bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
EFL Teachers’ Attitudes and Competence in Developing HOTS-Based Formative Assessment
Authors: Rachmawati Dwita Laksmita , Purwati Oikurema
Published: September 2021

Nowadays, Higher Order Thinking Skills have been a current trend and focus among teachers and researchers. However, there are still a few researchers who investigate HOTS and connect it with language assessment. This case study aimed to examine Indonesian English teachers' attitudes concerning the use of the HOTS-based assessment. This research has been qualitatively conducted with the aim to analyze the attitudes towards the utilization of the paradigm of HOTS in the creation of good language assessment. The data of this study were collected by using an interview and questionnaire. There are 20 teachers taking part in the study were purposely selected based on their experience and comprehension of the study's issue. The data of this study were analyzed by using descriptive qualitative. This study revealed that despite several situational constraints, all respondents shared their positive attitude to the principles of HOTS owing to several aspects. Despite the teachers' positive attitude towards the implementation of HOTS-based assessment, there was still a lack of knowledge about HOTS. This study suggested that more researchers portrayed teachers' competence in developing based assessment in English subject since HOTS is essential in the implementation of the 2013 curriculum.
A bathymetric study of the forebay at the Old River Low Sill Structure from 1963 to 2019
Authors: Kelley Julie , Dunbar Joseph , Corcoran Maureen
Published: September 2021

The purpose of this study is to use historical hydrographic surveys to quantify bathymetric changes in the forebay channel area of ORLSS over the last 56 yr. The results from this comparison support an ongoing geotechnical study led by Mr. Lucas Walshire, U.S. Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans District (USACE MVN).
A Validated Methodology to Establish Structural Capacities for Subsea Connector Families
Authors: Stephens Michael John , Roberts Simon John , Bennet Derek James
Published: September 2021

Understanding the structural limits of subsea connectors used in offshore environments is critical to ensure safe operations. The latest industry standards establish the requirement for physical testing to validate analysis methodologies for connector designs. In this paper, an analysis methodology, compliant with the latest API 17G standard, is presented for calculating structural capacities of non-preloaded connectors. The methodology has been developed for complex combined loading scenarios and validated using full-scale physical testing for different connector families.

Detailed 3-D, non-linear, finite element models were developed for three different non-preloaded connections, which consisted of threaded and load shoulder connectors. A comprehensive set of combined tension and bending moment structural capacities at normal, extreme and survival conditions were calculated for each connection. The calculated capacities were validated for each connection by performing a test sequence using full-scale structural testing. A final tension or bending to failure test was also completed for each test connection to validate the physical failure mode, exceeding the latest API 17G requirements.

For all connections tested, capacities calculated using the methodology were validated from the successful completion of the test sequences. The physical failure modes of the test connections also matched the predicted failure modes from the FEA, and the tensile or bending moment loading at physical collapse exceeded that predicted by the global collapse of the FEA model. Using the validated approach described in this paper significantly reduces the requirement of physical testing for connector families, establishing confidence in the structural limits that are critical for safe operations.
The UK - The Global Hydrogen Centre
Authors: Massey Kent Martin Paul , Vrba Jakub , Hamilton Scott , McAreavey James Patrick , McWhirr Caragh Jane , Paterson Daniel Richard Kenneth
Published: September 2021

The paper proposes that the UK should be the global centre of hydrogen production and explores why and how this ambition could be achieved. The paper focuses on what government and industry need to do to realise this dream. We explain the technology, commerciality and legislation required in order to raise ambitions and create a sense of urgency within the hydrogen community.

The paper justifies this bold statement, highlighting the fundamentals that the UK enjoys and compares these against other rival global centres, by considering the existing infrastructure whilst explaining the merits of the UKs diverse gas supply chain. The paper also explores and debunks technology readiness and perceived risks associated with hydrogen production.

The paper concludes that the UK should adopt a bolder ambition for hydrogen, and suggests how the UK can move forward faster with recommendations for new commercial frameworks. The paper also demonstrates that the current perceived risks linked with blue hydrogen development, both technological and subsurface, are overstated. The paper sets out a commercial landscape that would enable rapid hydrogen development. The paper focuses on blue hydrogen production infrastructure, setting a timeframe of achievability whilst allowing for demand side influences. The paper also considers how to future-proof hydrogen infrastructure to facilitate green hydrogen co-production.

The paper highlights the possible errors of decommissioning depleted oil fields where carbon dioxide (CO2) storage could be used to extend the life of the facilities, with possible enhanced oil recovery as an upside. The paper discusses how the liabilities currently hindering integrated hydrogen developments are more theoretical than real, by consideration of minimised leak paths and corrosion mechanisms. The paper also explains why these liabilities should ultimately be underwritten by government institutions.
Unmanned Platform Design Methodology
Authors: Nicholson Graham , Brown Graham , Seymour Ben
Published: September 2021

Remotely operated and unmanned facilities offer significant safety, environmental and economic benefits over conventional facilities. This paper describes the key elements for successful design and an approach for evaluating the reliability, availability and TOTEX of unmanned facilities. The approach was developed during the concept and FEED phases of a wellhead platform project and forms the basis of the unmanned strategy going forwards but can also be used for facilities with partial processing topsides.

