorimotor Cortical Excitability
Authors: Insausti-Delgado Ainhoa , López-Larraz Eduardo , Omedes Jason , Ramos-Murguialday Ander
Published: January 2021

Neuromuscular electrical stimulation (NMES) of the nervous system has been extensively used in neurorehabilitation due to its capacity to engage the muscle fibers, improving muscle tone, and the neural pathways, sending afferent volleys toward the brain. Although different neuroimaging tools suggested the capability of NMES to regulate the excitability of sensorimotor cortex and corticospinal circuits, how the intensity and dose of NMES can neuromodulate the brain oscillatory activity measured with electroencephalography (EEG) is still unknown to date. We quantified the effect of NMES parameters on brain oscillatory activity of 12 healthy participants who underwent stimulation of wrist extensors during rest. Three different NMES intensities were included, two below and one above the individual motor threshold, fixing the stimulation frequency to 35 Hz and the pulse width to 300 μs. Firstly, we efficiently removed stimulation artifacts from the EEG recordings. Secondly, we analyzed the effect of amplitude and dose on the sensorimotor oscillatory activity. On the one hand, we observed a significant NMES intensity-dependent modulation of brain activity, demonstrating the direct effect of afferent receptor recruitment. On the other hand, we described a significant NMES intensity-dependent dose-effect on sensorimotor activity modulation over time, with below-motor-threshold intensities causing cortical inhibition and above-motor-threshold intensities causing cortical facilitation. Our results highlight the relevance of intensity and dose of NMES, and show that these parameters can influence the recruitment of the sensorimotor pathways from the muscle to the brain, which should be carefully considered for the design of novel neuromodulation interventions based on NMES.
Electromyogram (EMG) Removal by Adding Sources of EMG (ERASE)—A Novel ICA-Based Algorithm for Removing Myoelectric Artifacts From EEG
Authors: Li Yongcheng , Wang Po T. , Vaidya Mukta P. , Flint Robert D. , Liu Charles Y. , Slutzky Marc W. , Do An H.
Published: January 2021

