bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Flood Hazards and Livelihood Vulnerability of Flood-Prone Farm Dependent Bait Households in Punjab, Pakistan
Authors: Ahmad Dilshad , Afzal Muhammad
Published: June 2021

Pakistan is one of the most climate change and natural disasters affected country of the world where livelihood and lives of inhabitants are often affected due to these disasters. In the scenario of various disasters and risks, flood disasters are the most recurrent hazards that causes Bait households livelihood more vulnerable. Hence this research work has focused to investigate livelihood vulnerability of flood-prone Bait households in southern Punjab of Pakistan. This study used multistage sampling technique for collection the cross sectional data of 398 flood disasters vulnerable Bait household’s respondents from three high risks flood-prone districts Muzaffargarh, Rajanpur and Rahim Yar Khan. Face to face interview procedure and well developed pre-tested questionnaire was used for data collection in this research work. This study applied vulnerability framework of LVI-IPCC and LVI in the direction of comparing the level of vulnerabilities in preferred three Bait district households. Empirical estimates of LVI major components and framework of IPCC vulnerability have indicated Bait households of Muzaffargarh more vulnerable owing to higher exposure and sensitivity and lower adaptive capacity rather than other districts. In contrast to other districts Muzaffargarh households have investigated more vulnerable to flood disasters more particularly in LVI sub-components such as health (0.460), water (0.360) and food (0.515) access. These research findings will helpful to policymakers to work out and put into practice effectual programs and strategies such as constructing more water reserves, developing overhead infrastructure, easy access of institutional loans and generating off-farm income sources. These local based feasible measures will helpful for native inhabitants to reducing frequency of floods in the direction of lessen vulnerability and increase resilience via recovering generally the livelihood of vulnerable Bait households in Punjab Pakistan and particularly the district Muzaffargarh.
Performance analysis of symmetrical and bidirectional 40 Gbps TWDM-PON employing m-QAM-OFDM modulation with multi-color LDs based VLC system
Authors: Kumari Meet , Sheetal Anu , Sharma Reecha
Published: June 2021

In this work, a full-duplex time and wavelength division multiplexing-passive optical network (TWDM-PON) system is analysed. Orthogonal frequency division multiplexing (OFDM) with m-quadrature amplitude modulation (m-QAM) is employed to improve the performance of TWDM-PON for downstream and upstream transmission. Simultaneously, multi-color (390–750 nm) laser diodes (LDs) are employed for visible light communication (VLC) using various VLC links to encourage the information rate of fiber/VLC optical network. A TWDM-PON utilizing 16-, 32- and 64-QAM OFDM with ten LDs based VLC system has been analysed for full-duplex multi-color VLC signals of the system. The impact of the LDs input current and high transmission rate in the proposed PON/VLC link has been investigated for m-QAM OFDM modulation. The results show that the 40/40 Gbps 16-, 32- and 64-QAM signals over ten 8000 m VLC links and a 50 km fiber link are successfully transmitted at the modulation input current of 9 mA under bit error rate (BER) of 3.8×10− 3. Also, the proposed system employing 16-, 32- and 64-QAM signals over a 10 km fiber and ten 10 m VLC links provide the maximum transmission rate of 120, 100 and 80 Gbps respectively. Moreover, the measured error vector magnitudes (EVMs) and calculated BER values for 16-QAM downstream and upstream signals, are well below the required FEC limit than high-order modulation formats. Further, the numerical analysis of the proposed system reveals the superiority of the proposed fiber/VLC links.
Influence of Persulfate on Transformation of Phosphorus and Heavy Metals for Improving Sewage Sludge Dewaterability by Hydrothermal Treatment
Authors: Xiong Qiao , Xia Jing , Wu Xiang , Wu Xu , Hou Haobo , Lv Hang
Published: June 2021

Activated persulfate oxidation has been proven to be an efficient advanced sludge treatment technique to improve sludge dewaterability. This study investigates the influence of persulfate on the transformation of phosphorus (P) and heavy metals (HMs) during the hydrothermal treatment of sewage sludge. The hydrothermal temperature, time, and persulfate concentration are optimized by a Box-Behnken design to obtain the best sludge dewaterability, which is expressed by capillary suction time (CST). The highest CST reduction efficiency is 90.5% at the optimal hydrothermal temperature, time and concentration of persulfate, which are 145 °C, 2 h, and 150 mg/g DS, respectively. The distribution and transformation of P and HMs with different persulfate concentrations (100-200 mg/g DS) during the hydrothermal process are investigated. Results show that more than 90% of the P and HMs in the sludge are retained in sludge cakes after the hydrothermal treatment. The addition of SPS can make the P in the sludge cakes transform into more stable P species according to the extraction capacity of sequential extracts. It can be found from the ecological risk indexes of the HMs that the addition of SPS during the hydrothermal treatment of sludge can reduce the environmental risk of HMs. This study provides insights into the P and HM distribution and transformation during hydrothermal treatment with persulfate, providing a reference for sludge recovery strategies.
Oxidative Degradation/Mineralization of Dimethyl Phthalate (DMP) from Plastic Industrial Wastewater Using Ferrate (VI)/TiO2 under Ultraviolet Irradiation
Authors: Wang Ping , Ding Yi , Zhu Liting , Zhang Yunhao , Zhou Sijie , Xie Linbei , Li Ao
Published: June 2021

