bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
LPMO AfAA9_B and Cellobiohydrolase AfCel6A from A. fumigatus Bost Enzymatic Saccharification Activity of Cellulase Cocktail
Authors: Dinamarco Taisa Magnani , Bernardi Aline Vianna , Gerolamo Luis Eduardo , de Gouvêa Paula Fagundes , Yonamine Deborah Kimie , Pereira Lucas Matheus Soares , de Oliveira Arthur Cavalcante , Uyemura Sérgio Akira
Published: December 2020

Cellulose is the most abundant polysaccharide in lignocellulosic biomass, where it is interlinked with lignin and hemicellulose. Bioethanol can be produced from biomass. Because breaking down biomass is difficult, cellulose-active enzymes secreted by filamentous fungi play an important role in degrading recalcitrant lignocellulosic biomass. We characterized a cellobiohydrolase (AfCel6A) and lytic polysaccharide monooxygenase LPMO (AfAA9_B) from A. fumigatus after they were expressed in Pichia pastoris and purified. The biochemical parameters suggested that the enzymes were stable; the optimal temperature was ~60 °C. Further characterization revealed high turnover numbers (kcat of 147.9 s-1 and 0.64 s-1, respectively). Surprisingly, when combined, AfCel6A and AfAA9_B did not act synergistically. Association of AfCel6A and AfAA9_B inhibits the activity of AfCel6A, an outcome that needs to be further investigated. However, addition of AfCel6A or AfAA9_B boosts the enzymatic saccharification activity of a cellulase cocktail and the activity of cellulase Af-EGL7. The supplementation of an enzymatic cocktail with AfCel6A or AfAA9_B boosted the yield of fermentable sugars from complex substrates, especially sugarcane exploded bagasse, by up to 95%. The synergism between the cellulase cocktail and AfAA9_B is enzyme- and substrate-specific, which suggests a specific enzymatic cocktail for each biomass.
Neural is Fundamental: Neural Stemness as the Ground State of Cell Tumorigenicity and Differentiation Potential
Authors: Cao Ying
Published: December 2020

Tumorigenesis is a complex biological phenomenon that includes extensive genetic and phenotypic heterogeneities and complicated regulatory mechanisms. In the recent few years, our studies demonstrate that tumor-initiating cells are similar to neural stem/progenitor cells in regulatory networks, tumorigenicity and pluripotent differentiation potential. In the review, I will make further discussion on these observations and propose a rule of cell biology by integrating these findings with evidence from developmental biology, tumor biology and evolution, which suggests that neural stemness underlies two coupled cell properties, tumorigenicity and pluripotent differentiation potential. Tumorigenicity and phenotypic heterogeneity in tumor is a result of acquirement of neural stemness in cells. The neural stemness property of tumor-initiating cells can hopefully integrate different concepts/hypotheses underlying tumorigenesis. Neural stem cells/neural progenitors and tumor-initiating cells share regulatory networks; both exhibit neural stemness, tumorigenicity and differentiation potential; both are dependent on expression or activation of ancestral genes (the atavistic effect); both rely primarily on aerobic glycolytic metabolism; both can differentiate into various cells or tissues that are derived from three germ layers, resembling severely disorganized or more severely degenerated process of embryonic development; both are enriched in long genes with more splice variants that provide more plastic scaffolds for cell differentiation, etc. The property of neural stemness might be a key point to understand tumorigenesis and pluripotent differentiation potential, and possibly explain certain pathological observations in tumors that have been inexplicable. Therefore, behind the complexity of tumorigenesis might be a general rule of cell biology, i.e., neural stemness represents the ground state of cell tumorigenicity and pluripotent differentiation potential.
Sun Exposure and Protection Practices of Spanish University Students of Education Sciences. Are Future Teachers Protected Against Skin Cancer and Other Adverse Effects?
Authors: Castro-Maqueda Guillermo De , Lagares Franco Carolina , Gutiérrez-Manzanedo José V. , Gobba Fabriziomaria , Blázquez Sánchez Nuria , De Troya-Martin Magdalena
Published: December 2020

Background: Excessive sun exposure, together with insufficient protection, is the main risk factor for the onset of Melanoma and Non Melanoma skin cancer, namely the most common cancer in fair-skinned populations across the world, and of several other skin and eye adverse health effects. Epidemiological data show the existence of scant awareness of this risk, and of high rates of sunburn among young people. The main aim of the present study is to examine sun exposure habits and protection behaviour in university students. Methods: We performed a cross-sectional questionnaire-based study to investigate sun exposure and protection practices in a group of education sciences students at a university in southern Spain. This survey provided data for a descriptive and comparative analysis, by groups and gender, of photoprotection and skin self-examination practices. The reliability and validity of the questionnaire have been analysed. Results: The questionnaire was completed by 315 students. Most of them (74.6%) have suffered at least one sunburn in the last year. The use of sunscreen or protective clothing is not frequent, and 89.5% of students do not self-examine their skin. The metric properties of the questionnaire showed high values of reliability and validity. Conclusions: The awareness of solar exposure risk in Spanish university students of Education Sciences is low, self-protection is scant, the potential exposure to dangerous levels of UV radiation is high and most students have suffered one or more sunburns in the last year. Intervention strategies should be introduced in these students to highlight the risks involved and the need of more adequate sun protection practices. Information campaigns should be conducted to address the problem so that, when these students become teachers, they have an adequate knowledge of the risk and of the benefits of a higher attention to this problem, and can translate these competences in health education.
Understanding the Challenges and Uncertainties of Seroprevalence Studies for SARS-CoV-2
Authors: McConnell David , Hickey Conor , Bargary Norma , Trela-Larsen Lea , Walsh Cathal , Barry Michael , Adams Roisin
Published: December 2020

