bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Physicochemical and Antibacterial Properties of Bivalent Freeze and Furnace Dried Nanoscale Cerium Oxide
Authors: Iqbal Neelam , Anastasiou Antonios , Aslam Zabeada , Raif Mostafa El , Do Thuy , Giannoudis Peter , Jha Animesh
Published: December 2020

Bone healing is a complex process, and if not managed, can lead to bacterial infections, non-union and compromised healing of bone. The broad overuse of antibiotics has led to the emergence of antibiotic-resistant bacteria. Due to the growing urgency to minimise the dependency on antibiotic drugs, alternative treatment strategies, including the use of nanoparticles, have attracted significant attention. Bivalent cerium oxide nanoparticles (Ce4+ and Ce3+) synthesised via a hydroxide mediated approach were calcined at 280, 385 and 815 ˚C identified using the Simultaneous Thermal Analysis technique. The resulting nanoparticles were characterised using X-ray Powder Diffraction, Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy, Ultraviolet-Visible Spectroscopy, Transmission Electron Microscopy, and Electron Energy Loss Spectroscopy. The antibacterial potential of cerium oxide nanoparticles corresponds to the particle size and the presence of oxygen vacancies in the fluorite crystal structure. The antibacterial efficacy of nanoparticles was characterised at concentrations of 50, 100 and 200 µg/ml and tested against the following strains, Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus epidermis and Pseudomonas aeruginosa by determining the half-maximal inhibitory concentration (IC50). The calcination temperature was found to affect the agglomeration tendency, particle size distribution and the ratio of Ce3+:Ce4+ oxidation states. The hydroxide mediated approach yielded spherical nanoparticles of ceria with particles size ranging from 4 nm to 53 nm. The freeze-dried bivalent nanoparticles exhibited 18.5 ± 1.2%, 10.5 ± 4.4%, and 13.8 ± 5.8% increased antibacterial efficacy against Escherichia coli, Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Staphylococcus epidermis, respectively compared to nanoparticles consisting solely of Ce4+ ions, i.e. nanoparticles calcined at 815 ˚C.
Workload Indicators of Staffing Need Method in Determining Anesthesia and Surgical Technologist Staff in Operating Room
Authors: Khodayari-Zarnaq Rahim , Maleki Reza Aghebati , Mafakheri Zahra , Bozorghpour Niosha , Ezzati Esmaeil , Bahreini Rona
Published: December 2020

Background: Human resources in health are limited, and a variety of healthcare services are increasing, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to determine the anesthesia and surgical technologist staff for operating room based on the Workload Indicators of Staffing Need (WISN).Methods: This cross-sectional descriptive study was conducted at Shahid Madani Medical and Training Hospital in 2019. The data collected through interview and hospital documents observation. The WISN method was used to analyze and determine staffing need.Results: The WISN ratio for anesthesia and surgical technologist staff were 1.60 and 4.94, respectively. In other words, in both categories, this ratio is >1.00. Conclusions: WISN results can used to assess staffing capacity and capability over the previous year and the policy and financial implications due to staff shortages or surplus. As the workload of staff is an important issue and the staff have a right to have a standard workload in their position, then determining this workload is an essential issue in healthcare organization. Also, WISN method work as a human resource management tools, it improvers health managers to make right decision about staffing needs and then better manage of organization’s resources.
Japan’s development cooperation for health in Vietnam: A first holistic assessment on Japan’s ODA and non-ODA public resources cooperation
Authors: Lee Sangnim , Tachimori Hisateru , Sugai Maaya Kita , Ishizuka Aya , Uechi Manami , Akashi Hidechika , Hinoshita Eiji , Miyata Hiroaki , Shibuya Kenji
Published: December 2020

Background
To achieve Universal Health Coverage (UHC), which is the core driver of health Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), by 2030, Japan strives to strengthen its development cooperation by mobilizing various resources. However, the involvement and roles of various actors from Japan in development cooperation for health have not been revealed across various entities of the Japanese government or to the public. This study is the first to systematically assess the overall picture of Japan’s publicly funded cooperation mobilizing Official Development Assistance (ODA) and non-ODA public resources to improve people’s health in Vietnam. A cross-sectional analysis of Japanese publicly funded projects implemented for health cooperation in Vietnam during December 2016 was conducted. A framework based on the six building blocks of health system defined by the World Health Organization was adopted in order to assess the target projects.
Results
Overall, 68 projects implemented through Japanese public funding were included in the final analysis. These 68 projects under 15 types of schemes were managed by seven different scheme-operating organizations and funded by five ministries. Forty-four of these (64.7%) were ODA and 24 (35.3%) were non-ODA projects. Among the recategorized six building blocks of the health system, the focus area of the largest proportion of projects was health service delivery (44%), followed by health workforces (25%) and health information systems (15%). Almost half the projects were implemented together with the central hospitals as Vietnamese counterparts. Only 10% projects were conducted at the local level. This study was unable to capture the synergetic effects of potential collaboration or harmonization among Japanese funded projects.
Conclusions
Several Japanese-funded projects addressed a wide range of health issues across all six building blocks of the health system in Vietnam. However, there is room for improvement in developing coordination and harmonization among the Japanese projects that are diversifying. Furthermore, establishing a target-country-specific mechanism for strategic coordination across Japanese ministries’ schemes can yield efficient and effective development cooperation for health. Our analytic approach using the recategorized six building blocks contributes to a more comprehensive understanding of efforts on strengthening the health system.
Costing a population health management approach for participant recruitment to a diabetes prevention study
Authors: Michaud Tzeyu L. , Wilson Kathryn , Silva Fabiana , Almeida Fabio , Katula Jeff , Estabrooks Paul
Published: December 2020

