bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Integrative Analysis and Identification of an Excellent lncRNA Signature to Predict Prognosis in Patients With Colon Cancer
Authors: Chen ZhiHua , Lin YiLin , Lin SuYong , Liu YiSu , Zheng Yan , Gao Ji , Chen Shao-Qin
Published: February 2021

Backgroud: Tumour recurrence and metastasis lead to poor prognosis in colon cancer (COAD). Therefore We aimed to identify a lncRNA signature through an integrative analysis of copy number variation, mutation and transcriptome data to predict prognosis and explore its internal mechanism.Methods: The lncRNA expression profile were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). TCGA data was randomly divided 3:1 into training and testing cohort. In the training, we performed integrated analyses of three candidate lncRNA sets that correlated with prognosis, copy number variations and mutations to establish a signature through Cox regression analysis. The robustness was determined in the testing and GEO. Results: An 11-lncRNA signature that was significantly associated with prognosis was constructed in the training (P<0.0001, HR=2.014) , And this signature was validated in the testing (P=0.0019, HR=3.374) and GSE17536 (P=0.0076, HR=1.864). The signature is significantly related to MSI status and clinical prognostic factors. The prognostic-related risk scores were significantly excellent than the other five models have been reported. Furthermore, GSEA suggested that the signature was involved in COAD development and metastasis-related pathways.Conclusions: We identified an signature has strong robustness and can stably predict the prognosis of COAD in different platforms and may be implicated in COAD pathogenesis and metastasis and applied clinically as a prognostic marker.
A Retrospective Study on the Cephalometric Markers That Predict the Treatment Outcomes of Twin Block Functional Appliance
Authors: Dong Jingya , Zhang Yan , Shi Qingjuan , Lin Feiou , Hu Rongdang , Wang Yi , Zheng Hong
Published: February 2021

Background

Despite the widespread use of functional appliances, broad variations are reported on the treatment response. This retrospective study aims to investigate the pre-treatment cephalometric predictors on the treatment outcome of Twin block in growing patients with class II malocclusion
Methods

After screening, a total of 90 patients treated by Twin block were included in the study. The treatment outcome was the advancement of the chin position, assessed by the distance of skeletal pogonion to the vertical reference plane perpendicular to Frankfurt plane (△Pog-VRP). Moreover, △Pog-VRP is adjusted by facial growth evaluated by △N-Ba to minimize the growth discrepancy among individuals (adj△Pog-VRP). The pre-treatment cephalometric measurements were compared with independent t-test. Stepwise multivariate regression analysis was performed to determine the pre-treatment cephalometric predictors for the treatment outcome.
Results

Patients were equally divided into good response group (GRG/adjGRG, N = 45) and poor response group (PRG/adjPRG, N = 45) respectively based on the median value of △Pog-VRP/adj△Pog-VRP. Patients with greater chin advancement had a significantly reduced cephalometric measurements in the vertical dimensions including ∠Na-Go-Me, ∠MP-OP and sum of angels (P < 0.05). And such differences increased after adjustments in comparison between adjGRG and adjPRG. Importantly, ∠Na-Go-Me was found to be independent predicter on Pog advancement before (β=-0.26, 95%CI, -0.06 to -0.01, P = 0.01) and after adjustments (β=-0.29,95%CI -0.06, -0.01, P < 0.01).
Conclusion

With the limitation of the study, we provide evidence that patients with a smaller Na-Go-Me angle are more likely to experience a greater chin advancement following Twin block treatment.
Comparison of Survival Between Assisted Peritoneal Dialysis and Self-Care Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Aged 70 or Older
Authors: Song Qianhui , Yan Hao , Yu Zanzhe , Li Zhenyuan , Yuan Jiangzi , Ni Zhaohui , Fang Wei
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Assisted PD is used as an alternative option for the growing group of frail, older ESRD patients unable to perform their own PD. This study was undertaken to investigate the outcomes of assisted PD in older patients by comparing assisted PD patients with self-care PD patients.
Methods

This study included all patients aged 70 or older who started on PD in our hospital from 2009 to 2018. Patients were divided into assisted PD group and self-care PD group according to the independence of bag exchange, and followed up until death, PD cessation or to the end of the study (December 31, 2019). Survival curves were generated using the Kaplan-Meier method and risk factors associated with mortality, peritonitis and technique failure were evaluated using both cause-specific hazards and subdistribution hazards models.
Results

180 patients were enrolled, including 106 (58.9%) males with a median age of 77.5 (77.2–81.2) years. Among the 180 patients, 62 patients (34.4%) were assisted. Patients in the assisted PD group were older, more likely to be female, more prevalent in DM and CVD, with a higher Charlson score than patients in the self-care PD group (P all < 0.05). In the multivariable analysis, assisted patients had a comparable patient survival and peritonitis-free survival compared to self-care PD patients either in the Cox or in the FG models. According to a Cox model, the use of assisted PD was associated with a lower risk of technique failure (cs-HR 0.20, 95% CI 0.04–0.76), but the association lost its statistical significance in the Fine and Gray model.
Conclusions

