bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Employability readiness for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students: Yarning Circles as a methodological approach to illuminate student voice
Authors: Eady Michelle J. , Keen Joel
Published: March 2021

This paper describes the current situation for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates entering the workforce and compares this with personal reflections from current Indigenous students engaged in the tertiary setting. The purpose is twofold: first, to promote Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander student voice; and second, to provide an avenue for this voice to contribute to and influence the design of employability programs in higher education. This study examines how the use of Indigenous research methods, such as yarning/yarning circles, can effectively and ethically collect data to amplify and promote the student voice in ways that conventional Western research methods currently fail to do. This amplified voice can create a platform for researchers and practitioners to understand students’ views and implement informed and tailored approaches to planning programs and delivering curriculum; in this case, employability-readiness skill sets for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander students in higher education. The findings are analysed thematically, and recommendations presented for higher-education institutions to consider when creating pedagogical approaches for the employability readiness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander graduates.
Two sides of the same coin? Internationalisation and employability - students’ perceptions of employability and career outcomes from International Studies
Authors: Mueller Beate , Robert Julie
Published: March 2021

The Australian higher education sector has promoted internationalisation opportunities for students, including through international studies (IS) courses that entail language and culture study and international exchange. Educators promote internationalisation for many reasons, including enhanced employability, and international studies degrees are increasingly offered in combination with professional courses. Students, however, do not necessarily share in the belief that international opportunities and language study will increase their employability. A thematic analysis of statements (n=223) supplied on student applications to withdraw from combined international studies courses in favour of single professional degrees, reveals that students fail to see employability benefits and may even perceive their international studies course as a professional liability. Understanding these beliefs can allow educators to more effectively promote the value of not only international studies degrees, but also language and culture study and exchange opportunities, and to counter some of the myths that prevent students from undertaking international opportunities.
Health Issues and Healthcare Utilization Among Adults Who Reported Exposure to Tear Gas during the 2020 Portland (OR) Protests: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Torgrimson-Ojerio Britta , Mularski Karen , Peyton Madeline , Keast Erin , Hassan Asha , Ivlev Ilya
Published: March 2021

Background Repeated use of chemical irritants for crowd-control by local and federal law enforcement during sustained racial justice protests in the U.S. has raised concerns about potential adverse health effects. The objective of this study was to describe the health consequences of exposure to tear gas agents and associated healthcare utilization among adults reporting recent exposure to tear gas.Methods A cross-sectional, self-administered web-based survey of a convenience sample of 2,257 adults reporting recent exposure to tear gas in Portland, Oregon (U.S.), administered between July 30, 2020-August 20, 2020. Descriptive analyses were conducted on socioeconomic characteristics, reported health issues, utilization of healthcare services, and frequency of exposure to tear gas. Associations between reported mental health issues, healthcare utilization and race and/or ethnic categories were assessed using chi-square tests. For tests of association, racial and/or ethnic categories were divided into White/Non-Hispanic only and all other racial/ethnic categories due to a small number of Black, American Indian or Alaska Native, Asian/Pacific Islander, Hispanic participants and participants with multiple race and/or ethnic background. Effect sizes for the differences were expressed as Cramer’s V, a metric that measures associations between nominal responses. The Cochran-Armitage trend test was used to assess the relationship between health issues and the number of days of exposure to tear gas (i.e., a proxy dose of exposure) grouped into 1 day, 2-4 days, and ≥5 days. Missing data (item non-response) were omitted from the analysis.Results Almost all respondents (2,116; 93.8%) reported physical (2,114; 93.7%) or psychological (1,635; 72.4%) health issues experienced immediately after (2,105; 93.3%) or days following (1,944; 86.1%) the exposure. A slightly higher proportion experienced delayed head or gastrointestinal tract issues compared with immediate complaints. The majority (1,233; 54.6%) reported receiving or planning to seek medical or mental care. We observed a positive exposure-response trend for all except mouth-related delayed issues (p<0.01).Conclusion Persons exposed to tear gas agents reported physical and psychological health issues over a multiple-day period. Health issues reported increased with the exposure, indicating a potential dose-response; these health effects often led to healthcare utilization. This study provides evidence of potential unexpected harms of tear gas in civilians.
How personalisation programs are exacerbating socio-economic inequities: findings from budget utilisation in the NDIS
Authors: Malbon Eleanor , Weier Megan , Carey Gemma , Writer Thomas
Published: March 2021

Researchers and policymakers are increasingly concerned that personalisation schemes in social and health care might be worsening social and health inequities. This has been found internationally, where better outcomes from such schemes have been found amongst those who have higher education and more household income. This study looks at one of the world’s largest personalisation schemes, the Australian National Disability Insurance Scheme. It found that although the individual budgets provided within the scheme (which are a key feature of personalisation schemes internationally) do not present an equity issue, the ability of participants to ‘spend’ or effectively use these funds follows a social gradient. That is, those in low socioeconomic areas appear to be less able to spend their allocated budgets on care services. We argue that this points to the need to provide targeted supports for fund implementation in low socio-economic areas. Without effective supports for fund implementation, the NDIS is positioned to worsen existing social inequalities.
Analysis of the Control Effect and Influencing Factors of Urban Surface Deformation in Underground Coal Mining With Solid Backfilling
Authors: Wang Jiaqi , Qiang Zhang , Wu Zhongya , Song Weijian , Zhang Hao , Wang Yunbo
Published: March 2021

