bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of Biomolecules in Cochineal Dyed Archaeological Textiles by Surface-Enhanced Raman Spectroscopy.
Authors: Celis Freddy , Segura Camilo , Gómez-Jeria Juan , Campos-Vallette Marcelo , Sanchez-Cortes Santiago
Published: January 2021

SERS spectroscopy is successfully employed in this work to reveal different components integrating the cochineal colorant employed for dying archaeological textile samples from the Arica region in North Chile. This analysis was done by in-situ experiments that does not imply the material (colorant and biomolecules) extraction. The spectroscopic analysis of the archaeological textiles by SERS reveals the presence of bands attributed to carminic acid and nucleobases, mainly adenine and guanine. The identification of these biomolecules was also verified in raw cochineal extract and in cochineal dyed replica wool fibers fabricated by us following ancient receipts. The effect of Al on the complexation of carminic acid and other biomolecules was also tested in order to understand the changes induced by the metal interaction on the colorant structure. This study revealed that Al can also complex biomolecules existing in the cochineal extract. In particular, guanine residue seems to interact strongly with the metal, since SERS bands of this residue are enhanced. Furthermore, a theoretical analysis on the interaction of carminic acid and a silver surface was also performed in order to better understand the interaction mechanism between carminic acid and a metal surface that leads to the final SERS spectrum. The results of the present work will be very useful in the identification of different molecules and metal complexes that may be forming part of the cochineal colorant found in archaeological materials.
The Relationship Between Perceived Barriers for Physical Activity and Depression in Low Active Community-Dwelling Women
Authors: Figueroa Caroline , Aguilera Adrian , Hoffmann Thomas , Fukuoka Yoshimi
Published: January 2021

Background: Women are less physically active, report greater perceived barriers for exercise and show higher levels of depression. This contributes to high global disability. The relationship between perceived barriers for physical activity and depressive symptoms in women remains largely unexplored. The aims of this cross-sectional analysis were to examine the association between physical activity barriers and depressive symptoms, and identify types of barriers in low active community dwelling women. Methods: 318 physically inactive women aged 25-65 years completed the Barriers to Being Active Quiz (BBAQ) developed by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and the Center for Epidemiological Studies Depression Scale (CES-D) at the baseline visit of the mobile phone based physical activity education (mPED) trial. The BBAQ consists of 6 subscales (lack of time, social influence, lack of energy, lack of willpower, fear of injury, lack of skill, and lack of resources). We used multivariate regression analyses, correcting for sociodemographics. Results: Higher physical activity barriers were associated with greater depression scores (linear effect, estimate=0.75, 95% CI: 0.39 – 1.12, p<0.001). This effect appeared to taper off for the higher barrier scores (quadratic effect, estimate: -0.02, 95% CI: -0.03 – -0.01, p=0.002). Exploratory analyses indicated that score differences were most driven by the social influence (p=0.027) and lack of energy subscales (p=0.017).Conclusions: Higher depression scores were associated with higher physical activity barriers. Social influence and lack of energy were particularly important barriers. Thus, addressing these barriers may improve the efficacy of physical activity interventions in women with higher depressive symptoms. However, a randomized controlled trial is warranted. Trial Registration ClinicalTrials.gov#: NCTO1280812 registered January 21, 2011
Expression and Gene Regulation Network of GRK6 in Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma based on Comprehensive Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Deng Zexun , Li Xiaomei , Peng Xinxin , Zhao Weijie , Xia Tiancheng , Ji Taoze , Yang Junjie , Wu Yinxia , Yu Junjie , Zhou Liqun
Published: January 2021

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common subtype of renal cell carcinoma. As the symptoms of patients with early renal clear cell carcinoma are not obvious, the appearance of obvious symptoms means that the tumor is already at an advanced stage. The 5-year survival rate is only 5-10%. It is necessary to discern novel biomarkers and targets for the diagnosis, treatment and prognosis of ccRCC. G protein-coupled receptor kinase 6(GRK6) is closely related with clear cell renal cell carcinoma. Therefore, GRK6 is the focus of our research.Methods：The sequencing date from the Cancer Genome Atlas database and Gene Expression Omnibus were used to analyze GRK6 expression and gene regulation networks in expression of GRK6 and used cBioPortal to identify GRK6 alterations and related functional analyze Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathways. The target networks of kinases, miRNAs and transcription factors were examined by Gene enrichment analysis.Results: Eventually, we found that GRK6 is overexpressed and amplification is the most common type of GRK6 CNV in ccRcc. The functional networks of GRK6 is in connection with cytokine metabolic process, chemokine regulation，interferon-gamma production and adaptive immune response. Functional network analysis suggested that GRK6 regulates proteasome, ribosome, base excision repair, DNA replication, RNA splicing and protein translation via pathways involving multiple tumor-associated kinases, miRNAs and transcription factors.Conclusions: The results show that data mining efficiently reveals information about GRK6 expression and potential networks in ccRcc, and it lays a solid foundation for future research of the role of GRK6 in carcinogenesis.
Environment Impact and Probabilistic Health Risks of PAHs In Dusts Surrounding an Iron and Steel Enterprise
Authors: Wei Xiaofeng , Ding Chun , Chen Chunzhu , Zhu Li , Zhang Guiqin , Sun Youmin
Published: January 2021