No significant difference in patient survival and peritonitis-free survival were found between the assisted PD patients and self-care PD patients. Moreover, assisted PD might protect older patients incapable of self-care from technique failure. Therefore, we suggested that assisted PD could be a safe and effective RRT modality for older ESRD patients who need assistance.
Elevated Resting Heart Rate is Associated with Increased Circulatory CD14 + TLR4 + monocytes and VEGF Expression in Healthy Obese Individuals: Implications for Inflammation and Cardiovascular Disease
Authors: Al-Rashed Fatema , Sindhu Sardar , Madhoun Ashraf Al , Ahmad Zunair , AlMekhled Dawood , Azim Rafaat , Al-Kandari Sarah , Wahid Maziad Al-Abdul , Al-Mulla Fahd , Ahmad Rasheed
Published: February 2021

The role of leukocyte inflammatory markers and toll like receptors (TLRs)2/4 in pathologies associated with elevated resting heart rate (RHR) levels in healthy obese (HO) individuals is not well elucidated. Herein, we investigated the relationship of RHR with expression of leukocyte-inflammatory markers and TLRs in HO individuals. 58-obese and 57-lean participants with no history of a major medical condition, were recruited in this study. In HO individuals, the elevated-RHR correlated positively with diastolic blood pressure, cholesterol, pro-inflammatory monocytes CD11b + CD11c + CD206-phenotype (r=0.52,P=0.0003) as well as with activated T cells CD8 + HLA-DR + phenotype (r=0.27,P=0.039). No association was found between RHR and the percentage of CD16 + CD11b + neutrophils. Interestingly, elevated RHR positively correlated with cells expressing TLR4 and TLR2 (CD14 + TLR4 + , r=0.51,P≤ 0.0001; and CD14 + TLR2 + ,r =0.42,P=0.001). TLR4 + expressing cells also associated positively with the plasma concentrations of proinflammatory or vascular permeability/matrix modulatory markers including TNF-α (r=0.36,P=0.005), VEGF (r= 0.47,P=0.0002), and MMP-9 (r=0.53,P≤0.0001). Multiple regression revealed that RHR is independently associated with CD14 + TLR4 + monocytes and VEGF. We conclude that in HO individuals, increased CD14 + TLR4 + monocytes and circulatory VEGF levels associated independently with RHR, implying that RHR monitoring could be used as a non-invasive clinical indicator to identify healthy obese individuals at risk for inflammation and cardiovascular disease.
When do Mangroves Create an Economic “Safe Haven” from Tropical Storms?
Authors: Hochard Jacob , Barbier Edward , Hamilton Stuart
Published: February 2021

Evidence suggests that climate change will increase the frequency of intense storms. Mangroves may protect economic activity in coastal areas. We develop a model that illustrates protections from mangroves and coastal elevation and estimate the impacts of cyclones on coastal economic activity. We find that higher elevation or expansive mangroves alone shelter economic activity from “indirect” cyclone exposure whereas economic activity is only protected from “direct” cyclone exposure in high elevation communities with expansive mangroves. Our global mapping reveals that the majority of these “safe havens” are in upper middle-income countries but are used by populations in lower middle-income countries.
Hemodialysis Exacerbates Proteolytic Imbalance and Pro-fibrotic Platelet Dysfunction
Authors: Velasquez-Mao Aaron , Velasquez Mark , Hui Zhengxiong , Armas-Ayon Denise , Wang Jingshen , Vandsburger Moriel
Published: February 2021

Multi-organ fibrosis among end stage renal disease (ESRD) patients cannot be explained by uremia alone. Despite mitigation of thrombosis during hemodialysis (HD), subsequent platelet dysfunction and tissue dysregulation are less understood. We comprehensively profiled plasma and platelets from ESRD patients before and after HD to examine HD-modulation of platelets beyond thrombotic activation. Basal plasma levels of proteolytic regulators and fibrotic factors were elevated in ESRD patients compared to healthy controls, with isoform-specific changes during HD. Platelet lysate (PL) RNA transcripts for growth and coagulative factors were elevated post-HD, with upregulation correlated to HD vintage. Platelet secretome correlations to plasma factors reveal acutely induced pro-fibrotic platelet phenotypes in ESRD patients during HD characterized by preferentially enhanced proteolytic enzyme translation and secretion, platelet contribution to inflammatory response, and increasing platelet dysfunction with blood flow rate (BFR) and Vintage. Compensatory mechanisms of increased platelet growth factor synthesis with acute plasma matrix metalloproteinase (MMP) and tissue inhibitor of MMPs (TIMP) increases show short-term mode-switching between dialysis sessions leading to long-term pro-fibrotic bias. Chronic pro-fibrotic adaptation of platelet synthesis were observed through changes in alpha-granule- and lysosome-filling behaviors. We conclude that chronic and acute platelet responses to HD contribute to a pro-fibrotic milieu in ESRD.
The Impact of Insect Herbivory in the Level of Cannabinoids in CBD Hemp Varieties
Authors: Jackson Brandon , Gilbert Lenneisha , Tolosa Tigist , Henry Shellyann , Volkis Victoria , Zebelo Simon
Published: February 2021

