bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Centimeter-scale hole diffusion and its application in organic light-emitting diodes for reducing efficiency roll-off and enhancing operation lifetime
Authors: Liu Shihao , Zang Chunxiu , Zhang Xiang , Shen Dong , Yu Hongwei , Li Menglin , Wang Hui , Tong Zhongqiu , Lo Ming-Fai , Zhang Letian , Xie Wenfa , Lee Chun-Sing
Published: March 2021

We found that hole diffusion in a centimeter-scale can be achieved in a PEDOT:PSS layer via composition and interface engineering. This ultralong distance hole diffusion enables
substantially enhanced hole diffusion current in the lateral direction perpendicular to the applied electric field in typical organic optoelectronic devices. By introducing this lateral-holediffusion layer (LHDL) at the anode side of organic light-emitting diodes (OLEDs), both reduced efficiency roll-off and enhanced operation stability are demonstrated. In conventional OLEDs, balance in electron and hole currents is typically achieved by leakage of the major carrier through the devices or by accumulation of the major carrier inside the devices. Both of these are known to reduce performances leading to efficiency roll-off at high currents, reduction of operation stability due to exciton-polaron annihilation etc. The application of the LHDL provides a new strategy for current balancing with much reduced harmful effects from the previous two approaches. For example, by incorporating the diffusion layer in a white phosphorescent OLED, 94% of its maximum efficiency can be maintained even at a brightness of 10000 cd/cm2. At a high brightness of 30000 cd/cm2, the OLED maintains a record high 2 external quantum efficiency of 13.9% without using any optical photon extraction layer. The OLED also show 5.5 times improvements in operation lifetime over the device without the diffusion layer. This study shows that centimeter-scale hole diffusion can be achieved in organic semiconductors and generally applied for enhancing efficiency and stability of OLEDs.
Study Protocol for Multi-Center, Open-Label, Randomized Controlled Trial for Assessing the Efficacy and Safety of Electroacupuncture for Cold Hypersensitivity in Hands and Feet
Authors: Lee Kyou-Young , Han In-Sik , Lee Dong-Nyung , Kim Dong-Il , Yu Junsang , Sun Seung-Ho
Published: March 2021

Background: Cold hypersensitivity in the hands and feet (CHHF) is defined as the symptom of a sensation of coldness in the extremities under conditions that are not considered cold by an unaffected person. CHHF is common in East Asian women. CHHF can affect the quality of life by placing restrictions on one's daily activities. Although electroacupuncture (EA) and acupuncture have been widely used for treating CHHF, randomized clinical trial (RCT) has not yet been conducted for evaluating the safety and efficacy of EA or acupuncture for the treatment of CHHF. This study aims to evaluate the effects of EA in CHHF patients. Methods: This study is a randomized, multicenter, and parallel design clinical trial. Overall, 72 participants will be randomly assigned to the EA treatment group, acupuncture treatment group, and untreated control group in 1:1:1 ratio via a web-based randomization system. The EA treatment group and acupuncture treatment group will receive EA or acupuncture treatment by visiting ten times at intervals of twice a week for five weeks. Follow-up visits will be made four weeks after the end of treatment. For the untreated control group, three visits will be made. The primary outcome measures will be the CHHF visual analogue scale score. Secondary outcome measures will be the body temperature of hands and feet, total scores of the Korean version of the World Health Organization Quality of Life Scale abbreviated version, the results of the questionnaire of health-related quality of life, questionnaire of demonstration, and questionnaire of cold hypersensitivity.Discussion: This study will be the first clinical trial to evaluate the efficacy and safety of EA for the treatment of CHHF. We expect this study to provide basic evidence for the treatment of CHHF with EA, future large-scale RCT, and the development of general clinical guidelines for CHHF in the Korean medical field.Trial registration: CRIS, KCT0004306. Registered on October 14, 2019. https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/search_result_st01.jsp?seq=14865
Three unusual Pulmonary fibroleiomyomatous hamartomas: cases report and literature review
Authors: Song Han-xiang , Wang Yali , Fu Wanlei
Published: March 2021