Background

Limited research has reported the economic feasibility—from both a research and practice perspective—of efforts to recruit and enroll an intended audience in evidence-based approaches for disease prevention. This study aims to retrospectively assess and estimate the costs of a population health management (PHM) approach to identify, engage, and enroll patients in a Type 1 Hybrid Effectiveness-Implementation (HEI), diabetes-prevention trial.
Methods

We used descriptive analyses and activity-based costing to estimate the recruitment costs of a PHM approach integrated within a HEI trial. Measures included total costs and costs per participant screened and enrolled to ensure trial accrual rates were achieved. We took the perspective of a healthcare system which may adopt, and possibly sustain, the strategy in the typical practice. We also estimated replication costs based on how the strategy could be applied in healthcare systems interested in referring patients to a local diabetes prevention program from a payer perspective. In this case, we examined differences in cost based on requirements for and types of, glucose testing, and by labor activities and non-labor resources associated with recruitment using sensitivity analyses.
Results

The total recruitment and enrollment costs were $389,949 to accrue 599 participants over approximately 15 months. The average cost per screened and enrolled participant was $276 and $651, respectively. Primary costs included hemoglobin A1c testing ($83,106), recruitment screening calls ($48,791), and personnel time ($96,187). Translating to the typical settings, total recruitment costs for replication was estimated as $192,625 (range: $42,523-$208,876). Sensitivity analysis results indicated replication costs would be approximately $229 - $430 per patient enrolled if glucose testing was necessary, based on the Medicare covered services. For a private payer perspective, and without glucose testing, per-participant screening and enrollment costs were estimated at $30.
Conclusions

A PHM approach can be used to accrue a large number of participants in a short period of time for an HEI trial, at a comparable cost per participant. However, when trial requirements are removed and PHM approaches are used as a method for healthcare systems to identify and enroll patients in a local program—the costs are relatively low.
The OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 positively regulate panicle blast resistance in rice
Authors: Dong Jingfang , Zhou Lian , Feng Aiqing , Zhang Shaohong , Fu Hua , Chen Luo , Zhao Junliang , Yang Tifeng , Yang Wu , Ma Yamei , Wang Jian , Zhu Xiaoyuan , Liu Qing , Liu Bin
Published: December 2020

Background
Although panicle blast is more destructive to yield loss than leaf blast in rice, the cloned genes that function in panicle blast resistance is still very limited and the molecular mechanisms underlying panicle blast resistance remain largely unknown.
Results
In the present study, we have confirmed that the three OXO genes, OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 from a blast-resistant cultivar BC10 function in panicle blast resistance in rice. The expression of OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 were induced by panicle blast inoculation. Subcellular localization analysis revealed that the three OXO genes are all localized in the cell wall. Simultaneous silencing of OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 decreased rice resistance to panicle blast, whereas the OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 overexpression rice plants showed enhanced panicle blast resistance. More H2O2 and higher expression levels of PR genes were observed in the overexpressing plants than in the control plants, while the gene silencing plants exhibited less H2O2 and lower expression levels of PR genes compared to the control plants. Moreover, phytohormone treatment and the gene expression analysis showed that panicle blast resistance mediated by the three OXO genes was associated with the induction of JA and ABA signaling pathways but suppression of SA signaling pathway.
Conclusion
OsOXO2, OsOXO3 and OsOXO4 positively regulate panicle blast resistance in rice. The OXO genes could modulate the accumulation of H2O2 and expression levels of PR gene in plants. Moreover, the OXO genes mediated panicle blast resistance is associated with the activation of JA and ABA signaling pathways but suppression of the SA signaling pathway.
Factors associated with awareness, treatment and control of hypertension among 3,579 hypertensive adults in China: data from the China Health and Nutrition Survey
Authors: Wei Junxiang , Mi Yang , Li Yan , Xin Bo , Wang Youfa
Published: December 2020

Background: The prevalence of hypertension is high and rising in China, but most people with hypertension do not have their blood pressure under control. This study investigated hypertension awareness, treatment, and control and their associated factors among Chinese adults. Methods: Data collected from the 2011 China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) from 12,991 Chinese adults were used. Hypertension was defined as systolic blood pressure ≥ 140 mm Hg, diastolic blood pressure ≥ 90 mm Hg, self-reported prior diagnosed hypertension, or taking antihypertensive medications. Hypertension awareness, treatment, and control were defined as a self-reported diagnosis of hypertension, current use of antihypertensive medication, and blood pressure < 140/90 mm Hg, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression was performed to examine factors associated with hypertension awareness, treatment, and control. Results: Overall, 3,579 (27.6%) of the CHNS adult participants had hypertension, of whom 55.7% were aware of their diagnosis, 46.5% were treated with antihypertensive medications, but only 20.3% had their blood pressure under control. Higher hypertension treatment was associated with older age (OR=2.57; 95%CI, 1.65-4.02), urban residency (1.50; 1.14-1.97), living in the Eastern region (1.52; 1.14-2.01), and being overweight/obese (1.99; 1.39-2.84). Hypertension awareness was associated with similar factors as hypertension treatment but was also associated with being female (1.37, 1.12-1.66). Poor hypertension control was associated with being overweight/obese (0.56; 0.42-0.76) and minority ethnicity (0.52; 0.31-0.86). ﻿Conclusion: Hypertension is a major public health challenge in China. The prevalence of hypertension awareness, treatment, and control are still low despite existing public health policies and programs to reduce the burden of hypertension. More intensive hypertension screening and treatment programs are warranted in China.
Methodology in core outcome set (COS) development: the impact of patient interviews and using a 5-point versus a 9-point Delphi rating scale on core outcome selection in a COS development study.
Authors: Remus Alexandria , Smith Valerie , Wuytack Francesca
Published: December 2020