SARS-CoV-2 continues to widely circulate in populations globally. Underdetection is acknowledged and is problematic when attempting to capture the true prevalence. Seroprevalence studies, where blood samples from a population sample are tested for SARS-CoV-2 antibodies that react to the SARS-CoV-2 virus, are a common method for estimating the proportion of people previously infected with the virus in a given population. However, obtaining reliable estimates from seroprevalence studies is challenging for a number of reasons, and the uncertainty in the results is often overlooked by scientists, policy makers and the media. This paper reviews the methodological issues that arise in designing these studies, and the main sources of uncertainty that affect the results. We discuss the choice of study population, recruitment of subjects, uncertainty surrounding the accuracy of antibody tests themselves, and the relationship between antibodies and infection over time. Understanding these issues can help the reader to interpret and critically evaluate the results of seroprevalence studies.
The Space Rush: Reviewing Indonesia’s Space Law in Facing the Rise of Space Mining
Authors: Suryaatmadja Shannon , Sacharissa Vicia , Tedemaking Konrardus Elias Liat
Published: December 2020

Space technology development shows feasibility of actualizing future space mining. There are numerous efforts to utilize resources from celestial bodies; whether as fuel, an alternative source for scarce minerals, or as an in-situ support for future human habitation in outer space. This article identifies potential clashes between ongoing space mining practices and the interests of developing nations. The main concern is accessibility: will the race to dominate space mining leave no room for non-space faring nations to utilize space resources, or even access potential space mining locations? The current international space law has several loopholes such as the absence of provisions regarding ownership of space resources, and the lack of inclusion of private actors, especially considering their role in furthering the space mining industry. This article also examines Indonesia’s regulation on space activities, including mining and provide recommendations. Current regulations imply there is a vision for Indonesia to be a large space actor in the future, but no instrument puts specific focus as of yet to space mining. Lack of dedicated funding and technology also exist, but there are various opportunities to attain this, provided Indonesia is able to utilize them for national interests.
Dual Nationality of the Ships and its Legal Impact
Authors: Aladwan Zaid
Published: December 2020

The international conventions for high seas had provided that each ship must have one flag only and must not change its flag during the voyage or for any reason. However, in the last years many ships have infringed this rule and had registered with other states that had allowed any foreign ships to register in their ports. These states are an open registry states, which are known as 'Flag of Convenience' states. This change of the flag during the voyage, which caused a lot of problems, was for a political and economic reasons either to make their own profit or to avoid their flag state fees. Notably, such phenomenon is considered as a maritime fraud, which will impact the maritime world and disseminate chaos on the high seas. For these reasons, this paper will highlight the duplication of the nationality for the ships issue and analyse the effects of this negative behaviour.
Crowdfunding-Based Fiduciary Warrant in Providing Capital Loans for Small and Medium Enterprises
Authors: Nugraheni Ninis
Published: December 2020

Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) are organized through people's creativity in developing human and natural resources. However, investment challenges often affect their implementation and production processes, necessitating solutions, such as capital loans from banks and other entities. Crowdfunding is an online loaning service that provides easily accessible loans to SME startups, though a warrant to protect creditors from losing money to ingenuine people is necessary. Therefore, this study examines the appropriateness of a fiduciary warrant as a SMEs collateral object. When fiduciary is used as a loan warrant, debtors are allowed to use collateral objects in their production processes. To make a fiduciary warrant effective, legal protection is required. This study used juridical-normative that relied on legal norms in legislation and court verdicts dealing with societal organizational issues. The results showed that crowdfunding-based credit is an alternative with more straightforward procedures compared to conventional entities.
Current Issues of Taiwan's Marine Protected Areas Legal Regime
Authors: Nugraha Adrian
Published: December 2020

As an 'Ocean Nation,' it is essential for Taiwan to make efforts to conserve its aquatic zones through marine protected areas (MPAs). Marine protected areas have considered one of the most precise methods of maintaining sustainable ecosystems and restoring fish stocks. This article discusses the legal regime for marine protected areas currently applied and its institutional arrangements in Taiwan. This study emphasizes legal issues in Taiwan's marine conservation efforts. This paper analyzes eight primary legislation relating to marine protected areas in Taiwan. Furthermore, to acquire actual field data, this study conducted interviews with a semi-structured questionnaire in three prominent Taiwan institutions related to their marine conservation task. All data obtained were analyzed and presented qualitatively. The issues of Taiwan's marine protected area legal regime have been identified. First, the main issue in Taiwan is that the legal basis for marine conservation is the legislation applied to land. Second, the existing maritime law regime in Taiwan does not emphasize marine conservation efforts. Subsequently, this article also discusses institutional arrangements related to Taiwan's marine protected areas. This paper also offers possible solutions. Enforcing five key Acts related to marine conservation, particularly the 2015 Act of Coastal Zone Management and strengthening institutional Taiwan's Ocean Affairs Council, are the solutions offered in this study.
Assessing the Liability Convention and the Indonesian Space Act in Light of Active Debris Removal
Authors: Ardes Runggu Prilia , Nugraha Ridha Aditya
Published: December 2020

