bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Health Risks in Musicians of the Slovene Philharmonic Orchestra, Ljubljana, Slovenia
Authors: Črnivec Rajko
Published: February 2021

This study consisted of medical examination and comparison of results obtained in 70 musicians from the Slovene Philharmonic Orchestra, Ljubljana. The main goals of the study were to identify performance-related musculoskeletal disorders, to assess the health status and working capacity
of the musicians, and to propose measures for improved protection of their health. The results were compared with results obtained in a control group of 28 marketing workers at Philip Morris Enterprise, Ljubljana. Musculoskeletal problems of the studied group of Slovene musicians were compared
with problems of 109 musicians of the Berlin Opera Orchestra examined at the Institute of Occupational Health, Berlin, Germany. We identified performance-related diseases (inflammatory and degenerative skeletal disorders and minor occupational hearing impairments) that were most frequent.
A significant proportion of performing musicians had overuse syndrome, caused by excessive use of the extremities and characterized by cumulative microtrauma exceeding human physiologic limits, and dermatologic problems, such as finger calluses and “fiddler’s neck.” The most
frequent musculoskeletal problems were due to repetitive motion, unphysiologic postures (isometric strain on the affected muscles), and prolonged sitting position during performances. The highest level of musculoskeletal disorders was noted in the double bass and cello sections, followed by
violin, viola, woodwind, and brass players. The severity of physical impairments and restricted ability to perform music were correlated with age, duration of classical music performance, and total length of service. In the group of Slovenian musicians, the incidence of health problems in
general was twice as high as in the control group, whereas the incidence of musculoskeletal disorders was six times as high as that in the control group. Health status of the musicians in terms of moderate and severe physical impairments was worse than in the control group. Measures for improved
health protection and better performance ability were proposed.
Publications in Dance Medicine and Science: A Bibliographer’s Perspective
Authors: Solomon Ruth , Solomon John
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study was to provide a statistical review of trends in dance medicine and science research over the last 38 years with regard to how much is being published, where it is being published, and what subject matter is attracting the most attention. All data were compiled
through computer tabulations of entries in the authors’ Dance Medicine & Science Bibliography, 3rd Edition. When viewed in three-year intervals, the number of publications was seen to increase dramatically between 1977 and 1988, and decrease steadily at each interval through 2003.
Over the time span in question, 141 authored books, 36 edited books, and 321 chapters have appeared, along with 405 articles in periodicals (led by Medical Problems of Performing Artists and the Journal of Dance Medicine & Science, with 151 and 136 articles, respectively). Eleven research
subjects can be identified which have produced at least 100 references; the 3 most prolific subjects are Psychology/Personality/Perception/Memory/Stress, psychological (308); Technique/Teaching/Training (284); and Stress fracture/Overuse injury (241). Publications over the last 38 years in
dance medicine and science portray it as a vigorous and diverse field, although there is potential cause for concern in the (at this time unexplained) decrease in number of publications since 1989.
Japanese Symposium of Performing Art Medicine, Kawasaki, July 19, 2004
Authors: Sakai Naotaka
Published: February 2021

It has been more than 20 years since the first symposium on performing arts medicine was held in Aspen, and last year, the European Congress of Musicians Medicine had their 10th meeting in Turku, Finland. However, there has never been a conference or symposium on performing arts medicine
held in Japan, despite the large numbers of professional musicians and dancers in that country. This past July, Dr. Naotaka Sakai and four other physicians who have been treating the medical problems of musicians, as well as a manager who has been taking care of musicians’ medical and
life insurance, organized the first Japanese Symposium of Performing Art Medicine.
Thumb Pain in an Instrumental Musician
Authors: Brandfonbrener Alice G , Amadio Peter C , Kalish Robert
Published: February 2021

A 49-year-old white female professional pianist and professor of piano at a community music college complains of bilateral thumb pain of 6 months duration. The past summer she began to play golf more intensively than previously and noticed that her thumbs were tender after playing.
She says that she first noticed it rather acutely, first in the left thumb only, but soon thereafter it became bilateral. Since the pain became acute 6 months ago she has backed off from playing piano except in teaching. She did not take any medication until very recently when she started
to take 1-2 Aleve (naproxen) a day, without noticeable relief. She has used some ice, which seemed more helpful. She consulted her primary care physician, who took x-rays; the results were reported to her as normal. She comes in because she has some upcoming performing obligations and she
is concerned that if she resumes playing piano at the level required in preparation for these performances, she might worsen the situation.
Utilization, Predictors and Gaps in the Continuum of Care for Maternal and Newborn Health in Ghana
Authors: Enos Juliana Yartey , Amoako Richard Dickson , Doku Innocent Kwao
Published: February 2021