BackgroundPulmonary fibroleiomyomatous hamartomas (PFLH) is an extremely rare benign leision, characterized by most patients have no respiratory symptoms and pulmonary nodules is found during rutine chest imaging. It’s completely different from fibrochondrolipoma (ie.chondrogenic pulmonary hamartoma, FCL), Herein, we report three unusual cases of PFLH in a 48-year-old male patient, a 63-year-old male patient and a 63-year-old female patient,respectively and discuss their morphological characteristics and differential diagnoses including fibrochondrolipoma (FCL), pulmonary fibroadenoma (PFA), primary pulmonary leiomyoma (PPL), bronchioloalveolar adenoma (BAA), solitary fibrous tumor (SFT) and pulmonary metastatic leiomyoma (PML) in female patients.Case presentationThree cases showed singler and multiple nodules in the pulmonary parenchyma,the boundary of these nodules was clear. it showed swelling growth and lobulated in larger tumors. it consisted of the mesenchymal rich in spindle cells and the glandular epithelium tissue. the spindle cells form smooth muscle tissue and fibrous tissue, the glandular epithelium with invagination showed glandular ducts or fissures, disorder of composition. Immunohistochemical staining showed Desmin, SMA,H-caldesmon-positive in the all spindle cells; H-caldesmon-positive, SMA-weak positive and desmin-negative in the long spindle cells; TTF-1,CK7 were positive in glandular epithelium and P63,CK5/6 were expressed in basal cells; HMB45,S-100,CD34, ER,PR were negative in all cells. Additionally, Ki-67 VPI was low and less than 1%. The immunohistochemical analysis combined with the morphological results supported the diagnosis of solitary PFLH (SPFLH) or multiple PFLH (M PFLH). There was no recurrence in SPFLH and recurrence in MFLH in the group.ConclusionsPFLH is a rare benign leision .It originated from the small bronchus or smooth muscle cells of vascular wall which implanted into the lung parenchyma and overgrowth into nodules or mass, the messenchymal component of PFLH is the most important for accurate pathological diagnosis, PFLH is easy to be confused with PFA and PPL when there are not enough immune marker such as SMA,desmin, H-caldesmon to mark the mesenchymal components. Therefore, Diagnosis of PFLH mainly depends on pathological examination, females patients have to exclude PML.
Laennec's Approach for Laparoscopic anatomical Hemihepatectomy
Authors: Hu Wei , Zhang Gongming , Chen Meng , Zhong Chengcheng , Li Mingxu , Li Kai , Sun Titai , Wang Zhong
Published: March 2021

Background: Laennec's capsule has been found for about 200 years. However, laparoscopic anatomical right and left hemihepatectomy (LARH and LALH) using the Laennec's approach are rarely reported. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the technical details and the surgical outcomes of 15 patients who underwent LAH via Laennec's approach between May 2017 and July 2020. The operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative complications, and hospital stay were recorded and analyzed. Results: 4 of 15 patients were diagnosed with hepatic hemangioma, 2 had hepatolithiasis, and 9 patients had primary liver cancer. During the surgery, Laennec's approach was used for LAH without conversion to open surgery. 4 patients were treated with LARH and 11 patients were cured with LALH. The operative time, blood loss, and hospital stay were 193 ± 49 min, 247 ± 120 mL and 8.7 ± 2.0 days, respectively. There was no incidence of postoperative bile leakage and bleeding. No mortality occurred. We also demonstrated that Laennec's capsule does exist around the peripheral hepatic veins with histological confirmation. Conclusions: Laennec's approach is safe and feasible for LAH. Precise isolation of Laennec's approach based on Laennec's capsule helps to standardize the surgical techniques for laparoscopic anatomical hepatectomy.
Dielectric and Piezoelectric Studies of Dysprosium Doped BZT-BCNT Perovskite Ceramic System for Sensors and Actuators Applications
Authors: Ramam Koduri , Surabhi Srivathsava , Sangam Gurumurthy , M Shilpa P , K Bindu , . Ravikirana , Mundinamani Shridhar
Published: March 2021

Perovskite structured Dy doped BZT-BCNT system has been investigated with variation of Dy doping through the solid-state reaction method. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and microscopic studies confirm the results in the rhombohedral stoichiometry without any secondary phases, and uniform grain growth, respectively. Tolerance factor and electronegativity also confirm the presence of Dy doping in BZT-BCNT ceramic system with a stable rhombohedral crystallinity forming vacancy sites for oxygen ions. Optimum piezoelectric properties in non-Pb piezoelectric ceramic systems were obtained due to trivalent donor Dy doping at A-site and pentavalent donor Nb at B-site are possible members for actuator and energy harvesters. Dielectric and piezoelectric studies signifying the rhombohedral perovskite behavior of this lead-free ceramic system confess that the proposed investigation could yield further potential piezoelectric sensors and actuators applicative futuristic studies.
Epichlorohydrine crosslinked chitosan cinnamaldehyde Schiff base: Synthesis, characterization, thermal studies and its application in adsorption of methyl green
Authors: Bashandeh Zahra , Khalaji Aliakbar Dehno
Published: March 2021