A novel ferrate (VI)/titanium dioxide/ultraviolet [Fe(VI)/TiO2/UV] system was successfully established for the photocatalytic oxidation of dimethyl phthalate (DMP). This system demonstrated a higher removel efficiency of DMP (95.2%) than the conventional TiO2/UV and Fe(VI) alone systems (51.8% and 23.5%, respectively), and produced obvious synergistic effects. Response surface methodology (RSM), based on a three level, three independent variables design, was conducted through Design Expert 8.0.6 program, and a second-order polynomial model (R2 = 0.998) was developed to quantitatively describe the photocatalysis of TiO2 combined with Fe(VI) oxidation under ultraviolet irradiation. The fresh TiO2 and photochemical reacted Fe(VI)/TiO2 were characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscope (SEM), and element dispersive spectrum (EDS), which indicated that Fe(VI) was imprinted into the TiO2, and the surface adsorbed Fe-O-(organic) materials inhibited DMP degradation. This photocatalytic oxidant showed high activity and stability after nine cycles without loss of its effectiveness (counting from the second cycle). The intermediates/products of DMP were analyzed by gas chromatography–mass spectrometry. The proposed pathway for DMP degradation involved one electron transfer of hydroxyl radical and breaking of the ester bond and benzene ring. The mineralization efficiencies of DMP in actual industrial wastewater and simulated water were 87.1% and 95.2%, respectively, suggesting practical field applications. A ecotoxicity test (17.3% inhibition on bioluminescence) in treating actual industial wastewater containing DMP implied that the proposed Fe(VI)/TiO2/UV has a potential for industrial water treatment.
Structural, optical and electrical properties of Mn-doped ZnFe2O4 synthesized using sol-gel method
Authors: Cheema Harshpreet , Yadav Vedika , Maurya Ram Sundar , Yadav Varsha , Kumar Aditya , Sharma Nidhi , Alvi Parvej Ahmad , Kumar Upendra
Published: June 2021

Samples with doping of Mn (0, 2, and 4%) in ZnFe2O4 were prepared by sol-gel chemical route at 80oC. X-ray powder diffraction and Raman spectrum analysis were used to determine the preliminary phase of obtained samples. W-H and SSP plots were used to determine the crystallite size and micro-strain of samples. Using zeta potential and scanning electron microscope, the surface charge and morphology of the prepared samples were studied. The optical bandgap of sample suggested that it was semiconducting. The dielectric characteristics of samples were examined as a function of temperature at various frequencies (1 KHz, 10 KHz, 100 KHz, and 1 MHz) (60-600oC). Dielectric study revealed the presence of interfacial and orientational polarization, with dielectric constants and dissipation factors ranging from (0.7–460) to (0.3–0.8), remain thermally stability up to 300oC. In samples ZF-0, ZF-2, and ZF-4, the thermal dependence of DC conductivity demonstrates Arrhenius transport with one, two, and three regions of conduction, respectively. The sources of charge carrier in samples were Vo,e1 defects (Vo - 2FE2+ Fe3+') and (2M3+ Zn2+ - 2FE2+ Fe3+'). The current work could help identify possible applications in semiconductor devices, thermally stable capacitors, and as mixed ionic electronic conductors in solid oxide fuel cells.
Real-time holographic lensless micro-endoscopy
through flexible fibers via Fiber Bundle Distal Holography (FiDHo)
Authors: Badt Noam , Katz Ori
Published: June 2021

Fiber-based micro-endoscopes are a critically important tool for minimally-invasive deep-tissue imaging. However, the state-of-the-art micro-endoscopes cannot perform three-dimensional imaging through dynamically-bent fibers without the use of bulky optical elements such as lenses and scanners at the distal end, increasing the footprint and tissue-damage. Great efforts have been invested in developing approaches that avoid distal bulky optical elements. However, the fundamental barrier of dynamic optical wavefront-distortions in propagation through flexible fibers, limits current approaches to nearly-static or non-flexible fibers. Here, we present an approach that allows holographic 3D bend-insensitive, coherence-gated, micro-endoscopic imaging, using commercially available multi-core fibers (MCFs). We achieve this by adding a miniature partially-reflecting mirror to the distal fiber-tip, allowing to perform low-coherence full-field phase-shifting holography. We demonstrate widefield diffraction-limited reflection imaging of amplitude and phase targets through dynamically bent fibers at video-rates. Our approach holds potential for label-free investigations of dynamic samples
Special Relativity sans Lorentz Transformation (OR) Perceptional Relativity
Authors: ASOKAN SEBASTIN PATRICK
Published: June 2021

This paper shows that from the fact that the same Reality is perceived differently by the observers in different inertial frames, we can draw a simple and straightforward explanation for the constancy of light's speed in all inertial frames without any need for bringing in paradoxical Lorentz Transformation. This paper shows that the premise that each inertial frame has its unique time, which Lorentz Transformation introduced to explain the constancy of the speed of light in all inertial frames is incompatible with the interchangeability of the frames, an essential requisite of the First Postulate of the Special Theory of Relativity. This paper also points out the misconceptions regarding the claimed experimental verifications of Lorentz Transformation's predictions in the Hafele–Keating experiment and μ meson experiment. This paper hints at the possibility of attributing the observed slowing down of fast-moving clocks to the Relativistic Variation of Mass with Velocity instead of Time Dilation. This paper concludes that Einstein's Special Theory Relativity can stand on its own merits without Lorentz Transformation.
Transverse dural arteriovenous fistula with bilateral sigmoid sinus stenosis treated with via transarterial embolization and venous stent placement: case report
Authors: Yu Zeran , Song Hai , Long Jiang , Cao Yiqiang , Wang Yonggang , Yang Xiang
Published: June 2021