Background In the United States, industrial hemp is defined as a Cannabis sativa L. plant not containing more than 0.3% delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol (D9THC) by dry weight. Plants respond to insect herbivore damage by changing their chemistry to counter the effects of herbivore attack. Here, we hypothesized that the corn earworm (Helicoverpa zea) infestation might impact the level of cannabinoids (Cannabidiol (CBD) and D9THC). Results In a laboratory trial, the CBD hemp, Cherry Blossom, and The Wife varieties were subjected to herbivore damage (HD), Mechanical damage (MD), and Control. After 24hrs of the treatments, we found a significant increase in CBD and D9THC in HD plants compared with MD and Control plants. Similar experiments were conducted in the field condition. A substantial increase in CBD and D9THC observed in herbivore damaged hemp plants compared to the control plants. However, in the field trial, the levels of cannabinoids were not significantly higher in The wife variety. Interestingly, the Corn earworm larvae fed with CBD and D9THC spiked diet showed a significant reduction in body mass, as compared to the larvae fed with the control diets.ConclusionsThe level of cannabinoids seems not genetically fixed somewhat; it is affected by insect herbivory. Our results suggest that CBD hemp plants are exposed to insect herbivory spikes in cannabinoid production and surpass the 0.3 % legal limit of D9THC. The growth and development of Corn earworm, the number one hemp pest in North America affected by cannabinoids. The increased concentration of CBD and D9THC observed in herbivore damaged hemp plants might be associated with the direct deterrence of the corn earworm larvae. Further research underway using different hemp varieties to assess if herbivory and other biotic stressors impact the level of cannabinoids.
H-shaped miktobrush copolymer nanoassembly facilitates ultrafast nucleus delivery for multi-stimuli-cooperative tumour suppression
Authors: Chen Huabing , Zhang Miya , Dai Wenxue , Yang Tao , Li Ting , Xu Tao , Deng Yibing , Yang Hong , Ke Hengte , Zhao Youliang
Published: February 2021

The potencies of antitumour compounds are often compromised by their restricted subcellular delivery to nucleus, although a variety of smart vehicles have been extensively designed to release drug in endocytic organelles. A major challenge remains in exploring the nanocarriers with robust and spatiotemporal responsiveness for yielding efficient subcellular targeting due to tumour heterogeneity. Herein, we show an H-shaped miktobrush copolymer nanoassembly (NAs) with ultrafast nucleus delivery for multi-stimuli-cooperative suppression against primary and metastatic triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) models. The micellar NAs display acidity- and glutathione-responsive drug releases through the protonation and disulfide-bridge cleavage, which are further amplified by irreversible photo-controlled oxidation and phase transition in a ratiometric manner, leading to rapid morphological destruction and ultrafast cytoplasmic translocation into the nucleus from the lysosomes in a few minutes. These micellar NAs thus show a distinctly enhanced cooperativity of photochemotherapeutic efficacy through considerable apoptotic behavior, potently suppressing subcutaneous and orthotopic TNBC models, together with enhanced survival rates. Moreover, these NAs yield preferable anti-metastatic efficacy through the inhibition of metastasis-relevant proteins as compared to chemotherapy and surgical resection. These results provide the insight into multi-stimuli-responsive polymers for ultrafast nucleus delivery against aggressive tumours.
Early Detection and Intervention for Acute perforated Peptic Ulcer after Elective Spine Surgeries: A Review of 13 Cases from 24,026 Patients
Authors: Kao Fu-Cheng , Lin Tung-Yi , Chiu Ping-Yeh , Tsai Tsung-Ting , Fu Tsai-Sheng , Lai Po-Liang
Published: February 2021

Background:To determine how perforated peptic ulcers be diagnosed earlier after patients undergoing an elective spine surgeryMethods:Patients who underwent elective spine surgeries at our hospital between January 2000 and April 2018 and experienced an acute perforated peptic ulcer were included. An age-and gender-matched control group was comprised of 26 patients without a postoperative acute perforated peptic ulcer who received spine surgery during the same period. Medical records and imaging studies were thoroughly reviewed.Results:Thirteen patients were enrolled in the study group, including eight females and five males. Three patients, two females and one male, died of uncontrolled peritonitis during the hospital stay. All patients in the study group experienced the sudden onset of abdominal pain, which was continuous and progressive. Patients with elevated serum amylase, a peptic ulcer history and increased intraoperative blood loss had a tendency to develop a postoperative perforated peptic ulcer. Conclusion:Spine surgeons should be highly suspicious of a perforated peptic ulcer if a patient with abnormal high serum amylase level, a history of peptic ulcer and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory druguse experiences, progressive pain in the epigastrium accompanied by abdominal rigidity and absent bowel sounds. Early diagnosis and emergency surgical intervention promote better outcomes.
Early Warming Stress on Juvenile Fish Impairs Testicular Development and Sperm Quality But Contrastingly Elicits Intergenerational Thermotolerance
Authors: Butzge Arno Juliano , Yoshinaga Tulio Teruo , Acosta Omar David Moreno , Fernandino Juan Ignacio , Sanches Eduardo Antônio , Tabata Yara Aiko , Oliveira Claudio , Hattori Ricardo Shohei
Published: February 2021

