bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Impact of human adipose tissue-derived stem cells on dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans cells in an indirect co-culture: An in vitro study
Authors: YUAN Zhaoqi , ZHU Zhu , ZHU Fangxing , DING Feixue , WANG Yinmin , WANG Xiuxia , LUO Xusong , YANG Jun , LIU Fei , SUN Di
Published: May 2021

Background
This is the first study to evaluate the crosstalk between human adipose tissue-derived stem cells (ADSCs) and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans (DFSP) cells with regard to the potential of using ADSCs in cell-based skin regenerative therapies. The aim was to identify the potential oncological risks of placing ADSCs in proximity of the tumor microenvironment of DFSP cells.
Methods
Primary DFSP cells were indirectly co-cultured with ADSCs in a conditioned medium or in a Transwell system. Crosstalk was analyzed by assessing proliferation, migration, invasion, angiogenesis, and tumor-associated genes and proteins. The results of these assays were compared between co-culture and mono-culture conditions.
Results
The proliferation, migration, invasion, and angiogenesis of DFSP cells in co-culture conditions significantly increased compared with those in mono-culture conditions; this was accompanied by an increase in the expression levels of beta-type platelet-derived growth factor receptor, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, vascular endothelial growth factor, hepatocyte growth factor, and basic fibroblast growth factor.
Conclusions
The current report clearly demonstrates that crosstalk between DFSP cells and ADSCs can enhance the malignant properties of DFSP cells in vitro, which should not be neglected when considering the clinical use of isolated human ADSCs in skin regenerative therapies.
Effect of Two Types of Shoulder Prosthesis on the Muscle Forces Using a Generic Multibody Model for Different Arm Motions
Authors: Weisse Bernhard , Lama Susan , Piskoty Gabor , Affolter Christian , Aiyangar Ameet Krishnan
Published: May 2021

Background: This study aims to analyze the effects of a novel dual-bearing shoulder prosthesis and a conventional reverse shoulder prosthesis on the deltoid and rotator cuff muscle forces for four different arm motions. The dual-bearing prosthesis is a glenoid sparing joint replacement with a moving center of rotation compared to the natural shoulder to increase the moment arms of the acting muscles for arm lifting. It has been developed to treat rotator cuff arthropathy, providing an increased post-operative functionality.Methods: An OpenSim® three-dimensional musculoskeletal model of an upper body, incorporating a natural gleno-humeral joint and a scapulothoracic joint developed by Blana et al. [1], was used as a reference for the natural shoulder. It was modified by integrating first a novel dual-bearing prosthesis, and second, a reverse shoulder prosthesis into the shoulder joint complex. Four different arm motions, namely abduction, scaption, internal and external rotation, were simulated using an inverse kinematics approach. For each of the three models, shoulder muscle forces and joint reaction forces were calculated with a 2 kg weight in the hand.Results: In general, the maximal shoulder muscle force and joint reaction force values were in a similar range for both prosthesis models during all four motions. The maximal deltoid muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing were 18% lower for abduction and 3% higher for scaption compared to the natural shoulder. The maximal rotator cuff muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing were 36% lower for abduction and 1% higher for scaption compared to the natural shoulder. Although the maximal deltoid muscle forces in the model with the dual-bearing in internal and external rotation were 52% and 64% higher respectively, compared to the natural shoulder, the maximal rotator cuff muscle forces were 27% lower in both motions.Conclusion: The study shows that the dual-bearing shoulder prosthesis is a feasible option for patients with rotator cuff tear and has a strong potential to be used as secondary as well as primary joint replacement. The study also demonstrates that computer simulations can help to guide the continued optimization of this particular design concept for successful clinical outcomes.
Evaluation of Dry Textile Electrodes for Long-term Electrocardiographic Monitoring
Authors: Alizadeh-Meghrazi Milad , Ying Binbin , Schlums Alessandra , Lam Emily , Eskandarian Ladan , Abbas Farhana , Sidhu Gurjant , Mahnam Amin , Moineau Bastien , Popovic Milos
Published: May 2021

Background: Continuous long-term electrocardiography monitoring has been increasingly recognized for early diagnosis and management of different types of cardiovascular diseases. To find an alternative to Ag/AgCl gel electrodes that are improper for this application scenario, many efforts have been undertaken to develop novel flexible dry textile electrodes integrated into the everyday garments. With significant progresses made to address the potential issues (e.g., low signal to noise ratio, high skin-electrode impedance, motion artifact, and low durability), the lack of standard evaluation procedure hinders the further development of dry electrodes (mainly the design and optimization).Results: A standard testing procedure and framework for skin-electrode impedance measurement is demonstrated for the development of novel dry textile electrodes. Different representative electrode materials have been screen-printed on textile substrates. To verify the performance of dry textile electrodes, impedance measurements are conducted on an Agar skin model using a universal setup with consistent frequency and pressure. In addition, they are demonstrated for ECG signals acquisition, in comparison to those obtained using conventional gel electrodes.Conclusions: Dry textile electrodes demonstrated similar impedance when in raised or flat structures. The tested pressure variations had an insignificant impact on electrode impedance. Looking at the effect of impedance on ECG signals, a noticeable effect on ECG signal performance metrics was not observed. Therefore, it is suggested that impedance alone is possibly not the primary indicator of signal quality. As well, the developed methods can also serve as useful guidelines for future textile dry electrode design and testing for practical ECG monitoring applications.
Selected ‘Starter Kit’ energy system modelling data for Egypt (#CCG)
Authors: Allington Lucy , Cannone Carla , Pappis Ioannis , Barron Karla Cervantes , Usher Will , Pye Steve , Brown Edward , Howells Mark , Taliotis Constantinos , Sundin Caroline , Sridha Vignesh , Ramos Eunice , Brinkerink Maarten , Deane Paul , Gritsevskyi Andrii , Moura Gustavo , Rouget Arnaud , Wogan David , Barcelona Edito , Rogner Holger , Hirmer Stephanie
Published: May 2021

