bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
On the mechanism of Chinese-Russian humanitarian exchange in the new era
Authors:   Wuhan University, Wendong Zheng , Luyao Wang ,   Institute of foreign, Sun Yatsen university, Guangzhou
Published: June 2021

Humanitarian exchange is an important means of building mutual trust and plays an important role in establishing long-lasting friendly relations between the two countries. The ChineseRussian humanitarian exchange mechanism is the first foreign exchange mechanism of its kind initiated by China and is considered to be a creative step of the Chinese government. This article outlines the mechanism of Chinese-Russian humanitarian exchange in its vertical and horizontal dimensions, analysing its multilateralism, complex structure and large scale character. In its vertical dimension, the mechanism of Russian-Chinese humanitarian exchange can be divided into three levels: state, institutional and public. In its horizontal dimension, the mechanism of Russian-Chinese humanitarian exchange in the new era ensures bilateral cooperation in many areas, such as culture, sports, science and technology, as well as healthcare, and enables to achieve beneficial results. The article emphasises that the sudden outbreak of coronavirus created unprecedented challenges for Chinese-Russian scientific and technological cooperation, and as part of the «years of Russian-Chinese sci-tech cooperation», China and Russia will continue to strengthen their scientific and technological cooperation in the areas of public health and biosecurity: cooperation in medical research, Chinese medical assistance to Russia, cooperation between China and Russia through the UN, the World Health Organisation, the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation, BRICS and other international organisations, strengthening cooperation in traditional medicine, infectious disease prevention, and vaccine research and development. A detailed analysis of the Chinese-Russian humanitarian exchange mechanism could also serve as a model for humanitarian exchange between China and other countries.
Upaya KPPU Menangani Dugaan Pelanggaran Layanan Rapid Test Diagnosis Covid-19
Authors: Abidin Izzah Khalif Raihan
Published: June 2021

AbstractIndonesian Competition Commission (KPPU) conducted an initiative case research to the alleged tying-in Rapid Test services agreement in several hospitals. In the research, all hospitals that offer Rapid Test services are the objects of research. KPPU conducts market structure analysis, compliance with the elements of Article 15 paragraph (2) of Law No. 5 of 1999 on Prohibition of Monopolistic Practices and Unfair Competition, and the consequences of implementing closed agreements. Implementing this tying agreement may fall into the investigation category if, in practice, it causes monopolistic practices and or unfair business competition. Analyzing the KPPU's efforts to handle suspected business competition violations committed by hospitals, legal research will use a statutory and conceptual approach. Considering that the tying agreement can actually or potentially hinder business competition, based on KPPU's duties and authorities can enforce the law and advocate for business competition.Keywords: Tying Agreement; Rapid Test; Hospital; KPPU.AbstrakKomisi Pengawas Persaingan Usaha (KPPU) melakukan penelitian perkara inisiatif terhadap dugaan adanya perjanjian tying yang dilakukan sejumlah rumah sakit pada layanan Rapid Test. Dalam penelitian tersebut, seluruh rumah sakit yang menawarkan layanan Rapid Test menjadi objek penelitian, KPPU melakukan analisis struktur pasar, pemenuhan unsur-unsur Pasal 15 ayat (2) Undang-Undang No. 5 Tahun 1999 tentang Larangan Praktek Monopoli dan Persainan Usaha Tidak Sehat, dan akibat pelaksanaan perjanjian tertutup. Pelaksanaan perjanjian tying ini dapat masuk kategori penyelidikan jika dalam praktiknya menyebabkan praktik monopoli dan atau persaingan usaha tidak sehat. Dalam menganalisis upaya KPPU menangani dugaan pelanggaran persaingan usaha yang dilakukan rumah sakit, digunakan penelitian hukum melalui pendekatan peraturan perundang-undangan dan konseptual. Mengingat perjanjian tying secara aktual maupun potensial dapat menghambat persaingan usaha, maka KPPU berdasarkan tugas dan wewenangnya dapat melakukan penegakan hukum maupun advokasi persaingan usaha.Kata Kunci: Perjanjian Tying; Rapid Test; Rumah Sakit; KPPU.
A Novel Platform for Integrating 360° Videos Within a Virtual Study Abroad Experience
Authors: Urueta Steven H. , Ogi Tetsuro
Published: June 2021

The rising popularity of high-immersion media has found its way to educational use cases, but such media have not yet been extensively evaluated in their ability to provide fully featured study abroad experiences. As recent events have catapulted virtual study abroad programs to the forefront, and as universities seek to build attractive and effective programs, the necessity of systems that provide immersion and student engagement has become apparent. Using the new concept of Dual-Frame System Design, this paper seeks to find if design thinking methodologies can meet these needs while maintaining system reliability, flexibility, and ease of use. Using off-the-shelf components, including a 360° video camera, smartphones, and personal computers, a system was created and tested through a mixed-methods approach based on a user study of 25 US college students. The results of this research may be useful in the creation of high-immersion virtual study abroad experiences, as well as advancing the interdisciplinary frameworks necessary to make these systems broadly available.
Formulation Of Quantum Mechanics On Poincaré Disks
Authors: Tozzi Arturo
Published: June 2021