Electroencephalographic (EEG) recordings are often contaminated by electromyographic (EMG) artifacts, especially when recording during movement. Existing methods to remove EMG artifacts include independent component analysis (ICA), and other high-order statistical methods. However, these methods can not effectively remove most of EMG artifacts. Here, we proposed a modified ICA model for EMG artifacts removal in the EEG, which is called EMG Removal by Adding Sources of EMG (ERASE). In this new approach, additional channels of real EMG from neck and head muscles (reference artifacts) were added as inputs to ICA in order to “force” the most power from EMG artifacts into a few independent components (ICs). The ICs containing EMG artifacts (the “artifact ICs”) were identified and rejected using an automated procedure. ERASE was validated first using both simulated and experimentally-recorded EEG and EMG. Simulation results showed ERASE removed EMG artifacts from EEG significantly more effectively than conventional ICA. Also, it had a low false positive rate and high sensitivity. Subsequently, EEG was collected from 8 healthy participants while they moved their hands to test the realistic efficacy of this approach. Results showed that ERASE successfully removed EMG artifacts (on average, about 75% of EMG artifacts were removed when using real EMGs as reference artifacts) while preserving the expected EEG features related to movement. We also tested the ERASE procedure using simulated EMGs as reference artifacts (about 63% of EMG artifacts removed). Compared to conventional ICA, ERASE removed on average 26% more EMG artifacts from EEG. These findings suggest that ERASE can achieve significant separation of EEG signal and EMG artifacts without a loss of the underlying EEG features. These results indicate that using additional real or simulated EMG sources can increase the effectiveness of ICA in removing EMG artifacts from EEG. Combined with automated artifact IC rejection, ERASE also minimizes potential user bias. Future work will focus on improving ERASE so that it can also be used in real-time applications.
Immune Cluster and PPI Network Analyses Identified CXCR3 as a Key Node of Immunoregulation in Head and Neck Cancer
Authors: Wang Ping , Wang Yanli , Jiang Yuanjun , Li Minghong , Li Guang , Qiao Qiao
Published: January 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) is significantly associated with clinical outcomes and therapeutic efficacy. However, the landscape of the head and neck cancer (HNC) microenvironment is not fully understood. Therefore, we divided HNCs into three classes according to differences in the TME to determine effective personalized treatments. We explored the immune landscape of head and neck cancer by analysing the gene expression profile of 501 cases from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) data portal and validated our findings in 270 cases from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The levels of immune components in the tumor microenvironment were evaluated via single-sample gene set enrichment (ssGSEA) analysis. The HNCs were clustered into an Immunity-H group, Immunity-M group and Immunity-L group according to 40 immune components in the tumor microenvironment. DNA damage and HLA genes play an important role in immune regulation. The patients in the Immunity-H group had a favourable survival compared with patients in the Immunity-M group and the Immunity-L group. The patients in the Immunity-H group and Immunity-M group could benefit from radiotherapy. In addition, the Immunity-L group showed the lowest immunophenoscore and had poor response to anti-PD-1 treatment. CXCR3 was demonstrated to be downregulated in the Immunity-L group, which was related to shorter OS in the TCGA and GEO databases, suggesting CXCR3 as a potential therapeutic target. Taken together, our findings proposed three new microenvironment-related phenotypes of HNCs and suggested that CXCR3 played a major role in immune regulation and could be a novel therapeutic target, providing a reference for clinical decisions and research directions in the future.
Hsa_circ_0107593 Suppresses the Progression of Cervical Cancer via Sponging hsa-miR-20a-5p/93-5p/106b-5p
Authors: Liao Wenyan , He Jun , Disoma Cyrollah , Hu Yi , Li Junhua , Chen Guodong , Sheng Ying , Cai Xinyu , Li Chuanfu , Cheng Kai , Yang Chunfen , Qin Yongxi , Han Dong , Wen Wu , Ding Chengming , Li Mujun
Published: January 2021

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a new class of single-stranded RNAs that form a continuous loop with crucial role in regulation of gene expression. Because their circular conformation conforms numerous properties, circRNAs have been investigated recently to demonstrate their important role in the development and progression of various cancers. However, the function of circRNAs and their regulatory outcomes in cervical cancer (CC) have rarely been explored. In this study, the role and molecular mechanism of hsa_circ_0107593 in cervical cancer are demonstrated. Quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) was used to determine the expression of hsa_circ_0107593 and three miRNAs (hsa-miR-20a-5p, 93-5p, and 106b-5p) in paired CC tissues (tumor tissue vs. adjacent normal cervical tissue), CC cell lines, and human normal cervical epithelial immortalized cell line. A series of functional experiments were conducted to assess the function of hsa_circ_0107593 in CC development. The Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve was plotted to estimate the diagnostic value of hsa_circ_0107593 in CC. The dual-luciferase reporter assay was used to explore the interaction between hsa_circ_0107593 and hsa-miR-20a-5p/93-5p/106b-5p. Bioinformatic analysis was conducted to predict the target mRNAs, pathways, and functional enrichment. The results revealed that hsa_circ_0107593 has low expression in CC tissues and CC cell lines. Moreover, negative correlations of hsa_circ_0107593 expression were found against tumor diameter, FIGO stage, and myometrial invasion. Also, hsa_circ_0107593 impedes CC cell proliferation, migration, and invasion. Based on ROC curve analysis, hsa_circ_0107593 could serve as a diagnostic biomarker. Its low expression may indicate increased patient’s risk to developing cervical cancer. Mechanistically, hsa_circ_0107593 serves as a sponge of hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-93-5p, and hsa-miR-106b-5p. Collectively, our study implies that hsa_circ_0107593 has tumor-suppressing activity in CC by physically binding with hsa-miR-20a-5p, hsa-miR-93-5p, and hsa-miR-106b-5p.
A Combined Epithelial Mesenchymal Transformation and DNA Repair Gene Panel in Colorectal Cancer With Prognostic and Therapeutic Implication
Authors: Huang Xiaoliang , Liu Jungang , Liu Haizhou , Mo Xianwei , Meng Yongsheng , Zhang Lihua , Deng Yuqing , Zhang Yawei , Tang Weizhong
Published: January 2021