Dust can be regarded as environmental medium that indicates the level and spatial distribution of polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) coming from different pollution sources. In this study, samples including road dust, roof dust, and bare soil near an iron and steel enterprise (ISE) in Laiwu city of North China were collected. To assess the environment impact, atmosphere particulates and one flue dust from a coking plant were simultaneously sampled. Sixteen USEPA PAHs were detected quantitatively by Gas Chromatography Mass Spectrometry(GC-MS). A laser particle size analyzer was used to obtain the grain size of the dust particle samples. The results showed that PAH concentrations displayed great variability in the dust samples. The ∑16 PAHs concentration was found to be between 0.460 and 46.970 μg/g (avg ± sd: 10.892 ± 1.185 μg/g) in road dust, between 0.670 and 17.140 μg/g (avg ± sd: 6.751 ± 0.692 μg/g) in roof dust, and 13.990 ± 1.203 μg/g in bare soil. In the environment atmosphere sites, the ∑16 PAHs value in PM2.5 constituted a very large proportion of PM10, indicating that PAHs in finer particle sizes should be given greater emphasis. The ∑16PAHs concentration was relatively high in the area close to the ISE because of the great impact of the ISE industrial activities. PAH concentration curves were similar, and the most abundant individual PAHs in the atmosphere sites were BbF, BkF, and Flu, and BbF, BkF, and Chry in dusts. Toxicity analysis revealed that PAHs with four rings, including carcinogenic PAHs, were the dominant pollutants in the studied area. The toxic equivalency value (TEQBaP), the carcinogenic health risk assessment value recommended by the US EPA, was calculated for seven carcinogenic PAHs, revealing that they account for more than 93.0% of the total TEQBap of the 16 PAHs and indicating the major toxic equivalent concentration contributor. Incremental lifetime cancer risk (ILCR) estimation results showed that PAHs tended to bring about great health risks through skin contact, followed by ingestion and inhalation. By comparison, road dust exhibited greater carcinogenic risks than roof dust, and bare soil may undergo heavier pollution. Therefore, the results of this study would be helpful in the effort to understand the PAHs pollution from the steel industry, which will provide some guidance for the probabilistic assessment of local health risks.
Mesenchymal Stromal Cells in the Bone Marrow Niche Consist of Multi-Populations With Distinct Transcriptional and Epigenetic Properties
Authors: Kanazawa Sanshiro , Hojo Hironori , Ohba Shinsuke , Iwata Junichi , Komura Makoto , Hikita Atsuhiko , Hoshi Kazuto
Published: January 2021

Although multiple studies have investigated the mesenchymal stem and progenitor cells (MSCs) that give rise to mature bone marrow, high heterogeneity in their morphologies and properties causes difficulties in molecular separation of their distinct populations. In this study, by taking advantage of the resolution of the single cell transcriptome, we analyzed Sca-1 and PDGFR-α fraction in the mouse bone marrow tissue. The single cell transcriptome enabled us to further classify the population into seven populations according to their gene expression profiles. We then separately obtained the seven populations based on candidate marker genes, and specified their gene expression properties and epigenetic landscape by ATAC-seq. Our findings will enable to elucidate the stem cell niche signal in the bone marrow microenvironment, reconstitute bone marrow in vitro, and shed light on the potentially important role of identified subpopulation in various clinical applications to the treatment of bone- and bone marrow-related diseases.
Reliability and Validity of Chinese Version of Brace Questionnaire for Adolescent Idiopathic Scoliosis: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zhang Xiaohui , Wang Dong , Yao Mengqi , Wan Rudan , Liao Bagen
Published: January 2021

Background: There is an increasing concern about the impact of bracing on the quality of life (QoL) of patients with adolescent idiopathic scoliosis (AIS). However, up to now, few multidimensional questionnaires on this impact are available in China. This cross-sectional study aimed to evaluate the reliability and validity of the Chinese version of Brace Questionnaire (C-BrQ).Methods: The BrQ was translated from Greek into Chinese with proper cross-cultural adaptation.An observational, cross-sectional study in Chinese patients with AIS was conducted to measure the temporal stability of C-BrQ using the intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC). The effects of ceiling and floor were evaluated and the reliability was verified by examining the internal consistency. The C-BrQ domains were compared with the domains in C-SRS-22 using Pearson's correlation coefficient to assess the concurrent validity.Results: A total of 208 patients were included in the study. The results of test-retest reliability for each dimension of C-BrQ were desirable. The floor or ceiling effects were not demonstrated in the C-BrQ and C-SRS-22. Satisfactory internal consistency was found in all the C-BrQ domains. Most C-BrQ and C-SRS-22 domains showed satisfactory correlation coefficients, except when vitality and school activity in C-BrQ were compared with self-image, mental health and management satisfaction in C-SRS -22, respectively.Conclusion: C-BrQ is reliable in evaluating the QoL of AIS patients receiving brace treatment.Trial registration: This study protocol was registered with the Chinese Clinical Trial Registry (Registration number: ChiCTR1800018310).
Electro-Absorption Modulation in GeSn Alloys for Wide-Spectrum Mid-Infrared Applications
Authors: Hsieh Yun-Da , Lin Jun-Han , Soref Richard , Sun Greg , Cheng Hung-Hsiang , Chang Guo-En
Published: January 2021