As the orbit in outer space becomes denser, the drive to actively preserve the outer space increases. Active debris removal is the answer to this issue. It serves solemn purposes to maintain the space environment and prevent collision between space objects. This action requires high-level technology and techniques which make it prone to accidents. This article examines the applicability of Liability Convention of 1972 and Indonesian Space Act of 2013 for active debris removal and whether its provisions are sufficient for any future legal issues on this matter. A normative juridical method is used for the analysis. The Space Act from other States like France and Austria will also be briefly mentioned and compared to. At the end, it is concluded that although both of the legal instruments are suitable and applicable for active debris removal, there are still some essential aspects that need to be defined namely property and proof of fault. The paper suggests that it should be emphasized that only catalogued debris can be regarded as property, and that the term “fault” at the minimum should have a modest definition that captures the “deviation from the normal operation”.
Evaluasi Pencahayaan dan Pengkondisi Udara pada Ruang Laboratorium Komputer di Politeknik ATMI Surakarta
Authors: Prasetyo Hoedi , Apriliasari Chatarina Adjeng , Suryajaya Gregorius Michael , Pramudita Marcelinus Christian Adi
Published: December 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan melakukan evaluasi pencahayaan dan pengkondisi udara pada ruang laboratorium komputer di Politeknik ATMI Surakarta dengan latar belakang adanya keluhan dari mahasiswa terkait kenyamanan visual dan termal saat beraktivitas di dalam ruangan. Metode evaluasi pencahayaan berdasar SNI 6197: 2011 sedangkan evaluasi pengkondisi udara dilakukan dengan metode perhitungan beban pendinginan CLTD/CLF/SCL. Tingkat pencahayaan yang diperlukan sesuai standar adalah 500 lux dan beban pendinginan ideal sebesar 45.554 BTU/jam. Hasil evaluasi menyatakan bahwa tingkat pencahayaan ruangan masih belum memenuhi standar yaitu hanya sebesar 120 lux dan kapasitas unit pendingin udara yang terpasang lebih kecil dari beban pendinginan yang diperlukan yaitu hanya sebesar 36.600 BTU/jam. Penelitian ini merekomendasikan untuk mengganti tipe lampu dengan spesifikasi 2500 lumen dan menambah jumlahnya menjadi 34 lampu. Penelitian ini juga merekomendasikan untuk mengganti unit pendingin udara terpasang yang berkapasitas 12.000 BTU/jam dengan unit pendingin udara lain yang berkapasitas 24.600 BTU/jam.
RELATIONS BETWEEN ARCHITECT AND INVESTOR INFLUENCING SPATIAL FORMING
Authors:   Uniwersytet Technologiczno-Przyrodniczy w Bydgoszczy Wydział Budownictwa, Architektury i Inżynierii Środowiska Katedra Architektury i Urbanistyki, Rosiak Łukasz
Published: December 2020

The article presents comparison of two visions of shaping the immediate surroundings. The first concept is created by an architect directly involved in the creation of the project, guarding the spatial order and taking into account the requirements of legal acts. On the other hand the investor builds the second vision as the entity initiating the entire construction process and determining its character. He is responsible for the analysis of the project and budget rationalization, and his predispositions affect the decision-making and the final shape of the architectural and construction project.
VOLUME-SPATIAL COMPOSITIONS OF BUILDINGS POLTAVA OF THE LATE NINETEEN – EARLY TWENTY CENTURIES
Authors:   Department of Buildings Architecture and Urban Planning, Educational–scientific institute of architecture and construction, National University «Yuriy Kondratyuk Poltava Polytechnics», Savchenko Tetiana
Published: December 2020

The article presents studies of the formation patterns of the buildings composition in Poltava in the late 19th – early 20th centuries. The main types of volume-spatial compositions and factors that influenced its formation are identified: urban (location in the system of urban development), and functional (typology of buildings). The means of organization of the volume-spatial structure of the buildings of Poltava have been studied.
CONTEMPORARY PRINCIPLES OF URBAN DESIGN OF METROPOLIS. SCALE OF PLANNED DEVELOPMENT UNITS AND DIVERSITY
Authors:   Akademia Finansów i Biznesu Vistula, Warszawa Europejski Wydział Sztuk, Guranowska-Gruszecka Krystyna
Published: December 2020

The aim of the article is to draw readers' attention to radical changes that occur in the contemporary life of the developing civilization, which entails the necessity to adapt to these changes. Accommodating to these changes is not always successful, whereas in Poland the process usually takes place with a delay of about 50 years, compared to Western Europe. In the field of architecture and urban planning, it is necessary to pay attention to the distribution of places of residence in relation to the location of workplaces and leisure facilities in rapidly growing metropolises.
A RIVER IN SMALL TOWN LANDSCAPE. SELECTED ISSUES
Authors:   Lodz University of Technology, Institute of Architecture and Urban Planning Faculty of Civil Engineering, Architecture and Environmental Engineering Spatial Planning Team, Cieślak-Arkuszewska Adriana
Published: December 2020

