bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Information technologies in the activities of destination management organizations
Authors: Borzyszkowski Jacek
Published: April 2021

The purpose – The purpose of the article was an attempt to assess the significance of two spheres connected with the functioning of DMOs, i.e. internet marketing and the development of modern technologies and information systems. Design – The study covers theoretical issues connected with the essence of destination management organizations as the basic organizational structures in the tourism sector, and with the significance of the Internet and modern information technologies in the activities of these organizations. The second part of the study covers the empirical issues of the problem analyzed. Approach and methodology – Apart from theoretical deliberations, it provides the review of previous research. Moreover, the results of the author’s research were used with the aid of the diagnostic survey technique. The results from 53 DMOs that represent 19 European states were obtained. Findings – The quantity of expenditures on information technologies was defined in the structure of the total expenditures on the part of DMOs. The average value for all the organizations under analysis was 10.9%. Owing to the application of the point grading method (Likert scale), it was demonstrated that internet marketing and the development of modern technologies and information systems are becoming increasingly more important areas of the activities. Originality of the research – The originality is evident in the insights it provides about use of modern information technologies and the Internet in the activities of DMO. The empirical deliberations presented in this article should become an important point of reference for many DMOs and should emphasize the growing significance of information technologies.
The Dynamics of Urban Public Space Perception in the New Normal Era
Authors: Dewangga Yordan Kristanto , Amijaya Sita Yuliastuti , Viadolorosa Hoseo
Published: April 2021

The coronavirus pandemic or Covid-19 has happened in several countries, including Indonesia. This condition has an impact not only on public health but also on all sectors. Yogyakarta, a province in Indonesia, receives the impact of this pandemic, especially the Malioboro as a famous public area in the city. The Malioboro area, as an urban public space, becomes quieter due to the coronavirus pandemic. The new normal policy, which the government implemented through the adaptation of new habits, gradually bringing back the activities in the Malioboro area. Health protocols to maintain social distancing keep on encouraged with direct and written persuasive methods. The purpose of this study is to explore people's perceptions of urban public spaces in the new normal era in Malioboro. The method used was conducting a direct survey in Malioboro and giving a closed questionnaire online to the public. The discussion was performed by examining the results of a closed questionnaire with the current situation in Malioboro. The conclusions obtained that the community has received information to maintain social distancing. However, many people ignore the health protocols so that no difference with the situation before the pandemic. This condition does not change the spatial patterns and layouts related to space at the public scale and the distance of social interactions. Keywords: Covid-19; public spaces; social distancing; social interaction
Optimization of the Process of Methane Production From Wheat Straw and Bovine Manure Co-Digestion by Ultrasound Disintegration and Physicochemical Treatments
Authors: Ouahabi Yasmine Ryma , Bensadok Kenza , Ouahabi Abdeldjalil
Published: April 2021

Biomass is an attractive energy source that can be used for production of heat, power, and transport fuels, and when produced and used on a sustainable basis, can make a large contribution to reducing greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. Anaerobic digestion (AD) is a suitable technology for reducing organic matter and generating bioenergy in the form of biogas. This study investigates the factors allowing the optimization of the process of biogas production from the co-digestion of wheat straw (WS) and bovine manure. The statistical analysis of the experiments carried out show that ultrasonic processing plays a fundamental role by sonication density and solids concentration leading to improved characteristics of WS by reducing particle size and increasing concentration of soluble chemical oxygen demand. The higher the sonicating power used, the more the waste particles are disrupted. The optimality obtained under mesophilic conditions for WS pretreated with 4% w/w (weight by weight) H2O2 at temperature 36 °C under 10 minutes of ultrasonication at 25 kHz improves the methane yield by 64%.
Influence of Chromium Concentration on the Abrasive Wear Of Ni-Cr-B-Si Coatings Applied by High-Velocity Oxygen Fuel
Authors: Kalitchin Zhetcho Doinov , Kandeva Mara Krumova , Stoyanova Yana Petrova
Published: April 2021

This research work studies the characteristics of wear and wear resistance of composite powder coatings, deposited by high-velocity oxygen fuel, which contain composite mixtures Ni-Cr-B-Si having different chromium concentrations – 9.9%; 13.2%; 14%; 16% and 20% , at one and the same size of the particles and the same content of the remaining elements. The coating of 20% Cr does not contain B and Si. Out of each powder, composite coatings have been prepared without any preliminary thermal treatment of the substrate and with preliminary thermal treatment of the substrate up to 650оС. The coatings have been tested under identical conditions of dry friction over a surface of solid firmly attached abrasive particles using the tribological testing device „Pin-on-disk“. Results have been obtained and the dependences of the hardness, mass wear, intensity of the wearing process, absolute and relative wear resistance on the Cr concentration under identical conditions of friction. It has been found out that for all the coatings the preliminary thermal treatment of the substrate leads to a decrease in the wear intensity. Upon increasing Cr concentration the wear intensity diminishes and it reaches minimal values at 16% Cr. In the case of coatings having 20% Cr concentration, the wear intensity is increased, which is due to the absence of the components B and Si in the composite mixture, whereupon no inter-metallic structures are formed having high hardness and wear resistance. The obtained results have no analogues in the current literature and they have not been published by the authors.
Mechanical Characterization of Two Blends PP+PA6+EPDM. Part 2. Results of Tensile Tests
Authors: Ojoc George Ghiocel , Titire Larisa Chiper , Musteață Ana Maria , Boțan Mihail , Cristea George Catalin , Deleanu Lorena
Published: April 2021

