bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
At the downstream of the RF cavity of the electron storage ring there is emission of abnormal ultra-high energy electrons with energy up to 105 times of the beam energy
Authors: Qian Dapeng
Published: January 2021

After considering Heisenberg's uncertainty principle, the mass-speed relationship of special relativity i.e. the Einstein-Lorentz mass formula can be extended to a more complete equation, which predicts that abnormal ultra-high energy electrons will be generated with a small probability when the electron beam passes through an accelerating electric field. The author used the accumulating detection method of a large number of events to test at the electron storage ring of BEPCII, of which results show that under the beam energy of 2GeV there is emission of abnormal ultra-high energy electrons with the highest energy reaching 400TeV at downstream of the RF cavity. For this reason, it is recommended that particle physicists conduct more experiments to fully verify this previously unknown phenomenon and further discover new physics.
Long-term radiographic outcomes and functional evaluation of ulnar shortening osteotomy in patients with ulnar impaction syndrome and reverse oblique sigmoid notch: a retrospective case series study
Authors: Huang Hui-Kuang , Lee Steve K. , Huang Yi-Chao , Yin Cheng-Yu , Chang Ming-Chau , Wang Jung-Pan
Published: January 2021

Background: Ulnar shortening osteotomy (USO) is an effective treatment for ulnar impaction syndrome. However, there have been reports of osteoarthritis (OA) at the distal radioulnar joint (DRUJ) when USO was performed on patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch. This study aimed to evaluate the radiographic and functional outcomes following USO in patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid notch.Methods: We retrospectively reviewed patients having a reverse oblique sigmoid notch who underwent USO for ulnar impaction syndrome between 2002 and 2013. We evaluated radiographic changes of the DRUJ and functional outcomes of patients.Results: We enrolled 22 patients (22 wrists) with an average age of 49.6 years and a mean follow-up of 93.2 (range, 36–179; standard deviation [SD], 38.2) months. We found that there were changes in the inclination angle of the sigmoid notch, from an average reverse oblique of 14.9o (range, 11o–23o; SD, 3.4o) preoperatively to a more parallel 5.1o (range, 0o–11o; SD, 3.2o) at the final follow-up. The functional results at the final follow-up were good, with a mean visual analogue scale for pain of 0.2 (range, 0–1; SD, 0.4) at rest and 1.3 (range, 0–3; SD, 0.9) during activity, QuickDASH of 15.1 (range, 2.3–34.1; SD, 8.8), and modified Mayo Wrist Score of 91.6 (range, 70–100; SD, 6.4). Seven wrists (31.8%) had changes compatible with OA, but the wrists did not exhibit a significantly worse function when compared to wrists without OA changes, except for supination motion and grip strength.Conclusions: For patients with a reverse oblique sigmoid inclination following USO, we observed that the inclination angle had a tendency to become parallel and some patients developed OA at the DRUJ. However, long-term functional outcomes could still be good. The reverse oblique sigmoid inclination does not seem to be an absolute contraindication for USO.
Health anxiety and related factors among pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic: A cross-sectional study from Iran
Authors: Saadati Najmieh , Afshari Poorandokht , Boostani Hatam , Beheshtinasab Maryam , Abedi Parvin , Maraghi Elham
Published: January 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has affected many countries around the world and Iran was no exception. The aim of this study was to evaluate health anxiety of Iranian pregnant women during the COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 300 pregnant women in different trimesters (n=100 in each trimester) were recruited. A demographic questionnaire and the Health Anxiety Questionnaire were used to collect data. Scores of <27, 27-34 and more than 35 were defined as low, moderate and high health anxiety, respectively. Due to nationwide restrictions, data were collected through social media groups. Chi-square tests, ANOVA and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data. Results: Mean (SD) total anxiety scores were 22.3±9.5, 24.6±9.3 and 25.4±10.6 in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. 9%, 13% and 21% of women had severe anxiety in the first, second and third trimesters of pregnancy, respectively. Women in the third trimester had significantly higher health anxiety scores than those in the first trimester (p=0.045). Conclusion: At the time of the COVID-19 pandemic, women in the second and third trimesters of pregnancy were more worried about consequences of disease, but total health anxiety scores were significantly higher among women in the third trimester of pregnancy. Health care providers should pay more attention to the mental health of pregnant women in times of crises such as the COVID-19 pandemic.
Retrenchment in public health unequally affects access to healthcare for income groups: a quasi-experiment during the Great Recession
Authors: Torfs Lore , Adriaenssens Stef , Lagaert Susan , Willems Sara
Published: January 2021