The exposure of adult fish to warm or high temperatures is known to impair reproduction, yet the long-term reproductive impacts for treatments at early life are not well clarified. This study aimed to evaluate the effects of warm temperature (WT) during juvenile stage on gonad maturation, gamete quality, and offspring thermotolerance in rainbow trout. While the comparison of basic reproductive parameters in WT females did not reveal any kind of impairment, many WT males showed an atrophied, undeveloped gonad, or a smaller testis with lower milt volume; sperm quality parameters in WT males and deformity rates in the respective progeny were also highly affected. However, despite of such negative effects, many of the remaining progenies presented better rates of survival and growth when exposed to the same conditions as those of parental fish (WT), suggesting that thermal stress in parr stage males elicited intergenerational thermoresistance after a single generation . The present results support that prolonged warming stress during early life stages can adversely affect key reproductive aspects, but constrastingly increase offspring performance at upper thermal ranges. These findings have implications on the capacity of fish to adapt and to cope with global warming.
Ultrasound Guided Platelet rich Plasma Injections for Post-Traumatic Greater Occipital Neuralgia: A Randomized Controlled trial Protocol
Authors: Stone Jacqueline , Fung Tak S. , Machan Matthew , Campbell Christina , Shan Rodney Li Pi , Debert Chantel
Published: February 2021

Background: Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a leading cause of death and disability worldwide. Post-traumatic headaches (PTH) are a common sequalae of TBI and greatly impact patient function and quality of life. Post-traumatic greater occipital neuralgia (GON) is a type of post-traumatic headache. Conventional treatment includes steroid/anesthetic injections which typically alleviate pain, but have a short duration of effect. Platelet rich plasma (PRP) is an emerging biological treatment for numerous degenerative disorders, including peripheral nerve disorders. The primary aim of this study is to evaluate the pain response of a single perineural PRP injection in the treatment of post-traumatic GON.Methods: Thirty adults (over 18 years of age) with post-traumatic GON will be randomized into one of three groups: 1) autologous PRP injection 2) steroid/anesthetic injection (standard care) or 3) placebo injection with normal saline. Injections will be performed to the greater occipital nerve under ultrasound guidance by a trained physician. Daily headache intensity and frequency data will be collected pre-injection and for the duration of the study period. The primary outcome will be the change in headache intensity, as measured by a reduction on the numerical pain rating scale (NPRS) at 3 months post-injection in the PRP group, versus the normal saline and steroid groups. Secondary outcomes will include adverse effects, prn medication usage, and impact on function and quality of life as measured by the Headache Impact Test 6 (HIT-6) and Quality of Life following Brain Injury (QOILIBRI) questionnaires. Discussion: This trial will evaluate the efficacy of PRP injections as a treatment for post-traumatic GON. This research will further our understanding of PTH, GON, and the treatment of peripheral neuralgias.Trial Registration: ClinicalTrials.gov - NCT04051203 (registered August 9, 2019), available at https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04051203?cond=greater+occipital+neuralgia&draw=2&rank=1
Stability of fractional order fuzzy cellular neural networks with distributed delays via hybrid feedback controllers
Authors: Sing Ajendra , Rai Jitendra Nath
Published: February 2021

This article studies the Global Mittag-Leffler stability of fractional order fuzzy cellular neural networks via hybrid feedback controllers. Based on hybrid feedback control technique Lyapunov approach, and some novel analysis techniques of fractional calculation, some sufficient conditions are obtained to guarantee the Global Mittag-lefflers stability. Finally, two simulation example are given to illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Needs and resources of people with type 2 diabetes in peri-urban Cochabamba, Bolivia: A people-centred perspective.
Authors: Leyns Christine , Couvreur Niek , Willems Sara , Hecke Ann Van
Published: February 2021

Background: The rising prevalence of type 2 diabetes results in a worldwide public healthcare crisis, especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) with unprepared and overburdened health systems mainly focused on infectious diseases and maternal and child health. Studies regarding type 2 diabetes in LMICs describe specific interventions ignoring a comprehensive analysis of the local factors people see influential to their health. This study aims to meet this research gap by exploring what people with type 2 diabetes in Bolivia need to maintain or improve their health, how important they perceive those identified needs and to what extent these needs are met.Methods: From March until May 2019, 33 persons with type 2 diabetes from three periurban municipalities of the department of Cochabamba participated in this study. The concept mapping methodology by Trochim, a highly structured qualitative brainstorming method, was used to generate and structure a broad range of perspectives on what the participants considered instrumental for their health.Results: The brainstorming resulted in 156 original statements condensed into 72 conceptually different needs and resources, structured under nine conceptual clusters and four action domains. These domains illustrated with vital needs were: (1) self-management with use of plants and the possibility to measure sugar levels periodically; (2) healthcare providers with the need to trust and receive a uniform diagnosis and treatment plan; (3) health system with opportune access to care and (4) community with community participation in health and safety, including removal of stray dogs.Conclusions: This study identifies mostly contextual factors like low literacy levels, linguistic problems in care, the need to articulate people's worldview including traditional use of natural remedies with the Bolivian health system and the lack of expertise on type 2 diabetes by primary health care providers. Understanding the needs and structuring them in different areas wherein action is required serves as a foundation for the planning and evaluation of an integrated people centred care program for people with type 2 diabetes. This participative method serves as a tool to implement the often theoretical concept of integrated people centred health care in health policy and program development.
“I want to get better, but…”: Identifying the perceptions and experiences of people who inject drugs with respect to evolving hepatitis C virus treatments
Authors: Goodyear Trevor , Brown Helen , Browne Annette J. , Hoong Peter , Ti Lianping , Knight Rod
Published: February 2021