This paper presents the values of several mechanical characteristics for two blends: H (60% PP + 12% PA6 + 8% EPDM + 20% Polybond 3200) and G (20% PP + 42% PA6 + 28% EPDM + 10% Polybond 3200) (%wt), comparing them to those of PP (polypropylene) and PA6 (polyamide 6). The adding of EPDM (ethylene propylene diene monomer rubber) and Polybond 3200 help reducing the disadvantages of simple blends made of PP+PA6, when the PA6 concentration allows for having a PA6 matrix with droplets of PP. SEM analysis helps for understanding the performance of material G as compared to the neat polymers. EDX analysis proved that there was a matrix inversion, material H having a PP matrix and material G a matrix made of PA6 with droplets of PP. Strain at break for PP and material H were proved to be insensitive to test speed, but materials G and PA6 had large value for strain at break and energy at break for v = 10 mm/min. Taking at basis the values for polyamide 6 (PA6), material G has greater values for energy at break: with 97.8% for v = 10 mm/min, with 29.5% for v= 250 mm/min and with 98% for 1000 mm/min, without exhibiting the micro and macro cavitation of PA6. This means that the recipe, the technology and the mechanical characteristics make material G a potential candidate for applications where a low and moderate impact resistant material is required.
HASRAT PSIKOLOGIS PENYAIR DALAM PUISI SYAIR PENYAIR PEMANGGUL MAYAT KARYA INDRA TJAHYAD
Authors: Theresia Tiffany
Published: April 2021

Penelitian ini membatasi masalah pada simbol yang dibentuk melalui bahasa sebagai perwakilan psikologis Indra Tjahyadi yang dihadirkan dalam puisi Syair Penyair Pemanggul Mayat (2003). Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk menjelaskan hasrat psikologis penyair melalui mekanisme mimpi pemindahan dan simbolisasi di dalam puisi Syair Penyair Pemanggul Mayat (2003) karya Indra Tjahyadi. Penelitian ini merupakan penelitian kualitatif dengan pendekatan psikoanalisis Sigmund Freud. Data yang digunakan dalam penelitian ini adalah kutipan larik puisi Syair Penyair Pemanggul Mayat (2003). Data lain sebagai pendukung analisis adalah hasil wawancara dengan Indra Tjahyadi dan kerabat dekatnya. Teknik pengumpulan data pada penelitian ini adalah membaca, mencatat, dan wawancara. Analisis penelitian dilakukan berdasarkan data yang terkumpul. Setelah itu, klasifikasi data dilakukan kemudian data diinterpretasi dengan menggunakan teori psikoanalisis Sigmund Freud. Simpulan yang dapat diambil dari penelitian ini adalah melalui bahasa metafora dan metonimi yang tertulis ditemukan bentuk pemindahan dan simbolisasi dalam puisi Syair Penyair Pemanggul Mayat (2003). Melalui bentuk-bentuk tersebut, terdapat hasrat yang berusaha ditekan oleh Indra Tjahyadi. Hasrat tersebut merupakan hasil dari kenangan masa puncak Orde Baru tahun 1998. Riwayat psikologis Indra Tjahyadi melalui analisis penelitian ini adalah kecemasan, ketakutan, kegelisahan, dan segala yang merujuk pada kegelapan tercermin dalam puisi Syair Penyair Pemanggul Mayat (2003).
CONTRIBUIÇÕES DE UM CURSO EAD PARA O LETRAMENTO EM AVALIAÇÃO DE PROFESSORES DE LÍNGUAS ADICIONAIS PARA CRIANÇAS
Authors: Quevedo-Camargo Gladys , Tonelli Juliana Reichert Assunção
Published: April 2021

A inserção de línguas adicionais nos anos iniciais escolares implica reformulação dos cursos de Letras e investimentos na formação docente para avaliar a aprendizagem (TONELLI; CRISTOVÃO, 2010; BUENO, 2020). Estudos apontam para a importância do desenvolvimento de conhecimentos sobre a avaliação de línguas adicionais e a urgência de desenvolver habilidades que possibilitem um trabalho mais bem informado com avaliação (QUEVEDO-CAMARGO, 2020). O objetivo deste artigo é apresentar uma análise temática (MINAYO, 2007) de diários reflexivos (REICHMANN, 2013) de participantes em um curso na modalidade de ensino a distância (EAD) sobre avaliação em contextos de ensino-aprendizagem de línguas adicionais para crianças, cuja escrita foi orientada por perguntas-guia. Buscaram-se evidências de impacto de um dos módulos do curso nas reflexões das cursistas sobre cinco conceitos básicos da área de avaliação: autenticidade, confiabilidade, efeito retroativo, praticalidade e validade (ISAACS, 2013; GREEN, 2014). Para a análise temática, utilizou-se o software Atlas.ti (Versão 9.0). Os diários sugerem que o módulo analisado foi bem-sucedido, visto que provocou reflexões sobre tais conceitos nas cursistas, que, em geral, não possuem formação específica para atuar no ensino de línguas adicionais para crianças, contribuindo para o Letramento em Avaliação (COOMBE, 2018) das participantes.
Oxidative degradation of p-chlorophenol by the persulfate-doped Fe-Mn bimetallic hydroxide, the parametrical significance, and systematical optimization
Authors: Huang Tao , Du Jing , Yu Danni , Deng Shihan , Zhang Shuwen , Liu Longfei
Published: April 2021

