bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Free Jazz Communism [Book Review]
Authors: GRUNDY DAVID , Crépon Pierre
Published: May 2021

This review addresses the book 'Free Jazz Communism' (Rab Rab Press), a volume concerning a performance at the 1962 World Youth Festival in Helsinki by the Archie Shepp-Bill Dixon group. The book argues that this hitherto neglected event is a central moment for studies of the relation between jazz and politics during the Cold War Era, combining source texts, interviews, and polemical interventions to make its case. Our review fills in some of the details about the event, and Shepp's political activity during the early 1960s, which are not uncovered in the book. The first half of the review concentrates on our research into the festival, and the second half turns more closely to the book itself, as well as to Shepp's involvement with political causes during this time. Our intention is to use the book as an occasion to stage original research, as well as to analyse the contributions and shortcomings of the book itself.
Rebuilding the Music Industry through Community
Authors: Leger Devon
Published: May 2021

Devon Léger is a music publicist (HearthPR) and music writer (Folk Alley, No Depression). In this piece, he describes how online music platforms Bandcamp and Twitch have supported musicians during the pandemic and provided new ways for artists to connect with fans, build community, and monetize their music.
Better Ways of Sharing
Authors: Clark Dave
Published: May 2021

Dave Clark is an improvising drummer and founder of the Toronto-based Woodchoppers improv collective. In this piece, he stresses the need for more equitable methods of sharing the revenue generated by musicians working in the creative commons, and discusses an open letter that he wrote to SOCAN in May 2020.
Ecuaciones diferenciales y sistemas dinámicos. Tomo II
Authors: Pérez Alcázar Jorge Augusto
Published: May 2021

El texto "Ecuaciones diferenciales", trata esencialmente del cambio, el flujo, el movimiento y, en particular, de la rapidez a la que estos cambios se dan en los diferentes fenómenos de la naturaleza. Cada ser viviente experimenta cambios. Representarlos debe ser el marco de trabajo de cualquier documento de ecuaciones diferenciales. Es por ello que el presente texto trabaja en particular, la dinámica del estudio de los sistemas que evolucionan con el paso del tiempo.
Genetic characterization and diversity assessment in ‘Bhangor’ indigenous swamp buffalo population using heterologous microsatellite markers
Authors: Singh Karan Veer , Das Ramendra , Kataria Ranjit , Sodhi Monika
Published: May 2021

Background

The present study was aimed at genetic characterization and diversity analysis of indigenous swamp buffalo population ‘Bhangor’ from Tripura, India using the Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) recommended bovine microsatellite markers. So far buffaloes of the north-eastern states of India have been studied except for Tripura.
Results

Buffalo blood samples were collected from Tripura. Of the 24 microsatellite markers studied only 15 markers (CSSM33, BM1818, CSRM60, HEL13, ILSTS019, ILSTS025, ILSTS028, ILSTS029, ILSTS030, ILSTS033, ILSTS036, ILSTS056, ILSTS058, ILSTS061, ILSTS089 and ETH003) were found to be highly polymorphic in the population. A total of 114 alleles were secured, with an overall average of 7.60 alleles per locus. The number of alleles ranged from 3 (CSRM60 and ILSTS025) to 12 (ILSTS056 and ILSTS061). The mean effective number of alleles across all polymorphic loci was found to be 3.76. The overall mean expected heterozygosity and unbiased expected heterozygosity values were 0.67 and 0.68, ranging from 0.067 (ILSTS025) to 0.85 (ILSTS058) and 0.068 (ILSTS025) to 0.86 (ILSTS058), respectively. Within-population inbreeding estimates (FIS) for bhangor buffalo ranged between − 0.4352 and 0.804 with an average FIS of 0.114 ± 0.033.
Conclusions

The outcome for IAM, TPM and test for mode shift revealed the absence of any recent bottleneck in Bhangor buffalo population. The population was found to be in optimum diversity based on polymorphic microsatellite markers. This is the newly characterized buffalo population from north-east India.
Temporal and Spatial Changes and Driving Forces of NDVI From 1982 - 2015 in Qinba Mountains, China
Authors: Zhang Yaru , He Yi , Li Yanlin , Jia Liping
Published: May 2021

The spatiotemporal variation and driving force of Normalized Difference Vegetation Index (NDVI) is helpful to regional ecological environment protection and natural resource management. Using the Sen and Mann–Kendall methods, Hurt index, Space transfer matrix and Geodetector, this study investigated the temporal and spatial changes and driving forces of NDVI during 1982 - 2015. The results showed that:（1）For the period 1982 to 2015, the high vegetation coverage was mainly distributed in Qinling Mountains and Daba mountain, while the value of NDVI was low in high altitude area in the west, low altitude in the East and Hanjiang River valley.（2）The change trend of NDVI in Qinba Mountains is mainly to maintain stable and slow growth. And the slow growth changes significantly. NDVI increased slowly mainly in the East and northwest.（3）The future change trend of NDVI in Qinba Mountain is mainly slow growth and stability, which indicates that the ecological construction in Qinba Mountains is good. (4) Through the geographical detector, the main factors affecting NDVI in Qinba Mountains are natural factors mainly including rainfall, soil type and digital elevation model (DEM), while human activities mainly including population density have little influence on NDVI in Qinba Mountains. Natural environment factors and human activities make a great difference on the spatial distribution of NDVI. This study provides a help for the sustainable development of the naturel environment in Qinba Mountains.
An in situ ascorbate peroxidase labeling in secreted exosomes identifies a stress-induced exosome proteome alteration
Authors: Lee Byung Rho , Lee Tae Jin , Oh Sekyung , Li Chenglong , Song Jin-Hyuk , Marshall Brendan , Zhi Wenbo , Kwon Sang-Ho
Published: May 2021