Background: Continuum-of-care (CoC) throughout pregnancy, childbirth and the postnatal period is essential for the health and survival of mothers and their babies. This study assesses the utilization, predictors, and gaps in the continuum of maternal and newborn health (MNH) services in Eastern Ghana.
Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional survey was conducted to assess utilization of MNH services and their determinants in the East Akim Municipality of Ghana. Three hundred and ten (310) mothers aged 15-49 years were sampled from 4 communities (3 rural; 1 urban) in the municipality using stratified sampling methodology. Logistic regression models were fitted to determine the likelihood of utilizing skilled birth attendance (SBA) and postnatal care (PNC) after antenatal care (ANC).
Results: Sixty-six percent (66%) of mothers surveyed received the full complement of MNH services (ANC, SBA, PNC) for their most-recent birth. While 98% of mothers made at least one ANC visit with 83.5% receiving the World Health Organization-recommended 4+ visits, only 74% accessed SBA indicating a 24% attrition in the CoC from ANC to SBA, and an 8% attrition from SBA to PNC. About 86% of mothers accessed PNC within 42 days postpartum. Distance to health facility, urban residence, and exposure to media information were strong predictors of the full complement of MNH continuumof- care utilization.
Conclusion and Global Health Implications: The study found a remarkable utilization of MNH services in East Akim with significant attrition along the continuum-of-care. Efforts to enhance utilization of the MNH continuum-of-care should focus on increasing access to SBA in particular, through equitable distribution of MNH services in hard-to-reach areas and innovative communication approaches for reducing attrition at each level of the continuum-of-care. Evidence from this study can inform strategies for achieving universal access and utilization of the MNH continuum-of-care towards global goals and improved health outcomes in Ghana and other countries.
Key words: • Continuum-of-care • Antenatal care • Skilled birth attendance • Postnatal care • Maternal health services • Maternal health • Newborn health • Ghana
Copyright © 2021 Enos et al. Published by Global Health and Education Projects, Inc. This is an open-access article distributed under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License (CC BY 4.0) which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in any medium, provided the original work, first published in this journal, is properly cited.
Educación acuasomática: beneficios de las competencias filogenéticas en natación para bebés
Authors: Esesarte-Pesqueira Beatriz , Campero-Cuenca Lourdes , Villagómez-Chávez Sara , Ramírez-Avendaño Emmanuel , Moctezuma-Torre Luz Elena
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: La Escuela de Natación Acuarela (Oaxaca-México) adoptó la teoría de la Tritemporalidad de la Motricidad Humana (filogénesis, ontogénesis y sociogénesis) para desarrollar su método de enseñanza en la Educación Acuasomática para bebés, en donde, para facilitar el proceso de aprendizaje, recurre a las competencias filogenéticas.
Objetivos: Explorar si el método de Educación Acuasomática de la Escuela Acuarela, propicia que la madre experimente y se haga consciente de sus competencias en el agua y si esto facilita que el bebé adquiera habilidades fundamentales para interrelacionarse naturalmente con el agua.
Método: Metodología mixta para evaluar el desarrollo de cinco competencias filogenéticas: atención sustentada, gestualización, interacción, afiliación e imitación durante el proceso enseñanza-aprendizaje. Curso de 3 meses con 14 diadas (madres-bebés) menores de 1 año. Utiliza: entrevista, encuesta (pre-test/post-test), videograbación y auto-observación de las madres.
Resultados: Inicialmente, 20% de las madres reportan no saber nadar, 58% haber tenido poco contacto con agua en la niñez y 30% algo de miedo. A lo largo de las sesiones, exploran, de manera teórico-vivencial y progresiva, las nociones de la Tritemporalidad de la Motricidad Humana y sus competencias filogenéticas; todas mostraron un incremento progresivo. Su autobservación conlleva un aumento de emociones positivas en relación con su experiencia en el agua. Señalan gran satisfacción con la escuela y metodología implementada.
Conclusiones: La Educación Acuasomática prepara a la madre para abordar conscientemente las competencias filogenéticas que garantizan en el bebé la adquisición de habilidades básicas para su adaptación natural al agua y facilitar el aprendizaje de la natación.
Palabras clave: Agua, Educación Somática, Habilidad, Maternal, Aprendizaje, Natación, Bebés, México.
El bebé y el niño pequeño en el agua: Aplicación de los principios de Emmi Pikler en pedagogía acuática para la primera infancia
Authors: Sanz Magdalena
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: A partir del conocimiento de la más amplia investigación realizada sobre la pura motricidad libre en bebés y niños desde los 3 meses hasta los 3 años de vida llevada a cabo por el Instituto Loczy en Budapest (Hungría), reformulamos las prácticas tradicionales de la natación temprana, generando recursos pedagógicos que eviten provocar en el agua posturas que los bebés y niños no hayan alcanzado por sí mismos en tierra, y que reemplacen las inmersiones dirigidas por el adulto en cualquiera de las etapas del aprendizaje.
Objetivos: Se ha comprobado que esta nueva propuesta pedagógica no retarda el logro de la independencia acuática factible en edades tempranas, especialmente en lo referido a la coordinación de habilidades de equilibrio, respiración y movimientos propulsores.
Método: El sostén adulto y las propuestas siguen las posturas alcanzadas por los bebés autónomamente, sin adelantar o forzar en el agua posturas o velocidades que el bebé no logre por sí mismo en tierra. Reemplazamos las inmersiones realizadas por adultos por propuestas lúdicas basadas en la iniciativa del bebé o niño y en la imitación en libertad de movimiento en piscinas playas. Creamos y mantenemos las condiciones estables de sostén a través de la formación de los maestros y la información a los padres. Llevamos un período de observación de cinco años, en clases regulares de natación con bebés y niños de 4 meses a 3 años (+/- 6 meses) con uno de sus padres en el agua. En este período el promedio de asistencia fue de 80 díadas mensuales, con una frecuencia mayoritaria de un estímulo de clase semanal.
Resultados: El resultado más destacado de la experiencia es la innecesaridad de sumergir a los bebés para la estimulación de la pausa respiratoria en inmersión y la independencia acuática, una práctica emblemática de la actividad. Sin esta práctica, todos los bebés y niños observados realizaron uso espontáneo de la pausa respiratoria en inmersión desde que la realizan, y todos lograron organizar su respiración autónomamente, tanto en superficie como en inmersión, sin haber sido sumergidos por los adultos.