Aqueous Fe(II)-catalyzed activation commonly deteriorates the oxidation performance of persulfate (PS) to the treatment of organic contaminants. In this study, a PS-doped layered bimetallic hydroxide (Fe-Mn hydroxide) was synthesized to construct a heterogeneously catalytic system to solve the issue brought by homogeneity. The molar ratio of Fe(II) to Mn(II) and the mass ratio of PS to Fe-Mn hydroxide both had a significant impact on the catalytic degradation of p-CP. Reaction temperatures engaged in the most essential role in influencing the degradation and removal of p-chlorophenol (p-CP). The optimal combination of factors for the preparation of PS-hydroxide and the treatment of p-CP was finally determined by significance analysis. The degradation process was appropriately fitted by the pseudo-first-order kinetic model. the benzene ring in p-CP was broken by PS-hydroxide during the adsorption. The surface modification of PS-hydroxide caused by the valence transition of Mn was beneficial to the adsorption and catalytic degradation of p-CP.CapsuleA persulfate-doped layered bimetallic hydroxide was synthesized to construct a heterogeneously catalytic system to solve the drawback of homogeneity for the effective treatment of p-chlorophenol.
The costs of positon, velocity and force requirements in optimal control induce triphasic muscle activation during reaching movement
Authors: Ueyama Yuki
Published: April 2021

The nervous system activates a pair of agonist and antagonist muscles to determine the muscle activation pattern for a desired movement. Although there is a problem with redundancy, it is solved immediately, and movements are generated with characteristic muscle activation patterns in which antagonistic muscle pairs show alternate bursts with a triphasic shape. To investigate the requirements for deriving this pattern, this study simulated arm movement numerically by adopting a musculoskeletal arm model and an optimal control based on the minimization of neural input. The simulation reproduced the triphasic electromyogram (EMG) pattern observed in a reaching movement using a cost function that considered three terms: end-point position, velocity, and force required. The first, second and third bursts of muscle activity were generated by the cost terms of position, velocity and force, respectively. Thus we concluded that the costs of position, velocity and force requirements in optimal control can induce triphasic EMG patterns. Therefore we suggest that the nervous system may control the body by using an optimal control mechanism that adopts the costs of position, velocity and force required, which serve to initiate, decelerate and stabilize movement, respectively.
The Development or Exacerbation of an Autoimmune Disorder Associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection: a Systematic Review of Case Reports
Authors: Gonçalves Nuno , Mata Emídio , Capela Carlos , Teixeira Pedro Miguel
Published: April 2021

Background: Infections have long been studied as environmental triggers of autoimmunity. Previous associations between coronavirus and autoimmune disorders make severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), a novel coronavirus identified in December 2019, a potential candidate for autoimmune disorder development. Indeed, an increasing number of these cases have been reported prompting a characterization and summarization of existing evidence.Objectives: This review aims to characterize and summarize case reports documenting the development or exacerbation of an autoimmune disorders associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection.Methods: A bibliographic search of Embase was performed from inception to July 2020. Studies included reported the development or exacerbation of an autoimmune disorder associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection. Quality was judge using Joanna Briggs Institute Critical Appraisal Checklist for Case Reports and piloted forms were used for data collection. Data were summarized using descriptive statistics and narrative synthesis.Results: From 304 entries, 85 different cases were included, 41%-99% with good appraisal across quality domains. Sixty-two (72.9%) patients had no previous autoimmune disorder and 70 (82.4%) developed it De novo, the most frequent being Guillain–Barré syndrome and multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. Eighteen (21.2%) cases of autoimmune disorders, mostly in remission, exacerbated. Organ-specific disease was found in 57 (67.1%) and systemic in 28. Disease affection was categorized into groups, the most frequent being neurological (36; 42.4%), vasculitis (19; 22.4%), blood (15; 17.6%), and connectivitis/systemic lupus erythematosus/antiphospholipid syndrome (6; 7.1%). The median coronavirus disease-2019 to De novo autoimmune disorder latency was 11 days (IQR = 5.75-16).Conclusions: Although, as a systematic review of case reports, this study cannot verify causality, it provides support for further studies on the relationship between SARS-CoV-2 and autoimmune disorders. Furthermore, it delivers a characterization and summarization of existing reports making it a resource for clinicians to be aware of possible autoimmune disorder complications while taking care of their SARS-CoV-2 infected patients.
In-silico predictions of deleterious SNPs in Human ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EPHA3) gene
Authors: Chatterjee Dipankor , Chowdhury Umar Faruq , Shohan Mohammad Umer Sharif , Mohasin Md , Kabir Yearul
Published: April 2021

Ephrin type-A receptor 3 (EPHA3) is a receptor tyrosine kinase encoded by the EPHA3 gene, involves in many biological functions, such as cell migration, adhesion, etc. Overexpression or inactivation of EPHA3 receptors can be complicit in various oncogenic events. Therefore, SNP analysis is required to screen out the deleterious SNPs, such as non-synonymous SNPs (nsSNPs), and in-silico analysis is an effective way to do this screening process. Using eight bioinformatics tools, 81 nsSNPs were found as potential harmful nsSNPs by in-silico analysis among 631 nsSNPs that were retrieved from the dbSNP database. 77 out of 81 substitutions were found as highly conserved by ConSurf analysis. G628E, I652M nsSNPs were found to be present in the ATP-binding site. N751D was found in one of the catalytic residues and P824S in the αF-αG loop in the substrate-binding region. Y596H, Y779C & D598G nsSNPs were found to be associated with activation and regulatory mechanism. R66S, R160H, R104Q nsSNPs were present in the EPH-ligand binding domain that has a higher probability of interfering with ligand-receptor interactions. 21 SNPs associated with the alteration of miRNA target site at 3’ UTR region, which may be responsible for affecting post-transcriptional regulation of EPHA3 gene. These findings will provide necessary data to explore various diseases or cancers pertinent to the EPHA3 receptor protein, will provide remedial biomarkers, may help in molecular diagnosis, and help to design target-specific therapeutic agents.
Facial Fractures: Independent Prediction of Neurosurgical Intervention
Authors: Lucke-Wold Brandon , Pierre Kevin , Aghili-Mehrizi Sina , Murad Gregory
Published: April 2021

