bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The 1942 Massive Contamination of Yellow Fever Vaccine: A Public Health Consequence of Scientific Arrogance
Authors: Löwy Ilana
Published: August 2021

In the late 1930s, the 17D vaccine against yellow fever was produced in record time. 17D was and is an excellent vaccine. Its rapid diffusion led, however, to several problems, the most important among them being the 1942 massive contamination of the vaccine distributed to the US Army by the hepatitis B virus. The US part of this story is relatively well-known, but its Brazilian part much less so. In 1940, scientists who were producing the 17D vaccine in Rio de Janeiro found that it was contaminated by an “icterus virus” that originated in normal human serum. They solved this problem through the exclusion of human serum from vaccine production, but failed to persuade their US colleagues to do the same. The Rio experts, aware of the potential pitfalls of a new technology, carefully supervised the consequences of their vaccination campaigns. They were thus able to rapidly spot problems and eliminate them. By contrast, US scientists, persuaded of their technical superiority and distrustful of warnings that originated from a “less developed” country, neglected to implement basic public health rules. A major disaster followed. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(9): 1654–1660. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306313 )
Balancing Consideration of the Risks and Benefits of E-Cigarettes
Authors: Balfour David J. K. , Benowitz Neal L. , Colby Suzanne M. , Hatsukami Dorothy K. , Lando Harry A. , Leischow Scott J. , Lerman Caryn , Mermelstein Robin J. , Niaura Raymond , Perkins Kenneth A. , Pomerleau Ovide F. , Rigotti Nancy A. , Swan Gary E. , Warner Kenneth E. , West Robert
Published: August 2021

The topic of e-cigarettes is controversial. Opponents focus on e-cigarettes’ risks for young people, while supporters emphasize the potential for e-cigarettes to assist smokers in quitting smoking. Most US health organizations, media coverage, and policymakers have focused primarily on risks to youths. Because of their messaging, much of the public—including most smokers—now consider e-cigarette use as dangerous as or more dangerous than smoking. By contrast, the National Academies of Science, Engineering, and Medicine concluded that e-cigarette use is likely far less hazardous than smoking. Policies intended to reduce adolescent vaping may also reduce adult smokers’ use of e-cigarettes in quit attempts.

Because evidence indicates that e-cigarette use can increase the odds of quitting smoking, many scientists, including this essay’s authors, encourage the health community, media, and policymakers to more carefully weigh vaping’s potential to reduce adult smoking-attributable mortality.

We review the health risks of e-cigarette use, the likelihood that vaping increases smoking cessation, concerns about youth vaping, and the need to balance valid concerns about risks to youths with the potential benefits of increasing adult smoking cessation.
An approximate mathematical model for estimating the influence of vibrations on attached elements of a mobile robot video system
Authors: Lobaty A. A. , Tatur M. М. , Ibrahim A. K.
Published: August 2021

The problem of constructing and applying of mathematical model for assessing the influence of vibrations on the attached elements of the video system of a mobile robot is solved. This robot is considered as a mobile platform for placing of the special equipment for various purposes. The analysis of mathematical models and the results of experimental studies of vibrations of multi-support wheeled machine and its structural elements has been conducted. On the basis of this analysis, the form of a stochastic mathematical model of vibrations of the structure of a mobile robot has been substantiated. The vibration model is specified as a correlation function or spectral density of a random process for various conditions of the robot’s movement. Differential equations of the shaping filter for modeling а random vibration process with given characteristics are presented. Differential equations for the probabilistic moments of the vibration process are presented. Based on the equations for the probabilistic moments and the proposed formula, an assessment of events, which consist in exceeding the vibration amplitude of a given level was carried out. These events are named as outliers of a random process and characterize the range within the basic properties of the equipment installed on the mobile platform are preserved. An analytical study of a mathematical model to determine the intensity of emissions of a random vibration process has been carried out. The probabilistic characteristics of the vibration process and the intensity of emissions are determined. The obtained theoretical results make it possible to assess the performance of the elements of a video system installed on a mobile platform and to formulate the basic requirements for tolerances for their parameters. The results of computer modeling clearly showed the efficiency of the proposed mathematical model for assessing the influence of vibrations.
Digital image contrast assessment based on the Weibull distribution parameters
Authors: Golub Y. I. , Starovoitov F. V.
Published: August 2021

The goal of the studies described in the paper is to find a quantitative assessment that maximally correlates with the subjective assessment of the contrast image quality in the absence of reference image. As a result of the literature analysis, 16 functions were selected that are used for no-refernce image quality assessment: BEGH, BISH, BREN, CMO, CURV, FUS, HELM, EBCM, KURT, LAPD, LAPL, LAPM, LOCC, LOEN, SHAR, WAVS. They all use the arithmetical mean of the local contrast quality. As an alternative to averaging local estimates (since the mean is one of two parameters of the normal distribution), it is proposed to use one of two parameters of the Weibull distribution of the same data – scale or shape.

For the experiments, digital images with nonlinear contrast distortion from the available CCID2014 database were used. It contains 15 original images with a size of 768x512 pixels and 655 versions with modified contrast. This database of images contains the average visual quality assessment (Mean Opinion Score, briefly MOS) of each image. Spearman’s rank correlation coefficient was used to determine the correspondence between the visual MOS scores and the studied quantitative measures.