Background: As the development of core outcome sets (COS) increases, guidance for developing and reporting high-quality COS continues to evolve; however, a number of methodological uncertainties still remain. The objectives of this study were: (1) to explore the impact of including patient interviews in developing a COS, (2) to examine the impact of using a 5-point versus a 9-point rating scale during Delphi consensus methods on outcome selection and (3) to inform and contribute to COS development methodology by advancing the evidence base on COS development techniques. Methods: Semi-structured patient interviews and a nested randomised controlled parallel group trial as part of the Pelvic Girdle Pain Core Outcome Set project (PGP-COS). Patient interviews, as an adjunct to a systematic review of outcomes reported in previous studies, were undertaken to identify preliminary outcomes for including in a Delphi consensus survey. In the Delphi survey, participants were randomised (1:1) to a 5-point or 9-point rating scale for rating the importance of the list of preliminary outcomes. Results: Four of the eight patient interview derived outcomes were included in the preliminary COS, however, none of these outcomes were included in the final PGP-COS. The 5-point rating scale resulted in twice as many outcomes reaching consensus after the 3-round Delphi survey compared to the 9-point scale. Consensus on all five outcomes included in the final PGP-COS was achieved by participants allocated the 5-point rating scale, whereas consensus on four of these was achieved by those using the 9-point scale. Conclusions: Using patient interviews to identify preliminary outcomes as an adjunct to conducting a systematic review of outcomes measured in the literature did not appear to influence outcome selection in developing the COS in this study. The use of different rating scales in a Delphi survey, however, did appear to impact on outcome selection. The 5-point scale demonstrated greater congruency than the 9-point scale with the outcomes included in the final PGP-COS. Future research to substantiate our findings and to explore the impact of other rating scales on outcome selection during COS development, however, is warranted.
Parental mental health conditions and use of healthcare services in children the first year of life – a register-based, nationwide study
Authors: Heuckendorff Signe , Johansen Martin Nygård , Johnsen Søren Paaske , Overgaard Charlotte , Fonager Kirsten
Published: December 2020

Background Parental mental health conditions have been associated with increased morbidity and use of healthcare services in offspring. Existing studies have not examined different severities of parental mental health conditions, and the impact of paternal mental health has been overlooked.We examined the association between two severities of parental mental health conditions and use of healthcare services for children during the first year of life and explored the impact of both maternal and paternal mental health conditions. Methods This register-based cohort study included all live-born children born in Denmark from 2000-2016. Information on socioeconomics, diagnoses, drug prescriptions, and healthcare contacts was extracted from nationwide public registries. Parents were grouped according to severity of mental condition based on the place of treatment of the mental health condition. Negative binominal regression analyses were performed to estimate the incidence rate ratio (IRR) of contacts to general practice (GP), out-of-hour medical service, emergency room (ER), and out- and inpatient hospital contacts during the first 12 months of the child’s life.Results The analyses included 964395 children. Twenty percent of the mothers and twelve percent of the fathers were identified with mental health conditions. Paternal mental health conditions were independently associated with increased risk of infant healthcare contacts (GP IRR 1.05 (CI95% 1.04-1.06) and out-of-hour IRR 1.20 (CI95% 1.18-1.22)). Risks were higher for maternal mental health conditions (GP IRR 1.18 (CI95% 1.17-1.19) and out-of-hour IRR 1.39 (CI95% 1.37-1.41)). The risks were even higher if both parents were classified with a mental health condition (GP IRR 1.25 (CI95% 1.23-1.27) and out-of-hour contacts IRR 1.49 (CI95% 1.45-1.54)), including minor mental health condition (GP IRR 1.22 (CI95% 1.21-1.24) and out-of-hour IRR 1.37 (CI95% 1.34-1.41)). This pattern was the same for all types of healthcare contacts.Conclusions Both maternal and paternal mental health conditions, including minor mental health conditions, were associated with increased utilization of healthcare services. Focus on both parents’ mental health conditions (even if minor) may be warranted in service planning.
Validation of Coronal Mass Ejection Arrival-Time Forecasts by Magnetohydrodynamic Simulations based on Interplanetary Scintillation Observations
Authors: Iwai Kazumasa , Shiota Daikou , Tokumaru Munetoshi , Fujiki Ken'ichi , Den Mitsue , Kubo Yûki
Published: December 2020