Epichlorohydrine crosslinked chitosan cinnamaldehyde Schiff base (Epy-Chit-cin) had been synthesized by the reaction of epichlorohydrine, chitosan and trans-cinnamaldehyde (weight ratio 1:1:1) and characterized by FT-IR, UV-Vis, TG-DTA, DSC and XRD. The efficiency of the prepared Epy-Chit-cin was studied for the methyl green (MG) dye removal from aqueous solutions. The effects of pH, adsorbent dosage and contact time on the adsorption process were evaluated. Results showed that the equilibrium of MG adsorption by Epy-Chit-cin was reached at 120 min contact time and the maximum adsorption capacity obtained 98.47 at the presence of 0.02 g of Epy-Chit-cin.
An NIR-Fluorophore-Based Theranostic for Selective Initiation of Tumor Pyroptosis-Induced Immunotherapy
Authors: Wang Kewei , Xiao Xuan , Jiang Maolin , Li Jisi , Zhou Jielian , Yuan Youyong
Published: March 2021

Pyroptosis is an inflammatory form of programmed cell death that can effectively eliminate malignant cells and boost anticancer immunity. However, most of the current pyroptosis inducers lack cell selectivity, which may cause severe side effects for cancer therapy. In this work, for the first time, we discovered that the commonly used near-infrared (NIR) fluorogenic hemicyanine (CyNH2) induces pyrolysis to kill cancer cells and boost antitumor immunity. Cancer cells overexpressing the NAD(P)H: quinone oxidoreductase isozyme 1 (NQO1)-responsive theranostic (NCyNH2) were designed for selective cell pyroptosis and were nonfluorescent with low toxicity before activation. In the presence of NQO1, the fluorescence of CyNH2 was restored and could selectively initiate pyroptosis of cancer cells and further lead to systemic antitumor immunity activation for solid tumor therapy. Thus, this fluorogenic NIR dye may represent a novel theranostic agent for the selective initiation of tumor pyroptosis.
Construction and Validation of Nomogram for Prediction of Metastasis in Osteosarcoma Patients
Authors: xu weilong , niu wei
Published: March 2021

Background: Osteosarcoma is one of the most common malignant tumors of the bone with poor prognosis. The present study was aimed to establish and validate nomogram to predict the risk of metastasis for individual osteosarcoma patients.Methods: 2195 osteosarcoma patients were retrospectively collected from Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was applied to promote feature selection for the metastasis signature model. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were used to discern independent predictive factors. These predictive factors were included in the nomogram to evaluate metastasis probability in osteosarcoma patients. Nomogram was validated internally and externally. Results: We randomly assigned 2195 osteosarcoma patients into the training (n = 1464) and validation (n = 731) subgroups. Age, sex, tumor grade, tumor size and use of surgery were identified as the predictive factors for the risk of metastasis (all p<0.05) and further incorporated to develop the nomogram. Predictive accuracy (AUC) for metastasis prediction were 0.7427067 in the training subgroup and 0.6798374 in the external validation subgroup, respectively. And the decision curve analysis also proved the value of the model.Conclusions: We have constructed new high-performance nomogram to assist clinicians in identifying osteosarcoma patients with high risk of metastasis.
Conbercept Versus Conbercept Combined with Retinal Photocoagulation for Macular Edema Secondary to Branch Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Tong Gengmin , Hu Yishan , Wang Dawei , Jin Yanhua
Published: March 2021