Background: The Great Recession, starting in 2008, was characterized by an overall reduction in living standards. This pushed several governments across Europe to restrict expenditures, also in the area of healthcare. These austerity measures are known to have affected access to healthcare, probably unevenly among social groups. This study examines the unequal effects of retrenchment in healthcare expenditures on access to medical care for different income groups across European countries.Method: Using data of two waves (2008 and 2014) of the European Union Statistics of Income and Living Conditions survey (EU-SILC), a difference-in-differences (DD) approach was used to analyse the overall change in unmet medical needs over time within and between countries. By adding another interaction, the differences in the effects between income quintiles (difference-in-difference-in-differences: DDD) were estimated. To do so, comparisons between two pairs of a treatment and a control case were made: Iceland versus Sweden, and Ireland versus the United Kingdom. These comparisons are made between countries with recessions equal in magnitude, but with different levels of healthcare cuts. This strategy allows isolating the effect of cuts, net of the severity of the recession.Results: The DD-estimates show a higher increase of unmet medical needs during the Great Recession in the treatment cases (Iceland vs. Sweden: +3.24 pp; Ireland vs. the United Kingdom: +1.15pp). The DDD-estimates show different results over the two models. In Iceland, the lowest income groups had a higher increase in unmet medical needs. This was not the case in Ireland, where middle-class groups saw their access to healthcare deteriorate more. Conclusion: Restrictions on health expenditures during the Great Recession caused an increase in self-reported unmet medical needs. The burden of these effects is not equally distributed; in some cases, the lower-income groups suffer most. The case of Ireland, nevertheless, shows that certain policy measures may relatively spare lower-income groups while affecting middle-class income groups more. These results bring in evidence that policies can reduce and even overshoot the general effect of income inequalities on access to healthcare.
Diclazuril-induced expression of CDK-related kinase 2 in the second-generation merozoites of Eimeria tenella
Authors: Zhou Bian-hua , Ding Hai-yan , Yang Jing-yun , Chai Jun , Guo Hong-wei , Tian Er-jie
Published: January 2021

Background: Diclazuril is a classic anticoccidial drug. The key molecules of diclazuril in anticoccidial action allows target screening for the development of anticoccidial drugs. In the present study, a diclazuril anticoccidiosis animal model was established, and the transcription and translation levels of the CDK-related kinase 2 of Eimeria tenella (EtCRK2) were detected through quantitative real-time PCR and Western blot analysis, respectively. The localisation of EtCRK2 in merozoites was examined with immunofluorescence techniques.Results: The mRNA and protein expression levels of EtCRK2 decreased in the infected/diclazuril group compared with those in the infected/control group. In addition, immunofluorescence analysis showed that EtCRK2 was localised in the cytoplasm of the merozoites. The fluorescence intensity of EtCRK2 in the infected/diclazuril group was significantly weaker than that in the infected/control group.Conclusions: The anticoccidial drug diclazuril against E.tenella affects the expression pattern of EtCRK2 molecule, and EtCRK2 is a potential target for new drug development.
The influence of the Municipal Human Development Index and maternal education on infant mortality: an investigation in a retrospective cohort study in the extreme south of Brazil
Authors: Anele Carolina Ribeiro , Hirakata Vânia Naomi , Goldani Marcelo Zubaran , Silva Clécio Homrich da
Published: January 2021

Background: Infant mortality is considered an important and sensitive health indicator in several countries, especially in underdeveloped and developing countries. Most of the factors influencing infant mortality are interrelated and are the result of social issues. Therefore, this study performed an investigation of the influence of the MHDI and maternal education on infant mortality in a capital in the extreme south of Brazil. Methods: It is a retrospective cohort study with data on births and deaths in the first year of life for the period of 2000-2017. The association between the independent variables and the outcome was done by bivariate analysis through simple Poisson regression. The variables that can potentially be considered confounding factors were used in a multiple Poisson regression for robust variances - adjusted model. Results: The study included 317545 children, of whom 3107 died. The medium MHDI showed associated with infant death in the first year of life. Maternal education, individually and jointly analyzed with the MHDI, showed association with the outcome of infant death in the first year of life, particularly for children of mothers with lower maternal education (p<0.001). In relation to other related factors, maternal age; number of Prenatal Care Consultations; gestational age, weight, gender and Apgar Index (5th minute) of the newborn showed association with IM (p<0.001). Conclusions: The HDI is considered a good predictor of infant mortality by some authors and the analyzes of the present study also confirm an association of the medium MHDI and its low MHDIE component with infant mortality. In addition, it was maternal education with less than eight years of study that that demonstrated a higher risk of death, revealing itself to be a social determinant with a relevant impact on infant mortality. Thus, it is possible to conclude that maternal education is available information, and it is superior to the MHDI to assess the infant mortality outcome.
Deep learning-based framework for the distinction of membranous nephropathy: A new approach through hyperspectral imagery
Authors: Tu Tianqi , Wei Xueling , Yang Yue , Zhang Nianrong , Li Wei , Tu Xiaowen , Li Wenge
Published: January 2021

