bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Arabic Culture As A Defensive Strategy: Tunisian Education As An Example
Authors: Khaldi Boutheina
Published: December 2020

Since independence, the educational system in the Arab world in general, and Tunisia in particular, has continued to alienate itself from the mainstream society. Deeply rooted in a colonial past, education has failed to effect social, economic, and political change. this paper focuses on the status of education, and by extension Arabic language, in Post-independent Tunisia. Using Pierre Bourdieu’s theory of Cultural Reproduction, and Antonio Gramsci’s theory of Cultural Hegemony. The method used is descriptive; to describe the research topic problems qualitatively to draw conclusions objectively according to primary data. The historical method is analyzing past events, interpreting them, and presenting the results to highlight their present and future effects.The finding sets out to argue that educational institutions are sites of power play.
Multimodal Writing to Promote Global Competence for EFL Learners
Authors: ARSLAN Sezen
Published: December 2020

Multimodal writing refers to a process of writing with a combination of different modes such as visual, auditory, spatial, linguistic and textual. Research shows that multimodal writing has a positive effect on writing skills and learner motivation. Multimodal writing practices seem to be convenient for 21st-century language classrooms because learners are incredibly engaged in digital applications and they exchange information on multimedia platforms. The mere fact is that the scope of multimodal writing is not confined to teaching top-drawer writing skills including coherence, cohesion, fluency, and creativity but it should focus on promoting global competence. The learners need to have an understanding of the global challenges, concerns and intercultural issues so that they can be global-minded and take necessary steps for a sustainable world. Hence, in this study, the researcher reviews the literature and suggests practical ideas about how to implement multimodal writing to empower global competence.
Measurement of Circulating Tumor Cells Determines Treatment Response and Exitus in Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma Submitted to Transarterial Chemoembolization
Authors: de la Cruz-Ojeda Patricia , Navarro-Villarán Elena , Gómez-Espejo María I. , Dios-Barbeito Sandra , Fernández-Luque Inés , Meana Concepción , Garrido-Navas María Carmen , Domínguez-Borrero Manuel F , Praena-Fernández Juan M. , Serrano María J. , Álamo-Martínez José M. , Gutiérrez-Martín Carlos M. , Giráldez-Gallego Álvaro , Castell-Monsalve Francisco J. , Ferrer-Ríos María T. , Muntané Jordi
Published: December 2020

Circulating tumor cells (CTCs) enumeration is a promising technique to predict cancer prognosis and treatment response. CTCs were evaluated in healthy subjects, cirrhotic controls and hepatocarcinoma (HCC) patients. CTCs were isolated using microfluidic system based on the expression of EpCAM, EGFR and three epithelial to mesenchymal transition (EMT) markers. Patients were stratified according to disease progression and exitus. Although counts of individual CTCs, clustered CTCs and α-fetoprotein (AFP) at basal level in patients with HCC were significantly increased compared with the values obtained in cirrhotic patients and control subjects, only individual CTCs (p=0.027), but not clustered CTCs (p=0.063) and AFP (p=0.072), were independent predictors of HCC development. The univariate regression model showed that basal levels of CTCs46 were related to high risk of HCC (Odds Ratio 3.467, p=0.011). The stratification of our cohort according to disease progression and death showed that basal individual CTCs 76 (Hazard Ratio 5.131, p=0.004) were related to disease progression, as well as the difference of clustered CTCs between 1-month and baseline levels 1.5 were related to death (Hazard Ratio 10.204, p=0.036). In conclusion, the preoperative and 1-month measurements of CTCs in blood constitute useful markers to predict the outcome of patients under TACE treatment.
Study on Diseases Prevalence in the Selected Area's Emphasis on Parasitic Diseases of Pigeon
Authors: Akter Most. Tahera Dil , Sarder Md. Jalal Uddin , Islam Md. Hemayatul , Islam Md. Reazul , Parvaz Nazmul Hasan , Alam Md. Nahid
Published: December 2020