Background: To evaluate the efficacy of intravitreal injection of conbercept (IVC) with or without laser photocoagulation for recurrent macular edema secondary to branch retinal vein occlusion (BRVO). Methods: 82 patients (82 eyes) with recurrent macular edema secondary to BRVO were collected. The central macular thickness (CMT) and best corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded. Results: The BCVA in both groups was significantly superior to that before treatment (P<0.05). Compared with initial values, CMT was reduced significantly in both groups (P<0.05). But at 1 month to 6 month after treatment, there are no significant difference was observed between the two groups (P>0.05). In the combined therapy group for Hemispheric Retinal Vein Occlusion, we observed a lower number of reinjections during follow-up. Conclusion: Conbercept with or without retinal photocoagulation can effectively improve the visual acuity and reduce the CMT.
Whole Exome Sequencing of Six Chinese Families with Hereditary Non-syndromic Hearing Loss
Authors: Liang Pengfei , Chen Fengping , Wang Shujuan , Li Qiong , Li Wei , Wang Jian , Chen Jun , Zha Dingjun
Published: March 2021

Background: Hereditary non-syndromic hearing loss (NSHL) has a high genetic heterogeneity with >152 genes identified as associated molecular causes. The present study aimed to detect the possible damaging variants of the deaf probands from six unrelated Chinese families.Methods: After excluding the mutations in the most common genes, GJB2 and SLC26A4, 12 probands with prelingual deafness and autosomal recessive inheritance were evaluated by whole-exome sequencing (WES). All the candidate variants were verified by Sanger sequencing in all patients and their parents.Results:Biallelic mutations were identified in all deaf patients. Among these six families, 10 potentially causative mutations, including 3 reported and 7 novel mutations, in 3 different deafness-associated autosomal recessive (DFNB) genes (MYO15A, COL11A2, and CDH23) were identified. The mutations in MYO15A were frequent with 7/10 candidate variants. Sanger sequencing confirmed that these mutations segregated with the hearing loss of each family.Conclusions:Next-generation sequencing (NGS) approach becomes more cost-effective and efficient when analyzing large-scale genes compared to the conventional polymerase chain reaction-based Sanger sequencing, which is often used to screen common deafness-related genes. The current findings further extend the mutation spectrum of hearing loss in the Chinese population, which has a positive significance for genetic counseling.
Thematic Analysis of the Raters’ Experiences Administering Scales to Assess Depression and Suicide in Arab Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Amro Iman , Ghuloum Suhaila , Hammoudeh Samer , Hani Yahya , Yehya Arij , Al-Amin Hassen
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aimed to enhance the cultural adaptation and training on administering the Arabic versions of the Calgary Depression Scale in Schizophrenia (CDSS) and The International Scale for Suicidal Thinking (ISST) to Arab schizophrenia patients in Doha, Qatar. Methods: We applied the qualitative thematic analysis of the focus group discussions with clinical research coordinators (CRCs). Five CRCs met with the principal investigator for two sessions; we transcribed the conversations and analyzed the content. Results: This study revealed one set of themes related to the scales themselves, like the role of the clinician-patient relationship during administration, the semantic variations in Arabic dialects, and the design of scales to assess suicide and differentiate between negative symptoms and depression. The other set of themes is relevant to the sociocultural domains in Muslim Arabs, covering religion, families' role, and stigma. It also covered the approaches to culturally sensitive issues like suicide, taboos in Islam, and the gender roles in Arab countries and its impact on the patients' report of their symptoms. Conclusions: Our results highlight several cultural and religious aspects to tackle when approaching schizophrenia patients through in-depth discussions and training to improve the assessment tools and treatment services' validity.
SEPIA: Simulation-based Evaluation of Prioritization Algorithms
Authors: Almaraz Kimberly , Jang Tyler , Lewis McKenna , Ngo Titan , Song Miranda , Moshiri Niema
Published: March 2021