During the design of a recent platform it became clear that normal FMEA/RAM analysis was not suitable for assessing the reliability and availability of unmanned facilities with low visit frequency. Drawing on previous experience, a new approach was developed to address the specific challenges of low maintenance intervals and provide a methodical approach to proving reliability.

The new approach improved confidence in the predicted availability by identifying key components and appropriate reliability data. The process adds some extra steps to typical reliability and availability assessment, which are designed to address the specific demands of unmanned operations.

The result of this work has given a clearer understanding of how reliability can be assessed and managed for low-manned or unmanned applications. The methodology helps to identify unmanned /low manned opportunities and provides guidance on design and reliability assessment

It is observed that system reliability is usually driven by a few key components and that whilst many components have good overall reliability data this may not be applicable for the proposed specific operating environment and maintenance regime of an unmanned platform. It is therefore essential to evaluate components individually for their specific applications.

It is concluded that to achieve the unmanned goal it is vital to fully understand the system and component reliability early in the project. The proposed methodology can be applied at any stage to validate the design, confirm assumptions, or identify gaps.
The Environmental Benefits of Repurposing Tubular Steel from North Sea Oil and Gas Fields
Authors: Holdway Rob William John , Dowling Mark Patrick , Bell Iain , Laing Iain
Published: September 2021

The purpose of conducting this LCA was to calculate the potential environmental impacts of the repurposing of John Lawrie Tubulars products sourced from North Sea Oil and Gas fields and to compare repurposed steel tubulars to those made from prime steel1throughout their lifecycle.

The analysis includes multiple environmental characterization indicators associated with the material processing, on-site operations, and supply chain. The benefits of repurposed tubulars are consistently beneficial across all environmental indicators when compared to prime steel tubulars. The life cycle analysis results show that for every tonne of steel tubular repurposed there is a 97.21% saving of carbon emissions over a prime steel seamless equivalent and is 97.78% for welded steel tubulars (cradle to gate).

Further characterization analysis (cradle to site) showed that distribution presented the highest impact (47%) with materials (26%) and material transportation (15%). The average delivery in the UK adds 56.53kgCO2eto John Lawrie's tubular steel giving a cradle to delivery at the customers gate of 118.53kgCO2eper tonne2. The combined material and distribution carbon footprint of repurposed tubular products (cradle to site) has ~6% of the impact of those made from prime steel.

With growing pressure on the construction industry amongst others to be more resource efficient, and to lower embodied carbon, material reuse strategies are critical to meet targets. Considering the potential of the results for environmental impact reduction there is the need to further develop and promote the application of repurposed steel tubulars. This data can be used to demonstrate the environmental impacts and benefits of refurbished tubulars and supports the efficacy of environmental claims and contribution to circular economy.

With both the construction and energy industries focused on finding innovative ways in which to reduce their emissions and support the Scottish and UK Governments in bringing all greenhouse gas emissions (GHG) to net zero by 2050, this study details one way these industries can help drive the changes required.
Charged Domain Wall and Polar Vortex Topologiesin a Room Temperature Magnetoelectric Multiferroic Thin Film
Authors: Moore Kalani , O'Connell Eoghan , Keeney Lynette , Downing Clive , Schmidt Michael , Nicolosi Valeria , Bangert Ursel , Conroy Michele
Published: September 2021

Multiferroic domain walls are an emerging solution for future low-power nanoelectronics due to their combined tuneable functionality and mobility. Here we show that the magnetoelectric multiferroic Aurivillius phase Bi6TixFeyMnzO18 (B6TFMO) crystal is an ideal platform for domain wall-based nanoelectronic devices. The unit cell of B6TFMO is distinctive as it consists of a multiferroic layer between dielectric layers. We utilise atomic resolution scanning transmission electron microscopy and spectroscopy to map the sub-unit-cell polarisation in B6TFMO thin films. 180˚ charged head-to-head and tail-to-tail domain walls are found to pass through > 8 ferroelectric-dielectric layers of the film. They are structurally similar to BiFeO3 DWs but contain a large surface charge density (σ_s) = 1.09 |e|per perovskite cell, where |e| is elementary charge. Although polarisation is primarily in-plane, c-axis polarisation is identified at head-to-tail domain walls with an associated electromechanical coupling of strain and polarisation. Finally, we reveal that with controlled strain engineering during thin film growth, room-temperature vortexes are formed in the ferroelectric layer. These results confirm that sub-unit-cell topological features can play an important role in controlling the conduction properties and magnetisation state of Aurivillius phase films and other multiferroic heterostructures.
Occupational Related Shoulder and Neck Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mengistu Dechasa Adare , Dammu Yohannes Mulugeta
Published: September 2021