To solve the problems of surface deformation and destruction of buildings caused by urban mining and realise coordinated development of mining cities, the solid backfilling method was used to extract coal resources beneath the buildings of Tangshan. Based on surface deformation monitoring data of the continuously operating reference station (CORS) system for the past 5 years, the surface deformation process caused by solid backfilling was analysed. The final results revealed a maximum surface subsidence of 66 mm in the T zone coal area and 31 mm in the F zone area. Furthermore, the surface control effects of the caving method and the solid backfilling method were compared and analysed, and it was shown that solid backfilling could meet the surface building set-up requirements. Moreover, based on the probability integral method, the effects on surface deformation due to the surface length of the F zone, compression ratio, and coal pillar width were analysed, and the effects on the prediction results due to the subsidence factor, tangent of the major effective angle, and offset distance of the inflection point were studied. The results showed that the compression ratio is the main factor controlling the surface deformation and that it should be kept above 80% for solid backfilling of urban mines. The subsidence factor should be 0.82 and the tangent of the major effective angle should be 2.15 when the surface subsidence of solid backfilling is to be predicted. This paper provides a technical reference for realisation of urban mining with solid backfilling.
Dynamic Support Stiffness of Motorized Spindle Bearings under High-speed Rotation
Authors: Tian Shengli , Zhao Xingxin , Dong Shaojiang
Published: March 2021

The rotor operating stiffness of high-speed motorized spindles (HSMSs) is key to machining accuracy. Because HSMSs are difficult to load due to their high speeds, a contact loading device was developed to test rotor operating stiffness. The dynamic support stiffness of the front/rear bearings (DSSB) is the main factor affecting the rotor operating stiffness. Two novel experimental schemes for measuring the DSSB are proposed: 1) indirect measurement—by analysing deformation displacements at two points on the external loading rod of the HSMS, and 2) direct measurement—by eddy current sensors installed near the front/rear bearings. Based on the experimental device and two experimental schemes, the influences of working-condition parameters on the DSSB were tested. The results show that the proposed experimental device and two experimental schemes can effectively and accurately measure rotor operating stiffness and DSSB at speeds of up to 30,000 rpm. However, because the tapered connection gap between the loading rod and rotor increases the measured deformation displacement, the DSSB measured by the indirect measurement scheme was relatively small. The DSSB decreases with speed and increases with radial force and working temperature. This study provides a new experimental basis for the quality inspection of finished HSMSs and the verification of theoretical bearing stiffness models.
Problems of Shapour River Salinity Rising Over Recent Prolonged Streamflow Reduction Period and Solutions of River Salinity Management: An Originally Freshwater River Intensively Salinized by Natural Salinity Sources
Authors: Mohammadzadeh-Habili Jahanshir , Khalili Davar , Zand-Parsa Shahrokh , Sabouki Abdoreza , Dindarlou Ali , Mozaffarizadeh Jaber
Published: March 2021

The Shapour river with catchment area of 4254 km2 is a major river system in southern Iran. While the upstream river flow (the upper Shapour river) is fresh, it becomes extremely salinized at the downstream confluence of Shekastian salty tributary and the entering nearby Boushigan brine spring. The river then passes through the Khesht plain and finally discharges into the Raeisali-Delvari storage dam, which went into operation in 2009. Over the 2006–2019 period, reduced precipitation and over-utilization of freshwater resources resulted in ~ 72% streamflow reduction in the Shapour river. Consequently, the ratios of unused salty/brine water of Shekastian tributary and Boushigan spring to fresh-outflow of the upper Shapour river increased by ~ 3 times and river salinity fluctuation domain at the Khesht plain inlet dramatically increased from 2.1-4.0 dS m− 1 to 3.7–26.0 dS m− 1. It also resulted in disappearance of most river aquatic species and caused major economic damages in the middle Shapour river. On the seasonal time-scale, consecutive processes of salt accumulation during irrigation season of the Khesht plain date orchards and then salt drainage during rainy season have adjusted salinity fluctuation domain from 3.7–26.0 dS m− 1 at the plain inlet to 5.2–8.9 dS m− 1 at the plain outlet. In the lower Shapour river, storage/mixing of fresh/salty inflow waters in the Raeisali-Delvari reservoir has adjusted strong salinity fluctuation domain from 0.9–10.7 dS m− 1 at the reservoir inlet to 3.6–5.5 dS m− 1 at the reservoir outlet. Success of the Raeisali-Delvari reservoir for salinity adjustment is due to its suitable location on the Shapour river, by being situated on downstream of all of the main river tributaries with natural saline/fresh sources of water. Therefore, construction of storage dam on proper site in conjunction with controlled freshwater utilization are viewed as effective measures for salinity management of subjected rivers to natural salinity sources.
Are Admission Laboratory Values in Isolation Valuable in Predicting Surgical Outcome in Patients With Perforated Peptic Ulcers: A Retrospective, Cohort Analytical, Observational Study
Authors: Mulder Wikus Wessel , Arko-Cobbah Emmanuel , Joubert Gina
Published: March 2021

