bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Incidence and Predictors of Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement Device Emboligenic Matter Detected By Transesophageal Echocardiograph
Authors: Yashige Masaki , Zen Kan , Nakamura Shunsuke , Fujimoto Tomotaka , Takamatsu Kazuaki , Ito Nobuyasu , Kadoya Yoshito , Yamano Michiyo , Yamano Tetsuhiro , Nakamura Takashi , Yaku Hitoshi , Matoba Satoaki
Published: November 2021

Purpose: During transfemoral (TF) or transcatheter aortic valve replacement (TAVR), transesophageal echocardiography (TEE) sometimes reveals an unexpected mobile membranous mass on the catheter tip within the proximal part of the descending thoracic aorta. Such mobile masses may cause critical embolic events if the TAVR device advances into the ascending aorta in the absence of preventive measures. The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and predictors of emboligenic matter (EM) during TAVR, impact of EM on the procedure, and incidence of symptomatic ischemic stroke post procedure.Methods: Among 436 consecutive patients who underwent TF-TAVR, 407 were evaluated in this study. The primary end point was incidence of symptomatic ischemic stroke within 24 h post procedure, while taking appropriate preventive measures. Incidence of EM, factors associated with EM and the impact of EM on the procedure, were also investigated.Results: Among the 407 cases, 15 cases (3.7%) of EM were identified but no ischemic stroke occurred in the EM (+) group (0% vs. 2.04%, p = 1.00). In the EM (+) group, a self-expandable valve was used in all 15 cases (100% vs. 42.6%, p < 0.0001) while 14 cases used a CoreValve’s InLine sheath system initially (93.3% vs. 27.3%, p < 0.0001). CoreValve’s InLine sheath system usage was the only independent predictor of EM.Conclusion: The CoreValve’s InLine delivery system was identified as a predictor of EM during TF-TAVR, but symptomatic ischemic stroke was avoided while taking appropriate embolization preventive measures.
White Matter Tract Disruptions Predict Less Affected Hand Impairment Following Stroke: A Longitudinal Diffusion MRI Study
Authors: Hannanu Firdaus Fabrice , Naegele Bernadette , Hommel Marc , Krainik Alexandre , Detante Olivier , Jaillard Assia
Published: November 2021

Although less-affected hand (LAH) deficits following unilateral stroke are well documented, many aspects of LAH impairment mechanisms remain unresolved. To provide a better understanding of these mechanisms, we used diffusion MRI to examine the disruptions of white matter structural connections. Based on the redundancy theory, we hypothesized that a summation of motor-related tract disruptions would characterize LAH impairment. We assessed LAH impairment and fractional anisotropy (FA) in 28 patients at one-month post-stroke (baseline), and 6 and 24 months later. LAH impairment was assessed with the Purdue Pegboard Test (PPT), handgrip strength, and movement time. FA was estimated in the CST, Anterior- Corona Radiata (ACR), and Limb of Internal Capsule (ALIC), Superior Longitudinal Fasciculus (SLF), and corpus callosum (CC). We used Linear Mixed Models to determine the tracts associated with LAH impairment over time. Baseline PPT, grip, and movement time were impaired in 43%, 61%, and 25%, respectively. PPT was modeled by baseline ipsilesional-CST (t=3.75; p<0.001), ipsilesional-SLF (t=3.19; p=0.002), contralesional-ALIC (t=-4.89; p<0.001), and lesion volume (t=-3.18; p=0.004); handgrip by baseline ipsilesional-CST (t=3.39; p=0.001), contralesional-ALIC (t=-3.91; p<0.001) and sex (t=-1.43; p=0.007); movement time by baseline ipsilesional-SLF (t=-3.64; p=0.001), CC (t=4.00; p=<0.001), and lesion volume (t=3.03; p=0.006). In conclusion, white matter tract disruptions determine the LAH impairment profile, with ipsilesional-CST related to motor and ipsilesional-SLF to visuomotor processing. LAH impairment was associated with the summation of several tract disruptions, supporting the concept of cerebral redundancy. These results provide a theoretical basis for integrating LAH in rehabilitation programs and for treatment interventions such as neuromodulation.
Do Public-Private Partnership Investment in Energy and Technological Transfers Improve Environmental Quality To Achieve Sustainable Environment Agenda: Evidence From Pakistan
Authors: SALEEM Hummera , Khan Muhammad Bilal
Published: November 2021

This paper tries to find the relationship among economic growth (GDP), import (IMP), export (EXP), public-private partnership investment (PPPG), and technological changes (TEC) on carbon-based CO2 emissions under the Environment Kuznets curve (EKC) premises during the period of 1980-2019 for Pakistan. This study employed various unit root tests that have been designed, such as Augmented Dickey and Fuller (ADF), ARDL co-integration tests, FMOLS, and DOLS estimation techniques. The results indicate that all the variables are co-integrated and have a short-run association among them. The results of DOLS and FOMLS indicate that CO2emissions significantly increase due to increases in economic growth. This study also verified the EKC hypothesis and the findings of the study support the EKC hypothesis for Pakistan. CO2 emissions are significantly decreased by increases in the share of technological innovation, and consumption-based carbon emissions are increased by the share of the trade and public-private investment in energy. The study results suggested that a reduction in the use of non-renewable energy through public-private investment and the use of renewable energy sources is related to energy efficiency policies. The consumption of non-renewable energy sources is high in Pakistan, as compared to renewable energy sources. Appropriate policy tools have been recommended to researchers and policymakers to minimize the harmful effect of global climate change and warming. Thus, environment quality can be enhanced through effective energy policies, sensible saving energy policies, optimized structural changes in the energy sector through effective government policies.
Feasibility of Four-Dimensional Similarity Filter For Radiation Dose Reduction in Dynamic Myocardial Computed Tomography Perfusion Imaging
Authors: Yamamoto Yuta , Tanabe Yuki , Kurata Akira , Yamamoto Shuhei , Kido Tomoyuki , Uetani Teruyoshi , Ikeda Shuntaro , Nakano Shota , Yamaguchi Osamu , Kido Teruhito
Published: November 2021

