bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Students’ Perceptions of Doctoral Defense in relation to Socio-Demographic Characteristics
Authors: Lantsoght Eva O.L.
Published: July 2021

The doctoral defense, which is an essential requirement for the doctoral degree, is considered to have three dimensions: the scholarly dimension, the emotional (affective) dimension, and the cultural dimension. In this work, I explore the link between sociodemographic factors and students’ perception of the doctoral defense. In particular, I focus on gender, ethnicity, and age at time of defense, as well as current position, and field of study. To address the influence of these aspects on the affective dimension of the doctoral defense, I first reviewed the literature on these socio-demographic aspects as well as the affective dimension of the defense. I then carried out an international survey on doctoral defenses, defense formats, and students’ perceptions and analyzed the 204 completed surveys for this study using quantitative and qualitative methods. The analysis included cross-correlations between students’ perceptions and the studied sociodemographic aspects. The main results of these analyses are that gender affects various aspects of the students’ perception of the doctoral defense and long-term perception, and that female candidates experience more issues with their committee. Ethnicity is important as well, although the participations of non-white respondents in this survey was limited. The influence of age at the defense is limited, and only for the youngest and oldest age groups I observe some differences in perception. There is no relation between current position and perception of the candidates during the defense. Finally, field of study is correlated for various aspects of student perception, committee issues, and long-term perception. The conclusion of this work is that socio-demographic aspects, and in particular gender, ethnicity, and field of study, influence how doctoral candidates experience their defense.
Knowledge of Antimalarials and Health Seeking Behaviour of Households in Case of Suspected Malaria in Democratic Republic of the Congo
Authors: Ntamabyaliro Nsengi Yumva , Burri Christian , Lula Yves Ntamba , Isosho Daniel , Engo Aline Biongo , Ngale Mireille Amba , Liwono Jerry Yana , Mukomena Eric Sompwe , Mesia Gauthier Kahunu , Mampunza Samuel Ma Miezi , Tona Gaston Lutete
Published: July 2021

(1) Background: The Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC) is heavily affected by malaria despite availability of effective treatments. Ignorance and unrecommended behaviour toward a suspected malaria case in households may contribute to this problem. (2) Method: In communities of one rural and one urban Health Centers in each of the 11 previous provinces of DRC, all households with a case of malaria in the 15 days prior to the survey were selected. The patient or caregiver (responder) were interviewed. Logistic regression was used to assess predictors of knowledge of recommended antimalarials and good behaviour in case of suspected malaria. (3) Results: 1,732 households participated; about 62% (1060/1721) of the responders were informed about antimalarials, 70.1% (742/1059) knew the recommended antimalarial and 58.6% (995/1699) resorted on self-medication. Predictors of knowledge of antimalarials were education to secondary school or university, information from media and smaller households. Predictors of good behaviour were catholic religion and smaller households. Receiving information from CHW failed to be determinants of knowledge or adequate attitude. (4) Conclusion: malaria control in DRC is hampered by ignorance and non-adherence to national recommendations. These aspects are influenced by unsuccessful communication, size of households and level of education.
Development of Low-Threshold Tools and Efficient Work Processes for Data Acquisition, Processing, Evaluation, and Application by Municipalities
Authors: Bühler Michael Max , Sebald Christoph , Rechid Diana , Baier Eberhard , Michalski Alexander , Rothstein Benno , Nübel Konrad , Metzner Martin , Schwieger Volker , Jacob Daniela , Köhler Lothar , in het Panhuis Gunnar , Tejeda Raymundo , Herrmann Michael , Buziek Gerd
Published: July 2021

Specific climate adaptation and resilience measures can be efficiently designed and implemented at the regional and local level. Climate and environmental databases are of critical importance to achieving sustainability goals (SDGs) and for the efficient planning and implementation of suitable mitigation measures: Available databases can serve municipalities as a vital starting points to determine requirements, prioritize resources and allocate investments under consideration of commonly tight budget restrictions. High-quality geo, climate and environmental data are now available – data from remote sensing, i.e. Copernicus services will be of crucial importance. Forward-looking approaches exist to using such data to derive forecasts for urban planning process optimization for municipal administrations. On municipal level, however, the existing data have so far only been used to a limited extent, since there are no practical tools for urban planning that can be used to merge and meaningfully combine remote sensing data with local data and to further process and apply in municipal planning processes. Therefore, our project CoKLIMAx aims at the development of new digital products, advanced urban services and procedures, such as the development of practice-oriented technical tools that acquire various remote sensing and in-situ data sets for validation and further processing.
Perioperative Therapy for Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer with Immune Checkpoint Inhibitors
Authors: Soh Junichi , Hamada Akira , Fujino Toshio , Mitsudomi Tetsuya
Published: July 2021