Background:Over half of patients with facial fractures have associated traumatic brain injury. Based on previous force dynamic cadaveric studies, Lefort type 2 and 3 fractures are more associated with severe injury. Whether this correlates to neurosurgical intervention have not been well characterized. The purpose of this retrospective data analysis is to characterize fracture pattern types in patients requiring neurosurgical intervention and to see if this is different from those not requiring intervention. Methods:Retrospective data was collected from the trauma registry from 2010-2019. Inclusion criteria: adults over 18, confirmed facial fracture with available neuroimaging, reported traumatic brain injury, and admission to ICU or floor bed. Exclusion criteria: patients less than 18 years old, patients with no neuroimaging, and patients that were deceased prior to initiation of neurosurgical intervention. Data included: basic demographic data, presenting Glasgow Coma Scale (GCS) score, mechanism of injury, type of traumatic brain injury, neurosurgical intervention, and facial fracture type. Retrospective Contingency Analysis with Fraction of Total Comparison was used with Chi-Square analysis for demographic and injury characteristic data.Results:1172 patients met inclusion criteria. 1001 required no neurosurgical intervention and 171 required intervention. No significant difference was seen between the non-intervention group and intervention group in terms of demographic data or baseline injury characteristics except for presenting GCS. A significant difference was seen between groups for presenting Glasgow Coma Scale (c2=67.71, p<0.001). The intervention group had greater number of patients with GCS<8 compared to the non-intervention group. Fracture patterns were overall similar between the non-intervention group compared to intervention group (c2=4.518, p=0.92), however subset analysis did reveal a 2 fold increase in Lefort type 2 fractures and notable increase in Lefort type 3 and panfacial fractures in the intervention group. The intervention group was further divided into those requiring external ventricular drain or intracranial pressure monitor only vs. patients requiring craniectomy, craniotomy, or burr holes with or with external ventricular drain or intracranial pressure monitor. A significant difference was seen between groups (c2=20.02, p=0.03). The craniectomy, craniotomy, or burr hole group was much more likely to have Lefort type 2 or 3 fractures compared to the external ventricular drain or intracranial pressure monitor group only. Conclusions:Lefort type 2 and type 3 fractures are significantly associated with requiring neurosurgical intervention. An improved algorithm for managing these patients has been proposed in the discussion. Ongoing work will focus on validating and refining the algorithm in order to improve patient care for trauma patients with facial fracture and traumatic brain injury.
Assessment of laboratory waste management and laboratory staff awareness in Khartoum state
Authors: Hussein Hussein Abker
Published: April 2021

Background A good environmental health conditions is a challenge worldwide. However, Majority of Laboratory wastes extremely dangerous to the environment, animals, and human because of increasing numbers of laboratories and health facilities especially on big cities in Africa like Khartoum state Capital of Sudan. Materials and Methods A cross-sectional study was carried out on a group included 36 laboratories in Khartoum state from February to march 2021. Approvals have taken from each laboratory and participants voluntary informed consent and the data were collected using administered questionnaire and the data were analyzed by SPSS . Result Majority of the laboratories have sharp and needles waste , biological waste of human samples mainly (urine, stool, blood) and regular waste. Followed by chemical waste, culture media respectively, and radioactive waste which is the least frequent waste in Khartoum medical laboratories. More than two thirds of laboratory personal did not get training in waste management. greater portion of laboratories have specialized company approved by authorities to collect the medical waste and treat it. similar percentage of laboratories have dustman for this job and in few laboratories the collection and treatment of the waste done by laboratory staff. Majority of laboratories staff are separating the medical sharps from other types of wastes in safety boxes and get rid of it by specialized company in medical waste. Few laboratories throw the safety box in landfill and reuse the safety box again and others burring or burning it. Majority of laboratory staff they don’t know how to manage chemical waste. Conclusion Laboratories wastes are harmful to the environment, human, and animals. laboratories staff have inadequate training in waste management and disposable .there is no unique protocol for waste management and disposal followed by laboratories in Khartoum state so jeopardize laboratorian and community .
Diagnostic utility of metabolic parameters on FDG PET/CT for lymph node metastasis in patients with cN2 non-small cell lung cancer
Authors: Nakanishi Keita , Nakamura Shota , Sugiyama Tomoshi , Kadomatsu Yuka , Ueno Harushi , Goto Masaki , Ozeki Naoki , Fukui Takayuki , Iwano Shingo , Chen-Yoshikawa Toyofumi Fengshi
Published: April 2021

