bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adverse Histological Features Alone Was Not Sufficient for Decision of Adjuvant Chemotherapy in T3N0M0 colonic cancer: A Propensity Score Matching Study Based on Population Analysis
Authors: Wang Qinghua , Zheng Hongjuan , Chen Xiaoxiao , Zhang Xia , Jin Xiayun , Tang Wanfen , Xu Xifeng , Zhou Shishi , Du Jinlin , Fu Jianfei
Published: January 2021

Purpose: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related deaths worldwide. Approximately 25% of patients with AJCC stage II suffered recurrence after radical surgery, but the role of adjuvant chemotherapy in Stage II CRC is controversial. We aimed to evaluate the benefit from chemotherapy for T3N0M0 patients with adverse histological features. Methods: An analysis of the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) 18 databases was performed to identify patients underwent radical resection 20-80 years old with colonic carcinoma diagnosed during year 2004 to 2012. Poorly differentiated, undifferentiated, mucinous adenocarcinoma and signet ring cell carcinoma (SRCC) were defined as adverse histological features, and well or moderately differentiated adenocarcinoma as good histological features. Multivariate analyses were used to adjust the effects of other covariates. The survival benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy was demonstrated in the propensity score matching cohort. Results: The adjuvant chemotherapy brought no survival benefit (good histological features HR, 1.076; 95% CI, 0.957-1.211; P=0.220; adverse histological features HR, 0.995; 95% CI, 0.777-1.274; P=0.967); Neither mucinous adenocarcinoma nor signet ring cell carcinoma brought a significance on survival (mucinous adenocarcinoma HR, 0.699; 95% CI, 0.488-1.002; P=0.051; signet ring cell carcinoma HR, 0.750; 95% CI, 0.386-1.459; P=0.397) compared to adenocarcinoma. Left-side colon was associated with a poorer survival in good histological features group (HR, 1.136; 95% CI, 1.034-1.248; P=0.008). Conclusions: The adverse histological features don’t influence on survival for patients with T3N0M0 staging, and adjuvant chemotherapy is invalid to improve the survival for these patients, indicating adverse histological features alone was not sufficient for decision of adjuvant chemotherapy in this situation rather than the recommendation of the guidelines.
Comprehensive analysis of the transcriptional expressions and prognostic value of S100A family in pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma
Authors: Li Hongbin , Wang Jianli , Jin Xiaodong , Zhao Lei , Ye Huili , Ma Yong , Jiang Xiangyan , yu zeyuan
Published: January 2021

Background

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) remains a treatment-refractory malignancy with poor prognosis. It is urgent to identify novel and valid biomarkers to predict the progress and prognosis of PDAC. The S100A family have been identified as being involved in cell proliferation, migration and differentiation progression of various cancer types. However, the expression patterns and prognostic values of S100As in PDAC remain to be analyzed.
Methods

We investigated the transcriptional expressions, methylation level and prognostic value of S100As in PDAC patients from the Oncomine, GEPIA2, Linkedomics, and cBioPortal databases. Real-time PCR was used to detect the expressions of S100A2/4/6/10/14/16 in four pancreatic cancer cell lines and pancreatic cancer tissues from PDAC patients undergoing surgery. To verify the results further, immunohistochemistry was used to measure the expression of S100A2/4/6/10/14/16 in 43 PDAC patients’ tissue samples. The drug relations of S100As were also analyzed by using Drugbank.
Results

The results suggested that, the expression levels of S100A2/4/6/10/14/16 were elevated to PDAC tissues than in normal pancreatic tissues, and the promoter methylation levels of S100A S100A2/4/6/10/14/16 in PDAC (n = 10) were lower compared with normal tissue (n = 184) (P < 0.05). In addition, their expressions were negatively correlated with PDAC patient survival.
Conclusions

Taken together, these results suggest that S100A2/4/6/10/14/16 might be served as prognostic biomarkers for survivals of PDAC patients.
Association of PICK1 and BDNF Variations with Increased Risk of Methamphetamine Dependence Among Iranian Population; A Case-Control Study
Authors: Tajbakhsh Amir , Alimardani Maliheh , Asghari Mahla , Abedini Soheila , Khadem Sohrab Saghafi , Bajestani Abolfazl Nesaei , Alipoor Forough , Alidoust Maryam , Savardashtaki Amir , Hashemian Peyman , Pasdar Alireza
Published: January 2021