Coronal mass ejections (CMEs) cause various disturbances of the space environment; therefore, forecasting their arrival time is very important. However, forecasting accuracy is hindered by limited CME observations in interplanetary space. This study investigates the accuracy of CME arrival times at the Earth forecasted by three-dimensional (3D) magnetohydrodynamic (MHD) simulations based on interplanetary scintillation (IPS) observations. In this system, CMEs are approximated as spheromaks with various initial speeds. Ten MHD simulations with different CME initial speed are tested, and the density distributions derived from each simulation run are compared with IPS data observed by the Institute for Space-Earth Environmental Research (ISEE), Nagoya University. The CME arrival time of the simulation run that most closely agrees with the IPS data is selected as the forecasted time. We then validate the accuracy of this forecast using 12 halo CME events. The average absolute arrival-time error of the IPS-based MHD forecast is approximately 5.0 h, which is one of the most accurate predictions that ever been validated, whereas that of MHD simulations without IPS data, in which the initial CME speed is derived from white-light coronagraph images, is approximately 6.7 h. This suggests that the assimilation of IPS data into MHD simulations can improve the accuracy of CME arrival-time forecasts. The average predicted arrival times are earlier than the actual arrival times. These early predictions may be due to overestimation of the magnetic field included in the spheromak and/or underestimation of the drag force from the background solar wind, the latter of which could be related to underestimation of CME size or background solar wind density.
Systematic review and bibliometric analysis of African anesthesia and critical care medicine research Part II: A scientometric analysis of the 116 most cited articles
Authors: Kanmounye Ulrick Sidney , Tochie Joel Noutakdie , Mbonda Aime , Solam Cynthia Wafo , Daya Leonid , Atem Thompson Hope , Nyalundja Arsène Daniel , Eyaman Daniel Cheryl
Published: December 2020

Background Scientometrics is used to assess the impact of research in several health fields, including Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine. The purpose of this study was to identify contributors to highly-cited African Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine research.Methods The authors searched Web of Science from inception to May 4, 2020, for articles on and about Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine in Africa with ≥ 2 citations. Quantitative (H-index) and qualitative (descriptive analysis of yearly publications and interpretation of document, co-authorship, author country, and keyword) bibliometric analyses were done.Results The search strategy returned 116 articles with a median of 5 (IQR: 3-12) citations on Web of Science. Articles were published in Anesthesia and Analgesia (18, 15.5%), World Journal of Surgery (13, 11.2%), and South African Medical Journal (8, 6.9%). Most (74, 63.8%) articles were published on or after 2013. Seven authors had more than 1 article in the top 116 articles: Epiu I (3, 2.6%), Elobu AE (2, 1.7%), Fenton PM (2, 1.7%), Kibwana S (2, 1.7%), Rukewe A (2, 1.7%), Sama HD (2, 1.7%), and Zoumenou E (2, 1.7%). The bibliometric coupling analysis of documents highlighted 10 clusters, with the most significant nodes being Biccard BM, 2018; Baker T, 2013; Llewellyn RL, 2009; Nigussie S, 2014; and Aziato L, 2015. Dubowitz G (5) and Ozgediz D (4) had the highest H-indices among the authors referenced by the most-cited African Anesthesia and Critical Care Medicine articles. The U.S.A., England, and Uganda had the strongest collaboration links among the articles, and most articles focused on perioperative care. Conclusion This study highlighted trends in top-cited African articles and African and non-African academic institutions' contributions to these articles.
Gap-analysis of DNA barcoding in ERMS reference libraries for ascidians and cnidarians
Authors: Paz Guy , Rinkevich Baruch
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAll-inclusive DNA barcoding libraries in the storage and analysis platform of the BOLD (Barcode of Life Data) system are essential for the study of the marine biodiversity and are pertinent for regulatory purposes, including ecosystem monitoring and assessment, such as in the context of the EU Water Framework Directive (WFD) and the Marine Strategy Framework Directive (MSFD). Here we investigate knowledge gaps in the lists of DNA barcoded organisms within two inventories, Cnidaria (Anthozoa and Hydrozoa) and Ascidiacea from the reference libraries of the European Register of Marine Species (ERMS) dataset (402 ascidians and 1200 cnidarian species). ERMS records were checked species by species, against publicly available sequence information and other data stored in BOLD system. As the available COI barcode data adequately covers just a small fraction of the ERMS reference library, it is of importance to employ quality control on existing data, to close the knowledge gaps and purge errors off BOLD.ResultsResults revealed that just 22.9% and 29.2% of the listed ascidians and cnidarians species, respectively, are BOLD barcodes of which, 58.4% and 52.3% of the seemingly barcoded species, respectively, were noted to have complete BOLD pages. Thus, only 11.44% of the tunicate and 17.07% of the cnidarian data in the ERMS lists are of high quality. Deep analyses revealed seven common types of gaps in the list of the barcoded species in addition to a wide range of discrepancies and misidentifications, discordances and errors primarily in the GenBank mined data as with the BINs assignments, among others.ConclusionsGap knowledge in barcoding of important taxonomic marine groups exist and in addition, quality management elements (quality assurance and quality control) were not employed when using the list for national monitoring projects, for regulatory compliance purposes and other purposes. Even though BOLD is the most trustable DNA barcoding reference library, worldwide projects of DNA barcoding are needed to close these gaps of mistakes, verifications, missing data and unreliable sequencing labs. Tight quality control and quality assurance is important to close the knowledge gaps of Barcoding of the European recommended ERMS reference library.
The EGFR-HSF1 axis accelerates the tumorigenesis of pancreatic cancer
Authors: Qian Weikun , Chen Ke , Qin Tao , Xiao Ying , Jie Li , Yue Yangyang , Zhou Cancan , Ma Jiguang , Duan Wanxing , Lei Jianjun , Han Liang , Li Li , Shen Xin , Wu Zheng , Ma Qingyong , Wang Zheng
Published: December 2020