Background: Common subtypes seen in Chinese patients with membranous nephropathy (MN) include idiopathic membranous nephropathy (IMN) and hepatitis B virus-related membranous nephropathy (HBV-MN). However, the morphologic differences are not visible under the light microscope in certain renal biopsy tissues. Methods: We propose here a deep learning-based framework for processing hyperspectral images of renal biopsy tissue to define the difference between IMN and HBV-MN based on the component of their immune complex deposition. Results: The proposed framework can achieve an overall accuracy of 95.04% in classification, which also leads to better performance than support vector machine (SVM)-based algorithms. Conclusion: IMN and HBV-MN can be correctly separated via the deep learning framework using hyperspectral imagery. Our results suggest the potential of the deep learning algorithm as a new method to aid in the diagnosis of MN.
Family Presence During Resuscitation: Adaptation and Validation into Spanish of the Family Presence Risk-Benefit Scale and the Self-Confidence Scale Instrument
Authors: de Mingo-Fernández Eva , Belzunegui-Eraso Ángel , Jiménez-Herrera María
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUNDFamily Presence during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation has been studied both to identify the opinions of health professionals, patients, and family members, and to identify benefits and barriers, as well as to design protocols for its implementation. R.Twibell and her team designed an instrument that measured nurses’ perceptions of Risks-Benefits and Self-Confidence regarding Family Presence during Resuscitation. There are few studies in Spain on this practice. MethodsThe aim is to adapt and validate into Spanish the Family Presence Risk-Benefit scale and Family Presence Self-Confidence scale instrument. For this purpose, this instrument was translated cross-culturally, and administered in paper and online version. Statistical tests were carried out for the validity of the questionnaire. 541 healthcare professionals were invited to respond. The results were analyzed by the same statistical procedures as in the original scale. Ethical approvals and research permissions were obtained according to national standards.Results 237 healthcare professionals (43.8%) answered the survey (69% women), of whom 167 were nurses. Validation of instruments: Cronbach’s α in Family Presence Risk-Benefit scale was 0.94. Cronbach’s α in Family Presence Self-Confidence scale was 0.96. Factor Analysis Kaiser, Meyer and Olkin (KMO) was greater than 0.9. The correlation between the two measured scales, is significant and has a moderate intensity of the relationship (r = 0.65 and α <0.001). A lower predisposition to Family Presence during Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation is observed, but the pure detractors are only 12%. Doctors are more reluctant than nurses.ConclusionsThe psychometric properties of the questionnaire in Spanish indicate high validity and reliability. Risk-Benefit perception and Self-Confidence are related to the healthcare professionals who consider the Family Presence to be beneficial. More studies in different contexts are necessary to confirm the psychometric results and validity of this instrument in Spanish.
Association between body mass index and fragility fracture in postmenopausal women: a cross-sectional study using Korean National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2008-2009 (KNHANES IV)
Authors: Kim Jihan , Lee Sami , Kim Sung Soo , Lee Jong-Pyo , Kim Jong Sung , Jung Jin Gyu , Yoon Seok Jun , Kim Kyu Pil , Park Chan-Keol , Kim Yong-Hwan
Published: January 2021

Background The present study examined the relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the risk for fragility fractures in postmenopausal Korean women. Method Among subjects who participated in the 4th National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (2008-2009), 2114 women ≥ 40 years of age were included. BMI was based on standards set by the Korean Society for the Study of Obesity, as follows: <18.5 kg/m 2 , underweight; 18.5 ≤ to <25 kg/m 2 , normal weight; and ≥25 kg/m 2 , obese. Subjects were also divided into three groups according to the location of fragility fracture: spine, hip, or wrist. Results The mean (± SD) rate of fragility fracture was significantly different among the three groups: 5.9±2.9% (underweight), 1.1±0.3% (normal weight), and 3.0±0.7% (obese) (p=0.001). After correcting for age, family history, and treatment history of osteoporosis and rheumatoid arthritis, smoking and drinking status, and level of exercise, multivariable regression analysis revealed that the odds ratio for fragility fracture in the underweight group was 5.48 (95% confidence interval [CI] 1.80–16.73) and 3.33 (95% CI 1.61–6.87) in the obese group. After subdividing fragility fractures into vertebral and non-vertebral, the odds ratio for vertebral fracture in the underweight group was 5.49 (95% CI 1.31–23.09) times higher than that in the normal weight group; in the obese group, the non-vertebral fracture odds ratio was 3.87 (95% CI 1.45–10.33) times higher. Analysis of non-vertebral fractures in the obese group revealed an odds ratio for fracture 22.05(95% CI 1.33–365.31) times higher for hip fracture and 3.85 (95% CI 1.35–10.93) times higher for wrist fracture. Conclusions Obesity and underweight increased the risk for fragility fractures in postmenopausal Korean women.
Designing and Evaluation of E-Health Educational Intervention on Students' Physical Activity: An Application of Pender's Health Promotion Model
Authors: Sabooteh Sahar , Feizi Awat , Shekarchizadeh Parivash , Shahnazi Hossein , Mostafavi Firoozeh
Published: January 2021

Background: The present study was conducted to design and evaluate the software and web-based curriculum based on Pender Model in order to promote students' physical activity.Methods: This is a quasi-experimental study conducted on 225 eligible students who were randomly divided into two groups of web and software-based intervention and control using stages of change model. The sample size of the study was selected from the students using stratified sampling method. The evaluation was done with pre-test and post-test and follow-up, which were performed immediately two and six months following the intervention. The data were analyzed employing statistical software SPSS using descriptive statistics, chi-square, one way ANOVA, and repeated measures ANOVA.Results: The obtained results revealed that the level of physical activity after the intervention in the web and software groups significantly increased compared to the control group (p <0.001). Moreover, the mean score of Pender model constructs, immediately two and six months after the intervention, was significantly different in the web and software groups (p <0.001). Conclusion: Our results indicated that involving students into different stages according to the stage of change model and provide them with tailored message based on health promotion model's constructs has a positive effect on promoting physical activity of students.
Performance Analysis of Power-Splitting Relaying Protocol in SWIPT Based Cooperative NOMA Systems
Authors: Tran Quy-Huu , Phan Ca V , Vien Quoc-Tuan
Published: January 2021