Background: The ability to prioritize people living with HIV by risk of future transmissions could aid public health officials in optimizing epidemiological intervention. While methods exist to perform such prioritization based on molecular data, their effectiveness and accuracy are poorly understood, and it is unclear how one can directly compare the accuracy of different methods. We introduce SEPIA (Simulation-based Evaluation of PrIoritization Algorithms), a novel simulation-based framework for determining the effectiveness of prioritization algorithms. Under several metrics of effectiveness that we propose, we utilize various properties of the simulated contact networks and transmission histories to compare existing prioritization approaches: one phylogenetic (ProACT) and one distance-based (growth of HIV-TRACE transmission clusters). Results: Using all metrics of effectiveness that we propose, ProACT consistently slightly outperformed the transmission cluster growth approach. However, both methods consistently performed just marginally better than random, suggesting that there is significant room for improvement in prioritization tools. Conclusion: We hope that, by providing ways to quantify the effectiveness of prioritization methods in simulation, SEPIA will aid researchers in developing novel tools for prioritizing people living with HIV by risk offuture transmissions.
Propensity-Score Analysis Reveals that Sex is Not a Prognosis Factor for Mortality in Intensive Care Unit-Admitted Patients with Sepsis
Authors: Ponce-Alonso Manuel , Fernández-Félix Borja M , Halperin Ana , Rodríguez-Domínguez Mario , Sánchez-Díaz Ana M , Cantón Rafael , Muriel Alfonso , Zamora Javier , Campo Rosa del
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Classically, men have been considered to have a higher incidence of infectious diseases, with controversy over the possibility that sex could condition the prognosis of the infection. The aim of the present work was to explore this assumption in patients admitted to the ICU with sepsis using a robust statistical analysis.Methods: Retrospective analysis (2006-2017) in patients with microbiologically confirmed bacteremia (n=440) by majoritarian bacterial pathogens. Risk of ICU and in-hospital mortality in males respect to females was compared by an univariant analysis and a propensity score correspondence analysis integrating their clinical characteristics. Results: Relevant differences were related to the infection source: urinary origin for females (28.7% vs 19.8%) and abdominopelvic surgery for males (8.8% vs 4.8%). Sepsis occurred more frequently in males (80.2% vs 76.1%) as well as in-hospital (48.0% vs 41.3%) and ICU (39.9% vs 36.5%) mortality. Escherichia coli was 2 times more frequent in survivors whereas Staphylococcus aureus was 3 times more frequent in deceased patients. Univariate analyses showed that males had a higher Charlson comorbidity index, a poorer McCabe prognostic score; however the propensity score in 296 patients demonstrated that females had higher risk of both ICU (OR 0.72; 95% CI 0.46 to 1.13), and in-hospital mortality (OR 0.84; 95% CI 0.55 to 1.30) but without statistical significance. Conclusion: Men with sepsis have worse clinical characteristics when admitted to the ICU, but sex has no influence on the prognosis of mortality. Our data contributes to help reduce the sex-dependent gap present in health care provision.
Metformin protects against insulin resistance induced by high uric acid in cardiomyocytes via AMPK signaling pathways in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Jiao Zhenyu , Chen Yingqun , Xie Yang , Li Yanbing , Li Zhi
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHigh uric acid (HUA) is associated with insulin resistance and abnormal glucose metabolism in cardiomyocytes. Metformin is a recognized agonist of AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) and an antidiabetic drug widely used for type 2 diabetes. It can play a cardioprotective role in many pathways. We investigated whether metformin protects against HUA-induced insulin resistance and abnormal glucose metabolism in cardiomyocytes.MethodsWe exposed primary cardiomyocytes to HUA, and cellular glucose uptake was quantified by measuring the uptake of 2-NBDG, a fluorescent glucose analog, after insulin excitation.ResultsTreatment with metformin (10 µmol/L) protected against HUA-inhibited glucose uptake induced by insulin in primary cardiomyocytes, as shown by fluorescence microscopy and flow cytometry analysis. HUA directly inhibited the phosphorylation of Akt and the translocation of glucose transporter type 4 (GLUT4) induced by insulin, which was blocked by metformin. Metformin promoted phosphorylation of AMPK, renewed HUA-inhibited glucose uptake induced by insulin and protected against insulin resistance in cardiomyocytes. As a result of these effects, in a mouse model of acute hyperuricemia, metformin improved insulin tolerance and glucose tolerance, accompanied by increased AMPK phosphorylation, Akt phosphorylation and translocation of GLUT4 in myocardial tissues. As expected, AICAR, another AMPK activator, had equivalent effects to metformin, demonstrating the important role of AMPK activation in protecting against insulin resistance induced by HUA in cardiomyocytes. Metformin protects against insulin resistance induced by HUA in cardiomyocytes and improves insulin tolerance and glucose tolerance in an acute hyperuricemic mouse model, along with the activation of AMPK.ConclusionsConsequently, metformin may be an important potential new treatment strategy for hyperuricemia-related cardiovascular disease.
Head to head comparison of (R)-[11C]verapamil and [18F]MC225 in non-human primates, tracers for measuring P-glycoprotein function
Authors: Varela Lara Garcia , García David Vállez , Aguiar Pablo , Kakiuchi Teratuka , Ohba Hiroyuki , Harada Norihiro , Nishiyama Shingo , Tago Tetsuro , Elsinga Philip H. , Tsukada Hideo , Colabufo Nicola A. , Dierckx Rudi A.J.O. , Waarde Aren van , Toyohara Jun , Boellaard Ronald , Luurtsema Gert
Published: March 2021