The emergence of immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) has dramatically changed the treatment landscape for patients with metastatic non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). These achievements inspired investigators and pharmaceutical companies to conduct clinical trials in patients with early-stage NSCLC because both adjuvant and neoadju-vant platinum-based doublet chemotherapies (PT-DCs) showed only a 5% improve-ment in the 5-year overall survival. IMpower010, a phase 3 trial (P3), showed that ad-juvant PT-DC followed by maintenance atezolitumab significantly prolonged dis-ease-free survival than adjuvant PT-DC alone (hazard ratio, 0.79; stage II to IIIA). Since conventional therapies, including chemotherapy and radiotherapy, can promote im-munogenic cell death, which releases tumour antigens from dead tumour cells, ICI combination therapies with conventional therapies are widely proposed. Checkmate 816 trial (P3) indicated a significantly higher pathological complete response rate of neoadjuvant nivolumab/PT-DC combination therapy than neoadjuvant PT-DC alone (odds ratio, 13.9, for stage IB to IIIA). Detection of circulating tumour DNA is highly anticipated for the evaluation of minimal residual disease. Multimodal approaches and new ICI agents are being attempted to improve the efficacy of ICI treatment in phase 2 trials. This review presents the development of perioperative treatment using ICIs in patients with NSCLC while discussing problems and perspectives.
In-vitro Investigation of Polymeric Lipid Hybrid Nanoparticles (Plhns) Of a Chemotherapeutic Drug for the Treatment of Glioblastoma Multiforme
Authors: Bhattacharya Sankha
Published: July 2021

PHLNs (polymeric lipid hybrid nanoparticles) are core–shell nanoparticle structures made up of polymer cores and lipid shells that have properties similar to both polymeric nanoparticles and liposomes. Methotrexate (MTX) loaded PLHNPs containing tween 80, phosphatidylcholine, poly D, L-lactic-co-glycolic acid (PLGA) & glyceryl tripalmitate prepared using solvent injection & homogenization method for glioblastoma treatment option. The MTX loaded PLHNPs optimized by Box–Behnken design to minimize particle size, higher entrapment efficacy, and maximize MTX concentration in the brain at 4h. The particle size, entrapment efficacy, concentration of drug in brain at 4h, zeta potential and AUC(Brain)/AUC(Plasma) ratio were in the range of 173.51-233.37nm, 70.56-86.34%, 6.38-12.38 μg/mL, 25.78-36.31mV & 1.02-5.32. in-vitro drug release studies, cellular internalization of optimized formulation against U-87 MG shows good anticancer effects.
Overcoming a stack of rough cylinders by a six-legged robot
Authors: Golubev Yury Filippovich , Korianov Victor Vladimirovich
Published: July 2021

A method has been developed for overcoming obstacles in the form of a stack of rough cylinders of different radii by a six-legged robot. Two of the cylinders are lying on a horizontal plane and the third one is lying on the two mentioned above. The cylinders are under the influence of gravity, dry friction, and rolling friction. The equilibrium conditions of the system were found when the system is under the influence of a force due to the support of the robot on the system of cylinders. Using computer modeling tools, an algorithm for overcoming the stack that does not destroy the structure of the obstacle was developed. The results of numerical experiments and corresponding video materials are presented.
The Implementation of “Guru Penggerak” (Organizer Teachers) Concept to Innovation of The Discussion Methods in Thermodynamics Course
Authors: Farhan Ahmad , Herliana Fitria , Evendi Evendi , Devy Nia Kurnia , Mauliza Fida
Published: July 2021

The thermodynamics lecture process in odd semester 2019/2020 at the Physics Education Department of FKIP Unsyiah is divided into three stages based on the lecture method used, namely; (1) lecture method, virtual experiments, and discussions, (2) assignments and group presentations, and (3) innovative discussions inspired by the idea of ​​a “Guru Penggerak.” Modification from the innovation of the discussion method is carried out by the strategy of (a) not limiting the topic of discussion, (b) online discussion using WhatsApp (WA) group lectures. The study was conducted to determine the response of students to the innovations carried out. The research results are used to develop lecture method innovations, to improve the quality of the lecture process. Students’ perceptions of the ability of lecturers, the activeness of learning, the environment of learning, and the absorption of lecture material are the problems examined in this study. The research method used was quasi-experimental, and the student perception data were obtained using a questionnaire given to 20 students as respondents. In addition, qualitative methods are used to analyze student perception data. The analysis results used a score on a scale of 1-4, obtained an average score of students’ perceptions of the ability of lecturers by 3.78, learning activeness 3.15, learning environment 3.43, and absorption of lecture material 3.49. The conclusion is that lecturers’ ability to manage lectures is excellent, students are active in lectures, the learning environment is pleasant, and absorption of higher lecture material. Therefore, discussion method innovation can be developed to enrich the learning method to improve the quality of the Thermodynamics lecture process.
Virtual Reality Technology in Physics Learning: Possibility, Trend, and Tools
Authors: Budi Agus Setyo , Sumardani Dadan , Muliyati Dewi , Bakri Fauzi , Chiu Po-Sheng , Mutoharoh Mutoharoh , Siahaan Marlinda
Published: July 2021

This study aims to disclose how virtual reality technology has been applied to studies of learning and the possibility of virtual reality by reviewing studies that have employed the virtual reality approach. A total of 15 papers were selected from the Scopus Index database from 2015 to 2020. Content analysis showed that virtual reality and physics learning had received the most attention under the theme of student perception, especially in self-efficacy and experience, followed by satisfaction, motivation, and engagement. Trends of research development show that the use of virtual reality has proliferated recently. Moreover, HTC Vive is the most powerful device to conduct the VR study for the tool device. This study concludes that virtual reality technology provides a promising media for educational researchers.
The concept of risk communications to ensure adherence to vaccination as a necessary component of the strategic development of immunoprophylaxis in Russia
Authors: Briko N. I. , Feldblium I. V. , Alyeva M. Kh. , Mindlina A. Ya. , Maslennikova N. P. , Namazova-Baranova L. S. , Fedoseenko M. V.
Published: July 2021