This paper investigates a relay assisted simultaneous wireless information and power transfer (SWIPT) for downlink in cellular systems. Cooperative non-orthogonal multiple access (C-NOMA) is employed along with power splitting (PS) protocol to enable both energy harvesting (EH) and information processing (IP). A downlink model consists of a base station (BS) and two users is considered, in which the near user (NU) is selected as a relay to forward the received signal from the BS to the far user (FU). Maximum ratio combining is then employed at the FU to combine both the signals received from the BS and NU. Closed form expressions of outage propability (OP), throughput, ergodic rate and energy eﬃciency (EE) are ﬁrstly derived for the SWIPT based C-NOMA considering both scenarios of with and without direct link between the BS and FU. The impacts of EH time, EH eﬃciency, power-splitting ratio, source data rate and distance between diﬀerent nodes on the performance are then investigated. The simulation results show that the C-NOMA with direct link achieves an outperformed performance over C-NOMA without direct link. Moreover, the performance of C-NOMA with direct link is also higher than that for OMA. Speciﬁcally, (i) the outage probability for C-NOMA in both direct and relaying link cases is always lower than that for OMA. (ii) the outage probability, throughput and ergodic rate vary according to β , (iii) the EE of both users can obtain in SNR range of from -10 to 5 dB and it decreases linearly as SNR increases. Numerical results are provided to verify the ﬁndings.
Gender Modifies the Effect of Body Mass Index on Lung Function Decline in Mild-to-Moderate COPD Patients: A Pooled Analysis
Authors: Chen Wenjia , Sadatsafavi Mohsen , FitzGerald J Mark , Lynd Larry , Sin Don
Published: January 2021

Background: Low body weight is associated with poor prognosis in patients with chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). However, it is not known whether gender modifies this relationship. Methods: We pooled data of 8,686 COPD patients from 7 studies with a median length of 36-months of follow up. Using a longitudinal natural cubic spline regression model, we examined the dose-response relationship between body mass index (BMI) and the rate of decline in forced expiratory volume in one second (FEV1) in patients with GOLD 1 and 2 disease, stratified by gender and adjusted for age, smoking status, and cohort effects. Results: There was an inverse linear relationship between BMI and the rate of FEV1 decline in GOLD Grades 1 and 2, which was modified by gender (p<0.001). In male patients, an increase of BMI by 1 kg/m2 reduced FEV1 decline by 1.05mL/year (95% CI: 0.96, 1.14). However, in female patients, BMI status did not have a clinically meaningful impact on FEV1 decline: an increase of baseline BMI by 1 kg/m2 reduced FEV1 decline by 0.16 ml/year (95% CI: 0.11, 0.21). These gender-modified relationships were similar between GOLD 1 and 2 patients, and between current and former smokers. Conclusion: In mild to moderate COPD, higher BMI was associated with a less rapid decline of FEV1 in male patients whereas this association was minimal in females patients. This gender-specific BMI effect was independent of COPD severity and smoking status.
The effect of inhaling mother’s breast milk odor on the behavioral responses to pain caused by hepatitis B vaccine in preterm infants: a randomized clinical trial
Authors: Rad Zahra Akbarian , Aziznejadroshan Parvin , Amiri Adeleh Saebi , Ahangar Hemmat Gholinia , Valizadehchari Zahra
Published: January 2021

Background: Nowadays, it is generally assumed that non-pharmacologic pain relief in preterm infants is an important measure to consider. Research findings suggest that familiar odors have soothing effects for neonates. The aim of this study was to compare the effect of maternal breast milk odor (MBMO) with that of another mother’s breast milk odor (BMO) on the behavioral responses to pain caused by hepatitis B (HB) vaccine injection in preterm infants.Methods: This single-blind randomized clinical trial was performed over the period between February 2019 and March 2020 in the neonatal intensive care unit of Babol Rouhani Hospital, Iran. Ninety preterm infants, who were supposed to receive their HB vaccine, were randomly assigned into three groups: MBMO (A), another mother’s BMO (B), and control with distilled water(C). Oxygen saturation (SaO2), blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) were recorded for all participants through electronic monitoring. In addition, premature infant pain profiles (PIPP) were determined through video recording for all three groups during intervention. The chi-square, ANOVA and ANCOVA were used for analyzing the data, and P<0.05 was considered significant in this study.Results: No significant differences were found between the three groups in mean± SD of HR, BP, and Sao2 before the intervention (P>0.05). After the intervention, however, the means for heart rate in groups A, B, and C were 146±14.3, 153±17.5 and 155±17.7, respectively (P=0.012). Moreover, the means for PIPP scores in groups A, B and C were 6.6±1.3, 10 ±2, and 11.4±1.9, respectively (P<0.001). There was no significant difference found between groups in their means of SaO2, systolic and diastolic blood pressure after the intervention (P>0.05). Conclusions: The results indicate that stimulation with MBMO is effective in reducing pain in preterm infants; therefore, it can be postulated that this technique can be considered in less invasive procedures such as needling.Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT20190220042771N1. Registered 18 May 2019- Retrospectively registered, https://en.irct.ir/trial/37646
High-dose versus low-dose ergocalciferol for correcting hypovitaminosis D after fragility hip fracture: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Jarusriwanna Atthakorn , Phusunti Suchat , Chotiyarnwong Pojchong , Unnanuntana Aasis
Published: January 2021