The transformation of riverside areas poses a competence challenge, as these are activities at the interface between two forms of landscape: urban and natural. Mutual integration of these landscapes must take place with full awareness of their dualism, diversity, complementarity and interaction. The article deals with selected problems of contemporary transformations in the riverside areas of small towns in terms of design, with research focusing on the spaces accompanying historical centres. The presented research results may be useful for designers (architects, urban planners) broadening their knowledge of space management in small towns, and also for municipal authorities. The article lists issues that require special control and care at the level of making implementation decisions.
Understanding Muslim Young Consumers on Online Shopping: The role of Customer Review, Price, Trust and Security
Authors: Rokhman Wahibur , Andiani Fajar
Published: December 2020

Online shopping is an ubiquitous phenomenon among young consumers. The development of internet on transactions has caused fear, mistrust and risk among online consumers.  The objective of this study is to examine the effect of product reviews, prices, transaction trust, and security transactions on decisions in Islamic millennial generation online purchases. The sample in this study is the Muslim young generation who use a lot of online shoppings, a total of 120 respondents were requested to complete the questionnaires, of which 96 were returned using a purposive sampling technique with a minimum expenditure of spending 3 times in the last 3 months. The results of this study indicate that product reviews, prices, trust and security have significant effect on online purchasing decisions. This study also discusses the implications, limitations, and suggestions for the future research.
МИКРОБНЫЙ КОНСОРЦИУМ НИЖНИХ ДЫХАТЕЛЬНЫХ ПУТЕЙ ПРИ ВНЕБОЛЬНИЧНЫХ ПНЕВМОНИЯХ, В ТОМ ЧИСЛЕ АССОЦИИРОВАННЫХ C SARS-COV-2
Authors: Катаева Любовь , Вакарина Арина , Степанова Татьяна , Степанова Ксения
Published: December 2020

Подведены итоги полугодового исследования микробиоты нижних дыхательных путей пациентов, находящихся на стационарном лечении в пяти моногоспиталях Тюмени и Тюменской области с диагнозом внебольничная пневмония.

Установлено, что в микробном пейзаже биопроб пациентов с положительными тестами на РНК SARC-CoV-2 превалировали грамположительные кокки, преимущественно условно-патогенные микроорганизмы рода Streptococcus и грибы рода Candida. При этом бактерии семейства Enterobacteriaceae и неферментирующие грамотрицательные бактерии встречались реже, чем у пациентов без коронавирусной инфекции. В структуре патогенов лидирующее положение занимали бактерии Klebsiella pneumoniae и Acinetobacter spp. Проведенный анализ чувствительности микроорганизмов к антимикробным препаратам показал наиболее высокую резистентность у штаммов Acinetobacter spp., Enterococcus spp., коагулазонегативных Staphylococcus spp. Установлено, что в группе пациентов с внебольничной пневмонией, ассоциированной SARS-CoV-2, шансы встретить штаммы Streptococcus spp. с высокой устойчивостью к антибиотикам в 1,5 раза выше, а с учетом 95% доверительного интервала величина этого показателя колебалась в пределах от 1,1-2,1 раза.

Ключевые слова: антибиотико- и фагорезистентность, внебольничная пневмония, SARS-CoV-2, штаммы бактерий, мокрота, промывные воды бронхов, бронхоальвеолярный лаваж.
Morphometry of Male Reproductive Organ and Sperm Evaluation of Belgian Blue Crossbreed Cattle as a Candidate of Superior Bull
Authors: Aji Riyan Nugroho , Panjono Panjono , Agus Ali , Widyobroto Budi Prasetyo , Hartatik Tety , Budisatria I Gede Suparta , Ismaya Ismaya , Fathoni Akhmad , Astuti Dwi , Bintara Sigit
Published: December 2020

The purpose of this study was to observe the size of reproductive organ and to evaluate the sperm quality of Belgian Blue (BB) crossbreed cattle. This cattle are the crossbreeding result between a female Brahman Cross (BX) cattle inseminated with frozen semen from pure male BB cattle, by Artificial Insemination (IB) method, as a candidate of superior bull. The samples of this study were 2.5 years old (BB1), (BB2), and (BB3) crossbreed cattle. Its process involved general physical examination, genital organ inspection, sperm production, and quality assessment. The data obtained were analyzed through descriptive analysis. The results of this study were the three BB crossbred cattle showed the good appearance of normal reproductive organs with scrotum circumferences of each bull were 40.2 cm, 38.6 cm, and 39.8 cm respectively, and sperm quality of the good and the normal motility values of each bull were 82%, 81% and 80%, viability 84%, 83%, and 86%, and the sperm concentrations of each bull were 2.218 million/ml, 1.986 million/ml and 2.120 million/ml respectively. As a result, it could be concluded that those three BB crossbreed cattle are suitable for being used as a superior bull.
The Hematological and Blood Chemical Parameters of the Female Fat Tail Sheep Raised with Fermented Complete Feed Management
Authors: Sarmin Sarmin , Hana Amelia , Astuti Pudji , Airin Claude Mona
Published: December 2020