Background

Epithelial mesenchymal transformation (EMT) and DNA repair status represent intrinsic features of colorectal cancer (CRC) and are associated with patient prognosis and treatment responsiveness. We sought to develop a combined EMT and DNA repair gene panel with potential application in patient classification and precise treatment.

Methods

We comprehensively evaluated the EMT and DNA repair patterns of 1,652 CRC patients from four datasets. Unsupervised clustering was used for classification. The clinical features, genetic mutation, tumor mutation load, and chemotherapy as well as immunotherapy sensitivity among different clusters were systematically compared. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression method was used to develop the risk model.

Results

Three distinct CRC clusters were determined. Clustet1 was characterized by down-regulated DNA repair pathways but active epithelial markers and metabolism pathway and had intermediate prognosis. Clustet2 was characterized by down-regulated both epithelial markers and DNA repair pathways and had poor outcome. Clustet3 presented with activation of DNA repair pathway and epithelial markers had favorable prognosis. Clustet1 might benefit form chemotherapy and Clustet3 had a higher response rate to immunotherapy. An EMT and DNA repair risk model related to prognosis and treatment response was developed.

Conclusions

This work developed and validated a combined EMT and DNA repair gene panel for CRC classification, which may be an effective tool for survival prediction and treatment guidance in CRC patients.
Rapid Assessment of the Potential Paucity and Price Increases for Suggested Medicines and Protection Equipment for COVID-19 Across Developing Countries With a Particular Focus on Africa and the Implications
Authors: Sefah Israel Abebrese , Ogunleye Olayinka O. , Essah Darius Obeng , Opanga Sylvia A. , Butt Nadia , Wamaitha Annie , Guantai Anastasia Nkatha , Chikowe Ibrahim , Khuluza Felix , Kibuule Dan , Nambahu Lahya , Abubakar Abdullahi Rabiu , Sani Ibrahim Haruna , Saleem Zikria , Kalungia Aubrey C. , Thi Phuong Thuy Nguyen , Haque Mainul , Islam Salequl , Kumar Santosh , Sneddon Jacqueline , Wamboga Joshua , Wale Janney , Miljković Nenad , Kurdi Amanj , Martin Antony P. , Godman Brian
Published: January 2021

Background: Countries across Africa and Asia have introduced a variety of measures to prevent and treat COVID-19 with medicines and personal protective equipment (PPE). However, there has been considerable controversy surrounding some treatments including hydroxychloroquine where the initial hype and misinformation led to shortages, price rises and suicides. Price rises and shortages were also seen for PPE. Such activities can have catastrophic consequences especially in countries with high co-payment levels. Consequently, there is a need to investigate this further.

Objective: Assess changes in utilisation, prices, and shortages of pertinent medicines and PPE among African and Asian countries since the start of pandemic.

Our approach: Data gathering among community pharmacists to assess changes in patterns from the beginning of March until principally the end of May 2020. In addition, suggestions on ways to reduce misinformation.

Results: One hundred and thirty one pharmacists took part building on the earlier studies across Asia. There were increases in the utilisation of principally antimalarials (hydroxychloroquine) and antibiotics (azithromycin) especially in Nigeria and Ghana. There were limited changes in Namibia and Vietnam reflecting current initiatives to reduce inappropriate prescribing and dispensing of antimicrobials. Encouragingly, there was increased use of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE across the countries where documented. In addition, generally limited change in the utilisation of herbal medicines. However, shortages have resulted in appreciable price increases in some countries although moderated in others through government initiatives. Suggestions in Namibia going forward included better planning and educating patients.