The unexploited unification of general relativity and quantum mechanics (QM) prevents the proper understanding of the micro- and macroscopic world. Here we put forward a mathematical approach that introduces the problem in terms of negative curvature manifolds. We suggest that the oscillatory dynamics described by wave functions might take place on hyperbolic continuous manifolds, standing for the counterpart of QM’s Hilbert spaces. We describe how the tenets of QM, such as the observable A, the autostates ψa and the Schrodinger equation for the temporal evolution of states, might work very well on a Poincaré disk equipped with rotational groups. This curvature-based approach to QM, combined with the noncommutativity formulated in the language of gyrovectors, leads to a mathematical framework that might be useful in the investigation of relativity/QM relationships. Furthermore, we introduce a topological theorem, termed the punctured balloon theorem (PBT), which states that an orientable genus-1 surface cannot encompass disjoint points. PBT suggests that hyperbolic QM manifolds must be of genus ≥ 1 before measuring and genus zero after measuring. We discuss the implications of PBT in gauge theories and in the physics of the black holes.
An Explicit Form of Heaviside Step Function
Authors: Venetis John
Published: June 2021

In this paper, the author derives an explicit form of Heaviside Step Function, which evidently constitutes a fundamental concept of Operational Calculus and is also involved in many other fields of applied and engineering mathematics.In particular, this special function is exhibited in a very simple manner as a summation of four inverse tangent functions. The novelty of this work is that the proposed exact formulae are not performed in terms of miscellaneous special functions, e.g. Bessel functions, Error function, Beta function etc and also are neither the limit of a function, nor the limit of a sequence of functions with point – wise or uniform convergence.Hence, this formula may be much more appropriate and useful in the computational procedures which are inserted into Operational Calculus techniques and other engineering practices.
Moving Toward Environmental Sustainability: ICTs, Freight Transport, and CO2 Emissions
Authors: Chatti Walid
Published: June 2021

The link between ICTs, freight transport, and CO2 emissions has not received much explicit examination by researchers, despite freight transportation being an egregious contributor to environmental degradation. This paper investigates how ICTs can affect environmental quality when interacting with freight transport activities in 43 countries over the period 2002-2014, using carbon emissions as a proxy for environmental damages. ICTs are measured in terms of internet, telephone, and mobile phone technologies. Using GMM methodology, the results show that ICTs contribute to dampening environmental degradation when interacting with freight transport activities. Specifically, a 10% increase in the interaction between ICTs and freight transportation will decrease carbon emissions by between 1.27% and 3.02%. The results further suggest that fixed and smartphone technologies are the main contributors to reducing emissions when adopted in some specific transport sectors (i.e. road, rail, and inland), while the internet is the most efficient technology when interacting with air transport activity. In addition, the interaction between ICTs and multimodality accelerates environmental quality. The policy implications of these findings are discussed.
Prediction of Biometric Variables Through Multispectral Images Obtained From Uav in Beans (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) During Ripening Stage
Authors: Quille-Mamani Javier , Porras-Jorge Rossana , Saravia-Navarro David , Herrera Jordan , Chavez-Galarza Julio , Arbizu Carlos I.
Published: June 2021

Here, we report the prediction of vegetative stages variables of canary bean crop by means of RGB and multispectral images obtained from UAV during the ripening stage, correlating the vegetation indices with biometric variables measured manually in the field. Results indicated a highly significant correlation of plant height with eight RGB image vegetation indices for the canary bean crop, which were used for predictive models, obtaining a maximum correlation of R2 = 0.79. On the other hand, the estimated indices of multispectral images did not show significant correlations.
Bioinformatics Approaches for Determining the Functional Impact of Repetitive Elements on Non-coding RNAs
Authors: Zeng Chao , Takeda Atsushi , Sekine Kotaro , Osato Naoki , Fukunaga Tsukasa , Hamada Michiaki
Published: June 2021

With a large number of annotated non-coding RNAs (ncRNAs), repetitive sequences are found to constitute functional components (termed as repetitive elements) in ncRNAs that perform specific biological functions. Bioinformatics analysis is a powerful tool for improving our understanding of the role of repetitive elements in ncRNAs. This chapter summarizes recent findings that reveal the role of repetitive elements in ncRNAs. Furthermore, relevant bioinformatics approaches are systematically reviewed, which promises to provide valuable resources for studying the functional impact of repetitive elements on ncRNAs.
Face Biometrics as a Potential Predictor for COVID-19 Susceptibility
Authors: Kit Oleg
Published: June 2021

Fighting against the COVID-19 pandemic caused by the SARS-CoV-2 virus is one of the most critical challenges facing the global health system today. The possibility to identify the group of persons in the cohort of people under 50 years old, who are sensitive to the COVID-disease by non-invasive methods, is a very perspective approach for estimating the epidemiological state of the human population. The study aimed to identify the features of people's faces with COVID-19 that the most correlate with disease severity could serve as one of these approaches. For this aim, 525 photos of patients' faces with different outcomes of COVID-19 disease were analyzed using the Dlib face recognition convolutional neural network pre-trained for face recognition. Face descriptor vectors were obtained using the convolutional neural network. Facial features were found that predict a person's sensitivity to the SARS-CoV-2 virus (disease severity), and the contribution of each of the features to the risk of developing a severe form of COVID in a person was found. The accuracy of the binary classification of the individual severity of the COVID-19 course using the k-nearest neighbors algorithm on the test dataset was accuracy - 84%, AUC - 0.90.
Soil Hydrology Process and Sustainable Use of Soil Water Resources in Desert Regions
Authors: Guo Zhongsheng
Published: June 2021

