bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CpG Island Methylator Phenotype Modulates the Immune Response of the Tumor Microenvironment and Influences the Prognosis of Pancreatic Cancer Patients
Authors: Ning Gang , Li Yongqiang , Chen Wenji , Tang Wenjuan , Shou Diwen , Luo Qingling , Chen Huiting , Zhou Yongjian
Published: November 2021

Background. CpG island methylator phenotype (CIMP), featured with concurrent and widespread hypermethylation of a cluster of CpGs, has been reported to play an important role in carcinogenesis. Limited studies have investigated the role of CIMP in pancreatic cancer (PC). The aim of this study was to explore the CIMP in PC patients and its impact on the immune response of the tumor microenvironment and prognosis. Methods. DNA methylation, somatic mutation, mRNA, and corresponding clinical data of PC patients were downloaded from TCGA (184 patients) and the ICGC (264 patients). Univariate and multivariate regression analyses were used to identify prognosis-related CpGs. Consensus clustering analysis was used for identification of the CIMP in PC patients. ESTIMATE and CIBORORT were used for estimation of the tumor microenvironment (TME) in PC patients. Results. In the TCGA PC cohort, 22,450 differential CpGs, including 12,937 hypermethylated CpGs and 9,513 hypomethylated CpGs, were identified between 184 PC patients and 10 normal controls. Univariate and multivariate Cox analysis further screened out 72 OS-related CpGs, and three distinct CIMP groups with distinctly different prognosis and molecular features, including the CIMP-L subgroup, CIMP-M subgroup, and CIMP-H subgroup, were identified based on unsupervised consensus clustering analysis of these CpGs. Patients of the CIMP-H subgroup had poorer OS and RFS, while patients of the CIMP-L subgroup had better OS and RFS. The CIMP status was also an independent prognostic factor for OS and PFS. In molecular features, significantly higher somatic mutation burden and tumor mutational burden were found in patients of the CIMP-H subgroup compared to those of the CIMP-L subgroup. Besides, lower stromal score, immune score, and higher cancer stemness indices and tumor purity were also found in patients of the CIMP-H subgroup compared to those of the CIMP-L subgroup. Correspondingly, significant total T cells, total B cells, CD8 T cells, memory CD4 T cells, and higher regulatory T cells were found in patients of the CIMP-H subgroup. Moreover, significantly lower expression of immune checkpoint genes, such as PD-1, CTLA4, CD86, VTCN1, and LAG-3, was also found in patients of the CIMP-H subgroup compared to those of the CIMP-L subgroup. In the end, we validated the CIMP status in PC patients of the ICGC dataset. Conclusion. The CIMP may modulate the immune response of the tumor microenvironment and influence the prognosis of pancreatic cancer patients, which may help to make an assertion to provide specific and efficient treatment options for patients of different subtypes.
Florid Mesothelial Hyperplasia Associated with Abdominal Wall Endometriosis Mimicking Invasive Carcinoma
Authors: Fischer Edgar G. , Agarwal Shweta
Published: November 2021

Florid mesothelial hyperplasia typically occurs in the pelvis, abdomen, or chest associated with an underlying neoplastic or inflammatory process. These lesions are of clinical significance because they can mimic a neoplasm. Early reports were published in the 1970s, but only a few case series of such lesions have been published in the gynecologic pathology literature. Here, we report a case of florid mesothelial hyperplasia with an infiltrative growth pattern, mimicking an invasive carcinoma. The lesion was associated with endometriosis forming a mass lesion in the abdominal wall. Histologically, tubular arrangements and nests of mesothelial cells, some with artifactual slit-like spaces, formed a stellate lesion adjacent to endometrial glands and stroma. Cytologic atypia was mild and reactive, and positive immunostaining for calretinin, WT-1, and cytokeratin 5 identified the lesion as mesothelial and benign. We describe in detail the histologic findings in this case and review the pertinent literature. We discuss the clinically importance of this diagnostic pitfall and the path to arriving at the correct diagnosis.
Permutation Invariant Strong Law of Large Numbers for Exchangeable Sequences
Authors: Tappe Stefan
Published: November 2021

We provide a permutation invariant version of the strong law of large numbers for exchangeable sequences of random variables. The proof consists of a combination of the Komlós–Berkes theorem, the usual strong law of large numbers for exchangeable sequences, and de Finetti’s theorem.
Uncertainty Principles for Heisenberg Motion Group
Authors: Amghar Walid
Published: November 2021

In this article, we will recall the main properties of the Fourier transform on the Heisenberg motion group