Background The aim of this study was to assess the diagnostic utility of metabolic parameters on fluorine-18-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose-positron emission tomography (FDG-PET)/computed tomography (CT) for predicting lymph node (LN) metastasis in patients with cN2 non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods We retrospectively reviewed 45 consecutive patients who underwent surgery for cN2 NSCLC between 2007 and 2020. Among them, 84 hilar and mediastinal LNs clinically diagnosed as positive and retrieved by surgery were investigated. To measure the metabolic parameters of LNs, preexisting PET data were reanalyzed, and the data according to maximum standardized uptake value (SUVmax), metabolic tumor volume (MTV), total lesion glycolysis (TLG), and LN-to-primary tumor ratio of SUVmax (LPR) were examined. Diagnosis of each retrieved LN was confirmed based on histopathological examination of tissue specimens at surgery. Receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curves with area under the curve (AUC) calculations and multivariate analysis by logistic regression were performed.Results Of the 84 LNs clinically diagnosed as positive, 63 LNs were pathologically proven as positive (75%). The SUVmax, MTV, TLG, and LPR of LN metastasis were significantly higher than those of benign nodes. In the ROC analysis, the AUC value of LPR [AUC, 0.776; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.640–0.913] was higher than that of LN SUVmax (AUC, 0.753; 95% CI, 0.626–0.880) or LN TLG3.5 (AUC, 0.746; 95% CI, 0.607–0.885). Using the optimal LPR cutoff value of 0.47, the sensitivity, specificity, positive predictive value, negative predictive value, and accuracy were 84.1%, 66.7%, 88.3%, 58.3%, and 79.8%, respectively. Multivariate analysis by logistic regression showed that LPR was an independent predictor for LN metastasis (odds ratio, 6.45; 95% CI, 1.785–23.301; P = 0.004). In the subgroup analysis of adenocarcinoma patients (n = 18; 32 LNs), TLG3.5 was a better predictor (AUC, 0.816; 95% CI, 0.639–0.985) than LPR (AUC, 0.792; 95% CI, 0.599–0.986) or LN SUVmax (AUC, 0.792; 95% CI, 0.625–0.959).Conclusions LPR on FDG-PET before surgery is a useful predictor for LN metastasis in patients with cN2 NSCLC. TLG can be a good predictor for LN metastasis in patients with adenocarcinoma.
Using MALDI-TOF spectra in epidemiological surveillance for the detection of bacterial subgroups with a possible epidemic potential
Authors: Giraud-Gatineau Audrey , Texier Gaetan , Fournier Pierre-Edouard , Raoult Didier , Chaudet Hervé
Published: April 2021

Background For the purpose of epidemiological surveillance, the Hospital University Institute Méditerranée infection has implemented since 2013 a system named MIDaS, based on the systematic collection of routine activity materials, including MALDI-TOF spectra, and results. The objective of this paper is to present the pipeline we use for processing MALDI-TOF spectra during epidemiological surveillance in order to disclose proteinic cues that may suggest the existence of epidemic processes in complement of incidence surveillance. It is illustrated by the analysis of an alarm observed for Streptococcus pneumoniae.Methods The MALDI-TOF spectra analysis process looks for the existence of clusters of spectra characterized by a double time and proteinic close proximity. This process relies on several specific methods aiming at contrasting and clustering the spectra, presenting graphically the results for an easy epidemiological interpretation, and for determining the discriminating spectra peaks with their possible identification using reference databases. Results The use of this pipeline in the case of an alarm issued for Streptococcus pneumoniae has made it possible to reveal a cluster of spectra with close proteinic and temporal distances, characterized by the presence of three discriminant peaks (5228.8, 5917.8, and 8974.3 m/z) and the absence of peak 4996.9 m/z. A further investigation on UniProt KB showed that peak 5228.8 is possibly an OxaA protein and that the absent peak may be a transposase.Conclusion This example shows this pipeline may support a quasi-real time identification and characterization of clusters that provide essential information on a potentially epidemic situation. It brings valuable information for epidemiological sensemaking and for deciding on the continuation of the epidemiological investigation, in particular the involving of additional costly resources to confirm or invalidate the alarm. Clinical trials registration. NCT03626987Study authorization. This study has been allowed by the French Data Protection Authority (CNIL decision DR-2018-177).
Treatment with 188Re Reduces Cancerous Phenotype in Liver Cancer Cells
Authors: Asadian Samieh , Piryaei Abbas , Gheibi Nematolah , Kalantari Bagher Aziz , Davarpanah Mohamad Reza , Saberi Samaneh , Azad Mehdi , Kapustina Valentina , Nejad Sahar Moghbeli , Mohamadi Morteza , Shpichka Anastasia , Timashev Peter , Hassan Moustapha , Vosough Massoud
Published: April 2021

Background

Recurrence in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after conventional treatments is a big challenge. Despite the promising progress in advanced targeted therapies, HCC is the fourth leading cause of cancer death worldwide. Radionuclide therapy could be an effective targeted approach to address this concern. Rhenium-188 (188Re) is a β-emitting radionuclide that can be used in clinic for apoptosis induction and inhibit cell proliferation. Although adherent cell cultures are efficient and reliable, the lack of appropriate cell-cell and cell-ECM contact exists. It has been demonstrated that three-dimensional organotypic human cancer models are suitable alternatives.
Methods

Conventional adherent culture and 3D constructs of Huh7 or HepG2 hepatoma cell lines cultured on liver extracellular matrix (ECM) were treated by different doses of 188 Rhenium Perrhenate (188ReO4). To evaluate cell viability, live/dead assay carried out. The flow-cytometric assay, qRT-PCR, western bolting, colony formation assay, and immunofluorescence (IF) studies were performed to investigate the therapeutic effect of 188ReO4. Subsequently, the tumor formation ability of 188ReO4-treated Huh7 cells was evaluated in animal model.
Results