There is a balanced plant-water relationship in the primary vegetation of desert area. With the increase of population and social development in desert areas, people’s need for forest vegetation ecosystem’s goods and service have been changed. To meet the growing demand for plant community goods and services, more original vegetation has been changed into non-native vegetation such as in China loess plateau. However, with the plant growth, sometime soil drying happens and then becomes gradually serious with times in most of desert regions. Serious drying of soil eventually result in soil degradation, vegetation decline and agriculture failure，which influence the produce and supply of forest vegetation goods and service in market in dry year or waste of soil water resources in wet year, which wastes precious nature resources. In order to solve these problems, the soil water resources have to be used in sustainable way and plant-water relationship have to be regulated on Carrying Capacity of Soil Water for Vegetation in the key period of plant water relationship regulation, to carry out sustainable use of nature resources, high-quality and sustainable development of forest and grass or high-quality produce of fruit and crop in desert re-gions.
Evaluación financiera y operacional: aplicada en PyMEs hoteleras
Authors: Martínez Moreno Mery Ruby
Published: June 2021

Con base en la información suministrada por el sector, la industria hotelera a través de los gremios, se ha encargado de estructurar, los coeficientes operacionales y financieros que permiten a los líderes empresariales manejar eficientemente los recursos financieros, humanos, tecnológicos y de capacidad instalada, maximizando con ello los beneficios de sus empresas posesionándolas en el mercado y logrando un uso racional de los recursos.La gestión operacional y financiera tiene una vinculación permanente con todos los departamentos y áreas funcionales de la empresa hotelera. Una óptima gestión en las pequeñas y medianas empresas hoteleras permite planificar y afrontar cuando sean necesarias estrategias encaminadas a mejorar el proceso de toma de decisiones y contribuir con ello a la elevación de la eficiencia y la calidad del servicio a los clientes y por extensión un incremento de la rentabilidad y el beneficio.
Ba: espacios de conocimiento, contexto para el desarrollo de capacidad de innovación. Un análisis desde la gestión del conocimiento
Authors: Acosta Prado Julio César , Zárate Torres Rodrigo Arturo , Fischer André Luiz
Published: June 2021

Rev.esc.adm.negSe analiza la relación entre Ba y capacidad de innovación, desde el enfoque de gestión del conocimiento. Todo ello, a partir de la combinación de condiciones tanto internas como externas, que guían el proceso de desarrollo de la capacidad de innovación. Se analizan los conceptos de Ba y capacidad de innovación y se propone una definición amplia, así como un modelo explicativo que integra las condiciones necesarias para que el conocimiento concurra y evolucione dentro de la organización.
Porosidade e permeabilidade
Authors: Plácido Reginaldo , Benkendorf Shyrlei , Todorov Denise
Published: June 2021

O uso da cultura escolar ganhou impulso nas investigações da história das instituições escolares.  Neste artigo, a partir dos estudos de cultura escolar, a problematização gravitou em torno de possíveis categorias a serem utilizadas numa abordagem meso-analítica da história das instituições escolares. Busca-se com isso, sugerir categorias que possam contribuir para determinar os espaços de diálogo e influência da instituição escolar. Para isso, o texto apresenta uma contextualização teórica sobre história cultural e mesoanálise, aborda o conceito de cultura escolar e suas possibilidades, bem como o conceito e a possível relação das categorias permeabilidade na pesquisa em história das instituições escolares.  Esta aproximação dos conceitos, bem como sua problematização, ocorre em diálogo com autores que ampliaram os estudos sob o olhar das culturas escolares e, neste sentido, este texto busca se inserir no debate teórico, consciente do não esgotamento da discussão dos conceitos a serem trabalhados.
Effect of Zingiber Cassumunar Roxb. Phonophoresis versus Aqua sonic gel on pain, range of motion and functional disability in patients with Osteoarthritis of knee: Randomized control trial.
Authors: Joshi Medhavi , Phansopkar Pratik
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThis research aims at assessing the use of ultrasound in combination with a ayurvedic ani-inflammatory Zingiber Cassumunar gel, considering the parameters of physiotherapy on knee osteoarthritis. Zingiber cassumunar (ginger) has been used, for its anti-inflammatory properties, orally as well by it’s topical application. Improvement in pain, range of motion, balance and an overall quality of life in patients with osteoarthritis of knee has been studied through various physiotherapeutic exercises. In this study Otago exercise programme includes strengthening of lower limb and balance exercise along with walking protocol.Methodology: In this research we will include 52 subjects (n=52) having knee osteoarthritis between grade 1-3 according to Kallgren and Lawrence. In his randomized controlled single-blinded trial the subjects will be randomized into two group independent design (Group A and Group B) through envelope method of randomization. Group A will receive conventional therapy while Group B will be the experimental group. Efficacy of the intervention for both the groups is checked at the end of 2 weeks by using VAS, universal goniometer, WOMAC, star excursion balance test(SEBT) as the outcome measures.Discussion: The goal of this Randomized control trial is to examine the impact Zingiber Cassumunar phonophoresis in Knee osteoarthritis patients. This randomized control trial will help identify the rapid and long term effects of Zingiber Cassumunar phonophoresis on Knee osteoarthritis. This research findings will help develop a new prospect for the treatment of Knee osteoarthritis.The clinical trial registry-India(CTRI) registration number for this trial is CTRI/2021/05/033459.
Evaluate the influence of e-learning on stress levels of students during the Covid-19 pandemic: a prospective cross-sectional study
Authors: M Yugapriya , B Swarna Priya , Devulapalli Chaitanya , Kanduri Tharun , J Heeba Begum , Mukhopadhyay Debraj
Published: June 2021