G
=

ℍ

n

⋊
K

, where

K
=
U

n

and

ℍ

n

=

ℂ

n

×
ℝ

denote the Heisenberg group. Then, we will present some uncertainty principles associated to this transform as Beurling, Hardy, and Gelfand-Shilov.
USP1 Promotes GC Metastasis via Stabilizing ID2
Authors: Li Nuoya , Wu Lei , Zuo Xingye , Luo Huilong , Sheng Yanling , Yan Jinlong
Published: November 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignant tumors all over the world. And recurrence and metastasis are still the main causes of low survival rate for advanced GC. USP1 has been shown overexpressed in multiple cancers, which indicate its important biomarker in tumorigenesis and development. Our study is aimed at defining the exact role of USP1 on GC metastasis and the underlying mechanism. USP1 was firstly found overexpressed in GC tissues and relatively high-expression levels conferred poor survival rates. Then, real-time cellular analysis (RTCA) showed that USP1 knockdown inhibited GC metastasis both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanically, we demonstrated that USP1 promoted GC metastasis via upregulating ID2 expression and further confirmed that USP1 stabilized ID2 expression through deubiquitinating ID2 in GC. In conclusion, our study showed that USP1 promoted GC metastasis via stabilizing ID2 expression, which provides a potential biomarker and therapy target for GC.
Hemoglobin Precipitation: An Index of In Vitro Vasoconstrictive Activities of Methanol Leaf Extracts of Croton megalocarpus Hutch and Lantana camara Linn
Authors: Muindi Hezron Mutisya , Kibiti Cromwell Mwiti , Ngugi Mathew Piero
Published: November 2021

The function of innate hemostasis aids the body in bleeding control, preventing the loss of excessive amounts of blood following low-degree injuries. However, injuries of a higher degree may require extrinsic intervention to stop life-threatening blood loss. Astringent agents’ actions result in mechanical constriction of small blood vessels and shrinkage of body tissues, thereby stopping blood loss. This enhances the primary phase of hemostasis, where vasoconstriction is the main mechanism at play during the initial response to injury. The effects of plant extracts on protein precipitation have been linked to blood vessel vasoconstriction. Traditionally, the leaves of Croton megalocarpus Hutch and Lantana camara Linn plants are used by communities living in Makueni County, Kenya, for peripheral bleeding control. However, the effects of extracts of both plants on hemoglobin precipitation have not been evaluated scientifically. In the current study, the activities of methanol extracts of C. megalocarpus (H.) and L. camara (L.) on blood protein precipitation were investigated. The leaves were harvested, cleaned, air-dried, milled, and extracted in absolute methanol before being concentrated into dry powders. A qualitative phytochemical screen revealed the presence of terpenoids, steroids, tannins, phenols, flavonoids, reducing sugars, cardiac glycosides, and carbohydrates in the methanol extract of C. megalocarpus (H.). The methanol extracts of L. camara (L.) contained cardiac glycosides, saponins, tannins, phenols, terpenoids, reducing sugars, and carbohydrates. The hemoglobin precipitation ability of various concentrations of extracts using mice samples was presented as relative astringency following the tannic acid external standard method. Methanol extracts C. megalocarpus (H.) and L. camara (L.) had significantly higher relative astringency compared with the normal control, indicating a protein precipitating activity. The relative astringency observed in both plant extracts is linked to the activity of tannins, phenols, flavonoids, and saponins detected during preliminary phytochemical screening.
Research on the Relationship between Human Resource Management Activities and Enterprise Performance Based on the Supervised Learning Model
Authors: Sun Chan , Li Xiaojuan
Published: November 2021

HRMS is a very critical tool for companies. The recruitment text contains rich information that can provide strong information support for the company’s recruitment work and also improve the efficiency of job seekers in finding job opportunities. To this end, for the problem of multilabel text classification of recruitment information, this paper provides two algorithms for multilayer classification based on supported SVM. First, the same learning subclass method is used for text sorting subclass acquisition, and then, the class of the text is determined. Second, the hemispherical support SVM is used to find the smallest hypersphere in the feature space that contains the most text of that class and segment the text of that class from other texts. For the text to be classified, the distance from it to the center of each hypersphere is used to determine the class of the text. Experimental results on recruitment data demonstrate that the algorithm in this paper has a high check-all rate, check-accuracy rate, and F1. And, the relationship between HRM activities and corporate performance is discussed.
Evaluation of the Risk of Recurrence in Patients with Local Advanced Rectal Tumours by Different Radiomic Analysis Approaches
Authors: Khadidos Alaa , Khadidos Adil , Mirza Olfat M. , Hasanin Tawfiq , Enbeyle Wegayehu , Hamad Abdulsattar Abdullah
Published: November 2021

The word radiomics, like all domains of type omics, assumes the existence of a large amount of data. Using artificial intelligence, in particular, different machine learning techniques, is a necessary step for better data exploitation. Classically, researchers in this field of radiomics have used conventional machine learning techniques (random forest, for example). More recently, deep learning, a subdomain of machine learning, has emerged. Its applications are increasing, and the results obtained so far have demonstrated their remarkable effectiveness. Several previous studies have explored the potential applications of radiomics in colorectal cancer. These potential applications can be grouped into several categories like evaluation of the reproducibility of texture data, prediction of response to treatment, prediction of the occurrence of metastases, and prediction of survival. Few studies, however, have explored the potential of radiomics in predicting recurrence-free survival. In this study, we evaluated and compared six conventional learning models and a deep learning model, based on MRI textural analysis of patients with locally advanced rectal tumours, correlated with the risk of recidivism; in traditional learning, we compared 2D image analysis models vs. 3D image analysis models, models based on a textural analysis of the tumour versus models taking into account the peritumoural environment in addition to the tumour itself. In deep learning, we built a 16-layer convolutional neural network model, driven by a 2D MRI image database comprising both the native images and the bounding box corresponding to each image.
Traditional Chinese Herbal Medicine Plays a Role in the Liver, Kidney, and Intestine to Ameliorate Hyperuricemia according to Experimental Studies
Authors: Xu Li , Lu Li Li , Gao Jian Dong
Published: November 2021