Background: Perforated peptic ulcer carries noteworthy mortality, and admission status is a significant prognosticator thereof. Laboratory values are objective and readily available and, therefore, ideal for risk stratification. The objective of the study is to calculate the predictive value of admission laboratory values in patients with perforated peptic ulcers. Methods: A retrospective, cohort analytical, observational study was performed. All patients with surgically confirmed perforated peptic ulcers at Pelonomi Tertiary Hospital from July 2014 to June 2019 were considered. Demographic data and admission laboratory values were collected from hospital and laboratory electronic databases and theatre books. Outcomes measured were in-hospital mortality, ICU admission and length of stay in ICU and hospital. The significance of categorical variables was calculated by Chi-square and Fisher's exact test. Logistic regression analysis considered univariately statistically significant variables. A p-value of < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: Over the 5-year period, 188 patients met the inclusion criteria. The median age was 46 years (15-87), with a male predominance of 71.3 % (N=134). The median length of hospital stay was seven days (1-94), and 31.4% (N=59) of patients were admitted to the Intensive Care Unit. Operative in-hospital mortality was 25.0% (N=47). Predicting the two categorical outcomes of in-hospital mortality and ICU admission, abnormal haemoglobin, platelet count, urea, creatinine, and potassium were statistically significant in univariate analysis. For in-hospital mortality, age (OR 1.03), haemoglobin (OR 4.36) and creatinine (OR 7.76) were significant in multivariate analysis, and for ICU admission age (OR 1.03), platelet count (OR2.94) and creatinine (OR 6.90). Urea ≥ 10.9mmol/L showed a sensitivity of 70.2% and specificity of 82.1% (AUC 0.79), and creatinine ≥ 109umol/L a sensitivity of 80.9% and specificity of 67.7% (AUC 0.80) in predicting in-hospital mortality. Conclusions: The mortality rate in patients with perforated peptic ulcer disease is still substantial. Admission laboratory values show statistical significance as outcome indicators and are valuable to assist in predicting prognostication. Abnormal high serum creatinine was the strongest single predictor of both mortality and ICU admission.
Long Memory and Time Varying Hedging Opportunities Between Clean Energy, Crude Oil and Technology Sector
Authors: YILMAZ Tayfun , ÇELİK İsmail , Zeren Feyyaz , ESEN Sinan
Published: March 2021

In this paper, long memory and time varying hedging opportunities between clean energy, West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude oil and technology share prices were analyized between 3 May 2005-16 October 2019. The relationships were investigated by DECO-FIGARCH model with daily frequencies. According to findings, it is understood that volatility clusters were determined in crude oil, alternate source energy and technology returns. Due to this useful information shocks reach to all three investment tools and being eliminated at hyperbolic speed, also the volatility spillover lasted for a long time. The most important finding of the research is that long position risks arising in both clean energy and technology sectors can be effectively and efficiently hedged with WTI futures contracts. On the other hand, it was determined that WTI can be added to the portfolio in order to reduce the risks of portfolio to be established with clean energy and technology sector.
Alcohol Use and Associated Factors among Adolescent Boys and Young Men in Kampala, Uganda
Authors: Kabwama Steven Ndugwa , Matovu Joseph KB , Ssenkusu John M , Ssekamatte Tonny , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: March 2021

Background Alcohol use leads to about 3 million deaths globally. The alcohol industry employs marketing strategies to establish their brands in the lives of young people at a time when addictive behaviors are initiated and reinforced. We conducted a survey among adolescent boys and young men (ABYM) to estimate the prevalence of alcohol use and associated factors using the Health Belief Model as the guiding framework. Methods The study was conducted among ABYM in- or out-of-school aged 10-24 years in Kampala, Uganda. We used questions adopted from the Global School-based Student Health Survey and the WHO STEPwise approach to Surveillance questionnaire to collect data. The dependent variable was alcohol use within 30 days before the interview. We also asked about predictors such as alcohol use by siblings, parents/ guardians, school status among others. We used odds ratios obtained via a logistic regression model as the measure of association.Results A total of 2500 ABYM participated, of which 262 (10.5%, 95%CI 9.3-11.7) had consumed alcohol within 30 days before the interview. Out-of-school ABYM had higher odds of consuming alcohol compared with their in-school counterparts AOR 1.55 (95%CI 1.09-2.20). Compared with ABYM whose parents/ guardians did not drink alcohol, ABYM whose both parents consumed alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.24 (95%CI 1.38-3.64) as were those with only a mother or female guardian who consumed alcohol AOR 1.95 (95%CI 1.11-3.41). ABYM with siblings that drink alcohol had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.25 (95%CI 1.80-3.52). ABYM who possessed items with an alcohol brand logo had higher odds of consuming alcohol AOR 2.00 (95%CI 1.33-3.01). Conclusions There are significant levels of alcohol consumption among ABYM which calls for interventions targeting this age group and recognizing the role of the family, school and community in prevention and promotion of use. There is need to regulate alcohol marketing and ensuring availability of alcohol dependence treatment services that build confidence among youth.
The Influence of Body Position on Bioelectrical Impedance Spectroscopy Measurements in Young Children
Authors: Lyons-Reid Jaz , Ward Leigh C , Tint Mya-Thway , Kenealy Timothy , Godfrey Keith M , Chan Shiao-Yng , Cutfield Wayne S
Published: March 2021