Conclusiones: Buscamos con esta investigación cuidar el bienestar emocional temprano, que determina fundamentalmente la constitución de la vida psíquica del hombre en ciernes que vive, como explorador, en cada niño.
Palabras clave: Equilibrio, respiración, tono, emoción, desarrollo, iniciativa, autonomía y estimulación.
Beneficios de las actividades acuáticas durante el embarazo: revisión sistemática
Authors: Albarracín Pérez Apolonia
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: Son muchas las investigaciones que existen acerca de los beneficios de la práctica de ejercicio físico durante la gestación. Dentro de la gama de actividades, las acuáticas se erigen como una de las más recomendadas tanto por las propiedades del medio como por los efectos que conlleva tanto para la madre como para el feto. Por ello, han proliferado los estudios que relacionan estos hechos, debiendo ser la base de la puesta en práctica.
Objetivos: Realizar una revisión sistemática de los estudios que abordan los beneficios, qué a nivel materno-fetal, posee la práctica de actividad física en el medio acuático durante el periodo de gestación, siendo la base para proponer un programa de ejercicio acuático para esta población.
Método: Se analizaron todos los estudios que relacionan el ejercicio en el medio acuático con la mujer embarazada. Se llevó a cabo el análisis de 45artículos para realizar dicha revisión sistemática, a través de las bases de datos Medline, Scielo, etc., siempre sobre artículos originales de investigación.
Resultados: La práctica de actividad física en el medio acuático durante el embarazo conlleva efectos fisiológicos y antropométricos en la madre, así como comportamentales y emocionales. Por otro lado, se destacan los efectos que sobre el feto y el parto poseen.
Conclusiones: Parece que la gran parte de los estudios llevan a admitir que el ejercicio acuático durante el embarazo no posee consecuencias adversas para la madre y el feto, sino que, por el contrario, es muy recomendado, tanto para disminuir los efectos adversos del embarazo, como que éste se desarrolle lo más saludablemente posible.
Palabras clave: Mujer embarazada, bondades, actividades acuáticas, inmersión, agua.
Efectos del método acuático comprensivo en estudiantes de 6 y 7 años
Authors: De Paula Borges Luciane , Moreno Murcia Juan Antonio
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: A lo largo de las últimas décadas ha existido una preocupación constante por buscar nuevas formas de seducir a los estudiantes para el aprendizaje de los contenidos relacionados con la educación física a través de las actividades acuáticas escolares.
Objetivos: El objetivo del estudio consistió en comprobar el efecto de una Metodología Acuática Comprensiva con apoyo a la autonomía sobre los saberes (saber, saber hacer, saber ser y saberes globales) en un grupo de estudiantes en clases de educación física en el medio acuático de 6 y 7 años de edad.
Método: Los participantes fueron 80 estudiantes de 6 y 7 años. Se utilizó un diseño casi-experimental con un grupo control y un grupo experimental. El grupo control estuvo compuesto por 38 estudiantes, donde 20 eran chicos y 18 eran chicas y el grupo experimental, compuesto por 42 estudiantes, donde 25 eran chicos y 17 eran chicas. Se les midió a través de tres instrumentos que se diseñaron de forma específica para este estudio que recogían medidas del saber, saber hacer, saber ser y saberes globales. Al grupo experimental se le aplicó el Método Acuático Comprensivo (MAC) durante ocho meses (20 clases).
Resultados: Tras las distintas fases de análisis, construcción y validez, el sistema de registro permitió obtener un buen sistema de medida de los saberes. Después de la intervención, el grupo experimental presentó diferencias en todos los saberes, siempre siendo mejor el resultado en el post-test. El grupo control también presentó diferencias en los saberes, siendo peores los resultados en el post-test.
Conclusiones: Los instrumentos diseñados para validar el saber, saber hacer, saber ser y saberes globales presentaron adecuadas medidas psicométricas. La metodología activa (Método Acuático Comprensivo), ha mostrado mejores efectos sobre el aprendizaje del saber, saber hacer, saber ser y saberes globales en las actividades acuáticas en estudiantes de 6-7 años en clases de educación física.
Palabras clave: actividades acuáticas, método, educación, actividades acuáticas escolar, autonomía.
Natación en la escuela: hacia una alfabetización acuática
Authors: Albarracín Pérez Apolonia , Moreno Murcia Juan Antonio
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: La educación acuática no solo es imprescindible para el desarrollo motor de niños y adolescentes, sino que, además, influye directamente en el rendimiento del cerebro. Ésta favorece la concentración, la atención y la motivación, aspectos imprescindibles en cualquier aprendizaje. Parece oportuno, por tanto, qué en el desarrollo integral de los estudiantes, la motricidad acuática esté contemplada en el desarrollo curricular.
Objetivos: El propósito de este documento es orientar, delimitar y centrar el programa de la natación en el ámbito escolar, proponiendo unas normas directrices del proceso de enseñanza-aprendizaje, así como la supervisión pedagógica que sirva para la comunidad educativa en el camino hacia la implantación de este contenido en todos los centros educativos para lograr una “alfabetización acuática” de la sociedad. Se le suma el objetivo de buscar otro camino para reducir los accidentes en entornos acuáticos dando protagonismo al alumnado tanto para prevenirlos como para atenderlos en la medida de las posibilidades de cada uno.
Método: Se ha realizado un profundo estudio curricular tanto en documentos legales oficiales de España como de otros países, así como en referentes de organismos europeos que abogan por la igualdad en todos los niños y niñas del ámbito que abarcan. Por otra parte, se han analizado todas las progresiones y necesidades que el propio proceso pedagógico acuático requiere. También se han analizado los aspectos claves en la prevención, salvamento y socorrismo acuático.
Resultados: Se han adaptado todos los aspectos curriculares relevantes en educación física a la aplicación de éstos en el medio acuático, detallando tanto la estructura curricular, objetivos, contenidos, organización y supervisión pedagógica en cada uno de los niveles educativos escolares, abarcando desde Educación Infantil, Primaria, Secundaria, hasta el Bachillerato. Se describen tanto procesos de desarrollo motor acuático como de seguridad y supervivencia.
Conclusiones: Es posible una educación física en el entorno acuático, ampliando así las barreras de las clases y los gimnasios, y dotando de mayor riqueza y seguridad las prácticas físicas en el agua. Si se lograra la implementación de esta propuesta, además de una riqueza educativa, puede aportar una seguridad a los ciudadanos y una reducción de los accidentes y/o muertes en este medio.
Palabras clave: Medio acuático, currículo, educación física, actividades acuáticas, seguridad, supervivencia.
A psicomotricidade em meio aquático
Authors: Matias Ana Rita
Published: February 2021