Energy system modelling can be used to assess the implications of different scenarios and support improved policymaking. However, access to data is often a barrier to starting energy system modelling in developing countries, thereby causing delays. Therefore, this article provides data that can be used to create a simple zero order energy system model for Egypt, which can act as a starting point for further model development and scenario analysis. The data are collected entirely from publicly available and accessible sources, including the websites and databases of international organizations, journal articles, and existing modelling studies. This means that the dataset can be easily updated based on the latest available information or more detailed and accurate local data. These data were also used to calibrate a simple energy system model using the Open Source Energy Modelling System (OSeMOSYS) and two stylized scenarios (Fossil Future and Least Cost) for 2020-2050. The assumptions used and results of these scenarios are presented in the appendix as an illustrative example of what can be done with these data. This simple model can be adapted and further developed by in-country analysts and academics, providing a platform for future work.
A Comparative study on structural, morphological and photocatalytic properties of anodically grown ZnO nanowires under varying parameters
Authors: Ozdemir Erdem Tevfik , KARTAL Uğur , Dikici Tuncay , Erol Mustafa , Yurddaskal Metin
Published: May 2021

In this study, Zinc oxide (ZnO) nanowires (NWs) were successfully produced on Zn plates through electrochemical anodization in potassium bicarbonate aqueous electrolytes with different production parameters in two groups as applied voltage and anodization time. Subsequently, the ZnO NWs were annealed at 300 ℃ for 1 h in air atmosphere to increase crystallinity and remove organic residues. Structural and morphological properties were determined through X-ray diffraction (XRD) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) analysis. The effect of anodization parameters on the structure of ZnO NWs and thus their photocatalytic activities were evaluated in detail by UV spectrophotometer. The results pointed out that, the most effective nanostructure on the photocatalytic degradation of methylene blue was obtained at the sample anodized under 30 V for 30 min at room temperature with 90.6% degradation efficiency among the samples. This result shows that the NW structured ZnO materials are promising to be used as effective photocatalysts in the removal of organic pollutants by solar energy and their conversion to green compounds.
MWCNT/Ti-doped ZnO nanocomposite as electrochemical sensor for detecting glutamate and ascorbic acid
Authors: Pitiphattharabun Siraprapa , Meesombad Kornkamon , Panomsuwan Gasidit , Jongprateep Oratai
Published: May 2021

Attributed to high stability and reproducibility, non-enzymatic electrochemical sensors have been extensively utilized in detection of various chemical substances. In this study, multi-walled carbon nanotube (MWCNT)/Ti-doped ZnO composite was prepared for fabrication of working electrode used in detection of glutamate and ascorbic acid. Ti-doped ZnO particles with the average size of 44.47 ± 4.05 nanometers were synthesized by the solution combustion technique. Hydrothermal impregnation was employed in preparation of the MWCNT/Ti-doped ZnO composite. Electrocatalytic activities of the MWCNT/Ti-doped ZnO composite were examined using cyclic voltammetry technique. The cyclic voltammograms revealed the reduction reaction of glutamate close to -0.5 V, whereas the reduction reaction of ascorbic acid close to 0.05. Fair electrocatalytic performance, with acceptable sensitivity, limit of detection and selectivity suggested potential utilization of MWCNT/Ti-doped ZnO nanocomposite in detection of ascorbic acid and glutamate.
Roles of Multimodal Intra-Operative Neurophysiological Monitoring (IONM) in Percutaneous Endoscopic Transforaminal Lumbar Interbody Fusion: A Case Series of 113 Patients
Authors: chen yu , Chun-Mei Luo , Juan Wang , Libangxi Liu , Bo Huang , Chang-Qing Li , Yue Zhou , Chencheng Feng
Published: May 2021