Bioelectrical impedance techniques are easy to use and portable tools for assessing body composition. While measurements vary according to standing vs supine position in adults, and fasting and bladder voiding have been proposed as additional important influences, these have not been assessed in young children. Therefore, the influence of position, fasting, and voiding on bioimpedance measurements was examined in children. Bioimpedance measurements (ImpediMed SFB7) were made in 50 children (3.5 years). Measurements were made when supine and twice when standing (immediately on standing and after four minutes). Impedance and body composition were compared between positions, and the effect of fasting and voiding was assessed. Impedance varied between positions, but body composition parameters other than fat mass (total body water, intra- and extra-cellular water, fat-free mass) differed by less than 5%. There were no differences according to time of last meal or void. Equations were developed to allow standing measurements of fat mass to be combined with supine measurements. In early childhood, it can be difficult to meet requirements for fasting, voiding, and lying supine prior to measurement. This study provides evidence to enable standing and supine bioimpedance measurements to be combined in cohorts of young children.
Hepatitis B Vaccination Coverage in Germany: Systematic Review
Authors: Steffen Gyde , Sperle Ida , Harder Thomas , Sarma Navina , Beermann Sandra , Thamm Roma , Bremer Viviane , Zimmermann Ruth , Dudareva Sandra
Published: March 2021

Background: Despite being considered as a low prevalence country for hepatitis B (HBV), some populations in Germany are at higher risk of infection. In the context of the World Health Organization’s (WHO) viral hepatitis elimination goals a valid epidemiological data base is needed to plan and monitor the national response. Prevention strategies include general and targeted HBV vaccination programmes. Objective: The aim of this work was to estimate the HBV vaccination coverage (VC) in the general population (GP) and different population groups in Germany from available evidence and to identify current evidence gaps for future research.Methods: We conducted a systematic review on HBV VC in the general population and populations at high risk of HBV exposure or severe infection in Germany. We included eligible publications (01/01/2017 to 06/06/2020) from databases Embase, Pubmed and Livivo, from a previous scoping review (including data published 01/01/2005-17/03/2017), from the national surveillance system and screened the reference lists of all publications at full text level. Risk of bias was assessed using the Hoy et al tool. Results: We included 68 publications of 67 studies and assigned them to the respective population groups. Twenty-one studies contained data among children/adolescents and three among adults from the GP (VC 65.8% - 90.5% and 22.9% - 52.1%, respectively), one among travellers to HBV endemic countries (VC 89%), 13 among immunocompromised populations (VC 11.5% - 89%), 16 among populations with occupational risk and 16 with non-occupational risk of HBV exposure (VC 63.6% - 96.5% and 4.4% - 52%, respectively). Conclusion: Comprehensive evidence at low risk of bias was identified for children/adolescents. owever, 25 years after including HBV in the national immunisation schedule, VC in Germany is still below the 95%-goal defined by WHO. For people at occupational risk of HBV exposure, VC was mostly reported to be over the WHO goal of 80%, but quality of evidence was heterogenous and should be improved. For people at non-occupational risk of HBV exposure, evidence was sparse and of low quality. The low VC highlights the need for future research to plan vaccination programmes targeting these populations.
Comparison of in Silico Strategies to Prioritize Rare Genomic Variants Impacting RNA Splicing for the Diagnosis of Genomic Disorders
Authors: Rowlands Charlie , Thomas Huw B , Lord Jenny , Wai Htoo A , Arno Gavin , Beaman Glenda , Sergouniotis Panagiotis , Gomes-Silva Beatriz , Campbell Christopher , Gossan Nicole , Hardcastle Claire , Webb Kevin , O’Callaghan Christopher , Hirst Robert A , Ramsden Simon , Jones Elizabeth , -Smith Jill Clayton , Webster Andrew R , Douglas Andrew GL , O’Keefe Raymond T , Newman William G , Baralle Diana , Black Graeme CM , Ellingford Jamie M
Published: March 2021