BackgroundDural arteriovenous fistulas (DVAF) is a cerebrovascular disorder due to abnormal connections within meningeal arteries and cerebral veins. It is usually associated with sinus stenosis.Case PresentationWe describe a case of DAVF with bilateral sigmoid sinus stenosis successfully treated via transarterial embolization and unilateral stenting.ConclusionThe author reported a rare case of DAVF associated with with bilateral sigmoid sinus stenosis. Direct embolization with catheterization of contralateral MMA may by an alternative way to treat partial embolized DAVF, when main feeding arteries were occluded due to previous treatment. Unilateral sinus recanalization for bilateral sinus narrows could also obtain obvious benefit.
Sustainable Cationic Cellulose for Highly Efficient Flocculation of Suspended Particles
Authors: Li Zhen , Gong Wenli , Chen Xuan , Liu Lin , Meng Ranju , Ding Yanhong , Yao Juming
Published: June 2021

Sustainable, cationic cellulose bio-flocculants with various amino group contents were successfully prepared by a feasible chemical crosslinking with polyethyleneimine (PEI). The flocculation performances of diverse PEI-grafting cellulose (CE-PEI)were evaluated topurify sewage sludge treatment. Further, the preparation conditions and flocculation mechanismof CE-PEI were investigated. Benefiting from the high surface positive charges and the supramolecular structure of PEI, the results indicate that CE-PEI could remove the turbid Kaolin suspension effectively. The efficiency of CE-PEI for removing the turbid in Kaolin suspension is 98.2%.Flocculation kinetic results indicated that charge neutralization was the dominant mechanism for the flocculation process. And then, the small Kaolin particles agglomerate together to form large flocs by the function of adsorbing, gathering, and enwrapping. Thus, this work not only exploits a promising application of cellulose as a bio-flocculantbut also provides a feasible approach to efficiently purify high turbidity wastewater.
Case Report Series: Clinical Analysis of Severe Deep Neck Space Infection
Authors: Jin Ling , Fan kai , Liu Shuangxi , Tan Shiwang , Wang Yang , Zhao Yumin , Shaoqing YU
Published: June 2021

BackgroundSevere deep neck space infection is rare and critical.The objective is to deepen the understanding of severe deep neck space infection and improve the level of clinical diagnosis and treatment. Case presentationA retrospective analysis of the diagnosis and treatment of 5 cases of serious deep neck infections admitted to our department. The 5 patients were all diagnosed by cervical CT and surgical exploration. 3 patients with diabetes, 2 patients with diabetic ketoacidosis, 3 patients with mediastinal infection; 3 patients underwent tracheotomy and 2 patients with tracheal intubation; All patients were treated by neck incision, drainage, dressing change and targeted antibiotics. Conclusions﻿Severe deep neck infections are prone to occur in patients with diabetes and other systemic basic diseases. Early diagnosis, timely neck incision exploration, drainage to maintain airway patency and targeted antibiotic treatment are the keys to diagnosis and treatment.
Mobile Phone Access and Preferences Among Medical Inpatients at an Urban Canadian Hospital: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: AboMoslim Maryam , Ghaseminejad-Tafreshi Niloufar , Babili Abdulaa , Joueidi Samia El , Staples John A , Tam Penny , Lester Richard
Published: June 2021

Background: Digital health interventions are increasingly used for patient care, yet little data is available on the phone access type and usage preferences of medical ward patients to inform the most appropriate digital interventions.Methods: To learn about mobile phone ownership, internet access, and cellular use preferences among medical patients, we conducted a researcher-administered survey of patients admitted to five internal medicine units at Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) in January 2020.Results: A total of 81 ward patients completed the questionnaire from the two survey dates. Of those, 63.0% owned their own mobile phone, an additional 22.2% had access to a mobile phone via a proxy (or an authorized third-party) such as a family member, and 14.8% did not own or have access to a mobile phone. All participants with mobile phone access had cellular plans (i.e., phone and text) ; however, a quarter of respondents did not have data plans with internet. 71.1% of men owned a mobile phone compared to only 52.8% of women. All participants at a ‘high’ risk of readmission had access to a mobile phone, either as phone-owners or proxy-dependent users.Conclusion: Access to mobile phones among medical ward patients was high, but incomplete. More patients had cellular than data plans (i.e., internet and applications). Understanding patient-specific access is key to informing potential uptake of digital health interventions aimed at using patients’ mobile phones (mHealth) from an effectiveness and equity lens.
Micro RNA-146a effect on Periodontitis is Independent on OPG/RANKL Axis
Authors: Sattari Mandana , Ghotloo Somayeh , Taheri Ramezan-Ali , ArefNezhad Reza , Motedayyen Hossein
Published: June 2021

Background

MicroRNA-146a (miR-146a) is a regulator of inflammatory response. Periodontitis is a disease with immune pathophysiology of the periodontium in which the inflammation results in the destruction of the soft tissues and alveolar bone. Therefore, this study was investigated whether miR-146a may contribute to periodontitis through affecting the levels of OPG and RANKL.
Methods

