bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Micro-Biopsy Forceps in the Assessment of Peritoneal Carcinomatosis: A Possible New Indication?
Authors: Binda Cecilia , Dabizzi Emanuele , Sinagra Emanuele , Fornelli Adele , Saragoni Luca , Cennamo Vincenzo , Anderloni Andrea , Fabbri Carlo
Published: March 2021

Peritoneal carcinomatosis (PC) is defined as a metastatic involvement of the peritoneum by several other primary sites and it is characterized by a marked worsening of prognosis, with limited treatment opportunities. Subsequently, PC should be ruled out before any invasive treatment is administered. A new through-the-needle micro-biopsy forceps (MF) was recently introduced that permits micro-histology cores. In this case series, we evaluated the feasibility of MF in the assessment of PC to complete patient diagnostic work-ups. Five consecutive patients referred for endoscopic ultrasound staging were sampled using MF. Sampling was feasible in all patients with a technical success of 100%. No adverse events were reported in any cases. This technique was feasible and safe with a technical success rate of 100%. It permitted sampling of peritoneal irregularity, obtained high-quality tissue fragments in all cases, and enabled an additional assessment, i.e., immunohistochemical staining.
Repatriando capital sin plata.
Authors: Lana Berasain José Miguel
Published: March 2021

El texto examina el movimiento de capitales a gran y pequeña escala entre Venezuela y España a partir de un estudio de caso apoyado sobre fondos documentales privados: un libro de caja y fragmentos de la correspondencia (335 cartas) del indiano montañés Esteban González de Linares (1751–1802). Éste se convirtió durante su estancia en Caracas (1785-1791) en agente para la remesa de capitales a la península. La escasez de numerario de alta denominación en la provincia de Caracas implicó que la repatriación de capitales pudo dar un impulso definitivo tanto a la exportación de frutos coloniales (cacao, añil) como al desarrollo del mercado financiero (letras y libranzas).

This paper offers some evidences about the circulation of capital between Venezuela and Spain at the end of the eighteenth century through the case study of the Spanish merchant Esteban González de Linares (1751-1802). Our sources are private nature: an accounting book and 335 letters. These documents show a wide variety of channels to the transfer of capitals from Venezuela to Spain, both at large operations and small deliveries. González de Linares became, during his stay in Caracas (1785-1791), an important agent in the transfer of savings from the colony. The scarcity of silver and gold in Venezuela during this period justifies that the transfer of capital did promote the export of groceries (cocoa, indigo) and the development of financial markets (orders and bills of exchange).
Highly parallelized droplet cultivation and prioritization of antibiotic producers from natural microbial communities
Authors: Mahler Lisa , Niehs Sarah P , Martin Karin , Weber Thomas , Scherlach Kirstin , Hertweck Christian , Roth Martin , Rosenbaum Miriam A
Published: March 2021

Antibiotics from few culturable microorganisms have saved millions of lives since the 20th century. But with resistance formation, these compounds become increasingly ineffective, while the majority of microbial and with that chemical compound diversity remains inaccessible for cultivation and exploration. Culturing recalcitrant bacteria is a stochastic process. But conventional methods are limited to low throughput. By increasing (i) throughput and (ii) sensitivity by miniaturization, we innovate microbiological cultivation to comply with biological stochasticity. Here, we introduce a droplet-based microscale cultivation system, which is directly coupled to a high-throughput screening for antimicrobial activity prior to strain isolation. We demonstrate that highly parallelized in-droplet cultivation starting from single cells results in the cultivation of yet uncultured species and a significantly higher bacterial diversity than standard agar plate cultivation. Strains able to inhibit intact reporter strains were isolated from the system. A variety of antimicrobial compounds were detected for a selected potent antibiotic producer.
In vivo proximity labeling identifies cardiomyocyte protein networks during zebrafish heart regeneration
Authors: Pronobis Mira I , Zheng Susan , Singh Sumeet Pal , Goldman Joseph A , Poss Kenneth D
Published: March 2021

Strategies have not been available until recently to uncover interacting protein networks specific to key cell types, their subcellular compartments, and their major regulators during complex in vivo events. Here, we apply BioID2 proximity labeling to capture protein networks acting within cardiomyocytes during a key model of innate heart regeneration in zebrafish. Transgenic zebrafish expressing a promiscuous BirA2 localized to the entire myocardial cell or membrane compartment were generated, each identifying distinct proteomes in adult cardiomyocytes that became altered during regeneration. BioID2 profiling for interactors with ErbB2, a co-receptor for the cardiomyocyte mitogen Nrg1, implicated Rho A as a target of ErbB2 signaling in cardiomyocytes. Blockade of Rho A during heart regeneration, or during cardiogenic stimulation by the mitogenic influences Nrg1, Vegfaa, or vitamin D, disrupted muscle creation. Our findings reveal proximity labeling as a useful resource to interrogate cell proteomes and signaling networks during tissue regeneration in zebrafish.
A hybrid multi-objective whale optimization algorithm for analyzing microarray data based on Apache Spark
Authors: AbdelAziz Amr Mohamed , Soliman Taysir , Ghany Kareem Kamal A. , Sewisy Adel
Published: March 2021