A Psicomotricidade ao incutir um olhar global e integrador sobre as diversas dimensões do desenvolvimento do individuo, permite uma união entre a expressão corporal e a atividade mental. A relação corpo-psique constrói-se ao longo da nossa existência, mais ou menos harmoniosamente, e a nossa imagem do corpo evolui num movimento de integração de experiências de vida, numa combinação de três tempos: passado, presente e futuro (Potel, 1999)...
Motivación, autoconfianza y experiencia autotélica en deportistas de salvamento y socorrismo
Authors: Cano Noguera Francisco , Montero Carretero Carlos , Moreno-Murcia Juan Antonio
Published: February 2021

Antecedentes: La ciencia viene mostrando la importancia que el clima de los iguales parece tener en la comprensión de la motivación y la conducta de los deportistas.
Objetivos: El objetivo de este estudio fue comprobar la capacidad predictiva del clima motivacional de los iguales, las necesidades psicológicas básicas y la motivación intrínseca sobre la autoconfianza precompetitiva y la experiencia autotélica en deportistas de salvamento y socorrismo.
Método: La muestra se compuso de un total de 142 deportistas, a los que se midió el clima motivacional de los iguales, las necesidades psicológicas básicas, la motivación intrínseca, la autoconfianza precompetitiva y la experiencia autotélica experimentada durante una competición.
Resultados: Tras un análisis de regresión lineal, la autoconfianza y la experiencia autotélica fueron predichas positivamente por el clima tarea, las necesidades psicológicas básicas y la motivación intrínseca, mientras el clima ego predijo de forma negativa.
Conclusiones: Los resultados son discutidos en pro de una mejora de los climas de entrenamiento.
Palabras clave: flow, clima motivacional, necesidades psicológicas, motivación autodeterminada, deporte.
Prevención de ahogamientos: que se trate de nosotros
Authors: Ortiz Olivar Ana
Published: February 2021

“El dolor por la muerte de un niño es inconmensurable” (Unicef, 2012) Así abre en su prefacio, el último Informe mundial de prevención de lesiones en los niños. El ahogamiento, se define como el proceso de experimentar dificultades respiratorias por inmersión o sumersión en un líquido (Van Beeck; Branche; Szpilman; Modell y Bierens, 2005). Sus consecuencias pueden resultar en muerte, morbilidad o no morbilidad. Puede suceder en variedad de climas o escenarios geográficos, como la playa, el río, piscinas, inundaciones o el hogar y en diversas actividades, sean estas recreativas, la vida doméstica, laborales o deportivas (Stallman, Moran, Quan, y Langendorfer, 2017). El Informe mundial de prevención de ahogamientos reporta como factores de riesgo, a la pobreza, la niñez, la adolescencia, el fácil acceso a espejos de agua, la falta de supervisión adecuada, de habilidades acuáticas y de sensibilización respecto a la seguridad en el agua y a los comportamientos seguros (World Health Organization, 2014)...
Adhatoda Vasica attenuates inflammatory and hypoxic responses in preclinical  mouse models: potential for repurposing in COVID-19-like conditions
Authors: Gheware Atish Prabhakar , Dholakia Dhwani , Kanan S , Panda Lipsa , Rani Ritu , Pattnaik Bijay Ranjan , Jain Vaibhav , Parekh Yash , Enayathullah M.Ghalib , Bokara Kiran Kumar , Subramanian V , Mukerji Mitali , Agrawal Anurag , Prasher Bhavana
Published: February 2021