Background: Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) is one of the most malignant diseases because of its non-symptomatic tumorigenesis. We previous found heat shock factor 1 (HSF1) was critical for PDAC progression and the aim of this study was to clarified the mechanisms on early activation of HSF1 and its role in the pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis. Methods: The expression and location of HSF1 on human or mice pancreatic tissues were examined by immunohistochemically staining. We mainly used pancreatic acinar cell 3-dimensional (3D) culture and a spontaneous pancreatic precancerous lesion mouse model called LSL-KrasG12D/+; Pdx1-Cre (KC) (and pancreatitis models derived from KC mice) to explore the pro-tumorigenesis mechanisms of the HSF1 in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics and molecular experiments were used to explore the underlying mechanisms between HSF1 and epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR). Results: In this study, we found that pharmacological inhibition of HSF1 slowed pancreatic cancer initiation and suppressed the pancreatitis-induced formation of pancreatic precancerous lesion. Next, bioinformatics analysis revealed the closely linked between HSF1 and EGFR pathway and we also confirmed their parallel activation in pancreatic precancerous lesions. Besides, the pharmacological inhibition of EGFR suppressed the initiation of pancreatic cancer and the activation of HSF1 in vivo. Indeed, we demonstrated that the EGFR activation that mediated pancreatic cancer tumorigenesis was partly HSF1-dependent in vitro. Conclusion: Hence, we concluded that the EGFR-HSF1 axis promoted the initiation of pancreatic cancer.
Melatonin confers heavy metal-induced tolerance by alleviating oxidative stress and reducing the heavy metal accumulation in Exophiala pisciphila, a dark septate endophyte (DSE)
Authors: Yu Yang , Teng Zhaowei , Mou Zongmin , Lv Yan , Li Tao , Chen Suiyun , Zhao Dake , Zhao Zhiwei
Published: December 2020

Background: Melatonin (MT), ubiquitous in almost all organisms, functions as a free radical scavenger. Despite several reports on its role as an antioxidant in animals, plants, and some microorganisms, extensive studies in filamentous fungi are limited. Based upon the role of melatonin as an antioxidant, we investigated its role in heavy metal-induced stress tolerance in Exophiala pisciphila, a dark septate endophyte (DSE), by studying the underlying mechanisms in alleviating oxidative stress and reducing heavy metal accumulation.Results: A significant decrease in malondialdehyde (MDA) and oxygen free radical (OFR) in E. pisciphila was recorded under Cd, Zn, and Pb stresses as compared to the control. Pretreatment of E. pisciphila with 200.0 μM exogenous melatonin significantly increased the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) under Zn and Pb stresses. Pretreatment with 200.0 μM melatonin also lowered Cd, Zn, and Pb concentrations significantly. Melatonin production was enhanced by Cd, Cu, and Zn after 2 d, and melatonin biosynthetic enzyme genes, E. pisciphila tryptophan decarboxylase (EpTDC1) and serotonin N-acetyltransferase (EpSNAT1), were transcriptionally upregulated. The overexpression of EpTDC1 and N-acetylserotonin O-methyltransferase (EpASMT1) in Escherichia coli and Arabidopsis thaliana enhanced its heavy metal-induced stress tolerance. The overexpression of EpTDC1 and EpASMT1 reduced the Cd accumulation in the whole A. thaliana plants, especially in the roots.Conclusions: Melatonin conferred heavy metal-induced stress tolerance by alleviating oxidative stress, activating antioxidant enzyme SOD, and reducing heavy metal accumulation in E. pisciphila. Melatonin biosynthetic enzyme genes of E. pisciphila also played key roles in limiting excessive heavy metal accumulation in A. thaliana. These findings can be extended to understand the role of melatonin in other DSEs associated with economically important plants and help develop new strategies in sustainable agriculture practice where plants can grow in soils contaminated with heavy metals.
Hypothyroidism and Risks of Cerebrovascular Complications Among Patients with Head and Neck Cancer After Radiotherapy
Authors: Liu Chi-Hung , Chang Joseph Tung-Chieh , Lee Tsong-Hai , Chang Pi-Yueh , Chang Chien-Hung , Wu Hsiu-Chuan , Chang Ting-Yu , Huang Kuo-Lun , Lin Chien-Yu , Fan Kang-Hsing , Chang Yeu-Jhy
Published: December 2020