A microarray is a revolutionary tool that generates vast volumes of data that describe the expression profiles of genes under investigation that can be qualified as Big Data. Hadoop and Spark are efficient frameworks, developed to store and analyze Big Data. Analyzing microarray data helps researchers to identify correlated genes. Clustering has been successfully applied to analyze microarray data by grouping genes with similar expression profiles into clusters. The complex nature of microarray data obligated clustering methods to employ multiple evaluation functions to ensure obtaining solutions with high quality. This transformed the clustering problem into a Multi-Objective Problem (MOP). A new and efficient hybrid Multi-Objective Whale Optimization Algorithm with Tabu Search (MOWOATS) was proposed to solve MOPs. In this article, MOWOATS is proposed to analyze massive microarray datasets. Three evaluation functions have been developed to ensure an effective assessment of solutions. MOWOATS has been adapted to run in parallel using Spark over Hadoop computing clusters. The quality of the generated solutions was evaluated based on different indices, such as Silhouette and Davies–Bouldin indices. The obtained clusters were very similar to the original classes. Regarding the scalability, the running time was inversely proportional to the number of computing nodes.
Undergraduate data science degrees emphasize computer science and statistics but fall short in ethics training and domain-specific context
Authors: Oliver Jeffrey C. , McNeil Torbet
Published: March 2021

The interdisciplinary field of data science, which applies techniques from computer science and statistics to address questions across domains, has enjoyed recent considerable growth and interest. This emergence also extends to undergraduate education, whereby a growing number of institutions now offer degree programs in data science. However, there is considerable variation in what the field actually entails and, by extension, differences in how undergraduate programs prepare students for data-intensive careers. We used two seminal frameworks for data science education to evaluate undergraduate data science programs at a subset of 4-year institutions in the United States; developing and applying a rubric, we assessed how well each program met the guidelines of each of the frameworks. Most programs scored high in statistics and computer science and low in domain-specific education, ethics, and areas of communication. Moreover, the academic unit administering the degree program significantly influenced the course-load distribution of computer science and statistics/mathematics courses. We conclude that current data science undergraduate programs provide solid grounding in computational and statistical approaches, yet may not deliver sufficient context in terms of domain knowledge and ethical considerations necessary for appropriate data science applications. Additional refinement of the expectations for undergraduate data science education is warranted.
The disturbance leg-lift response (DLR): an undescribed behavior in bumble bees
Authors: Varnon Christopher A. , Vallely Noelle , Beheler Charlie , Coffin Claudia
Published: March 2021

Background

Bumble bees, primarily Bombus impatiens and B. terrestris, are becoming increasingly popular organisms in behavioral ecology and comparative psychology research. Despite growing use in foraging and appetitive conditioning experiments, little attention has been given to innate antipredator responses and their ability to be altered by experience. In this paper, we discuss a primarily undescribed behavior, the disturbance leg-lift response (DLR). When exposed to a presumably threatening stimulus, bumble bees often react by lifting one or multiple legs. We investigated DLR across two experiments.

Methods

In our first experiment, we investigated the function of DLR as a prerequisite to later conditioning research. We recorded the occurrence and sequence of DLR, biting and stinging in response to an approaching object that was either presented inside a small, clear apparatus containing a bee, or presented directly outside of the subject’s apparatus. In our second experiment, we investigated if DLR could be altered by learning and experience in a similar manner to many other well-known bee behaviors. We specifically investigated habituation learning by repeatedly presenting a mild visual stimulus to samples of captive and wild bees.

Results

The results of our first experiment show that DLR and other defensive behaviors occur as a looming object approaches, and that the response is greater when proximity to the object is lower. More importantly, we found that DLR usually occurs first, rarely precedes biting, and often precedes stinging. This suggests that DLR may function as a warning signal that a sting will occur. In our second experiment, we found that DLR can be altered as a function of habituation learning in both captive and wild bees, though the captive sample initially responded more. This suggests that DLR may be a suitable response for many other conditioning experiments.
Large-scale movements of common bottlenose dolphins in the Atlantic: dolphins with an international courtyard
Authors: Dinis Ana , Molina Carlota , Tobeña Marta , Sambolino Annalisa , Hartman Karin , Fernandez Marc , Magalhães Sara , dos Santos Rui Peres , Ritter Fabian , Martín Vidal , Aguilar de Soto Natacha , Alves Filipe
Published: March 2021

Wide-ranging connectivity patterns of common bottlenose dolphins (Tursiops truncatus) are generally poorly known worldwide and more so within the oceanic archipelagos of Macaronesia in the North East (NE) Atlantic. This study aimed to identify long-range movements between the archipelagos of Macaronesia that lie between 500 and 1,500 km apart, and between Madeira archipelago and the Portuguese continental shelf, through the compilation and comparison of bottlenose dolphin’s photo-identification catalogues from different regions: one from Madeira (n = 363 individuals), two from different areas in the Azores (n = 495 and 176), and four from different islands of the Canary Islands (n = 182, 110, 142 and 281), summing up 1791 photographs. An additional comparison was made between the Madeira catalogue and one catalogue from Sagres, on the southwest tip of the Iberian Peninsula (n = 359). Results showed 26 individual matches, mostly between Madeira and the Canary Islands (n = 23), and between Azores and Madeira (n = 3). No matches were found between the Canary Islands and the Azores, nor between Madeira and Sagres. There were no individuals identified in all three archipelagos. The minimum time recorded between sightings in two different archipelagos (≈ 460 km apart) was 62 days. Association patterns revealed that the individuals moving between archipelagos were connected to resident, migrant and transient individuals in Madeira. The higher number of individuals that were re-sighted between Madeira and the Canary Islands can be explained by the relative proximity of these two archipelagos. This study shows the first inter-archipelago movements of bottlenose dolphins in the Macaronesia region, emphasizing the high mobility of this species and supporting the high gene flow described for oceanic dolphins inhabiting the North Atlantic. The dynamics of these long-range movements strongly denotes the need to review marine protected areas established for this species in each archipelago, calling for joint resolutions from three autonomous regions belonging to two EU countries.
Profile Characteristics of the Farmers Showing Stubble Burning Behaviour in Punjab
Authors: Huria Arpit , Bhardwaj Neelam , Basera Neelam
Published: March 2021