This experiment was carried out to determine the overall prevalence of pigeon diseases and especially emphasized on prevalence of parasitic diseases in study areas. During this study 45 farms were selected which have >20 pair of pigeon for commercial and >10 pair pigeon for traditional farm in the three study area namely Rajshahi, Natore and Pabna district of Bangladesh. The data were collected from different farm within the study area through a questionnaire and interview schedule with the farm owners. During one year of study period a total Out of 3677 pigeon, positive case in cage of external parasites were 722 and internal parasite positives 114 from 263 fecal sample. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal and external parasites in pigeon at northern Bangladesh is obtained. The infestation of lice Columbaecula columbae and fly Pseudolynchia canariensis were observed 18.08% and 1.55% respectively. The present study found two species of ectoparasites lice and fly. Diversity of ectoparasite in birds infestation may be depend on many factors, which may include home range, behavior, size and roosting habit of the host. The overall prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigeon are founded that 43.34% in research area. Specific incidence was 22.81% in Ascariasis, 18.63% in Capilariasis and 1.90% in Raillietina parasite in pigeon. Ascaridia colombae is one of the most common (22.81%) helminth species in pigeons in this study. The effect of breed of pigeon observed in present studies the highest in indigenous (63.47%) and lowest exotic (36%) prevalence of gastrointestinal parasite was observed. The specific percentages of Ascariasis, Capilariasis and Raillatina gastrointestinal parasites of pigeon were found 20% & 31.74%; 14% & 30.15% and 2% & 1.58% in exotic & indigenous breed, respectively. In the present study, there is a relation between the occurrence of gastrointestinal parasitic infections with the age of the pigeons which showed that high prevalence in adults (50%) and compare to young (22.22%). but it was statistically significant (P>0.05). In relation with farming system the gastrointestinal parasitic incidence of pigeon was observed in modern and tradition farming system, the highest incidence was 71.16% in traditional & lowest 31.14% in modern farming. When observed specifically in Ascariasis, Capillariasis & Raillietina were 16.39% & 37.41%; 13.11% & 31.25% and 1.63% & 2.5% in modern & traditional, respectively. The effect of regions on the prevalence of gastrointestinal parasites in pigeon was observed in Pabna (68.32%), Natore (57.84%) and Rajshahi (33.33%). The specific percentages of Ascariasis, Capilariasis and Raillatina gastrointestinal parasites of pigeon were 18.18%, 33.33% & 26.31%; 14.54%, 33.33% & 23.38% and 0.606%, 1.66% & 7.89% in Rajshahi, Pabna and Natore, respectively.
Prevalence of allelic and genotypic variants of the rs1143627 polymorphism in the IL1β gene among patients with typhoid
Authors:   Research Institute of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, Mirzajonova D.B. , Karimov H.Ya. ,   Research Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, Abdukhalilova G.K. ,   Research Institute of Epidemiology, Microbiology and Infectious Diseases, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan, Boboev K.T. ,   Research Institute of Hematology and Blood Transfusion, Ministry of Health of the Republic of Uzbekistan, Tashkent, Republic of Uzbekistan
Published: December 2020

Objective. To evaluatethe role of allelic and genotypic variants of gene IL1β polymorphism rs1143627 in susceptibility to typhoid fever (TF). Materials and methods. 41 patients with TF and 84 chronic carriers of S. typhi were endrolled in the study. Control group included 91 healthy individuals, All of the individuals under study were Uzbeks. DNA samples were isolated from peripheric blood with the kit Ribo-sorb (AmpliSens®, Russia). Genotyping of polymorphism rs1143627 of gene IL1β was carried out by the standard PCR using kits “SNP-Express” (LLC NPF “LITECH”, Russia) according to the instruction of manufacturer. Results. The domination of allele 31T was found in the main group (patients and carriers). Its frequency was significantly lower in comparison with the control group (51.2% and 67.0%, respectively; χ2 = 10.8; p = 0.001). Minor allele -31С cytokine IL1β, on the contrary was detected more frequently in patients with TF (48.8%), than in the control group (33.0%) in χ2 = 10.8 and p = 0.001. Calculated relative chance of this allele detection in the main group in comparison with control group was OR = 1.9 in 95% CI 1.304-2.88. Conclusion. Genotypic variant C/C of polymorphism rs1143627 of the gene IL1β made a certain contribution into forming of generic structure of susceptibility to S. typhi. Risk of susceptibility of macro organism to pathogen in the presence of this genotype is higher more than 2.5 times (χ2 = 4.3; p = 0.04; CI 95% 1.037–7.359). Key words: Typhoid fever, bacteria carrier, bacteria S. typhi, polymorphism rs1143627 of the gene IL1β
Outlooks of therapy for genital herpes
Authors:   I.P.Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Isakov V.A. , Isakov D.V. ,   I.P.Pavlov First Saint Petersburg State Medical University, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Gavrish N.A. ,   Center for Herpesvirus Infections and Immune Rehabilitation, L.G.Sokolov Clinical Hospital No 122, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation, Paykacheva Yu.M. ,   Center for Herpesvirus Infections and Immune Rehabilitation, L.G.Sokolov Clinical Hospital No 122, Federal Medical and Biological Agency of Russia, Saint Petersburg, Russian Federation
Published: December 2020

Herpesvirus infections are widespread in humans. Approximately 6–10% of adults suffer from genital herpes and 10–20% of them have recurrent disease. Herpesvirus infections (including asymptomatic and silent forms) were found to have a negative effect on human reproductive health. Herpes simplex virus can infect germ cells, impair spermatogenesis, and play a certain pathogenetic role in the development of infertility. Herpes is a serious medical and social problem. Patients with recurrent herpes often have imbalanced immune responses involving interferons and other cytokines, as well as inhibition of cellular and phagocytic reactions of the organism. Meglumine acridone acetate, an interferon inducer, demonstrated high clinical and immunological efficacy in the treatment and prevention of recurrent herpes. The drug can be combined with other medications and is well tolerated by patients. Key words: immune response, immunomodulators, recurrent herpesvirus infections, efficacy of meglumine acridone acetate
Model Keterampilan Bantingan Lengan Olahraga Gulat Untuk Atlet Pemula
Authors: Yudi Mahyudi
Published: December 2020