In the last few decades, hyperuricemia has drawn increasing attention owing to its global prevalence. Observational surveys have manifested that there is a relation between hyperuricemia and increased risks of hypertension, chronic kidney disease, cardiovascular events, metabolic disorders, end stage renal disease, and mortality. As alternatives, Traditional Chinese medicinal herbs have demonstrated concrete effects in mitigating hyperuricemia in different experiments. Researchers have made efforts to investigate the role of herbal medicine in attenuating hyperuricemia. This review focuses on traditional Chinese herbal medicines that have been reported to ameliorate hyperuricemia in experimental studies.
Study on the Comfort of Pedestrians on Landscape Footpath Paved on the Suspension Monorail System
Authors: Li Zhou , Wei Yuancheng , Zheng Xiaolong , Zeng Yongping , Xu Xinyu , Chen Xingyu , Tao Qi
Published: November 2021

This is the first time that the landscape footpath is realized on the suspension monorail system. To study the comfort of pedestrians on the landscape footpath when the vehicle passes, the dynamic responses of the track beam and the landscape footpath at different speeds were analyzed using the established vehicle‐bridge dynamic analysis model. To evaluate the comfort of pedestrians on the landscape footpath, two indexes, Root Mean Square (RMS) value of acceleration (ISO 10137) and peak value of acceleration (EN 03), were adopted. Results show that the displacement and acceleration responses of landscape footpath and track beam are obviously different. Vertical displacement of the track beam is much larger than that of the landscape footpath due to the eccentric load of vehicles. Due to the displacement and rotation of the structural components which support the landscape footpath, the lateral response transferred to the landscape footpath would be slightly weakened. Maximum RMS values of the lateral and vertical acceleration of landscape footpath are 0.162 m/s2 and 0.169 m/s2, respectively, which meet the requirements of ISO 10137. Peak lateral acceleration is 0.546 m/s2, which reaches CL3 standard, and the peak vertical acceleration is 0.548 m/s2, which reaches CL2 standard. Lateral comfort is slightly worse than vertical comfort.
Experimental Investigation on the Influence of Ambient Temperature on the Test Accuracy for the Differential Pressure Hydrostatic Levelling System
Authors: Bo Li , Guo Chen , Qi Wu
Published: November 2021

Hydrostatic levelling system (HLS) is widely used to monitor the settlement of major projects, such as high‐speed railways, bridges, tunnels, dams, and nuclear power plants; ambient temperature is the most important influencing factor in the actual engineering settlement detection process. In order to systematically study the influence of ambient temperature TA on the test accuracy of the HLS, a test platform was built in the ambient temperature laboratory, and the influence of factors, including the amount of TA change, the rate of increase/decrease of TA, the expansion coefficient of the connecting pipe, and the distance of the measuring point, on the HLS test accuracy was quantitatively analyzed. The test results show that the elevation of a single HSL case has a linear correlation with the ambient temperature; when the temperature rise rate is greater than 0.1°C/min, the measured data are distorted due to incomplete development of material expansion. The temperature influence coefficient of a single HSL case is linearly related to the expansion coefficient deviation between the refrigerant and pipe; the test error of the double HLS case caused by TA is attributed to the expansion coefficient deviation of the pipe and the refrigerant between the base station and the measuring point. The relative temperature influence coefficient increases as distance measurement increases, and the HLS test error caused by TA will maintain a constant value when the distance measurement exceeds a certain value.
Risk Factors and Spatial Distribution of Schistosoma mansoni Infection among Preschool-Aged Children in Blapleu, Biankouma District, Western Côte d’Ivoire
Authors: N’Zi Constant Konan , Ouattara Mamadou , Assaré Rufin Kouassi , Bassa Fidèle Kouakou , Diakité Nana Rose , N’Goran Eliézer Kouakou
Published: November 2021

Schistosoma mansoni infection is common among school-age children (SAC) in western Côte d’Ivoire. Little is known on the infection rate of preschool-aged children (PSAC) due to epidemiological data deficiency and nonappropriate formulation of the drug. Thus, mass drug administration for schistosomiasis control mainly targets SAC. This study aims to identify the risk factors and spatial distribution of S. mansoni infection among PSAC in Blapleu, endemic foci of S. mansoni. We carried out a cross-sectional study in households with PSAC aged 1–6 years. A structured questionnaire was administered to mothers/guardians to obtain data on sociodemographics and water contact behaviour of children. Point-of-care circulating cathodic antigen (POC-CCA) immunodiagnostic test in urine and Kato-Katz (K-K) method with stool were used for S. mansoni infection diagnosis. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine the relationship between S. mansoni infection and sociodemographic data. Coordinates recorded by a Global Positioning System of households, water source points, and infected PSAC were used to map the spatial distribution of S. mansoni infection cases. This study was conducted with 350 PSAC aged 1–6 years. The overall infection prevalence of S. mansoni varies from 31.43% with the K-K method to 62.86% with the POC-CCA. PSAC aged 2–6 years were highly infected with S. mansoni than those aged 1-2 years (OR = 14.24, 95% CI: 5.85–34.64). PSAC who did not have access and who do not live close to the infected water source were at a significant lower risk of S. mansoni infection (OR = 0.13, 95% CI: 0.057–0.30). The main purpose of water contact of PSAC was to help their mother for laundry that occurs weekly. In Blapleu, a high risk of S. mansoni infection was observed among PSAC. Schistosomiasis control effort in such localities should include information, education, and communication, water, sanitation, and hygiene, and particularly chemotherapy targeting PSAC, reinforcing the need of the paediatric praziquantel formulation.
A Class of Public Opinion Dissemination Model considering the Information Screening Mechanism
Authors: Dong Suyalatu
Published: November 2021