Purpose: We aimed to evaluate the impact of four-dimensional noise reduction filtering using a similarity algorithm (4D-SF) on image noise during dynamic myocardial computed tomography perfusion (CTP) to simulate the reduction of radiation dose.Methods: A total of 43 patients who underwent dynamic myocardial CTP using 320-row CT were included in the study. The original images were reconstructed using iterative reconstruction (IR); three different CTP datasets with simulated noise, which corresponded to 25%, 50%, and 75% reduction of the original dose (= 300mA), were reconstructed using a combination of IR and 4D-SF. The signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) and contrast-to-noise ratio (CNR) were assessed, and CT-derived myocardial blood flow (CT-MBF) was quantified. The results were compared between the original and simulated images with radiation dose reduction.Results: The original, 25%-, 50%-, and 75%-dose reduced images with 4D-SF showed an SNR of 8.3 (6.5–10.2), 16.5 (11.9–21.7), 15.6 (11.0–20.1), and 12.8 (8.8–18.1) and a CNR of 4.4 (3.2–5.8), 6.7 (4.6–10.3), 6.6 (4.3–10.1), and 5.5 (3.5–9.1), respectively. Compared to the original images, the 25%-, 50%-, and 75%-dose reduced-simulated images showed significant improvement in both SNR and CNR with 4D-SF. There was no significant difference in CT-MBF between the original and 25%- or 50%-dose reduced-simulated images with 4D-SF, however, there was a significant difference in CT-MBF between the original and 75%-dose reduced-simulated images.Conclusion: 4D-SF has the potential to reduce the radiation dose associated with dynamic myocardial CTP imaging by half, without impairing the robustness of MBF quantification.
Method For Measuring Sub-Micron Facula At Single-Photon Level With Silicon Photomultiplier
Authors: Yang Yaxian , Zhang Guoqing , Zhang Chen , Cao Xinyue , Liu Lina , Li Lianbi , Han Xiaoxiang
Published: November 2021

Sub-micron faculae (light spots) at the single-photon level have important applications in many fields. This report demonstrates a method for measuring facula size at the sub-micron single-photon level indirectly. The developed method utilizes Silicon Photomultipliers (SiPMs) as the single-photon response detectors, combined with a nano-positioning stage. The approach involves one- or two-dimensional space scanning and a deconvolution operation, which enable evaluations of the size and spatial distribution of focused facula in a single-photon-level pulsed laser. The results indicate that the average full width at half maximum of the faculae is about 0.66 µm, which is close to the nominal resolution of the objective lens of the microscope (0.42 µm). The proposed method has two key advantages: (1) it can measure sub-micron facula at the single-photon level, and (2) the sub-micron facula can easily be aligned with the detector because the array area of the avalanche photodiode cells in SiPM is usually larger than one square millimeter, and there is no need to put an optical slit, knife edge, or pinhole in front of the detector. The method described herein is applicable in weak light facula detection related fields.
Clinical application of and nursing practices for convalescent plasma transfusion in patients with COVID-19
Authors: Weng Ze-hua , Yang Xiu-fang , Ma Ming-min , Huang Ying-chun , Yin Xiao-ling , Ni Juan , Xu Xiao-li
Published: November 2021

Background: This study aimed to examine the effect of convalescent plasma transfusion on patient with severe coronavirus disease ( COVID-19 ) and discussed the main nursing practices.
Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of 21 patients with severe COVID-19 who had received convalescent plasma transfusion therapy between March 1 and April 1, 2020. The observation indicators included leukocyte, lymphocyte, C-reactive protein (CRP), interleukin-6 (IL-6), and viral antibody levels; test results from pharyngeal swabs; nucleic acid test results; chest CT results; and respiratory symptoms. Further, we summarized the nursing practices related to plasma transfusion.
Results: Neither death nor transfusion-related adverse reactions were observed in patients treated with convalescent plasma transfusion. Their antibody levels, especially IgG (P < 0.05), were increased to different levels, whereas the levels of inflammatory markers (CRP), white blood cells, and lymphocytes were significantly decreased (P < 0.05). Respiratory symptoms showed an improvement, and chest CT showed stable findings.
Conclusions: Convalescent plasma transfusion is safe and feasible. It can increase antibody levels, reduce inflammatory factor levels, improve white blood cell and lymphocyte counts, and improve respiratory symptoms in patients with severe COVID-19. Thus, plasma transfusion can be used as a new, effective COVID-19 treatment method that requires cooperation from nursing.
An Investigation on Abrasive Wear Characteristics of Thermoplastic Composites Under Conditions of Different Loads and Sliding Speeds
Authors: Soni Ashish , Das Pankaj Kumar
Published: November 2021