Background: Hypovitaminosis D can be observed in most fragility hip fracture patients. However, measurement of 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D) level is costly and may not be available in some centers. Without the baseline serum 25(OH)D level, the appropriate dose of vitamin D supplementation is not known. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness and safety of vitamin D supplementation in fragility hip fracture patients compared between high- and low-dose vitamin D supplementation. Methods: A total of 140 patients diagnosed with fragility hip fracture were randomly allocated to either the high-dose (60,000 IU/week) or low-dose (20,000 IU/week) vitamin D2 supplementation group for 12 weeks. The number of patients who achieved optimal vitamin D level (serum 25(OH)D > 30 ng/mL), the proportion of patients who developed hypercalcemia, and the functional outcome were compared between groups. Results: Of the 140 patients who were enrolled, 21 patients were lost to follow-up during the study period. The remaining 119 patients (58 and 61 in the high- and low-dose group, respectively) were included in the final analysis. The high-dose group had a higher rate of serum 25(OH)D restoration to optimal level than the low-dose group (82.8% vs 52.5%, respectively; p < 0.001). Approximately 3.4% and 1.6% of patients in the high- and low-dose groups, respectively, had mild transient hypercalcemia, but none developed moderate, severe, or symptomatic hypercalcemia. There were no differences in functional outcome scores between groups.Conclusions: In treatment settings where baseline serum 25(OH)D level can’t be evaluated in older adults with fragility hip fracture, we recommend high-dose vitamin D2 of approximately 60,000 IU/week for 12 weeks, with subsequent switch to a maintenance dose. This regimen effectively restored serum vitamin D to an optimal level in 82.8% of patients without causing symptomatic hypercalcemia.
Can the physical act of sexual intercourse before frozen embryo transfer improve IVF treatment outcome? A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Yuan Li Hua , Cao Xian Ling , Sun Zhen-Gao
Published: January 2021

Background: Exposure of the female reproductive tract to either seminal plasma or fluid component of the ejaculate is beneficial to achieving successful embryo implantation and normal embryo development. But whether the "physical" component of of sexual intercourse during the peri-transfer period have any influence on FET pregnancy outcome is not clear. Methods: We conducted a randomized trial that included 223 patients undergoing IVF treatment at a University-affiliated reproductive center from 19 June to 24 September 2018. Enrolled patients undergoing IVF treatment were randomized either to engage sexual intercourse using the barrier contraception (Group A, n=116) or to abstain (Group B, n=107) one night before FET. The follow-up parameters included biochemical losses rate, clinical pregnancy, early abortion and implantation rate. Results: Patients having intercourse had higher clinical pregnancy rate (51.72% vs. 37.07%, P=0.045) and implantation rate (38.31% vs. 24.77%, P=0.005) compared to those did not engage intercourse. However, there was no significant difference of the spontaneous abortion rate between two groups (11.67% 33 vs. 14.63%, P=0.662). Conclusions: Sexual intercourse before the day of embryo transfer may improve the clinical pregnancy and implantation rates during the frozen- thawed embryo transfer (FET) cycle. However, it should be noted that patients choose only one time for sexual intercourse, that is, the night before embryo transfer. TRIAL REGISTRATION NUMBER: This study was registered at the China Clinical Trial Registration Center, with the registration number ChiCTR1800017209.
Parasitism of Aedes albopictus by Ascogregarina taiwanensis lowers its competitive ability against Aedes triseriatus.
Authors: Stump Emma , Childs Lauren M , Walker Melody
Published: January 2021

Background: Mosquitoes are vectors for diseases that signiﬁcantly impact the human population such as dengue, malaria and La Crosse virus. When multiple mosquito species are present, the competition between species may alter population dynamics as well as disease spread. Two mosquito species, Aedes albopictus and Aedes triseriatus, both inhabit areas where La Crosse virus is found. Infection of Aedes albopictus by the parasite Ascogregarina taiwanensis and Aedes triseriatus by the parasite Ascogregarina barretti can decrease a mosquito’s ﬁtness, respectively. In particular, the decrease in ﬁtness of Aedes albopictus occurs through the impact of Ascogregarina taiwanensis on female fecundity, larval development rate, and larval mortality and may impact its initial competitive advantage over Aedes triseriatus during invasion.Methods: We examine the eﬀects of parasitism of gregarine parasites on Aedes albopictus and triseriatus population dynamics and competition with a focus on when Aedes albopictus is new to an area. We build a compartmental model including competition between Aedes albopictus and triseriatus while under parasitism of the gregarine parasites. Using parameters based on literature, we simulate the dynamics and analyze the equilibrium population proportion of the two species. We consider the presence of both parasites and potential dilution eﬀects.Results: We show that increased levels of parasitism in Aedes albopictus will decrease the initial competitive advantage of the species over Aedes triseriatus and increase the survivorship of Aedes triseriatus. We ﬁnd Aedes albopictus is better able to invade when there is more extreme parasitism of Aedes triseriatus. Furthermore, although the transient dynamics diﬀer, dilution of the parasite density through uptake by both species does not alter the equilibrium population sizes of either species.Conclusions: Mosquito population dynamics are aﬀected by many factors, such as abiotic factors (e.g. temperature and humidity) and competition between mosquito species. This is especially true when multiple mosquito species are vying to live in the same area. Knowledge of how population dynamics are aﬀected by gregarine parasites among competing species can inform future mosquito control eﬀorts and help prevent the spread of vector-borne disease.
A cross-sectional study of Foot-Ground Clearance in Healthy Community Dwelling Japanese Cohorts Aged 50, 60 and 70 Years
Authors: Nagano Hanatsu , Sparrow William Anthony , Mizukami Katsuyoshi , Sarashina Eri , Begg Rezaul
Published: January 2021