As a result of the research, a new quality assessment measure of contrast images in the absence of references is presented. To obtain the estimate, local quality values are calculated by the BREN measure, their set is described by the Weibull distribution, and the scale parameter of the distribution serves as the best numerical estimate of the quality of contrast images. This conclusion is confirmed experimentally, and the proposed measure correlates better than other variants with the subjective assessments of experts.
Modern transcriptome data processing algorithms: a review of methods and results of approbation
Authors: Sprindzuk M. V. , Titov L. P. , Konchits A. P. , Mozharovskaya L. V.
Published: August 2021

Analysis of bioinformatics data is an actual problem in modern computational biology and applied mathematics. With the development of biotechnology and tools for obtaining and processing such information, unresolved issues of the development and application of new algorithms and software have emerged.

Authors propose practical algorithms and methods for processing transcriptomic data for efficient results of annotation, visualization and interpretation of bioinformatics data.
КОНКУРЕНТНЫЕ ПРЕИМУЩЕСТВА ОРГАНИЗАЦИИ
Authors: КУГАН С.
Published: August 2021

Конкурентоспособность организации отражает потенциальные и реальные возможности обеспечивать свои конкурентные преимущества на рынке в условиях постоянно меняющейся внутренней и внешней среды. Изучение потребителей и конкурентов, а также условий конкуренции позволяет организации определить ее преимущества и недостатки перед конкурентами, выработать успешные конкурентные стратегии и поддержать конкурентные преимущества.
ПРОБЛЕМЫ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ ИННОВАЦИОННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО КОМПЛЕКСА ЕВРАЗИЙСКОГО ЭКОНОМИЧЕСКОГО СОЮЗА
Authors: БАЙНЕВ В. , ВИННИК В.
Published: August 2021

В статье анализируются общемировые тенденции развития промышленного комплекса в технологически развитых странах. Показано, что основу его глобальной конкурентоспособности составляет активная промышленная политика новой индустриализации, ориентированная на формирование VI-го технологического уклада и вертикальную интеграцию активов. С учетом этого предложены принципы формирования межгосударственной промышленной политики, обеспечивающей конкурентоспособность стран Евразийского экономического союза.
CОТРУДНИЧЕСТВО СТРАН СНГ В ОБЛАСТИ ФУНДАМЕНТАЛЬНОЙ НАУКИ
Authors: КЛИМЕНКО В.
Published: August 2021

Обосновывается необходимость углубления сотрудничества в области фундаментальной науки в условиях
развития экономик Содружества Независимых Государств по инновационному пути. Рассматриваются роль и основные направления деятельности Совета по сотрудничеству в области фундаментальной науки по формированию общего научного и инновационного пространства стран СНГ
ПОНЯТИЕ УПРАВЛЕНЧЕСКОГО РЕШЕНИЯ В ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ТАМОЖЕННЫХ ОРГАНОВ: ПРАВОВОЙ И ОРГАНИЗАЦИОННЫЙ АСПЕКТ
Authors: ШАБАНОВ В. , АНАНЬЕВ В.
Published: August 2021

В работе рассматриваются проблемы принятия управленческих решений как основы эффективного функционирования организации, в частности, таможенных органов. Изложены алгоритм принятия управленческих решений в контексте профессиональной деятельности таможенных органов, в том числе, с точки зрения реализации правоотношений.
ПРАВООХРАНИТЕЛЬНАЯ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТЬ: КРИМИНАЛИСТИЧЕСКИЙ ВЗГЛЯД
Authors: АСАЁНОК Б.
Published: August 2021

В данной статье раскрываются теоретико-методологические подходы к применению криминалистических
знаний. Автором предлагается позиция, согласно которой криминалистические знания могут применять во всех сферах правоохранительной деятельности. В статье даются понятие и виды правоохранительной деятельности, указываются способы применения криминалистических знаний применительно к ним.
МЕЖДУНАРОДНОЕ ПРАВО В ОПЕРАТИВНО-СЛУЖЕБНОЙ ДЕЯТЕЛЬНОСТИ ПРАВООХРАНИТЕЛЬНЫХ ОРГАНОВ РЕСПУБЛИКИ БЕЛАРУСЬ
Authors: БОРОДИЧ А.
Published: August 2021

В целях противодействия современным вызовам и угрозам в сфере правопорядка, которые представляет
транснациональная организованная преступность, необходима консолидация усилий всего международного сообщества, предполагающая регулирование деятельности государств (их правоохранительных органов) путем воздействия международного права на межгосударственные отношения.
Рассматривается роль международного права в оперативно-служебной деятельности правоохранительных
органов по противодействию транснациональной организованной преступности.
СОЦИАЛЬНЫЕ МАКРОГРУППЫ В МЕХАНИЗМЕ ОБЕСПЕЧЕНИЯ СБАЛАНСИРОВАННОГО РАЗВИТИЯ
Authors: ЛУЧЕНОК А.
Published: August 2021

Для согласования экономических интересов на макроэкономическом уровне предложено ввести в экономический оборот термин «социальная макрогруппа», под которой понимается объединение людей со специфической ролью в экономической деятельности, способных влиять на основные макроэкономические пропорции и существенно корректировать финансовые потоки в экономике. С учётом этого предложения рекомендованы меры по разработке инструментов регулирования системы неформальных институтов, позволяющих эффективно согласовывать экономические интересы социальных макрогрупп с целью получения максимального эффекта от использования всех видов
материальных, трудовых и финансовых ресурсов.
ТЕОРЕТИЧЕСКИЕ АСПЕКТЫ КОНКУРЕНТОСПОСОБНОСТИ ГОРОДА
Authors: БУНЬКО С.
Published: August 2021