The levels of miR-146a, RANKL, and OPG in gingival tissues from patients with generalized periodontitis stages II and III and grades A and B (n = 15, group A), patients with generalized periodontitis stages III and IV and grade C (n = 15, group B), and healthy individuals (n = 10) were determined by real-time PCR. The associations of miR-146a expression with OPG and RANKL levels were evaluated.
Results

The levels of miR-146a in two subgroups within periodontitis patients were significantly higher than healthy subjects (P < 0.0001). MiR-146a showed the increased level in group A of patients compared with group B (P < 0.05). Clinical parameters such as probing depth (PD) and clinical attachment loss (CAL) were significantly higher in patients than control group (P < 0.05). The levels of OPG and RANKL were increased in patients compared with healthy subjects, although the elevated levels were not statistically significant. MiR-146a was not associated with the levels of OPG and RANKL.
Conclusion

The results of this study failed to show the effect of miR-146a on the pathophysiology of disease through OPG/RANKL axis.
Clinical Relevancy:

MiR-146a may participate in the pathophysiology of disease through independent mechanism(s) of OPG/RANKL axis.
Motivational Determinants of Physical Activity in Disadvantaged Populations with (Pre)Diabetes: A Cross-Cultural Comparison
Authors: De Man Jeroen , Kasujja Francis Xavier , Delobelle Peter , Annerstedt Kristi Sidney , Alvesson Helle Mölsted , Absetz Pilvikki , Wouters Edwin , Daivadanam Meena , Guwatudde David , Puoane Thandi , Remmen Roy , Tabana Hanani , Olmen Josefien Van
Published: June 2021

BackgroundUnderstanding motivational determinants of physical activity (PA) is essential to guide the implementation of PA at individual and population level. Knowledge about the cross-cultural generalizability of these determinants is lacking and they have mostly been studied as separate factors. This study compares a motivational process model across samples from diverse populations with, or at risk of diabetes. MethodsMeasurement invariance of barrier identified regulation, barrier self-efficacy and social support was assessed in a rural Ugandan sample (n=712) and disadvantaged samples with high proportions of immigrants in urban South Africa (n=566) and Sweden (n=147). These motivational determinants were then compared through multigroup structural equation modeling.ResultsThe studied motivational constructs showed scalar invariance. Latent mean levels of perceived social support and barrier self-efficacy were lower in South Africa and Sweden. Structural models (for different PA outcomes) were not consistent across settings except for the association between perceived social support and identified regulation. Identified regulation was only associated with vigorous PA in Uganda and with moderate PA in South Africa. The association between social support and PA outcomes ranged from weak to not significant and the association between self-efficacy and PA was not significant. Self-reported PA was highest in Uganda and lowest in Sweden. Self-reported vigorous PA was significantly related to lower hemoglobin A1c levels, while moderate PA was not.ConclusionsFindings suggest that: 1) it is feasible to compare a motivational process model across diverse settings; 2) there is lower perceived social support and self-efficacy in the urban, migrant samples; 3) identified regulation is a more promising determinant of PA than self-efficacy or social support in these populations; 4) associations between motivational determinants and PA depend on the perceived type and/or intensity of PA; 5) perceived relatedness functions as a basic psychological need across diverse settings; and 6) people’s perception of the PA they perform depends on their perceived level of intensity of PA which would have major implications for health promotion.
Comparison of balloon dilation tract real-time monitored by ultrasound combined with endoscopic versus unitary ultrasound guided in percutaneous nephrolithotomy: a retrospective study
Authors: Ding Demao , Wang Daming , Xie Dongdong , Liu Zhiqi , Wang Dengdian , Li Enlai , Yu Dexin
Published: June 2021

Background: The establishment of tract is very important in percutaneous nephrolithotomy. At present, balloon dilatation is widely used, but ultrasound or fluoroscopy guided balloon dilatation tract can not achieve real-time monitoring of the whole process, which easily leads to failure of tract establishment. we use ultrasound combined with endoscopic technology to realize the whole process monitoring of tract establishment. The purpose is to evaluate the safety and effectiveness of the technology.Methods: Patients who underwent PCNL with only using the balloon dilator from January 2019 to April 2021 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University were retrospectively reviewed. They were divided into ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group and ultrasound-guided group. The demographic and renal stone characteristics, intraoperative and postoperative data were analyzed.Results: A total of 72 patients were included in the study, including 35 patients in the ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group and 37 patients in the ultrasound-guided group. There was no difference in demographic and stone characteristics between the two groups.There were no significant differences between the two groups in surgical time, number of tract, hemoglobin decreased, stone free rate, ancillary treatment and postoperative complication rate. The tract establishment time of the ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group was significantly less than that of the ultrasound-guided group (P<0.05). There was no tract establishment failure in the ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance group, while there were 7 cases in the ultrasound-guided group.Conclusions: Ultrasound combined with endoscopic guidance can monitor the establishment of working tract of PCNL in real time. Compared with unitary ultrasonic guidance, the time of tract establishment can be shortened and the failure of tract establishment can be avoided.
Spontaneous Partial Recovery of Striatal Dopaminergic Uptake Despite Nigral Cell Loss in Asymptomatic MPTP-Lesioned Minipigs
Authors: Landau Anne M. , Lillethorup Thea P. , Noer Ove , Alstrup Aage Kristian Olsen , Stokholm Kathrine , Thomsen Majken Borup , Zaer Hamed , Orlowski Dariusz , Mikkelsen Trine Werenberg , Glud Andreas N. , Nielsen Erik Holm Toustrup , Schacht Anna , Winterdahl Michael , Brooks David J. , Sørensen Jens Christian H.
Published: June 2021