Background: COVID-19 pneumonia has been associated with severe acute hypoxia, sepsis-like states, thrombosis and chronic sequelae including persisting hypoxia and fibrosis. The molecular hypoxia response pathway has been associated with such pathologies and our recent observations on anti-hypoxic and anti-inflammatory effects of whole aqueous extract of Adhatoda Vasica (AV) prompted us to explore its effects on relevant preclinical mouse models. Methods: In this study, we tested the effect of whole aqueous extract of AV , in murine models of bleomycin induced pulmonary fibrosis, Cecum Ligation and Puncture (CLP) induced sepsis, and siRNA induced hypoxia-thrombosis phenotype. The effect on lung of AV treated naïve mice was also studied at transcriptome level. We also determined if the extract may have any direct effect on SARS-CoV2 replication Results: Oral administration AV extract attenuates increased airway inflammation, levels of transforming growth factor-b1 (TGF-b1), IL-6, HIF-1α and improves the overall survival rates of mice in the models of pulmonary fibrosis and sepsis and rescues the siRNA induced inflammation and associated blood coagulation phenotypes in mice. We observed downregulation of hypoxia, inflammation, TGF-b1, and angiogenesis genes and upregulation of adaptive immunity-related genes in the lung transcriptome . AV treatment also reduced the viral load in Vero cells infected with SARS-CoV2. Conclusion: Our results provide a scientific rationale for this ayurvedic herbal medicine in ameliorating the hypoxia-hyperinflammation features and highlights the repurposing potential of AV in COVID-19-like conditions.
Cryptolepine consolidates its anticancer potential by increasing the anti-cancer pathway genes and decreasing that of pro-cancer pathway genes
Authors: Narkwa Patrick Williams , Domfeh Seth Agyei , Awandare Gordon , Mutocheluh Mohamed
Published: February 2021

Background: Cancers are one of the commonest causes of deaths globally. Reports indicate that greater than sixty percent of cancers in the world occur in low and middle-income countries with about seventy percent of all cancer deaths occurring in these regions. Conventional cancer treatments involve surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, etc. However, the negative side effects such as high cost and toxicity associated with these treatment options have increased the demand for less toxic and less expensive anti-cancer drugs from natural sources. One of such natural products believed to have anti-cancer potential is cryptolepine (CRYP), an alkaloid extracted from the roots of Western and Central African plant Cryptolepis sanguinolenta. In addition to its anti-cancer potential, CRYP has been reported to possess a myriad of pharmacological activities. However, the mechanisms underlying the anti-cancer and pharmacological activities of CRYP have not been fully explored. Methods: We screened 45 immune and cancer signalling pathways for their regulation following treatment with CRYP using the dual-luciferase based Cignal Finder Multi-Pathway Reporter Arrays to pinpoint which pathways are regulated by CRYP. Additionally, the effects of CRYP on the transcript levels of interferon regulatory factor 1 (IRF-1), progesterone receptor (PR), hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha (HIF-1α) and signal transducer and activator of transcription 3 (STAT 3) were assessed by real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Results: We observed that of the 45 immune and cancer signalling pathways screened, nine were up-regulated while twenty-seven were down-regulated by CRYP. However, CRYP had no effect on nine of the pathways screened. We also observed that CRYP induced an increase in the transcript levels of IRF1 and PR but decreased that of HIF1-α and STAT3. Conclusion: The upregulation of human anti-cancer pathway genes including IRF-1 and PR and concomitant down-regulation of pro-cancer pathway genes including HIF1-α and STAT3 suggest additional mechanisms through which CRYP could exhibits its anti-cancer potential.
A novel bidirectional clustering algorithm based on local density
Authors: LV BAICHENG , WU WENHUA , HU ZHIQIANG
Published: February 2021

With the widely application of cluster analysis, the number of clusters is gradually increasing, as is the difficulty in selecting the judgment indicators of cluster numbers. Also, small clusters are crucial to discovering the extreme characteristics of data samples, but current clustering algorithms focus mainly on analyzing large clusters. In this paper, a bidirectional clustering algorithm based on local density (BCALoD) is proposed. BCALoD establishes the connection between data points based on local density, can automatically determine the number of clusters, is more sensitive to small clusters, and can reduce the adjusted parameters to a minimum. On the basis of the robustness of cluster number to noise, a denoising method suitable for BCALoD is proposed. Different cutoff distance and cutoff density are assigned to each data cluster, which results in improved clustering performance. Clustering ability of BCALoD is verified by randomly generated datasets and city light satellite images.
Distribution, source apportionment and health risk assessment of organochlorine pesticides in drinking groundwater
Authors: Oyekunle John A. O. , Adegunwa Abiodun O. , Ore Odunayo T.
Published: February 2021

Groundwater samples of Ile-Ife, Osun State, Nigeria were investigated for their organochlorine pesticides (OCPs) levels. Probable sources of the OCPs and health risks associated with their consumption along with the water were determined in order to establish the potability of the groundwater samples. Quantitative determination of the OCPs was carried out by Gas Chromatography coupled with Electron Capture Detector (GC-ECD) after liquid-liquid extraction with dichloromethane (DCM). Results indicated that all the analyzed OCPs except p,p'-dichlorodiphenylethane were detected with high concentrations in the groundwater. Heptachlor (14.60±3.60 µg L-1) and methoxychlor (12.60±2.20 µg L-1) showed dominant concentrations that were higher than 0.02 ng L-1 maximum residue levels (MRLs) recommended by the European Union. Levels of the OCPs in the samples followed the decreasing trend: cyclodienes > diclorophehylethanes > chlorinated cyclohexanes, while the predominant source of the analyzed pesticides could be ascribed to aerial transportation from fresh applications in homes within the community. The carcinogenic health risk assessment also revealed consistent higher values of HQ and CR in children as opposed to adults, indicating that children are the more vulnerable population to the analyzed environmental contaminants.
Integrated multi-omics analysis reveals common and distinct dysregulated pathways for genetic subtypes of Frontotemporal Dementia
Authors: Menden Kevin , Francescatto Margherita , Niyma Tenzin , Blauwendraat Cornelis , Dhingra Ashutosh , Castillo-Lizardo Melissa , Fernandes Noemia , Kaurani Lalit , Kronenbeerg-Versteeg Deborah , Atasu Burcu , Sadikoglou Eldem , Borroni Barbara , Rodriguez-Nieto Salvador , Simon-Sanchez Javier , Fischer Andre , Craig David , Neuman Manuela , Bonn Stefan , Rizzu Patrizia , Heutink Peter
Published: February 2021