The diverse nature of polymer with attractive properties is replacing the conventional materials with polymeric composites. The present study is sought to evaluate the wear performance of thermoplastic based composites under the conditions of different loads and sliding speeds. A series of nine different composite materials was developed by using low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), and polyethylene terephthalate (PET) with replacements of sand i.e. 0, 30, 40, and 50 wt.%. The abrasive wear was evaluated by following the ASTM G65 standard test for abrasive wear through dry-sand rubber wheel apparatus under the applied loads of 34.335, 56.898, 68.719, 79.461 and 90.742 (N), and sliding speeds of 0.05388, 0.7184, 0.8980, 1.0776 and 1.4369 (m/s). The results showed the wear response varies non-linearly with load and sliding speed. The possible correlations between wear and mechanical properties, and throughout discussions for wear behaviors with morphological study of the worn surfaces were provided.
A Case of Solitary Plasmacytoma of Bone Showing Coexpression of Both Immunoglobulin Light Chains
Authors: Matsuoka Ryota , Sakamoto Noriaki , Kato Takayasu , Chiba Shigeru , Noguchi Masayuki
Published: November 2021

Background: Solitary plasmacytoma of bone (SPB) is a rare plasma cell neoplasm. It arises in bone as a single locus in the absence of any plasma cell myeloma lesions. Plasma cell neoplasms intrinsically express only one immunoglobulin light chain (IgL) – kappa or lambda – and using this fact, kappa/lambda deviation is the decisive factor for diagnosis. Coexpression of both IgLs in a single tumor cell is extremely rare.Case presentation: We report a case of SPB that arose in the vertebra of a 52-year-old Japanese woman. Histologically, the resected mass showed diffuse plasma cell proliferation. Dual IgL expression was detected by flow cytometry, immunohistochemistry and in situ hybridization (ISH) targeting IgL mRNA.Conclusion: We have presented an extremely rare case of SPB showing dual expression of kappa and lambda IgLs. This unusual case of plasma cell neoplasia might represent a possible exceptional example of failure of “IgL isotypic exclusion”.
Trimesic Acid-Functionalized Chitosan: A Novel And Efficient Multifunctional Organocatalyst For Green Synthesis of Polyhydroquinolines And Acridinediones Under Mild Conditions
Authors: Beiranvand Rahman , Dekamin Mohammad G.
Published: November 2021

Trimesic acid-functionalized chitosan (Cs/ECH-TMA) material was prepared through a simple procedure by using chitosan (Cs), epichlorohydrin (ECH) and trimesic acid (TMA). The obtained bio-based Cs/ECH-TMA material was characterized using energy-dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR) spectroscopy, field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM) and X-ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The Cs/ECH-TMA material was successfully used, as a multifunctional heterogeneous and sustainable catalyst, for efficient and expeditious synthesis of medicinally important polyhydroquinoline (PHQ) and polyhydroacridinedione (PHA) scaffolds through the Hantzsch condensation in a one-pot reaction. Indeed, the heterogeneous Cs/ECH-TMA material can be considered as a synergistic multifunctional organocatalyst due to the presence of a large number of acidic active sites in its structure as well as hydrophilicity. Both PHQs and PHAs were synthesized in the presence of biodegradable heterogeneous Cs/ECH-TMA catalytic system from their corresponding substrates in EtOH under reflux conditions and high to quantitative yields. The Cs/ECH-TMA catalyst is recyclable and can be reused at least four times without significant loss of its catalytic activity.
Radiological Assessment of Hip Fracture Union RUSH and Modified RUSH
Authors: Zhang Xinlong , Ci Wentao , Luo Kaiwen , Xing Ziyang , yan shi , Guan Chenwei , Hu Qunfang , Wu Wutao , Yang Fan
Published: November 2021

Objective：Intertrochanteric fracture is a common senile disease, which is mainly treated by surgery. The evaluation of postoperative healing of such fractures has always been based on qualitative evaluation of clinical and radiological indicators. Currently, there are no quantitative evaluations of hip fracture union other than the Radiographic Union Score or Hip (RUSH) score. The aim of this study was to evaluate fracture healing of intertrochanteric fractures treated with intramedullary nailing and plates using RUSH and the modified RUSH score we developed. Methods：We collected a total of 96 patients with surgically treated intertrochanteric fractures, including 46 with lateral plate fixation and 50 with intramedullary nailing. Six orthopedic surgeons assessed the overall impression of fracture union on more than 200 postoperative X-rays without knowing any information, followed by the use of RUSH and modified RUSH to evaluate the x-rays separately to see if the two methods improved the consistency of intertrochanteric fracture union. Results：the consistency of overall fracture healing impression was moderate（ICC=0.487）, RUSH and modified RUSH improved the consistency to substantial（ICC=0.80）and basically perfect（ICC=0.81）, respectively. In addition, for the evaluation of union of all intertrochanteric fractures, the overall score of plate was always higher than that of intramedullary nail. When the lateral plate and intramedullary nail were separately scored, the RUSH score of plate was basically the same as modified RUSH, while the modified RUSH of intramedullary nail was higher than modified RUSH. Ultimately,the medial (r=0.54 and R =0.53) and anterior (r=0.55 and R =0.54) and the global score (R =0.68 and R =0.68) in the single cortex showed a high correlation with the overall fracture healing impression in both RUSH and modified RUSH scores. Ultimately,medial (r=0.54 and r =0.53) and anterior (r=0.55 and r=0.54) in individual cortices and overall scores (r=0.68 and r =0.68) showed a high correlation with overall fracture healing impressions in both RUSH and modified RUSH scores. Conclusions：we developed a new hip fracture score comparable to the RUSH score that significantly improves the consistency of radiographic assessment of intertrochanteric fracture union. Most importantly, modified RUSH filled the callus formation gap in RUSH scores between cortical bridging and no cortical bridging. Therefore, we recommend the use of RUSH or a modified RUSH score to improve orthopedic surgeons' assessment of intertrochanteric fracture union.
Trends in Burnout and Psychological Distress in Hospital Staff Over 12 Months of The COVID-19 Pandemic: A Prospective Longitudinal Survey
Authors: Maunder Robert G. , Heeney Natalie D. , Hunter Jonathan J. , Strudwick Gillian , Jeffs Lianne P. , Ginty Leanne , Johnstone Jennie , Kiss Alex , Loftus Carla A. , Wiesenfeld Lesley A.
Published: November 2021