Aim: To study the socio-personal, economic, communication, psychological, and situational characteristics of the farmers.

Study Design: Descriptive design.

Place and Duration of Study: Malwa region of Punjab, between first week of October 2019 to mid-December 2019.

Methodology: Multi-stage sampling was followed. Malwa region was selected purposively because of the maximum number of stubble-burning incidents reported in the area during 2018. Within Malwa region, three districts (Bathinda, Sangrur and Ludhiana) were selected randomly. One block was selected randomly from each district and two villages were selected randomly from each selected block. The sample size of 246 was determined using Cochran’s formula and the selection of farmers was based on proportional allocation. Based on the literature, a total of 14 characteristics were taken to document the profile of the farmers who were engaged in the stubble burning behaviour.

Results: The results indicated that most of the respondents were middle-aged (65.46%), male (91.06%), had formal education up to intermediate level (21.95%) and possessed semi-medium (5-10 acres) landholding (27.24%). Economic characteristics revealed that 51.46% farmers earned low annual income (<Rs. 50,000- Rs.4,50,000), possessed lager milch animals (98.78%) and were practicing specialized farming (45.93%). More than half (51.63%) of the farmers possessed medium information seeking behaviour. Among psychological and situational characteristics, most of the farmers showed medium levels of innovativeness (49.19%), risk orientation (47.15%) and scientific orientation (57.32%) while high levels of ecological consciousness (45.53%) and economic motivation (42.28%). Most of the farmers (45.93%) showed medium level of awareness towards various stubble management measures.

Conclusion: The analysis of these profile characteristics could be crucial in segmenting the farmer respondents and designing target-specific appropriate interventions to tackle the stubble burning behaviour of the farmers.
Antiulcer and Antioxidant Potential of Eucalyptus camaldulensis Leaves Methanol Extract in Albino Rats
Authors: Nwaogu Jude , Argungu Aminu , Adefarakan Adetayo Joseph
Published: March 2021

Aim: This research is aimed at assessing the antiulcer and antioxidant potential of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves methanol extract in albino rats.

Methodology: Fresh leaves of Eucalyptus camaldulensis were harvested from the Department of Plant Science and Biotechnology, Kebbi State University of Science and Technology, Aliero. The dried pulverized leaves were extracted using Soxhlet apparatus with methanol as the solvent. Thirty male albino rats weighing between 200 g and 250 g were used in this study. The rats were randomly divided into six (6) groups of five (5) rats each. Antiulcer and antioxidant activity was evaluated using ethanol-induced ulcer model. Ulcer was induced in all groups except Group 1 which served as the control and received distilled water only. Group 2 was not treated while Group 3 was treated with omeprazole (50mg/kg). Groups 4, 5 and 6 were treated with 200mg/kg, 400mg/kg and 800mg/kg of the extract respectively. After seven days of treatment, the albino rats were humanely sacrificed, ulcer index determined and the serum assessed for antioxidants levels.

Results: The gastric mucosal lesions produced in the untreated group were very visible and had an ulcer index of 12.83. Pre-treatment with omeprazole and graded doses of the extract showed significant reductions (P<.05) in ulcer index in a dose dependent manner. The SOD, CAT, GPx, GSH and MDA levels were significantly reduced (P<.05) in the untreated group with progressive reduction in the treated groups as the extract concentration reduced. The antioxidant vitamins (Vitamin A, C and E) reduced in concentration significantly (P<.05) without any significant difference between the untreated group and the groups that received 200mg/kg and 400mg/kg of the extract. Meanwhile, the group treated with 800mg/kg of the extract significantly increased (P<.05) the concentrations of these vitamins when compared to the group that received ethanol only.

Conclusion: Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves methanol extract possesses both antiulcer and antioxidant activity. This justifies the use of Eucalyptus camaldulensis leaves in traditional medicine in the management of ulcer and validates its antiulcer potential.
Osteomorphological Features of the Carcass of Inia geoffrensis (Cetacea: Iniidae)
Authors: Santos P. F. , Soeiro-Avelar Y. K. , Araújo A. S. , Costa-campos C. E.
Published: March 2021