This paper introduces an information screening mechanism based on the general SEIR model of public opinion dissemination in complex networks. Specifically, networks users screen the information disseminated in complex networks based on their knowledge reserve, life experience, and personal preferences. This screening mechanism filters the public opinion disseminated. Based on the quantitative analysis of this mechanism, we establish a new SEIR model of public opinion dissemination in complex networks. The simulation results on the Facebook network data set provide theoretical guidance for the formulation of effective public opinion suppression strategies.
Experiment and Simulation Study on the Dynamic Response of RC Slab under Impact Loading
Authors: Wang Yue , Liu Jun , Xiao Zhimin , Zhao Futian , Cheng Yi
Published: November 2021

Reinforced concrete (RC) slab is an important component in civil construction and protection engineering, and its dynamic response under impact loading is a complex mechanical problem, especially for two or multiple continuous impact loads. In this paper, a series of drop hammer impact tests were carried out to investigate the dynamic response of RC slabs with two successive impacts. The time history of impact force and the failure characteristic of the slab surface were recorded. Moreover, four influence factors, including slab thickness, reinforcement ratio, impact location, and drop hammer height have been discussed. Besides, a 3D numerical model based on the finite element method (FEM) was established to expand the research of constrained force, deflection, and vertical stress of an RC slab. The results show that increasing the slab thickness and reinforcement ratio can improve the impact resistance of an RC slab. The impact point location and drop hammer height have a great influence on the dynamic response of the RC slab. In addition, the RC slab will have more obvious damage under the second impact, but the dynamic response becomes weaker. It may be because of the local damage in the concrete caused by the first impact that would weaken the propagation of vibration.
A Meta-Analysis: Whether Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation Improves Dysfunction Caused by Stroke with Lower Limb Spasticity
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Hong , Zhang Jun , Zhao Qing-qing , Mei Hao-nan , Ma Jiang
Published: November 2021

Objective. To evaluate the efficacy of repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) in improving lower limb spasticity after stroke. Methods. The PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library, EMBASE, China National Knowledge Infrastructure (CNKI), China Biology Medicine (CBM) disc, China Science and Technology Journal Database (VIP), and Wanfang databases were searched online from their inception to May 2021 for randomized controlled trials (RCTs) involving repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation for lower extremity spasticity after stroke. Valid data were extracted from the included literature, and the quality evaluation was conducted with the Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions along with the Physiotherapy Evidence Database scale (PE-Dro scale). The data that met the quality requirements were systematically analysed using Review Manager 5.4 software. Results. A total of 554 patients from seven articles (nine studies) were quantitatively analysed. Outcomes included the Modified Ashworth Scale (MAS), Fugl–Meyer Assessment of Lower Extremity (FMA-LE), Modified Barthel Index (MBI), and Timed Up and Go (TUG), measured as the effect of rTMS compared with controls conditions after treatment. The systematic review showed that rTMS reduced MAS and increased MBI scores, respectively (SMD = −0.24, 95% CI [−0.45, −0.03],

P

 = 0.02; MD = 6.14, 95% CI [−3.93,8.35],

P

 ＜ 0.00001), compared with control conditions. Low-frequency rTMS (LF-rTMS) significantly improved FMA-LE scores (SMD = 0.32, 95% CI [0.13, 0.51],

P

 = 0.001). However, there was no significant difference in FMA-LE scores when using high-frequency rTMS (HF-rTMS) (

P

 > 0.1) and in TUG times (

P

 > 0.1) between the treatment and control groups. Conclusions. rTMS was effective in improving spasticity and activities of daily living. LF-rTMS has positive clinical effects on enhancing motor function in patients who experience lower extremity spasticity after stroke. To better validate the above conclusions, more multicentre, high-quality, and double-blind randomized controlled trials are needed.
Complexity Assessment of Chronic Pain in Elderly Knee Osteoarthritis Based on Neuroimaging Recognition Techniques
Authors: Wu Xuemin , Liu Jingjing , Liu Min , Wu Tao
Published: November 2021