Background: The advent of highly tolerable and efficacious direct-acting antiviral (DAA) medications has transformed the hepatitis C virus (HCV) treatment landscape. Yet, people who inject drugs (PWID) – a population with inequitably high rates of HCV and who face significant socio-structural barriers to healthcare access – continue to have disproportionately low rates of DAA uptake. The objective of this study is to explore how PWID with lived experience of HCV perceive and experience DAA treatment, in a setting with universal coverage of these medications since 2018.Methods: Informed by a critical interpretive framework, we thematically analyze data from in-depth, semi-structured interviews conducted between January and June 2018 in Vancouver, Canada, with a purposive sample (n=56) of PWID at various stages (e.g., pre, peri, post) of DAA treatment. Results: The analysis yielded three key themes: (i) life with HCV, (ii) experiences with and perceptions of evolving HCV treatments, and (iii) substance use and the uptake of DAA treatments. First, participants described how health and healthcare conditions, such as the deprioritizing of HCV (e.g., due to being asymptomatic, healthcare provider inaction, gatekeeping) and catalysts to care (e.g., symptom onset, treatment for co-morbidities) shaped DAA treatment motivation and access. Second, participants described how individual and community-level accounts of evolving HCV treatments, including skepticism following negative experiences with interferon-based treatment and uncertainty regarding treatment eligibility negatively, influenced willingness and opportunities to access DAAs. Concurrently, participants described how peer and community endorsement of DAAs was positively associated with treatment uptake. Third, participants favoured HCV care that was grounded in harm reduction, which included the integration of DAAs with other substance use-related services (e.g., opioid agonist therapy, HIV care), and which was often contrasted against abstinence-focused care wherein substance use is framed as a contraindication to HCV treatment access. Conclusions: These findings underscore several equity-oriented healthcare service delivery and clinician adaptations that are required to scale up DAAs among PWID living with HCV, including the provision of harm reduction-focused, non-stigmatizing, integrated, and peer-led care that responds to power differentials.
Normalization Of Blood Clotting Characteristics Using Prothrombin Complex Concentrate, Fibrinogen And FXIII In An Albumin Based Fluid: Experimental Studies In Thromboelastometry.
Authors: Koller Tobias , Kinast Nadia , Castellanos Andres Guilarte , Garcia Sergio Perez , Iglesias Pilar Paniagua , Vintro Xavi León , Arranz Jose Mateo , Seto Noelia Vilalta , García Maria Victoria Moral , Moreno-Castaño Ana Belén , Aznar-Salatti Jose , Albaladejo Gines Escolar , Ricart Maribel Diaz
Published: February 2021

Background: Colloid fluids supplemented with adequate combinations of coagulation factor concentrates with the capability to restore coagulation could be a desirable future treatment component in massive transfusion.Methods: Starting from a coagulation factor and blood cell-free albumin solution we added Prothrombin Complex Concentrate, Fibrinogen Concentrate and Factor XIII in different combinations and concentrations to analyze their properties to restore thromboelastometry parameters without the use of plasma. Further analysis under the presence of platelets was performed for comparability to whole blood conditions.Results: Albumin solutions enriched with Fibrinogen Concentrate, Factor XIII and Prothrombin Complex Concentrate at optimized concentrations show restoring coagulation potential. Prothrombin Complex Concentrate showed sufficient thrombin formation for inducing fibrinogen polymerization. The combination of Prothrombin Complex Concentrate and Fibrinogen Concentrate led to the formation of a stable in vitro fibrin clot. Fibrinogen and Factor XIII showed excellent capacity to improve fibrin clot firmness expressed as Amplitude at 10 minutes and Maximal Clot Firmness. Fibrinogen alone, or in combination with Factor XIII, was able to restore normal Amplitude at 10 minutes and Maximal Clot Firmness values. In the presence of platelets, the thromboelastometry surrogate parameter for thrombin generation (Clotting Time) improves and normalizes when compared to whole blood.Conclusions: Combinations of coagulation factor concentrates suspended in albumin solutions can restore thromboelastometry parameters in the absence of plasma. This kind of artificial colloid fluids with coagulation-restoring characteristics might offer new treatment alternatives for massive transfusion.Trial registration: Study registered at the institutional ethic committee “Institut de Recerca, Hospital Santa Creu i Sant Pau, with protocol number IIBSP-CFC-2013-165.
Autopsy Findings in an Infant with Primary Hyperoxaluria (Type-1)
Authors: Kumar Aman , Kinra Prateek , Kashif A W
Published: February 2021