It is indicated in the article the importance of vaccine confidence of the population, medical workers, the media, and the bodies of authority. The vaccine confidence is necessary for the implementation of vaccine prevention at the population level for national security. The risk-communication concept to ensure adherence to vaccine prevention of all segments of the population are present. The main directions of activities for the implementation of the concept are given.
Application of GIS and Earth Remote Sensing Data for the Evaluation of the Spatiotemporal Spread of Rabies in Eastern Trans-Baikal Region
Authors: Zarva I. D. , Pavlov M. V. , Sorokovoi A. A. , Botvinkin A. D.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was to improve monitoring of natural foci of rabies based on the use of modern technologies of cartographic analysis.

Materials and methods. A retrospective study was carried out on the data of official registration of rabies in the Trans-Baikal Territory (Eastern Trans-Baikal Region) for 1950–2020. The spatial spread of rabies among animals was compared for two time periods: 1972–1978 (n=157 cases) and 2014–2020 (n=61 cases). Software packages QGIS 3.16.0, ArcMap 10.8.1, ArcScene 10.8.1 and electronic landscape-geographical maps of the world “Natural Earth”, “OpenStreetMap” were used for the mapping. Analyzed territorial units (ATUs) tied to a degree grid (0,5º × 0,5º) were marked on the cartograms. The interdependence between the localization of rabies cases and landscape elements was assessed statistically, comparing between the rabies free and the rabies affected ATUs.

Results and discussion. Differences in the landscape confinedness of rabies epizootics in Eastern Trans-Baikal Region at different periods of time have been established. Until 1983, dog rabies prevailed, and epizootics spread beyond the forest-steppe zone. In 1984–2013 rabies among animals was not recorded. In 2014–2020 red foxes (Vulpes vulpes) were the main source of the rabies virus. The area of the epizootic has more than halved in comparison with 1972–1978. The main manifestations of rabies were observed at the junction of lowland and mountainous, steppe and forest areas. The rabies affected ATUs were characterized by more pronounced landscape variables. Possible routes of cross-border spread of the rabies virus have been identified. The connection between the features of the spatiotemporal spread of rabies and genetic variants of the virus, climate change, animal migrations and anthropogenic factors in Eastern Trans-Baikal Region in 1950–2020 is discussed. The results of the study are proposed to be used to adjust the programs for barrier oral vaccination of the foxes.
Complex Characteristics of Yersinia pestis Strains Isolated in the Sarydzhaz and Upper-Naryn High-Mountain Foci in 2019–2020
Authors: Kukleva L. M. , Dzhaparova A. K. , Oglodin E. G. , Naryshkina E. A. , Krasnov Ya. M. , Kuznetsov A. A. , Fadeeva A. V. , Eroshenko G. A. , Berdiev S. K. , Kutyrev V. V.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the study was a comprehensive analysis of the phenotypic and genetic properties of Yersinia pestis strains isolated in the Sarydzhaz and Upper-Naryn high-mountain foci of the Tien Shan in 2019–2020; determination of the present-day population structure and areal of these highly virulent strains of the plague pathogen.

Materials and methods. Studies of biochemical properties (fermentation of carbohydrates, nutritional requirements), virulence (in vitro and in laboratory animals), molecular-genetic analysis and whole genome sequencing of Y. pestis strains isolated in the Sarydzhaz and Upper-Naryn high-mountain foci in 2019–2020 have been carried out. We used Y. pestis strains from the foci of the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai dated 1928–2016 for the comparison. Whole genome sequencing was performed using the Ion S5 XL System. Phylogenetic analysis was performed on the basis of 1443 identified core SNPs in 36 Y. pestis strains of various phylogenetic lines included in the analysis. The construction of dendrograms was carried out using the Maximum Likelihood algorithm, PHYML program, HKY85 model.

Results and discussion. It is established that all Y. pestis strains isolated in the Sarydzhaz and Upper-Naryn high-mountain foci in 2019–2020 belong to the 0.ANT5 phylogenetic branch of the ancient biovar of the main subspecies. Genome-wide sequencing revealed the presence of two 0.ANT5 clones, the first of which consists of strains from the basin of the river Kooylu in the Sarydzhaz focus, dated 2020. The second powerful clone includes the strains of 2012–2020 isolated in the Sarydzhaz and Upper-Naryn foci. The high virulence of the isolated strains has been shown. It was concluded that further study of the territories of the highmountain foci of the Tien Shan and Pamir-Alai is necessary to establish the current boundaries of the 0.ANT5 areal, as well as to identify the circulation areas of Y. pestis of other phylogenetic lineages.
A Multi-Model Paradigm in Application to the Analysis of the Factors Defining the Epizootic Situation in the Communities of Non-Synanthropic Small Mammals in Ekaterinburg
Authors: Tolkachev O. V. , Malkova E. A. , Gurvich A. N. , Trishevskaya A. V. , Zubkov V. A.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the work was to rank statistical models for assessing the contribution of a number of factors that determine the epizootic situation on natural-focal infectious diseases in the communities of non-synanthropic small mammals (SM) in the forests of Ekaterinburg.