Osteological studies can have implications that allow direct biological inferences to be made, such as locomotion, as well as indirect ones, such as species distribution, evolution and ecology. This study was aimed at describing some osteological traits of Inia geoffrensis (Blainvillei, 1817), Macapá/AP. A nearly complete carcass was found in a local forest. Information about the killing was collected through community reports. After collecting bones and information, the carcass was taken to the Laboratory of Zoology at the Federal University of Amapá for cleaning and examination. The cleaning process was carried out following the step-by-step maceration protocol and measurements of bones were taken with a measuring tape (2 m) and ruler (50 cm), except for cervical vertebrae, which were measured with a caliper (15 cm). To find the limbs in the carcass, an identification guide and a bone chart of aquatic mammals were used. Based on the observed data, the animal was a female, determined by the genital cleft. Examination of the occipital bone revealed an adult with complete bone fusion, obliterated sutures on the external surface of the skull. The carcass was nearly complete, with the entire face measuring 55 cm. Further studies are needed on environmental education about cetaceans, local awareness with the assistance of inspectors and competent authorities for the conservation of freshwater dolphins in the region and studies on carcasses for the maintenance of the species.
Mathematical Modelling of the Dynamics of COVID-19 Disease Transmission
Authors: Okrinya A. B. , Esekhaigbe E.
Published: March 2021

We construct a simple mathematical model that describes the dynamics of the transmission of COVID-19 disease in a human population. It accounts for the various phases of the disease and its mode of contact through infectious humans and surfaces. The contribution of asymptomatic humans in the dynamics of the disease is well represented. The model is a system of ordinary dierential equations that describes the evolution of humans in a range of COVID-19 states due to emergence of an index case. The analysis includes establishment of the basic reproduction number, R0, where, R0 < 1 signifies a disease free state that is locally asymptotically stable. A key result in this study shows some long term damped oscillatory behaviour that do not seem to end soon.
Reproductive Biology of Land Crabs (Gecarcoidea lalandii) in Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai Province – Vietnam
Authors: Sang Huynh Minh , Thao Le Thi Thu , Lam Ho Son , Minh-Thu Phan
Published: March 2021

The reproductive biology of the land crab Gecarcoidea lalandii was documented for the Ly Son Island, Quang Ngai Province, Vietnam. Approximately 30 crabs, collected every month in the 12-month period from August 2019 to July 2020, were analyzed gonadal development stages, sex ratio, spawning season, fecundity and size at first sexual maturity. Results showed that number of male and female crab in nature was not significantly different. Gonadal of the crab passed through five stages of maturation. The crab spawns continuously during the spawning season. In nature, the crab can mature whole year-round with a higher proportion from January to August and the peak maturation from June to July.  The spawning season is of this species is only on the raining period from June to July. Length at first sexual maturity of the crab was 53.91 mm of carapace width for female and 50.39 mm male crab. The absolute fecundity varied in 473,000-820,000 eggs ind-1 and highly related to body weight. The current findings provide the scientific foundation for fishery resource management and artificial breeding of the land crab in Ly Son.
Nutrient Content for Newly Improved Breeding Rice Lines from Parentage of the Kavuni and CO 50
Authors: Theiventhiran T. Vasantha , Amutha S. , Hemalatha G. , Vellaikumar S. , Umamaheswari T.
Published: March 2021

The objective of the study was determining the physical properties and minerals composition in the twenty three breeding lines and two parent rice varieties. Physical properties found that no significant difference in terms of shape and size of the grain. The calcium, iron and zinc content of rice samples in the ranged from 7.56 to12.72 mg/100g, 0.73 to 2 mg/100g and 2.29 to 3.39 mg/100g, respectively. Results showed that the cultures 144-5 (12.72 mg/100g)>155-3(12.62 mg/100g)>144-2(12.61 mg/100g) =148-2 (12.61 mg/100g) contained higher levels of calcium content. Among the rice lines accessions, the samples: 144-2 (2.04 mg/100g)>32-2 (2 mg/100g)>145-2 (1.67 mg/100g)>145-3 (1.57mg/100g) had higher contents of iron. The zinc content of rice lines ranked in the following decreasing order; 144, 144-1,144-2, 144-3, 145-3, 145-6, 143-1,148-2,271-2. From the twenty three rice lines, some of the rice lines contained more minerals than of parent kavuni. The finding indicated that the cross breeding technique may increases not only the yield and also nutrient content of rice.
Depth-Wise Fertility Status of Cultivated Soils in Low and Mid Hill Regions of Himachal Pradesh
Authors: Nazir Gazala , Sharma V. K. , Suri Deepika , Anjali .
Published: March 2021

Detailed knowledge of the soil nutrient status is required in site-specific crop production systems. Moreover, the vertical distribution of plant nutrients is most important for plant production. Therefore, the study was conducted to assess the depth-wise soil fertility status of low and mid hill zones of Himachal Pradesh based on thirty-one (31)soil profiles. Geo-referenced depth-wise soil samples were collected. These thirty-one (31) soils sampling sites were selected to represent the cultivated soils (Entisols, Alfisolsand Inceptisols) under major land-use systemsof low and mid-hill zones of Himachal Pradesh. The results of the soil nutrient status revealed that low to medium content of available N, P and S, low to medium content of available K except fewsubsurface horizons in Inceptisolswas found in most of the soils of low hill zone. Under different land-use systems in mid-hill zone, medium to high content of available N and K, low to medium of available P, low to high of available Swas found in most of the soils. Generally, surface soils had a higher mean values of N, P, S, Cu and Zn and lower values of K, Ca, Mg, Fe and Mn. Alfisols had higher value of all the nutrients as compared to Entisols and Inceptisols.
Plasmodium falciparum Biomass and Haematological Changes during Treatment of HIV/AIDS Patients in Western Kenya
Authors: Kirinyet J. K. , Mulambalah C. S.
Published: March 2021

Background: Monitoring and evaluation (M & E) of anti-malarial treatment among people living with HIV/AIDS (PLWHA) is very important to assess the response and change in malaria parasite biomass in an endemic area. Published data have shown that HIV-related immunosuppression correlates with increased malaria biomass, treatment failure and complicated outcome despite an individual's immune status. We evaluated blood samples from PLWHA based on malaria parasite biomass and haematological changes during anti-malarial treatment

Aim: To evaluate Plasmodium falciparum biomass and haematological changes during antimalarial treatment of PLWHA.