The gold standard animal model of Parkinson’s disease is the non-human primate rendered parkinsonian with the 1-methyl-4-phenyl-1,2,3,6-tetrahydropyridine (MPTP) toxin. Low availability, ethical issues, and primate-specific biohazards make alternative large animal models necessary. Here, we investigate the temporal evolution of presynaptic dopaminergic function after MPTP in another large animal model, the Göttingen minipig. We subcutaneously injected seven sedated minipigs with 1–2 mg/kg of MPTP, and two minipigs with saline, three times a week over 4 weeks. We monitored behavioral deficits using a validated motor scale and a Gait4Dog® walking mat. Minipig brains were imaged with (+)-⍺-[11C]-dihydrotetrabenazine ([11C]-DTBZ) and [18F]-fluorodopa ([18F]-FDOPA) PET at baseline and 1, 3, 9 and 12 months after the final MPTP injection. Immunohistochemical tyrosine hydroxylase (TH) staining was used to assay nigral TH + area loss post-mortem. The minipigs showed only mild bradykinesia and impaired coordination at early timepoints after MPTP. PET revealed decreases of striatal [11C]-DTBZ and [18F]-FDOPA uptake post-MPTP with a partial spontaneous recovery of [18F]-FDOPA after 9 months. Postmortem histological analysis showed a loss of 71% TH-immunopositive area in the substantia nigra. When testing the efficacy of putative neuroprotective agents, partial spontaneous recovery of dopamine terminal function must be taken into account in the MPTP minipig model of parkinsonism.
Optimization of Furniture Configuration for Residential Living Room Spaces in Quality Elderly Care Communities of Macao
Authors: WANG XIAOXIAO , Shi Ruiting , Niu Fangru , Liang Siyang
Published: June 2021

Living conditions in Macao are characterized by dense population, land shortage, and old residences, especially on the Macao Peninsula. This paper explores the demands and living conditions of different types of aged residents of the Youhan Community of Macau by questionnaire survey and research analysis. The demands and living conditions are then classified and summarized through quantitative analysis, and their correlations are identified. Based on ergonomics and the physical, psychological, and behavioral habits of aged people, issues are identified that require attention when configuring furniture for different types of aged people in their residential living spaces. Finally, by combining the demands of different types of aged people with the issues that need attention, several criteria on interior furniture configuration are proposed for different types of aged people. This paper presents a preliminarily quantifiable model for living room furniture configuration from the perspective of aged people.
Epithelial-Myoepithelial Carcinoma of The Minor Salivary Glands: Report of Two Cases with Literature Review
Authors: Okuyama Kohei , Michi Yasuyuki , Kashima Yoshihisa , Tomioka Hirofumi , Hiral Hideaki , Yokokawa Misaki , Yamagata Yuko , Kuroshima Takeshi , Sato Yuriko , Tsuchiya Maiko , Kayamori Kou , Ikeda Tohru , Harada Hiroyuki
Published: June 2021

Epithelial-myoepithelial carcinoma (EMC) is a rare malignant salivary gland tumor, which is especially uncommon in the minor salivary glands (MSG). We report literature review of EMC of the MSGs with our experience of two cases. Case 1 is a 75-year-old woman with a hard elastic mass in the hard palate, sized 2.5 × 2 cm without ulceration. Incisional biopsy was suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma. Tumor resection was performed with adequate surgical margin. Case 2 is a 44-year-old woman with a mass in the hard palate, sized 1.8 × 1.6 cm without ulceration. Incisional biopsy was suggestive of pleomorphic adenoma or a low-grade salivary gland carcinoma and intraoral tumor resection was performed. Both have good postoperative courses and are alive with no evidence of local recurrence or metastasis at 25 and 10 months. The Ki-67 labeling index in Case 1 and 2 were 10.6 and 3.8 %. Considering that the anatomy, structure, and size of salivary glands are quite different from MSGs, EMCs of the MSG cannot be predicted similarly to EMCs of the major salivary glands. The present review with 18 cases revealed no consensus on treatment methods for MSG cases other than surgery.
Effects of slurry reflux on the stability and microbial community structure of corn stalk anaerobic digestion system
Authors: Zhao Ling , Gao Yang , Zhao Jiamin , Sun Jiaxing , Wang Zhen , Li Jinyang , Kou Wei
Published: June 2021

Anaerobic digestion(AD) of corn stalks with slurry reflux and non-reflux was compared and evaluated,to clarify the effects of slurry reflux on AD. The reflux of slurry increased methane production by 45.8% and also improved the buffer capacity and adaptability to high organic load rate(OLR). The results of high-throughput sequencing showed that slurry reflux increased the richness of bacterial and archaea community, and decreased the diversity of the microbial community. Slurry reflux also reduced the tendency of the enrichment of Chloroflexi and the relative abundance of Methanothrix. The increase of OLR changed the main methanogenic pathway in the anaerobic digestion system, slurry reflux could slow down this trend.
Effects of End-of-life Care Stress, Calling, and Resilience on End-of-life Care Performance - A Descriptive Correlational Study
Authors: Kim Ji-Young , Choi Eun-Hi
Published: June 2021