Materials and methods. The SM survey was carried out for three years in the summer-autumn period. The animals were caught with snap tpaps on a standard bread bait, 9705 trap-nights were worked out. To identify infections (hemorrhagic fever with renal syndrome, tularemia, leptospirosis, yersiniosis, pseudotuberculosis), 333 SM specimens (rodents and shrews of six species) were used, randomly taken from the general sample. To determine the pathogens, the methods of enzyme immunoassay and polymerase chain reaction were used. The cumulative infection rate of small mammals with all studied natural-focal infections was evaluated. Statistical data processing was carried out from the standpoint of a multi-model approach. The selection of models was performed using the Akaike information criterion with the calculation of the sum of the weights of the models based on their full spectrum (SW).

Results and discussion. Carriers of all of the mentioned above infections, except for pseudotuberculosis, have been identified in the forest parks of Ekaterinburg. According to the ranking, the model with three predictors received the highest weight: species, year, and the abundance of SM of the previous year in a particular habitat. The most significant predictors for the full spectrum of models are the year (SW=1), species (SW=0.6), abundance of animals in the current and previous year (SW=0.48). The distribution of positive samples by species of small mammals corresponded to their ranking by abundance in the community. The influence of the factors “season” (summer or autumn) and “area” (place of capture of animals) turned out to be insignificant on the scale of the studies (SW = 0.3 and 0.16, respectively). The percentage of infected samples in total for all infections varied significantly by location and year (0–60%). The possible significance of unaccounted factors is discussed: landscape features and the mode of using forest parks, dispersal of small mammals. The conclusion is made about the usefulness of the multi-model approach in the analysis of the data from epizootiological studies.
Review of the Epidemiological Situation on Ixodic Tick-Borne Borreliosis in the Russian Federation in 2010–2020 and Prognosis for 2021
Authors: Rudakova S. A. , Pen’evskaya N. A. , Blokh A. I. , Rudakov N. V. , Trankvilevsky D. V. , Savel’ev D. A. , Teslova O. E. , Kaneshova N. E.
Published: July 2021

Objectivewas to analyze the epidemiological situation on Ixodidae tick-borne borreliosis (ITBB) in the constituent entities of the Russian Federation in the dynamics over the period of 2010–2020, taking into account the features of the year 2020, associated with the spread of COVID-19, and to forecast the development of the epidemic process for 2021. In 2020, 4180 cases of ITBB were registered in the Russian Federation, which is 1.93 times less than in 2019 and 1.73 times less than the long-term average annual figure for the previous 10 years. A significant decrease was noted in all federal districts (FD), with the exception of the Central FD, where more than half of all cases occurred. Compared to 2019, 75 out of 78 subjects experienced a decrease in the incidence rate in 2020, while in 56 entities that decrease was statistically significant. The multiplicity of the decrease in the incidence of ITBB in 2020 for all FD was significantly greater than the multiplicity of the decrease in the frequency of contacts of the population with ticks. Infection of Ixodidae ticks of various species with borrelia in natural foci in 2020 was statistically significantly higher than in 2019. Probably, the decrease in the registered incidence of ITBB against the background of the COVID-19 pandemic is due not only to a decrease in the intensity of contacts of the population with natural foci, but also to a sharp redistribution of the volume of inpatient and outpatient medical care in favor of COVID-19 patients. Given the high degree of significance of the identified trends in the dynamics of the epidemic ITBB process during 2010–2020, there is reason to expect an increase in the incidence in the Bryansk, Voronezh, Ryazan, Tula and Saratov regions in 2021, which requires special attention in terms of strengthening preventive measures and monitoring of the activity and structure of natural foci. In the rest of the entities of the Russian Federation, provided that the volumes of preventive measures are maintained on the same level and in the absence of abnormal natural and climatic phenomena, preservation or a slight reduction in the incidence of ITBB is likely to occur in the short term. At the same time, despite the tense situation regarding the new coronavirus infection, there is an obvious need to draw close attention to the problems of diagnosis and prevention of natural focal infections.
Method for Determining the Profile of Antibiotic Resistance Genes in the Vibrio cholera Strains by RT-PCR
Authors: Gladkikh A. S. , Fedotova I. S. , Mironova L. V.
Published: July 2021

The aim of the work was to design and carry out experimental studies of a set of reagents to identify the spectrum of genes that determine the resistance of the Vibrio cholerae strains to antibacterial drugs.

Materials and methods. V. cholerae strains isolated from humans and environmental objects during epidemiological complications and the cholera-free period were included in the study. Sensitivity to antimicrobial drugs was evaluated by the disk diffusion method. Whole genome sequencing was performed on an Illumina MiSeq. The profile of resistance genes was determined based on a comparison with the ResFinder database. The temperature regime, the composition of the reaction mixtures, and the reaction parameters were optimized; the specificity, sensitivity and reproducibility of the constructed prototype test system were measured.