Background
Genetic factors play an important role in susceptibility to methamphetamine dependency. In this line, protein that interact with C-kinase-1 (PICK1) and brain-derived neurotrophic factor (BDNF) genes are linked to methamphetamine dependence (substance use disorder). Thus, in a case-control study, we investigated the association between polymorphisms of PICK1 and BDNF genes and methamphetamine dependence in an Iranian population.
Methods
Total of 235 cases and 204 controls were recruited in a period between 2015 to 2018. The PICK1-rs713729, -rs2076369 and BDNF-rs6265 genotypes were determined via ARMS-PCR assay. Statistical analysis was performed, using SPSS 20.0, PHASE 2.1.1 program as well as SNP Analyzer 2.0.
Results
In the present study, two polymorphisms including PICK1-rs713729 (OR: 1.38 (CI: 1.08–1.52; P-value: 0.004) in multiplicative and dominant models, and PICK1-rs2076369 (OR: 1.31 (CI: 1.10–1.56; P-value: 0.002) in multiplicative, dominant and co-dominant models were associated with the risk of methamphetamine abuse. Moreover, haplotype analysis showed a significant association of haplotype AG (OR: 2.50 (CI: 1.50–4.16; P-value: 0.0002) in dominant, recessive and co-dominant models, and haplotype TT (OR: 0.67 (CI: 0.50–0.91; P-value: 0.009) in dominant and co-dominant models with the risk of methamphetamine abuse. None of the polymorphisms in this study had a high level of linkage disequilibrium.
Conclusion
Our findings indicate that the PICK1 gene polymorphism might affect the risk of methamphetamine dependency in our population.
Transfusion Strategies in the Pre-Hospital Setting: Evaluating the Logistical Benefits of Pre-Hospital Whole Blood Transfusion, and a National Survey of Pre-Hospital Blood Transfusion
Authors: Tucker Harriet , Green Laura , Brohi Karim , Cardigan Rebecca , Davenport Ross , Davies Jane , Edmondson Dave , English William , Griggs Joanne , Hunter Al , Mitchinson Sophie , Maddison Angela , Scrimshaw Jonathon , Stanworth Simon , Trampleasure Oliver , Whitehourse Andrew , Weaver Anne
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPre-hospital blood component transfusion poses logistical challenges. Current patterns of pre-hospital blood use across the UK are not known. A potential benefit of providing a single combined component of whole blood is reduced need for multiple steps of administering separate components and more efficient use of time and resources by medical staff. .Objectivesto undertake a detailed time-analysis of the steps of pre-hospital combined component transfusion against separate blood component transfusion, and to determine current UK pre-hospital transfusion practice and users’ optimal pre-hospital transfusion strategyMethodsA three-arm cross-over major haemorrhage simulation study compared: flow-time (time from decision-to-transfuse [DTT] to complete transfusion); touch-time (direct team ’hands on’ contact time with transfusion process); and number of steps, people and equipment required for transfusion of 2 units of RCP [arm-A], 2 RBC + 2 TP [arm-B] or RBC + 2 Lyoplas [arm-C]). A national survey of current and optimal pre-hospital transfusion strategies was sent to 22 UK Air Ambulance Services (AAS) and 27 Major Trauma Centres (MTC) in December 2019. ResultsThe simulation demonstrated that arm-A had a shorter flow-time (median 6min 31sec vs. 12min 20 sec, vs 16min 29 sec) and touch-time (median 2min 31 seconds vs. 5min 21sec vs. 15min 3sec) than arm-B and arm-C respectively, and required fewer steps, equipment and checks. 18 MTCs and 18 AAS responded to the national survey (response rates of 67 and 82%). 10 transfused RBC/plasma (5 TP/5 Lyoplas), 4 RBC only, 2 Lyoplas only, 1 RBC/Lyoplas/Fibrinogen, and 1 ’red cell and plasma’ (only available at one hospital site). 89% replied that a combined component transfusion would be desirable, as it would reduce patient mortality (83%) and tasks on scene (75%). ConclusionThe time-analysis established the benefits for combined pre-hospital component transfusion in trauma patients. The national survey demonstrates the variation in current pre-hospital transfusion practice and reiterates that combined component transfusion pre-hospital may have logistical advantages over separate components.
Effects of Guava (Psidium Guajava L.) Leaf Extract on Growth Performance and Metabolomics in Weaned Piglets Challenged by Escherichia Coli
Authors: Wang Dingfa , Zhou Luli , Zhou Hanlin , Hou Guanyu
Published: January 2021

Background: The effects of dietary supplementation with guava leaf extracts (GE) on growth performance, diarrhea and intestinal barrier function, as well as associated with its modulation of serum and fecal metabolic changes in weaned piglets challenged by enterotoxigenic Escherichia coli (ETEC) were investigated.Method: Fifty weaned piglets (Duroc × Yorkshire × Landrace) from 5 pens (2 piglets per pen) were randomly divided into five groups: blank control group (BC), negative control group (NC), or those supplemented with 50 mg kg-1 (S50), 100 mg kg-1 (S100), or 200 (S200) mg kg-1 diet GE, respectively. On day 4, all piglets (except for BC) were orally challenged with about 1.0 × 109 colony-forming units (CFU) enterotoxigenic ETEC. After 28-day trial, growth performance, diarrhea incidence, intestinal barrier function and metabolomics of serum and fecal were investigated.Results: We demonstrated that dietary supplementation with GE (50-200 mg kg-1) reduced diarrhea incidence of piglets and increased expression of intestinal tight junction proteins (ZO-1, Occludin, Claudin-1) (P < 0.05) and sodium hydrogen exchanger 3 (NHE3) (P < 0.05). Moreover, dietary supplementation with GE (50-200 mg kg-1) upregulated level of tetrahydrofolic acid (THF) and reversed higher level of nicotinamide-adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADP) caused by ETEC in serum compared with NC group (P < 0.05), and enhanced antioxidant ability of piglets. In addition, dietary addition with GE (100 mg kg-1) reversed the lower level of L-pipecolic acid caused by ETEC in feces compared with NC group (P < 0.05), and decreased oxidative stress response of piglets. Further, there were no differences (P > 0.05) in the final weight, average daily feed intake (ADFI) and F/G among dietary groups during the overall period, and piglets in S50 group has the higher average daily gain (ADG). Conclusion: Dietary supplementation with 50-200 mg kg-1 GE reduced diarrhea incidence of weaned piglets challenged by ETEC and exhibited positive effect on improving intestinal barrier function. Meanwhile, dietary addition with GE organized and redistributed energy resources through similar or dissimilar metabolic pathways, and finally enhanced antioxidant ability of piglets challenged by ETEC.
Genetically Engineered Insulin Mediated by Glucose Transporter-2 (GLUT2) Promoter for the Biosynthesis of Insulin in Rat Hepatocytes: Insulin Gene Therapy
Authors: Abdallah Gehad
Published: January 2021