Si-based electronic-photonic integrated circuits (EPICs), which are compatible with state-of-the-art complementary metal-oxide-semiconductor (CMOS) processes, offer promising opportunities for on-chip mid-infrared (MIR) photonic systems. However, the lack of efficient MIR optical modulators on Si hinders the utilization of MIR EPICs. Here, we clearly demonstrate the Franz-Keldysh (FK) effect in GeSn alloys and achieve on-Si MIR electro-absorption optical modulation using GeSn heterostructures. Our experimental and theoretical results verify that the direct bandgap energy of GeSn can be widely tuned by varying the Sn content, thereby realizing wavelength-tunable optical modulation in the MIR range with a figure-of-merit of Δα /α0 (FOM) greater than 1.5 and a broadband operating range greater than 140 nm. In contrast to conventional silicon-photonic modulators based on the plasma dispersion effect, our GeSn heterostructure demonstrates practical and effective FK MIR optical modulation on Si and helps unlock the potential of MIR EPICs for a wide range of applications.
Androgen-deprivation Therapy and the Risk of newly Developed Fractures in Patients with Prostate Cancer: A Nationwide Cohort Study in Korea
Authors: Kim Do Kyung , Kim Jong Won , Lee Hye Sun , Park Ju-Young , Ahn Hyun Kyu , Ha Jee Soo , Cho Kang Su
Published: January 2021

Purpose: We evaluated the risk of osteoporosis and fractures associated with androgen deprivation therapy (ADT) use and duration in men with prostate cancer.Methods: From the nationwide claims database in South Korea, a total of 218,203 men with prostate cancer were identified between 2008 and 2017. To adjust for comorbidities between cohorts, 1:1 propensity score matching was used. Cox proportional hazard regression models were used to estimate adjusted hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) of events associated with ADT. Results: In the matched cohort, there were differences in the incidence of newly developed osteoporosis (8.79% in the ADT group vs. 7.08% in the non-ADT group, p < 0.0001) and fractures (8.12% in the ADT group vs. 5.04% in the non-ADT group, p < 0.0001). Age-adjusted Cox regression analysis revealed that the ADT group had a significantly higher risk of osteoporosis (HR, 1.381; 95% CI, 1.305–1.461; p < 0.0001) and fractures (HR, 1.815; 95% CI; 1.703–1.935; p < 0.0001) compared to the non-ADT group. Furthermore, the risk of osteoporosis and fractures increased as the duration of ADT increased.Conclusions: The ADT was associated with an increased risk of osteoporosis and fractures in prostate cancer patients.
Pneumatosis Intestinalis and Porto-Mesenteric Venous Gas: A Multicentre Study
Authors: Seta Marta , Kloeckner Roman , Santos Daniel Pinto dos , Walter-Rittel Thula , Hahn Felix , Henze Jörn , Pratschke Johann , Hamm Bernd , Geisel Dominik , Auer Timo
Published: January 2021

Background: Estimating the prognosis of patients with pneumatosis intestinalis (PI) and porto-mesenteric venous gas (PMVG) can be challenging. The purpose of this study was to refine prognostication to improve decision making in daily clinical routine. Results: A total 290 patients with confirmed PI were included in the final analysis. The presence of PMVG and mortality (90d follow-up) were evaluated with regard to the influence of possible risk factors. Furthermore, a linear estimation model was devised combining significant parameters to calculate accuracies for predicting death in patients undergoing surgery by means of a defined operation point (ROC-analysis). Overall, 90d mortality was 55.2% (160/290). In patients with PI only, mortality was 46.5% (78/168) and increased significantly to 67.2% (82/122) in combination with PMVG (median survival: PI: 58d vs. PI and PMVG: 41d; p<0.001). In the entire patient group, 53.5% (155/290) were treated surgically. OS was >90d in 25% (72/90) of conservatively treated patients. In these cases PMVG/PI and was defined as “benign”/reversible. PMVG, COPD, sepsis, and low platelet count correlated with a worse prognosis. To identify patients deteriorating despite surgery, our calculation model reaches accuracies of 97% specificity, 20% sensitivity, 90% PPV and 45% NPV. Conclusion: Although PI is associated with high morbidity and mortality, „benign causes” are common. However, in concomitant PMVG, mortality rates increase significantly. Our mathematical model could serve as a decision support tool to identify patients who are least likely to benefit from surgery, and to potentially reduce overtreatment in this subset of patients.
The Synergistic Effect of Canady Helios Cold Atmospheric Plasma and A Folfirinox Regimen for The Treatment of Cholangiocarcinoma In Vitro
Authors: Jones Olivia , Cheng Xiaoqian , Murthy Saravana , Ly Lawan , Zhuang Taisen , Basadonna Giacomo , Keidar Michael , Canady Jerome
Published: January 2021

Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is a rare biliary tract cancer with a low five-year survival rate and high recurrence rate after surgical resection. Currently treatment approaches include systemic chemotherapeutics such as FOLFIRINOX, a chemotherapy regimen is a possible treatment for severe CCA cases. A limitation of this chemotherapy regimen is its toxicity to patients and adverse events. There exists a need for therapies to alleviate the toxicity of a FOLFIRINOX regimen while enhancing or not altering its anticancer properties. Cold Atmospheric plasma (CAP) is a technology with a promising future as a selective cancer treatment. It is critical to know the potential interactions between CAP and adjuvant chemotherapeutics. In this study the aim is to characterize the efficacy of FOLFIRINOX and CAP in combination to understand potential synergetic effect on CCA cells. FOLFIRINOX treatment alone at the highest dose tested (53.8 nM fluorouracil, 13.1 nM Leucovorin, 5.1 nM Irinotecan, and 3.7 nM Oxaliplatin) reduced CCA cell viability to below 20% while CAP treatment alone for 7 min reduced viability to 3% (p < 0.05). An analysis of cell viability, proliferation, and cell cycle demonstrated that CAP in combination with FOLFIRINOX is more effective than either treatment alone at a lower FOLFIRINOX dose of 6.73 nM fluorouracil, 1.71 nM leucovorin, 0.63 nM irinotecan, and 0.47 nM oxaliplatin and a shorter CAP treatment of 1, 3, or 5 minutes. In conclusion, CAP has the potential to reduce the toxicity burden of FOLFIRINOX and warrants further investigation as an adjuvant therapy.
Broadband Decoupling of Intensity and Polarization with Vectorial Fourier Metasurfaces
Authors: Song Qinghua , Baroni Arthur , Wu Pin Chieh , Chenot Sébastien , Brandli Virginie , Vezian Stephane , Damilano Benjamin , Mierry Philippe , Khadir Samira , Ferrand Patrick , Genevet Patrice
Published: January 2021

Intensity and polarization are two fundamental components of light. Independently control of them is of tremendous interest in many applications. In this paper, we propose a general vectorial encryption method, which enables arbitrary far-field light distribution with the local polarization, including orientations and ellipticities, decoupling intensity from polarization across a broad bandwidth using geometric phase metasurfaces. By revamping the well-known iterative Fourier transform algorithm, we propose “à la carte” design of far-field intensity and polarization distribution with vectorial Fourier metasurfaces. A series of non-conventional vectorial field distribution, mimicking cylindrical vector beams in the sense that they share the same intensity profile but with different polarization distribution and a speckled phase distribution, is demonstrated. Vectorial Fourier optical metasurfaces may enable important applications in the area of complex light beam generation, secure optical data storage, steganography and optical communications.
Preparation of siRNA–PLGA/Fabʹ–PLGA mixed micellar system with target cell-specific recognition
Authors: Hazekawa Mai , Nishinakagawa Takuya , Mori Takeshi , Yoshida Miyako , Uchida Takahiro , Ishibashi Daisuke
Published: January 2021

Small interfering RNAs (siRNAs) are susceptible to nucleases and degrade quickly in vivo. Moreover, siRNAs demonstrate poor cellular uptake and cannot cross the cell membrane because of its polyanionic characteristics. To overcome these challenges, an intelligent gene delivery system that protects siRNAs from nucleases and facilitates siRNA cellular uptake is required. We previously reported the potential of siRNA-poly(D,L-lactic-co-glycolic acid; PLGA) micelles as an effective siRNA delivery tool in a murine peritoneal dissemination model by local injection. However, there was no effective formulation for siRNA delivery to target cells via intravenous injection. This study aimed to prepare siRNA–PLGA/Fabʹ–PLGA mixed micelles for siRNA delivery to target floating cells and evaluate its formulation in vitro. As the target siRNA protein in CEMx174, CyclinB1 levels were significantly reduced when siRNA–PLGA/Fabʹ–PLGA mixed micelles were added to cells compared with siRNA–PLGA micelles. siRNA–PLGA/Fabʹ–PLGA mixed micelles have high cell permeability and high target cell accumulation by endocytosis because flow cytometry detected labeling micelles in target cells. This study supports siRNA–PLGA/Fabʹ–PLGA mixed micelles as an effective siRNA delivery tool. This formulation can be administered systemically in dosage form against target cells, including cancer metastasis or blood cancer.
RNA Sequencing to Explore Dominant Isoform Switch During CCR6+ Memory T Cell Activation
Authors: Zhao Shanrong , Barron Alexander , Dower Ken
Published: January 2021

Alternative splicing (AS) is an essential, but under-investigated component of T-cell function during immune responses. Recent developments in RNA sequencing (RNA-seq) technologies, combined with the advent of computational tools, have enabled transcriptome-wide studies of AS at an unprecedented scale and resolution. In this paper, we analysed AS in an RNA-seq dataset previously generated to investigate the expression changes during T-cell maturation and antigen stimulation. Eight genes were identified with their most dominant isoforms switched during T cell activation. Of those, seven genes either directly control cell cycle progression or are oncogenes. We selected CDKN2C, FBXO5, NT5E and NET1 for discussion of the functional importance of AS of these genes. Our case study demonstrates that combining AS and gene expression analyses derives greater biological information and deeper insights from RNA-seq datasets than gene expression analysis alone.
Detection of SARS-COV-2 Antibodies in Pediatric Kidney Transplant Patients
Authors: Alshami Alanoud , Alattas Rabab , Azzam Ahmed , Mohammed Amani
Published: January 2021