Background: Hypothyroidism (HT) and carotid artery stenosis (CAS) are complications of radiotherapy (RT) in patients with head and neck cancer (HNC). The impact of post-RT HT on CAS progression remains unclear.Methods: Between 2013 and 2014, HNC patients who had ever received RT and were under regular follow-up in our hospital were initially screened. Patients were categorized into euthyroid (EU) and HT groups. Details of RT and HNC were recorded. Total plaque scores and degrees of CAS were measured during annual extracranial duplex follow-up. Patients were monitored for CAS progression to >50% stenosis or ischemic stroke (IS). Cumulative time to CAS progression and IS between the 2 groups were compared. Data were further analyzed based on the use or nonuse of thyroxine of the HT group.Results: 333 HNC patients with RT history were screened. Finally, 216 patients were recruited (94 and 122 patients in the EU and HT groups). Patients of the HT group received higher mean RT doses (HT vs. EU; 7021.55 ± 401.67 vs. 6869.69 ± 425.32 centi-grays, p = 0.02). Multivariate Cox models showed comparable CAS progression (p = 0.24) and IS occurrence (p = 0.51) between the 2 groups. Moreover, no significant difference was observed in time to CAS progression (p = 0.49) or IS (p = 0.31) among patients with EU and HT using and not using thyroxine supplement.Conclusion: Our results did not demonstrate significant effects of HT and thyroxine supplementation on CAS progression and IS incidence in patients with HNC after RT.
The interaction of water with archaeological and ethnographic birch bark and its effects on swelling, shrinkage and deformations
Authors: Klügl Johanna , Pietro Giovanna Di
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study is to gain specific information on the water vapour interaction with archaeological and ethnographic birch bark. Water is involved in a number of curative and preventive conservation measurements e.g. when re-shaping or drying objects and when defining climate directives for long-term storage. We measured the sorption isotherm of archaeological, ethnographic and contemporary birch bark at different temperatures and analysed the moisture-induced size and shape changes (swelling, shrinkage, deformation) during humidification and drying. The analysis revealed that, compared to other organic materials like wood, the moisture uptake of outer birch bark is modest. This can be attributed to the cell structure and composition: outer birch bark is composed of closed cells made to a large extent of hydrophobic components (suberin, lignin). The equilibrium moisture content is higher if lenticels or inner bark are present. The extent of brittleness and delamination of the sample influences the sorption behaviour: the less brittle and delaminated archaeological birch bark is, the lower the equilibrium moisture content (EMC). Since the moisture uptake is modest, the related swelling of the outer bark is also modest, but anisotropic due to the cellular arrangement. Swelling is largest in the radial direction, smaller in longitudinal and negligible in tangential direction. Water vapour can plasticize birch bark and as birch bark becomes flexible, it bends towards the outside of the bark. This deformation takes place at high moisture contents and the adsorption process is slow. Based on these results recommendations on how best to perform treatments involving moisture and on relative humidity ranges for birch bark objects are provided.
Sexual health and COVID-19: Protocol for a scoping review
Authors: Kumar Navin , Janmohamed Kamila , Nyhan Kate , Forastiere Laura , Zhang Wei-Hong , Kågesten Anna , Uhlich Maximiliane , de Velde Sarah M Van , Francis Joel M , Erasquin Jennifer Toller , Larrson Elin C , Callander Denton , Scott John , Minichiello Victor , Tucker Joseph D
Published: December 2020

Background: Global responses to the COVID-19 pandemic have exposed and exacerbated existing socioeconomic and health inequities that disproportionately affect the sexual health and well-being of many populations, including people of color, ethnic minority groups, women, and sexual and gender minority populations. Although there have been several reviews published on COVID-19 and health disparities across various populations, none have focused on sexual health. We plan to conduct a scoping review that seeks to fill several of the gaps in the current knowledge of sexual health in the COVID-19 era and facilitate multi-country comparisons.Methods: A scoping review focusing on sexual health and COVID-19 will be conducted. Multiple bibliographic databases will be searched. Study selection will conform to Joanna Briggs Institute Reviewers’ Manual 2015 Methodology for JBI Scoping Reviews. Data will be used to inform multi-country comparisons.Conclusions: Original research is urgently needed to mitigate the risks of COVID-19 on sexual health. The planned scoping review will help to address this gap and contribute to multi-country comparisons.
Architectural Ruins: A geocultural essay on the anatomy of buildings as illustrated by Casa Ippolito, Malta
Authors: Bianco Lino
Published: December 2020

Ruins are a statement on the building materials used and the construction method employed. Casa Ippolito, now in ruins, is typical of seventeenth-century Maltese aristocratic country residences. It represents an illustration of secondary or anthropogenic geodiversity. This paper scrutinises these ruins as a primary source in reconstructing the building’s architecture. The methodology involved on-site geographical surveying, including visual inspection and non-invasive tests, a geological survey of the local lithostratigraphy, and examination of notarial deeds and secondary sources to support findings about the building’s history as read from its ruins. The results are expressed from four perspectives. The anatomy of Casa Ippolito, as revealed in its ruins, provides a cross-section of its construction history and shows two distinct phases in its construction. The tissue of Casa Ippolito – the building elements and materials – speaks of the knowledge of raw materials and their properties among the builders who worked on both phases of its construction. The architectural history of Casa Ippolito reveals how it met its inhabitants’ needs for shelter, water and food. Finally, the ruins in their present state bring to the fore the site’s potential for cultural tourism. This case study aims to show that such ruins are not just geocultural remains of historical built fabric. They are open wounds in the built structure; they underpin the anatomy of the building and support insights into its former dynamics. Ruins offer an essay in material culture and building physics. Architectural ruins of masonry structures are anthropogenic essays rendered in stone which facilitate not only the reconstruction of spaces but also places for human users; they are a statement on the wellbeing of humanity throughout history.
ASSESSMENT OF LYMPHOID NEOPLASM RISK FACTORS IN PEOPLE OCCUPATIONALLY EXPOSED TO PROLONGED IONIZING RADIATION
Authors: Kalinkin D. E. , Karpov A. B. , Maksimov D. E. , Kiriakidi E. N. , Takhauov R. M.
Published: December 2020

Objective: To estimate the incidence of malignant neoplasms of lymphoid tissue (MNLT) among employees of the siberian chemical combine (SCC) occupationally exposed to prolonged ionizing radiation.