Conclusion: Encouraging to see increases in the utilisation of vitamins/immune boosters and PPE. However, concerns with increased utilisation of antimicrobials needs addressing alongside misinformation, unintended consequences from the pandemic and any appreciable price rises. Community pharmacists and patient organisations can play key roles in providing evidence-based advice, helping moderate prices through improved stock management, and helping address unintended consequences of the pandemic.
Even High-Quality CPGs Seldom Include Implementation Strategies
Authors: Vasconcelos Luciana Pereira de , Melo Daniela Oliveira De , Stein Airton Tetelbom , Carvalho Heráclito Barbosa de
Published: January 2021

Background: Implementation is a key step in ensuring that high-quality clinical practice guideline (CPG) recommendations are followed and have a positive impact. This step must be planned during CPG development. This study aims to inform professionals tasked with developing and implementing CPGs regarding implementation strategies and tools reported in high-quality CPGs for chronic non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

Methods: NCD guidelines were selected based on Appraisal of Guideline Research and Evaluation (AGREE) II assessment. CPGs with a score of ≥60% in AGREE II domains 3 (rigor of development), 5 (applicability), and 6 (editorial independence), were considered high quality. The content related to implementation was extracted from CPG full texts and complementary materials. Implementation strategies and tools were assessed and classified using Mazza taxonomy.

Results: Twenty high-quality CPGs were selected, most of which were developed by government institutions (16; 80%) with public funding (16; 80%); almost half (9; 45%) addressed the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. The countries with the most high-quality CPGs were the UK (6; 30%) and Colombia (5; 25%). These countries also had the highest average number of strategies, Colombia with 28 (SD = 1) distributed in all levels, and the UK with 15 (SD = 7), concentrating on professional and organizational levels. Although the content of the Colombian CPGs was similar regardless the disease, the CPGs from the UK were specific and contained data-based feedback reports and information on CPG compliance. Implementation strategies most frequently identified were at the professional level, such as distributing reference material (18; 80%) and educating groups of healthcare professionals (18; 80%). At the organizational level, the most frequent strategies involve changes in structure (15; 75%) and service delivery method (13; 65%).

Conclusion: Countries with established CPG programs, such as the UK and Colombia, where identified as having the highest number of high-quality CPGs, although CPG implementation content had significant differences. Among high-quality CPGs, the most common implementation strategies were at the professional and organizational levels. There is still room for improvement regarding the implementation strategies report, even among high-quality CPGs, especially concerning monitoring of implementation outcomes and selection of strategies based on relevant implementation barriers.
Chronological Impact of Earthquakes on Blood Pressure: A Literature Review and Retrospective Study of Hypertension in Haiti Before and After the 2010 Earthquake
Authors: Fath Ayman R. , Aglan Amro , Platt Jeri , Yaron Jordan R. , Varkoly Kyle S. , Beladi Roxana N. , Gorgas Diane , Jean Jean Tom , Dasni Pierre , Eldaly Abdullah S. , Juby Michael , Lucas Alexandra R.
Published: January 2021

Objective: We review prior studies on the incidence of hypertension (HTN) after earthquakes and present a retrospective analysis of HTN after the 2010 earthquake in Haiti.

Methods: Prior reports on HTN incidence were reviewed and a retrospective chart review for diagnosis of HTN in 4,308 patient charts was performed over a 7 year period (five clinics). A retrospective cohort study (RCS) was then performed on 11 patients with linear follow-up.

Results: The Literature review revealed a significant increase in acute and subacute HTN following earthquakes. However, the chronic effects of earthquakes varied. Our chart review uncovered no significant difference in diagnosed HTN in a Fort-Liberté clinic 128 kilometers (km) distant and 4 weeks post-event. A secondary linear RCS for 11 individuals, prior to and after the earthquake, also did not detect a significant change in HTN prevalence.