The development of computational methods to assess pathogenicity of pre-messenger RNA splicing variants is critical for diagnosis of human disease. We assessed the capability of eight algorithms, and a consensus approach, to prioritize 250 variants of uncertain significance (VUSs) that underwent splicing functional analyses. It is the capability of algorithms to differentiate VUSs away from the immediate splice site as being ‘pathogenic’ or ‘benign’ that is likely to have the most substantial impact on diagnostic testing. We show that SpliceAI is the best single strategy in this regard, but that combined usage of tools using a weighted approach can increase accuracy further. We incorporated prioritization strategies alongside diagnostic testing for rare disorders. We show that 15% of 2783 referred individuals carry rare variants expected to impact splicing that were not initially identified as ‘pathogenic’ or ‘likely pathogenic’; 1 in 5 of these cases could lead to new or refined diagnoses.
Nitrocellulose Catalyzed With Manganese Oxide Nanoparticles: Advanced Energetic Nanocomposite With Superior Decomposition Kinetics
Authors: Elbasuney Sherif , Yehia M. , Ismael Shukri , El-Shaer Yasser , Saleh Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Nanostructured energetic materials can fit with advanced energetic first-fire, and electric bridges (microchips). Manganese oxide, with active surface sites (negatively charged surface oxygen, and hydroxyl groups) can experience superior catalytic activity. Manganese oxide could boost decomposition enthalpy, ignitability, and propagation rate. Furthermore manganese oxide could induce vigorous thermite reaction with aluminium particles. Hot solid or liquid particles are desirable for first-fire compositions. This study reports on the facile fabrication of MnO2 nanoparticles of 10 nm average particle size; aluminium nanoplates of 100 nm average particle size were employed. Nitrocellulose (NC) was adopted as energetic polymeric binder. MnO2/Al particles were integrated into NC matrix via co-precipitation technique. Nanothermite particles offered an increase in NC decomposition enthalpy by 150 % using DSC; ignition temperature was decreased by 8 0C. Nanothemrite particles offered enhanced propagation index by 261 %. Kinetic study demonstrated that nanothermite particles experienced drastic decrease in NC activation energy by - 42, and - 40 KJ mol-1 using Kissinger and KAS models respectively. This study shaded the light on novel nanostructured energetic composition, with superior combustion enthalpy, propagation rate, and activation energy.
A Study of Photo-Thermoelastic Wave in Semiconductor Materials With Spherical Holes Using Analytical-numerical Methods
Authors: Alzahrani Faris S. , Abbas Ibrahim
Published: March 2021

Analytical and numerical solutions are two basic tools in the study of photothermal interaction problems in semiconductor medium. In this paper, we compare the analytical solutions with the numerical solutions for thermal interaction in semiconductor mediums containing spherical cavities. The governing equations are given in the domain of Laplace transforms and the eigenvalues approaches are used to obtained the analytical solution. The numerical solutions are obtained by applying the implicit finite difference method (IFDM). A comparison between the numerical solutions and analytical solution are presented. It is found that the implicit finite difference method (IFDM) is applicable, simple and efficient for such problems.
Modified Isolated Cerebral Perfusion Technique for Prevention of Stroke With Aortic Arch Replacement
Authors: Maze Yasumi , Tokui Toshiya , Murakami Masahiko , Kawaguchi Teruhisa , Inoue Ryosai , Hirano Koji
Published: March 2021

In aortic arch replacement, an isolated cerebral perfusion method has been reported in additional to axillary artery cannulation to prevent postoperative stroke. We have made changes to this method. In other words, we devised a method to reduce cerebral embolism by performing selective cerebral perfusion via an artificial graft anastomosed to the left common carotid artery and the left subclavian artery. This method was performed in 7 cases, and all patients were discharged alive without any neurological disorders. In the surgical procedure of the aortic arch, sufficient care must be taken in the manipulation around the brachiocephalic artery and the left subclavian artery. Our method can avoid reinsertion due to desorption of the cerebral perfusion cannula and can be expected to prevent postoperative stroke.
Design and Investigation of F-Shaped Tunnel FET With Enhanced Analog/RF Parameters
Authors: SINGH PRABHAT , YADAV DHARMENDRA SINGH
Published: March 2021

In this manuscript, a novel physically doped single gate F-shaped tunnel FET is simulated and optimized. The designed configuration is well optimized and analyzed for different source thickness, source length, drain length with different lateral tunneling lengths between the source edge and gate dielectric. Also, we optimized some stand-points like threshold voltage, ION to IOFF current ratio, ambipolar conduction range, subthreshold swing and various capacitance to rectify the analog/RF performance of single gate F-shaped TFET. Regarding this, we concurrently optimize the lateral tunneling length between source and gate with optimization of source thickness. The variation in lateral tunneling length, the potential and strength of electric field at fixed Vgs voltage is varied which leads to effective change in the ON-current, average sub-threshold swing, and turn ON-voltage. Another side, as well as the source thickness vary, the electric field variation takes place near the edge of source, which leads to variation in the ON-current and ON-voltage. The performance parameters of single gate F-TFET is compared with single gate L-TFET, which is the incentive of this submitted work. The optimized single gate F-TFET have 0.30 V turn ON-voltage with 7.4 mV/decade average sub-threshold swing and high Ion/Ioff ratio approx 1013. Besides, a significant reduction in parasitic capacitance is beneficial to enhanced RF performance with better controllability on channel.
An Asarone Producing Aspergillus Niger From Asarum Heterotropoides With Whole Genome Sequencing
Authors: Duan Fangyuan , Song Chen , Zeng Deyong , Ju Ting , Cheng Cuilin , Lu Weihong
Published: March 2021