According to viability assay and live/dead staining, the number of dead cells in Huh7 and HepG2 lines were significantly increased compared to untreated control groups. Data obtained from Annexin/PI showed that Huh7 and HepG2 cells showed typical apoptotic changes after treatment with 188ReO4. Quantitative RT-PCR and western blotting data also supported that 188ReO4 treatment can induce apoptosis. Furthermore, cell cycle arrest observed in G2 phase after exposure to effective dose of 188ReO4 in Huh7 cells. Colony formation assay confirmed growth suppression in Huh7 and HepG2 cells post exposure. The IF also displayed proliferation inhibition in the 188ReO4 treated cells on 3D scaffolds of liver extracellular matrix (LEM). In 2D culture, PI3-AKT signaling pathway remained unchanged whereas, in the 3D condition it was activated. Treated Huh7 cells with effective dose of 188ReO4 lose their tumor formation ability in nude mice compare to the control group.
Conclusion

The results supported that 188ReO4 could induce apoptosis and cell cycle arrest and inhibit tumor formation capacity in HCC cells.
Issue of Lithium-indium Anode in High Energy and Power All-Solid-State Lithium Batteries
Authors: Luo Shuting , Wang Zhenyu , Li Xuelei , Liu Xinyu , Wang Haidong , Ma Weigang , Zhang Lianqi , zhu Lingyun , Zhang Xing
Published: April 2021

All-solid-state lithium batteries (ASSLBs) using sulfide solid electrolytes (SSEs) offer an attractive option for energy storage applications. Lithium anode is the ultimate goal for ASSLBs, but lithium-indium (Li-In) alloy anode is more widely utilized in lab testing owing to the quite stable interface and elimination for the risk of short circuit. However, vigorous growth of Li-In dendrites in SSE is discovered in the present work when a full cell (LiNbO3 coated LiNi0.6Co0.2Mn0.2O2//Li6PS5Cl//Li-In) is cycled in high loading and high rate. Our study demonstrates that Li-In anode is unstable towards SSEs at high current, which induces Li-In dendrite growth enclosing electrolyte particles and eventually results in cell death after a long cycling. The morphology and growth mechanism of Li-In dendrites are revealed by scanning transmission electron microscopy-electron energy loss spectroscopy (STEM-EELS) analysis and density function theory (DFT) calculations. Moreover, the differences between Li and Li-In dendrites are systematically compared.
The Impact of Tumor-Associated Macrophages on Chemoresistance via Angiogenesis in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Shibutani Masatsune , Nakao Shigetomi , Maeda Kiyoshi , Nagahara Hisashi , Kashiwagi Shinichiro , Hirakawa Kosei , Ohira Masaichi
Published: April 2021

Background: The tumor microenvironment plays an important role in tumor progression. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) have been reported to promote proliferation, invasion, metastasis, angiogenesis, and immunosuppression. Furthermore, angiogenesis has been reported to induce chemoresistance due to the inefficient distribution of drugs to cancer cells. However, the impact of TAMs on chemoresistance via angiogenesis in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate the impact of TAMs on the chemotherapeutic outcome in CRC. Methods: We enrolled 54 patients who underwent chemotherapy for unresectable metastatic CRC after resection of the primary tumor. We evaluated the density of TAMs and the degree of angiogenesis by immunohistochemistry and then explored the correlation between the density of TAMs and the chemotherapeutic outcome. Furthermore, we also assessed any correlation between the density of TAMs and that of neovascularity.Results: The high-TAMs group had a significantly worse progression-free survival (p=0.0006) and a poorer response rate (p=0.0274) than the low-TAMs group. In addition, a positive correlation was observed between the density of TAMs and the degree of neovascularity (r=0.665, p=0.0004). Conclusions: TAMs were revealed to promote chemoresistance via angiogenesis in CRC.
Hemogram Rates as Prognostic Markers of ICU Admission in COVID-19
Authors: Velazquez Sara , Madurga Rodrigo , Castellano Jose Maria , Rodriguez-Pascual Jesus , de Aguiar Santiago Ruiz , Jimeno Sara , Montero Juan Ignacio , Ventura Paula Sol , López-Escobar Alejandro
Published: April 2021