The study aimed at evaluating the hematological and chemical parameters of the blood of female fat tail sheep raised with fermented complete feed (CF) management. It used 40 adult female fat tail sheep age 24-36 months and body weight in 30-35 kg and 3-4 of body condition score, which was raised in the individual stall with fermented complete feed (CF) management. Samples of blood were drawn once from the jugular vein before feeding in the morning. The results of hematological parameters were RBC (12.11±2.18 x106/µL), hemoglobin (12.40±1.96 g/dL), hematocrit  (36.49±5.47%), MCV (30.46±3.38  fL), MCH (10.30±0.75 pg), MCHC (34.00±1.86 g/dL), eosinophils (3.15±7.70%), neutrophils (7.13±14.90%), lymphocytes (11.93±23.85%), and monocytes (0.30±0.88%). The results of chemical parameters were sodium (147.58±3.75 mmol/L), chloride (106.51±3.12 mmol/L), magnesium (3.66±1.38 mg/dL), albumin (3.36±0.31 g/dL) and glucose (40.28±9.12 mg/dL). The results of hematological and chemical parameters in the study could be the reference in monitoring the health of the adult female fat tail sheep raised with the fermented complete feed (CF) management.
ROLE OF ICT AS A CONTINGENCY FACTOR IN FINANCIAL SECTOR DEVELOPMENT, REMITTANCES, AND ECONOMIC GROWTH NEXUS: AN EMPIRICAL STUDY OF INDONESIA
Authors: Makun Keshmeer Kanewar , Jayaraman T.K.
Published: December 2020

This study examines the role of ICT as a factor in Indonesia’s financial sector development, remittances, and economic growth nexus using annual data from 1984-2017. We use the bounds testing procedure based on the Autoregressive Distributed Lag framework and the neoclassical growth model. The findings of the study reveal that ICT has indeed emerged as a significant factor in the remittance-growth nexus by playing a complementary role in financial sector development. The policy implication is that ICT needs to be supported at all levels and the financial inclusion process should be carried forward as it has all the potential to speed up economic growth and development.
Severe Pulmonary Hypertension in Acute Pulmonary Thromboembolism: More Common than Expected?
Authors: Behnemoon Mahsa , Laleh Elham , Sedokani Amin , Bahrami Ayatay
Published: December 2020

Background: Pulmonary embolism (PE) is a relatively common health problem and the third most common cause of cardiovascular death with a 15-20 percent mortality rate. Severe pulmonary arterial hypertension is not common in acute forms of the disease, and we usually expect only mild to moderate degrees of PAH in these patients. However, we have encountered numerous cases of severe pulmonary hypertension after acute PE in our practice. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the echocardiographic findings of patients admitted with documented PE in a 5 years study of two heart centers of Urmia.Methods: In this retrospective study, the data of 183 patients with a definitive diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism based on pulmonary CT angiography have entered the study.Results: Of the 183 cases diagnosed with pulmonary embolism with an average age of 61.15 years, 45.4% were male and 54.6% were female. Shortness of breath, chest pain, and hemoptysis were seen in 88%, 49.2%, and 13.1% of patients, respectively. Tachypnea and tachycardia were the most common clinical findings with a frequency of 54.1%. Echocardiographic findings of right ventricular enlargement and right ventricular dysfunction were observed in 66.7% and 67.8% of patients, respectively and 42.1% of patients had severe pulmonary hypertension. We found a significant relationship between pulmonary artery pressure severity and shock state as well as in-hospital mortality. While only 3 patients out of 64 cases (4%) with normal or mildly elevated pulmonary artery pressure died in their hospital stay period, the mortality rate was 28.5% in patients with moderate or severe pulmonary artery hypertension (p-value=0.002).Conclusion: we found a relatively high frequency of severe pulmonary artery hypertension in patients admitted with the definite diagnosis of acute pulmonary embolism and there was a significant correlation between pulmonary artery pressure severity and shock state, as well as in-hospital mortality. So, echocardiographic findings including right ventricular systolic pressure and TR velocity may have additional prognostic value in the decision making of acute PE patients and could be helpful in reducing in-hospital mortality of this complex illness provided being included in prognostic models of acute PE, based on future studies.
A Novel Closed Reduction Technique for Treating Femoral Shaft Fractures With Intramedullary Nails, Haemostatic Forceps and the Lever Principal
Authors: Shui Wei , Yang Youyin , Pi Xinling , Luo Gang , Qiao Bo , Ni Weidong , Guo Shuquan
Published: December 2020

Background: Faster, easier, more economical and more effective versions of the minimally invasive reduction procedure for femoral shaft fractures need to be developed for use by orthopaedic surgeons. In this study, a fracture table was used to restore limb length, and long, curved haemostatic forceps and the lever principle were utilized to achieve minimally invasive reduction and intramedullary nail fixation of femoral shaft fractures.Methods: A retrospective analysis involving 20 patients with femoral shaft fractures reduced with a fracture table; long, curved haemostatic forceps; and the lever principle was conducted. The operative effect was evaluated on the basis of the operative time, reduction time, fluoroscopy time, and intraoperative blood loss.Results: All 20 cases were reduced in a closed fashion, and no conversions to open reduction were needed. The average operative time and fracture reduction time for all patients were 69.1±13.5 minutes (range, 50–100 minutes) and 6.7±1.9 minutes (range, 3–10 minutes). The fluoroscopy exposure time during the reduction process was 5–15 seconds, with an average time of 8.7±2.7 seconds. The average intraoperative blood loss was 73.5±22.5 mL (range, 50–150 mL). The patients exhibited excellent alignment in the injured limb after intramedullary nailing. Seventeen patients successfully completed a follow-up after fracture healing. The healing time ranged from 4 to 6 months.Conclusions: Displaced femoral shaft fractures in adults can be treated by a labour-saving lever technique involving fragments, 2 haemostatic forceps and soft tissue envelope-assisted closed reduction and intramedullary nail fixation. This technique is easy to perform; reduces blood loss, the fluoroscopy time and the surgical time for intraoperative reduction; and leads to excellent fracture healing.
An Implementation of A Cycling Safety Education Program Among School Children Without Previous Formal Cycling Training: A Case Study in Serbia
Authors: Bačkalić Svetlana , Stanojević Dragana , Jovanović Dragan , Matović Boško , Pljakić Miloš
Published: December 2020