COVID-19, the disease caused by SARS-CoV-2 infection, has been declared a pandemic by the WHO in March 2020. This outbreak poses serious concerns to the global education system. Many educational institutions around the world have closed their campuses and moved to online teaching-learning mode. After the approval from UGC, the validation of online courses has increased in India. The digital initiatives of MHRD for secondary as well as higher education during COVID-19 are the Diksha portal covers e-Learning content for students, teachers, and parents associated with the program, video lessons, worksheets, textbooks, and assessments. It has been almost 15 months since the Indian education system under lockdown. All education bodies including private/Government have started or trying to start is online classes/webinars for students. As today is the era of technology, it provides plenty of opportunities: innovation in learning, ease of creation, embracing international social context, providing new resources and understanding, and increased access to information. Information and communications technology have a vital role in human life as oxygen. The use of technology is a means that the technology replaces traditional learning approaches, it is just to support the new learning skills and approaches. The current prospective cross-sectional study emphasizes discussing the educational spectrum during digital literacy at times of pandemic and lockdown and also evaluates the stress levels of students due to e-learning.
Efficacy Of A Multidimensional Versus Usual Care Physiotherapy On Pain And Electroencephalography (EEG) Spectrum In Chronic Nonspecific Low Back Pain: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Bemani Sanaz , Dehkordi Shohreh Noorizadeh , Sarrafzadeh Javad , Talebian Saeed , Salehi Reza , Zarei Jamileh
Published: June 2021

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NSCLBP) is a major public health and global socioeconomic burden associated with a complex interplay of biopsychosocial factors. Despite scientific signs of progress, treatment of NSCLBP often tends to stick to a biomechanical model, without targeting psychological and social factors. To enhance clinical efficacy of usual physiotherapy for NSCLBP, the development of clinical strategies is to be pursued. This study aims to assess the effectiveness of multidimensional physiotherapy based on biopsychosocial approach compared to usual care physiotherapy, on clinical findings and Electroencephalography spectrum in non-specific chronic low back pain.Methods: This study is a triple-blind, two-arm (1:1) randomized controlled trial with a 4-months follow-up. 70 NSCLBP patients will be randomly allocated to either the experimental (multidimensional physiotherapy) or the active control group (usual physiotherapy), each group will receive 6-weeks of physiotherapy. The main outcome is pain and secondary outcomes are brain function, quality of life, disability, lumbar flexion range of motion and psychosocial correlates. Assessment will be performed at baseline, post-treatment and at 1- and 4-months follow-up.Discussion: Findings may provide evidence on the effectiveness of multidimensional physiotherapy on clinical findings and brain characteristics and might provide evidence towards showing the role of brain and biopsychosocial factors on chronic pain.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04270422, Registered 17 February 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04270422?term=NCT04270422&draw=2&rank=1IRCT Identifier: IRCT20140810018754N11
Development of Highly Validated SNP Markers for Genetics Analyses of Chestnut Species.
Authors: LARUE Clement , Guichoux Erwan , Laurent Benoît , Barreneche Teresa , Robin Cécile , Massot Marie , Delcamp Adline , Petit Rémy J.
Published: June 2021

To better study and manage chestnut trees and species, we identified nuclear single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers using restriction-associated DNA sequencing. Out of 343 loci tested, 68 SNP markers were selected that withhold stringent quality criteria such as quasi-systematic amplification across species and Mendelian segregation in both purebred and hybrid individuals. They provide sufficient power for species, hybrids and backcross characterization as well as for clonal identification, as shown by a comparison with single sequenced repeat (SSR) loci.
Anerning Granule for Community Acquired Pneumonia: Protocol for Randomized, Double-Blind, Single-Dummy, Parallel Control of Placebo, Multicenter Clinical Trial
Authors: Sun Menghua , Lyu Jian , Zhang Yi-li , Wei Xu , Zhang Li-dan , Xie Yan-ming , Chai Yan
Published: June 2021