Settings and Designs: Cross-sectional and descriptive study design

Subjects and Methods: A randomized antimalarial treatment involving 126 subjects was carried out in a hospital setup in Western Kenya. Blood samples were collected and analysed to determine malaria parasitaemia, changes in parasite biomass and haemoglobin levels in 28 days among PLWHA following treatment with Quinine and Coartem® antimalarial drugs.  Descriptive and chi-square tests were used to determine the association of parasitaemia with gender and relevant haematological changes during treatment.

Results: A significant difference between females and males of those with parasitaemia on day-3 was noticed (p - 0.031). Quinine and Coartem® arms recorded a 100% parasite deletion/clearance by day-14 but showed recurrence on day-21 of 6.3% and 3.1% of day-14 respectively. On day-28 the Quinine arm had higher parasitaemia (306.3%).   Mean Hb improved from 11.0 gm/dL to 11.6 gm/dL by day-28.

Conclusion: Recurrence of malaria parasite biomass was noticeable from day-21 to day-28 with Quinine arm of recipients and by day-28 haematological parameters had improved indicating recovery.   Routine M &E of malaria cases and haematinic agent dosages to correct anaemia among PLWHA are recommended.
Association of Helicobacter pylori Infection and Atrophic Gastritis with Chronic Renal Insufficiency in Yaounde Cameroon, Using Gastropanel® Serological Biomarker Panel (Pepsinogen I; Pepsinogen II; Gastrin-17; Helicobacter pylori Igg)
Authors: Ebule Alonge Ivo , Ndze Valentine Ngum , Thierry Ngouana Kammalac , Etienne Guenou , Ornella Moche  Mboudja Morel , Aurelien Mboletieu Ateufo , Dominique Noah Noah , Maki Minna , Syrjanen Kari
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Helicobacter pylori infection is associated with an atrophic gastritis peptic and duodenal ulcer and gastric cancer. Patients with chronic renal diseases usually have dyspeptic symptoms. Several investigations have demonstrated an association between H. pylori infection and chronic kidney disease, although their results are still conflicting. We therefore aimed, to clarify the prevalence of H. pylori infection in patients receiving dialysis.

Materials and Methods: Patients undergoing hemodialysis were recruited at the University Teaching Hospital of Yaounde, between January and May 2019. The clinical and socio-demographic information of the patients was recorded. 5 ml of blood were collected aseptically for Pepsinogen I and II enzymes, gastrin17 hormone and IgG anti H. pylori anti-body. The test parameters were analyzed using a GastroSoft software application. The data was analyzed using Epi Info 7.0. All statistics were 95% CI. Ethical clearance was also obtained from the National Ethics Committee. Authorization was obtained atthe University Teaching Hospital.

Results: A total of 60 subjects were recruited aged 25-74 years, (mean±SD 52.03 ± 12,78) years;22(45.16%) females, aged 29 to 71years(mean±SD 47,45 ± 11.46) years and 38(54.84%) males aged 25 to 74 (mean±SD 56,47±12.25) years. Female / male ratio was 1.2. Overall, 26(43.33%) subjects were positive for H. pylori infection (IgG≥30EIU). The prevalence of atrophic gastritis obtained was (23.33%)(PG1< 30µg/l). The mean H. pylori IgG antibodies were significantly higher in obese than non obese subjects (F=3.59; p=0,01). A significant increase in the mean creatinine(P=0.008), andurea (P=0,05) was observed in H. pylori positive than negative ones. Conclusion: H. pylori infection is highly prevalent amongst patients with chronic renal failure and may thus require continuous follow up.
Knowledge and Attitude towards Breast Cancer among Medical Undergraduate Students
Authors: Iqbal Nasima , Usmani Fareya , Bijarani Ali Nawaz , Khan Muhammad Aitmaud Uddolah , Khan Muhammad Salman , Israr Syeda Noor
Published: March 2021

Aim: To find out the knowledge and attitude of medical undergraduate students towards breast cancer.

Study Design: Descriptive cross-sectional study.

Place and Duration of Study: Study was performed in Ziauddin medical university during the period of October to December 2020.

Methodology: All the undergraduate Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) female students were included in the study irrespective of year of study. A self-designed, self-explanatory questionnaire was made and validated by doing a pilot study. Data was analyzed by using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS version-20).

Results: Mean age of the study participants was 22.2 ± 1.7 years. Data regarding knowledge about the risk factors reported that overall more than 62% of the students were aware of the risk factors leading to breast cancer. Looking over the individual risk factors, about 77.3% recognized increased age as a major contributing factor, followed by lack of breast feeding, nulliparity, obesity, use of contraceptive pills, late menopause, early menarche and smoking with 68.3%,54.9%,51.1%, 64.8%,61.6%,39,2% and 48.6%respectively. Focusing specifically the year of MBBS student, the level of medical education increases the awareness about the risk factor also increase. Looking over the attitude of undergraduate MBBS students, about 76.8% of the students consulted to the doctor for breast lump, out of them 41.6% immediately consulted, 27.3% delayed it for weeks and 7.9% waited for months for self-recovery.