Results and discussion. The spectrum of antibiotic resistance and the profile of resistance genes were determined for the studied strains. To develop multiplex PCR, we selected the most common in the V. cholerae populations genes, which are responsible for resistance to tetracycline (tetA), streptomycin (strA), florfenicol/ chloramphenicol (floR) and trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole (two variants of the dihydrofolate reductase gene: dfrA1 and dhfR), as well as SXT element integrase gene (int). In the reaction, markers were specifically detected in accordance with the genomic resistance profile, which correlates with the phenotypic manifestation of resistance determined by the disco-diffusion method. The sensitivity of the developed panel of primers and probes for V. cholerae strains was 103 –104 CFU/ml. Therefore, taking into account the specificity, rapidity and simplicity of the reaction, the developed system of primers and probes can be successfully applied for a preliminary assessment of the resistance of the V. cholerae strains to antimicrobial agents.
Development of Elisa Test-Systems and Immune-Chromatographic Reagent Panel Designed for the Detection of Staphylococcal Enterotoxins of A and B Types
Authors: Eremkin A. V. , Ipatov S. S. , Kuklina G. V. , Pechenkin D. V. , Kytmanov A. A. , Tikhvinskaya O. V. , Kuznetsov S. L. , Gorshkov A. S. , Khapaev N. G.
Published: July 2021

Objective of the studywas the development of experimental ELISA tests and lateral flow immunoassays for detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins, A and B types.

Materials and methods. Hybridomas, producing monoclonal antibodies against staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B from State Collection of the Affiliated Branch of the “48th Central Research Institute” of the Ministry of Defense of the Russian Federation, BALB/c mice and staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B were used in the research. Hybridoma cells were incubated in culture flasks and in the peritoneal cavity of BALB/c mice. Monoclonal antibodies were isolated from ascitic fluids through precipitation with saturated ammonium sulfate subsequently purified using ion-exchange chromatography. Obtained preparations of monoclonal antibodies were used for the construction of ELISA tests and immune-chromatographic reagent panels for the detection of staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B. Specific components of ELISA tests were lyophilized in protective media.

Results and discussion. ELISA tests and lateral flow immunoassays which allow for detecting staphylococcal enterotoxins A and B at concentrations of 0.5 ng/ml and higher, including in food samples, have been constructed.
Blunt Abdominopelvic Trauma Complicated by Traumatic Testicular Dislocation in a 19-Year-Old Male Patient
Authors: Mangual-Perez Danny , Torres-Cintron Camille , Colon-Morillo Reinaldo , Lojo-Sojo Luis , Puras-Baez Antonio
Published: July 2021

Case:

A 19 year-old male patient presented with testicular dislocation after abdominopelvic trauma. During open reduction and internal fixation, consult to urology was placed after discovering the presence of the intra-abdominal testicle. The testicle was repositioned into the scrotum with orchiopexy, and pelvic fixation was completed with 1 sacroiliac percutaneous screw and pubic symphysis fixation. Postoperative recovery was uneventful, and the patient was discharged home on postoperative day 3.

Conclusion:

Testicular dislocation is an uncommon finding after blunt abdominopelvic trauma; hence, it may be overlooked. Prompt diagnosis of testicular dislocation given the need for operative management to preserve testicle viability is crucial.
Corrective Proximal Humerus Osteotomy with Blade Plate Osteosynthesis in Adolescents
Authors: Fabricant Peter D. , Anatone Alex J. , Lin Kenneth M. , Brusalis Christopher M. , Mackie Alexandra T. , Pinnamaneni Sridhar , Taylor Samuel A.
Published: July 2021

Case:

Two cases are presented to highlight the indications, surgical technique, and early clinical outcomes associated with proximal humerus corrective osteotomy using a 90° cannulated blade plate in adolescent patients.

Conclusion:

A complex deformity of the proximal humerus in the adolescent patient poses an uncommon yet debilitating clinical condition that is challenging to manage. We report a unique method for surgical correction and fixation using an infant hip osteotomy 90° blade plate that restores native shoulder anatomy, improves function, and has led to early clinical success.
The effects of Qigong intervention based on internet on quality of life and physical fitness in Chinese postoperative breast cancer patients: a protocol of randomized controlled trial
Authors: Yu Lina , Dong Xiaosheng , Yuan Kai , Yi Xiangren , Shen Yuanlong , Ding Meng
Published: July 2021

Background: The purpose of this study is to verify the improvement of remote qigong intervention on the quality of life and physical fitness of breast cancer patients after surgery by means of a randomized controlled trial, and to compare it with the conventional exercise combination of aerobic exercise and resistance training.Methods/design: The research approach applied in this study is a randomized controlled trial. After completing the baseline questionnaire and physical fitness test, participants were randomly assigned to either the qigong group or the combined exercise rehabilitation group. Patients in the qigong group performed Qigong-Baduanjin twice a week for 30 minutes each time under remote guidance and practiced Baduanjin by themselves at other times. Patients in the combined exercise rehabilitation group were given resistance training twice a week for 30 minutes under remote guidance, and walking the rest of the time. At the end of the 12-week intervention, outcomes testing and data collection were carried out. The primary outcomes are quality of life, measured using the Medical Outcomes Study 36-Item Short-Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the Functional Assessment of Cancer Therapy-Breast (FATC-B). The secondary outcomes include cardiopulmonary endurance, upper limb strength, lower limb strength and skinfold thickness.Discussion: The importance of postoperative exercise rehabilitation for breast cancer has been gradually accepted by more and more doctors and patients, but further research and development of simple and practical means of exercise rehabilitation are necessary. Remote qigong intervention for breast cancer patients via the Internet will be a great alternative.Trial registration: chictr, ChiCTR1900027989 December 07,2019 http://www.chictr.org.cn/index.aspx
Analysis of Clinical Characteristics, Radiological Predictors, Pathological Features and Perioperative Outcomes Associated with Perinephric Fat Adhesion Degree
Authors: Liu Junqiang , Huang Hongwei , Jiang Yiheng , Zhu Zheng , Chen Jing , Liu Dikuan , Wang Lina , Zong Huafeng , Song Xishuang , Wang Xuejian , Zhu Xinqing , Nahayo Sony , Chen Qiwei , Wang Jianbo , Yang Deyong
Published: July 2021