Background. The mental health effects of healthcare work during the COVID-19 pandemic have been substantial, but it is not known how long they will persist. This study aimed to determine if hospital workers’ burnout and psychological distress increased monotonically over one year, during which waves of case numbers and hospitalizations waxed and waned, or followed some other pattern.Methods. A prospective longitudinal survey was conducted at four time-points over one year in a cohort of 538 hospital workers and learners, which included validated measures of burnout (emotional exhaustion scale of Maslach Burnout Inventory) and psychological distress (K6). Repeated measures ANOVA tested changes over time and differences between subjects by occupational role and age. The direction and magnitude of changes over time were investigated by plotting rates of high scores (using cut-offs) at each time-point compared to case rates of COVID-19 in the city in which the study took place. Results. There were significant changes in emotional exhaustion over time (F = 4.6, p = .004) and significant effects of occupational role (F = 11.4, p < .001) and age (F = 12.3, p < .001). The rate of high burnout was highest in nurses, followed by other healthcare professionals, other clinical staff, and lowest in non-clinical staff. Peak rates of high burnout occurred at the second or third measurement point for each occupational group, with lower rates at the fourth measurement point. Similarly to the results for emotional exhaustion, rates of high psychological distress peaked at the winter 2021 or spring 2021 measurement point in each occupational group and were highest in nurses.Conclusions. Neither emotional exhaustion nor psychological distress was rising monotonically. Burnout and psychological distress were consistently related to occupational role and were highest in nurses. Although emotional exhaustion improved as the case rate of COVID-19 decreased, rates of high emotional exhaustion in nurses and other healthcare professionals remained higher than was typically measured in hospital-based healthcare workers prior to the pandemic. Ongoing monitoring of healthcare workers’ mental health is warranted. Organizational and individual interventions to support healthcare workers continue to be important.
WASF2 Overexpression and Promoter Hypomethylation Are Associated With Poor Clinical Outcomes in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Ahn Hye Ri , Baek Geum Ok , Yoon Moon Gyeong , Son Ju A , Yoon Jung Hwan , Cheong Jae Youn , Cho Hyo Jung , Kang Ho Chul , Eun Jung Woo , Kim Soon Sun
Published: November 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common and lethal cancers worldwide. Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome protein family member 2 (WASF2) is an integral member of the actin cytoskeleton pathway that plays a crucial role in cell motility. In this study, we aimed to explore the role of WASF2 in HCC carcinogenesis and its regulatory mechanism. Methods: WASF2 expression in HCC was analyzed using six public RNA-seq datasets and 66 paired tissues from patients with HCC. Role of WASF2 in HCC cell phenotypes was evaluated using small interfering RNA (siRNA) in vitro and in vivo. Epigenetic regulatory mechanism of WASF2 was assessed in the Cancer Genome Atlas liver hepatocellular carcinoma project (TCGA_LIHC) dataset and also validated in 38 paired HCC tissues. Results: WASF2 is overexpressed in HCC and is clinically correlated with prognosis. WASF2 inactivation decreased the viability, growth, proliferation, migration, and invasion of Huh-7 and SNU475 HCC cells by restoring G2/M checkpoint function, inducing cell death, and inhibiting epithelial-mesenchymal transition, and hindering actin polymerization. In addition, WASF2 knockdown using siWASF2 in a xenograft mouse model exerted tumor suppressive effect. Furthermore, we observed a negative correlation between WASF2 methylation status and mRNA expression. The cg24162579 CpG island in the WASF2 5′ promoter region was hypomethylated in HCC compared to matched non-tumor samples. Patients with high WASF2 methylation and low WASF2 expression displayed the highest overall survival.Conclusions: WASF2 is overexpressed and hypomethylated in HCC and correlates with patient prognosis. Moreover, WASF2 inactivation exerts anti-tumorigenic effects on HCC cells in vitro and in vivo, suggesting that WASF2 could be a potential therapeutic target for HCC.
Descriptive Statistical Analysis Report on the Results of Questionnaire and Observations on Patients With Physiological Halitosis Who Visited the KUMC Halitosis Clinic- A Retrospective Study
Authors: Kim Youngsoo , Ma Deuk-Sang
Published: November 2021

Background: We initiated to prepare the basic data that could help us to understand the characteristics of patients with physiological halitosis symptoms in Korea and aid in explaining the causes of these symptoms. Methods: We collected questionnaire and dietary analysis results from the data of 246 adult patients diagnosed with physiological halitosis symptoms, collected the data from the patients’ salivary measurements and the analysis data of patients’ tongue and throat management status. Using the SPSS (IBM SPSS™, Ver. 22.0) program, we performed a frequency analysis, calculating the correlation coefficient Phi with an independence test.Results: The mean age and one standard deviation of 246 patients with physiological halitosis was 41.85±11.63 years. The proportion of women, the proportion of patients who replaced breakfast with fast food or skipped breakfast, with beverage drinking habits such as coffee, tea, or carbonated drink, with irregular or insufficient consumption of water, who recognized their own oral malodor, suffering anxiety or stress over oral malodor, with an introverted personality, with insufficient unstimulated salivation volume, with incorrect tongue management, and with PND (Postnasal drip) or PTC (Posterior Tongue Coating) were all statistically analyzed to be significant (p < 0.05). As a result of the correlation analysis, the Phi values of the seven pairs of the bivariate variables were from 0.137 to 0.196, and the Phi values of the five pairs of the bivariate variables - the Phi value between the breakfast pattern variable and the regular diet variable, the Phi value between the stimulating menu variable and the drinking variable, the Phi value between the unstimulated saliva variable and the stimulated saliva variable, the Phi value between the unstimulated saliva variable and the sedimentation ratio of saliva variable, and the Phi value between the stimulated saliva variable and the sedimentation ratio of saliva variable - were from 0.203 to 0.394 (p < 0.05). Conclusion: We could suggest the 10 potential common risk factors related to physiological halitosis symptom, and the five pairs of variables with Phi values ranging from 0.20 to 0.40 could be judged to have a moderate correlation.
Monitoring Pollution of the Tigris River in Baghdad by Studying Physico-Chemical Characteristics
Authors: Mensoor Montazer K.
Published: November 2021