Background
The seroprevalance of SARS-COV-2 infection have been studied in immunocompetent children. However, data in pediatric Kidney Transplant population (PKT) is lacking.
Methods
We screened 72 PKT patients who came for routine blood work in the outpatient clinic using two commercial immunoassays that measures IgG antibodies against SARS-COV-2 spike protein and IgG against the Nucleocapsid protein. Majority of patients with positive serology had their serology test repeated at least once during subsequent clinic follow up. Patients were confirmed to have SARS-COV-2 infection if they only have both tests positive.
Results
Eight patients out of the 72 screened (11.1%) had positive SARS-COV-2 IgG antibodies in both serological tests. Of those tested positive, 4 had positive SARS-COV-2 PCR before screening. All patients were asymptomatic or had history of mild symptoms. All tested patient had persistently positive antibodies at median follow-up time of 75 days (IQR, 44.5, 86.5). One patient remained to have positive PCR at 75 days and positive serology test at 120 days post infection.
conclusion
The Serooprevalence of SARS-COV-2 was relatively high (11.1%) in our population. SARS-COV-2 PCR seems to remain positive in PKT population for longer duration than general population. Although, all patients were asymptomatic or mildly symptomatic, they mounted a strong humoral immune response that persisted for few months despite being on triple immunosuppressants. These findings will have positive implications on vaccination efficacy in this group.
Prevalence of Occupational Related Shoulder and Neck Pain Among Working Population in Ethiopia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Mengistu Dechasa Adare
Published: January 2021

Background
Currently, work-related musculoskeletal disorders are a significant public health concern and are a leading cause of disability-adjusted life years and reducing the quality of life worldwide. In developing countries including Ethiopia, there is no adequate evidence on the overall prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders and it remains less prioritized and unrepresented. Thus, the current study aimed to provide the country wide prevalence of work-related musculoskeletal disorders particularly shoulder and neck pain in Ethiopia.
Methods
This study considered the studies conducted in Ethiopia, written in English language and published from 2017–2020. The studies were searched using various electronic databases such as PubMed/MEDLINE, Web of Science, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane Library, SCOPUS, Embase, African Index Medicus, and African Journals Online database from 16 July 2020 to 22 August 2020. The articles were searched using a Boolean logic operator (“AND”, “OR”, “NOT”) in combination with Medical Subject Heading (MeSH), terms, and keywords. Quality assessment of the studies was done using Joanna Briggs Institute (JBI) Critical Appraisal tools to determine the relevance of each included article to the study.
Results
The current study found the pooled prevalence of work-related shoulder and neck pain in the previous one year accounted 37.9% [95% CI:26.5, 50.8%; P-value < 0.001] and 29.9% [95% CI:20.1, 41.9%; P-value = 0.002] respectively. Based on the subgroup analysis, the pooled prevalence of work-related shoulder pain in the last one year based on the study population, publication year, and study region was 47.6% [95% CI: 45.8, 49.4%], 49.8% [95% CI: 45.7, 53.9%] and 44.6% [95% CI: 41.4, 47.8%] respectively while the pooled prevalence of neck pain in the last one year based on study population, publication year, and study area was 39.1% (95% CI: 37.5, 40.7%], 25.1% [ 95% CI: 20.8, 29.9%] and 32.6% [95% CI: 29.8, 35.5%] respectively.
Conclusion
This study found that at least one-third of the study participants were experienced occupational-related shoulder and/or neck pain in the previous last one year. The study suggests that there is a need to improve and implement occupational health and safety in the working environments to reduce work-related musculoskeletal disorders such as shoulder and neck pain, and other, occupational hazards.
Informal Payments in Public Hospitals of Malawi - A Case of Kamuzu Central Hospital
Authors: Namangale Annette Mphande , Chiumia Isabel Kazanga
Published: January 2021

Background: Informal payments in public health facilities act as a barrier to accessing quality healthcare services especially for the poor people. There is growing evidence that in most low-income countries, most poor people are unable to access quality health care services due to demands for payments for services that should be accessed for free. This research was aimed at investigating informal payments for health care services at Kamuzu Central Hospital, one of the referral public hospitals in Malawi. Results of this study provide evidence on the magnitude and factors influencing informal payments in Malawi so that relevant policies and strategies may be made to address this problem. Methods: The study employed a mixed methods research design. The quantitative study component had a sample size of 295 patients and guardians at Kamuzu Central Hospital (KCH). The qualitative study included 7 in-depth interviews with key informants (health workers) and 3 focus group discussions with guardians. Each FGD had 10 people. Thus, in total the whole qualitative sample constituted 52 participants. Quantitative data was analyzed using Excel and STATA. Qualitative data was analyzed using thematic content analysis approach. Results: 80% of patients and guardians at KCH had knowledge of informal payments. About 47% of the respondents admitted paying informally to access health care services at KCH and 87% of the informal payments were made at the request of a health worker. The study identifies lack of knowledge, fear and desperation by patients and guardians, low salary for health workers and lack of effective disciplinary measures as some of the key factors influencing informal payments in the public health sector in Malawi. Conclusion: Informal payments exacerbate inequality in the access of health care services that should be provided for free. Specifically, poor people have limited access to quality health care services when informal payments are demanded. This practice is unethical and it infringes on people’s rights to universal access to health care. There is need to strengthen the public health care system in Malawi by formulating deliberate policies that will deter informal payments.
Responses of Maize Hybrids with Contrasting Maturity to Planting Date in Northeast China
Authors: Ma Xinglin , Ke Fulai
Published: January 2021