Background: Expression of insulin in hepatocytes by hepatic gene therapy is a promising treatment of diabetes. The conversion of immature proinsulin to mature insulin occurs only in cells that contain the enzymes responsible for the cleavage of proinsulin to insulin.Results: I engineered rat proinsulin with the sites of cleavage (Furin Cleavable Sites) using site directed mutagenesis for removal of C-peptide to form the two chains A and B for mature insulin production. This engineered proinsulin was constructed into a non-viral expressing vector and regulated by glucose transporter-2 promoter to control the amount of mature insulin expressed, and to modulate the amount of glucose found in hepatocytes. The mature, active and regulated expressed insulin was secreted according to the amount of glucose regulated by the glucose transporter-2 promoter. Concolusion: For successful hepatic insulin gene therapy, insulin production must be tightly coupled to glucose concentration. Hepatocytes are excellent target cells for insulin gene therapy since, they are similar to pancreatic beta cells, they have the ability to rapidly adapt to blood glucose concentrations as they possess glucose-sensing components, such as Glucose Transporter-2.
Carrier Frequency and Incidence Estimation of Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome in East Asian Populations by Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) Based Analysis
Authors: Park Jong Eun , Lee Taeheon , Ha Kyeongsu , Ki Chang-Seok
Published: January 2021

Background: Smith–Lemli–Opitz syndrome (SLOS) is an autosomal, recessively inherited congenital malformation syndrome characterized by multiple congenital anomalies such as microcephaly with mental defects, distinctive facial features, genital abnormalities, and 2-3 syndactyly of the toes. SLOS is caused by defective 7-dehydrocholesterol reductase, which is encoded by the DHCR7 gene. This study aimed to analyze the carrier frequency and expected incidence of SLOS in East Asians and Koreans using exome data from the Genome Aggregation Database (gnomAD) through the 2015 American College of Medical Genetics and Genomics and the Association for Molecular Pathology guideline (2015 ACMG-AMP guideline).Methods: We analyzed 9,197 exomes for East Asian populations from gnomAD, comprising 1,909 Korean, 76 Japanese, and 7,212 other East Asian populations. All identified variants were classified according to 2015 ACMG-AMP guideline.Results: According to the 2015 ACMG-AMP guideline, 15 pathogenic variant/likely pathogenic variant (PV/LPV) cases were identified in 33 East Asian individuals (39/9,191 = 0.4%). Among them, four PVs/LPVs were identified in 19 Korean individuals (19/1,909 = 1.0%). The estimated incidence of SLOS is 1 in 310,688 in East Asians and l in 40,380 in Koreans. Conclusions: This study is the first to identify carrier frequencies in East Asians and Koreans using gnomAD. It was confirmed that East Asians had a lower carrier frequency than did other ethnicities, and Koreans had lower or similar carrier frequencies. The variant spectrums of DHCR7 in East Asian and Korean populations differed greatly from those of other ethnic groups.
A draft genome at chromosome level and metabolomes of leave, root and flowers provide insights into the molecular basis of medicinal ingredients of loquat (Eriobotrya japonica (Thunb.) Lindl)
Authors: Wang Yunsheng
Published: January 2021

Eriobotrya japonica, commonly called loquat, is a type of fruit and a famous traditional Chinese medicinal material. Here, a high-quality draft genome of the E. japonica cultivar, Big Five-pointed Star, containing 733.32 million bases (Mb) covering approximately 98% of estimated whole genome size (749.25 Mb) is reported. A total of 45,492 protein-coding genes were predicted. Meanwhile, metabolomes of flower, leave and root of this loquat variety were also determined by UPLC-ESI-MS/M system. 577 metabolites were determined in total, including 98 phenolic acids, 95 flavonoids, 33 alkaloids, 28 terpenoids, one steroids. The accumulation difference of these metabolites among leaf, flower and root of loquat were also clarified. Based on KEGG annotation, genes related to the biosynthesis of medicinal ingredients including some flavonoids and terpenoids were identified. Overall, this study provides global fundamental molecular insights into the medical biology of Eriobotrya japonica.
Wolbachia-driven selective sweep in a range expanding insect species
Authors: Deng Junchen , Assandri Giacomo , Chauhan Pallavi , Futahashi Ryo , Galimberti Andrea , Hansson Bengt , Lancaster Lesley T. , Takahashi Yuma , Svensson Erik I. , Duplouy Anne
Published: January 2021