Background: The promotion of cycling as a healthy and socio-economically acceptable way of moving has led to a significant increase in these road users. Moreover, the indisputable fact is that children cyclists belong to the group of the vulnerable road users. All this clearly indicates that cycling education programs for children are the only correct approach. The primary goal of the presented research are inception and implementation of a cycling safety education program for school-age children without formal cycling knowledge and skills. Methods: Students from the 4th grade (9 and 10 years old) from nine randomly schools on the territory of the Republic of Serbia participated in a survey. In order to measure and evaluate the knowledge and skills, the students were put through testing before and after the cycling safety education program. Data were analysed using repeated multivariate analysis of variance test.Results: Comparing the intervention group and the control group before and after the training program implementation, children’s total cycling knowledge increased in the intervention group. The cycling education program improved children's knowledge of road signs, age requirements, and risky behaviours. The results show that the cycling education program achieved significant improvements in all tested children's cycling skills. However, it was noticed that there was no significant intervention effect between control and intervention group in terms of the bicycle checking before riding.Conclusions: The current research, as a pilot study, provides evidence that cycling education programs might be effective in improving cycling-related knowledge and cycling skills among children. Future efforts should be directed towards promotion and implementation of cycling safety education programs in elementary schools where there is no formal cycling training for children on traffic safety, as well as towards monitoring of long-term effects of cycling training.
Revealing the Reaction Mechanism of C-C Coupling on Cu-based Tandem Catalysts towards CO2 Reduction
Authors: Kong Xiangdong , Ke Jingwen , Zhou Weiran , Yang Zhengwu , Chi Mingfang , Wang Cheng , Li Sijia , Si Rui , Liu Bin , Geng Zhigang , Zeng Jie
Published: December 2020

Cu-based tandem catalysts have widely been exploited to improve the catalytic performance for multi-carbon (C2+) products towards CO2 electroreduction. Nevertheless, the underlying reaction mechanism for tandem catalytic system remains ambiguity. Herein, we unraveled the relationship between the behavior of adsorbed CO intermediate (*CO) and the process of C-C coupling. Due to the low coverage of *CO, the process of C-C coupling has always been restricted for Cu catalysts. Through regulating the molar ratios of CO2 to CO in co-feeding gases, we found that the moderate surface coverage of *CO was beneficial for the electroreduction of CO2 into ethylene (C2H4). Meanwhile, the cross-coupling process between CO2 and CO was proved to be responsible for the enhanced activity of C2H4 according to isotopic labeling experiments. We constructed a tandem model with cobalt phthalocyanine (CoPc) as CO-generating component on Cu to further verify the tandem mechanism. With the introduction of CoPc onto the surface of Cu, the partial current density for C2H4 reached as high as 313 mA cm-2 at applied current density of 480 mA cm-2, which was one-fold higher than that (165 mA cm-2) of Cu film. In-situ Raman measurements further revealed that CO generated by CoPc increased the coverage of *CO on the surface of Cu, facilitating the process of C-C coupling.
Postoperative Outcomes in Surgical COVID-19 Patients: A Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Carrier François , Amzallag Éva , Lecluyse Vincent , Côté Geneviève , Couture Étienne , D'Aragon Frédérick , Kandelman Stanislas , Turgeon Alexis , Deschamps Alain , Nitulescu Roy , Djade Codjo , Girard Martin , Beaulieu Pierre , Richebé Philippe
Published: December 2020

BackgroundData on postoperative outcomes of the COVID-19 patient population is limited. We described COVID-19 patients who undergone a surgery and the pandemic impact on surgical activities.MethodsWe conducted a multicenter cohort study between March 13 and June 19 2020. We included COVID-19 patients who underwent surgery in nine centres of the Province of Québec, the Canadian province most afflicted by the pandemic. We also included suspected COVID-19 (subsequently confirmed not to have COVID-19) patients and patients who had recovered from it. We collected data on baseline characteristics, postoperative complications and overall surgical activities performed in participating centres. Our primary outcome was 30-day mortality. ResultsWe included 44 COVID-19 patients, 18 suspected patients, and 18 patients who had recovered from COVID-19 at time of surgery. Among the 44 COVID-19 patients, 31 surgeries (71%) were urgent and 16 (36%) were major. In these patients, pulmonary complications were frequent (25%) and 30-day mortality was 15.9%. This mortality was higher in patients with symptoms (23.1%) compared to those without symptoms (5.6%), although not statistically significant (p = 0.118). Of the total 22 616 cases performed among participating centres during the study period, only 0.19% had COVID-19 at the time of surgery. Fewer procedures were performed during the study period compared to the same period in 2019 (44 486 cases).Conclusion In this study, postoperative 30-day mortality in COVID-19 patients undergoing surgery was 15.9%. Although few surgeries were performed on COVID-19 patients, the pandemic impact on surgical activity volume was important. Trial registrationClinicalTrials.gov Identifier: NCT04458337
The Potential Impact of Systemic Anti-Inflammatory Therapies on Major Adverse Cardiovascular Events: A Korean Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Hong Joo Ran , Jeong Hojin , Kim Hyeongsu , Yang Hyun Suk , Hong Ji Youn , Kim Sung Min , Cho Young Ah , Lee Yang Won , Choe Yong Beom , Ahn Kyu Joong
Published: December 2020