Conclusion: It can be concluded that majority of undergraduate medical students were having enough knowledge about the breast cancer, associated risk factors, symptoms and diagnostic modalities along with having positive attitude towards seeking medical help.
Fibrinogen and C-Reactive Protein Significance in Children Infected by Plasmodium falciparum Species in Enugu, Enugu State, Nigeria
Authors: Ogbonna Linda Nnenna , Ufelle Silas Anayo , Obeagu Emmanuel Ifeanyi , Okpala Pat Uzo , Esimai Bessie N. , Agu Chekwube C. , Ibekwe Adaobi Maryann , Offie Daniel Chinenyeike
Published: March 2021

Malaria accounts for a considerable mortality and morbidity rate with children bearing the greatest burden. The study investigated fibrinogen and C-reactive protein (CRP) value alterations in children infected by Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) species. A case control study with a total of ninety-five microscopically confirmed P. falciparum malaria infected children and fifty apparently healthy age and gender matched controls from Enugu State University Teaching Hospital, Parklane, Wesley Specialist Hospital and Akpugo Community Health Centre, Enugu were recruited for the study. Fibrinogen level was determined by clauss clotting time method using sodium citrated plasma. Giemsa stained thick and thin blood film was used for parasite identification and calculation of parasite density. Serum CRP values was determined by immunoturbidimetric method. Fibrinogen levels were significantly increased (p < 0.05) in P. falciparum infected children (324.03 + 59.87) mg/dl as compared to the control (224.74 + 34.88) mg/dl. Parasite density showed a weak positive correlation between fibrinogen (p < 0.01, r = 0.461) and CRP (p < 0.01, r = 0.232). CRP was significantly increased (p < 0.05) in P. falciparum malaria infected children (21.52 + 35.59) mg/l as compared to the control (2.43 + 0.97) mg/l. In conclusion, P. falciparum malaria infection demonstrated a significant impact on fibrinogen and CRP.
Seasonal Variety on Bacteriological Evaluation of Borehole Waters in Orumba South Local Government Area in Anambra State
Authors: Ebere Anyalogbu Maryrose , Chukwurah E. N. , Ezemba C. C.
Published: March 2021

Aims: This study was carried out to determine the seasonal variety on physico-chemical and bacteriological evaluation of Borehole waters.

Place and Duration of Study: 10 selected borehole tanks in 5 different towns were collected from five towns from (ORS) Orumba South L. G. A; (Umunze, Onneh, Nawfija, Isulo and Ezira) in Anambra State, with one hundred and twenty samples each in both dry season (December, January, February) as January (peak of dry season) and rainy season (May, June, July) as June (peak of rainy season) within 2018.

Methodology: A total of one hundred and twenty water samples were analyzed.  (1) ml of water sample was added to 10 ml single strength of the Lactose fermentation broth and serially diluted. The isolated bacterial isolates were identified using their morphological characteristics, biochemical tests, microscopical and molecular characteristics. The DNA was extracted from the identified isolates and analyzed by 16S rRNA. The bacteria isolated from the studied water samples were identified to be Bacillus subtilis (BTC), Escherichia coli (RSS), klebsiella aerogenes (TSS) and staphylococcus aureus (GY), PC – Providencia stuartii, BCD – Bacillus toyonensis, FY- Bacillus spp and ANT – Proteus spp. Frequency rate of occurrence in percentage for the isolates in dry and rainy seasons in ORS L. G. A were determined and for removal of all the isolates were within the WHO limit of 0.08ct (mg.min L-1) by the use of chlorine solution. Confirmatory profile on bacteriological in chlorine treated borehole water samples was determined.

Results: The highest TCC was recorded for sample 10 which was 27 MPN/100ml estimated during rainy season against (TCC)  recorded for samples 10 which was 22 MPN/100ml during dry season.  Out of eight isolates, Escherichia coli had the highest rate frequency of occurrence of 70% in rainy season against dry season. All the isolates 1 to 8 range from (0.01ct) (mg.min L-1) to (0.06ct (mg.min L-1) all the values were within the WHO recommended limit for water purity. The confirmatory test on sample locations form ORS 1 to ORS 10 for total coliform count in chlorine treated borehole water samples by most probable number estimation revealed that all the samples were within the WHO permissible limit of 0.00MPN/100ml.

Conclusions: Chlorine solution may have proven to be the cheaper and better solution for achieving water purity in boreholes water.
Scardovia wiggsiae and Streptococcus sobrinus Prevalence among Orthodontic and Non-Orthodontic Patients
Authors: Trumbo Melissa , Kim Namgu , Samiano Beanca Jhanine , Marrujo Matthew , Perkins Patrick , Foote Kevin , Howard Katherine M. , Kingsley Karl
Published: March 2021

Background: Dental cavities or caries have been identified as among the most prevalent of preventable oral conditions. However, studies are discovering new information regarding the incidence and prevalence of several cariogenic organisms, including Streptococcus mutans (SM), the recently discovered Scardovia wiggsiae (SW), as well as Streptococcus sobrinus (SS). These studies have revealed varying prevalence among different populations, such as those undergoing orthodontic treatment. Based upon this information, the main goal of the current study was to assess the prevalence of specific cariogenic organisms (SS and SW) within saliva samples originally obtained from a dental school-based clinic.