Background: Community acquired pneumonia (CAP) in children is one of the common clinical diseases and infectious diseases threatening the health of the population. CAP has complicated causes, closely related to region, season, age, and primary disease. It is the most common cause of children being hospitalized and the first cause of death for children under 5 years old. At present, the clinical treatment is mainly antibiotics, but abuse and non-standard combination of antibiotics have led to increasing antibiotic resistance. Anerning Granules have the functions of clearing away heat and removing wind, reducing phlegm and relieving cough, and improving cough symptoms and lung signs. Thus, this study aims to evaluate the efficacy and safety of Anerning Granules (AEN) in the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in children, and to explore whether AEN can reduce the use of antibiotics and have a good effect on the clinical treatment of CAP.Methods and analysis: this study, a randomized, double-blind, single-dummy, parallel control of placebo, multicenter clinical study will be established in 7 hospitals in the same period. A total of 216 patients with community-acquired pneumonia will be randomly allocated at a ratio of 2:1 to two groups: experimental group, control group. The experimental group receives Anerning Granules plus ceftriaxone sodium; the control group receives AEN placebo plus ceftriaxone sodium. Each group will be treated for ten days, and a stage effect evaluation will be conducted on the sixth day. The primary outcome is the end of antibiotics in frequency (DDDs) and effective rate. Secondary outcome measures of effectiveness are the full fever time, sore throat onset time, and safety assessment. Outcomes will be assessed at baseline and after treatment. In addition, adverse events will be monitored throughout the trial process and must be traced to be resolved.Discussion: This study protocol will provide the research data regarding the efficacy and safety of AEN for the treatment of community-acquired pneumonia in children. The first aim is to determine whether Anerning Granules can reduce the use of antibiotics; the second aim is to evaluate the effectiveness of Anerning Granules combined with ceftriaxone sodium in the treatment of children with community-acquired pneumonia. The third aim is to observe the safety of clinical application of Anerning Granules. The results of this study will improve the rational use of drugs, especially the rational application of antibiotics. It will also enable safety evaluation from laboratory indices of adverse events, which will provide reliable evidence for clinical treatment.Trial registration: Clinicaltrials.gov identifier: NCT03675178, registered on 16 September 2018.
Comparing the Effects of Dexmedetomidine versus Propofol on the Treatment of Emergence Agitation in Adults after General Anesthesia: study protocol for a randomized controlled trial (DP-TEA Trial)
Authors: Feng Zhaoyan , Shi Xiao , Yan Xue , Zhu Yamin , Gu Juan , Yu Weifeng , Zhang Song
Published: June 2021

BackgroundEmergence agitation (EA) from general anesthesia is a common complication in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU). Once EA happens, there is still no guidelines established to recommend the medication administration in adults. Propofol is widely used in managing agitated patient in the PACU, but it is lack of analgesia and can suppress breathing transiently. Intraoperative infusion of dexmedetomidine is proved to have preventive effect on EA, but the treatment effect of dexmedetomidine on EA occurring in the PACU remains unknown. This study aims to compare the effects between dexmedetomidine and propofol on relieving emergence agitation in the PACU in adult patients after general anesthesia. MethodsIn this randomized, controlled, single-blinded clinical study, a total of 120 adult patients aged 18-65 years of both genders, with American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification I or II who develop emergence agitation in the PACU after general anesthesia will be included. Patients will be randomized at 1:1 ratio to two groups, receiving either a single dose of dexmedetomidine (0.7ug/kg) or propofol (0.5mg/kg). The primary outcome is the recurrence rate of EA assessed by the Riker Sedation-Agitation Scale (RSAS). The secondary outcomes are RSAS scores and vital signs before and after intervention, the consumption of sufentanil in the PACU, nausea and vomiting scores evaluated by a four-point postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) scale when leaving the PACU, duration in the PACU, adverse events (desaturation, severe bradycardia, shivering, dizziness, laryngospasm, severe coughing, reintubation) and recovering quality evaluated by the 40-item quality of recovery scale (Qo-R 40).DiscussionPrevious studies are almost about the efficacy of premedication on preventing EA, while medicine administration on treating EA is reported rarely. This study is designed to investigate whether a single dose of dexmedetomidine can relieve EA more efficiently and improve recovery quality of adult patients form general anesthesia more significantly comparing to propofol.Trial registration﻿ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04142840.Registered on October 26, 2019. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04142840.
Miami Criterion for Recurrent Men-1 Related Hyperparathyroidism in the Forearm
Authors: Clemente-Gutierrez Uriel , Casanueva-Perez Enrique , de Anda-Gonzalez Guadalupe Jazmin , Reza-Albarran Alfredo Adolfo , Herrera Miguel Francisco , Velazquez-Fernandez David , Pantoja Juan Pablo , Sierra-Salazar Mauricio
Published: June 2021

BackgroundTotal parathyroidectomy with autotransplantation of parathyroid tissue to the forearm is one of the treatment modalities for primary hyperparathyroidism (PHPT) in multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN 1). Recurrence rate with this approach has been documented in up to 35% of patients. The amount of tissue to be preserved during autograft debulking has not been well established.MethodsPreoperative assessment begins with biochemical confirmation of recurrent PHPT. Anatomic and functional imaging must be obtained. Intraoperative PTH monitoring is used to evaluate adequate amount of parathyroid tissue to be debulk pursuing more than 50% of PTH drop.ResultsOne patient with recurrent MEN1 related PHPT successfully underwent autograft debulking using the Miami criterion to assess adequate resection. The postoperative course was uneventful and on follow up the patient did not develop hypoparathyroidism.ConclusionThe use of Miami criterion during autograft debulking reoperations in the setting of MEN-1 is a feasible tool to achieve remission of primary hyperparathyroidism.
Onchocerca Flexuosa. sp. (Nematoda: Filarioidea) in Japanese Wild Sika Deer (Cervus Nippon): Pathological and Molecular Identification of Intradermal Worms
Authors: elatieff Hoda Abd , Bazaa Eman , Hussin Shahinaz , Yamamoto Ituto , Yanai Tokuma , Rawash Abdelrhman Abou
Published: June 2021