The extracellular vesicle exosome mediates intercellular communication by transporting macromolecules such as proteins and ribonucleic acids. Determining cargo content with high accuracy will help decipher the biological processes that exosomes mediate in various contexts. Existing methods for probing exosome cargo molecules rely on a prior exosome isolation procedure. Here we report an in situ labeling approach for exosome proteome profiling, termed Exosome-Proxy APEX Labeling (EPAL), which bypasses the exosome isolation steps. In EPAL, proteins either in the exosome biogenesis vesicles in cells or in secreted exosomes in the conditioned medium can specifically be biotinylated with expressing a variant of the engineered ascorbic peroxidase APEX that is fused to an exosome cargo protein such as CD63. Mass spectrometry analysis of the proteins biotinylated in exosomes secreted from kidney proximal tubule-derived cells reveals that oxidative stress can induce an alteration in exosome protein contents, including accumulation of ribosomal proteins in exosomes.
Evaluation of Pasture Allowance of Manganese for Ruminants
Authors: GE Xiaoping , Chen Fu , Saqlain Laraib , Ma Jing , Khan Zafar Iqbal , Ahmad Kafeel , Malik Ifra Saleem , Ashfaq Asma , Sultana Razia , Munir Mudasra , Nadeem Muhammad , Awan Muhammad Umer Farooq , Sohail Muhammad
Published: May 2021

The aim of study was to access the Mn contamination in soil, forages and animals. Heavy metal pollution is a matter of prime significance in natural environment. Through food chain toxicity of heavy metals and their bioaccumulation potential are transferred into humans .Higher concentrations of metallic compounds are toxic to living organisms but these are essential to maintain body metabolism. Intake of food crops polluted with heavy metals is chief food chain channel for human exposure. Animals are exposed to heavy metal stress by the intake of richly contaminated food crops those are chief part of food chain. We collected samples of soil, plant, animal blood, hair and faeces to find contamination through wet digestion process in lab and metal analysis. Different forages were collected to study Mn calculation was our major concern in this study. Our present findings also emphasized on the assessment of bio-concentration factor (BCF). We also calculated other significant indices i.e. Pollution load index (PLI), daily intake of metal (DIM), Health Risk Index (HRI) and Enrichment factor (EF). While the experimentation result showed different concentrations of metal in different seasons. When the Mn concentration in forages was (20.01-28.29 mg/kg) and in soil (5.27-8.90 mg/kg). Soil samples showed higher level of (PLI) Pollution load index. Bio-concentration of iron was (2.59-4.21 mg/kg). It can be concluded as regular monitoring of the level metal is essential evaluate the contamination status.
Team VA Video Connect (VVC) to Optimize Mobility and Physical Activity in Post-Hospital Discharge Older Veterans: Baseline Assessment
Authors: Alexander Neil B. , Phillips Kristin , Wagner-Felkey Joleen , Chan Chiao-Li , Hogikyan Robert , Sciaky Alexandra , Cigolle Christine
Published: May 2021

Background Telehealth is increasingly used for rehabilitation and exercise but few studies include older adult participants with comorbidities and impairment, particularly cognitive. Using Veterans Administration Video Connect (VVC), the aim of the present study is to present the screening, recruitment, baseline assessment, and initial telehealth utilization of post-hospital discharge Veterans in a VVC home-telehealth based program to enhance mobility and physical activity.Methods Older adult Veterans (n = 45, mean age 73), recently discharged from the hospital with physical therapy goals, were VVC-assessed in self-report and performance-based measures, using test adaptations as necessary, by a clinical pharmacy specialist and social worker team.Results Basic and instrumental ADL disabilities were common as were low mobility (Short Portable Performance Battery) and physical activity levels (measured by actigraphy). Half had Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA) scores in the mild cognitive impairment range (< 24). Over 2/3 of the participants used VA-supplied tablets. While half of the Veterans were fully successful in VVC, 1/3 of these and an additional group with at least one failed connection requested in-person visits for assistance. One-quarter had no VVC success and sought help for tablet troubleshooting, and half of these eventually “gave up” trying to connect; computer literacy issues and physical impairment (particularly dexterity) were described prominently in this group. On the other hand, Veterans with at least mild cognitive impairment (based on MoCA scores) were present in all connectivity groups and most of these used caregiver support to facilitate VVC.Conclusion Disabled older post-hospital discharged Veterans with physical therapy goals can be VVC-assessed and enrolled into a mobility/physical activity intervention. A substantial proportion required technical support, including in-person support for many. Yet, VVC seems feasible in those with mild cognitive impairment, assuming the presence of an able caregiver. Modifications of assessment tools were needed for the VVC interface, and while appearing feasible, will require further study.ClinicalTrials.gov NCT 04045054 05/08/2019
Hirudin Suppresses Metastasis of Human Breast Adenocarcinoma Cells In Vitro and in a Zebrafish Xenograft Model
Authors: Zhang Shuo , Zhou Lei , Jiang XiaoYan , Ni HongHui , Yang ShuiYing , Xu Yan , Wu Yu , Du Dan , Peng Min , Fu YingJun , Cai Yan , Yang XiaoHui
Published: May 2021