Conclusion: Prior studies demonstrate acute and subacute, increases in HTN after earthquakes, but late changes have varied. Retrospective studies in the Fort-Liberté clinic, 128 km distant and 4 weeks post-event, revealed no significant change in HTN, confirming prior findings that changes in HTN after earthquakes are early and local events. Further work examining HTN after earthquakes is needed to improve early health care after natural disasters.
Survey of Optimal Control and Model Predictive Control with State Estimation and a Real Time Application
Authors: Dávid László , György Katalin , Galaczi László-Alpár
Published: January 2021

The optimal control and its limited version namely the model predictive control represent one of the most important nonlinear control alternatives nowadays. The success of them are also proven in many practical applications. These can provide for several industrial applications the optimal trajectory calculation as well as calculation of the real-time control signal. One successful version of this is Generalized Predictive Control (GPC). A big advantage of these control algorithms is that they solutions are able to take into account the limitations of the inputs, and the states. In some cases, it is important to know the mathematical model chosen and the complete state information. Otherwise, the model can be estimated during the operation. Our study shows through the control of the cathode heating of a high-power electron beam device the self-tuning adaptive control thus constructed. Using a suitable dynamic model and an extended Kalman estimator, we determine the estimated temperature of the two cathodes during operation and the saturation electron current, which ensures the maximum cathode life. The practical application was tested on a CTW 5/60 type electron gun.
Stainless Steel Plate One Side Welding
Authors: Felvári Bálint , Dunavölgyi Dávid , Kuti János
Published: January 2021

The authors in this research investigated a cost-effective welding setup for stainless steel following the industrial trends. Ajustments, movements and tests can be avoided during plate welding by welding the piece from one side. During the research, the applied layout is investigated, any deformities that may be caused, and whether it can maintain the inter-row temperature.
Mechanical Resources Available At Middle Tisza District Water Directorate for External Flood Protection and Outsourcing
Authors: Horváth Lajos
Published: January 2021

After 1998, the flood waves of the Tisza, Zagyva and Hármas-Körös rivers reached record levels in the area of operation of MTDWD requiring significant mechanical resources from the Water Directorate and participating external organizations in order to perform the protection tasks. In this article, the author describes the volume of mechanical resources used in the management of the MTDWD and the volume of those provided by external organizations during the flood control of the Tisza River in 2000, 2006 and 2010. It proves that in the event of flood defenses exceeding the order level, the Directorate’s own machinery resources are not sufficient, and that therefore, external machinery capacities are indispensable to meet future requirements.
Dimensionality Reduction Methods Used in Machine Learning
Authors: Muhi Kristóf , Johanyák Zsolt Csaba
Published: January 2021

In most cases, a dataset obtained through observation, measurement, etc. cannot be directly used for the training of a machine learning based system due to the unavoidable existence of missing data, inconsistencies and high dimensional feature space. Additionally, the individual features can contain quite different data types and ranges. For this reason, a data preprocessing step is nearly always necessary before the data can be used. This paper gives a short review of the typical methods applicable in the preprocessing and dimensionality reduction of raw data.
Influence of the Degree of Compaction on the Bearing Capacity of a Road Structure Reinforced with Triaxial Geogrids
Authors: Nagy Andor-Csongor , Hajdó Harmat , Kis Ádám , Moldovan Dorin-Vasile
Published: January 2021

The degree of compaction for a crushed stone roadbed is one of the most important technical characteristics of road construction works. Insufficient compaction can have significant effects on the resulting bearing capacity, even in road structures reinforced with geosynthetic materials. The present study concernes the utility of using geosynthetic reinforcement in the base layer of a road structure, while varying the degree of compaction on 1:1 scale models.
Determination of Free Diethanolamine Content
Authors: Nagy Roland , Hartyányi Máté , Nagy Bianka , Varga Csilla
Published: January 2021

Quantification of alkanolamines is imperative for health and chemical safety risk reasons. A fast method that requires less equipment has been developed for the determination of free diethanolamine in different types of additives. Repeatability tests were carried out. The free diethanolamine content of commercially available additives has been determined. We have recommended industrial applicability.