This study aims to produce a wrestling model of arm-throwing skills. Research on the development of an arm-throwing skill model for novice athletes using the Research & Development method from Borg and Gall. The subjects in this development research involved 30 athletes in PPLP wrestling, Pengprov PGSI and Platinum Wrestling Club. This study resulted in 12 arm-throwing model skills and firstly the model skills were validated by a validation team consisting of coaches and wrestling sports experts. Based on the results of a small group test involving 8 athletes from 1 club, it shows that of the 20 variations developed, 12 of them are eligible to be tested on a wider sample. The results of the large group test conducted by researchers involved 30 people from the PPLP and the Plaitnum Wrestling Club. Based on the results of the study, 12 models of arm skills skills can be used after evaluation by the validator team, the results of the small group test and the large group test results are declared feasible and valid to be used as a model in wrestling arm throwing exercise so that it can improve multilateral motion in athletes. young people serve and also exercise more effectively and efficiently so as to increase the interest and motivation of regional athletes in participating in wrestling exercises, especially arm throwing techniques.
Smartphone-Based Automated Non-Destructive Testing Devices
Authors: Petryk V. F. , Protasov A. G. , Galagan R. M. , Muraviov A. V. , Lysenko I. I.
Published: December 2020

Currently, non-destructive testing is an interdisciplinary field of science and technology that serves to ensure the safe functioning of complex technical systems in the face of multifactorial risks. In this regard, there is a need to consider new information technologies based on intellectual perception, recognition technology, and general network integration. The purpose of this work was to develop an ultrasonic flaw detector, which uses a smartphone to process the test results, as well as transfer them directly to an powerful information processing center, or to a cloud storage to share operational information with specialists from anywhere in the world.

The proposed flaw detector consists of a sensor unit and a smartphone. The exchange of information between the sensor and the smartphone takes place using wireless networks that use "bluetooth" technology. To ensure the operation of the smartphone in the ultrasonic flaw detector mode, the smartphone has software installed that runs in the Android operating system and implements the proposed algorithm of the device, and can serve as a repeater for processing data over a considerable distance (up to hundreds and thousands of kilometers) if it necessary.

The experimental data comparative analysis of the developed device with the Einstein-II flaw detector from Modsonic (India) and the TS-2028H+ flaw detector from Tru-Test (New Zealand) showed that the proposed device is not inferior to them in terms of such characteristics as the range of measured thicknesses, the relative error in determining the depth defect and the object thickness. When measuring small thicknesses from 5 to 10 mm, the proposed device even surpasses them, providing a relative measurement error of the order of 1 %, while analogues give this error within 2–3 %.
Gut-brain axis neurodegeneration in a Drosophila model of Parkinson’s disease is linked to mitochondrial dysfunction
Authors: Fedele Giorgio , Loh Samantha , Celardo Ivana , Lehmann Susann , Costa Ana , Martins L. Miguel
Published: December 2020

The innate immune response mounts a defence against foreign invaders, but the inappropriate induction of an innate immune response can cause diseases. Previous studies have provided ample evidence showing that mitochondria can be repurposed to promote inflammatory signalling. Damaged mitochondria can also trigger inflammation and promote diseases. Mutations in pink1 cause early-onset Parkinson’s disease (PD), and studies using Drosophila melanogaster have shown that pink1 mutants accumulate damaged mitochondria. Here, we showed that defective mitochondria in pink1 mutants activate Relish targets and demonstrated that inflammatory signalling causes intestinal dysfunction in pink1-mutant flies. These effects result in the death of intestinal cells and metabolic reprogramming, which leads to neurotoxicity. We found that Relish signalling is activated downstream of a pathway stimulated by cytosolic DNA. The suppression of Relish in the intestinal midgut of pink1-mutant flies restores mitochondrial function and protects neurons in the brain. We thus conclude that the gut-brain axis causes neurotoxicity in a fly model of PD through a mechanism involving mitochondrial dysfunction.
Laser spectroscopy of the 2S1/2 - 2P1/2, 2P3/2 transitions in stored and cooled relativistic C3+ ions
Authors: Winzen Daniel , Hannen Volker , Bussmann Michael , Buß Axel , Egelkamp Christian , Eidam Lewin , Huang Zhongkui , Kiefer Daniel , Klammes Sebastian , Kühl Thomas , Loeser Markus , Ma Xinwen , Nörtershäuser Wilfried , Ortjohann Hans-Werner , Sánchez Rodolfo , Siebold Mathias , Stöhlker Thomas , Ullmann Johannes , Vollbrecht Jonas , Walther Thomas , Wang Hanbing , Weinheimer Christian , Winters Danyal
Published: December 2020

The and 2S1/2 - 2P1/2 and 2S1/2 - 2P3/2 transitions in Li-like carbon ions stored and cooled at a velocity of β ≈ 0.47 in the Experimental Storage Ring (ESR) at the GSI Helmholtz Centre in Darmstadt have been investigated in a laser spectroscopy experiment. Resonance wavelengths have been obtained using a new continuous-wave UV laser system and a novel extreme UV (XUV) detection system used to detect forward emitted fluorescence photons. The results obtained for the two transitions are compared to existing experimental and theoretical data. A discrepancy found in an earlier laser spectroscopy measurement at the ESR with results from plasma spectroscopy and interferometry could be resolved and agreement between experiment and theory is confirmed. Nonetheless, the experimental uncertainty is still smaller than that of state-of-the art theory.
Starvation causes changes in the intestinal transcriptome and microbiome that are reversed upon refeeding
Authors: Jawahar Jayanth , McCumber Alexander , Lickwar Colin , Amoroso Caroline , Canny Sol Gomez de la Torre , Wong Sandi , Bohannan Brendan , Guillemin Karen , Rawls John
Published: December 2020