More than thirty species of the genus Onchocerca (Nematoda; Filarioidea) were responsible for onchocercosis (a vector-borne parasitic disease) of wild and domestic ungulates. “Between 2016 and 2017”, the presence of Onchocerca flexuosa (Wedl, 1856) was detected and investigated in 17 Japanese Sika deer (Cervus nippon) captured in Gifu and Shiga Prefectures, Japan. The worms were found within characteristics subcutaneous nodules dispersed in different regions of the body of all 17 deer. The all collected nodules were examined stereo-microscopically. The parasites were extracted from the nodules and identified through morphological and histopathological examinations. Molecular identification through sequencing of the following genes; internal transcribed spacer subunit 2 (ITS2)–28S ribosomal RNA (28S rRNA), cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 (cox1) and mitochondrially encoded NADH dehydrogenase subunit 2 (NAD2) were performed. The histopathological, molecular and phylogenetic analysis demonstrated that, the filarial nematode isolated from Gifu and Shiga Prefectures in Japan is O. flexuosa. This is the first report about presence of O. flexuosa in Japanese Sika deer (Cervus nippon) in Gifu and Shiga Prefectures.
Utilizing Matrix Completion for Simulation and Optimization of Water Distribution Networks
Authors: Jamal Alaa , Housh Mashor
Published: June 2021

Simulation of Water Distribution Networks (WDNs) constitutes a key element for the planning and management of water supply systems. This simulation involves estimating the flows and pressures by solving a linear set of mass conservation equations and a nonlinear set of energy conservation equations. The literature presents different formulations of heads-flows equations to derive the flows and heads in WDN. These formulations differ in terms of dimensionality, computational cost, and solution accuracy. Whereas this problem has been the subject of active research in the past, in the last decades a state of stagnation was reached and no new formulations were introduced. In this study, we propose a novel formulation that utilizes a matrix completion technique to construct a reduced-size nonlinear system of equations that guarantees both mass and energy conservation. Unlike former formulations that rely on the topology of the network, in the proposed method we employ a matrix completion technique in which arbitrary entries are added to the equation system to facilitate its solution. The advantages of the proposed method are demonstrated in simulation and optimization settings. In the former, the method demonstrates improved scalability and accuracy as compared with other widely known formulations. In the latter, the new formulation leads to smaller optimization problems, which are otherwise intractable when the classical formulation is used. Our results reopen an old debate on the best formulation for WDN simulation and optimization tasks and show that the matrix completion technique is a viable solution option for the problem.
A Novel Provably Secure Key-Agreement Using Secret Subgroup Generator
Authors: Babiker Abdelhaliem
Published: June 2021

In this paper, a new key-agreement scheme is proposed and analyzed. In addition to being provably secure in shared secret key indistinguishability model, the scheme has an interesting feature: while using exponentiation over a cyclic subgroup to establish the key-agreement, the generator of that subgroup is hidden to secure the scheme against adversaries that are capable of solving the Discrete Logarithm Problem, which means that the scheme might be candidate as a post-quantum key exchange scheme.
Methamphetamine Facilitates HIV Infection of Human Monocytes Through Inhibiting Cellular Viral Restriction Factors
Authors: Liu Yu , Meng Fengzhen , wang xu , Liu Jinbiao , Wang Peng , Hu Wenhui , Ho Wenzhe
Published: June 2021

Background

Methamphetamine (METH), a potent addictive psychostimulant, is highly prevalent in HIV-infected individuals. Clinically, METH use is implicated in alteration of immune system and increase of HIV spread/replication. Therefore, it is of importance to examine whether METH has direct effect on HIV infection of monocytes, the major target and reservoir cells for the virus.
Result

METH-treated monocytes were more susceptible to HIV infection as evidenced by increased levels of viral p24 protein and expression of viral GAG gene. Mechanistically, METH treatment of monocytes inhibited the expression of the antiviral IFN-stimulated genes (ISGs: OAS2, GBP5, ISG56, Viperin and ISG15) and the HIV restriction microRNAs. In addition, METH treatment of monocytes significantly decreased STAT1 expression at both mRNA and protein levels.
Conclusions

These findings suggest a previously unrecognized mechanism for HIV persistent infection in the primary target and reservoir cells.
Identification of Most Lethal Non-synonymous SNPs in Tollip gene- An In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Ghani Usman , Ullah Rahmat , Anjum Tayyaba , Ali Yasir , Hussain Saddam , Shah Sadarat , Zulfiqar Iqra , Sultan Talha , Tanveer Mohammad Aashar , Sabar Muhammad Farooq , jalil Fazal
Published: June 2021

The Toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP), first detected by hybrid screening using Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein in 2000, is ubiquitous and its TLR signaling cascade gets negatively regulated by TOLLIP in particular by impeding the TLR4 and TLR2 pathways. Toll-interacting protein facilitates TLR and TGF-β type 1 receptor intracellular localization and lysosomal degradation and exerts its anti-apoptosis and pro-autophagy effects through interaction with a target of Myb1 membrane trafficking protein 1 (TOM1) in autoimmunity. It also protects intestinal epithelial cells from apoptosis induced by (TNF-α) (IFN-γ) signaling and acts as a cargo adaptor linking (ATG8) autophagy gene 8 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3. Ubiquitin-modified cell debris along with coated autophagosomes removes harmful protein aggregates and maintains cellular homeostasis. It is therefore structurally and functionally important to detect TOLLIP polymorphisms to indicate the possible malfunctions and therapeutics. We have identified the gap of available data on nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene in previous studies. Hence, We have used a wide range of bioinformatic techniques in this study to identify the most destructive nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene. The in-silico tools such as PROVEAN, SIFT, SNP&GO, PhD SNP, and PolyPhen2 have been used followed by I Mutant, MutPred, and ConSurf. The 3-D mapping was carried out with I-TASSER and Phyre2. Though, STRING and GeneMANIA proposed the gene to gene interaction of TOLLIP. Our study identified G19D (rs866744102), G32R (rs1308704061), D71N (rs777772934), and E72G (rs1202660177) as the four most lethal non-synonymous SNPs in TOLLIP genes, which may play an essential part in defects of TOLLIP Protein and probably cause a different type of diseases. This is the first study of its kind, and it could pave the way in the field of medical drugs in the future. The influence of these nsSNPs in the normal functioning of TOLLIP can also be evaluated in animal models to identify the underlying biochemical pathway involved in diseases.
Recruitment in Health Services Research - A Study on Facilitating and Inhibiting Factors Regarding The Recruitment of Community-Based Healthcare Providers
Authors: Krebs Franziska , Lorenz Laura , Nawabi Farah , Lück Isabel , Bau Anne-Madeleine , Alayli Adrienne , Stock Stephanie
Published: June 2021

Background

In healthcare intervention trials, the recruitment of patients is frequently conducted by community-based healthcare providers. The recruitment of healthcare providers is therefore a crucial prerequisite that can determine the success of a trial right from the start. However, the recruitment of healthcare providers often poses a major challenge, and little is known about its influencing factors.
Methods

The study was conducted alongside an intervention trial evaluating the effectiveness of a lifestyle intervention during pregnancy. Triangulation techniques were used to identify facilitators and barriers to the recruitment of healthcare providers. Qualitative text analysis of internal documents and semi-structured interviews with study coordinators were performed. These results were used to derive the facilitating and inhibiting factors for recruitment.
Results

Our findings identified intrinsic motivation and interest in the trial’s aims and goals as the most important factors in healthcare provider recruitment. Beyond that, extrinsic motivation generated through financial incentives or collegial obligation emerged as a conflicting strategy. While extrinsic motivation might aid in the initial enrollment of healthcare providers, it rarely results in active trial participation in the long run. The perceived availability of eligible patients emerged as another barrier. Some healthcare providers declined trial participation because they anticipated that they would not have any patients that would suit the intervention due to high social burden or low need on the part of the patients.
Conclusions

During the planning of a trial, more attention should be paid to the recruitment phase. Researchers should seek input from healthcare providers when planning their trial design and recruitment strategies, and conduct a thorough needs assessment to avoid barriers and create a sense of ownership. Financial compensation for the trial burden emerged as a basic requirement, but this is not sufficient for recruitment if used as the sole means of motivation. Adaptable recruiting and intervention strategies that suit different patient populations are important in helping healthcare providers feel adequately prepared for trial tasks. The recruitment skills of healthcare providers and the communication skills of trial staff should therefore be addressed explicitly before the start of the recruitment phase.
Trial registration

German Clinical Trials Register (DRKS00013173). Registered 3rd of January 2019
A Bibliometric Analysis of the Top-Cited Articles on Diabetic Foot Ulcers
Authors: You Jiasheng , Liu Chao , Chen Yixin , Zhu Weifen , Fan Shunwu , Li Hongye , LI Lin
Published: June 2021

Background: Citation analysis is a bibliometric method for appraising the impact of academic publications in any given scientific discipline. There is a paucity of literature concerning influential works on diabetic foot ulcers (DFUs). Aims: To determine the top-cited articles in the field of DFU research.Methods: A bibliometric analysis of citations indexed in the Scopus and the Web of Science databases was conducted in January 2021 to determine all publications related to DFU. The 50 top-cited articles that met the inclusion criteria were ranked. Articles were evaluated for several characteristics including year of publication, country of origin, authorship, publishing journal, topic categories, publishing type and level of evidence.Results: The median number of citations per article in the list was 442 (interquartile range [IQR], 320-520), with a median of 21.8 citations (IQR, 16.5-34.5) per year since publication. The publication years ranged from 1986 to 2017, with 1998 accounting for the greatest number of studies (n = 7). The citation classics were published in 20 journals and originated from institutions in nine countries. The majority of the studies were clinical, of which expert-opinion/review with Level V evidence and clinical studies with Levels I and II evidence comprised the greater proportion in the list.Conclusions: This study identified the top-cited articles and provides useful insights into the history and development of DFU research. Our findings may serve as a quick reference for education curriculums and clinical practice, in addition to providing a foundation for further studies on this topic.
Spatial Optimization Layout of Best Management Practices through SWAT and Interval Fractional Programming Under Uncertainty
Authors: Gu Jinjin , Cao Yuan , Wu Min , Song Min , Wang Lin
Published: June 2021