Background: Breast cancer is the leading cause of cancer-related death in women worldwide. Hirudin has been shown to inhibit the growth and metastasis of several types of cancers in experimental tumor models. However, whether hirudin exerts antitumor effects on breast adenocarcinoma cells has not yet been investigated. The objective of this study was to evaluate the antitumor effects and explore the underlying mechanisms of hirudin in breast adenocarcinoma MCF-7 cells.
Methods: The viability of MCF-7 cells was assayed by Cell Counting Kit-8. The adhesion ability of the cells was evaluated by cell adhesion assay. Besides, cell migration was detected by wound healing assay. Cell invasion was examined using Transwell chamber assay. The underlying molecular mechanism was investigated by immunofluorescence. In addition, In vivo zebrafish xenograft model was used to verify the proliferation and metastasis of hirudin on MCF-7 cells.
Results: The results showed that hirudin significantly inhibited the cell viability and suppressed cell adhesion, migration, invasion compared with the control group. Importantly, hirudin significantly decreased the expression of CHD1L, MDM2 protein, and increased the expression of p53 protein. Moreover, the zebrafish xenograft study revealed that hirudin inhibited the proliferation and metastasis of MCF-7 cells in vivo.
Conclusion: The present findings demonstrate that hirudin suppressed metastasis of MCF-7 cells and the mechanism may involve with the CHD1L/MDM2/p53 axis. Hirudin is a promising antineoplastic agent for the treatment of breast cancer with significant antimetastatic activities.
Keywords: Breast cancer, Hirudin, Metastasis, Zebrafish, CHD1L
Bacteroides fragilis controls intestinal inflammation through promoting Treg differentiation via TGF-β/Smad3 signaling pathway
Authors: Fan Menghui , Zhang Zhenxing , Ruan Guojing , Wei Fang , Gu Xinyue , Xi Tao , Xing Yingying
Published: May 2021

Alteration of intestinal flora is usually associated with various gastrointestinal diseases.Microbial homeostasis can enhance host immune tolerance and regulate intestinal immune balance.Our previous studies have found that the peptidoglycan framework of Lactococcus lactis(L.lactis),gram positive enhancer matrix particles (GEM),improved the intestinal flora diversity and significantly increased the relative abundance of Bacteroidetes in colitic mice.Of note,Bacteroides fragilis(B.fragilis) can alleviate inflammation by promoting the expressions of intestinal regulatory T cells (Tregs) and anti-inflammatory cytokines.However, mechanism of B.fragilis regulating intestinal immunity remains unclear,thus we here seek to explore the effects of B.fragilis and its mechanism by DSS-induced experimental colitis.Results show that B.fragilis contributes to the restoration of gut microbiota composition and an increase in short-chain fatty acids(SCFAs) production of mice with colitis.The treatment mediates the differentiation of naive CD4+ T cells into Tregs probably through TGF-β activated by SCFAs,and TGF-β/Smad3 signaling is indispensable for both Treg expansion and IL-10 expression.The study demonstrates the immune pathways by which B.fragilis controls the inflammatory process and it may be an effective therapeutic option for intestinal diseases.
Testing a Practitioner-Friendly Behavior Model in Pakistan, India, and Nigeria
Authors: Agha Sohail
Published: May 2021

Background: There is increasing interest in using social and behavior change (SBC) for Health Systems Strengthening (HSS) in low-and-middle income countries (LMICs) but few good examples of how behavioral insights could inform the design, implementation, and evaluation of HSS interventions. Practitioners would benefit from a practical behavior model that may be applied across behaviors, in multiple social contexts. We test the Fogg Behavior Model (FBM), which has this potential, in 3 different social and economic contexts: Pakistan, India, and Nigeria.Methods: The study uses data from surveys of men married to women ages 15-49 in Pakistan, women ages 18-49 in India, and women ages 14-24 in Nigeria on condom use, iron folate use, and modern contraceptive use, respectively. The FBM states that behavior happens when motivation, ability and a prompt occur in the same moment. In other words, both motivation and ability must be present for behavior to occur. We tested the hypotheses that both respondents with a) high motivation AND high ability and b) high motivation OR high ability were more likely to adopt a behavior than respondents with low motivation AND low ability. Multivariate logistic regression was used to test these hypotheses.Results: In all 3 contexts, compared to respondents with low motivation AND low ability, both respondents with high motivation AND high ability and respondents with high motivation OR high ability were significantly more likely to adopt the behavior examined. Statistically significant differences remained after adjusting for a range of socio-economic and demographic variables.Conclusions: These findings provide empirical support for the FBM. The study demonstrates the utility of the FBM as a practitioner-friendly behavior model that may be applied across different social and behavioral contexts and assist in the design, implementation, and evaluation of HSS interventions.
Chloroplast Genomes of Five Oedogonium Species: Genome Structure, Phylogenetic Analysis and Adaptive Evolution
Authors: qian xiong , Hu Yuxin , Lv Wenqi , Wang Qinghua , Liu Guoxiang , Hu Zhengyu
Published: May 2021