Background Falls-related injuries are particularly serious for older people, causing pain, reduced community engagement and associated medical costs. Tripping is the leading cause of falls and the current study examined whether minimum ground clearance (MFC) of the swing foot, indicating high tripping risk, would be differentiated across cohorts of healthy 50-, 60- and 70-years old community residents in Japan.Methods A cross-sectional population comprising the three groups (50s, 60s and 70s) of 123 Konosu City residents consented to be recorded when walking on an unobstructed surface at preferred speed. Gait biomechanics was measured using high speed (100 Hz) motion capture (OptiTrack – Natural Point Inc.), including step length and width, double support, foot contact angle and MFC (swing toe height above the ground). Multivariate Analysis of Variance (MANOVA) was used to confirm ageing effects on MFC and fundamental gait parameters. Pearson's correlations were performed to identify the relationships between mean MFC and other MFC characteristics (SD and SI), step length, step width, double support time and foot contact angle. Results Compared to 50s, lower step length was seen (2.69cm and 6.15cm) for 60s and 70s, respectively. No other statistical effects were identified for spatio-temporal parameters between the three groups. The 50s cohort MFC was also significantly higher than 60s and 70s, while step-to-step MFC variability was greater in the 70s than 50s and 60s. Pearson’s correlations demonstrated that more symmetrical gait patterns were associated with greater MFC height, as reflected in greater symmetry in step width (50s), MFC (60s) and foot contact angle (70s).. In the 70s increased MFC height correlated with higher MFC variability and reduced foot contact angle. Conclusion MFC height reduces from 60 years but more variable MFC appears later, from 70 years. While symmetrical gait was accompanied by increased MFC height, in the 70s group attempts to increase MFC height may have caused more MFC variability and lower foot contact angles, compromising foot-ground clearance. Assessments of swing foot mechanics may be a useful component of community falls prevention.
Cross-sectional study on Traditional pig rearing practices and cysticercosis in the southern region of Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: Eugène Koffi Kouassi , Man-Koumba Soumahoro , Marcel Boka O. , Jihen Melki , Borel Ndri , NOWAKOWSKI Mireille , André Touré O. , Joseph Djaman A. , Elieser N’goran K. , Jambou Ronan
Published: January 2021

BackgroundIn West Africa, pig meat, known as pork, is often supplied by traditional farms in rural districts. This practice causes significant sanitary risk because of the lack of veterinary control of farms and slaughterhouses in rural districts. This study aims to describe pig breeding practices used in southern Côte d'Ivoire to establish a surveillance system for cysticercosis disease. This survey was conducted among traditional pig producers living in villages surrounding Dabou, Aboisso, and Agboville. The data collected focused on the profile of producers and the characteristics of the farms.ResultsA total of 321 pig producers were identified (Dabou 72 (22.4%), Aboisso 26 (8.1%), and Agboville 223 (69.5%)). Most of the herders were male (87.8%). The total count of animals was 3,663 heads of pigs, with mostly youngpiglets (60.2%) and sow (29.3%). The local race was predominant (80.6 %) for only 15.5% of half-caste races. Most of the farms used permanent divagation rearing (53.3%). Following examination, random samples of pigs were tracked in all the selected villages using the quota methods. Animals' blood samples and serums were analyzed using Ac-ELISA and Western Blot. Out of the selected 639 animals, 13.2 % had antibodies against cysticercosis with considerable variations from one village to another.ConclusionsThe study highlighted that, in these regions, pig farming remains essentially traditional, with free grazing of animals, which constitutes a significant sanitary risk, especially for Taenia solium.
Manufacturing and Banking Canine Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells for Veterinary Clinical Application
Authors: Luo Huina , Li Dongsheng , Chen Zhisheng , Wang Bingyun , Chen Shengfeng
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) have generated a great amount of interest in recent years as a novel therapeutic application for improving the quality of pet life and helping them free from painful conditions and diseases. It has now become critical to address the challenges related to the safety and efficacy of MSCs expanded in vitro. In this study, we establish a standardized process for manufacture of canine adipose-derived MSCs (AD-MSCs), including tissue sourcing, cell isolation and culture, cryopreservation, thawing and expansion, quality control and testing, and evaluate the safety and efficacy of those cells for clinical applications. RESULTS: After expansion, the viability of AD-MSCs manufactured under our standardized process was above 90 %. Expression of surface markers and differentiation potential was consistent with ISCT standards. Sterility, mycoplasma, and endotoxin tests were consistently negative. AD-MSCs presented normal karyotype, and did not form in vivo tumors. No adverse events were noted in two cases treated with intravenously AD-MSCs. CONCLUSION: Herein we demonstrated the establishment of a feasible bioprocess for manufacturing and banking canine AD-MSCs for veterinary clinical use.
CKD and CKDu in Northern Peru: a cross-sectional analysis under the DEGREE protocol
Authors: Ruiz-Alejos Andrea O. , Caplin Ben , Miranda J. Jaime , Pearce Neil , Bernabé-Ortiz Antonio
Published: January 2021