Understanding the molecular mechanisms underlying frontotemporal dementia (FTD) is essential for the development of successful therapies. Here we integrated transcriptomic and epigenomic analyses of postmortem human brains of FTD patients with mutations in MAPT, GRN and C9orf72 and detected common and distinct dysregulated cellular pathways between patient groups. Our results highlight that excitatory neurons are the most vulnerable neuronal cell type and that vascular aberrations are a common hallmark in FTD. Via integration of multi-omics data, we detected several transcription factors and pathways which regulate the strong neuroinflammation observed in FTD-GRN. Small RNA-seq data and verification experiments in cellular models identified up-regulated miRNAs that inhibit cellular trafficking pathways in FTD and lead to microglial activation. These findings shed light on novel mechanistic and pathophysiological hallmarks of FTD. The data represent the 1st phase of a multi-omics, multi-model data resource for FTD research which allows in-depth molecular research into disease mechanisms that will further mechanistic FTD research.
Time-Encoded Bio-Fluorochromic Supramolecular Co-Assembly for Rewritable Security Printing
Authors: Gao Zhao , Qiu Shuai , Yan Fei , Zhang Shuyi , Tian Wei
Published: February 2021

Innovative fluorescence security technologies for paper-based information are still highly pursued now-adays because data leakage and indelibility have become serious economic and social problems. Herein, we report a novel transient biofluorochromic supramolecular co-assembly mediated by hydrolytic enzyme (ALP: alkaline phosphatase) towards rewritable security printing. A co-assembly based on the de-signed tetrabranched cationic diethynylanthracene monomer tends to be formed by adding adenosine triphosphate (ATP) as the biofuel. The resulting co-assembly possesses a time-encoded bio-fluorochromic feature, upon successively hydrolyzing ATP by ALP and re-adding new batches of ATP. On this basis, the dynamic fluorescent properties of this time-encoded co-assembly system have been successfully enabled in rewritable security patterns via an inkjet printing technique, providing a fascinating potential for fluorescence security materials with a biomimetic mode.
Number and Nest-Site Selection of Breeding Black-Necked Cranes Over the Past 40 Years in the Longbao Wetland Nature Reserve, Qinghai, China
Authors: Wei Qiufang , Shao Yun , Xie Chou , Cui Baoshan , Tian Bangsen , Brisco Brian , Li Kun , Tang Wenjia
Published: February 2021

Black-necked crane (Grus nigricollis, BNC) is an endangered species classified as vulnerable under the revised IUCN Red List, and it faces serious threats from human activities and habitat variations. We investigated and analyzed the population and nesting microhabitat of BNCs in the Longbao National Nature Reserve (NNR) from 1978 to 2016. The number average growth rate of each decade was different, and we analyzed the reasons for the number increase from several aspects, including land cover and climate change. The establishment of the Longbao NNR represented an effective method of protecting endangered animal species. However, the land cover classification results of Landsat images showed that the marsh wetland, which is the BNC’s primary habitat, decreased, while artificial buildings, including roads and houses, increased, which affected the habitat of BNCs. The average temperature increase over the past 40 years has also had an impact on the number of BNCs. We observed 9 BNC nests, which included 5 island nests and 4 grass nests, by telescope in 2018. BNCs prefer to nest in swampy wetlands or on islands with open water or star-like distributions. The results of the principal component analysis showed that among the six microhabitat factors (elevation, habitat type, distance to roads, shortest distances to nearest water body, nearest distance between nests and disturbance), the nearest distance between nests and habitat type were the primary factors influencing nesting site selection. To promote this species, we suggest decreasing wetland fragmentation, reducing habitat degradation and providing an undisturbed habitat.
Primary Care Physicians’ Perceptions Concerning Engagement in Cancer Survivor Care
Authors: Kimachi Miho , Omae Kenji , Kamitani Tsukasa , Fukuma Shingo
Published: February 2021

PurposeGiven the growing diversity among cancer survivors and the fact that oncologists typically do not perform long-term care, the expected role of primary care physicians (PCPs) in cancer survivor care is expanding. However, communication and collaboration between oncologists and PCPs is lacking. Therefore, we assessed the perception of cancer survivor care among PCPs.MethodsWe surveyed 767 Japanese Board-certified PCPs, regardless of facility type (clinics and hospitals), inquiring about PCPs’ perceptions of their role in survivor care. Additionally, we included vignette-based scenarios focused on colorectal and prostate cancer survivors to explore factors associated with their clinical decisions. Results We obtained 91 replies (response rate: 11.9%). A total of 75% of PCPs had encountered at least 1 cancer patient in actual practice. Even for patients actively receiving cancer treatment, >70% of PCPs reported that they were willing to engage in all aspects of survivor care, except for the administration of anticancer drugs. Further, 49% of PCPs considered that both PCPs and oncologists were suited to performing regular screening for cancer recurrence in high-risk patients. Multivariable logistic regression analyses revealed that clinic PCPs were less inclined to conduct screening for recurrence than hospital PCPs in both colorectal (odds ratio, 3.85 [95% confidence interval 1.40-10.6]) and prostate cancer (4.36 [95% confidence interval 1.51-12.6]) scenarios.ConclusionsOur findings suggest that Japanese PCPs are willing to engage in survivor care and encourage closer collaboration between oncologists and PCPs. However, oncologists might need to request cooperation, considering the facility type with which PCPs are affiliated.
A Novel Placement Method for Mini-Scale Passive Components in Surface Mount Technology
Authors: He Jingxi , Cen Yuqiao , Li Yuanyuan , Alelaumi Shrouq , Won Daehan
Published: February 2021