Maize planting date in semi-humid region of Jilin province can often be delayed beyond the optimum planting time window because of soil water stress typically occured before or during the planting season. Research was conducted at Lishu city, Jilin from 2009 through 2010 to determine the responses of maize hybrids with contrasting maturity to planting date. Short-season hybrid Jidan27, mid-season hybrid Xianyu335, and full-season hybrid Zhengdan958 which were widely used in Northeast China maize production were planted in early May and mid-May and thinned to populations of 67500 plants ha-1. Durations from emergence to silking stage for all the hybrids consistently shortened as the planting delayed, but interaction effects of hybrids, planting date and year existed for the duration of silking to physiological maturity stage. The longer maturity hybrid usually had grain yield advantage over earlier maturity hybrid when planting at early May, but the earlier maturity hybrid often showed a greater yield than longer maturity hybrid when planting was delayed. The highest yield occurred at the treatment combination of the mid-season hybrid and delayed planting date, and the shorter season hybrid typically showed stable and higher grain yield across planting dates. Changes in grain volume per unit of land area among hybrids and planting date treatment combination were consistent with the changes in grain yields, indicating that the yield is determined usually by the sink capacity. Further research is needed to evaluate the effects of hybrids maturity and planting date on maize under different planting densities.
Effect of Integrated Treatment on Enhancing the Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Cocksfoot Grass and the Structural Characteristics of Co-Produced Hemicelluloses
Authors: Sun Shao-Chao , Sun Dan , Cao Xuefei
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCocksfoot grass (Dactylis glomerata L.) with high biomass yield and rich cellulose can be used to produce bioethanol as fuel additive. In view of this, ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by successive alkali extractions were assembled into an integrated biorefinery process applied on cocksfoot grass to improve its enzymatic hydrolysis. In this work, the effects of ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by sequential alkali extractions on the enzymatic hydrolysis of cocksfoot grass were investigated. Additionally, since large amount of hemicelluloses were released during the hydrothermal pretreatment and alkali extraction process, the yields, structural characteristics and differentials of water- and alkali-soluble hemicellulosic fractions isolated from different treatments were also comparatively explored.ResultsThe integrated treatment significantly removed amorphous hemicelluloses and lignin, resulting in increased crystallinity of the treated residues. A maximum saccharification rate of 95.1% was obtained from the cellulose-rich substrate after the integrated treatment. In addition, the considerable hemicelluloses (31.4% water-soluble hemicelluloses and 53.4% alkali-soluble hemicelluloses) were isolated during the integrated treatment. The released water-soluble hemicellulosic fractions were found to be more branched as compared with the alkali-soluble hemicellulosic fractions and all hemicellulosic fractions were mixed polysaccharides mainly composed of branched xylans and β-glucans.ConclusionThe combination of ultrasonic and hydrothermal pretreatments followed by successive alkali extractions can dramatically increase the enzymatic saccharification rate of the substrates and produce considerable amounts of hemicelluloses. Detailed information about the enzymatic hydrolysis rates of the treated substrates and the structural characteristics of the co-produced hemicelluloses will help the synergistic utilization of cellulose and hemicellulose in cocksfoot grass.
The Path in Behind and the Challenges in Front: A Methodological Synthesis of Iranian L2 Papers
Authors: Ajideh Parviz , Jahanbakhsh Akbar A.
Published: January 2021

The present study is a methodological synthesis aiming to evaluate the adherence of Iranian L2 papers to the study quality standards. Ten Iranian journals were selected based on the latest ranking of Iran’s Ministry of Science, Research, and Technology (MSRT), and all experimental papers (N = 367) published from their beginnings were explored for study quality with regards to sampling, design, statistical tests, reporting practices and data sharing, and visual presentation. In the evaluation of the papers, the protocols proposed by Gass and Plonsky (2011) and Pagout and Plonsky (2017) were moderated and some recent issues proposed by APA’s (2018) Journal Article Reporting Standards and some scholars (e.g., Hu & Plonsky, 2019; Khany & Tazik, 2019; Larson-Hall, 2017) were added. The results showed that while there were issues, like acceptable sample size, use of pre-testing, reporting descriptive and inferential statistics, and ensuring the reliability of instruments, that were acceptably adhered to quality standards, problematic areas existed in all five facets of quality, and the majority of them stayed constant or changed slightly over time. The shortcomings caused by such lack of adherence are discussed to identify the challenges in the way of improving the papers’ quality. Although the results are obtained from a specific context, the implications may be generalizable to other contexts where English is taught and researched as a foreign language.
Giant Pleomorphic Lipoma With Malignant Transformation in the Buttock: a Rare Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Liang Feng , Wang Xu , Xu Guangmeng , He Hongyu , Li Wei , Liu Guoliang , Li Jiannan
Published: January 2021

Background: Pleomorphic lipoma is a benign tumor, which is often located in the neck, shoulder, and other subcutaneous tissues. Pleomorphic lipoma with malignant transformation in the buttock is rarely reported.Case Presentation: A 53-year-old male attended to our department with a large mass in his buttock that had been present for about one year, leading to difficulty with walking and defecation. Computed tomography (CT) showed a 10. 2 × 8. 3 cm mass with lumpy and mixed low to medium density shadows in the right side of the lower part of the tailbone. Color Doppler ultrasound showed that the skin and subcutaneous tissues of the right buttock were thickened with lymphedema. Pre-operative pathology revealed a large amount of adipose and fusiform fibrous tissues with obvious blood vessels. The patient underwent complete resection of the mass in the right buttock. Postoperative pathology indicated that the tumor was pleomorphic lipoma with malignant transformation. The patient recovered well and was discharged from the hospital at day 12 post-surgery. Follow up at 6 months did not find any symptoms of tumor recurrence.Conclusions: Pleomorphic lipoma with malignant transformation is rare. CT, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and histopathology are the main methods used to diagnose pleomorphic lipoma. Complete resection of the tumor is vital to treat giant pleomorphic lipoma successfully.
Clinical Study of Arthroscopic Multichannel Combined Approach in the Treatment of Knee Lumen Infection With Calf Effusion Abscess
Authors: Li Yuan , Deng Fuyuan , Zhou Peng , Lei Lei , Li Zhong , Liu Juncai
Published: January 2021