Background: The ability of animals and their microbiomes to adapt to starvation and then restore homeostasis after refeeding is fundamental to their continued survival and symbiosis. The intestine is the primary site of nutrient absorption and microbiome interaction, however our understanding of intestinal adaptations in host transcriptional programs and microbiome composition remains limited. Additionally, few studies on starvation have investigated intestinal responses to refeeding. The zebrafish presents unique opportunities to study the effects of long-term starvation and refeeding. We used RNA sequencing and 16S rRNA gene sequencing to uncover changes in the intestinal transcriptome and microbiome of zebrafish subjected to long-term starvation and refeeding compared to continuously fed controls. Results: Starvation over 21 days led to increased diversity and altered composition in the intestinal microbiome compared to fed controls, including relative increases in Vibrio and reductions in Plesiomonas bacteria. Starvation also led to significant alterations in host gene expression in the intestine, with distinct pathways affected at early and late stages of starvation. This included increases in the expression of ribosome biogenesis genes early in starvation, followed by decreased expression of genes involved in antiviral immunity and at later stages. These effects of starvation on the host transcriptome and microbiome were within 3 days after refeeding. Comparison with published datasets identified host genes responsive to starvation as well as high-fat feeding or microbiome colonization, and predicted host transcription factors that may be involved in starvation response. Conclusions: Long-term starvation induces progressive changes in microbiome composition and host gene expression in the zebrafish intestine, and these changes are rapidly reversed after refeeding. Our identification of bacterial taxa, host genes and host pathways involved in this response provides a framework for future investigation of the physiological and ecological mechanisms underlying intestinal adaptations to food restriction.
Probabilities of ICU Admission and Hospital Discharge According to Patient Characteristics in the Designated COVID-19 Hospital of Kuwait
Authors: Kipourou Dimitra-Kleio , Leyrat Clemence , Alsheridah Nourah , Almazeedi Sulaiman , Al-Youha Sarah , Jamal Mohammad H. , Al-Haddad Mohannad , Al-Sabah Salman , Rachet Bernard , Belot Aurelien
Published: December 2020

Background Subsequent epidemic waves have already emerged in some countries and in the absence of highly effective preventive and curative options, there is a need for detailed epidemiological examination of the role of patient characteristics on the development of outcomes. The objective of this study is to describe the probabilities of admission to the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) and the probabilities of hospital discharge among positive COVID-19 patients according to demographics and comorbidities recorded at hospital admission. Methods A prospective cohort study of all patients with COVID-19 found in the Electronic Medical Records of Jaber Al-Ahmad Al-Sabah Hospital in Kuwait was conducted. The study included 3995 individuals (symptomatic and asymptomatic) of all ages who tested positive from February 24th to May 27th, 2020, out of which 315 were treated in the ICU and 3619 were discharged including those who were transferred to a different healthcare unit without previously entering the ICU. A competing risk analysis considering two events, namely, ICU admission and hospital discharge using flexible hazard models was performed to describe the association between event-specific probabilities and patient characteristics.Results Results showed that being male, increasing age and comorbidities such as chronic kidney disease (CKD), asthma or chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and weakened immune system increased the risk of ICU admission within 10 days of entering the hospital. CKD and weakened immune system decreased the probabilities of discharge in both females and males however, the age-related pattern differed by gender. Diabetes, which was the most prevalent comorbid condition, had only a moderate impact on both probabilities whilst CKD which had the largest effect, was only present in 2% of the study cohort.Conclusion This study provides useful insight in describing the probability of ICU admission and hospital discharge according to age, gender, and comorbidities among confirmed COVID-19 cases in Kuwait. A web-tool is also provided for free to allow the user to estimate these probabilities for any combination of these covariates. These probabilities enable the deeper understanding of the hospital demand according to patient characteristics which is essential to hospital management and useful for developing a vaccination strategy.
Highly efficient generation of bacteria leaf blight resistance and transgene-free rice using genome editing and multiplexed selection system
Authors: Yu Kun , Liu Zhiqiang , Gui Huaping , Geng Lizhao , Wei Juan , Liang Dawei , Lv Jian , Xu Jianping , Chen Xi
Published: December 2020