Material and methods. The study included 44,041 employees of the SCC, of whom 16,938 were occupationally exposed to prolonged low-intensity ionizing radiation (IR). Of 295 cases with hemoblastoses, there were 89 with occupational exposure to IR. The structure and incidence of hemoblastoses (based on the number of person-years of observation, (PYO), as well as the standardized relative risk (SRR) of their development and excess relative risk (err) per unit dose of radiation (GR) were evaluated. Calculation of SRR was carried out for the following intervals of the total dose of external exposure: 0; >0–0.05; >0.05–0.10; >0.10-0.15; >0.15–0.20; >0.20-0.30; >0.30-0.50; >0.5–1.0; ≥ 1.0 Gy. The control group consisted of occupationally non-exposed employees of the SCC. The calculation of SRR and err was performed using the poisson regression using the amfit module of the EPICURE package.

Results. The incidence of MNLT among males of SCC was 17.1 per 100,000 PYO, with the highest incidence rates for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL), chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL) and chronic leukemia (CL) excluding CLL. Among females of the SCC, the incidence of MNLT was 21.3 per 100,000 PYO. It was found that in none of the intervals of the external exposure there was no statistically significant excess of the SRR compared with the control group. The results of ERR/GY calculation also did not demonstrate the increased risk of hemoblastosis among people occupationally exposed to IR.

Conclusion. Occupational exposure in the studied dose range does not increase the risk of developing MNLT.
A VIDA ATRÁS DAS GRADES: UMA REVISÃO SISTEMÁTICA DA LITERATURA ACERCA DA REALIDADE IMPOSTA PELO CÁRCERE
Authors: Oliveira do Amaral Daniele , Ferro Dalla Mora Gabriella , Becker da Silva Andressa Melina
Published: December 2020

O sistema prisional brasileiro tem como objetivo a ressocialização e a punição da criminalidade, objetivo esse distante da realidade. O objetivo desse trabalho é descrever a realidade biopsicossocial do cárcere brasileiro e avaliar quais são os protocolos/métodos de avaliação psicológica que são utilizados na realização de pesquisas empíricas referentes. O método utilizado foi revisão sistemática da literatura, sendo a busca realizada em 5 bases de dados nacionais e internacionais: Scielo, Pepsic, Lilacs, Biblioteca Virtual de Saúde e Periódicos CAPES. Os descritores utilizados foram “avaliação psicológica” e “prisão” ou “cárcere”. A busca resultou em 640 artigos, sendo 69 artigos incluídos de acordo com os critérios: terem sido publicados entre 2008 e 2019, escritos em português, serem pesquisas empíricas com coletas de dados pertinente a temática. Foram excluídos artigos encontrados em mais de uma base de dados, artigos sem uma boa estrutura metodológica e que não se enquadrem nos objetivos do estudo. Os resultados foram descritos em quatro categorias temáticas, sendo elas: mulheres no sistema prisional, saúde da população carcerária, homens no sistema prisional e vivências dos agentes penitenciários. Nos 21 artigos selecionados, foram encontrados diversos instrumentos, sendo que entrevistas e questionários sócio demográficos são os que se sobressaem, porém o uso de testes validados pelo Sistema de Avaliação de Testes Psicológicos (SATEPSI) são poucos comparados com outros instrumentos. Através da pesquisa foi possível verificar a realidade do sistema prisional brasileiro, sendo sugerida intervenções nesses ambientes buscando maior humanização.
JOGOS E FORMAÇÃO INTEGRAL NA ELABORAÇÃO DE CONCEITOS GEOGRÁFICOS: QUESTÕES E POSSIBILIDADES
Authors: Lunarti Elciane Arantes Peixoto , Felicio Cinthia Maria
Published: December 2020

Este artigo apresenta e discute parte de um estudo onde investigamos as possibilidades didáticas do uso de jogos no ensino de Geografia na educação básica de nível médio, partindo da elaboração e desenvolvimento de atividades lúdicas propostas pelos estudantes, em uma turma da segunda série do ensino médio de uma escola conveniada à rede estadual de ensino de Goiás. O trabalho resulta de uma prática desenvolvida na pesquisa de mestrado em 2020, o objetivo foi propor a elaboração de jogos envolvendo conceitos geográficos e observar as atitudes e envolvimento dos alunos e se esta atividade seria efetiva na construção do conhecimento geográfico. Para a realização da atividade, foi utilizada uma pesquisa bibliográfica para a fundamentação teórica sobre o ensino de Geografia e a educação integral, e verificamos que a Geografia enquanto ciência, pode contribuir para essa formação se os diferentes temas que são trabalhados em sala de aula forem abordados à luz dos princípios da educação integral. Além disso, constatamos que a utilização de jogos no ensino de Geografia criou um ambiente de maior abertura e participação dos alunos, que buscavam se apropriarem dos conceitos para organizar questões, abertos ao diálogo e levantar questões com a professora para sanarem dúvidas, aumentando a dialogia e auxiliando na tomada de decisões; acreditamos que esta postura mais ativa, tenha sido estimulada pelo desafio encontrado na elaboração de questões a serem utilizadas no jogo e pela liberdade que a atividade envolvia, contribuindo assim para estimular o protagonismo estudantil, pois os alunos participaram de todo o processo, se colocando como promotores do próprio conhecimento, analisando, buscando exemplos para a elaboração de conceitos, de forma colaborativa em equipes e consequentemente desenvolvendo o pensamento crítico e conhecimentos culturais mais amplos e necessários para a atuação profissional e em sociedade.
Dynamic control of vestibular dysfunction in elderly patients as a prognostic criterion for changing the cerebral bloodstream
Authors: Hubkin Sergey , Bubulis Algimantas , Dosina Margarita , Rubakhova Valentina , Minchenya Vladimir , Pashkevich Svetlana
Published: December 2020