This nationwide population-based cohort study aimed to investigate the impact of systemic anti-inflammatory treatment on the major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) risk in patients with psoriasis from January 2006 to December 2018, using a database provided by the Korean National Health Insurance Service. Patients were grouped based on the following treatment modalities: biologics, phototherapy, methotrexate, cyclosporine, and mixed conventional systemic agents. Patients who had not received any systemic treatment were assigned to the control cohort. The incidence of MACE per 1,000 person-year was 3.5, 9.3, 12.1, 28.4, 39.5, and 14.5 in the biologic, phototherapy, methotrexate, cyclosporine, mixed conventional systemic agents, and control cohorts, respectively. During the 36-month follow-up, the cumulative incidence of MACE in the phototherapy and biologic cohorts remained lower than that of other treatment modalities. Cyclosporine (hazard ratio (HR) = 2.11, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.64–2.71) and mixed conventional systemic agents (HR = 2.57, 95% CI = 2.05–3.22) treatments were associated with increased MACE risk. Methotrexate treatment was not associated with MACE. Our finding demonstrates that treatment modalities may affect cardiovascular comorbidities in patients with psoriasis. Thus, an appropriate combination of anti-psoriatic therapies should be considered to manage patients with high cardiovascular risk.
Perception of Menopause Among Women of Sarawak, Malaysia
Authors: S.A.R. Syed Alwi , I.B. Brohi , I. Awi
Published: December 2020

Background: Various factors including menopausal status, educational and social background, culture, physical and emotional health may influence women’s perception about menopause. This study is to document the perception of menopause and factors influencing it among women in Sarawak, Malaysia.Methods: A face-to-face interview using a validated questionnaire was conducted with 324 Sarawakian women aged 40-65 years to determine the mean age of menopause and perception of menopause among these women.Results: The mean age ± standard deviation of the women was 51.37 ± 5.91 years. 90 (27.8%) were premenopausal, 124 (38.5%) perimenopausal and 110 (33.7%) postmenopausal. Majority of these women 228 (70.4%) were local indigenous women of Sarawak. 22.5% agreed problem in menopause is a natural process. 21.9% of the participants agreed menopause should be treated medically. 32.3% of them agreed natural approaches for menopause symptoms are better than hormonal. 75.0% agreed absence of menses after menopause is a relief; 61.2% agreed menopause causes unpleasant symptoms; 51.7% were not sure either women become less sexually attractive after menopause; 51.1% were not sure if they feel less of a woman following menopause. 81.7% of the women were not sure if sexual activity is more enjoyable after menopause and 71.9% of them were uncertain whether changes in life during menopause are more stressful. Among the different menopausal stages; perimenopausal group of women were noted to have more positive perception compared to the pre and postmenopausal women. In this study it was noted, women with higher educational background generally have a better and positive perception on menopause.Conclusions: The perception of menopause in this study were found to be correspond to those in other studies on Asian women. Better educational level and perimenopausal women were found to have more positive perception on menopause compared to the rest of the women studied. Majority of the women noted that menopausal symptoms is unpleasant and absence of menses after menopause is a relief.
Geographic Variation of Environmental Chemicals and Testicular Pathology in Dogs
Authors: Sumner Rebecca , Byers Andrew , Zhang Zulin , England Gary , Lea Richard
Published: December 2020

Geographical differences in the prevalence of human testicular cancer and poor semen quality may reflect differential exposures to environmental contaminants. Here we report on pathology, histology and chemical content of dog testes from three locations in the UK [West Midlands (WM), East Midlands (EM), South East (SE)] and two in Scandinavia (Copenhagen, Denmark and Vantaa, Finland). Compared to the UK, Vantaa testes had fewer pathologies (p≤0.0001), fewer Sertoli cells and reduced germ cell staining for ‘depleted in azoospermia-like’ (DAZL), and proliferation cell nuclear antigen (PCNA) [p≤0.0001: Sertoli, DAZL, PCNA]. Scandinavian testes had relatively higher PBDE concentrations [Vantaa vs SE and EM (p≤0.01), Copenhagen vs EM (p≤0.05)], lower DEHP concentrations (Vantaa vs UK: WM: p≤0.01; SE p≤0.0001; EM: p≤0.05, Copenhagen vs UK: SE: p≤0.05) and lower PCB concentrations (Vantaa vs UK: WM: p≤0.001, Copenhagen vs UK: WM; p<0.01). Compared to Copenhagen, Vantaa had a lower pathological score (p≤0.05) and reduced DAZL staining (p≤0.05). UK PCB concentrations were greater in WM vs SE (p≤0.01). Both negative and positive correlations were observed between specific chemical types and all three cell markers. Disparities in testicular pathology and morphology across geographical locations may reflect differences in the profile of chemicals detectable in testicular tissue.
Current Issues within the Perinatal Mental Health Care System in Japan: A Cross-Sectional Questionnaire Survey
Authors: Fujita Kei , Kotani Tomomi , Moriyama Yoshinori , Ushida Takafumi , Imai Kenji , Kobayashi-Nakano Tomoko , Kato Noriko , Kano Takeo , Kikkawa Fumitaka , Kajiyama Hiroaki
Published: December 2020