В статье исследуются особенности городов как субъектов конкуренции. Сделан вывод о необходимости повышения внимания к управлению конкурентоспособностью таких территориальных образований как города. Это обусловлено тем, что все уровни конкурентоспособности национальной экономики взаимосвязаны. Повышение конкурентоспособности городов как центров инновационной активности, благоприятной среды для формирования и развития креативного сектора экономики создаёт импульсы для повышения конкурентоспособности всех уровней как территориальных, так и производственных экономических систем.
ТОПЛИВНАЯ И НЕФТЕХИМИЧЕСКАЯ ПРОМЫШЛЕННОСТЬ РЕСПУБЛИКИ БЕЛАРУСЬ: ТЕНДЕНЦИИ И ПЕРСПЕКТИВЫ РАЗВИТИЯ
Authors: РЕЗКИН П. , ХАУСТОВИЧ Н.
Published: August 2021

В статье проанализированы основные тенденции и выявлены перспективы развития топливной и
нефтехимической промышленности Республики Беларусь. Данные отрасли экономики технологически связаны и формируют основу топливно-энергетического комплекса республики. На основе авторской методики рассчитана величина чистого экспорта продукции нефтехимической промышленности, с учетом использования импортных ресурсов в качестве промежуточного потребления. Выявлены существенные взаимосвязи нефтехимии с другими отраслями национальной экономики. Расчеты базируются на данных системы межотраслевых таблиц «Затраты – Выпуск» Республики Беларусь за 2012 год.
РЕГИОНАЛЬНЫЙ РЫНОК ТРУДА: ВЫЗОВЫ РЕСТРУКТУРИЗАЦИИ РЕГИОНАЛЬНОГО ПРОМЫШЛЕННОГО ПРОИЗВОДСТВА
Authors: ЩЕРБИНА Н.
Published: August 2021

В 2015 году региональный рынок труда Беларуси столкнулся с негативными тенденциями, вызванными
реструктуризацией промышленного производства. Во всех регионах активизировались процессы сокращения занятости и роста безработицы. В исследовании предложены меры по смягчению последствий реструктуризации для регионального рынка труда.
Comparison between Covid-19 and influenza A(H1N1) pandemic experiences and risk perception in Mexican university
Authors: Peláez-Ballestas Ingris , Infante-Castañeda Claudia , Giraldo-Rodríguez Liliana
Published: August 2021

Objective. To compare the perceptions and experiences between the A(H1N1) and Covid-19 pandemics in a univer­sity population. Materials and methods. Online surveys were administered during the influenza A(H1N1) –originated in Mexico in 2009– and Covid-19 epidemics. Measures: so­ciodemographic characteristics, knowledge, information and communication, perception of risk, physical and mental health, effects on daily life, and preventive behaviors. Results. This study included 24 998 respondents, 51.36% from the A(H1N1) group and 48.63% from the Covid-19 group. Differences were observed in the perception of severity. During the influenza A(H1N1) pandemic worry was the feeling reported most frequently, while for Covid-19 it was anxiety. Covid-19 had greater impact on students’ family economy and caused a higher uncertainty. Conclusions. The perceptions and ex­periences of the two pandemics were similar but the impact has been much greater for Covid-19, especially in terms of the severity, family economy, preventive behaviors, and uncertainty
National and state-level colorectal cancer mortality trends in Mexico, 1998-2018
Authors: Espinosa-Tamez Priscilla , Suazo-Zepeda Erick , Sánchez-Blas Hugo , Meneses-Medina Mónica , Huitzil-Meléndez Fidel David , Van Loon Katherine , Potter Michael , Lajous Martín
Published: August 2021

Objective. To describe the burden of colorectal cancer (CRC) in Mexico and understand mortality patterns based on sex, geography, and insurance status. Materials and methods. Mortality data (1998-2018) from the Instituto Nacional de Estadística y Geografía was obtained. We included colon (C18.0, C18.2-18.9) and rectal cancer ICD-10 codes (C19, C20), and estimated age-standardized national, state-level and health insurance mortality rates. We estimated the average annual percent change using joinpoint regression. Results. Between 1998 and 2018, the observed women and men mortality rate increased annually by 1.3 and 2.7%, respectively. Higher CRC mortality was observed in northern and more urbanized states and in groups with greater access to health insurance, which currently facilitates but does not routinely cover screening. Conclusion. CRC mortality in Mexico is increasing rapidly, with marked differences based on sex, geography, and insurance status. Our findings underscore potential benefits of increased investment in comprehensive screening, diagnosis, and treatment strategies for the general population.
Rigorous Method of Weights Calculation in Adjustment of Measurement Data with Different Qualities
Authors: Xiaoming Ye , Shijun Ding , Haibo Liu
Published: August 2021

In the traditional measurement theory, precision is defined as the dispersion of measured value, and is used as the basis of weights calculation in the adjustment of measurement data with different qualities, which leads to the trouble that trueness is completely ignored in the weight allocation. In this paper, following the pure concepts of probability theory, the measured value (observed value) is regarded as a constant, the error as a random variable, and the variance is the dispersion of all possible values of an unknown error. Thus, a rigorous formula for weights calculation and variance propagation is derived, which solves the theoretical trouble of determining the weight values in the adjustment of multi-channel observation data with different qualities. The results show that the optimal weights are not only determined by the covariance array of observation errors, but also related to the model of adjustment.
Risk factors underlying high-altitude pulmonary edema in the Ecuadorian Andes
Authors: Sánchez Karen , Machado Wilfre , Villafuerte Anita , Ballaz Santiago
Published: August 2021