Histopathological findings in oxalosis patient are limited in the literature, although it has high mortality. Oxalosis, which is defined as deposition of calcium oxalate crystals in tissues, is the final stage of various hyperoxaluric syndromes. It is often missed and is rare. The diagnosis is often delayed, since it requires special laboratory tests for establishing the diagnosis. Kidneys, blood vessel walls, and bones are the major sites for crystal deposition. We present an infant autopsy case of primary hyperoxaluria, type 1. Diagnosis was established with genetic testing. On autopsy, calcium oxalate crystals which were refringent to polarized light were found in both kidneys.
Clear Cell Morphology in a Salivary Gland Tumor - Clearly a Morphological Dilemma
Authors: Marla Nisha J , T Poorni Bharathi
Published: February 2021

Primary salivary gland tumors with clear cell morphology comprise an uncommonly encountered subgroup of salivary gland neoplasm. Clear cell morphology is a known feature in both benign and malignant salivary gland tumors. Oncocytomas are uncommon tumors of the salivary gland. They have an abundance of mitochondria, which is manifested as granular eosinophilic cytoplasm by light microscopy with presence of cytoplasmic glycogen. Fixation artifact can impart cytoplasmic clearing and oncocytomas with a predominance of clear cytoplasm are labeled Clear cell oncocytomas. Accurate diagnosis of salivary gland tumors can be challenging because of the many diagnostic entities, extensive morphologic overlap, and the rarity of most tumor types. Here we report a case of Clear cell salivary oncoctyoma which was confirmed by Immunohistochemical markers by excluding morphological differential of Clear cell myoepithelioma.
MATHEMATICAL MODELING OF THE COMPOSITION BASE OF PRODUCTS FOR BODY WEIGHT CONTROL
Authors: Sienohonova Halyna , Antyushko Dmitry , Drell Victor , Sienohonova Lyudmila
Published: February 2021

The problems of overweight and obesity have been analyzed, and the main ways to solve them have been investigated, one of which is the consumption of specially designed bran bars for body weight control. Based on the recommendations of experts, it has determined that the main components characterized by a high fiber content are oat and wheat bran, flax seed meal, in particular, the proposals of specialists on their content in the target products planned for development have been analyzed. Based on these data, 9 model compositions of the mentioned components have been created, their organoleptic properties have been assessed using a specially created point scale, on the basis of which, using the weight coefficients, their complex quality indicators has been determined. The information obtained was used to develop and build a mathematical model of the composition of the compositional base of bars for body weight control
Mineralogy of the 2019 Aguas Zarcas (CM2) carbonaceous chondrite meteorite fall
Authors: Garvie Laurence A.J.
Published: February 2021

The 2019 Aguas Zarcas CM2 meteorite is the most significant carbonaceous chondrite CM2 fall since Murchison in 1969. Samples collected immediately following the fall and studied here provide the rare opportunity to analyze the bulk mineralogy of a CM2 largely free of terrestrial contamination. Bulk samples were analyzed by powder X-ray diffraction (XRD), thermal gravimetric (TG) analysis, evolved gas analysis (EGA), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) with an electron-probe micro-analyzer (EPMA). Water-extracted salts were analyzed by XRD. In hand specimen, the stones are brecciated and dominated by chondrule-rich and chondrule-poor lithologies, and locally, a matrix-rich lithology. Powder XRD patterns from multiple stones are dominated by reflections from serpentine group minerals, on which are superimposed reflections for ferrotochilinite, 1:1 regularly interstratified ferrotochilinite/cronstedtite, anhydrous silicates, calcite, pentlandite, pyrrhotite, and minor phases. Reflections for magnetite are present only from a metal-rich breccia clast. The serpentine XRD reflections from the chondrule-rich and chondrule-poor lithologies match those from 1T cronstedtite, whereas those from the matrix-rich lithology match the 1M polytype. Patterns with the 1M polytype also show a distinct low-angle scattering to the serpentine basal reflection centered near 8.6 Å, the origin of which is obscure. Further matching of the known serpentines to the Aguas Zarcas data shows that cronstedtite accounts for a subordinate amount of the clays, and at least three other chemically and structurally distinct serpentines are likely present. A typical fragment of Aguas Zarcas yielded 0.6 wt% water-extractable salts. The powder XRD pattern of the dried water extract shows reflections for halite = NaCl; chlorartinite = Mg2(CO3)(OH)Cl·2H2O; thenardite = Na2SO4; and sodium chlorate = NaClO4. The TG mass losses of 11.4 to 14.7 wt% are consistent with other CM2 chondrites. The gases detected by EGA are dominated by H2O and CO2, largely derived from the dehydroxylation and decomposition of serpentine and calcite, respectively. Also detected are gases with masses matching SO2/S2 and H2S, which are primarily released below 480 °C, and a mass of 30, which matches the molecular weight of formaldehyde and ethane, shows a maximum at 376 °C. These organic gases likely derive from the pyrolysis of indigenous organic matter. Taken together, the millimeter-scale mineralogical study of Aguas Zarcas reveals a complex breccia dominated by CM2-like clasts. The detailed study of this meteorite, together with similar studies from a range of carbonaceous chondrites, provides the foundations for studying and interpreting the samples returned from the NASA OSIRIS-REx and JAXA Hayabusa2 missions.
High-pressure experimental study of tetragonal CaSiO3-perovskite to 200 GPa
Authors: Sun Ningyu , Bian Hui , Zhang Youyue , Lin Jung-Fu , Prakapenka Vitali B. , Mao Zhu
Published: February 2021