BackgroundEvolutionary processes can cause strong spatial genetic signatures, such as local loss of genetic diversity, or conflicting histories from mitochondrial versus nuclear markers. Investigating these genetic patterns is important, as they may reveal obscured processes and players. The maternally inherited bacterium Wolbachia is among the most widespread symbionts in insects. Wolbachia typically spreads within host species by conferring direct fitness benefits, or by manipulating its host reproduction to favour infected over uninfected females. Under sufficient selective advantage, the mitochondrial haplotype associated with the favoured symbiotic strains will spread (i.e. hitchhike), resulting in low mitochondrial genetic variation across the host species range. The common bluetail damselfly (Ischnura elegans: van der Linden, 1820) has recently emerged as a model organism of the genetics and genomic signatures of range expansion during climate change. Although there is accumulating data on the consequences of such expansion on the genetic of I. elegans, no study has screened for Wolbachia in the damselfly genus Ischnura. Here, we present the biogeographic variation in Wolbachia prevalence and penetrance in 17 I. elegans populations across Europe and Japan, and from close relatives in the Mediterranean area (i.e. I. genei: Rambur, 1842; and I. saharensis: Aguesse, 1958). ResultsOur data reveal (a) multiple Wolbachia-strains, (b) potential transfer of the symbiont through hybridization, (c) higher infection rates at higher latitudes, and (d) reduced mitochondrial diversity in the north-west populations, indicative of hitchhiking associated with the selective sweep of the most common strain. We found low mitochondrial haplotype diversity in the Wolbachia-infected north-western European populations (Sweden, Scotland, the Netherlands, Belgium, France and Italy) of I. elegans, and, conversely, higher mitochondrial diversity in populations with low penetrance of Wolbachia (Ukraine, Greece, Montenegro and Cyprus). The timing of the selective sweep associated with infected lineages was estimated between 20 000 to 44 000 years before present, which is consistent with the end of the last glacial period about 20 000 ya. ConclusionsOur findings provide an example of how endosymbiont infections ca shape spatial variation in their host evolutionary genetics during postglacial expansion. These results also challenge population genetic studies that do not consider the prevalence of symbionts in many insects, which can impact geographic patterns of mitochondrial genetic diversity.
Cost-effectiveness analysis of Dabigatran, Rivaroxaban and Warfarin in the prevention of Stroke in patients with Atrial Fibrillation in China
Authors: Hongtao Wei , Cui Can , Cui Xiangli , Liu Yi , Li Dandan
Published: January 2021

Background and objective: To evaluate the cost-effectiveness of new anticoagulants and warfarin in the prevention of stroke in Chinese patients with atrial fibrillation (AF).Methods: The Markov model was constructed to compare patients’ quality-adjusted life-years (QALYs) using drug cost, the cost of the examination after taking a drug, and the incremental cost of other treatments. Both dabigatran (110 and 150 mg, twice a day) and rivaroxaban (20 mg, once a day) were compared with warfarin (3-6 mg, once a day). Willingness to pay, three times the 2018 China GDP per capita (9481.88 $), was the cost-effect threshold in our study.Results: The total cost were was 5317.31$, 29673.33$, 23615.49$, and 34324.91$ for warfarin, rivaroxaban, dabigatran 110mg bid, and dabigatran 150mg bid, respectively. The QALYs for each of the four interventions were 11.07 years, 15.46 years, 12.4 years, and 15 years, respectively. The cost-effectiveness analysis of the three new oral anticoagulants and warfarin showed that the incremental cost-effectiveness ratio (ICER) was 5548.07$/QALY when rivaroxaban was compared with warfarin. Rivaroxaban was the most cost-effective choice and warfarin was the least. Conclusion: In Chinese patients with AF, although warfarin is cheaper, rivaroxaban has a better cost-effectiveness advantage from an economic point of view.
A quantum dot fluorescent microsphere based immunochromatographic strip for detection of brucellosis
Authors: Kong Yufang , Wang Huiyu , Wu Shaoqiang , LV Jizhou , Mei Lin , Zhou Huifang , Lin Xiangmei , Han Xueqing
Published: January 2021

Background: Brucellosis is a serious zoonosis disease that frequently causes significant economic loss in animal husbandry and threatens human health. Therefore, we established a rapid, accurate, simple and sensitive fluorescent immunochromatographic strip test (ICST) based on quantum dots (QDs) for detection the antibodies of Brucella infection animals serum.Results: The test strips were successfully prepared by quantum dot fluorescent microspheres (QDFM) as tracers, which were covalently coupled to an outer membrane protein of Brucella OMP22. The outer membrane protein OMP28 and monoclonal antibodies of OMP22 were separately dispensed onto a nitrocellulose membrane as test and quality control lines, respectively. The critical threshold for determining negative or positive through the ratio of the fluorescent signal of the test line and the control line (HT / HC) is 0.0492. The repeatability was excellent with an overall average CV of 8.78%. Under optimum conditions, the limit of detection was 1.05 ng/mL (1:512 dilution). With regard to the detection of brucellosis in 150 clinical samples, the total coincidence rate of ICST and Rose Bengal plate test (RBPT) was 97.3%, the coincidence rate of positive samples was 98.8%, the coincidence rate of negative samples was 95.3%, the sensitivity of RBPT is 1:32, and no cross reaction with the sera of other related diseases was observed.Conclusion: In our present study, the QDFM has promising application for on-site screening of brucellosis owing to its high detection speed, high sensitivity, high specificity and low cost.
Detection and characterization of Carbapenem resistant Gram-negative bacilli isolates recovered from hospitalized patients at Soba University Hospital, Sudan
Authors: Elbadawi Hana S. , Elhag Kamal M. , Mahgoub Elsheikh , Altayb Hisham N , Ahmed Ayman , Ntoumi Francine , Elton Linzy , McHugh Timothy D , Osman Mohamed , Tembo John , Vairo Francesco , Ippolito Giuseppe , Osman Abdinasir , Zumla Alimuddin , Hamid Muzamil Mahdi Abdel
Published: January 2021