BackgroundThe order Oedogoniales can be divided into three genera, Oedogonium, Oedocladium, and Bulbochaete based on traditional morphological criteria. While several molecular phylogenetic studies have suggested that both Oedogonium and Oedocladium may not be monophyletic, broader taxon sampling and large amounts of molecular data acquisition could help to resolve the phylogeny and evolutionary problems of this order. This study determined five chloroplast (cp) genomes of Oedogonium species and aimed to provide further information on cp genome for a better understanding of the phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the order Oedogoniales.ResultsThe five Oedogonium cp genomes showed typical quadripartite and circular structures, and were relatively conserved in their structure, gene synteny, and inverted repeats boundaries in general, except for small variation in genome sizes, AT contents, introns, and repeats. Phylogenetic analyses based on 54 cp protein-coding genes examined by maximum likelihood and Bayesian analyses using amino acid and nucleotide datasets indicated that both Oedocladium and Oedogonium are polyphyletic groups. A positively selected gene (psbA) was identified in the two Oedocladium species and the terrestrial Oedogonium species, indicating that terrestrial Oedogoniales taxa may have undergone adaptive evolution to adjust to the difference in light intensity between aquatic and terrestrial habitats.ConclusionsOur results enrich the data on cp genomes of the genus Oedogonium. The availability of these cp genomes can help in understanding the cp genome characteristics and resolve phylogenetic and evolutionary relationships of the order Oedogoniales.
A Feasibility Study on Production of Concrete Blocks Using Treated Municipal Solid Waste Leachate
Authors: Esmaeili Negar , Heidarzadeh Nima
Published: May 2021

Population growth and development have increased the need for drinking water all over the world. Hence, it is required to find an alternative to water in different industries. Concrete represents a remarkable water-consuming industry. The present study investigates whether the treated leachate of municipal landfills can be employed as a substitute for water in the concrete mixing scheme. For this purpose, concrete samples fabricated at different concentrations of treated leachates were compared to the control sample containing distilled water in terms of unconfined compressive strength (UCS) at the ages of 7 and 28 days. The experimental results revealed treated leachate accelerated the cement setting time by nearly 15 min and increased concrete slumping by 16%. The complete replacement of distilled water with treated leachate decreased UCS by 25% (from 50 to 38 MPa). The scanning electron microscope (SEM) and ultrasonic results showed that a rise in the treated leachate content of concrete increased porosity. Increased porosity would reduce UCS. The presence of heavy metals and leaching from the cement matrix are important characteristics of leachates. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) revealed that the leaching of heavy metals in all the samples was in the acceptable range.
Pulmonary Function Tests and Their Associated Factors in HIV-infected Patients at Jimma Medical Center; Ethiopia: A Comparative Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Teshome Muluken , Gobena Teshome , Asmamaw Misganaw , Mulat Elias
Published: May 2021

BackgroundHIV-infected persons have a greater risk of developing respiratory disorders. Poor socio-economic status, High viral load, low CD4 counts, and anti-retroviral therapy are linked with the problems. Despite its high prevalence the association between retroviral infection and pulmonary function status as well as their associated factors has not yet well established in resource-scarce countries in general and study setting in particularMethodsA comparative cross-sectional study was conducted from September 24 to October 15 of 2020 at Jimma Medical Center among HIV-positive patients and matched control group. Data were collected using a pretested structured questionnaire administered via face-to-face interview. The collected data included Socio-demographic, respiratory, retroviral infection, and substance use related. Pulmonary function tests were also conducted using SP10 spirometer. Collected data were entered and analyzed using SPSS version 26. Independent t-test and multiple linear regressions were carried out to identify factors independently associated with the pulmonary function status of the study participants while controlling for potential confounders.ResultsOne hundred ninety two HIV-positive patients and matched control individuals participated in the study. A mean pulmonary function test parameters among HIV-infected participants were FVC (l) (2.957±0.792, p0.006), FEV (l) (2.289±0.593, p<0.001), and PEFR (l) (4.258±2.039, p<0.001) with a significant declined in the group. Respiratory symptom, history of pulmonary TB, duration of living with RVI, duration of treatment, and current CD4 cell count were significant predictors of pulmonary function test indices(p<0.05) in HIV infected respondents.Conclusion﻿A significant reduction in mean pulmonary function parameters were observed among HIV-positive participants in comparison to non-RVI participants. A strong association was observed between pulmonary function status of HIV-infected patients and current CD4 count, duration of living with RVI, duration of treatment, and history of PTB. Therefore, due consideration in screening, diagnosing, and managing noninfectious lung diseases should be given by health professionals while treating HIV-infected patients.
Ultra-Fast Tunable Optoelectronic Full-Adder Based on Photonic Crystal Ring Resonators Covered By Graphene Nanoshells
Authors: Naghizade Saleh , Saghaei Hamed
Published: May 2021