BackgroundSince first cases of SARS COV-2 were identified, the number of affected and dead people make necessary to identify factors related to worse evolution. Endothelial injury has been proposed as the main pathophysiological mechanism in the illness development, which provokes a hyper inflammation and prothrombotic state. Leukocytes and platelets play a role in inflammation and thrombogenesis so we propose to study if neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR), platelets-to-lymphocyte ratio (PLR), the novel neutrophil-to-platelet ratio (NPR), and the systemic immune-inflammation index (SII), could be useful to identify patients who will need admission at Intensive Care Units.MethodsA retrospective observational study was performed at HM Hospitales including 2245 patients with COVID-19 from March 1 to June 10, 2020. Patients were divided into two groups, admitted, and not admitted to ICU. ResultsPatients requiring ICU admission had significantly higher rates at the moment of hospital admission in NLR (6.9 [4–11.7] vs 4.1 [2.6–7.6], p<0.0001), PLR (2 [1.4–3.3] vs 1.9 [1.3–2.9], p=0.023), NPR (3 [2.1–4.2] vs 2.3 [1.6–3.2], p<0.0001) and SII (13 [6.5–25.7] vs 9 [4.9–17.5], p<0.0001) than those who did not enter ICU. After multivariable logistic regression models, the hemogram rate that better remains as a predictor of ICU admission, when adjusted for the more complex model, was NPR, OR 1.11 (95% CI: 0.98-1.22, p=0.055).ConclusionsThe four rates obtained from hemogram at hospital admission, especially the novelty NPR, have shown to be useful as predictors of unfavorable clinical evolution.
Land Cover Pattern and Case Fatality Rate of COVID-19
Authors: Li Chao , Managi Shunsuke
Published: April 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID‐19) has already caused 1,405,029 deaths worldwide, as of November 25th, 2020. Assessing whether land cover in people’s living environments affects COVID-19 health outcomes is an urgent and crucial public health problem. Here, we examine land cover data associated with the case fatality rate (CFR) of COVID-19 at the county-level, in the United States. A 1% increase in green space in the county is associated with a statistically significant 0.34% (95% confidence interval 0.13%-0.55%) decrease in the county’s COVID-19 CFR, and a 1% increase in emergent herbaceous wetlands are correlated with a 1.65% (0.19%-3.11%) decrease in the CFR. In addition, a 1% increase in high intensity developed area among the total developed area is related to a significant 3.63% (2.14%-5.12%) increase in the CFR, while a 1% increase in medium intensity developed area is associated with a 0.75% (-0.02%-1.51%) decrease. Our research highlights that governments could prevent similar pandemics in the future and even achieve some sustainable development goals by decreasing development intensity and increasing green space in living environments.
Regorafenib is suitable for advanced colorectal cancer patients who have previously received trifluridine/tipiracil plus bevacizumab
Authors: Matsumoto Toshihiko , Ikoma Tatsuki , Yamamura Shogo , Miura Kou , Tsuduki Takao , Watanabe Takanori , Nagai Hiroki , Takatani Masahiro , Yasui Hisateru
Published: April 2021

Background: Regorafenib is a standard salvage line therapy used for advanced colorectal cancer (CRC). Recently, FTD/TPI plus bevacizumab also showed promising efficacy as a salvage line therapy for advanced CRC. However, the efficacy and safety of regorafenib for patients with advanced CRC who have previously received trifluridine/tipiracil (TFTD) plus bevacizumab is unclear.Results: We retrospectively collected clinicopathologic data from patients with advanced CRC who received regorafenib after TFTD plus bevacizumab in multiple institutions between April 2017 and June 2020.Thirty-four advanced CRC patients who received regorafenib were analyzed. The median age was 66.5 (range 43−81 years), 11 patients were male, and all had an ECOG performance status(PS) of 0 or 1. Twenty-two patients had left-sided tumors, 18 patients had RAS mutants, and 1 patient had a BRAF V600E mutation. The response rate was 0%, and the disease control rate was 31%. The median progression-free survival was 70 days (95% CI: 56−91), and the overall survival was 233 days (95% CI: 188−324). Treatment was discontinued in 32 patients, and 28 (82%) discontinued treatment due to progressive disease. The major grade 3 and4 toxicities were proteinurea (29%), hypertension (26%), hand-foot syndrome(15%), and platelet decrease (6%).Conclusion: Regorafenib after TFTD plus bevacizumab showed efficacy similar to that of the previous study, and no new adverse events were observed.
Investigation of Vitamin D Levels in Children Aged 0–4 Years in Yunnan Province
Authors: Wu Yuqin , Yang Yanfei , Xiao Xiao , Wang Lin , Yin Zheng , Li Yangfang
Published: April 2021

Aim: To investigate the vitamin D levels in children aged 0–4 years in Yunnan Province.Methods: This study selected children aged 0 to 4 years who underwent physical examination in the special needs clinic of the Hospital from October 2019 to December 2020 as subjects to analyze serum 25(OH)D levels.Result: Vitamin D deficiency was more common in girls than in boys. There was no significant difference in serum vitamin D levels between boys and girls at any age. However, there was a significant decrease in vitamin D levels after 2 years old in all chidren at all ages. The levels of vitamin D in children were highest in summer, which were significantly higher than other seasons, and were lowest in winter. At the same time, vitamin D levels were significantly different based on the economic level of cities. The serum vitamin D contents of infants and young children in the top five cities with the highest economic levels were significantly higher than in lower-ranked cities. There was a significant correlation between vitamin D content and serum calcium. Conclusion: This study preliminarily determined a reasonable reference range for serum 25 hydroxyvitamin D content in infants aged 0–4 years in Yunnan Province. Which will be of significance for the establishment of official guidelines on vitamin D supplementation in infants and young children in Yunnan and for policy formulation.
Cultivation of Pleurotus Ostreatus on Agricultural Waste and their Combination
Authors: Fufa Bulti Kumera , Tadesse Belsti Atnkut , Tulu Mestawot Merid
Published: April 2021