Methods: The protocol for this retrospective study of DNA isolated from previously collected saliva samples was reviewed and approved by the Institutional Review Board (IRB) as exempt research. In brief, clinical DNA samples were screened for SS and SW using quantitative polymerase chain reaction (qPCR). Demographic and subgroup (Orthodontic, non-Orthodontic) analysis was also performed.

Results: This study found that pediatric (12-17 year old patient) samples were much more likely to harbor either SW or SS compared with adult (>18 year old patient) samples. In addition, this study found many more SW-positive samples among pediatric orthodontic patients compared with either adult or pediatric non-Orthodontic patients, which may suggest this population may be at higher risk for SW-related caries or other negative oral health outcomes. Finally, this study found these microbial populations to be strongly linked within the same patient samples.

Conclusions: This study has demonstrated that prevalence of SW and SS may be more highly associated with specific population subgroups, including SS observed in non-orthodontic patients and SW found among pediatric orthodontic patients. These results also differ from previous evidence, which found only minor and partially overlapping prevalence of these and other oral microbes.  The results of this current study may suggest that SS and SW may be more strongly correlated within similar oral microbial communities and their presence may be directly or indirectly linked through one or more behavioral, microbial or other factors – although more research will be needed to determine these mechanisms.
Resistance
Authors: Griffin Paul
Published: March 2021

The ability for individuals or collectives to challenge, reject, re‐imagine, and reshape conditions has become crucial within geographers' efforts to capture societal relations. How best to characterize these oppositional acts, though, has prompted much reflection and critical thought within the discipline. The language of resistance is where this reflection is often centered upon. What counts as resistance, who is able to resist, where might we find resistance, and to what extent might resistance influence change remain key questions for the discipline. Geography is particularly well placed to respond to such openings, through an attentiveness to the situated nature of resistance, an engagement with the spatiality of resistant acts, and a commitment to social justice that is central to much of the work within the discipline.
Joint tracking coefficients and the time delay of a nonstationary linear system, preceded by a static nonlinearity
Authors: Pupeikis Rimantas
Published: March 2021

The paper considers a block‐oriented nonlinear Hammerstein system that consists of a linear block with real‐valued time‐varying unknown coefficients and a pure time delay, preceded by the static nonlinearity. The joint tracking of linear block coefficients and the time delay while processing observation samples is under consideration. The difficulty of the tracking process consists in the initial nonconvexity of the objective function to be minimized, in respect of the time delay. To obtain current estimates of the true coefficients and the time delay it is necessary to overcome the multiextremality of the objective function. A global optimization problem could be solved by changing a form of the nonconvex objective function into a convex one. The optimization problem has been subdivided into two problems that are analyzed in this article, as well. The first one consists of removal of the objective function multiextremality in respect of the time delay, while hunting for the global extremum. Therefore, the well‐known approach based on the method of corrective operators, which is used to transform the multiextremal criterion into a unimodal function for the nonstationary Wiener system, is developed here for the Hammerstein one. The other problem consists of the applicability of unified adaptive algorithms, used for Wiener systems in the case of Hammerstein systems. The recursive parametric identification technique, based on the adaptive algorithm procedures, is developed here for the nonstationary block‐oriented Hammerstein systems, too. The applicability of algorithms is supported by various simulation tests solved by computer for distinct inputs and for two static nonlinearities.
Universal Interface between Functional Oxides and Silicon
Authors: Averyanov Dmitry V. , Sokolov Ivan S. , Karateev Igor A. , Taldenkov Alexander N. , Parfenov Oleg E. , Tokmachev Andrey M. , Storchak Vyacheslav G.
Published: March 2021

Integration of crystalline oxides with silicon provides a versatile platform to extend and advance silicon technology. The interface between oxide and Si controls the structure and functional properties of the resulting material. In particular, the formation of a submonolayer metal phase on silicon is the standard approach to stabilize the epitaxial growth of oxides. However, fundamental questions—a) whether the interface transforms in the process of the synthesis; and b) if it is possible to control the interface and its electronic structure by varying the submonolayer template—remain unanswered. The present study employs MBE synthesis of EuO and SrO on Si(001) to demonstrate that the structure of the oxide/Si interface does not depend on the type of the template, its symmetry, and stoichiometry. Chemical transformations of the templates converging into the same 2D product are detected in situ by electron diffraction. Then, the common interfacial structure of 1D periodicity is visualized by high‐resolution electron microscopy. The study provides insights into the process of oxide integration with silicon but also sets the limits in designing oxide/Si interfaces.
One‐Step All‐Aqueous Interfacial Assembly of Robust Membranes for Long‐Term Encapsulation and Culture of Adherent Stem/Stromal Cells
Authors: Vilabril Sara , Nadine Sara , Neves Catarina M. S. S. , Correia Clara R. , Freire Mara G. , Coutinho João A. P. , Oliveira Mariana B. , Mano João F.
Published: March 2021