Purpose

P-glycoprotein (P-gp) function is altered in several brain disorders; thus, it is of interest to monitor the P-gp function in vivo using PET. (R)-[11C]verapamil is considered as the gold standard tracer to measure the P-gp function, however, it presents some drawbacks that limit its use. New P-gp tracers have been developed with improved properties, such as [18F]MC225. This study compares the characteristics of (R)-[11C]verapamil and [18F]MC225 in the same subjects.
Methods

Three non-human primates underwent 4 PET scans: 2 with (R)-[11C]verapamil and 2 with [18F]MC225, at baseline and after P-gp inhibition. The 30-min PET data were analyzed using 1-TCM and metabolite-corrected-plasma as input function. Tracer kinetic parameters at baseline and after-inhibition were compared. Regional differences and simplified methods to quantify the P-gp function were also assessed.
Results

At baseline, [18F]MC225 VT values were higher and k2 values were lower than those of (R)-[11C]verapamil, whereas K1 values were not significantly different. After-inhibition, VT values of the 2 tracers were similar, however, (R)-[11C]verapamil K1 and k2 values were higher than those of [18F]MC225. Significant regional differences between tracers were found at baseline, which disappeared after inhibition. The positive slope of the SUV-TAC was positively correlated to the K1 and VT of both tracers.
Conclusion

[18F]MC225 and (R)-[11C]verapamil show comparable sensitivity to measure the P-gp function in non-human primates. Moreover, this study highlights the 30-min VT as the best parameter to measure decreases in the P-gp function with both tracers. [18F]MC225 may become the first radiofluorinated tracer able to measure decreases and increases in the P-gp function due to its higher baseline VT.
Contribution of intraoperative stimulation mapping to glioblastoma surgery within or adjacent to descending motor pathways: survival analysis and functional outcome comparison between two series in a single institution
Authors: Chuang Jimmy Ming-Jung , Lin Li-Han , Chen Meng-Hsiang , Lin Wei-Che , Lu Cheng-Hsien , Huang Yu-Jie , Hsu Shih-Yuan , Chen Wu-Fu , Ho Jih-Tsun
Published: March 2021

Purpose Extensive resection probably confers a modest survival advantage in patients with glioblastoma. Studies have revealed the positive effects of intraoperative stimulation mapping (ISM) on the extent of resection, but no consensus for contribution of intraoperative stimulation mapping is reached. Methods This retrospective study enrolled two groups of patients who underwent surgery for motor-eloquent glioblastoma: the non-ISM group of 57 patients (surgery in 2008–2013) and ISM group of 13 patients (surgery in 2014–2015). The two groups and subgroups based on resection extent and postoperative additional neurological deficit were compared using Kaplan–Meier analysis and the log-rank test. Results Gross or near total resection (≥ 90% resection quality) was significantly more common in the ISM group than the non-ISM group (76.9% versus 24.6%; p = 0.001). The extent of resection was also significantly greater (90.5% ± 15.6% versus 64.6% ± 29.2%; p = 0.002). The neurological outcome in the ISM group was thus superior, but the two differences were not significant. The median progression-free survival time was significantly longer in the ISM group (22.0 ± 5.1 months vs 8.0 ± 1.0 months; p = 0.037) but a significant difference was not indicated in median overall survival time (22.0 ± 8.4 months vs 16.0 ± 2.2 months; p = 0.167). Conclusion ISM was discovered to lead to higher quality of resection and delayed recurrence. The neurological outcome and median overall survival time in the ISM group was thus superior, but the two differences were not significant. Trial registration number (for clinical trials) Nil
Reported paranormal experiences associated with improved outcomes of personal development workshops
Authors: Wahbeh Helané , Vieten Cassandra , Yount Garret , Cartry-Jacobsen Agnes , Radin Dean , Delorme Arnaud
Published: March 2021