Background: Currently, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant public health concern and are one of the leading causes of disability-adjusted life years and reducing quality of life. Therefore, the current study aimed to provide the country-wide prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly shoulder and neck pain, in Ethiopia.Methods: This study considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English and published in 2017-2020 and searched using included electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Embase, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online database. The quality assessment of the studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Assessment tools to determine the relevance of each included article to the study.Results: The study found that the pooled prevalence of shoulder and neck pain in the previous year represented 37.9% [95% CI:26.5, 50.8%] and 29.9% [95% CI: 20.1, 41.9], respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of shoulder pain in the last year based on the study population, publication year and study region was 47.6% [95% CI: 45.8, 49.4%], 49.8% [95% CI: 45.7, 53.9%] and 44.6% [95% CI: 41.4, 47.8%], respectively, while the pooled prevalence of neck pain in the last year based on the study population, publication year and study area was 39.1% (95% CI: 37.5, 40.7%], 25.1% [ 95% CI: 20.8, 29.9%] and 32.6% [95% CI: 29.8, 35.5%], respectively.Conclusions This study found that at least one third of the study participants had experienced occupational-related shoulder and/or neck pain the previous year. The study suggests that there is a need to implement occupational health and safety to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders and other hazards.
Cool-Dry Season Depression in Gas Exchange of Canopy Leaves and Water Flux of Tropical Trees at the Northern Limit of Asian Tropics
Authors: Siddiq Zafar , Zhang Yong-Jiang
Published: September 2021

Trees on the northern boundary of Asian tropics experience hot-humid and cool-dry seasons, but little is known about their seasonal dynamics in canopy physiology. We used a canopy crane to reach the canopy of nine tropical tree species and measured canopy leaf gas exchange, water status, and trunk sap flux during the hot-humid and cool-dry seasons in Xishuangbanna, China. We found that most tree species exhibited significant reductions in maximum photosynthetic rate (Amax), stomatal conductance (gsmax), predawn and midday leaf water-potentials, and maximum sap flux density in the cool-dry season. Compared to the hot-humid season, Amax declined by 19 % − 60 %, and maximum water flux declined by -14% (an increase) to 42 %. The cool-dry season decline in Amax of four species can be partly explained by an increased stomatal limitation (decreased gsmax and intercellular CO2 concentrations). Therefore, a predicted increase in drought in this region may decrease the carbon sequestration and productivity of these forests. We did not find a tradeoff between performance (Amax in the hot-humid season) and persistence through the cool-dry season; species with higher Amax in the hot-humid season did not show higher percent seasonal declines in the cool-dry season. Amax was significantly and positively associated with the trunk spa flux for both seasons but the association was weak in the cool-dry season. Thus, our results suggest that some tradeoffs and trait associations are environment-dependent. Our results are important to understand carbon and water fluxes of seasonal tropical forests and their responses to environmental changes.
Occupational Related Upper and Low Back Pain Among Working Population of Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mengistu Dechasa Adare , Demmu Yohannes Mulugeta , Alemu Addisu
Published: September 2021

Background: Occupational-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) are a major public health problem and result in the growing demands for utilization of healthcare services, causing temporary and permanent disability and reduced quality of life. In developing countries, particularly Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of occupational-related MSDs and remains less prioritized and empirically unrepresented. Thus, this study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of occupational-related musculoskeletal disorders, particularly low and upper back pain among the working population of Ethiopia.Methods: This systematic review and meta-analysis considered studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English, and published in 2017-2020. The articles were searched using the following electronic databases such as Web of Science, SCOPUS, PubMed, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, African Index Medicus, African Journals Online database, and Science directly using a combination of Boolean logic operators, Medical Subject Headings, and main keywords. The quality assessment of the articles was performed using the Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of the articles to the study.Results: In the current study, the pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper and lower back pain in the previous year was 27.1% [95% of the CI: 18.4, 37.9%] and 54.2% [95% of the CI: 48.2, 60.0%], respectively. However, the pooled prevalence of occupational-related upper back pain in the previous year according to the publication year, the study population and the study area was 43.8% [95% of CI: 39.3, 47.7%], 34.7%[95% of CI: 33.1, 36.2%] and 36.2% [95% of CI: 33.6, 39.0%] respectively while the prevalence of low back pain in the previous year according to the publication year, the study population and the study area was 61.8% [95% of CI: 58.9, 64.6%], 52.8% [95% of CI: 51.3, 54.3%] and 55.2% [95% of CI: 51.4, 59.0%] respectively.Conclusions: This systematic review and meta-analysis found that more than half of the included study participants had experienced low back pain in the previous year, while more than one-fourth of the included participants had experienced upper back pain. Therefore, the application of occupational health and safety practices in the workplace plays an important role in reducing MSDs related to work and other occupational hazards.
The Impact of New-Onset Atrial Fibrillation on Short-Term and Long-Term Mortality of Critically Ill Patients with Candidemia
Authors: Xiao Zengli , Du Anqi , An Youzhong
Published: September 2021