Background: Prolonging the end-of-life process means that the duration of health care work increases and the management of death is delegated to health care providers by patients’ families. Thus, it is important to explore measures to enhance the quality of end-of-life care by identifying the predictors thereof. End-of-life care should be people-centred, relieving serious health-related suffering, be it physical, psychological, social, or spiritual. Nurses who provide end-of-life care usually spend the most time with dying patients, administering care to help patients who wish to die with dignity; therefore, end-of-life nursing care is highly significant. Methods: This study was conducted on nurses of 500-bed or larger university hospitals in city D and province C from 20 August to 10 September 2020 using a structured questionnaire. A total of 213 nurses with a minimum clinical career of one year and at least one EOLC experience participated. The final analysis sample consisted of 206 nurses. Descriptive analysis, Pearson’s correlation coefficients, ANOVA, t-test, and multiple-regression analysis were used to analyse the data.Results: This study found that end-of-life care performance was significantly positively correlated with end-of-life care stress [r = .253, p < .001], sense of calling [r = .424, p < .001], and resilience [r = .397, p < .001]. End-of-life care stress [β = .185, p = .003], sense of calling [β = .259, p < .001], resilience [β = .252, p < .001], and working in a hospice ward [β = .140, p = .041] or intensive care unit [β = .218, p = .008], as opposed to the emergency department, were identified as predictors of end-of-life care performance. These factors explained 28.3% of the variance in the end-of-life care performance in this study.Conclusions: Boosting the sense of calling and resilience and reducing the end-of-life care stress among nurses providing palliative care can improve overall end-of-life care performances. Subsequent studies should develop and evaluate interventions and programs that could improve these factors to ensure a positive change in health care and enhance the quality of end-of-life care in hospitals.
Clinical Elective Course and Its Effects on Medical Students and Graduates of Jordanian Medical Schools
Authors: Al-Taher Raed , Al-Ani Ruba , Al-Ani Abdullah , Rashdan Mohammad , Manasrah Abderrahman , Aborajooh Emad , Al-Balas Hamzeh , Al-Balas Hasan , Al-Balas Mahmoud , Ateyyat Maymounah , Qasem Nuha
Published: June 2021

Background: Elective course is one of 6th-year medical schools curriculum in Jordan. Students choose the specialty they wish to spend 8 weeks in and choose the place even if it is outside their universitys' affiliated hospitals. In this study, we try to understand students' choices regarding the country of elective, their specialty, type of placements (observership/ clerkship), and participants' perspectives about the elective course and its general value.Methods: Cross-sectional study. The survey distributed through social media platforms (mainly Facebook and Whatsapp) targeting 6th-year medical students and doctors who graduated from one of the 5 Jordanian medical schools (the University of Jordan, Jordan University of Science and Technology, Mutah University, Yarmouk University, Hashemite University). Results: The majority of participants had international elective (69.6%), mainly in the USA followed by the UK. Internal medicine was the field of interest for 14.8%, followed by general surgery 11.2%. 241 (62.6%) actively participated in the elective as they had a clerkship/ hands-on experience. In contrast, 142 (36.9%) were observers. The majority indicated that the elective is worth time, money, and effort. Moreover, they had adequate supervision throughout the course and could achieve their preset objectives. Conclusions: the elective course gives a unique experience to our students. The general satisfaction is an indicator of the success of the course in exposing medical students to clinical practice actively.
Families`worries During the First and Second COVID-19 Wave in Germany: Comparative Longitudinal Study in Two Populational Childhood Cohorts
Authors: Brandstetter Susanne , Poulain Tanja , Vogel Mandy , Meigen Christof , Melter Michael , Köninger Angela , Apfelbacher Christian , Kiess Wieland , Kabesch Michael , Körner Antje
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe present study aimed to compare worries related to the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in families with young children in two regions in Germany differently affected by the pandemic (Regensburg in Southeast Germany, Leipzig in Eastern Germany) during the first and the second wave of the COVID-19 pandemicMethods720 parents participating in the KUNO Kids health study in Regensburg (n = 507) or the LIFE Child study in Leipzig (n = 213) answered questions regarding COVID-19-related worries and trust in anti-pandemic policy measures at two time points, during the first wave (spring 2020) and during the second wave (winter 2020/2021) of the pandemic. Ordinal mixed-effects models were performed to assess differences depending on region (Regensburg versus Leipzig) and time (first versus second wave), adjusting for education and migration background. ResultsParticipants worried most about the general economic situation and their family and least about their own health or financial situation. Most COVID-19-related worries were stronger during the second than during the first wave. In regional comparisons, worries about family, friends, and hometown increased more pronouncedly from wave 1 to wave 2 in Leipzig than in Regensburg, paralleling the increase in SARS-CoV-2 infections. Trust in anti-pandemic policy measures, in contrast, decreased significantly between wave 1 and wave 2, with a stronger decrease in Regensburg. ConclusionsThe degree of families’ COVID-19-related worries differs by region and time, which might be related to differences in infection rates and public interest.
Intralobular Distribution of Ovarian-like Stroma in Pancreatic Mucinous Cystic Neoplasms: Hypothesis on Its Tumorigenesis
Authors: Fukumura Yuki , Kinowaki Yuko , Matsuda Yoko , Takase Masaru , Tonosaki Momoko , Minagawa Masaaki , Saiura Akio , Tanabe Minoru , Okano Keiichi , Suzuki Yasuyuki , Kato Kota , Yao Takashi
Published: June 2021