Background: Despite the widely used intra-operative neurophysiological monitoring (IONM) in spinal surgeries, the efficacy of IONM during percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (PE-TLIF) surgery in detecting post-operative neurological deficits has not been well characterized.Objective: To investigate the efficacy and specificity of multimodal IONM (MIONM) on the detection of neurological complications during PE-TLIF surgeries.Methods: Multimodal IONM data from 113 consecutive cases who underwent PE-TLIF surgeries betweenJune2018and April 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Post-operative neurological deficits were documented and analyzed, and the efficacy and specificity of various IONM techniques were compared.Results: Of the 113 consecutive patients, we identified 12 (10.6%) IONM alerts. The multimodal IONM sensitivity and specificity were 100% and 96.2%, respectively. The frequency of neurological complications, including minor deficits, was 6.2% (n = 7), all of which were temporary. Analysis of single IONM modalities varied between 25.0% and 66.6% with respect to their abilities to detect neurological complications compared to 100% when using all modalities.Conclusions: Multimodal IONM is more effective and accurate in assessing nerve root function during PE-TLIF surgeries, reducing both neurological complications and false-negative findings compared to unimodal monitoring. We recommend multimodal IONM in PE-TLIF surgeries.
Periprosthetic Joint Infection – Comparison of Automated Multiplex-PCR Unyvero i60 ITI Cartridge System with Bacterial Culture and Real-Time PCR
Authors: Luedemann Martin , Sulastyanto Saskia , Raab Peter , Schoen Christoph , Rudert Maximilian
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The evaluation of an automated-multiplex-PCR cartridge system for patients with suspicion of a periprosthetic joint infection (PJI) in comparison with conventional microbiological culture and 16S-rDNA-PCR.Methods: On suspicion of PJI synovial fluid specimen were taken preoperatively or periprosthetic tissue was collected intraoperatively. Microbiological analysis included conventional culture, 16S-rDNA-PCR and automated-multiplex-PCR (Unyvero-i60-ITI®). The European Bone and Joint Infection Society (EBJIS) criteria were used for PJI diagnosis. Positive and negative percent agreement was calculated. Total percentage agreement and Cohen`s kappa coefficient were calculated. Sensitivity, specificity and positive predictive value of conventional culture, 16S-rDNA-PCR and multiplex-PCR were calculated. 10 specimens of proved PJI were used as control group.Results: 50 specimen were suitable for culture. 14 (28%) were classified as PJI, 36 (72%) were aseptic. Coagulase-negative staphylococci was the most frequent detected pathogen. Concordance-rate between mPCR and culture results was 75.6 % with a Cohen`s kappa of 0.28. Concordance-rate between mPCR and 16S-rDNA was 82.9%, Cohen`s kappa was 0.13. Concordance analysis between culture results and 16S-rDNA lead to a concordance-rate of 88.9%. Cohen`s kappa was calculated with 0.6. With regard to the microbiological culture as reference, sensitivity of the mPCR was 0.33 and specificity was 0.91. Sensitivity and specificity of the 16S-rDNA-PCR was 0.55 and 0.97. The positive predictive value was 0.57 for the mPCR and 0.83 for the 16S-rDNA-PCR.Conclusion: Due to fair agreement between mPCR and conventional microbiological culture, the tested multiplex-PCR could be an additional instrument for the detection of PJI but is not superior over the conventional culture.
Long Noncoding RNA FER1L4 Promotes the Malignant Processes of Papillary Thyroid Cancer by Targeting miR-612/ Cadherin 4 Axis
Authors: Wu Luyao , Ding Yu , Tong Houchao , Zhuang Xi , Cai Jingsheng , Si Yan , Zhang Hao , Wang Xiaoting , shen meiping
Published: May 2021

Background: Long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) have emerged as crucial regulators in various cancers. However, the functional roles of most lncRNA in papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) are not detailly understood. This study aims to investigate the biological functions and molecular mechanisms of lncRNA Fer-1 like family member 4 (FER1L4) in PTC.Methods: The expression of FER1L4 in PTC was determined via operating qRT-PCR assays. Meanwhile, the clinical significance of FER1L4 in PTC patients was described. The biological functions of FER1L4 on PTC cells were evaluated by gain and loss of function experiments. Moreover, animal experiments were performed to reveal the effect on tumor growth. Subcellular distribution of FER1L4 was determined by fluorescence in situ hybridization and subcellular localization assays. Luciferase reporter assay and RNA immunoprecipitation assay were applied to define the relationship between FER1L4, miR-612, and Cadherin 4 (CDH4). Results: Upregulated expression of FER1L4 in PTC tissues was positively correlated with lymph node metastasis (P = 0.020), extrathyroidal extension (P = 0.013) and advanced TNM stages (P = 0.013). In addition, knockdown of FER1L4 suppressed PTC cell proliferation, migration and invasion, whereas ectopic expression of FER1L4 inversely promoted these processes. Mechanistically, FER1L4 could competitively bind with miR-612 to prevent the degradation of its target gene CDH4. This condition was further confirmed in the rescue assays.Conclusions: This study first demonstrates FER1L4 plays an oncogenic role in PTC via a FER1L4-miR-612-CDH4 axis and may provide new therapeutic and diagnostic targets for PTC.
Immune Cell Infiltration Score and Predicting Model Among Lower-grade Gliomas Based on Immunogenomic Clusters
Authors: Wang Zhile , Xie Fucun , Wu Yijun , Wang Li , Bai Yi , Long Junyu , Wang Xiang
Published: May 2021