Background: Both new-onset atrial fibrillation (NOAF) and candidemia occurred frequently in critically ill patients, which are associated with poor outcomes. But, the association between NOAF and critically ill patients with candidemia is still uncertain. This study is try to identify the impact of NOAF on short-term and long-term mortality of critically ill patients with candidemia.Methods: We retrospectively identified NOAF in all patients with candidemia admitted to a non-cardiac intensive care unit (ICU) from January 2011 to March 2018 in a teaching hospital. We categorized these patients into 3 groups (NOAF, Prior AF, No AF) and compared clinical information between groups. Risk factors for these patients’ short-term and long-term mortality were also analyzed.Results: Ninety-two patients with candidemia were identified from 2011 to 2018. Among these patients, 26 (28.3%) developed NOAF during their hospital stay. The multivariable logistic regression analysis indicated that stroke, anemia, Sequential Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) score and NOAF were independent risk factors for in-hospital mortality and NOAF was also the independent risk factor for 1 year mortality.Conclusions: There was a high incidence of NOAF in critically ill patients with candidemia, which was associated with in-hospital mortality and 1 year mortality after hospital discharge. Further multicenter studies should be conducted to help confirm this relationship and to find effective interventions that reduce short-term and long-term mortality.
The Role of Simultaneous Standardized Uptake Value and MRI Diffusion Weighted Heterogeneity Index from Hybrid PET/MR in the Evaluation of Brain Metastases
Authors: Özkul Bahattin , Sokmen Bedriye Koyuncu , Sever Ibrahim Halil , Gurcan Nagihan Inan
Published: September 2021

BackgroundPET/MRI is a hybrid imaging modality and uses for evaluating oncology patients with its benefits of combination of soft tissue contrast and glucose metabolism. AimsTo evaluate the role of simultaneous derived apparent diffusion coefficient (ADC) heterogeneity index and 2-[18F]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose (18F-FDG) standardized uptake value (SUV) from hybrid PET/MRI to differentiate brain metastasis (BM) from normal appearing brain parenchyma (NABP) and to find out the efficiency of combination of ADCCV and SUV against conventional ADC parameter. Study DesignWhole-body PET/MRI was performed to evaluate proven 49 BM of 26 oncology patients (15 females, 11 males; mean age 63±16 years), sourced from different primary cancer. MethodsBrain sequences, which were dixon and diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) protocols with simultaneous PET were used to calculate coefficient of variance of the ADC (ADCCV) and SUVmax. All images were assessed by three radiologists and the same size of VOI was placed on BM and NABP. Inter-rater reliability was tested by inter-class correlation (ICC). The correlation of ADCCV and SUVmax and the differences in ADC values and SUVmax between BM and NABP were investigated. ResultsThe excellent consistency was found between raters at ADCmean (0.972) and ADCCV (0.995). There was a moderate correlation between ADCCV and SUVmax (r=0.585) and a negligible inverse correlation between ADCmean and SUVmax (r=-0.154). A statistically significant difference between BM and NABP was determined for ADCCV (p<0.001) and SUVmax (p=0.007). An area under the curve (AUC) of 0.663, 0.966, 0.571, 0.696 and 0.971 were obtained with ROC analysis of SUVmax, ADCCV, ADCmean, SUVmax+ADCmean and SUVmax+ADCCV, respectively.ConclusionADCCV may be considered as a new parameter in multi-parametric MRI that quantitatively discriminates BM from NABP with excellent interrater reliability.
Traditional Chinese Patent Medicine Qi Zhi Jiang Tang Capsule Treatment For Non-Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Pang Bing , Guo He , Zhang Yue-ying , Hu Hua-jie , Sun Ye , Cao Ai-mei , Lu Chun-qian , Zhang Wei-hua , Ni Qing
Published: September 2021

Background: Diabetic retinopathy is the most frequently occurring complication of diabetes mellitus and remains a leading cause of vision loss globally. Conventional treatments are focused on advanced stage of disease, targeting the early and potentially reversible retinal injury is a promising strategy for delaying non-proliferative diabetic retinopathy (NPDR). Here, we investigated the efficacy and safety of Qizhi Jiangtang capsule (QZJC), a kind of traditional Chinese patent medicine, for patients with NPDR.Methods: This study is a randomized, single-blind, placebo-controlled, multi-center clinical trial. A total of 200 participants will be randomly assigned in a 1:1:1:1 ratio to QZJC plus calcium dobesilate (CaD) group, QZJC placebo plus CaD group, QZJC group or QZJC placebo group. The treatment duration lasts 24 weeks. The primary outcome is the changes in grading of retinal microvascular injury before and after treatment. The secondary outcome will be changes in the vision, glycolipid, blood pressure, urinary albumin excretion rate and improvement of traditional Chinese medicine symptoms. All statistics will be two-sided tests, P < 0.05 is considered statistically significant.Discussion: We postulate that NPDR patients will benefit from QZJC. If successful, this work will provide preliminary evidence that QZJC could delay the progress of DR.Trial registration: Chinese Clinical Trial Registry no. ChiCTR1900023506. Registered 31 May 2019. The Version identifier is 2018121702.
Target blood pressure management during cardiopulmonary bypass improves lactate level after cardiac surgery: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Miao Qing , Wu DongJin , Chen Xu , Xu Meiying , Sun Lin , Guo Zhen , He Bin , Wu Jingxiang
Published: September 2021