We explored personal development workshops’ transformative effects by evaluating participants’ transformative, noetic, transpersonal, and relational experiences during workshops and their association with interconnectedness, well-being, and extended perception measure changes in a prospective, uncontrolled, within-participant design study. Participants reported positive changes that a majority felt would affect their behavior and relationships. Perceived contact with the dead was associated with an increased interconnectedness, as was a meaningful experience with wildlife or animals. A meaningful experience with a person, place, or thing was associated with increased well-being. These analyses support the idea that engaging in personal development workshops is positively transformative.
HIV and contraceptive use in Zimbabwe amongst sexually active adolescent girls and women: Secondary analysis of Zimbabwe Demographic Health survey data
Authors: Musuka Godfrey , Mukandavire Zindoga , Murewanhema Grant , Chingombe Innocent , Cuadros Diego F , Mutenherwa Farirai , Dzinamarira Tafadzwa , Eghtessadi Rouzeh , Malunguza Noble , Mapingure Munyaradzi
Published: March 2021

Objective
To describe contraceptive usage amongst HIV positive and negative sexually active adolescent girls and women using data from the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey (2015-16).

Methods
We used statistical analysis to determine the association between use of various methods of contraception and HIV status using the Zimbabwe Demographic and Health Survey, 2015-16 data.

Results: Sexually active adolescent girls and women on the pill and on injections were less likely to be HIV positive compared to those not using any method of contraception, odds ratio (95% confidence interval) 0.54 (0.45-0.64), p=0.001 and 0.75 (0.59-0.96), p=0.020 respectively. Those using either a male or female condom were more likely to be HIV positive, OR (95%CI) 3.36 (2.63-4.28), p=0.001.

Conclusions: This study corroborates that the use of implants and intrauterine contraceptive devices is very low both among the HIV-positive and HIV-negative sexually active adolescent girls and women, with no statistically significant differences between the two groups. However, statistically significant differences were noted in the use of condoms (13% versus 3%, p=0.001), with those who are HIV positive having a higher usage of condoms compared to those who are HIV negative. This may reflect that HIV positive individuals have received appropriate counselling messages on the need to protect their sexual partners.
Digitization of Economic Systems and Human Capital: Enterprise, Region, National Economy
Authors: Melnyk L.Hr. , Karintseva O.I. , Kubatko O.V. , Sotnyk I.M. , Zavdovieva Yu.M.
Published: March 2021

The article examines the process of digitization in two contexts: first, as the transition of technical and economic systems from analog to digital methods of recording information; secondly, as a phase transition to a new model of organization of economic systems, which can be conditionally called the "digital economy". The economic effects of digitalization (in the first sense) are analyzed: the advantages of digital storage of information (in particular, the effects of quality and cost); savings on technological simplification; effects of using digital clones; communication effects from the universality of digital language; effects of dematerialization of technological and transport operations; effects of virtualization of production systems.
Characterizing the digital economy, which is aimed at the transformation of economic systems, the authors identify the following key components: alternative energy, additive technologies (3D-printing); digital communication channels; horizontal distributed networks, information technologies in production and consumption; digital business models and platforms; globalization of society, new social relations and solidarity economy, artificial intelligence and the Internet of Things, cloud technologies, digitalization of public life. Depending on the links between the three types of entities (consumers, business structures of business and government organizations), different business models of economic activity are characterized. Factors of increase of efficiency of economic subjects in the conditions of digital economy are allocated, in particular, at the expense of: economy of expenses, increase in production volumes, growth of labor productivity, optimization of processes of pricing. Emphasis is placed on the growing role of man in the processes of digitalization of the economy. The components of digital human competencies are characterized. The importance of human free access to information is emphasized.
Modern Trends in the Development of Renewable Energy: the Experience of the EU and Leading Countries of the World
Authors: Melnyk L.Hr. , Derykolenko O.N. , Mazin Yu.O. , Matsenko O.I. , Piven V.S.
Published: March 2021

Energy security and independence is one of the key points in sustainable development. In modern conditions of rapid growth and development of technologies, more and more attention is paid to finding practical solutions for environmentally friendly and inexpensive energy production. For a long time, scientists from various fields of scientific activity around the world have been engaged in the development and use of alternative energy sources. The share of renewable energy sources in the generation of electricity around the world is growing steadily, which indicates an increase in the use of energy obtained from alternative sources, such as, for example, wind and sun. These trends testify to the desire of consumers to abandon the use of fossil energy sources and nuclear power plants as much as possible in order to ensure further sister development. Under the current conditions of the COVID-19 pandemic, the demand for electricity worldwide has decreased, however, as the study shows, this pandemic has not affected the development of renewable energy. The article analyzes modern trends in the development of renewable energy, taking into account the experience of the EU countries and leading countries of the world in this area. As a result, it was concluded that in modern conditions, to achieve sustainable development, transformation processes are needed in such an important area as energy. Various processes in the global economy, which contributed to the intensive development of alternative energy sources, served as a powerful impetus for such changes. Many countries have made significant progress in the development of renewable energy.
Self-Regulated Learning Strategy Instructions in Reading Comprehension Skill Learning During Outbreak Era
Authors: Nurjanah Ratih Laily , Pratama Mochamad Rizqi Adhi
Published: March 2021