Background
To assess the clinical characteristics, radiological predictors and pathological features of perinephric fat adhesion degree (PFAD) graded based on fixed criteria and to determine the impact of adherent perinephric fat (APF) on retroperitoneal laparoscopic partial nephrectomy (RLPN) outcomes.
Methods
84 patients undergoing RLPN were included and graded into 4 groups based on PFAD. Univariate and multivariate analysis were performed for clinical characteristics and radiological predictors of PFAD. Perioperative data was compared between APF groups and non-APF groups. Masson staining determined collagen fibers. Immunohistochemistry detected CD45 immune cells and CD34 vessels.
Results:
20, 28, 18 and 18 patients were graded as normal perinephric fat (NPF), mild adherent perinephric fat (MiPF), moderate adherent perinephric fat (MoPF) and severe adherent perinephric fat (SPF), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that gender (p < 0.001), age (p = 0.003) and hypertension (p = 0.006) were significant clinical risk factors of PFAD, while radiological predictors included perinephric stranding (p = 0.001), posterior perinephric fat thickness (p = 0.009) and perinephric fat density (p = 0.02). APF was associated with drain output (P = 0.012) and accompanied by immune cells gathering in renal cortex near thickened renal capsule with many vessels.
Conclusions
Clinical characteristics and radiological predictors can evaluate PFAD and may assist guide preoperative surgical option. Pathological features of APF reflect decapsulation and bleeding during kidney mobilization at RLPN.
Can axillary surgery be omitted in patients with breast pathologic complete response after neoadjuvant systemic therapy for breast cancer? A real-world retrospective study in China
Authors: Chen Rui , Li Shuo , Li Yan , Zhu Qiannan , Shi Xiaoqing , Xu Lu , Xu Yinggang , Zhang Weiwei , Huang Xiaofeng , Wang Jue , Zha Xiaoming
Published: July 2021

Purpose
Studies show that axillary surgery can be potentially omitted in certain breast cancer patients who achieve breast pathologic complete response (pCR) after neoadjuvant systemic therapy (NST). However, potential differences between the ypT0 and ypTis subgroups remain to be explored. Furthermore, whether axillary surgery can be omitted in patients with clinically assessed positive axillary lymph nodes (cN+) remains unknown. This study was to evaluate the status of axillary lymph nodes for patients who achieved breast pCR after NST in the real-world study.
Methods
This retrospective cohort study included 258 patients with early or locally advanced breast cancer who underwent breast and axillary surgery after NST. Clinical and pathologic data were compared between patients with breast pCR (ypT0/is) and those without breast pCR.
Results
The rate of breast pCR after NST was 27.1% (70/258). Among the patients with initial cN0, the rate of axillary pCR was similar between the breast pCR and breast non-pCR groups (100% vs. 85.7%, P = 0.1543). Among those with breast pCR, the rate of axillary pCR was 100% in both the ypT0 and ypTis subgroups. Furthermore, among those with initial cN+, the rate of axillary pCR was higher in the breast pCR group than in the breast non-pCR group (82.7% vs. 22.9%, P < 0.0001). Among the patients with breast pCR, the rate of axillary pCR was higher in the ypT0 subgroup than in the ypTis subgroup (94.3% vs. 58.8%, P = 0.0034).
Conclusion
Axillary surgery may potentially be omitted in patients with initial cN0 who achieve breast pCR (ypT0/is), and may also be considered for omission in patients with initial cN + who achieve ypT0 (not ypTis).
Intergrated metagenomics and metabolomics analysis discovers nematicidal microbes, enzymes and metabolites from the plant rhizosphere microbiota
Authors: Zhao Xiuyun , Lin Changchun , Yuan Wenfang , Ruan Song , Qi Gaofu , Wang Rui , Tan Jun
Published: July 2021