Asarone could decrease Aβ, APP, Beclin-1level and clearing Aβ accumulation, which makes it to be one potential therapeutic agent for AD treatment. This study investigated the endophytic fungus got from Asarum heterotropoides Fr.Schmidt var. mandshuricum (Maxim.) kitag. The phylogenetic tree based on single copy orthologues at protein level got from genome sequence analysis showed that the endophytic fungus we got was Aspergillus niger. The total length of nonredundant sequences was nearly 34.7 Mb, comprising approximately 61 contigs sequences. In total, 8,755 genes were predicted to encoding proteins, and 18,611,392 high-quality clean reads were generated using the Illumina NovaSeq platform with paired-end sequencing mode. In this study, the theoretical yield of cis-asarone was higher than the traditional ways extracted from essential oil, which was evaluated according to the reverse-phase high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). The highest yield appeared from the slant cultivation instead of liquid fermentation, and the mature black spore were the final supporter of cis-asarone. This strain was capable of producing cis-asarone and could be a fascinating reservoir of cis-asarone for further industrial manufacture.
Bioinformatic Comparison of Kunitz Protease Inhibitors in Echinococcus Granulosus and E. Multilocularis and the Genes Expressed in Different Developmental Stages of E. Granulosus
Authors: Zhang Hui , Tian Mengxiao , Qi Wenjing , Wu Juan , Zheng Huajun , Guo Gang , Zhang Liang , Ranasinghe Shiwanthi L. , McManus Donald P. , Li Jun , Zhang Wenbao
Published: March 2021

Background: Cystic and alveolar echinococcosis caused by the tapeworms Echinococcus granulosus and E. multilocularis, respectively, are important zoonotic diseases. Protease inhibitors are crucial for the survival of both Echinococcus spp. Kunitz-type inhibitors play a regulatory role in the control of protease activity. In this study，we identified all the Kunitz-type protease inhibitors present in the genomes of these two tapeworms and analyzed the gene sequences using computational, structural bioinformatics and phylogenetic approaches to evaluate the evolutionary relationships of these genes. Results: A total of 19 genes from E. multilocularis and 23 genes from E. granulosus contained single or multiple Kunitz-domains. A neighbor-joining phylogenetic tree indicated that the E. granulosus and E. multilocularis Kunitz domain peptides were divided into three branches containing 9 clusters. Based on available transcriptome data, we analyzed the expression of these Kunitz-domain protease inhibitors in four major developmental stages of E. granulosus and found they were differentially expressed.Conclusion: We identified 19 and 23 Kunitz protease inhibitors in E. multilocularis and E. granulosus respectively; the majority of these genes were expressed in one or four stages of E. granulosus with some being highly expressed in adult worms indicating that these genes likely play different roles in the different developmental stages.
An Investigation of Clinical Features and Exploration of Comprehensive Treatments for Colorectal Vascular Malformation in Children
Authors: Huang Yanbing , Xu Menghua , Xiao Xianmin , Chen Gong , Huang Yanlei , Dong Kuiran , Zheng Shan , Sun Song
Published: March 2021

Objectives: To summarize the clinical features, treatment methods, and outcomes of the rare diseases of colorectal vascular malformation (CRVM).Methods: We retrospectively analyzed clinical data of CRVM patients admitted to the Department of Pediatric Surgery of Children's Hospital of Fudan University from 2004 to 2019.Results: A total of 23 cases (16 males, 7 females) were enrolled. The median age of symptom onset was 1.4 years. Eleven patients had been misdiagnosed, and the average time from symptom onset to diagnosis was 4.5±4.4 years. Associated vascular malformations in the skin and other parts were found in eight patients. All patients showed a positive anomalous vascular image in the rectum and surrounding areas with contrast-enhanced computed tomography (CT) / magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). The sensitivity of endoscopy in the diagnosis of CRVM was 82.6%. A total of 21 patients underwent a modified Soave procedure. The lesions were mostly restricted to the rectum and sigmoid, with an average length of 20±5.4cm. The median follow-up time was 78 months. Bloody stools reappeared within 6 months in three patients, but were cured by sclerotherapy or fulguration. At the last time of follow-up, bloody stool symptoms were absent and hemoglobin was in the normal range for all patients.Conclusions: CRVM occurs more commonly in male children than in female children. Combined with enhanced MRI, CT, and colonoscopy, CRVM diagnosis can be confirmed. The lesioned intestinal segment can be safely removed through a modified transabdominal Soave procedure, effectively curing or relieving hematochezia.
The m6A Methylation Gene SNRPC can be used as a Biomarker for the Prognosis and Immunotherapy of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Cai Jihao , Zhou Minglei , Xu Jianxin
Published: March 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignancies in the world. Due to its complex pathogenic factors, the prognosis of HCC is poor. Therefore, a credible prognostic biomarker is urgently needed for this disease. N6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA methylation plays an important role in the tumorigenesis, progression and prognosis of many tumors. However, studies on the prognostic and therapeutic value of this modification in HCC are lacking.Case Presentation: The HCC RNA-seq profiles in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and International Cancer Genome Consortium (ICGC) databases, including 421 LIHC and 440 LIRI samples respectively, were used in this study. The expressive distinction of 21 RNA methylation regulators between HCC and normal tissue were firstly assessed and SNRPC was obtained. Then the expression of SNRPC was validated as a risk factor for prognosis by Kaplan-Meier analysis and employed to establish a nomogram with T pathologic stage. By GSVA and GSEA analyses, we found SNRPC was mainly related to protein metabolism and immune process. Further, ESTIMATE, MCP-counter and single sample GSEA (ssGSEA) algorithm showed high-SNRPC expression group had lower stromal scores, a lower abundance of endothelial cells, fibroblasts and immune infiltration. Ultimately, Tumor Immune Dysfunction and Exclusion (TIDE) analysis exhibited high-SNRPC expression group showed non-response to immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy, especially to a PD-1 inhibitor.Conclusion: SNRPC could serve as valuable prognostic and immunotherapeutic marker in HCC. We provide here an accurate nomogram for clinical diagnosis using SNRPC as a biomarker.
Adsorptive Removal of Manganese Ions From Polluted Aqueous Media by Glauconite Clay- Functionalized Chitosan Nanocomposites: Adsorption, Kinetic, Isotherm, and Thermodynamic Investigations
Authors: Nassar Mostafa Y , Sobeih Marwa M. , El-Shahat M.F. , Osman A. , Zaid M. A.
Published: March 2021