Background：Hyperlactacidemia seriously affects the prognosis of cardiac surgery patients. This study was to explore the impact of target blood pressure management during cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) on blood lactate level after cardiac surgery. Methods: Enrolled in this study were patients≧ 18 years who were scheduled for cardiac valve surgery between January 1, 2020 and June 30, 2020 at Shanghai Chest Hospital. The enrolled patients were randomized into a low mean arterial pressure (L-MAP) group (target MAP between 50-60mmHg) and a high mean arterial pressure (H-MAP) group (target MAP between 70-80 mmHg). Norepinephrine was titrated during CPB to maintain MAP at the target level.Blood lactate levels in the two groups were detect before operation (T0), at the end of CPB (T1), at the end of operation (T2), 1 h after operation (T3), 6 h after operation (T4) and 24 h after operation (T5) as the primary outcome. The secondary outcome was the dose of epinephrine and dopamine within 24 h after operation, at the time of extubation, during ICU stay, at the time of readmission within 30 days, and mortality in 1 year. Results: There was no significant difference in blood lactate level between the two groups at T0, T4 and T5. The lactate level in H-MAP group was significantly lower than that in L-MAP group (1.68±0.73, 2.33±0.93 and 2.90±1.09 mM;L-1 vs. 2.29±1.12, 3.63±1.86 and 4.60±2.24 mM;L-1) at T1, T2 and T3. The dose of epinephrine within 24 h after operation, at the time of extubation and during ICU stay in L-MAP group was significantly higher than that in H-MAP group. Conclusions: Target MAP management in patients with relatively high levels of MAP during CPB could decrease the blood lactate level, reduce epinephrine consumption, and shorten the time of extubation and length of ICU stay after surgery, thus improving the prognosis of cardiac surgery patients. Trial registration: This single-center single-blind RCT has completed the registration of the Chinese Clinical Trial Center with the registration number ChiCTR2000028941.
Clusterin Protects Against Cr(VI)-Induced Oxidative Stress-Associated Hepatotoxicity By Mediating The Akt-Keap1-Nrf2 Signaling Pathway
Authors: Ma Yu , Li Siwen , Tang Sixuan , Ye Shuzi , Liang Ningjuan , Su Ying , Liang Yuehui , Xiao Fang
Published: September 2021

Hexavalent chromium [Cr(VI)] is a serious environmental pollutant and threatens human health. Although it has been confirmed that oxidative stress is the main mechanism of liver injury caused by Cr(VI) exposure, the related toxic target and effective intervention measures have not been found. Clusterin (CLU) is an acute phase response protein with cytoprotective and apoptosis delaying effects, and its expression has been confirmed to increase significantly after exposure to Cr(VI). In this study, we demonstrate that CLU acts on the Protein Kinase B (PKB/Akt)-Kelch-like ECH-associated protein 1 (Keap1)-nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2) signaling pathway to release Nrf2 into the nucleus. This to initiates the expression of a downstream protein, heme oxygenase 1 (HO-1), thereby attenuating the ubiquitination ability of Keap1 with Nrf2. We also demonstrated that CLU can affect oxidative stress through the Akt/Nrf2 pathway, which reduces the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) induced by Cr(VI) and protects against Cr(VI)-induced oxidative stress-associated hepatotoxicity. This study demonstrates a the mechanism of Cr(VI)-induced hepatotoxicity, and indicates that CLU as an intervention target of oxidative stress can provide valuable experimental basis for the prevention and treatment of occupational diseases in Cr(VI)-exposed population.
Craniospinal Irradiation As Part of Re-Irradiation for Children With Recurrent Medulloblastoma.
Authors: Baroni Lorena , Freytes Candela , Ponce Nicolas Fernández , Oller Agustina , Pintos Natalia , Gonzalez Adriana , Maldonado Francisco , Sampor Claudia , Rugilo Carlos , Lubieniecki Fabiana , Alderete Daniel
Published: September 2021

Background

Many studies have demonstrated in the last years that once medulloblastoma has recurred, the probability of regaining tumor control is poor despite salvage therapy. Although re-irradiation has an emerging role in other relapsed brain tumors, there is a lack of strong data on re-irradiation for medulloblastoma.
Methods

This is a retrospective cohort study of patients aged 18 years or under, treated at least by a second course of external beam for recurrence medulloblastoma at Garrahan Hospital between 2009 and 2020. Twenty-four patients met eligibility criteria for inclusion. All patients received upfront radiotherapy as part of the curative-intent first radiotherapy, either craniospinal irradiation (CSI) followed by posterior fossa boost in 20 patients or focal posterior fossa radiation in 4 infants. The second course of radiation consisted of CSI in 15 and focal in 9. The 3-year post first failure OS (50% vs. 0%; p = 0.0010) was significantly better for children who received re-CSI compared to children who received focal re-irradiation. Similarly, the 3-year post-re-RT PFS (31% vs. 0%; p = 0.0005) and OS (25% vs. 0%; p = 0.0003) was significantly improved for patients who received re-CSI compared to patients who received focal re-irradiation. No symptomatic intratumoral haemorrhagic events or symptomatic radionecrosis were observed. Survivors fell within mild to moderate intellectual disability range, with a median IQ at last assessment of 58 (range 43–69).
Conclusion