Background

Ascent to high altitude (> 2500 m) exposes people to hypobaric atmospheric pressure and blood hypoxemia. It provokes a syndrome whose symptoms vary from the mild acute mountain sickness (AMS) to the life-threatening, high-altitude pulmonary edema (HAPE). This study analyzed the risk for developing high-altitude sickness in a group of HAPE patients (n = 59), which was contrasted against a group of AMS patients (n = 240) as the NO HAPE group, after sojourning above 4,000 m height. The objective of this retrospective was to analyse the factors contributing to the HAPE prevalence among travellers and dwellers of the Ecuadorian Andes.
Methods

AMS and HAPE groups were compared through demographic (ethnicity, sex, and age), environmental (permanent residence altitude and recent stay at sea-level), health status (vital signs), and blood analysis variables. The Cramer´s V, simple logistic regression(SLR), and multiple logistic regression(MLR) analyses revealed patterns of significant associations.
Results

Analyses revealed that high-altitude indigenous residents were HAPE-prone, while mestizos living at sea level only had AMS. Blood pressure played a role in HAPE risk. Women were more tolerant to HAPE than men. Among indigenes, HAPE prevalence significantly rose after sojourning at sea level, a phenomenon called “reentry HAPE”.
Conclusions

In Andean indigenes, HAPE could be produced by a poor adaptation to high altitude, a high haemoglobin, and a blunted reactivity of blood pressure to environmentally-induced hypoxia. All the above gives support to the complex gene-environment interactions in the progress of HAPE, which may give some clues about of the etiopathogenesis of non-cardiogenic edema.
LncRNA-KCNQ1OT1: a potential target in exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells for the treatment of osteoporosis
Authors: Wang Shanzheng , Jia Jun , Chen Chang-hong
Published: August 2021

Background. Osteoporosis is a worldwide medical and socioeconomic threat characterized by systemic impairment of bone strength and microstructure. Exosomes derived from adipose-derived stem cells (ADSCs-Exos) have been confirmed to play effective roles in the repair of various tissues and organs. This study aimed to investigate the role of ADSCs-Exos and a noval long none coding RNA KCNQ1OT1 (lnc-KCNQ1OT1) played in osteoporosis as well as the mechanism. Methods. Primary osteoblasts were treated with different doses of TNF-α (0, 1, 2.5, 5, 10 ng/ml) and then co-cultured with ADSCs-Exos or exosomes-derived from lnc-KCNQ1OT1-modified ADSCs (KCNQ1OT1-Exos). The expression of miRNA-141-5p (miR-141-5p) and lnc-KCNQ1OT1 was evaluated by quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR). The protein expression of cleaved-caspase-3, caspase-3 and Bax was determined by Western blot. Cell viability and apoptosis were assessed by cell counting kit 8 (CCK-8) and flow cytometry analysis, respectively. The binding sites between KCNQ1OT1 and miR-141-5p were validated by dual-luciferase reporter assay. Results. Tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α) dose dependently increased miR-141-5p expression, inhibited viability and promoted apoptosis of osteoblasts. However, miR-141-5p silencing or co-culture with ADSCs-Exos attenuated these effects. In addition, KCNQ1OT1-Exos could more significantly attenuate the induced cytotoxicity and apoptosis compared to ADSCs-Exos. Moreover, miR-141-5p was confirmed as the target of lnc-KCNQ1OT1 by luciferase reporter assay. Conclusions. ADSCs-Exos attenuated cytotoxicity and apoptosis of TNF-α-induced primary osteoblasts. KCNQ1OT1-Exos had a more significant inhibitory effect compared to ADSCs-Exos by the function of sponging miR-141-5p, suggesting that KCNQ1OT1-Exos could be promising agents in osteoporosis treatment.
Serum Magnesium Level as a Biomarker to Predict the Risk of Labor Epidural Anesthesia Associated Fever
Authors: Chen Zhiwei , Huang Lingna , Chen Lihua , Qi Yuanjie , Xie Li , Chen Li , Lu Guolin
Published: August 2021

Background: Labor epidural anesthesia-associated fever（LEAF) is the biggest problem for labor epidural anesthesia. This study aimed to evaluate the clinical value of serum magnesium levels to predict the LEAF.Methods: Finally, overall 528 singleton term-pregnant women who underwent labor epidural anesthesia in Fujian Provincial Maternity and Children's Health Hospital, affiliated hospital of Fujian Medical University from January 2019 to June 2019, were analyzed retrospectively. Using venous blood samples, the serum magnesium level was detected. The relationship between the serum magnesium level and LEAF was interpreted, and the optimal cut-off values of the serum magnesium level to predict LEAF were calculated. Results: Overall, 65（12.30%）participants had LEAF. And a higher rate of the bulging membrane, gestational hypertension, NICU admission, and the different mode of delivery was significantly associated with LEAF. Also, the serum magnesium level demonstrated higher significantly in LEAF presence than absence (p<0.05). What is more, it indicated that the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUC) for the serum magnesium level was 0.825, and an optimal cut-off of the serum magnesium level was 0.855 mg/dl. Furthermore, it demonstrated that the serum magnesium level had the highest OR (OR= 7.49; 95% CI (4.58-14.35) ). The bulging membrane is an independent risk factor LEAF presence (OR = 1.55; 95% CI (1.01-2.43 ).Conclusions: Serum magnesium may reduce the incidence of LEAF. Serum magnesium can provide a suitable biomarker to predict LEAF and offer a useful target for LEAF treatment.
Enhanced Adsorption of Cooking Fume Pollutants By Loofah Carbon Modified By Fenton Reagents
Authors: Zhang Huan , Zeng Peng , Liu Hongquan , Liao Lei , Mo Shengpeng , Qin Aimiao , Wei Jianwen , Wang Hongqiang
Published: August 2021