The presence of Mn(II) in water exceeding the permitted concentration declared by the World Health Organization (WHO) influences individuals, animals, and the ecosystem negatively. Therefore, there is a necessity for an efﬁcient material to eliminate this potentially toxic element from wastewater. We herein focused on an adsorptive removal of Mn(II) ions from polluted aqueous media using natural Egyptian glauconite clay (G) and its nanocomposites with a modified chitosan (CS). The applied chitosan was modified with glutaraldehyde (GL), ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid (EDTA), sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) and cetyltrimethyl ammonium bromide (CTAB). The utilized nanocomposites were referred to as GL-CS/G, EDTA-GL-CS/G, SDS-CS/G, and CTAB-CS/G, respectively. The points of zero charge values of the as-prepared materials were estimated. The adsorption properties of the G clay and its nanocomposites toward the removal of Mn(II) ions from polluted aqueous media as well as the adsorption mechanism were explored using a batch technique. The glauconite (G) and its nanocomposites: GL-CS/G, CTAB-CS/G, EDTA-GL-CS/G, and SDS-CS/G, exhibited maximum adsorption capacity values of 3.750, 24.11, 26.25, 27.15, and 27.74mgg-1, respectively. The adsorption results fitted well the Langmuir isotherm and pseudo-second-order kinetic models. The determined thermodynamic parameters revealed that the Mn(II) ion adsorption process was endothermic, spontaneous, and physisorption controlled. Furthermore, the obtained adsorption results are encouraging and revealing a great potentiality for using the modified adsorbents as accessible adsorbents for Mn(II) ions removal from polluted aqueous solutions, depending on their reusability, high stability and good adsorption capacities.
In Search of Sustainable Livestock Management in the Dry Chaco: Effects of Different Shrub Removal Practices on Vegetation and Soil
Authors: Guzmán Luis Miguel , Villagra Pablo Eugenio , Quiroga Raúl Emiliano , Pereyra Diego Iván , Pelliza Martin Ernesto , Ricarte Ramón Armando , Blanco Lisandro Javier
Published: March 2021

Background: In arid and semi-arid ecosystems in Argentina, dominance of shrublands and the search to increase the forage supply for livestock motivates interventions such as roller-chopping and hand-cutting to reduce the abundance of shrubs. However, an integral analysis of the effects of these practices from a sustainability point of view, including not only forage productivity but also other ecosystem service is still missing. We evaluated at the ecosystem level the impact of shrub removal on total production and phenology; at the local level the responses in cover, botanical composition and diversity of vegetation functional groups, as well as the effects on soil physical properties. We combined evaluation methodologies with remote sensing and field sampling in control (woodland, shrubland) and treated (roller chopping, hand cutting) sites in 16 paddocks.Results: In treated sites, grass cover increased significantly compared to untreated sites. However, total production, growing season length were reduced. Tree cover was lower in treated sites, while shrub cover was reduced in the hand-cutting compared to the other treatments. Forbs cover was not modified. In addition, species richness decreased in the treated sites, being higher in roller-chopped sites than in the hand-cut sites, while the species diversity index was only reduced in the latter type of disturbance. Soil mechanical resistance and bulk density were higher in treated sites, while infiltration rate did not change.Conclusions: shrub removal and pasture seeding on woodland and shrubland sites increases herbaceous forage production, but decreases total production and increases its temporal variability and rainfall dependence; it decreases functional diversity and increases surface soil compaction. These responses depend on the intensity of the woody biomass removal disturbance (roller-chopping or hand-cutting). In this respect, roller chopping appears to be a more conservative practice than hand cutting, as it maintains high levels of herbaceous forage production and functional diversity. However, it is necessary to consider the importance of maintaining native forest regeneration, as both types of disturbance affected this process. Our study highlights the importance to design selective interventions in the vegetation, compatible with the maintenance of functional diversity, the regeneration of tree strata and the increase in grass production.
Study of Cracking Mechanism and Wear Resistance in Laser Cladding Coating of Ni-based Alloy
Authors: Yu Zhenglei , Li Lunxiang , Zhang Deqiang , Shi Guangfeng , Yang Guang , Xu Zezhou , Zhang Zhihui
Published: March 2021