Background Rice leaf blight is a worldwide devastating disease caused by bacteria Xanthomonas oryzae pv. Oryzae (Xoo). The UPT (up-regulated by transcription activator-like 1 effector) box in promoter region of the rice Xa13 gene played a key role in Xoo pathogenicity. Mutation of key bacterial protein binding site in UPT box of Xa13 to abolish PXO99-induced Xa13 expression is a way to improve rice resistant to bacterial.Highly efficient generation and selection transgene-free, edited plants helpful to shorten and simple the gene editing breeding process. Selective elimination of transgenic pollen of E0 plants can enrich proportion of E1 transgene-free offspring and expression of the color mark gene in seeds makes the selection of E2 plants is very convenient and efficient. In this study, a genome editing and multiplexed selection system was used to generate bacteria leaf blight resistance and transgene-free rice plants.Results We introduced site specific mutations into the UPT box using CRISPR/Cas12a technology to hamper TAL (Transcription-Activator Like effectors) protein binding and gene activation, and generated genome edited rice with improved bacteria blight resistance. Transgenic pollens of E0 plants were eliminated by pollen specific expression of α-amylase gene Zmaa1, the proportion of transgene-free plants were enriched from 25% to 50% in single T-DNA insertion events in E1 generation. Transgenic seeds were visually identified and discarded by specific aleuronic expression of DsRed, which reduced 50% cost and achieved up to 98.64% of accuracy for selection of transgene-free edited plants. Conclusion We demonstrated core nucleotide deletion in the UPT box of Xa13 promoter conferred resistance to rice blight and selection of transgene-free plants were boosted by introducing multiplexed selection. The combination of genome editing and transgene-free selection is an efficient strategy to accelerate functional genomic research and plant breeding.
Dentate gyrus single cell neuronal activity in rats during fixed interval task and subsequent sleep
Authors: Lipponen Arto , Sahramäki Joonas , Penttonen Markku , Nokia Miriam
Published: December 2020

The hippocampal dentate gyrus is known to be crucial for cognitive tasks involving so-called pattern separation and completion. The exact neuronal mechanisms behind these phenomena are still unclear, but it is hypothesized that sparse firing of dentate gyrus principal cells during exploration corresponds to separate patterns of contextual stimuli. Less is known of the activity of dentate principal cells when the cognitive task does not require the active involvement of external stimuli such as during immobility. Therefore, we recorded the activity of dentate gyrus principal cells, granule and mossy cells, and interneurons while the animal was immobile during a fixed interval task and a subsequent rest period. While interneurons were constantly active, both mossy and granule cells preferentially fired during the immobility period. However, all cell types fired during NREM sleep, especially during dentate spikes. Therefore, we were able to show that both principal cells and interneurons are active during the fixed interval tasks and subsequent sleep in distinct phases. This will allow future studies focusing on the role of different single cell activity of dentate gyrus during immobility.
Pathways Into and Out of Homelessness Among People with Severe Mental Illness in Rural Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Smartt Caroline , Ketema Kaleab , Frissa Souci , Tekola Bethlehem , Birhane Rahel , Eshetu Tigist , Selamu Medhin , Prince Martin , Fekadu Abebaw , Hanlon Charlotte
Published: December 2020

Background: Little is known about the pathways followed into and out of homelessness among people with severe mental illness (SMI) living in rural, low-income country settings. Understanding these pathways is essential for the development of effective interventions to address homelessness and promote recovery. The aim of this study was to explore pathways into and out of homelessness in people with SMI in rural Ethiopia.Methods: In-depth interviews were conducted with 15 people with SMI who had experienced homelessness and 11 caregivers. Study participants were identified through a larger project implementing a multi-component district level plan to improve access to mental health care in primary care (PRIME). Thematic analysis was conducted using an inductive approach.Results: Study participants reported different patterns of homelessness, with some having experienced chronic and others an intermittent course. Periods of homelessness occurred when family resources were overwhelmed or not meeting the needs of the person with SMI. The most important pathways into homelessness were reported to result from family conflict and the worsening of mental ill health, interplaying with substance use in many cases. Participants also mentioned escape and/or wanting a change in environment, financial problems, and discrimination from the community as contributing to them leaving the home. Pathways out of homelessness included contact with (mental and physical) health care as a catalyst to the mobilization of other supports, family and community intervention, and self-initiated return.Conclusions: Homelessness in people with SMI in this rural setting reflected complex health and social needs that were not matched by adequate care and support. Interventions to prevent and tackle homelessness need to focus on increasing family support, and ensuring access to housing, mental health care and social support.
Radiological Features of the Intracranial Extraskeletal Mesenchymal Chondrosarcoma: A Report of Two Cases Insight Into the Literature Review
Authors: Abdallah Anas , Çınar İrfan
Published: December 2020

Background: Mesenchymal chondrosarcomas are the most malignant form of chondrosarcomas. They have mostly affected bones. Rarely, these tumors can be intracranial extraskeletal (IEMC) that originates from the meninges or parenchyma. Methods and Materials: We presented two IEMC patients who were treated at our institutions and followed up for the long-term. To understand the radiological features of IEMC, we conducted a systematic literature review for previously reported series and cases of IEMCs. Results: We surgically treated two young males with IEMC initially diagnosed at their age of 18 and 20 years. The patients initially treated with gross total resection (GTR) and GTR followed by radiotherapy, and followed-up for 218 and 73 months, respectively. With both patients, we obtained 83 reported IEMC patients from the literature. Among them, only 30 cases were reported with their radiological MRI details. The mean age of the reported cases was 24.5±16.0 years (2 months–71 years). Female predominance was 54.2%. The mean progression-free and overall survivals were 27.9 and 39.0 months, respectively. Most IEMCs showed a partially calcified mass on roentgenography and a highly vascular mass on angiography. On T1WIs, IEMCs almost show hypo- to isointensity and intense heterogeneous enhancement after administering a contrast substance. On T2WIs, IEMCs show iso- to hyperintensity.Conclusions: IEMCs usually show dural attachment without a net dural tail sign and a well-identified brimmed vascular nodule on TOF-MRA. This nodule appears as a prominent blooming on SWI. TOF-MRA and SWI images can help in the radiological diagnosis of IEMCs.
Concurrent Chemoradiotherapy Versus Radiation Monotherapy for Patients with Locally Advanced Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in the Era of Intensity Modulated Radiotherapy: A Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Li Chen , Tan Lijun , Liu Xiao , Wang Xin , Zhou Zongmei , Chen Dongfu , Feng Qinfu , Liang Jun , Lv Jima , Wang Xiaozhen , Bi Nan , Deng Lei , Wang Wenqing , Zhang Tao , Ni Wenjie , Chang Xiao , Han Weiming , Gao Linrui , Wang Shijia , Xiao Zefen
Published: December 2020