In this study, natural loofah was used as a raw material to adsorb cooking fume pollutants after grinding into a powder (TGS), activation by phosphoric acid to generate activated loofah carbon (TGSC-0), and further modification by Fenton’s reagent (TGSC-1). SEM, GC-MS, FT-IR, and X-ray diffraction analyses, in addition to surface area and pore measurements, were used to characterize the adsorption performance of TGS, TGSC-0, and TGSC-1 toward cooking fume pollutants including oils, particulate matter, and non-methane hydrocarbon). TGSC-1 was the best adsorbent when compared against TGS and TGSC-0, and exhibited saturated adsorption capacities for oil, non-methane hydrocarbon (NMHC), PM2.5, and PM10 of 10.367 mg/g, 4.132 mg/g, 5.613 μg/g, and 16.486 μg/g, respectively. Microscopy indicated that the TGSC-1 surface was rougher than that of TGSC-0. In addition, the adsorption properties of TGSC-1 were enhanced due to abundant hydroxyl, carbonyl, and carboxyl groups on the material surfaces, while iron was also present in the amorphous form that was generated on TGSC-1 surfaces from Fenton’s reagent. As TGSC-1 mass increased, the adsorption breakthrough time and adsorption capacity for simulated cooking fumes (SCFs) gradually increased. Further, Langmuir models better fit the adsorption process based on the highest R2 values being observed for Langmuir model fitting curves of TGSC-1 adsorption of pollutants (i.e., oils, NMHC, PM2.5, and PM10) from SCF, suggesting that adsorption was primarily due to monolayer adsorption and that chemical adsorption plays a major role in this process. This study provides a theoretical basis for the application of TGSC adsorption technology in the treatment of cooking fumes.
Status of Gastrointestinal Nematode Infections and Associated Epidemiological Factors in Sheep From Córdoba, Colombia
Authors: Tachack Elisa Brunal , Oviedo-Socarrás Teresa , Pastrana Misael Oviedo , Pérez-Cogollo Luis Carlos , Benavides Yonairo Herrera , Pinto Clara Rugeles , Garay Oscar Vergara
Published: August 2021

Gastrointestinal nematodes cause serious economic losses in sheep production systems. To determine the prevalence and risk factors associated with these parasites, a study was conducted in 595 sheep in Córdoba, Colombia. Prevalence and parasite burden were determined using the McMaster technique. Larvae were cultured from feces to identify the nematode genera. For the analysis of associated factors and parasite burden, means, medians and confidence intervals were compared. A geo-referenced data analysis was performed and an epidemiological map was constructed. An overall prevalence of 88.2% was found, with the highest prevalence and parasite burden for Strongylida (83.2%) and Strongyloides (41%) nematodes. The mean parasite burden was 1255 eggs per gram. The gastrointestinal nematode genera identified were Trichostrongylus, Strongyloides, Haemonchus, Oesophagostomum, Bunostomum and Cooperia. In general, a significant association was found between parasite burden and dewormed animals, anthelmintic used, date of last deworming and breeds. The FAMACHA® method and body condition showed a significant association with Strongylida parasite burden. Clusters with higher intensity of gastrointestinal nematode burden and high prevalence were observed in the regions of Bajo Sinú, Sinú Medio and San Jorge.
Barriers to Mutational Testing in Patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST) – A Survey of Life Raft Group Members
Authors: Montoya Denisse , Call Jerry W. , Eshak Jennily , Knox Pete , Luedke Maeven , Kaur Sahibjeet , Rothschild Sara , Garland Mary , Scherzer Norman J.
Published: August 2021

BackgroundDue to the low mutational testing rate in patients with Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors (GIST), The Life Raft Group (LRG) conducted a survey to analyze various factors that may have an impact on patients’ ability to receive mutational testing. Methods A survey about mutational testing for patients with GIST, or their caregivers, was conducted by The Life Raft Group in June 2020 with 295 patients/caregivers participating. The Life Raft Group is a non-profit organization that provides support, advocacy, and conducts research for patients with GIST. The survey was designed by the LRG Patient Registry Department. Members of the LRG, regardless of Patient Registry status, were eligible to participate. ResultsThe percentage of patients who indicated they had received mutational testing was much higher in this survey than in the general GIST community. The LRG membership is voluntary and proactive; patients who join are more likely to participate in surveys and mutational testing. In this survey, 80% of patients reported a known mutation. Several reasons were cited for having a test, including: “My doctor ordered/suggested that I have it done” (54%); “The Life Raft Group advised/suggested I have it done” (25%); “I asked my doctor to have it done” (22%); “I had it done as part of a clinical trial” (5%); “I am not sure” (3%) and “Other” (14%). Mutational testing resulted in a treatment change in 25% of cases. ConclusionsA doctor’s order/recommendation was the most cited reason for patients receiving a mutational test (54%), highlighting the critical role that doctors play in whether a patient receives mutational testing. An LRG recommendation for testing (25%) and patient’s advocating for the test (22%) were the next most cited reasons. One of the most important findings was that mutational testing resulted in changes in treatment in 25% of cases. In other cases, it provided confidence in the current or proposed treatment plan. These are extremely important findings, as it helps ensure that patients are on the proper treatment, which should lead to better outcomes.
Transient Visual Disturbance is Associated with Disability and Suicidal Risk in Patients with Migraine Without Aura
Authors: Tsao Yu Chien , Wang Yen-Feng , Fuh Jong-Ling , Chen Wei-Ta , Lai Kuan-Lin , Liu Hung-Yu , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Chen Shih-Pin
Published: August 2021