Uncertainty in nature and human society affect pollution control efficiency and the rationality of the scheme of spatial optimization layout of best management practices (BMP) for agricultural non-point-source (NPS) pollution treatment. Based on this idea, the study innovatively develops a mathematical model that integrates soil and water assessment tool (SWAT) model and interval fractional programming. The advantage of the model are the following: (1) ability to process a BMP spatial optimization layout in watershed in uncertain situations, (2) ability to effectively reflect the uncertain factors involved in the scheme without having to set all the variables as uncertain factors, and (3) results are in the form of schemes in upper and lower limit scenarios, thereby reflecting the limit of uncertainty impact on the schemes. The results of this study can provide decision-makers with a wide range of optional schemes. This study examines how to set up the BMP spatial optimal layout scheme for agricultural non-point-source pollution treatment under the influence of uncertain factors. The proposed method is universal and can be extended to other cases.
ELK3 Mediated by ZEB1 Facilitates the Growth and Metastasis of Pancreatic Carcinoma by Activating the Wnt/Β-Catenin Pathway
Authors: Zhao Qiuyan , Ren Yingchun , Xie Haoran , Yu Lanting , Lu Jiawei , Jiang Weiliang , Xiao Wenqin , Zhu Zhonglin , Wan Rong , Li Baiwen
Published: June 2021

BackgroundRapid progression and metastasis are the major cause of death of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) patients. ELK3, a member of ternary complex factor (TCF), has been associated with the initiation and progression of various cancers. However, the role of ELK3 in PDAC need to be further elucidated.MethodsOnline databases and immunohistochemistry were used to analyze ELK3 level in PDAC tissues. The function of ELK3 was confirmed by a series of in vivo and in vitro studies. Western blot and immunofluorescence were used to detect the molecular mechanisms in PDAC. ChIP-qPCR was used to study the mechanism responsible for elevation of ELK3 in PDAC. ResultsELK3 level was higher in PDAC tissues than that in adjacent normal tissues. Functionally, we demonstrated that ELK3 acted as an oncogene to promote PDAC tumorigenesis and metastasis. Further investigations suggested that ELK3 could promote PDAC cells migration and invasion by activating Wnt/β-catenin pathway. Then we proved that ZEB1 could directly bind to the promoter of ELK3 to increase its transcription. Finally, both of them were associated with patients’ clinicopathological features and worse overall survival. ConclusionsOur findings enrich the role of ELK3 in PDAC, and provide potential avenues for exploring more effective biomarkers and therapeutic strategies in the treatment of PDAC.
Plant Species Compositions Alleviate Toxicological Effects of Bisphenol a by Enhancing Growth, Antioxidant Defense System and Detoxification
Authors: Nie Xianguang , Wang Lin
Published: June 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA), a broadly disseminated endocrine disturbing chemicals in environment, is harmful to creatures and plants. Plants can uptake and metabolize BPA, but a single plant species ability is limited. Undeniably, plant species compositions have a more vital ability to remove pollutants than a single plant species. However, the mechanisms of plant species compositions alleviating toxicological effects of bisphenol A are poorly understood. Here, we administered plant species compositions, which based on a full-factorial design of Phragmites australis(A), Typha latifolia(B) and Arundo donax(C), to unveil their role in BPA exposure. The comes about illustrated that with 1.5-10mg L−1 of BPA introduction, the mixed-hydroponic culture groups (e.g. sp(ABC)) significantly increased biomass production and photosynthetic pigments content as revealed by augmented the shoots fresh, dry weight, chlorophyll a and total chlorophyll content. While mixed-hydroponic culture groups (e.g. sp(AB), sp(ABC)) significantly increased antioxidant enzymes activity and antioxidant substances, it astoundingly diminished responsive oxygen species (ROS) and malondialdehyde (MDA) substance, proposing that mixed-hydroponic culture groups calmed oxidative stretch in takes off. Further analysis revealed that mixed-hydroponic culture groups (e.g. sp(AB), sp(AC), sp(ABC)) significantly increased detoxification enzyme activity of NADPH-cytochrome P450 reductase (CPR), glutathione S-transferase (GST) and glycosyltransferase (GT). Moreover, mixed-hydroponic culture groups (e.g. sp(AB), sp(AC), sp(ABC)) decreased the BPA substance in leaves, proposing that mixed-hydroponic culture groups advanced BPA metabolism by improving CPR, GST, GT detoxification. These results suggest that a mixed-hydroponic culture strategy can alleviate BPA phytotoxicity and possibly offer natural and potential phytoremediation of BPA way.