Background: It is rare to see knee lumen infection with calf effusion abscess. Traditional open surgery is traumatic, slow and difficult to recover. And there are few reports of using arthroscopy to diagnose and treat knee lumen infection with calf effusion abscess. This case series aims to introduce the clinical outcomes of arthroscopic treatment of knee lumen infection with calf effusion abscess.Methods：fifteen patients with knee joint cavity infections and calf abscesses from from January 2015 to December 2019, were included(11 males and 4 females; age range from 33 to 61, the average age is 46.6years). All patients were treated with arthroscopic multi-channel combined approach. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) and C-reactive protein (CRP) were recorded before and at the last follow-up. The knee function was evaluated according to the visual analogue scoring method (visual analogue scale, VAS) pain score and Lysholm score.Results：fifteen patients were followed up from 12 months to 2 years, and the average follow-up time was 18.4 months. The operation was smooth in all patients, the incisions were healed at grade I, no postoperative recurrence, no nerve damage, and no complications such as knee stiffness. At the last follow-up, ESR decreased from preoperative (44.6±10.1) to (11.4±3.1) (P<0.001), and CRP decreased from preoperative (30.2±8.0) to (3.9±1.0) (P<0.001). Lysholm score was reduced by Before (46.9±7.7) improved to (93.0±8.1) (P<0.001), the VAS score decreased from (7.0±0.9) before operation to (2.1±1.2) (P<0.001), and the differences were statistically significant.Conclusion：Arthroscopic multi-channel combined approach is a safe, effective and minimally invasive treatment method for knee joint cavity infection with calf abscess.
Blood-brain barrier disruption and ventricular enlargement are the earliest neuropathological changes in rats with repeated sub-concussive impacts over 2 weeks
Authors: Hiles-Murison Bailey , Lavender Andrew , Hackett Mark , Armstrong Joshua , Nesbit Michael , Rawlings Samuel , McGonigle Terry , Warnock Andrrew , Lam Virginie , Mamo John , Fitzgerald Melinda , Takechi Ryu
Published: January 2021

Repeated sub-concussive impact (e.g. soccer ball heading), a significantly lighter form of mild traumatic brain injury, is increasingly suggested to cumulatively alter brain structure and compromise neurobehavioural function in the long-term. However, the underlying mechanisms whereby repeated long-term sub-concussion induces cerebral structural and neurobehavioural changes are currently unknown. Here, we utilised an established rat model to investigate the effects of repeated sub-concussion on size of lateral ventricles, cerebrovascular blood-brain barrier (BBB) integrity, neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, and biochemical distribution. Following repeated sub-concussion for 2 weeks, the rats showed significantly enlarged lateral ventricles compared with the rats receiving sham-only procedure. The sub-concussive rats also presented significant BBB dysfunction in the cerebral cortex and hippocampal formation, whilst neuromotor function assessed by beamwalk and rotarod tests were comparable to the sham rats. Immunofluorescent and spectroscopic microscopy analyses revealed no significant changes in neuroinflammation, oxidative stress, lipid distribution or protein aggregation, within the hippocampus and cortex. These data collectively indicate that repeated sub-concussion for 2 weeks induce significant ventriculomegaly and BBB disruption, preceding neuromotor deficits.
Nurses’ Knowledge and Attitudes Towards Palliative Care and Death: A Learning Intervention
Authors: Hao Yanping , Zhan Lixuan , Huang Meiling , Cui Xianying , Zhou Ying , Xu En
Published: January 2021

Background In many countries, nurses are ill-prepared to provide care to patients with terminal illnesses. Limited education and training affect their ability to deliver proper palliative care. Only a few studies have explored appropriate and effective training methods of palliative care in China. Therefore, we aimed to provide evidence for a palliative care training system by appraising the effects of a mixed-method intervention on participants’ knowledge of palliative care and attitudes towards dying patients and death.Methods An e-learning intervention approach was adopted for 97 nurses from oncology departments across five hospitals, using a mobile terminal combined with a virtual forum and face-to-face interactions. We conducted a pre- and post-training evaluation through the Palliative Care Quiz of Nursing (PCQN), Frommelt Attitude Toward Care of the Dying Scale Form B (FATCOD-B), and Death Attitude Profile-Revised (DAP-R).Results After a three-week intervention, there was a significant increase in the PCQN and FATCOD-B scores as compared to the baseline. For PCQN, the total score increased from 10.3 ± 1.9 to 11.1 ± 2.2 (p = .011) and the score for management of pain and other symptoms increased from 7.7 ± 1.7 to 8.4 ± 1.7 (p = .003). FATCOD-B scores increased noticeably from 104.0 ± 7.6 to 106.4 ± 8.9 (p = .016). The DAP-R scores showed no obvious difference between pre- and post-intervention results.Conclusions The mixed-method intervention was effective in improving participants’ knowledge and attitudes about palliative care. The implementation of training nurses at appropriate intervals during both education and professional life are required, especially for the improvement in participants’ attitudes towards death. Therefore, palliative care training in China should receive more attention.
Physical Simulation for Water Invasion and Water Control Optimization in Water Drive Gas Reservoirs
Authors: xu xuan , li Xizhe , hu yong , shi yu , mei qingyan , jiao chunyan
Published: January 2021