Ni-based coatings with the addition of a plastic phase- an austenitic stainless net were prepared using laser cladding technology, and the CeO2 was added in cladding layers. The cracking mechanism, microhardness, microstructure, phase composition, and wear properties were investigated. The relationship between thermal stress and the elastic and plastic fracture had been developed from the standpoint of fracture mechanics and thermal elastic fracture mechanics. The Fracture criterion of the nickel-based coating was obtained, and the study has shown that the crack sensitivity could be reduced by decreasing the thermal expansion coefficient Δα. Then a new method was proposed, in which the substrate was prefabricated the stainless steel net. It was found that the number of cracks reduced significantly with the addition of stainless steel net. When the stainless steel net with 14 mesh was added in Ni-based coatings, the average microhardness of nickel composite coating was 565 HV0.2, which was 2.6 times higher than that of the 45 steel substrate. Although the rare earth oxide 4 wt.% CeO2 and stainless steel net were added in the Ni-based coating reducing the microhardness (the average microhardness is 425 HV0.2), the wear resistance of it improved substantially. The wear volume of Ni-Based composite coating was 0.56×10-5mm3·N-1·m-1, which was 85.1% lower than that of 45 steel and 61.9% lower than that of Ni-based coating without CeO2 and stainless steel net. The experiment results have shown that the Nickel-based composite coating is equipped with low crack sensitivity and high abrasive resistance with austenitic stainless net and the rare earth oxide 4 wt.% CeO2.
Staﬀ Shortage in German Intensive Care Units During the COVID-19 Pandemic - Not only a Sensed Dilemma: Results from a Nationwide Survey
Authors: Grimm Clemens , Dickel Steffen , Sachkova Alexandra , Popp Maria , Golinski Martin , Fichtner Falk , Kranke Peter , Seeber Christian , Laudi Sven , Voigt-Radloff Sebastian , Moerer Onnen
Published: March 2021

Background: The surge in patients during the COVID-19 pandemic has exacerbated the looming problem of staﬀ shortage in German ICUs possibly leading to worse outcomes for patients. Methods: Within the German Evidence Ecosystem CEOsys network, we conducted an online national mixed-methods survey assessing the standard of care in German ICUs treating patients with COVID-19. Results: A total of 171 German ICUs reported a median ideal number of patients per intensivist of 8 (interquartile range, IQR = 3rd quartile - 1st quartile = 4.0) and per nurse of 2.0 (IQR = 1.0). For COVID-19 patients, the median target was a maximum of 6.0 (IQR = 2.0) patients per intensivist or 2.0 (IQR = 0.0) patients per nurse. Targets for intensivists were rarely met by 15.2% and never met by 3.5% of responding institutions. Targets for nursing staﬃng could rarely be met in 32.2% and never in 5.3% of responding institutions.Conclusions: Shortages of staﬃng in the critical care setting are eminent during the COVID-19 pandemic and might not only negatively aﬀect patient outcomes, but also staﬀ wellbeing and healthcare costs. A joint eﬀort that scrutinizes the demands and structures of our health care system seems fundamental to be prepared for the future.
Correlation of serum vitamin D level with ketoacidosis in Chinese children with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Shu Jianbo , Wang Xinhui , Zhang Mingying , Zhi Xiufang , Guan Jun , Gu Chunyu , Pu Linjie , Gao Long , Cai Chunquan , Yang Wei , Lv Ling
Published: March 2021

Objective: Diabetic ketoacidosis is a common complication in children with type 1 diabetes mellitus. The purposes of the present study were to explore clinical correlates of serum vitamin D level in Chinese children with type 1 diabetes.Methods: A total of 143 inpatients (boys/girls = 60/83) were recruited from Tianjin Children’s Hospital. Their demographic and clinical characteristics were collected. These patients were divided into the non-DKA group(n=43) and DKA group(n=100).Results: The positive ZnT8-ab was significantly higher in DKA patients compared with non-DKA patients (p=0.038). There was a negative correlation between plasma glucose and the concentration of vitamin D(r =−0.188, p=0.024), although there was no significant difference in vitamin D between two groups of T1DM patients with or without DKA (p=0.317). The multiple logistic regression revealed that sex(male) and BMI were independent risk factors to predict the deficiency or insufficiency of Vitamin D in T1DM children. When BMI is lower than 16 kg/m2 according to the cut-off value of the ROC curve, it provides some implications of Vitamin D deficiency or insufficiency in TIDM children ( 95%CI:0.534~0.721, P=0.014). Conclusions: Our results suggested that positive ZnT8-ab was associated with a greater risk of DKA at T1DM onset. Additionally, neither vitamin D levels nor the proportion of patients with different levels of vitamin D differed between the two groups inT1DM children with or without DKA. Furthermore, Vitamin D level was negatively correlated with plasma glucose, lower BMI and male children with T1DM were prone to be deficient or insufficient of Vitamin D.