Re-irradiation with CSI is a safe and effective treatment for children with relapsed medulloblastoma; improves disease control and survival compared with focal re-irradiation. However this approach carries a high neurocognitive cost.
Bioinformatics Analysis Reveals CCR7 As A Potential Biomarker for Predicting CKD Progression
Authors: Lai Junju , Shan Huizhi , Cui Sini , Xiao Lingfeng , Huang Xiaowen , Xiao Yun
Published: September 2021

Background

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) inevitably progresses to end-stage renal disease if intervention does not occur in time. However, there are limitations in predicting the progression of CKD by solely relying on changes in renal function. A biomarker with high sensitivity and specificity that can predict the progression of CKD early is required.
Methods

We used the online Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) microarray dataset GSE45980 to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in patients with progressive and stable CKD. We then performed functional enrichment and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network analysis on DEGs and identified key genes. Finally, the expression patterns of the key genes were verified using the GSE60860 data set, and the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis was performed to clarify their predictive ability of progressive CKD. Ultimately, we verified the expression profiles of these hub genes in an in vitro renal interstitial fibrosis model by RT-PCR and western blot analysis.
Results

Differential expression analysis identified 50 upregulated genes and 47 downregulated genes. The results of the functional enrichment analysis revealed that the upregulated DEGs were mainly enriched in immune response, inflammatory response, and NF-κB signaling pathways, whereas the downregulated DEGs were mainly related to angiogenesis and the extracellular environment. PPI network and key gene analysis identified CCR7 as the most important gene. CCR7 mainly plays a role in immune response, and its only receptors, CCL19 and CCL21, have also been identified as DEGs. The ROC curve analysis of CCR7, CCL19 and CCL21 found that CCR7 and CCL19 present good disease prediction ability.
Conclusion

CCR7 may be a stable biomarker for predicting the progression of CKD, and the CCR7-CCL19/CCL21 axis may be a therapeutic target for end-stage renal disease. However, further experiments are needed to explore the relationship between these genes and CKD.
Dynamical Analysis of Transmission of Hepatitis B and C Viruses with External Source of disease by Mathematical Model
Authors: Mohsen Ahmed , Hattaf Khalid , AL-Husseiny Hassan
Published: September 2021

In this paper, we develop a deterministic mathematical model of the Hepatitis B and C viruses transmission in population, which allows transmission by two way vertical such as from pregnant mother to fetus and horizontal. Also, by two way through direct contact and due to the external source of infective such as blood transfusion or other. In reality, we know that there is a vaccination against the hepatitis B virus but so far, there is no vaccine against the hepatitis C virus this is why it is considered more dangerous than hepatitis B. Furthermore, we study the vaccination effect with the failure in the vaccine. We propose an SVIBICR model using a system of ordinary differential equations. First the major basic analysis, like the uniqueness, boundedness and positivity of the solution for the proposed model. Second the existence of all biological equilibrium points, basic reproduction number and stability analysis of all equilibrium points. The numerical simulation indicated to confirm the analytic results and the government must apply all control strategies in combating hepatitis virus at short periods of time.
Assessing Biodegradability of PVA/Starch Based Composite Films Reinforced With Long Chain Fatty Acid Grafted Barley Husk
Authors: Mittal Aanchal , Garg Sangeeta , Bajpai Shailendra
Published: September 2021

The main objective of this study is the preparation of poly (vinyl alcohol) PVA/starch based composite films reinforced with barley husk and grafted barley husk (prepared using lauric acid, palmitic acid and arachidic acid) for packaging applications and assessment of their biodegradability. The biodegradability test of the films was performed by measuring weight loss of the films after degradation in soil under natural environmental conditions and by measuring evolved carbon dioxide (CO2) during degradation under aqueous aerobic environment containing activated sludge. Physico-chemical variation in the films after degradation were observed using scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR). The composite films containing barley husk showed highest degradation in soil (70 % after 180 days) as well as in aqueous aerobic medium (58.83 % after 30 days). The results of scanning electron microscopy showed the formation of cracks and holes over the surface of the composite films after degradation. The degradation of the films occurred inside the composite films, not only on their surface. The incorporation of starch and barley husk in PVA matrix enhanced the degradation rate of films.
Effects of Soil Physico-Chemical Properties on Plant Species Composition and Diversity Along an Elevation Gradient Over Alpine Grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau, China
Authors: Han Wangya , Chen Li , Su Xukun , Liu Dan , Jin Tiantian , Shi Songlin , Li Tao , Liu Guohua
Published: September 2021

Background and aims Alpine grassland on the Qinghai-Tibetan Plateau (QTP) is sensitive and fragile, and it is subject to serious degradation. It is essential to determine the effects of soil parameters on plant species to explain grassland degradation. Methods We classified plant communities into six types based on hierarchical clustering. Then we analyzed the effects of soil physico-chemical properties on plant species composition and diversity by canonical ordination and spatial regression from an elevation perspective. Results Elevation class had significant effects on soil moisture content, soil pH, and soil available nitrogen content. The primary soil parameter affecting plant species composition and diversity in alpine grassland was soil available nitrogen content. The effect of soil available nitrogen content on plant species richness varied at different elevations. For Gramineae plants (G), plant species richness declined with the increase in soil available nitrogen content at low elevation, but rose at middle elevation. Soil available nitrogen content had a more significant limiting effect on species richness at high elevation. Conclusion Analyzing the relationship between plant species and soil physico-chemical properties increases our understanding of grassland degradation, and will improve grassland restoration programs and responses to climate change.
Identification of A Novel CYP4V Gene In The Polychaete Perinereis Aibuhitensis: Transcriptional Comparison With CYP4B Exposed To PAHs
Authors: Zhao Huan , Wang Lili , Lei Yan , Wang Yinan , Yang Dazuo , Zhou Yibing , Yuan Xiutang
Published: September 2021