Background: Meloidogyne incognita infestation has led to huge economic loss worldwide. Nematicidal microorganisms provide an effective strategy to control M. incognita . In order to find microorganisms and new metabolites with high nematicidal activity, we collected M. incognita - infested tobacco rhizosphere soils and non-infested rhizosphere soils, and investigated functional genes, microbial community and network, and metabolites via metagenomics and metabolomics analyses. Results: Rhizosphere microbial composition, function, network and metabolites were altered accompanying with M . incognita infestation. Abundances of nematicidal microorganisms, metabolites, antibiotics and extracellular enzymes’ genes in the non-infested rhizosphere microbiota were higher than those in M. incognita -infested rhizosphere microbiota. Abundances of functions genes involved in secondary metabolites biosynthesis and carbohydrate transport and metabolism in the non-infested rhizosphere microbiota were higher than M. incognita -infested rhizosphere microbiota. Contents of 102 metabolites were different in the two rhizosphere microbiota. Contents of 35 metabolites (acetophenone, indole-3-acetic acid, etc.) in the non-infested rhizosphere microbiota were higher than those in M . incognita -infested rhizosphere microbiota. Acetophenone showed high nematicidal (LC 50 = 0.66 μg/ml) and repellent activities against M. incognita . Co-occurrence network analyses found Bacillus showed a stronger positive correlation with acetophenone. Nematicidal microorganisms were isolated from soils, and one isolate of B . amyloliquefaciens W1 produced acetophenone. Exposing J2 larvae of M. incognita to liquid culture filtrate of W1 resulted in a mortality rate of 98.8% after 24 h. Other isolates such as Aspergillus , Achromobacter , Acinetobacter , Bacillus , Burkholderia , Comamonas , Enterobacter , Lysobacter , Microbacterium , Paenibacillus , Pantoea , Pseudomonas , Streptomyces and Variovorax produced extracellular nematicidal enzymes. Conclusions: M eloidogyne incognita -infested rhizophere microbiota differed in microbial community composition, network structure, function genes and metabolites contents from the non-infested rhizosphere microbiota. Abundances of nematicidal microorganisms and metabolites, and genes involved in secondary metabolites biosynthesis and carbohydrate metabolism in the non-infested rhizosphere microbiota were higher than those in M . incognita -infested rhizosphere microbiota. Network complexity in M . incognita -infested rhizosphere microbiota was lower than that in non-infested rhizosphere microbiota. Keystone microorganisms were also different between these two networks. Acetophenone was identified as a new nematicidal compound with high activity to kill and repel M. incognita , and B. amyloliquefacens W1 isolated from non-infested soil produced acetophenone against M. incognita .
Quality Prediction of Polygonal Helical Curved Tube by Abrasive Flow Precision Machining
Authors: Li Junye , Zhu Shangfu , Zhu Jinbao , Xu Chengyu , Zhang Hengfu , Shi Guangfeng , Zhao Weihong , Liu Jianhe
Published: July 2021

Polygonal helical curved tube is the main form of rifling barrel, which surface quality determines the shooting accuracy of gun. Abrasive flow machining (AFM) technology can significantly improve its inner surface quality. In order to study the influence of AFM technical parameters on the inner surface quality of polygonal helical curved tube, orthogonal experimental design (OED) was used as the research method in this paper. By means of analysis of variance (ANOVA) of experimental data, the degree of influence of inlet pressure, abrasive concentration, abrasive particle size and machining time on the inner surface quality of polygonal helical curved tube was determined, and the optimal combination of process parameters was obtained. Under the optimal process parameters, the surface roughness Ra value in the inlet area of polygonal helical curved tube was reduced to 0.098 µm. The surface quality was significantly improved. Based on the regression analysis of experimental data, the quality prediction model of polygonal helical curved tube roughness by AFM was established to realize the effective prediction of surface quality after machining. The fitting value calculated by the model with optimal process parameters is close to the experimental value, which proves the accuracy and validity of the prediction model.
Upregulated NLGN1 predicts poor survival in colorectal cancer
Authors: Yu Qian , Wang Xiaojie , Yang Yinghong , Chi Pan , Huang Jianping , Qiu Shengliang , Zheng Xin , Chen Xiaowen
Published: July 2021

Background: Neuroligin1 (NLGN1) is a main component of excitatory glutamatergic synapses complex and is important for synapse assembly and function. The clinical value of NLGN1 in colorectal cancer (CRC) is not clear. Methods: We obtained the expression data of 1143 CRC patients from 3 independent Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) datasets (GSE32323, GSE24551, GSE39582) and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) to make the comparison of the NLGN1 expression level between CRC tissues and matched noncancerous tissues, and to evaluate its value in predicting survival of CRC patients. At the protein level, these results were further confirmed by immunohistochemical staining of 52 CRC samples in our own centre. Finally, the function of NLGN1 was explored by gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA). Results: Increased mRNA and protein levels of NLGN1 expression were associated with worse overall survival or recurrence-free survival in CRC patients from 2 GEO datasets, the TCGA database, and our cohort. In addition, multivariate regression analysis showed that NLGN1 was an independent poor prognostic factor of survival in patients with CRC in TCGA database (OR = 2.524, P = 0.010). Functional analysis revealed that NLGN1 was correlated with function involving the Hedgehog signaling pathway, mismatch repair process, and some material metabolism processes. Conclusions: This study is the first to implicate and verify NLGN1 as a new poor prognostic marker for CRC.
Spread of Carbapenem-Resistant Enterobacteriaceae in a Region, China: How to Control?
Authors: Wang Jiansheng , Yin Changfu , Yang Weiwei , Lv Yuanpeng , Zhao Peng
Published: July 2021

Background

The increasing number of carbapenem-resistant Enterobacteriaceae (CRE) has become a serious problem globally. This study aimed to elucidate their geographically epidemiological characteristics and explore evidence-based infection control measures.
Results