The current study aimed at exploring and identifying pollution indicators of the Tigris River in Baghdad through studying physical and chemical characteristics. Monthly water samples were collected from four locations along the Tigris River in Baghdad for 12 months period. The studied characteristics of the current study included surface water temperature, pH, turbidity, salinity, electrical conductivity, total suspended solids, total dissolved solids, total hardness, dissolved oxygen, biochemical oxygen demand, chemical oxygen demand, phosphate, nitrate, and Sulphate. The results showed that the mean values of all the studied physical and chemical characteristics except pH, temperature, and phosphate were higher than the acceptable limits of the Iraqi river water guidelines and international standards. The current study concluded that the Tigris River water was heavily polluted from untreated sewage discharge and other industrial, agricultural, and domestic activities. The study recommended immediate measures to be taken to end the nonstop inflow of sewage and wastes into the Tigris River water from the residential, commercial, and institutional activities in Baghdad.
An Analysis of Maritime Policies in Ghana.
Authors: Lamptey Benjamin L. , Sackey Anthony Djaba , Pearl Dzigbodi A.
Published: November 2021

An analysis of maritime transport policies in Ghana was conducted in this study. The objectives were to establish the existence or otherwise of maritime policy, the degree of its effectiveness and its impact on the maritime industry in particular and the nation as a whole, identify the challenges affecting the successful implementation of maritime policies in Ghana, and suggest measures for effective implementation of Ghana's maritime policies. The study was conducted in the port communities of Tema and Takoradi. It employed a descriptive research design and the instruments used were interviews and questionnaires. The study focused on maritime policies enacted since Ghana’s independence. The findings of the study indicate that although there is no single document as a maritime policy, there are forms of policies. These policies are described largely as ineffective having such impacts as loss of revenue to the state, pollution of the marine environment and a high cost of doing business through Ghana's ports. Some of the challenges impeding the successful realization of expected results from maritime policies in Ghana include inadequate training, insufficient resources and a low level educational background. Some of the measures for addressing these challenges include establishment of an intergrated maritime policy, education of merchants in maritime-related trade, provision of additional resources and training of personnel involved with functions guided by Ghana's maritime policies.
IGTP: A Next Point-of-Interest Recommendation Method that Integrates Geospatial and Temporal Preferences
Authors: Jiao Xu , Xiao Yingyuan , Zheng Wenguang , Zhu Ke
Published: November 2021

With the rapid development of location-based social networks(LBSNs), point-of-interest(POI) recommendation has become an important way to meet the personalized needs of users. The purpose of POI recommendation is to provide personalized POI recommendation services for users. However, general POI recommendations cannot meet the individual needs of users. This is mainly because the decision-making process for users to choose POIs is very complicated and will be affected by various user contexts such as time, location, etc. This paper proposes a next POI recommendation method that integrates geospatial and temporal preferences, called IGTP. Compared with general POI recommendation, IGTP can provide more personalized recommendations for users according to their context information. First, IGTP uses users' preferences information to model users' check-in histories to effectively overcome the challenge of extremely sparse check-in data. Secondly, IGTP takes into account the geographic distance and density factors that affect people's choice of POIs, and limits POIs to be recommended to the potential activitive area centered on the current location of the target user. Finally, IGTP integrates geospatial and users' temporal preferences information into a unified recommendation process. Compared with six advanced baseline methods, the experimental results demonstrate that IGTP achieves much better performance.
Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination: A new hope in triple negative breast cancer treatment
Authors: Moussa Nermine Aly , Mohamed Mahira , Haroun Medhat , Wasfy Maged Helmy
Published: November 2021