The chronic pain of knee osteoarthritis in the elderly is investigated in detail in this paper, as well as the complexity of chronic pain utilising neuroimaging recognition techniques. Chronic pain in knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has a major effect on patients’ quality of life and functional activities; therefore, understanding the causes of KOA pain and the analgesic advantages of different therapies is important. In recent years, neuroimaging techniques have become increasingly important in basic and clinical pain research. Thanks to the application and development of neuroimaging techniques in the study of chronic pain in KOA, researchers have found that chronic pain in KOA contains both injury-receptive and neuropathic pain components. The neuropathic pain mechanism that causes KOA pain is complicated, and it may be produced by peripheral or central sensitization, but it has not gotten enough attention in clinical practice, and there is no agreement on how to treat combination neuropathic pain KOA. As a result, using neuroimaging techniques such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), electroencephalography (EEG), magnetoencephalography (MEG), and near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS), this review examines the changes in brain pathophysiology-related regions caused by KOA pain, compares the latest results in pain assessment and prediction, and clarifies the central brain analgesic mechanistic. The capsule network model is introduced in this paper from the perspective of deep learning network structure to construct an information-complete and reversible image low-level feature bridge using isotropic representation, predict the corresponding capsule features from MRI voxel responses, and then, complete the accurate reconstruction of simple images using inverse transformation. The proposed model improves the structural similarity index by about 10%, improves the reconstruction performance of low-level feature content in simple images by about 10%, and achieves feature interpretation and analysis of low-level visual cortical fMRI voxels by visualising capsule features, according to the experimental results.
Experimental Teaching of Information Security Based on Virtual Simulation
Authors: Dai Xiaoqing
Published: November 2021

In information security technology, virtual simulation technology has been applied in many fields, and its value has been proven and has attracted people’s attention. Especially today, as a new type of computer model, virtual simulation covers the Internet and plays an important role in the information security research of big data platforms. This thesis aims to study and solve the problem of lack of experimental environment for information security technology in schools and to bring new teaching methods to the experimental teaching of information security technology in schools. At the same time, it emphasizes the teaching characteristics of the platform based on technology implementation and combines the cognition of high school students in the design and implementation of the platform. After understanding the main points, a research teaching design was carried out, which made up for the current virtual simulation experiment platform that pays attention to technology but despises teaching design. As a result of the empirical analysis, the virtual experiment simulation platform can solve the problems in the school’s information security technology experiment teaching, increase students’ interest in information security technology, and achieve the educational goal of cultivating students’ independent innovation spirit and practical ability. From 2014 to 2016, the Ministry of Education started the construction of virtual simulation information security experiment teaching. Currently, 290 virtual simulation information security experiment teaching has been implemented and distributed in 26 provinces and cities, of which 199 are engineering, 81 are finance, and 10 are education.
Effect of CaO on the Autogenous Shrinkage of Alkali‐Activated Slag Mortar
Authors: Zheng Dengdeng , Ji Tao , Wang Guojie
Published: November 2021

The autogenous shrinkage of alkali‐activated slag (AAS) is significantly higher than that of ordinary Portland cement (OPC). The higher risk of concrete cracking due to autogenous shrinkage is a critical drawback to wider use of this promising alternative binder. The effect of CaO content on the autogenous shrinkage of AAS mortar was investigated. The autogenous shrinkage of AAS mortars was determined by comparator. The pore structure of the pastes was determined by mercury intrusion porosimetry. The hydration products of the pastes were determined by Fourier transform‐infrared, thermogravimetric analysis, X‐ray diffraction, and 29Si solid‐state magic‐angle spinning nuclear magnetic resonance. The results show that the amount of portlandite increases as CaO content increases. CaO in the paste causes the partial replacement of C‐S‐H(I) (low stiffness) by C‐S‐H(II) (high stiffness). The hydration reaction of AAS is inhibited by the addition of CaO. The increase of polymerization degree of C‐(A‐)S‐H and rearrangement of C‐S‐H(I) during hydration are inhibited by the addition of CaO, and micropores closure is also inhibited. Therefore, the autogenous shrinkage of AAS mortar decreases with the increase of CaO content.
Analysis of the Embankment Settlement on Soft Soil Subgrade with a Cement Mixed Pile
Authors: Yang Liang , Xu Wenyuan , Li Keke
Published: November 2021

The settlement of the widening of soft soil subgrade highways is typically associated with different treatment positions of cement mixed piles. In order to overcome this, in the current paper we employ the finite element method to simulate and analyze the influence of piles under an existing road slope and under an existing subgrade and new embankment on the settlement characteristics of the subgrade and foundation. In particular, we focus on the influence of the pile length and pile spacing on the subgrade and foundation settlements based on a northern high‐speed reconstruction and expansion project. The subgrade and foundation soils in the finite element analysis are considered to be homogeneous, continuous, and isotropic elastoplastic materials. The Mohr–Coulomb ideal elastoplastic constitutive model is implemented as the constitutive soil model. The impact of piles under an existing subgrade and new embankment on the settlement is observed to be more significant than that of piles under the existing road slope. Moreover, the subgrade and foundation settlements increase with the pile spacing under the existing road slope and under the existing subgrade and new embankment. More specifically, an increase of the pile spacing from 200% to 400% of the pile diameter is associated with an increase in the maximum settlement of the foundation surface from 1.76 to 1.85 cm (existing road slope) and from 1.44 to 1.96 cm (existing subgrade and new embankment). In addition, the subgrade and foundation settlements decrease for increasing pile lengths under the existing road slope and under the existing subgrade and new embankment, the pile length increases from 4.7 to 9.2 m, and the maximum foundation surface settlement is reduced from 6.2 to 5.52 cm and from 9.73 to 5.43 cm, respectively. The results can provide reference for future subgrade widening projects.
Hepatitis B and Asymptomatic Malaria Infection among Pregnant Women in a Semiurban Community of North-Central Nigeria
Authors: Omatola Cornelius Arome , Okolo Martin-Luther Oseni
Published: November 2021