This paper reports a new design of a tunable optoelectronic full-adder using two photonic crystal ring resonators (PCRRs). Every PCRR consists of a matrix of silicon rods surrounded by silica rods covered with graphene nanoshells (GNSs). The proposed full-adder is formed by three input ports, two PCRRs, and two output ports for 'SUM' and 'CARRY'. The plane wave expansion technique is used to study the photonic band structure of the fundamental PC microstructure, and the finite-difference time-domain method is also employed in the final design for solving Maxwell's equations to analyze the light propagation inside the structure. We can tune the PhC resonant mode for our desired application by setting the chemical potential of GNSs with an appropriate gate voltage. The numerical results reveal that when the chemical potential of GNSs changes, the switching mechanism occurs and manages the coupling and propagation direction of the input beam inside the structure. We systematically study the effects of physical parameters on the transmission, reflection, and absorption spectra. Our numerical results also demonstrate that the maximum delay is about 0.8 ps. The 663 µm2 area of the proposed full-adder based on two-dimensional materials makes it a building block of every photonic integrated circuit used for data processing systems.
Treatments for obstructive hydrocephalus secondary to malignant midline intracranial tumors during the perioperative period — a retrospective study of 372 pediatric patients from a single institution
Authors: Ou Yunwei , Fan Kaiyu , Liu Zhiming , Liao Zhiyi , Zhang Heng , Li Zhicen , Zheng Wenjian , Guan Xueyi , Gong Jian
Published: May 2021

Objective

Common treatments for obstructive hydrocephalus caused by malignant midline intracranial tumors during the perioperative period include ventriculoperitoneal shunt (VPS) placement/endoscopic third ventriculostomy (ETV) and direct tumor resection, but which of these treatments is superior remains unclear. The purpose of this study is to explore the management of hydrocephalus during the perioperative period and subsequent outcomes.
Methods

Data from 372 patients with obstructive hydrocephalus due to malignant midline intracranial tumors under the age of 18 years referred to the Department of Pediatric Neurosurgery at Beijing Tiantan Hospital between January 2018 and September 2019 were collected. We also collected their clinical features and outcomes for further statistical analysis.
Results

A total of 372 pediatric patients were treated for obstructive hydrocephalus. In total, 215 patients underwent preoperative VPS placement; the effectiveness of preoperative VPS placement was 98.1% (211/215), and the mean duration of relapse was 63.5 ± 15.7 days. Forty children underwent ETV before tumor removal; the effectiveness of preoperative ETV was 90.0% (36/40), and the mean duration of relapse was 53.8 ± 44.9 days. A total of 117 patients underwent direct tumor resection after being diagnosed; the recurrence rate of hydrocephalus was 20.5% (24/117), and the mean duration of relapse was 125.0 ± 170.8 days. There was a significant difference between preoperative VPS placement followed by resection and postoperative VPS placement and preoperative ETV followed by resection and postoperative VPS placement (p = 0.013).
Conclusion

Malignant midline intracranial tumors in pediatric patients usually lead to obstructive hydrocephalus, and preoperative intervention for hydrocephalus (VPS or ETV) will improve patient outcomes. The optimal management strategy for obstructive hydrocephalus due to malignant midline intracranial tumors is preoperative VPS placement or ETV due to their low hydrocephalic recurrence rates and high effectiveness.
Derivation and Validation of Risk Scores for Cause-Specific Mortality using Verbal Autopsy Data
Authors: Nkwenika Tshifhiwa , Manda Samuel
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDeaths certification remains a challenge mostly in the low-resources countries which results in poor availability and incompleteness of vital statistics. In such sceneries, public health and developmental policies concerning the burden of diseases are limited in their derivation and application. The study aimed at developing and evaluating appropriate cause-specific mortality risk scores using Verbal Autopsy (VA) data. MethodsA logistic regression model was used to identify independent predictors of NCDs, AIDS/TB, and CDs specific causes of death. Risk scores were derived using a point scoring system. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to validate the models by matching the number of reported deaths to the number of deaths predicted by the models. ResultsThe models provided accurate prediction results with sensitivities of 86%, 46%, and 40% and false-positive error rates of 44%, 11%, and 12% for NCDs, AIDS/TB, and CDs respectively. ConclusionThis study has shown that, in low- and medium-income countries, simple risk scores using information collected using verbal autopsy questionnaire could be adequately used to assign causes of death for Non-Communicable Diseases and AIDS/TB
Putting numbers to a metaphor: Soil Quality, Health or Fitness?
Authors: Whitmore Andrew , Hassall Kirsty , Milne Alice , Dailey Arthur , Glendining Margaret , McGrath Steve P. , Zawadzka Joanna , Harris Jim , Corstanje Ron , Keith Aidan , Todman Lindsay , Clark Joanna , Alexander Paul , Arnold Philippa , Bennett Amanda , Bhogal Anne , Crotty Felicity , Horrocks Claire , Noble Nicola , Rees Robert , Shepherd Matthew , Stockdale Elizabeth , Tipping E
Published: May 2021

Soil Quality or Soil Health are terms adopted by the scientific community as a metaphor for the effects of differing land management practices on the properties and functions of soil. Many other terms and metaphors are in use that defy neat quantification: human health, for example. Our challenge is to understand the importance of using such metaphors, but without compromising the underlying scientific understanding upon which they are based. We present here an approach based on expert elicitation in the field of soil quality and management, which offers a universal way of putting numbers to the metaphor. Like humans, soils differ and so do the ways in which they become unhealthy.