Despite the tremendous efforts to implement new paradigms for breast cancer, the disease still remains a major challenge worldwide. Genetic deregulation is evident in all breast cancer subtypes and comprises a multitude of mutated genes and deregulated signaling cascades. In this sense, co-targeting Src and COX-2 signaling cascades have attracted fervent interest. This work explored the probable anti-carcinogenic effects of Dasatinib as a Src inhibitor, Celecoxib as a selective COX-2 inhibitor, and their combination in MDA-MB-231 triple-negative breast cancer cell line. Drug growth inhibition 50 (GI50) was determined using the MTT assay and the obtained results were analyzed using CompuSyn 3.0.1 software. MDA-MB-231 cells were divided into four treatment groups including a positive control, Dasatinib-treated, Celecoxib-treated, and combination-treated groups. Standard sandwich ELISA was used for the determination of the protein levels of c-Src, Bcl-2, p-AKT, FAK, PGE2, VEGF, and cyclin D1. Active caspase-3 was determined colorimetrically and the expression of COX-2 and c-Src genes was quantitatively determined via quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction. The GI50 for Dasatinib was 0.05699 µM while that for Celecoxib was 69.0976 µM. Dasatinib up-regulated c-Src gene while Celecoxib and Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination down-regulated such expression level. COX-2 gene was down-regulated by Celecoxib while it was up-regulated by both Dasatinib and Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination. On one hand, Dasatinib, Celecoxib, and their combination significantly reduced the protein levels of c-Src, Bcl-2, p-AKT, FAK, PGE2, VEGF, and cyclin D1. On the other hand, they elevated active caspase-3. To sum up, Dasatinib/Celecoxib combination increased the capability for apoptosis and suppressed proliferation, angiogenesis, migration, and invasion suggesting a strong cross-talk between Src signaling cascade and COX-2/PGE2 via the intermediate PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway. Further in-vitro and in-vivo studies are warranted to verify the present findings.
Parallel Isolation and Characterization of Porcine Smooth Muscle, Endothelial and Mesenchymal Stromal Cells for Bioengineering Applications
Authors: Morini Sara , Pla-Palacín Iris , Sainz-Arnal Pilar , Sánchez-Romero Natalia , Falceto Maria , Mitjana Olga , Romero Antonio , Martinez-Santamaria Lucía , Guerrero-Aspizua Sara , Martinez Maria Bengochea , Arbizu Emma Olmedo , Fernandes-Platzgummer Ana , Baptista Pedro
Published: November 2021

There is significant interest in the pig as the animal model of choice for organ transplantation and the study of tissue engineering (TE) products and applications. Currently, efforts are being taken to bioengineer solid organs to reduce donor shortages for transplantation. For complex organs such as the lung, heart, and liver, the vasculature represents a fundamental feature. Thus, to generate organs with a functional vascular network, the different cells constituting the building blocks of the blood vessels should be procured. However, due to species' specificities, porcine cell isolation, expansion, and characterization are not entirely straightforward compared to human cell procurement. Here, we report the establishment of simple and suitable methods for the isolation and characterization of distinct porcine cells for bioengineering purposes.We successfully isolated, expanded and characterized porcine bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stromal (pBM-MSC), aortic smooth muscle (pASMC), and umbilical vein endothelial cells (pUVEC). We demonstrated that the three cell types showed specific immunophenotypical features. Moreover, we demonstrated that pBM-MSC could preserve their multipotency in vitro, and pUVEC were capable of maintaining their functionality in vitro.These cultured cells could be further expanded and represent a useful cellular tool for TE purposes (i.e., for recellularization approaches of vascularized organs or in vitro angiogenesis studies).
Amalgamation of Solid Dispersion and Melt Adsorption Techniques For Augmentation of Oral Bioavailability of Novel Anticoagulant Rivaroxaban
Authors: Shah Pranav , Patel Milan , Shah Jigar , Nair Anroop , Kotta Sabna , Vyas Bhavin
Published: November 2021

The objective of the present study was to evaluate the potential of solid dispersion adsorbate to improve the solubility and bioavailability of rivaroxaban (RXN). Solid dispersion adsorbate (SDA) of RXN was developed by fusion method using PEG 4000 as carrier and Neusilin as adsorbent. A 32 full factorial design was utilized to formulate various SDAs. The selected independent variables were amount of carrier (X1) and amount of adsorbate (X2). The responses measured were time required for 85% drug release (Y1) and saturated solubility (Y2). MTT assay was employed for cytotoxicity studies on Caco-2 cells. In vivo pharmacokinetics and pharmacodynamic evaluations were carried out to assess the prepared SDA. Pre-compression evaluation of SDA suggests the prepared batches (B1-B9) possess adequate flow properties and could be used for compression of tablets. Differential scanning calorimetry and X-ray diffraction data signified the conversion of crystalline form of drug to amorphous form, a key parameter accountable for improvement in drug dissolution. Optimization data suggests that the amount of carrier and amount of adsorbate significantly (P < 0.05) influence both dependent variables (time required for 85% drug release and saturated solubility). Post-compression data signifies that the compressibility behavior of prepared tablets were within the official standard limits. Significant increase (P < 0.0001) in the in vitro dissolution characteristics of RXN was noticed in optimized SDA (>85% in 10 min) as compared to pure drug, marketed product and directly compressible tablet. Cytotoxicity studies confirm nontoxicity of prepared RXN SDA tablets. Higher Cmax and AUC achieved with RXN SDA tablets indicated enhancement in oral bioavailability (~3 folds higher than the RXN suspension). Higher bleeding time and percentage of platelet aggregation noticed with RXN SDA tablets further substantiate the efficacy of the prepared formulation. In summary, the results showed the potential of RXN SDA tablets to enhance the bioavailability of RXN and hence can be an alternate approach of solid dosage form for its development for commercial application.
Erleben, Herausforderungen und zukünftige Lehrszenarien in der Online-Lehre
Authors: Malewski Sarah , Engelmann Sabrina , Peppel Lars
Published: November 2021