Background. The overlap of malaria and Hepatitis B Virus (HBV) infections present a major threat to public health throughout endemic countries of tropical and sub-Saharan Africa. There is a paucity of data on the prevalence and associated factors of malaria and HBV infections among pregnant women in Ejule, a semiurban area of Nigeria. Therefore, the current study was designed to assess the seroprevalence of malaria and HBV among pregnant women attending antenatal clinics in Ejule Metropolis. Materials and Methods. In a hospital-based cross-sectional study, blood samples collected from 200 apparently healthy pregnant women at the Ilemona Clinic were screened for Plasmodium falciparum (P. falciparum) and HBsAg using histidine-rich protein 2 (HRP2) and hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) rapid diagnostic tests (RDTs), respectively. Relevant sociodemographic and putative risk factor information was obtained with structured questionnaires. Results. The prevalence of the infections was 44 (22%), 5 (2.5%), and 1 (0.5%) for P. falciparum monoinfection and HBV monoinfection and coinfection, respectively. Single and concurrent infections peaked at ages 31–40 years but decreased with older ages. High P. falciparum, 31 (59.62%), and HBV 2 (3.85%) infection were observed among those without formal education. Contrary to ages, occupation, and knowledge of infection, malaria parasitemia differed significantly with lower educational qualification (

p
≤
0.001

), being single (

p
=
0.001

), and inconsistent use of insecticide-treated bed nets (ITNs) (

p
=
0.04

, OR = 5, CI: 0.10–0.47). History of blood donation (OR = 5,

p
=
0.04

, CI: 1.10–32.80) and multiple sex partners (OR = 11.9,

p
=
0.01

, CI: 0.01–0.93) were found to be significantly associated with hepatitis B surface antigenemia rate during pregnancy. No evidence of HBV infection was observed in women with a history of HBV vaccination. Conclusions. Malaria is still highly prevalent among pregnant women due to high illiteracy and noncompliance to using ITNs. Therefore, routine screening and educating pregnant mothers are crucial in eliminating malaria in endemic settings. The low rate of hepatitis B and coinfection with malaria shows that further improvement in HBV vaccination could considerably reduce the disease burden among pregnant women.
De l’intelligence et des femmes
Authors: Ghersetti Antonella
Published: November 2021

Dans les Akhbār al-adhkiyāʾ (Histoires de personnes intelligentes), un ouvrage d’adab consacré aux personnes d’intelligence aiguë, Ibn al-Jawzī (d. 597/1200) traite des histoires des « femmes sagaces » (al-nisāʾ al-mutafaṭṭināt). Les anecdotes sur les femmes figurent dans un chapitre qui s’inscrit en contraste – par ses critères de catégorisation – avec les autres chapitres du livre. Cet agencement textuel spécifique vise-t-il à définir une intelligence typiquement féminine, ou une manière particulière pour les femmes de manifester leur intelligence ? Pour étudier cette question, je m’intéresserai d’abord à la conception de l’intelligence qui émerge dans les Akhbār al-adhkiyāʾ, en la comparant également avec le concept de mètis ; ensuite, je questionnerai les anecdotes du chapitre sur les femmes intelligentes dans la perspective des théories de Luce Irigaray.
The ‘Essential Practices’ Doctrine
Authors: Kaul Dushyant Kishan
Published: November 2021

This article explores how the Supreme Court of India, in applying the judicial doctrine of ‘essential practices’, has embarked on a dangerous exercise of determining whether a particular religious practice is significant enough to warrant constitutional protection under Article 25(1) or not. In tracing a string of judgments, it shows how courts have been guilty of making ill-founded observations about the validity of religious practices, thereby detrimentally affecting religious groups and minorities. Due to this constitutional transgression, the question of ‘what is essentially religious’ turned into the question of ‘what is essential in religion’. The court has neither the right nor the expertise to decide if the religious practice indeed is ‘essential’. State intervention is warranted only based on constitutionally stipulated restrictions of ‘public order’, ‘morality’ and ‘health’. The cardinal rule ought to be of limited state intervention but maximum protection.
A Pilot Assessment of How Muslim Scientists Perceive Inclusion in the Scientific Workplace
Authors: Ferguson Jauhara , Ecklund Elaine Howard
Published: November 2021

Much of the social science literature on how religious and scientific communities relate to one another is focused on the relationship Christian communities have to science in the US and to a lesser extent the UK. Our pilot research begins to address this gap by studying Muslim scientists, a key group of actors who are important to understanding the social implications of global discussions about religion and science. We ask: How do Muslim scientists in non-Muslim majority national contexts perceive the relationship between religion and science and the connection between their faith and their work? In this pilot study, we analyze 13 in-depth interviews with Muslim scientists from three non-Muslim majority national contexts—France, India, and the United Kingdom. We find that Muslim scientists in our sample generally view their faith as compatible with their identities as scientists. Despite this connection, Muslim scientists do not consider the scientific workplace to be a supportive environment for their faith expression and believe the visibility of Muslim identity creates the potential for religious discrimination in science. Initial findings contribute to our understanding of how national context shapes religious experiences and highlights potential challenges to facilitating more religiously plural workplace environments.
Gazella arabica dareshurii: a remarkable relict population on Farur Island, Iran
Authors: Fadakar Davoud , Raam Mojdeh , Lerp Hannes , Ostovar Ali , Rezaei Hamid Reza , Bärmann Eva V.
Published: November 2021