Background: To investigate the survival benefit of concurrent chemoradiotherapy for patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma during the years of intensity-modulated radiotherapy. Methods: Medical records of 1273 patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma who received intensity-modulated radiotherapy from January 2005 to December 2017 in the CAMS were retrospectively reviewed. 683 patients received concurrent chemoradiotherapy, 590 patients received radiotherapy alone. Propensity score matching (PSM) method was used to eliminate baseline differences between the two groups. Survival and toxicity profile were evaluated afterwards. Results: After a median follow-up time of 50.4 months (3.2-157.4 months), both overall survival and progression-free survival of the concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were better than those of the radiotherapy group, either before or after PSM. After PSM, the 1-, 3-, 5-year OS of radiotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy groups were 63.3% vs 72.2%, 31.6% vs 42.2% and 28.5% vs 38.1%, respectively (p=0.003). The 1-year, 3-year and 5-year PFS rates of radiotherapy and concurrent chemoradiotherapy group were 44.3% vs 48.6%, 23.4% vs 31.2% and 15.8% vs 25.2%, respectively (p=0.002). The rates of ≥ grade 3 leukopenia and radiation esophagitis in the concurrent chemoradiotherapy were higher than those in the radiotherapy alone group (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the probability of radiation pneumonia between the two groups (p=0.359). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed ≥ 70 years old, female, KPS ≤ 70, stage I-II, and patients diagnosed at earlier years (2005-2010) had lower probability of receiving concurrent chemoradiation (p<0.05). Multivariate Cox analysis indicated that female, stage I-II, EQD2≥60Gy and concurrent chemotherapy were favorable prognostic factors for both OS and PFS. Conclusions: Concurrent chemotherapy can bring survival benefits to patients with locally advanced esophageal squamous cell carcinoma receiving intensity-modulated radiotherapy. For patients who cannot tolerate concurrent chemotherapy, radiation monotherapy is an effective alternative with promising results.
Interleukin-37 Regulates Innate Immune Signaling in Human and Mouse Colonic Organoids
Authors: Allaire Joannie , Poon Anita , Crowley Shauna , Han Xiao , Moore Navjit , Stahl Martin , Bressler Brian , Jacobson Kevan , Li Xiaoxia , Vallance Bruce
Published: December 2020

Intestinal epithelial cells (IEC) reside in close proximity to the gut microbiota and are hypo-responsive to bacterial products, likely to prevent maladaptive inflammatory responses. This is in part due to their strong expression of Single Ig IL-1 related receptor (SIGIRR), a negative regulator of interleukin (IL)-1 and toll-like receptor signaling. IL-37, an anti-inflammatory cytokine that inhibits innate signaling in diverse cells by signaling through SIGIRR. Despite the strong expression of SIGIRR by IEC, few studies have examined whether IL-37 can suppress their innate immune signaling. We characterized innate immune responses of human and murine colonoids to bacteria (FliC, LPS) and host (IL-1β) products and the role of IL-37/SIGIRR in regulating these responses. We demonstrated that human colonoids responded only to FliC, but not to LPS or IL-1β. While colonoids derived from different donors displayed significant inter-individual variability in the magnitude of their innate responses to FliC stimulation, all colonoids released a variety of chemokines. Interestingly, IL-37 attenuated these responses through inhibition of p38 and NFκB signaling pathways. We determined that this suppression by IL-37 was SIGIRR dependent, in murine organoids. Along with species-specific differences in IEC innate responses, we show that IL-37 can promote IEC hypo-responsiveness by supressing inflammatory signaling.
Evaluation of Lung Involvement in COVID-19 Pneumonia Based on Ultrasound Images
Authors: Hu Zhaoyu , Liu Zhenhua , Dong Yijie , Liu Jianjian , Huang Bin , Liu Aihua , Huang Jingjing , Pu Xujuan , Shi Xia , Yu Jinhua , Xiao Yang , Zhang Hui , Zhou Jianqiao
Published: December 2020