Background: This study estimated the prevalence and risk factors for decreased estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) in those without known hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, or heavy proteinuria as a surrogate marker for chronic kidney disease of unknown cause (CKDu) among adults in the North of Peru.Methods:A cross-sectional study was conducted following the Disadvantaged Populations eGFR Epidemiology (DEGREE) Study protocol. Low eGFR was defined based on a single eGFR ≤60 mL/min/1.7m2 estimated using the CKD-EPI equation. Environmental conditions related to CKDu (i.e., work in agriculture or sugarcane, water source, heat intolerance, and pesticide exposure) were evaluated, in addition to traditional risk factors for CKD (i.e., smoking, heavy drinking, physical activity, hypertension, type 2 diabetes mellitus, urolithiasis, among others).Results:A total of 1514 subjects were included in the study, mean age 45.1 (SD: 16.4), and 55.2% were females. Overall, only 26 cases (1.7%; 95%CI: 1.1% - 2.5%) had an eGFR <60mL/min/1.7m2 compatible with CKD definition; when those with hypertension and type-2 diabetes or heavy proteinuria were excluded, according to the DEGREE protocol, the estimate fell to 0.9% (95%CI: 0.4% - 1.5%). Low physical activity levels (OR = 1.99; 95%CI: 1.18 – 3.34), hypertension (OR = 2.07; 1.26 – 3.41), and urolithiasis (OR = 1.97; 95%CI: 1.18 – 3.27) were factors associated with low eGFR.Conclusions: A low population-based prevalence of low eGFR (as a surrogate for CKDu), both in rural and urban settings areas, in the Northern Peru, was found. Low physical activity levels, hypertension and urolithiasis were factors associated with low eGFR. Interventions to prevent CKD cases may be focused on well-known CV risk factors and urolithiasis.
Design of Stirred Tank Reactor for Cellulase Enzyme Rumen Liquid Based Bioethanol Production from Banana Rod
Authors: Nisa Qurrotun Ayuni Khoirun , Paramita Vita
Published: January 2021

Due to pandemic, supply of alcohol as desinfectant really needed for nowadays. This research aims to determine the levels of bioethanol produced from banana rods by the hydrolysis process. The target to be achieved with the reactor design is to achieve high ethanol purity using a first order reaction kinetics approach. The study was carried out on various variables including fermentation time (6 - 30 hours), hydrolysis temperature (80 - 90 oC), and substrate enzyme ratio (1: 1 - 1: 3). While the parameters to be tested are glucose levels and bioethanol levels. The optimal effect of the variable on alcohol content is obtained when the alcohol content value is more than 17.2% with an enzyme ratio of 3 - 3.5 at a temperature of 94 - 96 oC for 35 - 40 hours. From the research, it was found that it is possible to enlarge the reactor up to 200 times by using a ratio to obtain the ideal stirred tank reactor dimensions with a conversion of 97.15%.
Teacher Talk in Scientific Approach in EFL Classroom: A Speech Acts Perspective
Authors: Faturrochman Rihza Galih , Darmawan Achmad Anang , Hadi Faishol
Published: January 2021

This paper reviews teacher’s utterances in the EFL Classroom using Speech Acts’ perspective. Specifically when the teacher applying scientific appraoch in the learning process. Teacher’s utterance has a lot of influence in the language learning process, such as: students’ input and practice (Xiao-yan, 2006) and (Cullen, 1998). Even though the restiction on using scientific approach in all subject has been revoked, some schools still applying scientific approach in EFL Classroom which is relatively unfamiliar. Theoretically, since Indonesia use English as foreign learning, teacher’s utterance has a prominent role in the process of learning in the classroom. In the classroom context, teacher talk can be found in the form of questions and feedback (Cullen, 1998)And (Xiao-yan, 2006). The research had been done using qualitative method, which means the data of the research are analysed using qualitative methods and the result is presented in paragraph. In order to gather the data, observation and interview had been done in the early of 2020. As result, a teacher in MA Bilingual Muslimat NU Sidoarjo uses the directive sentence mostly in the classroom, since she believes that encourage students to speak in English is very necessary for English as foreign language learner.
El Estado democrático de Derecho y la paradoja del acceso a la información pública por inexistencia de la información solicitada. Un análisis del razonamiento del Tribunal de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información Pública del Perú
Authors: Alarcón Requejo Gílmer
Published: January 2021

El presente artículo examina la labor interpretativa del Tribunal de Transparencia y Acceso a la Información Pública en relación a la denegatoria del acceso a la información pública por inexistencia de la misma, a propósito del caso Angulo vs. Jurado Nacional de Elecciones (Expediente 00010-2017-JUS/TTAIP). A partir de la metodología del estudio de caso, se articulan exigencias epistémicas del derecho de acceso a la información pública y criterios argumentativos tanto de disposiciones autoritativas legislativas y reglamentarias como de lineamientos jurisprudenciales del Tribunal Constitucional. Además, desde la facticidad y validez normativa, se reflexiona sobre una paradójica complejidad y complementariedad entre transparencia activa y pasiva, considerando el ideal regulativo del gobierno abierto y el Estado democrático de Derecho en Perú.
El derecho al agua en el Perú y la crítica al antropocentrismo jurídico desde el Nuevo Constitucionalismo Latinoamericano
Authors: De la Asunción Pari Be Ilda Nadia Mónica
Published: January 2021