Background: Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) poses a complex threat to global health security and universal health coverage. Over recent decades, there has been an increase globally in reports of nosocomial infections caused by carbapenem-resistant Gram-negative bacilli (GNB). We aimed to explore the molecular characterization and detection of genes associated with carbapenem producing Gram negative bacteria isolated from hospitalized patients in Soba University Hospital (SUH) in Khartoum State, Sudan. Results: A total of 206 GNB clinical specimens were collected between October 2016 and February 2017 from hospitalized patients in SUH. Of 206 carbapenem resistance isolates, 171 (83%) were confirmed as phenotypically resistant and 121 (58.7%) isolates harboured one or more carbapenemase genes. New Delhi metallo-β-lactamase (NDM) types were the most predominant genes, blaNDM 107(52%). Others included blaIMP 7 (3.4%), blaOXA-48 5(2.4%) and blaVIM 2 (0.9%) Co-resistance genes with NDM producing GNB were detected in 87 (81.3%) of all blaNDM producing isolates. NDM1 was the most frequent subtype observed in 75 (70 %) blaNDM producing isolates.Conclusions: The frequency of carbapenemase producing bacilli was found to be high in SUH. NDM was found to be the most prevalent carbapenemase gene among clinical isolates. Close surveillance across all hospitals in Sudan is required. The relative distribution of carbapenemase genes among GNB in nosocomial infections in Africa needs to be defined.
Mid-long-term results of total knee arthroplasty followed by ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty versus total hip arthroplasty subsequent to ipsilateral total knee arthroplasty: A case-control analysis
Authors: Liu Zunhan , Zeng Wei-Nan , Luo Zhenyu , Zhao Enze , Li Hao , Zhou Zongke
Published: January 2021

Background: The aim of the present study was to compare the outcomes of patients who underwent different sequences of ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).Methods: We retrospectively identified 47 patients who underwent TKA followed by ipsilateral THA (THA-TKA) and 36 patients who received THA subsequent to ipsilateral TKA (TKA-THA) for rheumatoid arthritis or osteoarthritis between January 2008 and April 2014. Twenty-eight patients were selected for each group after case-control matching with preoperative demographics and protheses of THA. Clinical scores, radiographic results, complication rates, and survivorship were compared. The median duration of follow-up was 110 (range 80-149) months.Results: Both groups showed significant improvement in Harris Hip Scores, Knee Society Score, and Short Form-12 at the last follow-up compared to baseline (p < .001). At the last follow-up, all clinical scores were actually lower in the THA-TKA group, but those differences were not statistically significant. Otherwise, there was no significant difference in radiological alignment or complication rates. The survivorship of THA and TKA in the THA-TKA group was 88.2% and 87.4%, respectively, compared with 75.0% and 95.7% in the TKA-THA group at 10 years (log rank, p = .939 and .187).Conclusions: Patients who underwent ipsilateral THA and TKA with different sequences achieved similar favorable outcomes. Total joint arthroplasty can be performed safely with excellent outcomes in patients with a history of prior ipsilateral THA or TKA.
Evaluation and improvement of the emergency capacity of medical staff for COVID-19: A cross-sectional study in China
Authors: Hu Shu-Xiao , Chen Chang-Fu , Liu Qing , Zhang Gao-Fei , Cheng Hua-Lin , Zhang Yan-Xin
Published: January 2021

Background: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has spread to 216 countries and territories around the world. Most studies on response to public health emergencies, focus on health systems, local governments or medical organizations, but fewer studies focus on individuals. However, medical staff are the core strength for responding to public health emergencies. The aims of this study are to investigate the status of medical staff’s emergency capacity during the pandemic and to provide intellectual support to further enhance medical staff's ability to ensure the smooth operation of medical rescue. Methods: This study conducted a cross-sectional survey of four hospitals designated to treat patients with COVID-19 in China. Based on the emergency capacity system of medical staff for infectious diseases, an improved Emergency Preparedness Information Questionnaire was used to evaluate the emergency capacity of medical staff. Linear regression and one-way analysis of variance were used to test the differences in the emergency capacity of medical staff. Spearman correlation analysis was used to study the correlation between the self-efficacy and emergency capacity of medical staff. Results: The overall emergency capacity of the surveyed medical staff was at a medium level. There was a correlation between emergency capacity and age, working years, position, educational background and the area where medical staff worked. Emergency capacity was not related to the hospital grade. Emergency capacity was significantly related to whether medical staff had participated in frontline pandemic prevention work. There was also a positive correlation between emergency capacity and the self-efficacy of medical staff. Conclusions: The results highlight the importance of the training mechanism for emergency personnel. The emergency input for public health emergencies should be increased to improve the emergency capacity of medical staff. In addition, it is necessary to pay attention to the mental health of medical staff.
SEMA4D upregulation signals neuronal stress and triggers reactive transformation of astrocytes
Authors: Zauderer Maurice , Mishra Vikas , Mallow Crystal , Gersz Elaine , Reader Alisha , Balch Leslie , Oakes David , Howell Alan , Smith Ernest S. , Fisher Terrence L. , Evans Elizabeth E. , Feigin Andrew
Published: January 2021