The therapeutic effectiveness and biological relevance of technologies based on adherent cells depend on platforms that enable long‐term culture in controlled environments. Liquid‐core capsules have been suggested as semipermeable moieties with spatial homogeneity due to the high mobility of all components in their core. The lack of cell‐adhesive sites in liquid‐core structures often hampers their use as platforms for stem cell‐based technologies for long‐term survival and cell‐directed self‐organization. Here, the one‐step fast formation of robust polymeric capsules formed by interfacial complexation of oppositely charged polyelectrolytes in an all‐aqueous environment, compatible with the simultaneous encapsulation of mesenchymal stem/stromal cells (MSCs) and microcarriers, is described. The adhesion of umbilical cord MSCs to polymeric microcarriers enables their aggregation and culture for more than 21 days in capsules prepared either manually by dropwise addition, or by scalable electrohydrodynamic atomization, generating robust and stable capsules. Cell aggregation and secretion overtime can be tailored by providing cells with static or dynamic (bioreactor) environments.
Manipulating SnO2 Growth for Efficient Electron Transport in Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Qian Zongyao , Chen Libao , Wang Jinpei , Wang Ling , Xia Yingdong , Ran Xueqin , Li Ping , Zhong Qi , Song Lin , Müller‐Buschbaum Peter , Chen Yonghua , Zhang Hui
Published: March 2021

Solution‐processed tin oxide (SnO2) is ubiquitously used as the electron transport layer (ETL) in perovskite solar cells, while the main concerns related to the application of SnO2 nanoparticles are the self‐aggregation potential and infeasible energy level adjustment, leading to inhomogeneous thin films and mismatched energy alignment with perovskite. Herein, a novel route is developed by adding a functional titanium diisopropoxide bis(acetylacetonate) (TiAcAc) molecule, comprising TiO44– core, functional CO, and long alkene groups, into the SnO2 nanoparticle solution, to optimize the electronic transfer property of SnO2 for efficient perovskite solar cells. It is found that the TiO44– can be used to tune the electronic property of the SnO2 layer, and the long alkenes can act as a stabilizer to avoid the nanoparticle aggregation and electronic glue among the SnO2 nanoparticles in the eventual nanoparticulate thin film, enhancing its homogeneity and conductivity. Furthermore, the residual CO groups on the ETL surface can strongly associate with the Pb2+ and improve the interface intimacy between the ETL and perovskite. As a result, the efficiency of perovskite solar cells can be boosted from 18% to above 20% with significantly reduced hysteresis by employing SnO2‐TiAcAc as electron transport layer, indicating a great potential for efficient perovskite solar cells.
Enhanced Performance of Pixelated Quantum Dot Light‐Emitting Diodes by Inkjet Printing of Quantum Dot–Polymer Composites
Authors: Roh Heebum , Ko Donghyun , Shin Dong Yeol , Chang Jun Hyuk , Hahm Donghyo , Bae Wan Ki , Lee Changhee , Kim Jun Young , Kwak Jeonghun
Published: March 2021

Inkjet printing of colloidal quantum dots (QDs) is considered a promising technology for application in full‐color quantum dot light‐emitting diode (QLED) displays. However, QLEDs that are inkjet printed in a pixel‐defining bank structure generally exhibit a low performance, mainly due to the nonuniformity in its QD morphology. In this study, an enhanced performance of inkjet‐printing‐based pixelated QLEDs is achieved by introducing small amounts of poly(methyl methacrylate) (PMMA) of different molecular weights into QD inks. When this QD–PMMA composite ink is adopted, uniform droplets are formed, originating from contact line depinning during drying. Inside the bank structure, the inkjet‐printed QD–PMMA composite film shows a smooth surface and little pileup at the bank edges. A pixelated QLED with PMMA with a molecular weight of 8 kDa exhibits the highest luminance of 73 360 cd m−2 and an external quantum efficiency of 2.8%, which are remarkably higher than that of the inkjet‐printed QLED subpixels without PMMA. The result is verified through the observation of the drying process and the QLED subpixel shapes under operation. Thus, inkjet‐printed QD–PMMA composite inks can be a promising strategy for future research on pixelated QLEDs for the fabrication process of full‐color QLED displays.
A Transformative Metasurface Based on Zerogap Embedded Template
Authors: Das Bamadev , Yun Hyeong Seok , Park Namkyoo , Jeong Jeeyoon , Kim Dai‐Sik
Published: March 2021

The ideals of reconfigurable metasurfaces would be operation in a broad frequency range with a high extinction ratio and fatigue resistivity. In this paper, all the above is achieved in the microwave regime by transforming a bare metallic film into well‐controlled nanometer sized gaps in a fully reversible manner. It is shown that adjacent metallic patterns deposited at different times can form “zero‐nanometer gaps,” or “zerogaps,” while maintaining the optical and electrical connectivity. The zerogaps readily open and recover with gentle bending and relaxing of the flexible substrate, precisely along the rims of the pre‐patterns of centimeter lengths. In a prototypical pattern of densely packed slit arrays, these gaps when opened serve as antennas achieving transparency for polarizations perpendicular to the length of the gap and shut off all the incident lights when closed. In such transformation between a polarizer and a mirror, 75% of transmission is observed with polarization extinction ratio of 7500 coming back down to 5 orders of magnitude extinction repeatable over 10 000 times. This work has long‐standing implications to metamaterials and metasurfaces as well as the fundamental aspect of extending a picometer scale distance controllability toward the wafer scale.