Background: Patients with migraine without aura frequently report transient visual disturbances (TVD) other than typical visual aura, but the clinical correlates are not determined. Method: Patients with migraine without aura (MO) that attended the headache clinic were enrolled. Structured questionnaires were self-administered by the patients including headache profiles, comorbidities, lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts, six-item Headache Impact Test, Migraine Photophobia Score, Migraine Disability Assessment, Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, Beck Depression Inventory, and Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index. A semi-structured visual phenomenon questionnaire was also used to assess the characteristics of TVDs. TVD is defined as any zigzag flashes, flickering dots/lines, or blurred/foggy vision associated with headache and with a Visual Aura Rating Scale < 4. Headache specialists interviewed with the participants for the ascertainment of diagnosis and verified of the questionnaires.Result: MO patients (n = 7,200, female/male = 3.56, mean age: 40.1 ± 13.4 years) were divided into 2 subgroups based on the presence (n=2,488) or absence of TVDs (n= 4,712). Patients with TVD had higher headache-related disability, more psychiatric comorbidities and were more likely to be photophobic. Suicidal ideation and attempts were more common in patients with TVD than in those without (ideation: 31.9% vs. 18.1%, OR = 1.92 [95% CI: 1.71−2.15], p < 0.001; attempt: 8.2% vs. 3.5%, OR = 2.23 [95% CI: 1.80−2.75], p < 0.001). The associations remained after adjustment of confounding factors.Conclusion: Presence of transient visual disturbance may suggest a higher migraine-related disability, higher level of photophobia and higher suicidal ideation/attempts in MO patients.
Solutions of Schrodinger Equation And Thermodynamic Properties of Potassium Dimer Based On Formular Method
Authors: Onyenegecha C. P. , Omoko E. N. , Njoku I. J. , Oguzie E. E. , Okereke C. J.
Published: August 2021

The study presents the thermodynamic properties of the XI Σ+g state of potassium (K2) dimer with molecular Deng-Fan potential. The bound state energy solution of the radial Schrodinger equation is obtained via the formula method. The partition function and other thermodynamic properties are evaluated. The numerical values of energy are found to be in agreement with results obtained from other methods in literature. The results further show that the partition function increases as temperature decreases, which implies a decrease in the probability of finding a particle in a state with quantum number, n.
Clinical Characteristics and Burden of a Large Series with Cluster Headache From Turkey: A Cross-Sectional Study From Headache Centers
Authors: DIKMEN PINAR YALINAY , ARI CAGLA , SAHIN ERDI , ERTAS MUSTAFA , DOMAC FUSUN MAYDA , AYDINLAR ELIF ILGAZ , SAHIN AYSENUR , OZGE AYNUR , OZGUNER HILAL , KARADAS OMER , SHAFIYEV JAVID , VURALLI DOGA , AKTAN CİLE , AKARSU EMEL OGUZ , KARLI NECDET , ZARIFOGLU MEHMET , BOLAY HAYRUNISA , EKIZOGLU ESME , ORHAN ELIF KOCASOY , BAYKAN BETUL
Published: August 2021

Background: Our purpose was to investigate the demographics, diagnosis patterns, clinical characteristics, triggers, treatment experiences, and personal burden of patients with Cluster headache (CH) in Turkey, a country located between Europe and Asia.Methods: The study is a cross-sectional investigation based on data from eight headache centers in Turkey. All patients completed the semi-structured survey either face to face or by phone interview with a neurologist.Results: A total of 209 individuals with a mean age of 39.8 (11.3) completed the survey (176 males; 188 episodic, 21 chronic). The mean age at disease onset was 28.6 (10.2) years. The diagnostic delay was 4.9 years and misdiagnosis before CH was 57.9%. Of participants, 9.1% reported a positive family history for CH. Male patients with CH showed higher rates for being current smokers in comparison to females (59.7% vs. 24.2%; p<0.0001) and they also had significantly more past history of smoking at the time of first diagnosis (60.8% vs. 21.2%; p<0.0001). Females with CH had a previous diagnosis of migraine more frequently (57.6% vs. 27.3; p=0.001). Attack duration without treatment was significantly longer in female patients with CH compared to males (112 min vs. 87 min; p=0.029). Female participants had more migrainous features (57.6 % vs. 36.9%; p=0.033) and nausea/vomiting (48.5% vs. 30.1%; p=0.045) during their attacks. Only 42.1% of all participants reported satisfying treatment experiences. Of the participants, 85.9 % reported that oxygen was efficient for abortive treatment of CH; however, only 22 % of them had an oxygen tube at home. Female participants, as well as chronic CH patients, reported a higher likelihood of preventive treatment experiences. In this study, 49.3% of all participants appeared to be disabled by their headaches. Over one-quarter percent of our cohort reported that CH caused job-related burden.Conclusion: Remarkable diagnostic delay is an ongoing problem for CH and migraine was the most common misdiagnosis. Nearly half of the patients suffered from a burden of CH regardless of chronicity. Both past abortive and preventive treatment experiences of the participants highlight the insufficient efficacy of available choices and the necessity of more specific treatments for CH.
Global Polygons For Terrain Classification Divided Into Uniform Slopes And Basins
Authors: Iwahashi Junko , Yamazaki Dai
Published: August 2021