Pancreatic mucinous cystic neoplasm (MCN) harbors two histological components, tumor epithelia and ovarian-like stroma (OLS). To examine the tumorigenesis of pancreatic MCNs, this study analyzed the distribution, amount, immunohistochemical phenotype, presence of theca cells of the OLS, and the alteration of tumor epithelium of 29 surgically resected MCN cases and compared them with tumor sizes. Non-mucinous type epithelium was present in all low-grade MCNs but its ratio decreased with tumor size (p < 0.05), suggesting that epithelial mucinous changes are a progression phenomenon. The intralobular distribution of OLS was observed in 27.6 % of MCN cases and its existence related to a smaller size (p< 0.05), suggesting intralobular generation of MCNs. Nuclear expression of β-catenin was observed for OLS of everywhere, suggesting consistent activation of the Wnt pathway for OLS. Three MCN cases (10.3%) contained a-smooth muscle actin (SMA)-negative OLS, where OLS surrounding dilated pancreatic ducts or MCN cysts were a-SMA-positive and otherwise negative, suggesting that a-SMA-positivity is an acquired phenomenon of OLS. With this study, we could hypothesize that pancreatic MCNs may generate intralobularly. Epithelial mucinous change and a-SMA-positivity of OLS may be progression phenomena. This is the first study to show the intralobular distribution of OLS.
Fuzzy Species Borders of Glacial Survivalists Revealed Using a Multimarker Approach - A Case Study of Amphipod Crustaceans in the Carpathian Biodiversity Hotspot
Authors: Mamos Tomasz , Jazdzewski Krzysztof , Ciamporova-Zatovicova Zuzana , Ciampor Fedor , Grabowski Michal
Published: June 2021

The Carpathians are one of the key biodiversity hotspots in Europe. The mountain chain uplifted during Alpine orogenesis and is characterised by a complex geological history. Its current biodiversity was highly influenced by Pleistocene glaciations. The goal of the current study was to examine the phylogenetic and demographic history of Gammarus balcanicus species complex in the Carpathians using multiple markers as well as to delimit, using an integrative approach, and describe new species hidden so far under the name G. balcanicus. Results shown that divergence of the studied lineages reaches back to the Miocene, which supports the hypothesis of their survival in multiple micro refugia. Moreover, the increase of their diversification rate in the Pleistocene suggests that glaciation was the driving force of their speciation. The climatic changes during and after the Pleistocene also played a major role in the demography of the local Carpathian lineages. Comparison of diversity patterns and phylogenetic relationships of both, the mitochondrial and nuclear markers, provide evidence of putative hybridisation and retention of ancient polymorphism (i.e., incomplete lineage sorting). The morphological examination supported the existence of two morphological types; one we describe as G. stasiuki sp. nov. and another we redescribe as G. tatrensis (S. Karaman, 1931).
Italian Adaptation of the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (I-DOS): Psychometric Properties and Prevalence of Orthorexia Nervosa Among an Italian Sample.
Authors: Cerolini Silvia , Vacca Mariacarolina , Zagaria Andrea , Donini Lorenzo Maria , Barbaranelli Claudio , Lombardo Caterina
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Orthorexia Nervosa (ON) is described as an extreme level of preoccupation around healthy eating, accompanied by restrictive eating behaviors. During the years different assessment instruments have been developed. The aim of the study is to adapt into Italian the Düsseldorf Orthorexia Scale (I-DOS) and to test its psychometric properties. Method. A total sample of 422 volunteer university students (mean age = 20.70 ± 3.44, women 71.8%) completed a group of self-report questionnaires in large group sessions during their lecture time. The scales assessed ON (the I-DOS and the Orhto-15), disordered eating (Disordered Eating Questionnaire, DEQ), depressive symptoms (Beck Depression Inventory-II, BDI-II), obsessive and compulsive symptoms (Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Revised, OCI-R) and self-reported height and weight. Results: The fit of the unidimensional structure and reliability of the I-DOS was tested trough Confirmatory Factor Analysis (CFA) as well as its criterion validity computing correlation coefficients among Ortho-15, DEQ, BDI-II, OCI-R, BMI. Analyses confirmed the unidimensional structure of the I-DOS with acceptable or great fit indices (CFI = 0,984; TLI = 0,978; SRMR = 0.043; RMSEA = 0.076) and the strong internal consistency (α = .888). The Correlations path supported the criterion validity of the scale. The estimated prevalence of ON and ON risk was 8.1%.Conclusions: This 10-items scale appears to be a valid and reliable measure to assess orthorexic behaviors and attitudes.
Testicular Hemangioma in a Child: a Rare Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Zhang Kaiping , Zhang Ye , Zhang Yin , Chao Min
Published: June 2021