We structure experts’ views of the extent to which soil delivers the functions expected of it within Bayesian Belief Networks anchored by measurable properties of soil. With these networks, we deduce the value of additional data to the precision of estimates of soil quality and health and infer the likely state of soil at locations in England & Wales. We conclude that the value of soil is best scored as its fitness for purpose or its utility. Our methodology has general applicability and could be deployed elsewhere or in other disciplines.
A Global Study of Haematopoietic Stem Cell Transplantation in Multiple Sclerosis and Other Neurodegenerative Disorders
Authors: Panegyres Peter , Russell Jodi , Chen Huei-Yang
Published: May 2021

Aim: The aim of this research is to understand the uptake of haemopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) in neuroimmunological disorders like multiple sclerosis (MS). Methods: A global internet survey was conducted of people having had HSCT, comparing demographics, treatment protocol, and effectiveness. Results: Of 271 participants useful data was available in 223. 73.5% were female in the age range of 35-54 years, most had a household income greater than US$50,000 and the majority of participants were from Australia and the United States of America. 94.6% had MS. Most had their treatment in Russia (38.7%) and 78.1% had non-myeloablative transplants. Nearly half of the participants spent between US$50,000 to US$74,999. 54.5% of neurologists were not supportive of their patients having HSCT. 85.5% of participants believed HSCT helped them manage their disease from weeks to years after transplantation. 9.45% would recommend the treatment. The average reduction in Expanded Disability Status Score after transplantation was 1.2 [95% CI; 0.97-1.41; N=197; p < 0.0001; t: 10.7, df 196]. Conclusions: Participants were supportive of HSCT despite the costs and would recommend it to others. The data suggest some benefit in minimizing disability in MS and provides justification for large randomized controlled trials.
Implementation of an in Situ Simulation-based Training Adapted from Morbidity and Mortality Conference Cases: Effect on the Occurrence of Aevents – Study Protocol of a Cluster Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Michel Nicolas , Bui-xuan Bernard , Bapteste Lionel , Rimmele Thomas , Lilot Marc , Chollet François , Favre Hélène , Duclos Antoine , Michel Philippe
Published: May 2021

Background: Morbidity and Mortality Conferences provides the necessary improvement measures required for patient safety. However, it is an underused resource mainly because the conclusions to be drawn from the discussion and their implications for practice are not always well integrated by inpatient care teams. We therefore propose in this study two interventions to optimise their efficacy; a passive feedback with wide dissemination by e-mail and/or on paper of the results of the Morbidity and Mortality Conference to inpatient care teams, and an active feedback with in situ inter-professional simulation-training programme in which scenarios will be based on cases studied in Morbidity and Mortality Conference. In the present study we hypothesise that the greatest reduction the occurrence of adverse event will be in the active feedback arm.Methods: A cluster randomized controlled study will be performed at four study sites. Passive feedback and active feedback arms will be compared to standard arm in terms of occurrence of adverse events. The trigger tool methodology used to identify adverse events is a retrospective review of inpatient records using “triggers” to isolate potential adverse events. Discussion: The in situ simulation training based on cases processed in Morbidity and Mortality Conference is built according to the main topics identified for the successful implementation of healthcare simulation in patient safety programmes: technical skills, nontechnical skills, assessment, effectiveness, and system probing. The in situ simulation-training programme conducted as part of the study has the potential to improve patient safety during hospitalisation. We therefore expect the greatest reduction in the occurrence of adverse events in patients hospitalised in the active feedback arm. This expected result would have a direct impact on patient safety and would place in situ simulation at the highest level of the Kirkpatrick model. Trial registration: T he study has been registered in Clinicaltrials.gov (NCT02771613). Registered on May 12, 2016.
Two sides of the same coin? The Energy Transition Potential in Global North and Global South Countries
Authors: Jain Schrutir , Arentsen Maarten , Molderink Albert
Published: May 2021

Climatic changes have made transition to renewable energy essential. However, energy transition in the globalized world is challenged with diversification in culture, economic prowess, social development, and state structure. The global negotiations are always tough, among others, due to the split between the Global North (GN) and Global South (GS) countries. At the same time, the debates on how to deal with the inequalities in climate mitigation potential veils a thus far hardly acknowledged difference in energy transition potential and impact in the GN and GS countries. This paper, therefore, aims to contribute to bridging this knowledge gap by making a systematic comparative assessment of energy transition potential in the GN and GS with two regions as example cases.

We analysed and compared energy scenarios in two regions in the world: Overijssel representing the GN countries and Matura representing the GS south countries. Both regions are similar in economic activities, but differ in demography and economic development. We analysed and compared the current energy system in both regions and two development scenarios towards 2050: the BAU scenario and the zero emission scenario. Despite the differences in starting position, the energy systems in both regions move towards each other in the longer term, but change pattern and costs differ.