This paper aims to propose a novel placing method, i.e., place-between-paste-and-pad (PB), for mini-scale passive components to enhance electronic assembly lines' yield. PB means a component is designed to be placed at the midpoint between the pastes and pads on the length direction while it aligns with the pads' center on the width direction. An experiment that involves 12 printed circuit boards (PCB) is designed and conducted to get comparative results. Four PCBs are employed for place-on-pad (PP), place-on-paste (PPS), and PB separately. On each board, 375 resistors R0402M (0.40 mm X 0.20 mm) are assembled horizontally. To study the components' misalignment under various solder paste offset conditions in different placement methods, a stencil with 25 solder paste offset settings is utilized. Based on this experiment's results, PB has superior performance to the other two methods to minimize components' misalignment. Regarding the number of acceptable components when post-reflow offsets are within 25% of components' dimensions, PB and PP have equivalent performances, and they both outperform PPS. Furthermore, PB is a low-cost placing strategy because PB needs not the real-time communication between the solder paste inspection machine and the pick-and-place machine. With the miniaturization trend in electronic products, the post-reflow components' misalignment is more frequently observed than before. The placement method proposed in this study is expected to offer a low-cost exploration in the component pick-and-place procedure to enhance the surface mount technology (SMT) assembly quality.
Temperature Effects on Yields, Fatty Acids and Tocopherols of Prickly Pear (Opuntia Ficus Indica L.) Seed Oil of Oriental Region of Morocco
Authors: KADDA Salma , BELABED Abdelmadjid , LOUKILI Hassania , HAMMOUTI Belkheir , FADLAOUI Soufiane
Published: February 2021

This study focuses on yields, chemical quality, composition, and the stability of the fatty acids of the oil extracted from Opuntia ficus indica seeds, collected from the eastern region of Morocco, regardless of the temperature and the extraction method used. The results of this study reveal that prickly pear is a rich source of oil. The obtained oil yields varied from 12.49%±0.09 for the mechanical extraction, 11.46±0.10 for the chemical extraction, and 10.52%±0.09 for the maceration. The main fatty acids found in O. Ficus indica are linoleic acid 75.80%±0.10 (Chemical), 74.07%±0.14 (Maceration) and 71.59%±0.14 (Mechanical), and palmitic acid 17.32%±0.02 (Chemical) 22.419% ±0.06 (Maceration) and 26.58% ±0.00 (Mechanical). So the oil of prickly pear could be classified as a linoleic. Among the Tocopherols founded, a high value of b-tocopherol has been detected in the mechanical extraction with 502.04±0,76 mg/kg followed by the chemical and the maceration extraction with (430.12±0.61mg/kg, 315.47± 0.96 mg/kg) respectively. The findings of the present study reveal that the oil of O. ficus indica could be used in cosmetics and pharmacological products.
Attenuation of Oxidative Stress-Associated Hematological Alterations and Hepatic Injury Induced by D-Dalactose or γ-Irradiation Using β-Hydroxybutyrate in Male Rats
Authors: Habieb Mahmoud El Sayed , Mohamed Marwa Abd El Hameed , ElGamal Doaa Mohamed , Hawas Asrar Mohamed , Mohamed Tarek Mohamed
Published: February 2021

This work aims to investigate the possible inhibitory action of β-hydroxybutyrate (βOHB) against hematological alterations and hepatic injury associated with oxidative stress caused by D-galactose or γ-irradiation in rats. Six groups of male rats were used as the control, irradiated group (5 Gy), D-galactose (150 mg/kg b.wt), β-hydroxybutyrate (72.8 mg/kg b.wt), γ-irradiation plus βOHB, and D-galactose plus βOHB. Complete blood count and glucose-6-phosphate-dehydrogenase (G6PD) activity were determined in whole-blood samples. In addition, the hepatic malondialdehyde (MDA), nitric oxide (NO), and glutathione (GSH) levels and the superoxide dismutase (SOD) activity were evaluated. Moreover, certain elements were measured in liver tissue (iron (Fe), copper (Cu), and zinc (Zn)). The G6PD activity significantly diminished post exposure to D-galactose or γ-irradiation. In the βOHB, D-galactose, or γ-irradiation groups, liver MDA levels and SOD activity were significantly increased. Meanwhile, NO and GSH levels were significantly increased relative to normal control levels in the γ-irradiation group. The findings showed that βOHB alleviated hematological alterations, enhanced the altered biochemical indices, and modulated the change in Cu, Fe, and Zn elements in D-galactose or γ-irradiation group. These results highlight the role of βOHB as a powerful protective agent against hematological alterations and liver impairment by reducing G6PD-mediated oxidative stress and controlling the measured elements.
Effect of Oxygen Content and Temperature On Stabilization of Arsenic in Copper Smelting System
Authors: Xu Shenghang , Hu Bin , Zhang Huibin , Wu Min , Wang Yanan , He Yuzheng , Cao Huazhen , Zhou Jun , Zheng Guoqu
Published: February 2021