Background: Mental illness commonly occurs in reproductive age, and its adverse effects on mothers and children are a major public health concern. However, the extent to which the perinatal mental health care system in Japan is functioning adequately remains unexplored. This study aimed to identify the issues that exist within the perinatal mental health care system in Japan. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was conducted across medical facilities in Aichi prefecture in central Japan. Questionnaires were mailed to the head physicians of all 128 maternity care units, 21 neonatal intensive care units (NICUs), and 40 assisted reproductive technology (ART) units. The following data were collected: the number of admissions to mental health care units and admissions of neonates born to mothers with mental illness during the perinatal period between 2016 and 2018. Perspectives on psychotropic drug use during pregnancy were compared across different types of maternity care units, including maternal-fetal (MF) centers and private clinics by Fisher’s exact test. The multidisciplinary team system was also compared across different types of maternity care units by Fisher’s exact test. Results: The number of admissions to mental health care units was 82 (52.8 per 10 000 births), and 158 (1.0 per 1000 births) neonates born to mothers with mental illness were admitted to NICUs during the aforementioned period. With regard to the multidisciplinary team system, 84 (71.1 %) and 76 (64.4 %) maternity care units did not have any psychiatrists or social workers. Moreover, only 5 % of the head physicians in MF centers endorsed the discontinuation of psychotropic drug use during pregnancy. The corresponding figures were 20–35 % among those in general hospitals, private clinics, and ART units. Conclusions: Multidisciplinary system resources were perceived to be limited. Perspectives on psychotropic drug use during pregnancy differed significantly based on the type of units in which the doctors were working. There is a need for resources that will facilitate the admission of perinatal women with mental illnesses to mental health care units in Japan.
Adipose-derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells from Obese Mice Prevent Body Weight Gain and Hyperglycemia
Authors: Qi Yicheng , Liu Wen , Wang Xiangsheng , Liu Wei , Ma Jing , Liu Wei , Zhang Wenjie , Li Shengxian
Published: December 2020

Disease status always affects mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) function which limits their therapeutical effects. This study aims to evaluate the effects of adipose-derived MSCs (ADSCs) on body weight and glucose homeostasis in obese mice model. After 10 weeks high-fat diet feeding, mice were injected with either phosphate buffered saline (PBS), ADSCs from normal control mice (N-ADSCs) or ADSCs from obese mice (O-ADSCs). Mice fed with chow-fat diet were injected with PBS served as normal controls. Obese mice received O-ADSCs showed slower body weight gain, better blood glucose levels and prevented glucose intolerance deterioration. The inguinal fat weights were reduced in mice receiving O-ADSCs compared to other obese groups, may as the increased lipolysis of inguinal fat. Moreover, O-ADSCs improved insulin signaling molecule expression in muscle. These data reveal that obesity derived autologous ADSCs infusion is an effective treatment for obesity and hyperglycemia.
Simultaneous Gene Expression and Multi-Gene Silencing in Zea Mays Using Maize Dwarf Mosaic Virus
Authors: Xie Wenshuang , Marty DeeMarie , Xu Junhuan , Khatri Nitika , Willie Kristen , Moraes Wanderson Bucker , Stewart Lucy Rae
Published: December 2020

Background: Maize dwarf mosaic virus (MDMV), a member of the genus Potyvirus, infects maize and is non-persistently transmitted by aphids. Several plant viruses have been developed as tools for gene expression and gene silencing in plants. The capacity of MDMV for both gene expression and gene silencing were examined.Results: Infectious clones of an Ohio isolate of MDMV, MDMV-OH5, were obtained, and engineered for gene expression only, and for simultaneous marker gene expression and virus-induced gene silencing (VIGS) of three endogenous maize target genes. Single gene expression in single insertion constructs and simultaneous expression of green fluorescent protein (GFP) and silencing of three maize genes in a double insertion construct was demonstrated. Constructs with GFP inserted in the N-terminus of HCPro were more stable than those with insertion at the N-terminus of CP in our study. Unexpectedly, the construct with two insertion sites also retained insertions at a higher rate than single-insertion constructs. Engineered MDMV expression and VIGS constructs were transmissible by aphids (Rhopalosiphum padi). Conclusions: These results demonstrate that MDMV-based vector can be used as a tool for simultaneous gene expression and multi-gene silencing in maize.
Optimum Seeking of Redundant Actuators for M-RCM 3-UPU Parallel Mechanism
Authors: Zhao Chen , Song Jingke , Chen Xuechan , Chen Ziming , Ding Huafeng
Published: December 2020

This paper focuses on a 2R1T 3-UPU (U for universal joint and P for prismatic joint) parallel mechanism (PM) with two rotational and one translational (2R1T) degrees of freedom (DOFs) and the ability of multiple remote centers of motion (M-RCM). The singularity analysis based on the indexes of motion/force transmissibility and constraint shows that this PM has transmission singularity, constraint singularity, mixed singularity and limb singularity. To solve these singularproblems, the quantifiable redundancy transmission index (RTI) and the redundancy constraint index (RCI) are proposed for optimum seeking of redundant actuators for this PM. Then the appropriate redundant actuators are selected and the working scheme for redundant actuators near the corresponding singular configuration are given to help the PM go through the singularity.