Background: Lung ultrasound (LUS) can be an important imaging tool for the diagnosis and assessment of lung involvement. Ultrasound sonograms have been confirmed to illustrate damage to a person’s lungs, which means that the correct classification and scoring of a patient’s sonogram can be used to assess lung involvement.Methods: The purpose of this study was to establish a lung involvement assessment model based on deep learning. A novel multimodal channel and receptive field attention network combined with ResNeXt (MCRFNet) was proposed to classify sonograms, and the network can automatically fuse shallow features and determine the importance of different channels and respective fields. Finally, sonogram classes were transformed into scores to evaluate lung involvement from the initial diagnosis to rehabilitation.Results and conclusion: Using multicenter and multimodal ultrasound data from 104 patients, the diagnostic model achieved 94.39% accuracy, 82.28% precision, 76.27% sensitivity, and 96.44% specificity. The lung involvement severity and the trend of COVID-19 pneumonia were evaluated quantitatively.
Positive Correlation Between the Hip Adduction Moment Impulse During the Stance Phase and the Hip Joint Contact Force Impulse
Authors: Inai Takuma , Takabayashi Tomoya , Edama Mutsuaki , Kubo Masayoshi
Published: December 2020

Background: Excessive mechanical loading, in the form of the joint contact force, has been reported to promote osteoarthritis in vitro and vivo in mice. However, it has also been reported that an excessive hip adduction moment impulse during the stance phase likely contributes to the progression of hip osteoarthritis. The relationship between the hip adduction moment impulse and hip joint contact force (impulse, and first and second peaks) during the stance phase is unclear. The objective of the present study was to clarify this relationship. Methods: A public dataset pertaining to the overground walking of 84 healthy adults, in which the participants walked at a self-selected speed, was considered. The data of three trials for each participant were analyzed. The relationship between the hip adduction moment and hip joint contact force, in terms of the impulse and first and second peaks, during the stance phase was evaluated using correlation coefficients.Results: The hip adduction moment impulse during the stance phase was positively correlated with the hip joint contact force impulse and not correlated with the first and second peak hip joint contact forces. Furthermore, the first and second peak hip adduction moments during the stance phase were positively correlated with the first and second peak hip joint contact forces, respectively. Conclusions: These findings indicate that the hip joint contact force impulse during the stance phase can be used as an index to determine the risk factors for the progression of hip osteoarthritis.
Different Phenotypes and Chondrogenic Responses of Human Menstrual Blood and Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells to activin A and TGF-β3
Authors: Uzieliene Ilona , Bagdonas Edvardas , Hoshi Kazuto , Sakamoto Tomoaki , Hikita Atsuhiko , Tachtamisevaite Zivile , Rakauskiene Greta , Kvederas Giedrius , Mobasheri Ali , Bernotiene Eiva
Published: December 2020

Background: Due to its low capacity for self-repair, articular cartilage is highly susceptible to damage and deterioration, which leads to the development of degenerative joint diseases such as osteoarthritis. Menstrual blood-derived mesenchymal stem cells (MenSCs) are much less characterized compared to bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs). However, MenSCs seem an attractive alternative to classical BMMSCs due to ease of access and broader differentiation capacity. The aim of this study was to evaluate chondrogenic differentiation potential of MenSCs and BMMSCs stimulated with transforming growth factor β (TGF-β3) and activin A, member of the TGF-β superfamily of proteins.Methods: MenSCs (n=6) and BMMSCs (n=5) were isolated from different healthy donors. Expression of cell surface markers CD90, CD73, CD105, CD44, CD45, CD14, CD36, CD55, CD54, CD63, CD106, CD34, CD10, Notch1 was analysed by flow cytometry. Cell proliferation capacity was determined using CCK-8 proliferation kit. Adipogenic differentiation capacity was evaluated according to Oil-Red staining, osteogenic differentiation - Alizarin Red staining. Chondrogenic differentiation (Activin A and TGF-β3 stimulation) was induced in vitro and in vivo (subcutaneous scaffolds in nude BALB/c mice) and investigated by histologically and by expression of chondrogenic genes (collagen type II, aggrecan). Activin A protein production was evaluated by ELISA.Results: MenSCs exhibited a higher proliferation rate, as compared to BMMSCs, and a different expression profile of several cell surface markers. Activin A stimulated collagen type II gene expression and glycosaminoglycan synthesis in TGF-β3 treated MenSCs but not in BMMSCs, both in vitro and in vivo, although the effects of TGF-β3 alone were more pronounced in BMMSCs in vitro. Conclusion: These data suggest that activin A exerts differential effects on the induction of chondrogenic differentiation in MenSCs vs. BMMSCs, which implies that different mechanisms of chondrogenic regulation are activated in these cells. Following further optimisation of differentiation protocols and the choice of growth factors, potentially including activin A, MenSCs may turn out to be a promising population of stem cells for the development of cell-based therapies with the capacity to stimulate cartilage repair and regeneration.Trial registration: Not applicable.
Experimental Investigate on Pre-combustion Characteristic and Flame Shape of an Adjustable Axial Swirl Burner for Pulverized Coal Combustion
Authors: Liu Pengzhong , Niu Fang , Wang Pengtao , Jia Nan , Zhou Jianming , Luo Wei , Wang Naiji
Published: December 2020