Background

The islands in the Persian Gulf are home to several species of gazelles, i.e.,Gazella bennettii,G. subgutturosa, and a new subspecies of Mountain gazelles which was discovered on Farur Island and described for the first time in 1993 asGazella gazella dareshurii. Later, phylogenetic analyses showed that the Mountain gazelles consist of two species:G. gazellaandG. arabica. As the Farur gazelles are more closely related to the Arabian forms of the Mountain gazelles, this subspecies is regarded to beG. arabica dareshurii. Until now, the origin of this subspecies has been an enigma.

Results

Here, we used mitochondrial cytb, two nuclear introns (CHD2 and ZNF618), and morphological data to address this question by investigating the taxonomic position of the Farur gazelles. The results show that this population is monophyletic and split from otherG. arabicapopulations probably 10,000 BP.

Conclusions

It is a natural relict population that was trapped on the island due to the rising sea levels of the Persian Gulf after the Last Glacial Maximum. Intermittent drought and flooding are suggested to be the main factors balancing population growth in the absence of natural predators on this monsoon-influenced island. Conservation actions should focus on preserving the natural situation of the island (cease introducing mesquite tree and other invasive species, stop building new construction and roads, and caution in providing water sources and forage), and possibly introducing individuals to other islands (not inhabited by gazelles) or to fenced areas on the Iranian mainland (strictly isolated from other gazelle populations) when the population reaches the carrying capacity of the island.
Prevalence of HIV infection and high-risk behaviors in truck and bus drivers in Kurdistan province
Authors: Karimi Aisan , Ghanei Gheshlagh Reza , Afkhamzadeh Abdorrahim , Faraji Obeidollah , Rahmani Khaled
Published: November 2021

Background

Truck, bus, transit drivers, and men with mobile jobs are at high risk for HIV/AIDS. The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of HIV and risky behaviors among truck and bus drivers in Kurdistan province.

Methods

This cross-sectional study was conducted on 601 bus and truck drivers in Kurdistan province during 2018–2019. Data on high-risk behaviors were collected using a standard questionnaire. ELISA test was used to detect HIV in the study participants. Data were analyzed using Chi-square, Mann–Whitney U tests, and logistic regression modeling in Stata-14 software.

Results

The mean and standard deviation of the age of study participants was 44.04 ± 11.44 years. HIV rapid test was positive in two subjects; in other words, the prevalence of HIV in the study population was 0.33%. Ninety-two (15.3%) individuals reported a history of drug use, with one (1.1%) having a history of injecting drugs. One hundred and thirty-one (21.8%) of them had a history of high-risk sexual behavior outside of marriage.

Conclusion

According to the results of the present study, the prevalence of high-risk behaviors in bus and truck drivers is high. It seems necessary to direct the drivers’ attention to self-care while considering disciplinary intervention programs to prevent the use of drugs, cigarettes, alcohol along with high-risk sexual behaviors to maintain the health of drivers and passengers.
The effect of body composition on strength and power in male and female students
Authors: Ben Mansour Ghassen , Kacem Asma , Ishak Mohamed , Grélot Laurent , Ftaiti Foued
Published: November 2021

Purpose

The aim of this study is to determine and to compare the effect of sex differences in percentage of body fat on the strength and power performances of the legs and arms during short maximal exercise.

Methods

72 male and 64 female students aged 20 to 23 years were enrolled in this study. After assessing their morphological characteristics (body mass, height and percentage of fat mass), a squat jump test (SJ), a 5 successive jump test (5JT), a hand gripping (HG) and back strength (BS) tests have been conducted for each subject. Male students were re-tested after being weighed down with a weight equivalent to the mean differences in body fat recorded between the two sexes in the form of a loaded worn vest.

Results

Male are 15.7% heavier and 7.4% taller and presented a percentage of fat mass (17.2 ± 1.8%) significantly (p < 0.001) lower than that of women subject (25.0 ± 2.5%) (difference male vs female for fat mass: -45.5%). HG, BS, 5JT and SJ performances were significantly higher in males (44 ± 5 kg, 141 ± 2 kg, 11 ± 1 m and 32.4 ± 2,7 cm, respectively) than in females (31.0 ± 4 kg, 81.6 ± 13 kg, 8.7 ± 0.7 m and 21.1 ± 1.9 cm, respectively). In the control (unloaded) condition, the relative difference between males and females represented 23.5% and 34.7% of the male performances for 5JT and SJ, respectively. In the weighted condition, the relative difference between weighted males and females still represented 11.7% and 23.8% of the weighted male performances for 5JT and SJ, respectively. Cancelling the sex difference in fat mass by adding weight in males reduced by 50.1% the sex difference during 5JT and 31.4% and 71.7% for hight and power results, respectively during SJ test.