The close interaction and interdependence of glial cells and neurons allows for the possibility that glial dysfunction contributes to and amplifies neurodegenerative pathology. Drivers of glial cell activation may represent important targets to preserve normal homeostatic maintenance and modify disease progression. We report here that semaphorin 4D (SEMA4D) is a trigger of astrocyte activation and is upregulated in neurons under stress or damage, as characterized in brains from mouse models as well as patients with Huntington’s and Alzheimer’s disease. These SEMA4D+ neurons are in close proximity to reactive astrocytes that evidence distinctive morphologic changes and downregulation of glutamine synthetase associated with reactive astrogliosis along with loss of some key normal astrocyte functions, including glucose transport and glutamate recycling. It is further demonstrated that astrocytes express cognate plexin receptors for SEMA4D and that binding to the ligand results in collapse of the actin cytoskeleton and down regulation of glutamine synthetase, and glucose and glutamate transport. These effects are prevented and reversed in cultures of iPSC-derived human astrocytes by antibody blockade of SEMA4D. In vivo antibody neutralization of SEMA4D reduced reactive astrocyte phenotype and prevented characteristic loss of GABAergic synapses in brains of CVN mice. These results suggest that SEMA4D represents a novel driver of astrocyte transformation that is upregulated early during disease progression and that antibody blockade of SEMA4D can preserve normal astrocyte and neuronal function.
The Depth of the Financial System: A Comparison of Developed and Less Developed Countries
Authors: Kaya Halil D.
Published: January 2021

This paper summarizes the arguments and counterarguments within the scientific discussion on the issue of how countries’ income levels are related to the depth of their financial system. The main purpose of the research is to determine whether high-income countries have deeper financial systems when compared to other countries. We also examine whether high-income OECD member countries have a deeper financial system when compared to high-income non-OECD member countries. Our contribution is threefold: First, our study has a wider scope than most of the previous studies (i.e. 203 countries in total). Second, we examine both the impact of OECD membership and the actual income level on “depth”. The OECD members and the non-members differ in terms of their cultures, their resources, and their infrastructure, therefore we expect differences between their financial systems. Third, our study goes deeper than most of the previous studies (i.e. we examine twenty different variables on “depth”). The examination of several variables on “depth” allows us to see the dimensions in which one group of countries perform better than the other group. While one group can perform better in certain dimensions of “depth”, the other group can perform better in other dimensions of “depth”. In our empirical analyses, we find that high-income countries tend to have a deeper financial system (in all measures except for “Central bank assets to GDP (%)”) when compared to other countries. When we compare high-income OECD-member countries to high-income non-OECD-member countries, we find that OECD-member countries tend to have a deeper financial system (in most measures). Interestingly, with respect to the two measures, non-OECD-member countries have better “depth” measures. These two measures are “Stock market total value traded to GDP (%)” and “Gross portfolio debt assets to GDP (%)”. Overall, our results indicate that when an economic or financial crisis is expected, middle and low-income countries will be more vulnerable when compared to high-income countries, because in most aspects, their markets are not as deep. On the other hand, high-income countries will be more vulnerable if their Central bank needs to use their assets to protect their system. Similarly, non-OECD members will be more vulnerable when compared to OECD-member countries, because in most aspects, their markets are not as deep. On the other hand, OECD-member countries are weaker with regard to the depth of their stock markets and the number of debt securities held in investment portfolios. Therefore, we can conclude that a country’s income level and OECD-membership should help determine the precautions that policymakers need to take if a crisis is on the horizon.

Keywords: depth, financial system, OECD, income level.
Investigation of the effect of ultrasonic radiation on varnished and compounded impregnating compositions with an innovative method of dismantling electric motor windings
Authors: Nemirovsky A. E. , Kashin A. I.
Published: January 2021

For the purposes of energy efficiency, ecology and less time for the cycle of repairing electric motors in the part of the excavation of the stator winding, an innovative method for dismantling ultrasound-based windings has been investigated. From a technical point of view the method has shown to be more optimal in comparison with existing methods of removing the winding. The paper is a continuation of fundamental research on the development of an innovative method of repairing electric motors. It is in this article that the main emphasis is placed on the material from which the insulation of windings is made. Lacquer and compound insulations have been considered being the main types of insulation of industrial electric motors in our country. The analysis of impregnating electrical insulation compositions of motor stator windings has been carried out; the ultrasound effect during the dismantling of motor windings at different levels of influencing factors has been studied, namely duration and power of ultrasonic action, concentration and temperature of the working solution. The validity of the scientific results obtained in the work is confirmed by the correctness of the applied mathematical apparatus and the methods of mathematical modeling, the convergence of the results of numerical modeling and full-scale experiments. A system of equations has been simulated and models of the effect of useful factors relative to each other have been built, the results obtained have been optimized during the experiment and the optimal parameters of both lacquer and compound insulation systems have been identified. The optimal parameters of the types of insulation under study have shown encouraging results on many important points compared to the existing ones: duration, energy consumption, and environmental friendliness. The validity of the conclusions regarding the adequacy of the mathematical models used has been confirmed by the results of experimental studies conducted in the framework of this work of the process of depolymerization of the electric motors' stator windings.
Assessment of wind energy potential ofthe Murmansk Regionand performance of Kola wind farm
Authors: Beley V. F. , Kotsar G. V.
Published: January 2021