In both regions bioresources are the dominant renewable resource in an locally determined energy resource portfolio. However, the costs of getting into this longer term position are significantly higher in Matura than in Overijssel, whereas the general economic potential, as it looks in 2020, is worse in Matura. Our analysis therefore indicates that a renewable energy transition in the longer term can result in zero emission systems in both GN and GS countries, but with substantial differences in costs.
Case Management Knowledge and Commodity Stocking Pattern for Common Childhood Illnesses among Patent and Proprietary Medicine Vendors in Ebonyi and Kaduna States, Nigeria
Authors: Akuiyibo Selema Margaret , Anyanti Jennifer , Amoo Babatunde Abiodun , Aizobu Dennis , Idogho Omokhudu
Published: May 2021

Background: The trio of commonest illnesses and causes mortality among children under five (Malaria, Pneumonia and Diarrhea) are easily treatable through timely exposure to cost effective interventions at the community level. Patent and proprietary medicine vendors (PPMVs) are a leading source of care for illnesses among under-five children in Nigeria. This study was designed to explore child health services offering, particularly commodity stocking patterns and case management knowledge for common childhood illnesses among PPMVs in Ebonyi and Kaduna States.Methods: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted among PPMVs in four local government areas across Ebonyi and Kaduna States. Data was collected using semi-structured interviewer-administered questionnaires. Information was obtained on medicine and supplies, knowledge of common childhood illnesses management and referral practices.Results: A total of 374 PPMVs were interviewed; the mean age was 33.7+­ 9.8 years. Among the 132 health trained respondents, 59.0% offer treatment services for sick children while 83.5% of the non-health trained respondents offer the same service. At least, 88.0% of the respondents keep stock ACTs, Amoxycilin DT, ORS and Zinc. About 38.5% reported stock-out of ACTs in the month preceding the study, 55.1% reported stock out lasting only 0 to 6 days. Only 83 (22.2%) of respondents knew the correct diagnosis of fast breathing among children aged 2 to less than 12 months old. Education and health training background were associated with a good knowledge of common childhood illnesses management (X2 = 44.88, p <0.001; X2 = 27.14, p <0.001).Conclusion: The relative constant availability of medicines and commodities for managing childhood illnesses positions PPMVs as a preferred source of care for these illnesses. There is a need to complement steady stock availability with provision of quality services by exposing PPMVs to trainings on integrated community case management of childhood illnesses and implementation of robust supervision mechanism to monitor them.
Novel Cellulose Nanofibers/Polyvinyl Alcohol/Polyethyleneimine Nanoparticle for Cu2+ Removal in Water
Authors: Si Rongrong , Wu Chaojun , Yu Dongmei , Ding Qijun , Li Ronggang
Published: May 2021

In this study, environmentally friendly CNF/PVA/PEI nanoparticle was obtained by assembling PEI (polyethyleneimine) into CNF/PVA aerogels, which were prepared by freeze-drying method with the help of glutaraldehyde. FTIR results showed that PEI likely assembled into the CNF/PVA aerogel due to appearances of bending vibration of the CNF/PVA/PEI nanoparticle at 1615cm− 1. BET results further demonstrated that PEI have successfully assembled into aerogel since the specific surface area (22.93m2/g) of CNF/PVA/PEI nanoparticle was lower than that (56.37m2/g) of CNF/PVA aerogel. SEM results also showed that PEI could obviously regulate the morphology of CNF/PVA aerogel. TGA indicated that CNF/PVA/PEI nanoparticle was structurally stable at 216.4°C. The adsorption kinetics of the CNF/PVA/PEI nanoparticle for Cu2+ removal presented good correlations with the Pseudo-second-order model. The adsorption and desorption results showed that the removal rate of 2g/L CNF/PVA/PEI nanoparticle for Cu2+in water could reach more than 93% when the concentration of Cu2+ ranged from 20 to 80mg/L in one hour, and it could still retain more than 80% after 3 cycles.
Association of miR-155, miR-187 and Inflammatory Cytokines Il-10 and TNF-α in Chronic Opiate Abusers
Authors: PUROHIT PURVI , Roy Dipayan , Dwivedi Shailender , Nebhinani Naresh , Sharma Praveen
Published: May 2021

The current study determined levels of inflammatory cytokines TNF-α, IL-6, IL-10 and immune-regulatory miR-155 and miR-187 expressions in chronic opiate abuse. Adults (n = 48), meeting the 5th Edition of the DSM criteria regarding opioid use disorder, and healthy controls (n = 46) were included in the study. Serum samples were analysed for inflammatory cytokines IL-10, IL-6, TNF-α using ELISA and PBMCs processed for miRNA expression using SybrGreen chemistry. Cases showed significantly raised IL-10 and TNF-α and reduced IL-6. Using RNU6 for normalization, dose-dependent corresponding upregulation of miR-155-5p and downregulation of miR-187-5p were evident at opiate dose > 1500 gm/day, with a corresponding increase of TNF-α and IL-10. MiR-155 showed a significant negative correlation with IL-6 and TNF-α; miR-187 showed a significant positive association with TNF-α at > 1000 g/day consumption. Therefore, increasing consumption of opium probably enhances inflammation leading to immunomodulation and aberrant expression of has-miR-155-5p and has-miR-187-5p in opiate abusers.
Effects of light qualities on growth, lipid contents and fatty acids profiles of Cylindrotheca closterium
Authors: Zhang Congying Zhang , Peng Ruibing , Wu Yi , Wu Zhihong , Zhang Zuhao , Jiang Xiamin , Xu Zhen
Published: May 2021