The 14 MW pilot–scale pulverized coal experiment system was built, pre-combustion characteristic and flame shape of adjustable axial swirl burner was investigation, and influence of swirl number also was discussed. The temperature and species concentration distribution in pre-combustion chamber showed that a high temperature oxygen-free and high CO concentration zone appeared around central pulverized coal, which enhanced burnout and inhibiting or reduction NOx. The pre-combustion characteristic belonged to high temperature preheating combustion technology. The captured flame image showed that flame shape beyond pre-combustion chamber outlet belonged to turbulent diffusion flame. Then flame shape scales were obtained. For different swirl numbers, ignition, wall temperature, mean maximum temperature, oxygen-free boundary and CO concentration was discussed, the results indicated that S=1.67 had advantaged for burnout and reduction NOx emission on the basis of stable ignition and avoiding high temperature corrosion. Mean flame length and diameter and divergence angle also were analyzed, the results showed that S=1.67 case had moderate flame length and best diameter and divergence. It was favorable for flame stability and high temperature region in furnace part, and increasing burnout and deceasing NOx emission. Therefor the optimal selection was S=1.67 case under experimental condition.
Insights From Principal Component Analysis Applied to Py-GCMS Study of Indian Coals and Their Solvent Extracted Clean Coal Products
Authors: Roy Abyansh , Dhawan Heena , Upadhyayula Sreedevi , Kondamana Hariprasad
Published: December 2020

The present work aims at studying five Indian coals and their solvent extracted clean coal products using Py-GCMS analysis and correlating these characterizations with results from theoretical a principal component analysis. The pyrolysis products of the original coals and the super clean coals were classified as mono-, di and tri- aromatics while other prominent products that were obtained included cycloalkanes, n-alkanes and alkenes ranging from C10-C29. The Py-GCMS results for the samples were studied using Principal Component Analysis. Inferences on relative composition of constituent compounds and functional groups and structural insights based on scores and loading plots of the PCA analysis were consistent with the experimental observations. ATR-FTIR studies confirmed the reduced concentration of ash in the super clean coals and the presence of aromatics. The Py-GCMS data and the ATR-FTIR spectra led to the conclusion that the super clean coals behaved similarly for both coking and non-coking coals with high aromatic concentrations as compared to the raw coal. Neyveli lignite super clean coal was found to show some structural similarity with the original coals, whereas, the other super clean coal showed structural similarity among them but not with their original coals indicative of the selective action of the e,N solvent system on the polycondensed aromatic structures in coal.
Evaluation of the Possibility of the Hard Coal Sludge Enrichment by Flotation
Authors: Moszko Joanna Całus , Wierzchowski Krzysztof , Klupa Agnieszka
Published: December 2020

Coal sludges are the smallest fraction of post-mining waste. Their grain size is less than 1 mm, and most grains have size below 60 μm. These wastes are mainly separated from the water-sludge circulations of the mines. Coal sludges are generally characterized by worse quality parameters in relation to the coal grades produced by mines. The fight against smog and the more stringent provisions in this area make it possible to monitor and control the quality of solid fuels, with particular emphasis on fuels directed for use in households and combustion plants with a rated thermal output of less than 1 MW which eliminated from the municipal and living market the coal sludges and post-flotation wastes containing less than 85% of hard coal, which are nuisance materials in the development process and their separation from the water-sludge circulation and dewatering requires many technological operations. The publication presents results of laboratory tests on the determination of conditions and possibilities of coal recovery from thermal coal sludges with an ash content of about 64%, using the froth flotation method. The experiments were conducted using a single operation method (fractional flotation) and a multiple operation method (main flotation, cleaning flotation). The tests were carried out using three types of the flotation reagents: standard (reference): ON MBIC (mixture consisting of diesel oil ON and 2-ethylhexanol OKT), specialized: Centroflot and proprietary: Klim III (non-ionic surfactants, auxiliary agents in a form of block copolymer of propylene and ethylene oxide and wetting additives, 2-ethylhexanol and a mixture of dioxane alcohols) to obtain the optimal concentrate.
Reduction of Inflammatory C3 and C4 Complement Proteins in Severe COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Ghazavi Ali , Mosayebi Ghasem , Keshavarzian Nafiesh , Rabiemajd Somayeh , Ganji Ali
Published: December 2020

Background: The complement system, consisting of more than 20 soluble proteins, has a key role in innate immunity and inflammation that eliminates pathogens and viral infections. Therefore, we investigated the titer of C3, C4, and total IgG in the serum of the non-severe and severe COVID-19 patients. Methods: For this purpose, peripheral blood samples were collected from 30 non-sever, 30 severe COVID-19 patients, and 30 healthy individuals with similar age and sex as the control group. The amount of total IgG, C3, and C4 were analyzed in the serum samples. Also, white blood cells, platelets (PLTs), and lymphocytes were counted by the auto-analyzer. Results: White blood cells had no difference between patients and control groups. The results showed a significant decrease in lymphocyte and PLTs in COVID-19 patients compare to control. Complement proteins including C3 and C4 were increased in non-severe COVID-19 patients than the other groups. Total IgG showed a notable decrease in severe patients. In conclusion, the level of C3 and C4 complement proteins were increased in non-severe-COVID-19 patients; however, in the severe COVID-19 patients their concentrations were decreased. Conclusion: However, inflammatory C3 and C4 complement factors increase in non-severe COVID-19, it decreased in the severe patients that may be because of more consumption by the formation of the immune complex. These results can shed light on the inflammatory role of C3 and C4 proteins in various phases of the disease and could provide a basis for further exploration of the pathophysiological significance and can suggest them for specific interventions.