The paper gives an analysis of perspectives for development of wind power generation, information on the share of wind energy in electricity generation in the world and in Russian Federation is provided as well. Data on gross, technical, economic potential of wind energy of Russia and the Murmansk Region has been presented. When calculating the gross wind energy potential of the region, data from the last 10 years of observations carried out at 37 meteorological stations have been used. The territory of the region has been divided into 6 distinctive zones, based on the wind activity. Gross energy potential has been calculated for each zone: for the heights of 10, 50, 100, and 150 m. Gross wind energy potential of the region at the height of 150 m has thus been estimated at 23,090 billion kWh. The Murmansk Region's 201 MW Kola wind farm, which consists of 57 Siemens Gamesa SG 3.4-132 wind turbines with a unit capacity of 3.465 MW, is to be constructed by 2021 under the direction of Enel Green Power. Wind energy potential and annual power generation of the Kola wind farm have been assessed. The difference between the obtained results and calculations of Enel Group's specialists amounts to less than 15 %. For the cases of relocation of Kola wind farm to different wind zones, the annual power generation of the wind farm has been estimated. It has been determined, that in case of Kola wind farm's relocation to the zone with the highest wind activity its annual electricity generation could be increased up to 1.5 times. A model of the Kola energy system has been developed in NEPLAN software, its validity has been proven. The calculations of the wind farm's operation modes show that voltage levels of the system nodes and powerflows are within the boundaries defined by normative documents. The effectiveness of reactive power regulation of the wind farm has been shown.
Developing English Module for Turtle Conservation Guides
Authors: Koeswiryono Dika Pranadwipa , Chandra I Made Krisna Adi
Published: January 2021

Most of the six species of sea turtles in Indonesian waters have seen a decline, mainly due to human exploitation. One of the efforts to prevent the extinction of this pre-historic reptiles is the establishment of conservation centers. In Bali, one of the conservation centers actively involved in the efforts to conserve turtles is the Turtle Conservation and Education Center (TCEC). As more foreign tourists who are aware of turtle conservation come to this place, guides at TCEC are expected to able to provide sufficient explanation about turtles and their environment in English. They should provide a thorough insight of the turtle's anatomy, behavior, and reproductive cycle. This study aimed at developing English module for turtle conservation guides at TCEC. In developing the module, a framework of material development model was adopted. The framework consists of some stages namely, needs analysis, formulation of goals and objectives, development of English learning materials, and evaluation. The results of this study provide some implication and contributions for English language teaching.
Designing Meaningful and Relevant Activities to Enhance Students’ Motivation during Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Winardi Andreas -
Published: January 2021

Teachers and students all over the world are now facing the biggest shift in their lives, from studying in the school to studying at home, from meeting their teachers and friends face to face to meeting them via technology, and from depending on teachers to give them knowledge to depend on themselves. This change is not easy to cope with, both teachers and students are at their wit’s end. They are confused what to do and if this continues, they will be frustrated and lose their motivation for learning. Many parentscomplain that their children have to do a lot of assignments that overwhelm them. As a result, they lose motivation. To remedy this situation, teacher needs to design activities which are relevant and meaningful to their students.
Analyzing Citizens’ Propensity to Confront and Report Corruption: Evidence from Uganda
Authors: Nakirijja Deborah Sarah , Oijun Liu
Published: January 2021

Corruption as a phenomenon has attracted significant interest from researchers who mostly focus on the causes and underlying effects of corruption at the national and societal levels. Many interventions have also been designed to reduce corruption to a bare minimum but there is a dearth of literature looking at citizen’s intervention to address the problem. This study examined the attitudes of citizens towards corruption by looking at the factors that influence citizen’s willingness to report and confront corruption in Uganda. Drawing on data collected from the survey of 251 citizens in Uganda, this research found that corruption tolerance by citizens is low, but the willingness of participation in anti-corruption campaigns is not correspondingly high. However, low corruption tolerance alone does not explain why people don’t report corruption. Awareness of corruption and trust in government’s and civil society anti-corruption efforts and laws was also identified as a major influence to citizen’s willingness to confront and report corruption. In addition, higher confidence in the government’s anti-corruption strategies and laws leads to lower corruption tolerance and stronger willingness to confront and report corruption. The study suggests that a successful campaign of anticorruption must involve enhancing understanding of what constitutes corruption and building confidence in the Government’s strategy on anticorruption.
Social Implications of COVID-19 Deaths: Analyzing Race, Ethnicity, Socio-Economic Conditions, Gender, and Age for the US
Authors: Kulkarni Saagar S , Lorenz Kathryn E
Published: January 2021