In this study, we have investigated the crystal structure and equation of state of tetragonal CaSiO3-perovskite up to 200 GPa using synchrotron X-ray diffraction in laser-heated diamond-anvil cells. X-ray diffraction patterns of the quenched CaSiO3-perovskite above 148 GPa clearly show that 200, 211, and 220 peaks of the cubic phase split into 004+220, 204+312, and 224+400 peak pairs, respectively, in the tetragonal structure, and their calculated full-width at half maximum (FWHM) exhibits a substantial increase with pressure. The distribution of diffraction peaks suggests that the tetragonal CaSiO3-perovskite most likely has an I4/mcm space group at 300 K between 148 and 199 GPa, although other possibilities might still exist. Using the Birch-Murnaghan equations, we have determined the equation of state of tetragonal CaSiO3-perovskite, yielding the bulk modulus K0T = 227(21) GPa with the pressure derivative of the bulk modulus, K0T′ = 4.0(3). Modeled sound velocities at 580 K and around 50 GPa using our results and literature values show the difference in the compressional (VP) and shear-wave velocity (VS) between the tetragonal and cubic phases to be 5.3 and 6.7%, respectively. At ~110 GPa and 1000 K, this phase transition leads to a 4.3 and 9.1% jump in VP and VS, respectively. Since the addition of Ti can elevate the transition temperature, the transition from the tetragonal to cubic phase may have a seismic signature compatible with the observed mid-lower mantle discontinuity around the cold subduction slabs, which needs to be explored in future studies.
Influence of minimum wage and prompt salary payment on teachers’ effectiveness in public secondary schools
Authors: Philip Adekanmbi Foluso , Ukpere Wilfred
Published: February 2021

Obviously that less motivated teachers are less productive and less disposed to perform their best, despite their acquired teaching experiences in secondary schools. Drawing on equity theory, valence expectancy theory, and the two-factor theory, this paper examines the influence of minimum wage and prompt salary payment on teacher effectiveness in public secondary schools. The study’s sample was drawn from 20 selected public secondary schools in Ibadan North local government area of Oyo State, Nigeria. This study adopts a quantitative research approach. The questionnaires were randomly distributed. Out of 200 questionnaires, 149 questionnaires were effective for analysis after analyzing the data with SPSS version 25. This study revealed that minimum wage, prompt salary payment, and demographic variables have significant independent and joint influence on teachers’ effectiveness in public secondary schools. It was proved that several teachers are dissatisfied with minimum wage payments and that prompt salary payment influences teachers’ effectiveness. Therefore, the study recommended that the state government should review the current minimum wage, making it more attractive to motivate teachers, thereby directly enhancing teachers’ effectiveness. The focus should also be on achieving prompt salary payment through consistent and effective salary scheme management, promoting teachers’ effectiveness.
AcknowledgmentThe current author acknowledges the Department of Industrial Psychology and People Management, College of Business and Economics, University of Johannesburg, under Professor Wilfred Ukpere, in funding the current study and its publication.
Performance Measurement of Academic Information Systems using Performance Prism and ISO/IEC 25010
Authors: Liulliyah Liulliyah , Pribadi Subriadi Apol
Published: February 2021

The aim of the research was to measure system performance information in terms of system quality using the ISO/IEC 25010 model and involve stakeholders using the Performance Prism (PP) model. The research applied an action research approach where researchers developed performance measurement models and solved existing problems. The research produced 41 performance indicators, which were used to measure academic information system. The results in general academic information systems have a performance value of 5,522.
Sustainable Growth Rate Model in Indonesia Manufacturing Firms
Authors: Nugroho Vina Christina
Published: February 2021

Regarding the importance of Sustainable Growth Rate (SGR) calculation for firms as a basic of financial decision, many previous studies had highlighted the variability of SGR calculation. The research’s first objective focused on two methods of SGR calculation and figured out the determinant factors (internal and external) that affect firm’s SGR. One method focused on different determinants of SGR when industry or firm specific aspects were considered. Whereas, SGR (II) focused on determinant of SGR when firms are reluctant to issue new equity. The second objective was to investigate the determinant factors towards SGR in both models. Sample for the research was public-listed manufacturing firms in Indonesia from 2011 to 2019. The result shows that there is significant difference between the two methods, and not to mention that Return on Equity (ROE) becomes the only factor that affect SGR (in both models). The implication is due to the limited amount of time, so the research can only compare two different method of SGR.
Research on fault diagnosis of rolling bearings based on conditional variance statistic and cross-correlation spectrum
Authors: Huang Baoyu , Zhang Yongxiang , Zhu Danchen
Published: February 2021