Background:Mushrooms are increasingly becoming an important component of diets worldwide and it is of paramount importance to choose appropriate substrates to grow them. The objective of this study was to grow Pleurotus ostreatus using different agricultural substrates.Methods:Corncobs, Finger millet straw and Bamboo waste were collected from different sites of Awi zone. The substrates were chopped in to small pieces and 500g of their dry mass alone and their combination was measured packed in polythene bag, moistened, and pasteurized. The cooled substrates inoculated with a spoon of P. ostreatus spawn brought from Debre Berhan University. The bags were placed in growing room and growth parameters were recorded continuously with monitoring of environmental variables. The experimental setup was completely randomized design, six treatments with three replicates.Results: The fastest spawn running phase of P. ostreatus was observed in 28.71±0.80 days, pinhead formation of 32.36±0.26 days and fruiting bodies formation of 5.19±0.74 days after pinhead appearance was recorded on Corncob substrate. The highest fresh weight and biological efficiency with significant statistical association was obtained from the P. ostreatus grown on Finger millet straw (253.07±1.05 and 50.20±0.47 respectively). The highest average number of pinhead and fruiting bodies (29.60 and 11.44 respectively) was recorded on Finger millet straw. The lowest biological efficiency (20.80±0.41), fresh weight (101.48±0.91), number of pinhead (14.40), number of fruiting bodies (4.25) was recorded from a mixture of Corncob and Bamboo waste (50% each) substrates.Conclusion:The use of mixed Corncob and Bamboo waste (1:1) for cultivation of P. ostreatus is not encouraged due to poor growth performance.
The Nordic Maintenance Care Program: Patient Experience of Maintenance Care - A Qualitative Study
Authors: Hjertstrand Jesper , Palmgren Per J , Axén Iben , Eklund Andreas
Published: April 2021

Background:Low back pain is one of the major causes of disability world-wide. Most back pain sufferers experience pain that is recurrent or persistent, making management of this condition a priority. In a series of previous studies, chiropractic maintenance care has been found to be an effective way of reducing the number of days with pain, particularly for patients with a certain psychological profile. However, little is known about patients’ experience of this kind of management plan.This study aimed to explore patient experiences and preferences by looking at barriers to and facilitators of engaging in and maintaining a care plan, and to contrast the data using psychological sub-groups.Methods:In this qualitative study we performed semi-structured interviews with 24 patients who had previously participated in a Swedish trial evaluating maintenance care. They were purposefully selected to obtain richness, variation and breadth of data. The data were analyzed using inductive qualitative manifest and latent content analysis. We used the theory of planned behavior to deepen our understanding of the constructed themes. Results:The analysis resulted in two overarching dimensions: “when maintenance care is of high value” and “when maintenance care is of low value”. Four factors were jointly identified as obstacles to maintenance care by patients in all the psychological subgroups. These factors were: Cost demanding, A sense of low value, Perceived as unavailable and Fear of treatment. The one factor seen as facilitating maintenance care by patients in all the subgroups was Care that is patient-centered.Conclusions:The findings reveal a variance of both positive and negative experiences of MC in the psychological subgroups. These findings can deepen our understanding of how patients experience MC and can help clinicians to understand when patients might regard maintenance care as being of high value.
Child Sexual Abuse in Pakistan: Evidence-informed Policy Framework
Authors: Abbas Syed Saleem
Published: April 2021

Current policy response towards issue of child sexual abuse in Pakistan is not strategic and evidence-informed but incidents based and populist. Moreover, socio-economic, cultural and political factors influences also influence the policy response for addressing the problem of child sexual abuse (CSA). This study is an attempt to suggest the evidence-informed best practices regarding preventive and curative aspects of child sexual abuse in a policy framework. Using ICAST-R tool, 18-24 years old 274 university students were asked about their experiences of sexual abuse during childhood. After critical analysis of policy a rational and evidence-informed policy based on child rights framework and community development approach is proposed for identification of CSA, its prevention, addressing cultural barriers, responding to reported cases and other aspects. Overall, 41.69% respondents were sexually abused with one or other form of sexual abuse. Experience of CSA was reported more frequently by boys than girls. Only 34.21% of sexually abused children disclosed to someone and 65.78% victims of sexual abuse never disclosed the experience of sexual abuse to anyone. Among the victims of abuse who disclosed the abuse to someone only 12.82% disclosed within a day. Majority of disclosures (50.98%) were made to friend/peer, followed by parents (11.76%) and siblings (7.84%). Very small percentage of victims reported the abuse to doctor (3.92%), police (1.96%) or a counselor / social worker (1.96%).
Abnormal Synergistic Gait Mitigation after Acute Stroke Using an Innovative Ankle-Knee-Hip Interlimb Humanoid Robot: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Park Chanhee , Oh-Park Mooyeon , Bialek Amy , Friel Kathleen , Edwards Dylan , You Joshua(Sung) H.
Published: April 2021

Abnormal spasticity and associated synergistic patterns are the most common neuromuscular impairments affecting ankle-knee-hip interlimb coordinated gait kinematics and kinetics in patients with hemiparetic stroke. Although patients with hemiparetic stroke undergo various treatments to improve gait and movement, it remains unknown how spasticity and associated synergistic patterns change after robot-assisted and conventional treatment. We developed an innovative ankle-knee-hip interlimb coordinated humanoid robot (ICT) to mitigate abnormal spasticity and synergistic patterns. Our study aimed to compare the effects of ICT combined conventional physical therapy (ICT-C) and conventional physical therapy and gait training (CPT-G) on abnormal spasticity, synergistic gait patterns, and gait biomechanics in 20 patients with acute hemiparesis. The interventions were provided in 60-min sessions, 7 days/week, for 2 weeks. ICT-C demonstrated superior effects to CPT-G in knee joint kinematics, hip extensor and ankle dorsiflexor spasticity, hip, knee, ankle active force, knee and ankle resistive force, hip, knee, and ankle stiffness. Concurrently, the abnormal gait synergy was reduced in the ICT-C group. Our novel findings provided promising evidence of the ICT benefits as a successful intervention for abnormal spasticity and synergistic gait impairments in patients with acute hemiparetic stroke.Trial Registration: Clinical Trials.gov identifier NCT03554642 (14/01/2020)