This paper examines two CDC data sets in order to provide a comprehensive overview and social implications of COVID-19 related deaths within the United States over the first eight months of 2020. By analyzing the first data set during this eight-month period with the variables of age, race, and individual states in the United States, we found correlations between COVID-19 deaths and these three variables. Overall, our multivariable regression model was found to be statistically significant.  When analyzing the second CDC data set, we used the same variables with one exception; gender was used in place of race. From this analysis, it was found that trends in age and individual states were significant. However, since gender was not found to be significant in predicting deaths, we concluded that, gender does not play a significant role in the prognosis of COVID-19 induced deaths. However, the age of an individual and his/her state of residence potentially play a significant role in determining life or death. Socio-economic analysis of the US population confirms Qualitative socio-economic Logic based Cascade Hypotheses (QLCH) of education, occupation, and income affecting race/ethnicity differently. For a given race/ethnicity, education drives occupation then income, where a person lives, and in turn his/her access to healthcare coverage. Considering socio-economic data based QLCH framework, we conclude that different races are poised for differing effects of COVID-19 and that Asians and Whites are in a stronger position to combat COVID-19 than Hispanics and Blacks.
Developing a Training Curriculum to Enhancing Teachers’ Learning Management Skills for Promoting Learners’ Creativity and Innovation: A Case Study of Thai Teachers
Authors: Patphol Marut
Published: January 2021

Thai teachers in primary school need to develop their learning management skills for promoting learners’ creativity and innovation ability. This research developed a training curriculum to enhancing teachers’ learning management skills. The objective was to developed a training curriculum to enhancing teachers’ learning management skills for promoting learners’ creativity and innovation ability. The sample groups were primary teachers in Suphanburi province under the Office of Basic Education Commission, Ministry of Education Thailand, total 49 people, and 104 learners. Conducted with the research and development methodology. The results found that the teachers’ learning management skills after implementing curriculum was higher than before at the statistical significance level of .01., and the learners’ creativity and innovation ability after implementing curriculum was higher than before at the statistical significance level of .01., and a training curriculum of this research composed of 3 units. Training activities based – on action learning approach. The researcher suggests that Professional Learning Community should integrate in training curriculum.
PREVALENCE OF RISK FACTORS FOR OSTEOPOROSIS AMONG FEMALES AGED 35 YEARS AND ABOVE IN SAUDI ARABIA
Authors:   Assistant Professor and Consultant Family Medicine, Department of Family Medicine, Faculty of Medicine, King Abdulaziz University, KSA., Abdulaziz Murad Manal , A. Amir Ashraf ,   Executive Director, Executive Health Program & External Affairs Consultant, Family Medicine., Jehad Abousada Hoda ,   M.D KFAFH: King Fahd Armed Forces Hospital., Mahmoud Baeissa Hussam ,   GP ICU Resident, King Abdullah Medical Complex Jeddah, KSA., Sameer Ashgar Saleh ,   GP ICU Resident, King Abdullah Medical Complex, Jeddah, KSA., Abdulaziz Alharbi Rahaf ,   Intern, Umm Al Qura University, KSA., Abdulaziz Alharbi Raghad ,   Intern, Umm Al Qura University, KSA., Amin Thiga Ghaliah ,   Physician, Maternity and Children Hospital, Makkah, KSA., Hassan Alzubaidi Fatimah ,   Intern, Umm Al Qura University, KSA., Mohammed Alzaheri Jameelah ,   Intern, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, KSA., Taleb Mohammed Fareede Raffal ,   Intern, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, KSA., Farhan Al Osaimi Muhanna ,   Intern, Shaqra University, KSA., Salem Almohammadi Seham ,   Intern, King Fahad Hospital, Jeddah, KSA., Ahmad Alostaz Sama ,   Intern, Dr. Soliman Fakeeh Hospital, Jeddah, KSA., Ali Alghanem Majd ,   Medical Student, King Khalid University, Abha, KSA.
Published: January 2021

Osteoporosis is a common public health challenge globally but the relative contribution of variousrisk factors for osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia is not well established. We conducted this study to determine the prevalence of risk factors for osteoporosis among females aged 35 years and above in Saudi Arabia. We performed a descriptive cross-sectional study with a sample size of 2070 and determined the prevalence of risk factors as percentages of the total sample size. We foundthat vitamin D deficiency is the major modifiable risk factor for osteoporosis in Saudi Arabia followed by cigarette smoking. Autoimmune and endocrine diseases were also not uncommon. Our results therefore suggest for the strengthening of measures to prevent vitamin D deficiency, reduce corticosteroid-related osteoporosis and curb cigarette smoking.
Transparencia en la función notarial
Authors: Baldeón Díaz Kelinda del Rosario
Published: January 2021

En el presente estudio se han revisado los conceptos de derecho de acceso a la información pública y función notarial, así como los expedientes de los procesos de habeas data seguidos contra el servicio notarial ante el Tribunal Constitucional Peruano. Ello nos ha permitido concluir que el notario está obligado a entregar la información de carácter público que obra en su archivo notarial, sin perjuicio de las excepciones contempladas en la Ley. De igual forma nos permite visualizar un procedimiento legal mínimo este conlleva a una serie de actuaciones por parte del notario, luego del cual, en caso que el ciudadano no tenga por satisfecho su derecho podrá reclamarlo vía administrativa o judicial. El acceso a la información pública es un derecho humano que se encuentra íntimamente relacionado a la libertad de expresión, siendo que la información permite generar opinión pública constituye una plataforma para fortalecer la democracia. También es importante considerar que la digitalización del archivo notarial y de los actos notariales contribuyen a la transparencia, y a la lucha contra aquellos delitos derivados de las transacciones económicas ilegales.