Background and objectives: Recurrent malignancies had become a significant problem for the treatment of gliomas. Though immunotherapy was regarded as a possible solution, verification of immune-checkpoint inhibitors in multiple clinical cases failed. We aimed to explore target genes for immunotherapy and evaluate the genes through new scoring criteria.Methods: We firstly classified the patients through k-means clustering in immune cell level and gene level. Differential prognostic genes were weighted through principal component analysis (PCA) and Boruta algorithm. The comprehensive scoring of each component was defined as the ICI score. We further analyzed the relationship between ICI score and various clinical factors and prognosis. Moreover, a nomogram based on the ICI scores was built and validated through both internal and external validation.Results: The study cohort finally enrolled 495 patients. We identified a list of differential genes of which the expression level was closely related to prognosis. ICI scores were calculated for each case according to the expression level of prognostic genes. The cases in high ICI score group showed significantly lower survival probabilities (log-rank test; p<0.001). We further built a nomogram model based on the ICI scores. The area under the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve (AUC) values of the nomogram were 0.851, 0.86, and 0.768 in internal validation, and 0.725, 0.744, and 0.735 for 1-year, 3-year and 5-year truncation time in external validation.Conclusions: The differential genes were listed for further studies. ICI score had been confirmed to be closely related to prognosis and even genome instability. And the nomogram model based on ICI scores showed the feasibility in clinical practice in both internal and external validation.
Health Information-Seeking Behaviors of a German Speaking Minority in Italy: Latent Class Analysis of a Population-Based Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Ausserhofer Dietmar , Wiedermann Wolfgang , Wiedermann Christian J. , Becker Ulrich , Vögele Anna , Piccoliori Giuliano , Engl Adolf
Published: May 2021

Latent classes of health information-seeking behaviors of adults in a German-speaking minority of Italy were explored in a population-based, telephone survey on 10 health information sources conducted in South Tyrol, Italy. Data were collected from 504 adults (primary language German 68%, Italian 28%) and analyzed using latent class analysis and latent class multinomial logistic regression models. Three classes of health information-seeking behaviors emerged: “multidimensional” (23.3%), “interpersonal” (38.6%) and “technical/online” (38.1%). Compared to the “technical/online” class, “interpersonal” class members were older, had lower education than high school, and were less likely to be of Italian ethnicity. “Multidimensional” class members were more likely to be female, older, and of German ethnicity than those in the “technical/online” class. Linguistic ethnicity explains membership in classes of health-information-seeking behaviour. Policy makers and healthcare providers need to consider the health information-seeking behaviors of population subgroups to promote the health literacy skills of language minority groups.
Effect of Tumour Size Ratio on Liver Recurrence-free Survival of Patients Undergoing Hepatic Resection for Colorectal Liver Metastases
Authors: Zhai Yana , Bai Weijun , Zhou Jin , Dong Qian , Zhang Jingdong
Published: May 2021

Purpose: The study aimed to assess the impact of size differences of multiple liver metastases on liver recurrence-free survival (RFS) in patients undergoing hepatic resection for colorectal liver metastases (CRLMs). Methods: Overall, 147 patients with CRLMs who underwent hepatic resection between January 2007 and December 2016 were retrospectively analysed. Based on the tumour size ratio (TSR), patients were classified into three groups: TSR <2, 2≤TSR<4, and TSR ≥4. The differences in the liver RFS across the groups were analysed using the Kaplan-Meier method.Results: According to the multivariate analysis, TSR of 2–4 (hazard ratio [HR], 2.580; 95% confidence interval [CI] 1.543–4.312; P <0.001) and TSR <2 (HR, 4.435; 95% CI 2.499–7.872; P <0.001) were associated with worse liver RFS. As TSR decreased, liver RFS worsened. The Tumour Burden Score (TBS) is a prognostic tool, and TSR could further stratify patients in zones 1 and 2 into different risk groups according to the TBS criteria (zone 1: median liver RFS, 3.2 and 8.9 months for groups 1 and 2, respectively, P = 0.003; zone 2: median liver RFS, 3.5, 5.0, and 10.9 months for groups 1, 2, and 3, respectively, P <0.05). The differentiation ability of the new clinical score, which includes TSR, was superior to that of the Fong clinical score.Conclusion: TSR, as a prognostic tool, could accurately assess the effect of size differences across multiple liver metastases on liver RFS in patients undergoing hepatectomy for CRLMs.
Validation of Reference Genes for Studying Different Abiotic Stresses by RT-qPCR in Oat (Avena Sativa L.)
Authors: Tajti Judit , Pál Magda , Janda Tibor
Published: May 2021

Background: Oat (Avena sativa L.) is a widely cultivated cereal with high nutritional value growing mainly in temperate regions. The number of studies dealing with gene expression changes in oat increases and to obtain reliable RT-qPCR results it is essential to use references genes that are least influenced by experimental conditions. However, no detailed study was conducted on reference genes in different tissues of oat under diverse abiotic stress conditions. Results: In our work 9 candidate reference genes (ACT, TUB, CYP, GAPD, UBC, EF1, TBP, ADPR, PGD) were chosen and analysed by 4 statistical methods (GeNorm, Normfinder, BestKeeper, RefFinder). Samples were taken from two tissues (leaves and roots) of 13-day-old oat plants exposed to 5 abiotic stresses (drought, salt, heavy metal, low and high temperatures). ADPR was the top-rated reference gene for all samples, while different genes proved to be the most stable depending on tissue type and treatment combinations. TUB and EF1 were most affected by the treatments in general. Validation of reference genes was carried out by PAL expression analysis which further confirmed their reliability. Conclusions: Our main goal was to identify reference genes with stable expression in oat under different abiotic stress conditions in different tissues. These results can contribute to reliable gene expression studies for future researches in cultivated oat.
Association between ChAdOx1 nCoV-19 vaccination and bleeding episodes: large population-based cohort study
Authors: Trogstad Lill , Robertson Anna Hayman , Mjaaland Siri , Magnus Per
Published: May 2021