A total of 930 phenotypically confirmed CRE isolates collected from 19 hospitals were genotypically characterised. K.pneumoniae (KP) and E.coli isolates were 787 (85.17%) and 96 (10.39%) among 924 carbapenemase-producing Enterobacteriaceae (CPE) isolates. Two major carbapenemase genes KPC-2 and NDM in CPE isolates accounted for 84.63% (n = 782) and 13.74% (n = 127). ST11 comprised 86.32% (631/731) of KPC-2 KP isolates. Wzi typing could discriminate ST11 KP clones and precisely track their transmission. Conjugation assays demonstrated that Some KPC-2- and NDM-bearing plasmids could be conjugatively transferred. The transferability was influenced by different STs and different wzis. CRE patients were becoming increasingly younger due to nosocomial CRE acquisition. The average length of hospitalization of these patients showed a downward trend mainly due to significant increases in voluntarily discharged rates and mortality rates. No associations between the rates of antibiotics consumption and CRE prevalence were observed. Evidence-based measures could effectively reduce the prevalence of ST11-wzi209 clone but failed to control the dissemination of ST11-wzi141 KP clone.
Conclusions

Continued vigilance for the importations should be maintained. Coordinated regional interventions are urgently needed to reduce CRE threat.
Enteric methane emission by Lactating and Dry cows in rye grass-clover pasture in the high Andean zone of Peru
Authors: Salas-Riega Catherine Yasmín , Osorio Sandra , Gamarra Julyssa del Pilar , Alvarado-Bolovich Victor , Osorio Cesar , Gomez Carlos
Published: July 2021

The objective of the study was to determine the enteric methane emissions from lactating and dry cows fed on rotational grazing on ryegrass/clover with supplementation of oat and vetch forage in the Andes of Peru. Sulfur hexafluoride (SF6) tracer gas methodology was used to determine enteric methane emission; the external marker Titanium dioxide (TiO2) to determine the production of feces and the protein in feces was used to estimate the digestibility of the feed. The enteric methane emissions of 5 lactating cows (LC) and 6 dry cows (DC) Brown Swiss breed were 358.5 and 337.4 g CH4/cow/day for LC and DC, respectively (P> 0.05). The conversion factor from gross energy to methane (Ym;%) was 9.7 for LC and 9.6 for DC. The enteric methane yield per kilogram of organic matter consumption was 32.5 g CH4/lactating cow /day and 32.2 g CH4/dry cow/day (p> 0.05) and the emission per kilogram of metabolic live weight for lactating cows was 3.1 g CH4/kg PV0.75 and for dry cows 2.9 g CH4/kg PV0.75 (P> 0.05). It was concluded that enteric methane emissions are similar for lactating cows and dry cows measured with the SF6 tracer gas technique.
Research on Low-density Cross-border Support Technology For Large-section Coal Roadway in Shallow-buried Thick Coal Seam
Authors: Yan Shiping , guo feng , Chen Fei , Cao Yuxiang , He Zhe
Published: July 2021

The slow excavation speed of coal roadways has always been a key factor restricting the safe and efficient production of large-scale coal mines in China, and the problem of unbalanced mining replacement caused by this is widespread. This paper takes the S1231 heading face of the Ningtiaota coal mine of Shaanxi Coal and Chemical Industry Group as the research object, analyzes the characteristics of the stress evolution of coal roadway driving, reveals the principle of low-density cross-border support, and proposes a low-density cross-border support plan. . Using FLAC 3D to study the roadway stress-displacement evolution law of the new support scheme during the driving and mining phases, the results show that the peak stress during the driving is 5.3 Mpa, and the coal pillar side stress concentration is the most obvious during the mining period, with the peak value being 7.9 Mpa. The moving distances of the two banks are both 10 mm, which verifies the feasibility of low-density cross-border support. Field application shows that during roadway excavation, the amount of roof subsidence and the displacement of the two sides are 9 mm and 11 mm, respectively, and the development depth of roof cracks is controlled within 0.5m. The overall control effect is good, and the speed of coal roadway driving is increased by 77.19% compared with the original. The new support builds a thick roof anchor structure to ensure the safety and stability of the roadway. At the same time, by reducing the number of bolts, the bolt support time has been greatly reduced, effectively alleviating the tight situation of mining replacement, and providing solutions for mines under the same conditions.
A novel Levator Ani Midurethral Support Via Single Vaginal Incision to Treat Stress Urinary Incontinence: Case Report
Authors: Lam Lai-Yet , Santos-Cortes Janice , O'Rourke Timothy
Published: July 2021

IntroductionA novel native tissue midurethral support procedure, Levator Ani Midurethral Support via single vaginal incision, to treat patients with stress urinary incontinence is introduced in this case report. After mesh controversy, there is a need for a minimal invasive native tissue surgical procedure to treat stress urinary incontinence with minimal complication.Case PresentationA 51-year-old female with stress urinary incontinence had three mesh midurethral slings and one autologous fascia sling with severe infection that failed. She developed recurrent stress urinary incontinence and coital incontinence. After she was referred to our care, she was initially treated with urethral bulking injections which also failed. There were few alternatives left after failure of three mesh midurethral slings, one autologous fascia sling with severe infection and urethral bulking injections. The patient was successful treated with our novel native tissue midurethral support procedure, Levator Ani Midurethral Support via single vaginal incision. She remains continent 23 months after the Levator Ani Midurethral Support via single vaginal incision and her coital incontinence has also resolved. She reported she has no pelvic pain or dyspareunia. ConclusionsAfter further study, this novel native tissue midurethral support procedure, Levator Ani Midurethral Support via single vaginal incision may meet the need for a minimal invasive native tissue surgical procedure for the treatment of stress urinary incontinence with minimal complication.