Global terrain classification data have been used for various issues that are known to be related to topography, such as estimation of soil types, estimation of Vs30, and creation of seismic hazard maps. However, due to the resolution of the DEMs used, the terrain classification data from previous studies could not discriminate small landforms, such as narrow valley bottom plains, and small-rises within the plains. We created a global polygon dataset of the shapefile format divided into uniform slopes from slope gradients and HAND (height above the nearest drainage) calculated using the 90m spatial resolution MERIT DEM, and combined this data with the unit catchments of MERIT-Basins. This dataset contains the calculated terrain measurements (slope gradient, HAND, surface texture, local convexity, Sinks) and polygon areas as attributes, as well as the ID number of the MERIT-Basins’ unit catchment. In addition, the results of k-means clustering using slope gradient, HAND, and surface texture, which can be joined with the dataset as a simple terrain classification, are also available. This dataset can be used as a proxy and is expected to contribute to the modeling and estimation of various points that are known to be related to topography.
Distribution and Diversity of Sand Fly Species (Diptera: Psychodidae, Phlebotominae) in Two Geoclimatic Zones of Chad
Authors: KODINDO Israel DEMBA , Israël Demba Kodindo , Coulibaly Cheick Amadou , Sissoko Ibrahim Moussa , Traoré Bourama , Wilke André B. B. , Beier John C , Muller Gunter C , Doumbia Seydou
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Leishmaniasis transmitted by sandflies is an important vector-borne disease. In Chad, information on sandflies is outdated, and so this study was designed to update the sandfly fauna. Methods: Sandflies were collected in five health districts representing two geoclimatic zones using sticky traps and pyrethrum sprays in indoor and peridomestic habitats between September 2019 and December 2020. All collected sandfly specimens were identified based on species-level morphological characters. Results: A total of 2,015 specimens belonging to 13 species of sandflies (one Phlebotomus and twelve Sergentomyia) were collected and identified. The vector of human cutaneous leishmaniasis, Phlebotomus duboscqi, represents 0.65% of all collected sandflies and is the only representative of the Phlebotomus genus to be collected predominantly inside human dwellings. Phlebotomus orientalis, the vector of visceral leishmaniasis previously collected in Chad in 1976 was not found in this study. Sergentomyia clydei, Sergentomyia schwetzi, Sergentomyia antennata and Sergentomyia africana were the most abundant species collected with 44.71%; 22.73%; 16.03% and 11.17%, respectively. Sergentomyia schwetzi and Sergentomyia dubia, the two species involved in the transmission of canine leishmaniasis, were found in five and four study sites respectively. Conclusion: According to our results, the sandfly fauna of the two geoclimatic zones of Chad is comprised of 13 species. Our data showed that, unlike P. orientalis which was not found, P. duboscqi is present in four of the five sites surveyed. Therefore, these areas are at risk and remain potential foci of cutaneous leishmaniasis. However, the need for further studies such as vector species detection, their seasonal fluctuations and their vector competence.
New Mechanism For Mesenchymal Stem Cell Microvesicle To Restore Lung Permeability: Intracellular S1P Signaling Pathway Independent of S1P Receptor-1
Authors: Ye Lifang , Song Jieqiong , Zheng Yijun , Zhong Ming , Liu Jun , Zhu Duming , Hu Shuling
Published: August 2021

Background: Microvesicles (MV) derived from human bone marrow mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) were demonstrated to restore lung protein permeability and attenuate acute lung injury (ALI). In our previous study, we found that MSC MV increased sphingosine 1 phosphate (S1P) kinase1 mRNA levels in injured human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC) significantly. However, the role of S1P signaling in MSC MV to restore lung protein permeability is unknown.Methods: In this study, we hypothesized that MSC MV might restore lung permeability in part through increasing intracellular S1P signaling pathway in injured HLMVEC independent of S1P receptors. We used the transwell co-culture system to study the effect of MSC MV on protein permeability of Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) damaged HLMVEC. Results: Our results showed that LPS significantly increased the permeability of HLMVEC to FITC-dextran (70 kDa) within 24 hours. MSC MV restores this permeability, and to a large extent prevents the cytoskeleton protein F-actin from recombining into "actin stress fibers", and restores the positions of tight junctions and adhesion junctions in the damaged HLMVEC. This therapeutic effect of MSC MV was related to the increase in the S1P level in injured HLMVEC and was not eliminated when adding the antagonist of S1P receptor, suggesting that MSC MV to restore lung permeability was independent of S1P receptors on HLMVEC. Laser confocal further observed that Ca2+ mobilization and Rac1 activiation in LPS injured HLMVEC were increased in parallel with the increase in intracellular S1P level after MSC MV treatment. Conclusions: In short, MSC MV partially restored protein permeability across HLMVEC through the intracellular S1P signaling pathway independent of S1P receptor-1.
Optimisation of rapid untargeted nanopore DNA virus metagenomics using cell cultures and calves experimentally infected with bovine herpes virus-1
Authors: Esnault Gaelle , Earley Bernadette , Cormican Paul , Waters Sinead M. , Lemon Ken , Barry Thomas , Reddington Kate , McCabe Matthew S.
Published: August 2021