In this paper, relationships between conditional variance statistic and the center frequency as well as the bandwidth of the filter are researched, and we find that conditional variance statistic is suitable for selecting the center frequency of the filter, but undesirable for selecting the bandwidth. Meanwhile, considering that the traditional iterative way to select the optimal resonance frequency band will be affected by the step size, we choose to fix the bandwidth at five times fault characteristic frequency, then Whale Optimization Algorithm (WOA) is utilized to select the optimal center frequency so as to give consideration to both computing efficiency and accuracy of the selection of center frequency. To further suppress the in-band noise, the filtered signal is analyzed by high order energy operator, and the optimal two energy operators are chosen based on Fault Characteristic Index (FCI) for cross-correlation spectrum analysis. Simulation and experimental results indicate that the proposed algorithm can extract the fault feature of rolling bearings under strong background noise effectively.
Interrogatives as a means to express politeness in the danish language
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Gurova Elena
Published: February 2021

Despite the change in the Danish communication style caused by the transformation of the social-political and cultural life of the Danish in the late 1960s, which made a number of polite forms obsolete, the Danish language has various ways to express polite requests. One of the most common strategies congruent with the principle of politeness and efficiency is the use of conventional interrogative sentences with the verbs gide, ville, kunne, verbs in the present tense and a construction er du sød at. The article examines these interrogative sentences gleaned from dialogues in contemporary Danish television series. The most polite of all the conventional requests are questions with vil/ville, which can be used in a formal setting or in correspondence. They appeal to the addressee’s willingness to perform an action, to a greater extent than questions with kun/kunne, and they are meant to avoid encroaching upon the interlocutor’s freedom. The construction er du sød at is classed among the formulas of a high degree of politeness and often presupposes a significant status distance between the interlocutors. Questions with gide are used when social and status distance between the interlocutors is insignificant. Combinations of gide and vil with phasal verbs denoting the ending of an action indicate that these constructions perform a prohibitive function. In the case of questions in the present tense, the interlocutors, as a rule, are engaged in a common activity and the effect of the proposed action is in the interest of both parties. A characteristic feature of the speech act of requests is the use of modal particles, first and foremost, ikke and lige. The particle lige is a culture-specific lexical item which indicates that the favour done by the listener is insignificant, but in spite of a lesser threat posed by the speaker, his expressed will is imposed since it is the speaker who decides for the listener how insignificant his request is. The particles godt and nok are used in insistent requests, while combinations with bare imply a mutually satisfying way to solve the problem at hand.
A brief overview of Marollien dialect features
Authors:   St. Petersburg State Electrotechnical University, Ulianitckaia Liubov
Published: February 2021

The article provides an overview of the lexical and grammatical features as well as the sociopolitical environment of Marollien that originated in the 18th century as a dialect on the territory of Brussels. Marollien is essentially the Dutch language in its Brabantian dialect, strongly influenced by French. There are literary works, performances, and musicals written and staged in Marollien, as well as dictionaries and journals published in it. Historically, the Marollien dialect is a sociolect: it was generally used by Belgians coming to Brussels from Wallonia in search of a job and settling in one of the districts of Brussels — Marolles. A special emphasis is placed on lexical features of the dialect: gastronomic and everyday vocabulary are looked at and the examples of French loanwords and Southern Dutch language norm deviations are provided. Standard Dutch calques in French, when translating idioms in particular, are also identified. The differences between Dutch, French, and Marollien place names are illustrated. In the field of morphology and word formation, there is a regular mixture of Germanic and Romanic stems which is indicated. Examples of Marollien phonetic features are also provided. The article acknowledges frequent code switching in Marollien speech, which by and large resembles the phenomenon of linguistic interference. Due to the fact that Marollien is rapidly disappearing, the Brussels-Capital region is trying to support the dialect: various activities are being organized in order to propagate its use and enhance its prestige. Nevertheless, Marollien is not included in the well-known citizen initiative “Marnix Plan”, aimed at developing the methodology for the sequential study of several languages for all segments of the population in Brussels. This initiative is also discussed in the article.
Metonymy in headlines of the modern Danish press (the political discourse)
Authors:   St. Petersburg State University, Shishkina Anna
Published: February 2021

The article deals with the phenomenon of metonymy in the headlines of the modern Danish press in the context of political discourse. Metonymy is an indispensable figure of speech of any language. The language of the press and, in particular, the headlines of articles are characterized by expressiveness and brevity. The characteristic features of metonymic transfers are figurativeness, appreciation and the ability to preserve language resources because the descriptive constructions can be replaced by a single word. It is not surprising, therefore, that metonymy is often used in the headline complex of a news article. The aim of our study is to consider metonymy in Danish headlines in terms of frequency and typology. The research material is the headlines in electronic versions of three Danish newspapers: Politiken, Dagbladet Information and Jyllands Posten. The time interval is limited by the 2015 Folketing election campaign. This choice is dictated by the fact that, in the case of an election campaign, we have clear dates set by the government and the election period is particularly interesting in terms of political discourse. As a result, we can say that metonymy is found in more than half of the headlines studied. In other words, metonymy is relatively frequently used by journalists in the headlines. The examples reviewed have shown that the reason for this is often to attract the attention of the reader and assess events or politicians. Among the types of metonymy, spatial and causal metonymy is the most widely used. Most often we see the metonymic transfer of the type “political party  politicians” or “politician  his/her activities”. Among the cases of attributive metonymy, we found interesting examples with political blocks, which are typical for the Danish political system (for example, red block and blue block), where the colour indicates the political views of these blocks.