In the clinical and electrophysiological laboratory of the Department of Neurology and Neurosurgery BelMAPO on the basis of the neurological departments of the 5th Clinical Hospital in Minsk, an examination and correction of the indications of impaired balance control functions in a group of elderly patients with changing the cerebral bloodstream.
Physiologic changes of ECG parameters in actors during performance – reaction complexity
Authors: Grabstaite V. , Baleviciute R. , Luiniene R. Joffe , Landauskas M. , Vainoras A.
Published: December 2020

The purpose of the study was to assess the dynamic characteristics of ECG parameters while performing different genre roles played by students of the Lithuanian Academy of Music and Theatre. Discriminant of the matrix was employed to assess the strength of the relation between a pair of two parameter sequences. The results of the conducted research showed that discriminant of regulatory and supplying systems decreased at different stages of the study process. In addition, the results revealed that the average discriminant values vary greatly only in the first stage – after isometric muscle relaxation (p< 0.05). No statistically significant differences were found for the rest of the stages (p≥ 0.05).
Life cycle assessment of urban wastewater treatment plants: a critical analysis and guideline proposal
Authors: Rebello Thais Ayres , Roque Regiane Pereira , Gonçalves Ricardo Franci , Calmon João Luiz , Queiroz Luciano Matos
Published: December 2020

In its 30 years of existence, there are still many improvement possibilities in studies performing the life cycle assessment (LCA) of wastewater treatment plants (WWTPs). Hence, this paper aims to start a guideline development for LCA of urban WWTPs based on the information available in the scientific literature on the topic. The authors used the ProKnow-C systematic review methodology for paper selection and 111 studies were analyzed. The most significant points that can be improved are caused by missing essential information (e.g. functional unity and input data). Other important methodological aspects are covered: allocation process, functional unit choice, sensitivity analysis, and important fluxes to be considered. Many opportunities within the LCA of WWTPs were identified, such as optimization of WWTP operational aspects and resource recovery. Furthermore, LCA should be combined with other methodologies such as big data, data envelopment analysis, life cycle cost assessment, and social life cycle assessment. To achieve this potential, it is clear that the scientific and technical community needs to converge on a new protocol to ensure that LCA application becomes more reliable and transparent.
The Management and Alternative Therapies for Comorbid Sleep Disorders in Epilepsy
Authors: Peng Weifeng , Ding Jing , Wang Xin
Published: December 2020

Background:

There is a complex and interactive relationship between sleep and epilepsy.
Sleep disorders are common in patients with epilepsy, and methods for managing sleep disorders
in patients with epilepsy are limited.

Objective:

This review addresses the relationship among sleep, sleep disorders, and epilepsy, focusing
on the management of sleep disorders in epilepsy, including some complementary and alternative
therapies.

Methods:

The terms related to “sleep” and “epilepsy” were searched in “Pubmed” and “Cochrane
Library”.

Results:

Sleep stages differently affect both seizures and interictal epileptiform discharges. Seizures
disrupt sleep architecture greatly, especially when occurring during sleep in the night. Insomnia and
obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) are the most frequent types of comorbid sleep disorders in patients
with epilepsy. Pharmacological agents with both anti-convulsant and sedative effects are the priorities
for comorbid sleep disorders in epilepsy. Continuous positive airway pressure (CPAP) therapy
is the most effective non-pharmacological method to improve OSA and reduce seizures. Complementary
and alternative therapies such as Chinese traditional medicine, cognitive behavioral therapy,
meditation, yoga, neurofeedback, and acupuncture may have benefits in reducing seizures and
improving sleep quality simultaneously by alleviating stress and seizure triggers; however, evidence-
based therapies are still deficient.

Conclusion:

Managements for sleep disorders in patients with epilepsy are challenging. Large sample randomized
controlled trials are in demand in the future.
Pharmacologic Treatment of Restless Legs Syndrome
Authors: Lv Qing , Wang Xinlin , Asakawa Tetsuya , Wang Xiao Ping
Published: December 2020

:

Restless legs syndrome (RLS)/Willis-Ekbom disease is a neurologic disorder characterized
by a strong desire to move when at rest (usually in the evening) and paraesthesia in their lower
legs. The most widely used therapies for first-line treatment of RLS are dopaminergic drugs; however,
their long-term use can lead to augmentation. α2δ Ligands, opioids, iron, glutamatergic drugs,
adenosine, and sleep aids have been investigated as alternatives. The pathogenesis of RLS is not
well understood. Despite the efficacy of dopaminergic drugs in the treatment of this disorder, unlike
in Parkinson’s disease dopaminergic cell loss in the substantia nigra has not been observed in RLS.
The etiology of RLS is likely complex, involving multiple neural pathways. RLS-related genes
identified in genome-wide association studies can provide insight into the mechanistic basis and
pathophysiology of RLS. Here we review the current treatments and knowledge of the mechanisms
underlying RLS.