Polychaete worms can biotransform polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) in environments, and the cytochrome P450 (CYP) enzyme plays an important role in this process. Herein, a novel cytochrome P450 gene was identified and characterized from the polychaete worm Perinereis aibuhitensis. The full-length cDNA, which is named CYP4V82, is 1709 bp encoding a protein of 509 amino acids and has high similarity to CYP4V. The expression levels of CYP4V82 and CYP4BB4 (a CYP gene identified from P. aibuhitensis in a previous study, Chen et al., 2012) exposure to various concentrations of benzo[α]pyrene (B[α]P) (0.5, 2, 4, and 8 μg/L) and same mass concentrations of fluoranthene (Flu, 3.2 μg/L), phenanthrene (Phe, 2.9 μg/L), B[α]P (4.0 μg/L) were detected to identify the function of the CYP4 family in P. aibuhitensis. Compared with CYP4BB4, CYP4V82 mRNA was minimally expressed on day 7 but highly sensitive on day 14. Notably, the expression level of CYP4V82 and CYP4BB4 was relatively different in response to PAHs with different benzene rings of the same concentration. The expression of CYP4V82 in the B(a)P group was the highest, while that of CYP4BB4 in the Phe group was relatively higher than the two other groups. These ﬁndings suggest that PAHs are associated with the induction of CYP4V82 and CYP4BB4 expressions, which may have different efficiencies in the detoxiﬁcation of PAHs.
The Emergence of New Cycles of Marital Adjustment Following the Myocardial Infarction: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Sarhadi Mahdieh , Navidian Ali , Rabori Roghayeh Mehdipour , Nouhi Esmat
Published: September 2021

Background: Living with cardiovascular diseases can make significant changes in continuing marriage and marital adjustment. Therefore, the present study examines the effects of myocardial infarction on couples' relationships and aims to explain how to create new cycles in couples' marital adjustment following infarction.Methods: To this end, in-depth semi-structured interviews were conducted with six patients with myocardial infarction and seven spouses with a mean age of 54 years in two teaching hospitals located in southeast of Iran in 2020-2021. Interviews were immediately transcribed and content-analysed on a contractual basis. MAXQDA2020 was used to classify the data, and data analysis was performed using the proposed Lundman & Graneheim method.Results: The results showed that couples began to redefine marital interactions, re-evaluate life, optimize decision-making processes, and better manage their marital conflicts after the disease.Conclusion: The present study showed how the disease breaks down the structures and interactions of couples. Couples create new changes and cycles in their marital life to maintain and survive together after passing the acute stage of the disease to develop their marital adjustment process. Therefore, considering the positive cycles created, the present study results can be used in health education, nursing caring, organizing consultations, and designing supportive interventions for patients with myocardial infarction and their spouses.
Expression of ERG in Lymphoblastic Lymphoma Patients: A Potential Diagnostic Pitfall
Authors: Huang Wenyong , Zhang Wen , Zeng Lei , Zheng Yueer , Hu Fangfang , Liu Fanrong , Li Weisong , Guo Guangxiu , Li Lixiang
Published: September 2021

Background: The Ets-related gene (ERG) is the member of ETS family of transcription factors, which commonly expressed in Ewing's sarcoma. Recently, we found that ERG can also express in lymphoblastic lymphoma. The aim of this article is to analyze the ERG expression in lymphoblastic lymphoma. Methods: The patients of lymphoblastic lymphomas who had undergone fine needle aspiration or surgical operation from 2017 to 2021 in the second affiliated hospital of Nan-Chang university were collected and examined. Immunohistochemistry (IHC) was performed to evaluate the expression of ERG. Results: In this study, 20 T-lymphoblastic lymphomas and 4 B-lymphoblastic lymphomas were investigated for the expression of ERG. Our findings showed that ERG was expressed in 8 of the 20 (40%) T-lymphoblastic lymphomas, and 3 of the 4 (75.0%) B-lymphoblastic lymphomas. Conclusions: This report shows that ERG can express in lymphoblastic lymphomas, and highlights a potential diagnostic pitfall in the diagnosis of Ewing sarcoma, which urges pathologists to exercise caution in cases where ERG-positivity and illustrates the need for further immunohistochemical examination to avoid misdiagnosis.
Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Following A Paired Associative Stimulation Protocol Based On A Videogame Potentiates Cortical Plasticity And Motor Behavior
Authors: Agustín Arantzazu San , Asín-Prieto Guillermo , Moreno Juan C , Oliviero Antonio , Pons José L
Published: September 2021

BackgroundTranscranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS) can induce synaptic plasticity potentiation following a paired associative stimulation (PAS) protocol, synchronizing a TMS single pulse with a movement task, named movement-related cortical stimulation (MRCS). However, MRCS plasticity induction and performance potentiation has been related exclusively to single movement tasks.MethodIn order to unveil the changes in motor learning produced by the MRCS protocol in complex movements, associated to Activities of Daily Living (ADL), we induced PAS changes in synchronization with a movement-related dynamic task by performing a customized videogame. We measured the task performance as well as nervous system excitability neuromodulation in 22 healthy subjects, analyzing Reaction Time (RT) and the peak-to-peak amplitude of the Motor Evoked Potentials (MEPs) respectively. The MEPs were recorded in the main task executor muscle, Abductor Pollicis Brevis (APB), and a secondary muscle, Abductor Digiti Minimi (ADM), before, right after, and 30 minutes after the intervention, in a real against sham group experimental parallel design. ResultsPAS application in synchronization with a complex task resulted in a motor performance potentiation effect, inducing shorter RTs when compared to the sham group. Moreover, it triggered long-term corticospinal plasticity mechanisms reflected in a MEP amplitude depression for the APB muscle at the higher intensity of recruitment curve and an enhancement of the corticospinal excitability of ADM muscle at around threshold intensity. RTs and ADM MEP amplitudes correlated positively in around threshold and high intensity assessments.ConclusionsWe conclude that the proposed PAS protocol facilitated the learning of time-accuracy movement in complex movement tasks, even if fatigue could be affecting the executor muscle excitability, and enhanced potentiation towards a passive muscle. This phenomenon can be very useful to develop neurorehabilitation strategies with complex movements (more similar to ADLs) and to avoid maladaptive plasticity related likely to fatigue.
Mechanism of Hypoxia-Activated MiR-194 /FoxO3a Inducing Glycolytic Metabolism Reprogramming in Gastric Precancerous Lesions
Authors: Zhang Sheng-xiong , Liu Wei , Ai Bo , Pan Hua-feng , Zhao Zi-ming , Chen Zhe-Sheng , Lin Li-zhu
Published: September 2021

Background: Early diagnosis and treatment of gastric precancerous lesions (GPL) are key factors for reducing the incidence and morbidity of gastric cancer. The study aimed to examine GPL in mice induced by MNU and to illustrate the underlying mechanisms of tumorigenesis.Methods: In this study, we utilized an in vivo MNU (N-methyl-N-nitroso-urea)-induced GPL mouse model, Histopathological changes of the gastric mucosa were observed by Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E-stain) and alcian blue (AB-PAS-stain); The level of miR-194-5p in the gastric mucosa were determined by real‐time polymerase chain reaction; We used transmission electron microscopy to observe the effects of MNU on gastric chief cells and parietal cells; We performed immunohistochemical detection of HIF-1α, vWF, Ki-67 and P53, while the changes in protein expression of key genes in LKB1-AMPK and AKT-FoxO3 signaling pathways were detected by western blot analysis.Results: We demonstrated that miR-194-5p expression was upregulated under hypoxia in GPL gastric tissues, and that a high miR-194-5p expression level closely related with tumorigenesis. Mechanistically, miR-194-5p exerted the acceleration of activities related to metabolic reprogramming through LKB1-AMPK and AKT-FoxO3 pathways. Furthermore, similar to miR-194-5p, high expression levels of AMPK and AKT were also related to the metabolic reprogramming of GPL. Moreover, we revealed the correlation between the expression levels of miR-194-5p, p-AMPKα, p-AKT, and FoxO3a. Conclusions: These findings suggest that miR-194-5p/FoxO3 pathway is important for the reversal of metabolic reprogramming in GPL. Thus, exploring strategies to regulate the miR-194-5p/FoxO3a pathway may provide an efficient strategy for the prevention and treatment of GPL.
Shared and Independent Neural Representation Between Visual Perception and Mental Imagery
Authors: Huang Yingying , Pollick Frank , Liu Ming , Zhang Delong
Published: September 2021

Visual mental imagery and visual perception have been shown to share a hierarchical topological visual structure of neural representation. Meanwhile, many studies have reported a dissociation of neural substrate between mental imagery and perception in function and structure. However, we have limited knowledge about how the visual hierarchical cortex involved into internally generated mental imagery and perception with visual input. Here we used a dataset from previous fMRI research (Horikawa & Kamitani, 2017), which included a visual perception and an imagery experiment with human participants. We trained two types of voxel-wise encoding models, based on Gabor features and activity patterns of high visual areas, to predict activity in the early visual cortex (EVC, i.e., V1, V2, V3) during perception, and then evaluated the performance of these models during mental imagery. Our results showed that during perception and imagery, activities in the EVC could be independently predicted by the Gabor features and activity of high visual areas via encoding models, which suggested that perception and imagery might share neural representation in the EVC. We further found that there existed a Gabor-specific and a non-Gabor-specific neural response pattern to stimuli in the EVC, which were shared by perception and imagery. These findings provide insight into mechanisms of how visual perception and imagery shared representation in the EVC.