Arsenic-bearing wastes from copper smelting system are usually disposed by trapping them in slag tailing. However, arsenic in slag tailing is not that stable, which can infiltrate into the groundwater, threatening the environment and human health. The solidification/stabilization (S/S) of arsenic is the only way to deal with arsenic contamination. The flash smelting method shows relatively high S/S ability of arsenic, but the process and mechanism remain unclear. In this paper, we aim at revealing the effect of atmosphere on the S/S process of arsenic owing to the different content of oxygen in reaction shaft and sedimentation tank in copper smelting system. Calcium arsenate, SiO2, Fe2O3 and iron powders were sintered at different temperature in air and argon to simulate the S/S reaction. The results show that the sintering product is Fe-Si oxide in air and fayalite in argon, and the fayalite possesses better capacity to solidify arsenic than that of Fe-Si oxide. The toxicity characteristic leaching procedure (TCLP) results reveal that the leached concentration of arsenic from fayalite fabricated at 1200 ℃ is only 2.916 mg L-1, which satisfies the identification standard for hazardous substances in China. Furthermore, the theoretical calculation reveals that AsO4 and SiO4 tetrahedrons can be connected by O atoms when sintered in argon, and the Si-O-As covalent bond can evidently inhibit the release of As atom from fayalite. This work can not only clarify the S/S mechanism of arsenic in flash smelting process, but also provide theoretical guidances to dispose arsenic-bearing waste harmlessly.
Morphological dietary composition of Antarctic toothfish (Dissostichus mawsoni) along the East Antarctic continental slope
Authors: Seong Gi Chang , Choi Seok-Gwan , Chung Sangdeok , An Doo Hae , Kim Hyun-Woo , Baeck Gun Wook
Published: February 2021

To predict how the fishing of Antarctic toothfish, Dissostichus mawsoni , would affect the ecosystem, it is necessary to understand the species’ ecological niche. Morphological analysis of the stomach contents of 960 D . mawsoni specimens collected at depths of 946–1,600 m along the East Antarctic continental slope from December 2016 to March 2017 was used to assess dietary composition according to depth, sex, site, and size. Fishes were the most common prey item for D . mawsoni , comprising 97.8% based on the index of relative importance. Among the nine fish families consumed by D . mawsoni , Macrouridae was the dominant taxon. The size of D . mawsoni increased with depth. The dietary composition of D . mawsoni did not show significant differences by depth or sex, but did differ with site and size. D . mawsoni was the top predator in the ecosystem along the East Antarctic continental slope and can be considered an opportunistic feeder, feeding on abundant food in the environment. Therefore, additional studies of the diet of Antarctic toothfish are necessary to maintain the ecosystem structure and function in a changing environment, and the results of this study can be used as a monitoring baseline.
Degradation of Bisphenol a Using Horseradish Peroxidase Immobilized on Fe-based MOFs
Authors: Cai Wenting , Xu Jiaxin , Cheng Jianhua , Du Kesi , Chen Yuancai
Published: February 2021

In this study, we synthesized a water-stable Fe-based metal-organic framework, MIL-88B (Fe) by a solvothermal method, and for the first time, MIL-88B (Fe)/HRP composite was prepared for the degradation of bisphenol A (BPA) by immobilizing horseradish peroxidase on MIL-88B (Fe) using covalent fixation method. The material was characterized via XRD, FTIR, TG, and SEM methods. The results showed that the composite could remove bisphenol A quickly and efficiently by adding the hydrophilic agent polyethylene glycol, with the removal rate of BPA up to 99.2% within 1 hour. In addition, the initial concentration of bisphenol A, the dosage of the immobilized enzyme and the amount of H2O2 added had a great influence on the degradation efficiency. It was found that immobilized HRP could be reused, and its storage stability and thermal stability were better than free HRP. These show that immobilized enzymes have a broad application prospect in waste-water treatment.
Transforming Used Palm Oil into Biogasoline Investigation of Activity and Selectivity of Mesoporous Silica Catalyst for Hydrocracking Process
Authors: Suseno Ahmad , Wijaya Karna , Heraldy Eddy , Hakim Lukman , Saputri Wahyu Dita
Published: February 2021

Research on mesoporous silica synthesis using CTAB template as well as its activity and selectivity in the hydrocracking of used palm oil has been conducted. This research was initiated with the synthesis of mesoporous silica material by varying the TEOS to CTAB ratios at 2:1, 4:1, and 8:1, later calcined at varying temperatures of 300, 350, and 400 oC. The products were characterized by XRD, SEM-EDX, and GSA. The hydrocracking was performed with a feed ratio of 1:100 and H2 gas flow rate of 20 mL/min for 1 hour. The results showed that the highest activity of mesoporous silica was found in the TEOS:CTAB ratio of 8:1 and calcination temperature of 500 oC. The mesoporous silica produced had higher crystallinity, higher percentages of Si, and larger pore size. The catalyst activity test showed that the application of mesoporous silica increased the amount of biogasoline fraction (C5-C12) produced at the optimum temperature condition of 350°C using the MCT81-500 catalyst.