El giro que supuso la incorporación de sectores postergados históricamente como los pueblos indígenas en los procesos constituyentes de Bolivia y Ecuador, ha dado como resultado la consagración de nuevos principios como base del Nuevo Constitucionalismo Latinoamericano, el “Buen Vivir”, inspirado en las cosmovisiones andinas. Las ideas del Buen Vivir suponen la deconstrucción de la manera en la que se concibe la relación los seres humanos y la naturaleza (una ruptura epistemológica que pone en cuestión las concepciones de sujeto y objeto de la razón instrumental occidental). Es así, que dada nuestra condición como país pluricultural, conviene analizar la consagración del derecho al agua en el Perú, tan importante en un espacio donde coexisten diversas concepciones sobre la vida, el desarrollo, la relación entre los seres humanos y la naturaleza, etc., bajo categorías que permitan incorporar las voces de aquellos sectores subalternos que terminan siendo los más afectados frente a la incomprensión de las instituciones jurídico-políticas, situación que muchas veces no puede ser percibida desde las teorías hegemónicas.
La prueba de presunciones en sede laboral. Ejercicio de su tutela para el reconocimiento de una relación laboral en el sector privado en Cuba
Authors: Massó Telemaco Oricel
Published: January 2021

El artículo realiza un estudio sobre las deficiencias en la concepción teórica normativa de la prueba de presunción laboral, la cual constituye un medio para la protección de los derechos de los trabajadores contratados en las relaciones de trabajo en Cuba. De ello se desprende la necesidad de fundamentar desde un estudio histórico, doctrinal y normativo presupuestos teóricos que permitan su ejercicio en el proceso, a fin de reconocer una relación laboral.
La crianza positiva de los niños y niñas. Una mirada desde el ordenamiento jurídico cubano
Authors: Soto López Yusmely
Published: January 2021

La crianza positiva de los infantes es un tema multidisciplinario que no deja de vincular a las ciencias jurídicas, y dentro de esta a la Disciplina de Derecho Civil y de Familia. Dada la vulnerabilidad social y económica que caracteriza a la niñez, sus derechos se constituyen en responsabilidad de la familia; pero a su vez es responsabilidad del Estado y la sociedad crear y consolidar condiciones que permitan a las familias el fiel cumplimiento de los derechos de la población infantil. El objetivo del presente trabajo está orientado a fundamentar la necesidad de una crianza positiva enlos niños y niñas a partir de su concepción teórica doctrinal y su expresión en el Ordenamiento Jurídico cubano; en vistas al perfeccionamiento del reconocimiento y observancia de los derechos de la población infantil en Cuba.
KAPİTALİZMİN SELF-REFLEKSİF KARAKTERİ OLARAK SOSYOLOJİ: SİMMEL’İN METROPOL ÖRNEĞİ
Authors: KESKİN İbrahim
Published: January 2021

Bu makale modernite ile kapitalizm arasında organik bir ilişki olduğu varsayımından yola çıkarak modernitenin sosyoloğu olarak ünlenmiş Simmel’in metropol analizleri çerçevesinde sosyolojinin, kapitalizmin self-refleksif bir işlevi olarak kullanıldığını ortaya koymayı hedeflemektedir. Bunula ilişkili olarak şu sorular çerçevesinde sosyolojik bilginin soruşturmaya açılması hedeflenmektedir; sosyolojik bilgi sadece toplumsal olanın teorik bir ele alınışını mı ifade etmektedir? Yoksa toplumsalın manipülasyonu, kontrolü ve tahakkümü için aynı zamanda işlevsel olarak kullanılmakta mıdır? Çağdaş dünya modernitenin ethos’uyla oldukça çelişik görünmektedir. Moderniteye dair kaygılar aşılması imkânsız düzeyde derinleştirmiştir. Kapitalizme yönelik eleştiriler hatta sonuna dair beklentiler, kapitalizmi daha yaygın, daha incelikli ve nüfuz edici hale getirmiştir. Çağdaş dünya, kapitalizmin mutlak bir zafere ulaştığı görünümü sergilemektedir. Söz konusu eleştirilerin kapitalizmin bu seviyeye ulaşmasında pozitif bir katkısı olmuştur. Sosyoloji ve kapitalizm arasında böyle bir ilişkinin olabileceği ve sosyolojinin küresel dünyanın inşasında işlevsel olarak kullanıldığı kanaatindeyiz.
Synthesis, Characterization, and Application of Europium(III) Complexes as Luminescent Markers of Banknotes
Authors: Macrino Clebson , Silva Elias , Cunha Victor , Fonseca Victor , Cunha Neto Álvaro , Araújo Joyce , Lacerda Jr. Valdemar , Romão Wanderson
Published: January 2021

In this work, three complexes were synthesized from the trivalent europium ion (EuIII), using the picrate anion (pic), and delta-valerolactam (DVL), epsilon-caprolactam (EPK), and oenantholactam (OEN). The synthesized complexes [Eu(pic)3∙(DVL)3], [Eu(pic)3∙(EPK)3], and [Eu(pic)3∙(OEN)3] were studied as luminescent markers for application as security elements in Brazilian banknotes. All complexes showed red color emission with absorption at 397 nm and emission at 614 nm. Qualitative luminescence tests were performed on R$10, R$20, R$50, and R$100 Brazilian banknotes. The complexes were applied on the surface of the banknotes and were exposed to different wavelengths of 254, 312, 365, and 320-400 nm. The chemical profiles of the complexes were identified on the banknotes employing the laser desorption ionization mass spectrometry (LDI (±) MS) technique. Generally, tests were promising, and can thus provide a simple, fast, and easy method to identify the authenticity of questioned documents, with an average cost of R$0.65 per mg.