Das SoSe 2020 hat Lehrende vor die Herausforderung gestellt, ihre Lehrveranstaltungen innerhalb kürzester Zeit komplett digital gestützt durchzuführen. Wie Lehrende mit dieser Veränderung umgegangen sind, welche Lehrszenarien sie praktiziert haben, welche Potentiale und Herausforderungen sie in reiner Online-Lehre sehen und wie sie sich Lehre in Zukunft vorstellen, wurde an der Frankfurt University of Applied Sciences mittels eines Mixed-Method-Ansatzes mit Leitfadeninterviews und einem Online-Fragebogen analysiert. In der Gesamtschau lässt sich sagen, dass die Lehrenden trotz der plötzlich auftretenden Corona-Situation die Lehre im SoSe 2020 insgesamt positiv erlebt haben. So berichten sie von einem grossen Kompetenzzuwachs, was etwa die Interaktion und Kommunikation über Videokonferenzsysteme oder das Erstellen von Medienprodukten angeht. Die Grundpfeiler des Lehrkonzepts bildeten bei vielen Lehrenden zu Beginn der Pandemie eine Kombination von Videokonferenzen, vorab aufgezeichneten Lehrvorträgen und Lehrmaterialien, die über Lernplattformen zur Verfügung gestellt wurden. Zentrale Herausforderungen waren dabei die fehlende Beziehungsebene und die sinnvolle Gestaltung von Gruppenarbeiten. Die grösstenteils positiven Erfahrungen des SoSe 2020 haben die Bereitschaft der Lehrenden erhöht, in Zukunft eine Kombination aus Präsenz- und Online-Lehre anzubieten bzw. hybride Lehrszenarien zu entwickeln.
Diagnostik von Bandscheibenvorfällen der Lendenwirbelsäule mittels virtueller Noncalium Dual-Energy-Computertomographie
Authors:   , Nöske Jochen Gotthard Günter
Published: November 2021

Zielsetzung: Das Ziel dieser Arbeit war die Beurteilung der diagnostischen Leistungsfähigkeit der virtuellen Noncalcium (VNCa) Dual-Energy-Computertomographie (DECT) für den Nachweis lumbaler Bandscheibenvorfälle im Vergleich zu der konventionellen Graustufen-Computertomographie. Dabei galt die Magnetresonanztomographie (MRT) als Referenzstandard. Material und Methodik: Für diese retrospektive Studie wurden 41 Patienten (243 Bandscheiben; Durchschnittsalter 68 Jahre; 24 Frauen [Durchschnittsal-ter, 68 Jahre] und 17 Männer [Durchschnittsalter, 68 Jahre]) zwischen März 2017 und Januar 2018 einer klinisch indizierten DECT, durchgeführt mit einem Dual-Source-Computertomographie (DSCT)-Scanner der dritten Generation (Somatom Force; Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Deutschland) sowie einer 3.0-Tesla MRT (Magnetom PrismaFit; Siemens Healthineers, Forchheim, Deutschland) im Abstand von maximal zwei Wochen unterzogen. Sechs Radiologen, verblindet hinsichtlich der klinischen und MRT-Informationen, untersuchten unabhängig voneinander die konventionellen Graustufen-DECT-Bildserien auf das Vorhandensein und den Grad eines Bandscheibenvorfalls sowie der Affektion der Spinalnervenwurzeln. Nach acht Wochen wurden die Bildserien von den gleichen sechs Untersuchern unter Verwendung von farbkodierten VNCa-Rekonstruktionen neu ausgewertet. Die MRT, die von zwei unabhängigen, erfahrenen und in Bezug auf klinische und DECT-Informationen verblindeten Radiologen ausgewertet wurde, diente dabei als Referenzstandard. Sensitivität und Spezifität waren die wichtigsten Kennzahlen der Diagnoseleistung. Ergebnisse: Insgesamt wurden 112 Bandscheibenvorfälle der Lendenwirbelsäule in der MRT erfasst. VNCa zeigte insgesamt eine höhere Sensitivität (612 von 672 [91%] versus (vs.) 534 von 672 [80%]) und Spezifität (723 von 786 [92%] vs. 665 von 786 [85%]) zur Detektion eines lumbalen Bandscheibenvorfalls im Vergleich zur Standard-Computertomographie (CT) (alle Vergleiche, P < 0.001). Die Interrater-Reliabilität war „exzellent“ für VNCa und „gut“ für die Standard-CT (k = 0,82 vs. 0,67; P < 0.001). VNCa erreichte im Vergleich zum Standard-CT eine überlegene Diagnosesicherheit und Bildqualität bei niedrigerem Bildrauschen (alle Vergleiche, P < 0.001). Schlussfolgerung: Farbkodierte Dual-Energy CT VNCa-Rekonstruktionen zeigen im Vergleich zur Standard-CT eine signifikant bessere diagnostische Genauigkeit und Sicherheit für die Detektion eines lumbalen Bandscheibenvorfalls.
Using TikTok in Social Media Marketing to Create Brand Awareness, Brand Image, and Brand Loyalty on Tourism Sector in Indonesia
Authors: Rimadias Santi , Alvionita Nesta , Amelia Adinda Putri
Published: November 2021

The research aims to examine the factors that form brand awareness and brand image of the tourism sector in Indonesia by using the model social media marketing on TikTok platform. The research was conducted quantitative methods using a survey of 220 respondents who were users of the TikTok application. Data collection was carried out from April to May 2021, and processed using Structural Equation Model Partial Least Square (SEM PLS). Convenience sampling was used in this research. The results show that entertainment, electronic word of mouth, and interaction positively affect consumer brand engagement. Trendiness and customization do not affect consumer brand engagement. Furthermore, consumer brand engagement positively affects brand loyalty, brand awareness, and brand image. The implication of this research is a reference for managers and policymakers in formulating strategies to improve the tourism sector in Indonesia using the model Social Media Marketing on TikTok.
Presence of Notahypsibius pallidoides (Tardigrada: Hypsibiidae) in the fauna of Russia confirmed with the methods of DNA barcoding
Authors: Tumanov Denis
Published: November 2021