Objective To compare prevalence of skin, nose and gingival bleedings after receipt of adeno-vectored or mRNA-vaccines against covid-19. The hypothesis is that milder symptoms indicating altered thrombocyte function may affect a larger proportion of vaccinated individuals than the recently reported severe cases with thrombosis and thrombocytopenia.Design Large, population-based cohort study.Setting Norway, nationwide.ParticipantsMore than 80 000 cohort participants responding to electronic questionnaires about covid-19 vaccination and potential side effects during weeks 11-13, 2021. Response rate 58% (81267/138924), 83% were female, 85% health care workers and 80% were aged 40-55 years. Main outcome measuresSelf-reported episodes of skin, nose and gingival bleedings. Variation in rates by registered vaccine type, age, sex, occupation, previous covid-19 infection and chronic disease. ResultsFour of the 3416 subjects (0.2%) who were vaccinated with a single dose of mRNA vaccine reported skin bleeding as a side effect, as opposed to 163 of 5132 subjects (3.2%) vaccinated with a single dose of the adenovirus-vectored vaccine, OR (odds ratio)=16.0 (95% confidence interval (CI) 7.5-34.1). Corresponding ORs for nose and gingival bleeding were 8.0 (4.0-15.8) and 9.3 (4.3-20.0), respectively.ConclusionsThese findings could potentially indicate that the adenovirus-vectored vaccine may lead to mild bleeding episodes in a larger proportion of vaccinated individuals, and not only in rare cases with documented thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. Studies are needed to understand the possible mechanisms behind these observations, and to establish or refute whether they share similarities with the severe thromboembolic bleeding complications.
Clinical Implementation of HyperArc
Authors: Wong Felix Hau Chun , Moleme Puleng Adelice , Ali Omer Abdelaziz , Mugabe Koki Victor
Published: May 2021

The aim of this study was to present our experience on clinical implementation of HyperArc including dosimetric comparison between VMAT and HyperArc plans and dosimetric verification of HyperArc. In this study, eleven previously treated cases of brain metastasis were selected from our brain stereotactic radiotherapy program. The cases were retrospectively planned using HyperArc technique and the plan quality was evaluated. In addition, dosimetric effects of HyperArc plan with different energies and using jaw tracking technique were evaluated. Furthermore, dosimetric verification of HyperArc plans was performed using ion chamber and radiochromic film. Our results of dosimetric comparison shows that HyperArc technique improved both conformity index and gradient index compared to VMAT plans. We also found that using 6MV flattening filter free (6MV-FFF) beam improves gradient index in HyperArc plans compared to using 6MV flattening filter beam. Furthermore, our results show that jaw tracking technique reduces the size of low dose volume while maintaining similar target coverage, conformity index, and gradient index. In our dosimetric verification study, results of ion chamber and film measurement indicate no significant difference between VMAT and HyperArc plans. In conclusion, HyperArc simplifies planning of stereotactic treatment for brain and improves the dosimetry in treatment plans. Additionally, HyperArc provides safe and efficient treatment delivery to stereotactic treatment to brain.
Decision Making Power Over Reproductive Health Service Utilization and Associated Factors Among Married Women in Dupa Town and Surrounding Rural Kebeles, Illuababora Zone, South West Ethiopia,2020
Authors:   Zerihun Bayabil1, Nigatu Dessalegn
Published: May 2021

Background

Decision making power of women is one of the essential factors which have influence on maternal health service utilizations. Women’s lack of decision over reproductive health service utilization affects their protection from unwanted child bearing, unsafe sex and their consequences.
Objective

The main objective of this study was to assess decision-making power on RH-service utilization and its associated factors among married women in Illuababor zone, Dupa town and surrounding rural kebeles, South West Ethiopia, 2018.
Methods

Community based comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from May to July, 2018 among 584(urban 292 and rural 292) married women of reproductive age group. Women meet the inclusion criteria were interviewed by using structured and pre-tested questionnaire. The data were entered into EPI data version 3.1 and exported to SPSS version 20 computer software for analysis. Both Bivariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used. Level of significance was declared at a p value of < 0.05
Results

A total of 288 in urban and 288 in rural married women were interviewed and yields a response rate of 98.6% both in urban and rural. Decision-making power in urban and rural was 55.2% [95% CI (52.7–64.6)] and 40.3% [95% CI (39.9–52.5)] respectively. In urban, being wives of government employed spouses [AOR 2.102 95% CI (1.16, 3.81)], knowledge on RH [AOR 3.33, 95% CI (1.20, 12.49)], above five years in marriage [AOR 1.91, 95% CI (1.19, 7.70)], were found to be predictors of women’s decision-making power.
Interpretations &Conclusion:

Urban women had better power to make decisions than rural on reproductive health service utilization. Reproductive health interventions in the area should be promoted by considering empowering of married women on reproductive health service utilization.
CD4+ T Cells of Prostate Cancer Patients Have Decreased Immune Responses to Antigens Derived from SARS-CoV-2 Spike Glycoprotein
Authors: Taborska Pavla , Strizova Zuzana , Stakheev Dmitry , Sojka Ludek , Bartunkova Jirina , Smrz Daniel
Published: May 2021

The adaptive immune response to severe acute respiratory coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is important for vaccine development and in the recovery from coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Men and cancer patients have been reported to be at higher risks of contracting the virus and developing the more severe forms of COVID-19. Prostate cancer (PCa) may be associated with both of these risks. We show that CD4+ T cells of SARS-CoV-2-unexposed patients with hormone-refractory (HR) metastatic PCa had decreased CD4+ T cell immune responses to antigens from SARS-CoV-2 spike glycoprotein but not from the spiked glycoprotein of the 'common cold'-associated human coronavirus 229E (HCoV-229E) as compared with healthy male volunteers who responded comparably to both HCoV-229E- and SARS-CoV-2-derived antigens. Moreover, the HCoV-229E spike glycoprotein antigen-elicited CD4+ T cell immune responses cross-reacted with the SARS-CoV-2 spiked glycoprotein antigens. PCa patients may have impaired responses to the vaccination, and the cross-reactivity can mediate antibody-dependent enhancement (ADE) of COVID-19. These findings highlight the potential for increased vulnerability of PCa patients to COVID-19.
Focus on Form and Focus on Forms in Implicit Grammar Teaching Strategy
Authors: Guci Rizki Indra , Rochsantiningsih Dewi , Sumardi Sumardi
Published: May 2021

Grammar instruction in foreign language teaching has been identified by most studies as one aspect that plays an important role in promoting the learning process of reading, writing, speaking and understanding a foreign language. Consequently, secondary and foreign language teaching of grammar is seen as a topic of debate. So academics and teachers seem to have been willing to work out the proper way of teaching grammar. This condition contributes to a likely cause of uncertainty for teachers and students, and then brings researchers to a rigorous theoretical discussion on the question of how grammar should be presented: explicitly or implicitly. The purpose of the present case study was to gather information into the implementation of the implicit grammar teaching strategy enrolled in senior high school. To this extent, interview sessions and observation were used to obtain all the data required for the study. The results, in a broad sense, confirmed that the teacher showed positive views on the implementation of the implicit grammar teaching strategy. However, classroom practices were quite different from the findings of previous related research consistent with the supremacy of either Focus on Form or Focus on Forms in the delivery of lesson materials. As an implication, this study encouraged Indonesian English teachers to start considering the implementation of implicit grammar teaching strategy so that students could be directed to the language acquisition cycle instead of the language learning.
Classical Casimir free energy for two Drude spheres of arbitrary radii: A plane-wave approach
Authors: Schoger Tanja , Ingold Gert-Ludwig
Published: May 2021

We derive an exact analytic expression for the high-temperature limit of the
Casimir interaction between two Drude spheres of arbitrary radii. Specifically,
we determine the Casimir free energy by using the scattering approach in the
plane-wave basis. Within a round-trip expansion, we are led to consider the
combinatorics of certain partitions of the round trips. The
relation between the Casimir free energy and the capacitance matrix of two
spheres is discussed. Previously known results for the special cases of a
sphere-plane geometry as well as two spheres of equal radii are recovered.
An asymptotic expansion for small distances between the two spheres is determined
and analytical expressions for the coefficients are given.
THE ESSENTIALITY OF THE NUSANTARA TRADITIONAL CALENDAR
Authors: Syam Hikmatul Adhiyah
Published: May 2021

Today, tomorrow, yesterday, and later is the time because this life will always talk about the time that can affect the pattern of life in an environment. So that the existence of time becomes important. Based on this, a time system was compiled using the circulation of celestial bodies. Previous people have inherited the traditional calendar in their respective regions. This adapts to the condition of the community and its environment. The research question in this research is how the interpretations of the traditional calendars in the archipelago. The purpose of this research is to explore the essential meaning of the traditional calendars in the archipelago. The method used in this research is library research. This method is used to describe the various existing sources. The results showed that the calendar in each region has its own meaning for the wearer. The Batak calendar is used to determine good and bad days, the Pranatamangsa calendar for season markers, the Saka calendar for marking religious rituals, the Islamic Javanese calendar for historical momentum markers and Islamic teachings, the Bugis calendar for guidelines for daily activities and the Maluku calendar for marking the time of manufacture boat.
In vivo toxicities of the hospital effluent in Mahdia Tunisia
Authors: Afsa Sabrine , Sallem Ons Fekih , Abdeljelil Nouha Ben , Feriani Anouar , Najjar Mohamed Fadhel , Mansour Hedi Ben
Published: May 2021