Conclusion

During short and maximal exercise, male performed better with their hands, back and legs than female students. Excess fat for female students has a disadvantageous effect on vertical and horizontal jumps performances. The persistence of sex differences after weighting of male students indicates that body fat is responsible for 30 to 70% of the observed differences between sexes performances and power outcomes during jump tests.
Promoting psycho-social wellbeing for engaging inflammatory bowel disease patients in their care: an Italian consensus statement
Authors: Graffigna Guendalina , Bosio Caterina , Pagnini Francesco , Volpato Eleonora , Previtali Enrica , Leone Salvatore , D’Amico Ferdinando , Armuzzi Alessandro , Danese Silvio
Published: November 2021

Background

Inflammatory bowel diseases (IBD) are remitting and relapsing diseases that mainly interest the gastrointestinal tract. IBD is associated with a condition of psycho-social discomfort that deeply compromises the quality of life and the competence of patient to be fully engaged in their self-management. As a consequence, effective care of IBD patients should include not only medical but also psychological support in order to improve patients' wellbeing. Although this, to date there is no standardized approach to promote psychological wellbeing of IBD patients in order to improve the perception of the quality of the care. To fill this gap, a consensus conference has been organized in order to define the psychosocial needs of IBD patients and to promote their engagement in daily clinical practice. This paper describes the process implemented and illustrates the recommendations deriving from it, which focus on the importance of a multidisciplinary approach in IBD management.

Results

The consensus conference has been organized in three phases: (1) literature review about life experiences, engagement, and psychosocial needs of IBD patients; (2) workshops with IBD experts and patients’ representatives; (3) drafting of statements and voting. Seventy-three participants were involved in the consensus conference, and sixteen statements have been voted and approved during the consensus process.

Conclusions

The main conclusion is the necessity of the early detection of – and, in case of need, intervention on- psycho-social needs of patients in order to achieve patient involvement in IBD care.
Giant occipital encephalocele: a case report, surgical and anesthetic challenge and review of literature
Authors: Zahid Soha , Khizar Ahtesham
Published: November 2021

Background

An encephalocele is a congenital neural tube defect characterized by herniation of cranial contents through a defect in the cranium and is caused by failure of the closure of the cranial part of the developing neural tube. An encephalocele is termed as “giant encephalocele” when the size of encephalocele is larger than the size of the head. They depend on size of the sac, percentage of neural tissue content, hydrocephalus, infection, and other associated pathologies for a favorable neurological outcome.

Case presentation

We report a case of a four-month-old boy with a giant occipital encephalocele measuring 21 × 15 × 19 cm in size, which was a surgical and anesthetic challenge for us. Intubation was achieved in lateral position. Part of occipital and cerebellar parenchyma was present in the sac and bony defect was approximately 2.5 cm in occipital bone in midline. We performed surgical excision and repair with a good overall outcome.

Conclusion

Perioperative management of a giant occipital encephalocele is a challenge for both anesthesiologists and neurosurgeons. Managing such a case demands a search for other congenital abnormalities, expertise in handling airway, and proper intraoperative care. Careful planning and perioperative management are essential for a successful outcome.
Neck proprioception assessment with a laser beam device: reliability in participants without neck pain and differences between participants with and without neck pain
Authors: Ntenezakos Nikolaos , Makrogkikas Michail , Dimitriadis Zacharias , Koumantakis George A.
Published: November 2021

Background

Proprioception deficits have previously been reported in patients with non-specific chronic neck pain (NSCNP), with a comprehensive and valid battery of tests still required. This study aimed to investigate the test-retest and inter-rater reliability of cervical proprioception in participants without NSCNP and to examine differences in proprioception between participants with and without NSCNP. Twenty participants without NSCNP and 20 age- and sex-matched participants with NSCNP were recruited. Proprioception tests were sequentially performed in random order, in four head-to-neutral movement directions (starting positions at mid-flexion, mid-extension and mid-right/mid-left rotation head-neck positions and end position at neutral head-neck posture) and two head-to-target movement directions (starting position from neutral head-neck posture and end positions at right and left 45° rotation), with a laser beam device secured onto their forehead. Participants performed all tests in sitting at a 1-m distance from a whiteboard. The average deviations of the laser beam mark from set targets marked on the whiteboard represented proprioception deficits. The two-way random, absolute agreement model of the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC), the standard error of the measurement (SEM) and the smallest detectable difference (SDD) were used as measures of reliability. Between-group differences were examined with the independent samples t test.

Results

The reliability of the laser beam device in participants without neck pain varied from poor to good. The following tests demonstrated good reliability: test-retest ‘Head-to-neutral from flexion’ (ICC: 0.77–0.78; SDD: 5.73–6.84 cm), inter-rater ‘Head-to-neutral from flexion’ (ICC: 0.80–0.82; SDD: 6.20–6.45 cm) and inter-rater ‘Head-to-neutral from right/left rotation’ (ICC: 0.80–0.84; SDD: 5.92–6.81 cm). Differences between participants with and without NSCNP were found only in head-to-neutral from flexion (4.10–4.70 cm); however, those were within the limits of the SDD values of the HtN from flexion test.

Conclusions

The laser beam device can be reliably used in clinical practice only in the aforementioned head-neck movement directions, based on the findings of the present study. The between-group differences noted involved only the head mid-flexion to neutral test, possibly denoting proprioception deficits only in this movement direction, for reasons that require further evaluation.