Background: Testicular hemangioma is a extremely rare and typically occurs in childhood or adolescence. It is a benign tumor that appears as a slowly growing painless mass.Case presentation: We herein present the case of a 3 year-old male patient with testicular hemangioma accompanying hydrocele, who underwent surgical resection.Conclusions: This article discusses the diagnosis and currently available treatment options of testicular hemangioma. It also can be provide clinical experiences for urologist in face of similar situation.
INtra-Procedural UltraSound Imaging for DEtermination of Atrial Wall Thickness and Acute Tissue Changes After Isolation of the Pulmonary Veins with Radiofrequency, Cryoballoon or Laser Balloon Energy: the INSIDE PVs Study
Authors: Leo Milena , De Maria Giovanni Luigi , Gala Andre Briosa e , Pope Michael , Banerjee Abhirup , Kelion Andrew , Pedersen Michala , Rajappan Kim , Ginks Matthew , Bashir Yaver , Hunter Ross J , Betts Tim R
Published: June 2021

Introduction Preliminary data in human suggest that both Intracardiac echocardiography (ICE) and Intravascular ultrasound (IVUS) can be used for real-time information on the left atrial (LA) wall thickness and on the acute tissue changes produced by energy delivery. This pilot study was conducted to compare ICE and IVUS for real-time LA wall imaging and assessment of acute tissue changes produced by radiofrequency (RF), cryo and laser catheter ablation. Methods Patients scheduled for RF, cryoballoon or laser balloon Pulmonary Vein Isolation (PVI) catheter ablation were enrolled. Each pulmonary vein (PV) was imagedimmediately before and after ablation with either ICE or IVUS. The performance of ICE and IVUS for imaging were compared. Pre- and post-ablation measurements (lumen and vessel diameters, areas and sphericity indexes, wall thickness and muscular sleeve thickness) were taken at the level of each PV ostium.Results A total of 48 PVs in 12 patients were imaged before and after ablation. Compared to IVUS, ICE showedhigherimaging quality and inter-observer reproducibility of the PV measurements obtained. Acute wall thickening suggestive of oedema was observed after RF treatment (p = 0.003) and laser treatment (p = 0.003) but not after cryoablation (p = 0.69). Conclusions Our pilot study suggests that ICE is preferable to IVUS for LA wall thickness imaging at the LA-PV junctions during ablation. Ablation causes acute wall thickening when using RF or laser energy, but not cryoenergy delivery. Larger studies are needed to confirm these preliminary findings.
Accumulation and Control of Spin Waves in Magnonic Dielectric Microresonators by a Comb of Ultrashort Laser Pulses
Authors: Khramova A. E. , Kobecki M. , Akimov I. A. , Savochkin I. V. , Kozhaev M. A. , Shaposhnikov A. N. , Berzhansky V. N. , Zvezdin A. K. , Bayer M. , Belotelov V. I.
Published: June 2021

Spin waves in magnetic microresonators are at the core of modern magnonics. Here we demonstrate a new method of tunable excitation of different spin wave modes in magnetic microdisks by using a train of laser pulses coming at a repetition rate higher than the decay rate of spin precession. The microdisks are etched in a transparent bismuth iron garnet film and the light pulses influence the spins nonthermally through the inverse Faraday effect. The high repetition rate of the laser stimulus of 10 GHz establishes an interplay between the spin wave resonances in the frequency and momentum domains. As a result, the excitation efficiency of different spin modes can be tuned by a small variation of the external magnetic field. An additional degree of freedom is provided by scanning the laser spot within the microdisk area. This makes the proposed method for spin wave excitation advantageous for the forthcoming application of magnonics for telecommunication and quantum technologies.
Circular RNA Circ-0006302 Promotes the Growth, Migration, and Invasion of Cholangiocarcinoma Cells by Regulating the Mir-1299/PD-L1 Axis as a Competing Endogenous RNA
Authors: Chen Weiqian , Zheng Liyun , Wu Songquan , Lu Chenying , Tang Bufu , Qiao Enqi , Song Jingjing , Fang Shiji , Wu Dan , Qiu Rongfang , Chen Chunmiao , Gao Yang , Fan Xiaoxi , Zhao Zhongwei , Ji Jiansong
Published: June 2021

Background: Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) is an aggressive malignancy with a poor prognosis, with no effective therapy other than surgical resection. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) serve as a brand-new class of transcription products among abundant cancer processes. Nevertheless, the mechanisms account for their modification in CCA remain unknown. Methods: First, microarray sequencing was applied to detect the difference of circRNAs expression between CCA and corresponding non-tumor tissues. We utilized qRT-PCR to measure circ-0006302 levels in CCA cells and specimens. Gain/loss of-function assays and animal model of CCA were performed for the purpose of revealing the functions of circ-0006302 on the invasion, migration, and proliferation of CCA. We performed dual luciferase reporter, RNA-FISH and rescue assays for clarifying the mechanism behind. Results: In CCA tissues and cell lines circ-0006302 was highly expressed relatively. In vitro, overexpression of circ-0006302 intensifies the epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and the invasion, migration, and growth of CCA cells; and intensifies the growth as well as metastasis of tumors in a CCA mouse model. Furthermore, it was elucidated that circ-0006302 sponged miR-1299 to upregulate PD‐L1 expression. Through the process above, circ-0006302 binds to miR-1299 and emancipates PD-L1, facilitating the invasion, migration, and proliferation in CCA cells. Momentously, the results obtained revealed that circ-0006302 silencing elevated the expression of interferon (IFN)‐γ, and interleukin (IL)‐4 but diminished the IL-10 expression, while these effects could be reversed by miR-1299 inhibitor.Conclusion: circ-0006302 silence blocked the CCA progression via intensifying miR‐1299‐targeted downregulation of PD‐L1. Our conclusion provides novel therapeutic tactics for treating this fatal disease.