Hospital effluent (HE) is one of the most important sources of pharmaceuticals released into the environment. This kind of pollution is a recognized problem for both human health and aquatic life. Consequently, in the present study, we assessed the effects of untreated hospital effluent on mice via biochemical and histopathological determinations. Female mice were given free access to water bottles containing untreated HE at different dilutions for 21 days. Then clinical biochemistry and histopathology evaluation were conducted. Serum biochemistry analysis showed the presence of significant increase in cholesterol, triglycerides, glycaemia and total bilirubin. However, phosphatase alkaline and urea activities have been significantly decreased compared to the control group. No significant variation was observed for the rest of the studied parameters (high-density lipoproteins; low-density lipoproteins and uric acid). Additionally, multiple alterations, including cellular necrosis, leucocyte infiltration and congestion, were observed in different tissues of mice exposed to the tested HE.
First investigations on removal of nitrazepam from water using biochar derived from macroalgae low-cost adsorbent: kinetics, isotherms and thermodynamics studies
Authors: Nazal Mazen K. , Rao Durga , Abuzaid Nabeel
Published: May 2021

Emerging contaminants such as pharmaceutical compounds offer potential hazards to the aquatic environment and human health. In this paper, the adsorptive removal of the drug Nitrazepam from water was investigated for the first time using biochar prepared from Sargassum macroalgae. The removal efficiency of Nitrazepam using 1 g/L of Sargassum macroalgae-derived biochar was 98% with a maximum adsorption capacity of 143.12 mg/g. Effects of solution pH, adsorbent mass, adsorbate concentration, contact time and temperature on the removal of Nitrazepam were investigated. Different adsorption isotherms and kinetics were also tested. It was found that the solution pH slightly influenced the removal efficiency. The adsorption data fit the Freundlich isotherm model and the adsorption process of Nitrazepam onto Sargassum macroalgae-derived biochar is spontaneous, endothermic and followed the pseudo-second-order kinetics. Based on this work, it was determined that the low-cost Sargassum macroalgae-derived biochar adsorbent could be a promising adsorbent to remove Nitrazepam from water effectively.
'Defending the castle like a man.' On belligerent medieval ladies
Authors: Den Hartog Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Contemporary evidence shows that between approximately the eleventh and fourteenth centuries noble women not only defended and built castles and commanded troops, but sometimes even partook in fighting. In fact, the examples of women involved in warfare are so numerous that they must have received some sort of military education. This article is concerned with the question why medieval sources, if female participation in war acts was indeed fairly widespread, played down this female involvement to the point of hushing up women’s role in military events almost completely. It will be suggested that the main reasons for this were, firstly, that it is was considered unladylike to fight, even though it was a necessary evil when things got out of hand, and, secondly, that the necessity for women to fight reflected badly on men. The least said about female participation in warfare was therefore considered the better.
Belle van Zuylen: schrijfster van adel, over de adel. Haar correspondentie digitaal beschikbaar
Authors: Van Dijk Suzan
Published: May 2021

The Dutch-Swiss writer Belle de Zuylen/Isabelle de Charrière (1740-1805) was born in the Dutch noble family Van Tuyll van Serooskerken, but married (in 1771) outside of nobility. As a child she had a Swiss gouvernante, like so many children of the European elites, and in spite of being quite familiar also with the Dutch language, she would continue using French all her life, both for private correspondence and for her literary works. Most of these were published in Switzerland. Indeed, once she had married Charles-Emmanuel de Charrière, former tutor of her brothers, she went to live with him in his family house near Neuchâtel. This is where she started publishing and found recognition with her contemporary readers. In her novels and plays, she tends to confront characters representing different social classes – the reasons of which are often formulated in exchanges of letters with family members or friends who either helped her copying the texts, or were enthusiastic readers. As she wrote to her German translator, in these fictions she could illustrate the potential ‘nobility’ of the ‘so-called lower classes’. This is what she considered ‘her own democracy’.
Монолитный миниатюрный полосно-пропускающий фильтр на многопроводниковых полосковых резонаторах
Authors: Беляев Б.А. , Сержантов А.М. , Лексиков Ан.А. , Бальва Я.Ф. , Галеев Р.Г.
Published: May 2021

A new monolithic design of a miniature bandpass filter has been developed for the multilayer PCB technology fabrication. The use of multi-conductor stripline resonators in the design provides not only miniaturization, but also high selectivity of the device, which is demonstrated on a prototype filter of the fourth order. The center frequency of the passband of the manufactured filter is f0 = 546 MHz, the fractional bandwidth is Δf / f0 = 25%, the insertion loss is 0.8 dB. The filter has an extended high-frequency stop band, which at a level of ‒30 dB extends up to a frequency of 10f0. The dimensions of the filter are 15.0×12.0×4.3 mm3 (0.027λ0×0.021λ0 ×0.007λ0, where λ0 is the wavelength in vacuum at the frequency f0), and its mass is only 1.8 g. The filter's characteristics and ease of construction for surface mounting prove its high prospects.
Automating Stroke Data Extraction From Free-Text Radiology Reports Using Natural Language Processing: Instrument Validation Study
Authors: Yu Amy Y X , Liu Zhongyu A , Pou-Prom Chloe , Lopes Kaitlyn , Kapral Moira K , Aviv Richard I , Mamdani Muhammad
Published: May 2021

Background

Diagnostic neurovascular imaging data are important in stroke research, but obtaining these data typically requires laborious manual chart reviews.

Objective

We aimed to determine the accuracy of a natural language processing (NLP) approach to extract information on the presence and location of vascular occlusions as well as other stroke-related attributes based on free-text reports.