The development of water drive gas reservoirs (WDGRs) with fractures or strong heterogeneity is severely influenced by water invasion. Accurately simulating the rules of water invasion and drainage gas recovery countermeasures in fractured WDGRs, thereby revealing the mechanism of water invasion and an appropriate development strategy, is important for formulating water management measures and enhancing the recovery of gas reservoirs. In this work, physical simulation methods were proposed to gain a better understanding of water invasion and to optimize the water control of fractured WDGRs. Five groups of experiments were designed and conducted to probe the impacts of the distance between the fractures and the gas well, the drainage position, the drainage timing and the aquifer size on the water invasion and production performance of a gas reservoir. The gas and water production and the internal pressure drop were monitored in real time during the experiments. Based on the above experimental works, a theoretical analysis was conducted to quantitatively evaluate the performance of the gas reservoir recovery via the gas well production performance, water invasion, dynamic pressure drop and residual gas and water distribution analysis. The results show that when the fracture scale was appropriate, a gas well drilled close to a fracture (Experiment 1–3) or a high-permeability formation could also produce gas and achieve drainage efficiently. The recovery factor of Experiment 1–3 reached 62.5%, which was 24.6% and 21.1% higher than those of Experiments 1–1 and 1–2, respectively, which had wells drilled in low-permeability areas. Draining water near an aquifer can effectively inhibit water invasion during the early stage of gas recovery. The setup in Experiment 2 − 1 effectively inhibited water invasion and avoided the formation of water-sealed volumes of gas to recover 30% more gas than recovered with that of Experiment 1–1 without drainage wells. A shorter distance between the drainage well and the aquifer increased the drainage capacity and decreased the gas production capacity, respectively (Well 2 at Point A vs Point B). A larger aquifer had a lower gas recovery, which reduced the economic benefit. For example, due to an infinitely large aquifer, the reserves in Experiment 4 − 1 were developed by a single well, the gas recovery was only 33.4%. These research results are expected to be beneficial for the preparation of development plans and the optimization of water control measures for WDGRs.
Prevalence of Strongyloidiasis in Peru: Systematic Review
Authors: Ortiz-Martínez Sonia , Ramos-Rincon Jose-Manuel , Vásquez-Chasnamote María-Esteyner , Gamboa-Paredes Olga-Nohelia , Arista-Flores Katty-Madeleine , Espinoza-Venegas Luis-Alfredo , Pinedo-Cancino Viviana-Vanessa , Gorgolas-Hernandez-Mora Miguel , Casapia-Morales Martin
Published: January 2021

Strongyloidiasis is a disease of great public health significance. We aimed to assess the prevalence of Strongyloides stercoralis infection in Peru.Methods.This systematic review was based on a literature search in PubMed, SciELO and Google Scholar using the key words or root words “strongyl*” AND “Peru” on 15 July 2020. Eligible studies were published from 1 January 1981 to 15 July 2020 and written in English, Spanish, Italian, or French.Results.We included 21 papers in the analysis. Studies were heterogeneous regarding the study population, diagnostic methods, and the prevalence of S. stercoralis, which ranged from 0.3–45%. Half were designed to detect parasites in general. In studies designed to detect S. stercoralis, the most widely used diagnostic method was the Baermann technique.Conclusion.Prevalence of S. stercoralis in Peru was high but varied by geographic area, techniques for stool examination, and participant characteristics.
Mechanism of Moxa Combustion Products Processed Under Different Conditions on Regulating Vascular Endothelial Function in Atherosclerotic Mice
Authors: Huang Yueping , Yao Qin , Ouyang Xiali , Liu Jinyi , Hui Xin , Wang Hao , He Rui , Zhao Baixiao
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAtherosclerosis (AS) is a kind of chronic progressive inflammatory disease, moxibustion is an increasingly popular alternative therapy that reduces the risk of AS by regulating blood lipid levels. Although moxibustion for AS is yet to be conducted, its underlying mechanism remains unclear. In this study, we investigated the anti-atherogenic effect of moxa combustion products processed under different conditions (moxa smoke, filtered moxa smoke, volatile components of moxa floss and essential oil of Artemisia Argyi). MethodsThe mice in all groups were regularly grabbed and fixed. The mice in moxa smoke group were exposed to 2% concentration of moxa smoke, the mice in filtered moxa smoke group were exposed to filtered moxa smoke environment, the mice in volatile components of moxa floss group were exposed to 150℃ moxa floss heating environment, the mice in essential oil of Artemisia Argyi group were exposed to Artemisia Argyi essential oilatomization environment. All interventions were carried out in the cabinet and were performed for 20 min per day, 6 days per week for 14 weeks. After the treatment, the mice were euthanased. The mice of plasma were measured by biochemical or ELISA method, the thoracic aorta was collected for red oil O staining. The mRNA levels in the thoracic aorta were analyzed by RT-qPCR. ResultsThe group moxa smoke group and filtered moxa smoke group showed a significantly lower plaque area percentage in the thoracic aorta, and higher expression of AMPK-mRNA and eNOS-mRNA in the thoracic aorta compared with the AS mice. ConclusionMoxa smoke and filtered moxa smoke equally suppressed the progression of atherosclerotic lesions in ApoE−/− mice. It is suggested that the particles in moxa smoke may not be the key component of moxibustion.