A brief report is given on the tardigrade species Notahypsibius pallidoides, discovered in a moss cushion in the vicinity of Saint Petersburg. Morphological identification of the species is supported with the analysis of obtained sequences of nuclear and mitochondrial DNA barcode genes (ITS-2 and COI). The current state of knowledge of Russian fauna of Tardigrada is characterised, and all available data on the distribution of Notahypsibius pallidoides and its genetic variability are summarised. The data obtained in this study by methods of DNA barcoding demonstrated that studied specimens of the tardigrada population isolated in Russia belong to the same species (Notahypsibius pallidoides) as the control specimens isolated in Austria though represent another haplotype thus confirming the presence of Notahypsibius pallidoides for the fauna of Russia.
Characteristics of water quality response to hypolimnetic anoxia in Daheiting Reservoir
Authors: Liu Chang , Wang Shiyan , Liu Xiaobo , Zhou Huaidong , Li Budong , Du Yanliang , Wang Liang
Published: November 2021

Anoxia is a common phenomenon at the bottom of large reservoirs during thermal stratification. In an anoxic environment, an increasing amount of reducing substances and nutrients are released and settle at the hypolimnion of the reservoir, leading to water quality deterioration and eutrophication. This work presents a case study on Daheiting Reservoir, a part of the Water Diversion Project from the Luanhe River to Tianjin city. With the monitored data of the water temperature and dissolved oxygen content in the reservoir, and based on the mechanism of redox reactions, the water quality response to the hypolimnetic anoxia in Daheiting Reservoir was systematically analyzed. It was found that the release of total phosphorus from the sediments in Daheiting Reservoir was a joint effect of the biological and chemical processes, and the redox reaction in the anoxic zone boosted release of phosphorus. Anoxia in the reservoir caused the ammonia nitrogen released from sediments in the reservoir to accumulate at the hypolimnion, which increased the concentration of ammonia nitrogen in the water. Anoxia in the reservoir led to an increase in the concentration of iron and manganese, which accounts for the major driving factor of release of iron and manganese.
Recent Trends in Rationally Designed Molecules as Kinase Inhibitors
Authors: Prasher Parteek , Sharma Mousmee , Chan Yinghan , Singh Sachin Kumar , Anand Krishnan , Dureja Harish , Jha Niraj Kumar , Gupta Gaurav , Zacconi Flavia , Chellappan Dinesh K. , Dua Kamal
Published: November 2021

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Protein kinases modulate the structure and function of proteins by adding phosphate
groups to threonine, tyrosine, and serine residues. The phosphorylation process mediated
by the kinases regulates several physiological processes, while their overexpression results
in the development of chronic diseases, including cancer. Targeting of receptor tyrosine
kinase pathways results in the inhibition of angiogenesis and cell proliferation that validates
kinases as a key target in the management of aggressive cancers. As such, the identification
of protein kinase inhibitors revolutionized the contemporary anticancer therapy by
inducing a paradigm shift in the management of disease pathogenesis. Contemporary drug
design programs focus on a broad range of kinase targets for the development of novel
pharmacophores to manage the overexpression of kinases and their pathophysiology in cancer
pathogenesis. In this review, we present the emerging trends in the development of rationally
designed molecular inhibitors of kinases over the last five years (2016-2021) and
their incipient role in the development of impending anticancer pharmaceuticals.
Recent Advances in the Synthesis of 5′-deoxynucleoside Phosphonate
Analogs
Authors: Shen Guang Huan , Hong Joon Hee
Published: November 2021

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The present review focuses on the synthesis of cyclic 5′-deoxynucleoside
phosphonate analogs. The formation of various phosphonate alkyl moieties is accomplished
through (i) Wittig (or HWE) type condensation to the nucleoside aldehyde moiety;
(ii) nucleophilic displacement reaction using phosphonate anion or Lewis acid; (iii)
Arbuzov reaction; (iv) olefin cross-metathesis between vinyl phosphonates and vinylated
nucleosides; and (v) radical reaction and Pd catalyzed alkyne. For the coupling of nucleobases
with cyclic moieties, the Mitsunobu reaction and Sonogashira-type cross-coupling
are usually applied. For the coupling of furanose moieties with nucleobases, Vorbrüggentype
condensation is generally applied. Addition reactions mediated by selenium ions are
mainly applied for the coupling of carbocyclic moieties. Their biological activity results
have been summarized.
Cholesterol in Brain Development and Perinatal Brain Injury: More than a Building Block
Authors: Lu Fuxin , Ferriero Donna M. , Jiang Xiangning
Published: November 2021

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The central nervous system (CNS) is enriched with important classes of lipids, in which cholesterol is known to make up a major portion of myelin sheaths, besides being a structural and functional unit of CNS cell membranes. Unlike in the adult brain, where the cholesterol pool is relatively stable, cholesterol is synthesized and accumulated at the highest rate in the developing brain to meet the needs of rapid brain growth at this stage, which is also a critical period for neuroplasticity. In addition to its biophysical role in membrane organization, cholesterol is crucial for brain development due to its involvement in brain patterning, myelination, neuronal differentiation, and synaptogenesis. Thus any injuries to the immature brain that affect cholesterol homeostasis may have long-term adverse neurological consequences. In this review, we describe the unique features of brain cholesterol biosynthesis and metabolism, cholesterol trafficking between different cell types, and highlight cholesterol-dependent biological processes during brain maturation. We also discuss the association of impaired cholesterol homeostasis with several forms of perinatal brain disorders in term and preterm newborns, including hypoxic-ischemic encephalopathy. Strategies targeting the cholesterol pathways may open new avenues for the diagnosis and treatment of developmental brain injury.