Methods

From the full reports of 1320 consecutive computed tomography (CT), CT angiography, and CT perfusion scans of the head and neck performed at a tertiary stroke center between October 2017 and January 2019, we manually extracted data on the presence of proximal large vessel occlusion (primary outcome), as well as distal vessel occlusion, ischemia, hemorrhage, Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS), and collateral status (secondary outcomes). Reports were randomly split into training (n=921) and validation (n=399) sets, and attributes were extracted using rule-based NLP. We reported the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the overall accuracy of the NLP approach relative to the manually extracted data.

Results

The overall prevalence of large vessel occlusion was 12.2%. In the training sample, the NLP approach identified this attribute with an overall accuracy of 97.3% (95.5% sensitivity, 98.1% specificity, 84.1% PPV, and 99.4% NPV). In the validation set, the overall accuracy was 95.2% (90.0% sensitivity, 97.4% specificity, 76.3% PPV, and 98.5% NPV). The accuracy of identifying distal or basilar occlusion as well as hemorrhage was also high, but there were limitations in identifying cerebral ischemia, ASPECTS, and collateral status.

Conclusions

NLP may improve the efficiency of large-scale imaging data collection for stroke surveillance and research.
Development of the 12-Item Social Media Disinformation Scale and its Association With Social Media Addiction and Mental Health Related to COVID-19 in Tunisia: Survey-Based Pilot Case Study
Authors: Guelmami Noomen , Ben Khalifa Maher , Chalghaf Nasr , Kong Jude Dzevela , Amayra Tannoubi , Wu Jianhong , Azaiez Fairouz , Bragazzi Nicola Luigi
Published: May 2021

Background

In recent years, online disinformation has increased. Fake news has been spreading about the COVID-19 pandemic. Since January 2020, the culprits and antidotes to disinformation have been digital media and social media.

Objective

Our study aimed to develop and test the psychometric properties of the 12-item Social Media Disinformation Scale (SMDS-12), which assesses the consumption, confidence, and sharing of information related to COVID-19 by social media users.

Methods

A total of 874 subjects were recruited over two phases: the exploratory phase group had a mean age of 28.39 years (SD 9.32) and the confirmatory phase group had a mean age of 32.84 years (SD 12.72). Participants completed the SMDS-12, the Internet Addiction Test, the COVID-19 Fear Scale, and the 10-item Perceived Stress Scale. The SMDS-12 was initially tested by exploratory factor analysis and was subsequently tested by confirmatory factor analysis.

Results

The test supported the three-factor structure. In addition, no items were removed from the measurement scale, with three factors explaining up to 73.72% of the total variance, and the items had a lambda factor loading ranging from 0.73 to 0.85. Subsequently, confirmatory factor analysis confirmed the robustness of the measure by referring to a wide range of goodness-of-fit indices that met the recommended standards. The construct validity of the scale was supported by its convergent and discriminant validity. The reliability of the instrument examined by means of three internal consistency indices, and the corrected item-total correlation, demonstrated that the three dimensions of the instrument were reliable: Cronbach α values were .89, .88, and .88 for the consumption, confidence, and sharing subscales, respectively. The corrected item-total correlation ranged from 0.70 to 0.78. The correlation of the instrument’s dimensions with internet addiction and mental health factors showed positive associations.

Conclusions

The SMDS-12 can be reliably utilized to measure the credibility of social media disinformation and can be adapted to measure the credibility of disinformation in other contexts.
Automating Stroke Data Extraction From Free-Text Radiology Reports Using Natural Language Processing: Instrument Validation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Yu Amy Y X , Liu Zhongyu A , Pou-Prom Chloe , Lopes Kaitlyn , Kapral Moira K , Aviv Richard I , Mamdani Muhammad
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND

Diagnostic neurovascular imaging data are important in stroke research, but obtaining these data typically requires laborious manual chart reviews.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to determine the accuracy of a natural language processing (NLP) approach to extract information on the presence and location of vascular occlusions as well as other stroke-related attributes based on free-text reports.

METHODS

From the full reports of 1320 consecutive computed tomography (CT), CT angiography, and CT perfusion scans of the head and neck performed at a tertiary stroke center between October 2017 and January 2019, we manually extracted data on the presence of proximal large vessel occlusion (primary outcome), as well as distal vessel occlusion, ischemia, hemorrhage, Alberta stroke program early CT score (ASPECTS), and collateral status (secondary outcomes). Reports were randomly split into training (n=921) and validation (n=399) sets, and attributes were extracted using rule-based NLP. We reported the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value (PPV), negative predictive value (NPV), and the overall accuracy of the NLP approach relative to the manually extracted data.

RESULTS

The overall prevalence of large vessel occlusion was 12.2%. In the training sample, the NLP approach identified this attribute with an overall accuracy of 97.3% (95.5% sensitivity, 98.1% specificity, 84.1% PPV, and 99.4% NPV). In the validation set, the overall accuracy was 95.2% (90.0% sensitivity, 97.4% specificity, 76.3% PPV, and 98.5% NPV). The accuracy of identifying distal or basilar occlusion as well as hemorrhage was also high, but there were limitations in identifying cerebral ischemia, ASPECTS, and collateral status.

CONCLUSIONS

NLP may improve the efficiency of large-scale imaging data collection for stroke surveillance and research.