Background

Marine diatoms were considered as a promising alternative to microbial resources for the development of biofuels, food additives, medicines and chemical materials. Light of wavelength is a principal element that can easily be controlled in microalgal scale-culture and influence the growth, pigment composition, and lipids accumulation of algal cells. With the increasing implementation of light-emitting diodes (LEDs) in microalgal production systems (photobioreactors), a measure of light quality controlled by LED could be suitable to improve microalgal yields.
Results

In this study, Cylindrotheca Closterium, a widely used diatom, influenced by five light quality (white, red, blue, green and yellow light) was tested for its effects of growth rates, chlorophylls contents, total lipids contents and fatty acids compositions. The growth and chlorophyll experiments also showed that the green and yellow light significantly improve the growth rates and chlorophylls contents than other groups (P < 0.05). The group white light showed the greatest increases in total lipid contents of C. closterium (P < 0.05). The group blue light had the highest polyunsaturated fatty acids (PUFAs) proportion (P < 0.05), while the group white showed the lowest PUFAs and the highest saturated fatty acids (SFAs) and monounsaturated fatty acids (MUFAs) proportions (P < 0.05). The proportions of SFAs and MUFAs were negatively correlated with growth, chlorophylls, and lipids. And the proportion of PUFAs and n-3 PUFA was positively correlated with growth chlorophylls, and lipids. Principal component analysis showed that the fatty acid composition differed among light quality groups.
Conclusion

In summary, green light and yellow light were conductive to boosting the growth and chlorophylls accumulation of C. closterium. White light increased total lipid yields, while blue light was superior in increasing the production of unsaturated fatty acids, especially on the timnodonic acid (EPA). The application of two-step methods to increase the production of biomass and fatty acids is an effective measure for the cultivation of C. closterium; green light is used to increase the growth, followed by white light cultivation to improve total lipids or blue light to enhance the proportion of PUFAs of C. closterium.
Does m-health based exercise (guidance plus education) improve efficacy in patients with chronic low-back pain？A preliminary report on the intervention’s significance
Authors: Zheng Fuming , Liu Shufeng , Zhang Shanshan , yu Qiuhua , Lo Wai Leung Ambrose , Li Tingni , Wang Chuhuai
Published: May 2021

Objectives: The utilization of mobile health (m-health) has rapidly expanded during the COVID-19 pandemic, and there is still a lack of relevant clinical data pertaining to chronic low-back pain（CLBP）management. This study was designed to compare the effectiveness of m-health based exercise (via guidance plus education) versus exercise (via guidance) during CLBP management.Methods: Participants (n = 40) were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups. The intervention group received m-health based exercise (via guidance plus education), whereas the control group received m-health based exercise (via guidance). The exercise prescription video and educational content were sent to participants by the application (app), Ding Talk. Repeated-measures analysis of variance was used to test the baseline’s intervention effects, 6-week follow-up, and 18-week follow-up. We selected function（Roland and Morris Disability Questionnaire）and pain intensity (current, mean, and most severe Numeric Rating Scale in the last 2 weeks）as the primary outcomes, changes of negative emotion (depression, anxious), and quality of life as the secondary outcomes.Results: Time’s significant effect was found in pain, function, and health-related quality of life in both groups, but time did not show significant interaction effects. Participants were able to use m-based education with their anxiety and depression after treatment, but the relief only lasted until Week 6. No differences were found on the aspect of mental health-related quality of life.Conclusion: M-health based exercise (via guidance) is a convenient and effective method to treat CLBP. Additionally, plus education is more helpful in relieving short-term negative emotions and improving treatment adherence than guidance only. However, at the last follow-up（18-week）, no significant differences were found between the intervention and control groups.
Myocardial Infarction Iincidence at the Northwest of Iran 2014–2018: A Spatial Analysis
Authors: Soleimani Mohsen , Bagheri Nasser
Published: May 2021

BackgroundMyocardial Infarction (MI) is a major important public health concern and has huge burden on health system across the world. This study aimed to explore the spatial variation of MI incidence and investigate if there is a spatial clusters in the MI patterns among rural areas in Zanjan province, Iran.Materials & MethodsThis was a retrospective and geospatial analysis study using MI incidence data from 2014-2018 from nine hospital information system databases. Three different spatial analysis methods (Spatial autocorrelation, hotspot analysis and cluster and outlier analysis) were used to identify potential clusters and high-risk areas of MI incidence at the study area.Results3,820 patients were registered at Zanjan hospitals due to MI during 2014-2018. The age-adjusted incidence rate of MI was 343 cases per 100,000 person which raised from 88 cases in 2014 to 114 cases in 2018 per 100,000 person (a 30% increase, P<0.001). Golabar region had the highest incidence rate of MI (515 cases per 100,000 person). Five hotspot and one high-high cluster were detected using spatial analysis methods.Conclusion﻿This showed that there is a great deal of spatial variations in the pattern of MI incidence in Zanjan province. The high incidence rate of MI in the study area compared to the national average, is a warning to local health authorities to determine the possible causes of disease incidence and potential drivers of high-risk areas. The spatial cluster analysis provided new evidence for policy-makers to design tailored interventions to reduce MI incidence and allocate health resource to unmet need areas.