Bovine respiratory disease (BRD) is the leading cause of morbidity and mortality in cattle in Ireland, and internationally. This disease is caused by many well-known, and an ever-increasing number of newly associated viruses and bacteria. Consequently, diagnosis of BRD pathogens by targeted real-time polymerase chain reaction (qPCR) diagnostics is too expensive and slow to enable a same-day response that is targeted at the causative pathogen(s). To address this, we developed a same-day, sample to result, untargeted metagenomic MinION sequencing protocol for the identification of DNA viruses associated with BRD from nasal swabs. The procedure comprises non-viral nucleic acid depletion, nucleic acid extraction, rapid transposase-based tagmentation with barcoded adapters, non-biased PCR amplification of tagmented nucleic acid, sequencing on a MinION device, then rapid analysis of resulting sequences on cloud-based software EPI2ME WIMP. The protocol was developed using BoHV1-infected foetal lung cell cultures where we achieved 96% enrichment of the BoHV-1 sequence. Subsequently, the protocol was successfully applied to untargeted detection of BoHV-1 in nasal swabs from calves experimentally challenged with BoHV-1.
Are Facet Orientation and Tropism Risk Factors for Cervical Spondylotic Radiculopathy? A Retrospective Study in a Chinese Population
Authors: Zhou Yuanxing , Yang Ming , Zhang Wentao , Sun Tianze , Wang Bo , Li Zhonghai
Published: August 2021

Background
Facet parameters, such as facet orientation (FO) and tropism (FT) are thought to be predisposing factors for pathological changes in the lumbar spine. This study aimed to explore the association between facet parameters and cervical spondylotic radiculopathy (CSR) on 3-dimentional views.
Methods
A total of 226 patients with single-level CSR and 182 normal control participants were included. FO, FT and the incidence of FT (defined as FT ≥ 7) based on reconstructed CT images were measured. Univariate and multiple logistic regression analysis were used to investigate the association between facet joint parameters and the incidence of CSR. The Pearson Chi-square test was used to find out the relationship between the side of herniation and facet joint parameters in CSR patients.
Results
Axial FT of CSR group was significantly larger compared to control group at each spinal level, while sagittal except C5/6 and coronal FT shown not. The differences of incidence of axial FT at all levels between groups were statistically significant, as well as incidence of sagittal FT at C4/5 and C5/6. Incidence of axial FT with respect to all levels was significantly associated with CSR, and incidence of sagittal FT only at C4/5 and C5/6 was associated with CSR. The proportion between the left and right side of greater FO was significantly different on axial view.
Conclusion
Axial and sagittal FT but not FO were associated with CSR, and axial FT might exert more dominant function on the development of CSR. Moreover, CSR might be more vulnerable to more severe axial FT, which should be paid more attention. The side of herniation might prefer the side of greater axial FO.
Bionanosystem Based on Platycodon Grandifloras “Guides the Medicine Upward” for Targeting Lung Inflammation to Calm the Cytokine Storm
Authors: Li Yi , Guo Chunjing , Chen Qiang , Su Yanguo , Guo Huimin , Chen Daquan
Published: August 2021

Pneumonia can lead to high morbidity and mortality due to uncontrolled inflammation of the lung tissue. More and more evidences indicate that cytokine storms play a vital role in the progression of inflammatory lung diseases. Blocking cytokine storms may be one of the keys to saving the life of patients with severe pneumonia. According to the guide theory of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) and the inherent affinity of macrophages for the site of inflammation, we constructed a bionic drug delivery system (MPNPs) derived from macrophage-membrane (MM) encapsulated ROS-responsive Platycodon grandiflorum polysaccharide (PGP) nanoparticles (PNPs) to calm down the cytokine storm and improve lung inflammation. By loading the anti-inflammatory agent Curcumin (Cur), we could clearly find that MPNPs@Cur were better targeted to the inflammatory cell and more significantly suppressed the release of proinflammatory factors such as IL-6 and TNF-α. In acute lung injury (ALI) mice treated with MPNPs@Cur significantly reduced inflammation and cytokine storm syndrome, while also alleviating symptoms in mice with ALI. Interestingly, we found that the PNPs also had potent pulmonary targeting compared to other polysaccharide carriers, which is in line with the guide theory of the attribution of the Platycodon grandiflorum to the lung. Additionally, MM segregate pro-inflammatory cytokines to suppress local inflammation. The synergistic effect of drug therapy and the separation of inflammatory cytokines from this biomimetic drug delivery system leads to an increase in the therapeutic effect of ALI. Rational design of drug delivery platform to improve the treatment of lung injury is revealed in our study, which inherits and develops the important theories of TCM through the perfect combination of guide theory and modern biomimetic nanotechnology, as well as provides experimental scientific basis for the clinical application of channel ushering drugs.