The online learning should be limited by principles and apply proper strategies. One of them is Self-Regulated Learning (SRL) strategy. Applying this strategy must be guided by proper instructions and procedures. In reading skill teaching and learning, this strategy is considered suitable to make students learn independently without letting them lost in the processes. This study aims to; 1) develop tasks instructions on reading comprehension skill to help students learn independently during outbreak era, 2) get students’ perspectives on how SRL works on them. The method is research and development cycle. The students’ perspectives are measured using Likert scale. The results showed that there need to be specific and clear instructions stating time, purposes of the tasks, giving students log to monitor their learning process, encouraging them to get help from lecturers or peers, and encouraging themselves to evaluate the process to find proper strategy for them.
The Graphic Organizers (GOs) in the Development of Communicative Skills in Class Presentation
Authors: Aprianto Dedi , Murapi Ikang
Published: March 2021

This study aims at uncovering on how a language skill could properly be embedded to import another skill’s impact. The effectiveness of GOs with patterned structures and their functions can facilitate English spoken proficiency in class presentation. In order to obtain the formulated research purpose, non-participation observation had been carried out in support with video-recording. The positive effectiveness of GOs could be varying towards certain English proficiency levels; however, the negative impacts produced by the elementary learners indicate the psychological problems and the technical problems. GOs could worthily be as recommended ELL media, since they can effectively stimulate EFL intermediate learners’ intrinsic elements of learning achievement. Those therefore could effectively scaffold the intermediate learners through questioning technique in form of guided-Graphic Organizers (GOs). GOs could dynamically be incorporated into multimodal ways; by re-writing, chronological overview, and note-taking which would be employed by the upper intermediate learners. There are three situations which must be required for advanced learners; experiences-associated learning, topic-based selection, and the comprehensive understanding of GOs concepts and the topics of reading passages. Thereby, GOs can be regarded as marvelous strategies that can positively contribute to induce EFL learners’ psychological achievements and effectively promote English speaking performance.
The Students’ Problems and Solutions in Writing an Argumentative Essay on Gender Issue
Authors: Setyowati Lestari , Agustina Fadiah , Sukmawan Sony , El-Sulukiyyah Ana Ahsana , Mabaroh Barotun
Published: March 2021

This study is intended to find out the students’ problems and their solutions in writing argumentative essays.  The subjects of this study were the fourth-semester students of English Education study program, Faculty of Pedagogy and Psychology, University of PGRI Wiranegara in the academic year 2019-2020. This study used Byrne’s classification in 1995 about writing problems, namely psychological, linguistic, and cognitive. This uses descriptive quantitative design. The instruments were documentation of the students’ writing tasks and interviews. The result shows the almost all students have no problems in making thesis statements and refutations for their argumentative essay regarding gender issue. The students’ psychological problems are anxiety, nervousness, the feeling of pressure in timed writing and perfect work, a negative expectation in writing, and low self-confidence.  For the linguistic problems, the result from both data indicated that students faced problems in tenses, word-class, word formation, the use of the article, and word error. While the cognitive problems faced by the students are being ignorant in the use of punctuation, short knowledge in giving appropriate examples and details in the body of the essay, and lack of knowledge in writing reference. The solutions proposed by the students, among others are to have more readings on the topic, to be self-motivated learners, to propose untimed writing to the lecturer, and to use writing tools applications.
Exploring English Learners’ Engagement and Their Roles in the Online Language Course
Authors: Sari Fatimah Mulya
Published: March 2021

In technology-enhanced language learning, student engagement and roles of learners are being popular to be exposed to a better understanding of their progress on their performance of learning, and possible pitfalls in the online language classes during the study-from-home program in the times of COVID-19. This article attempts to explore the students’ perceptions of their engagement in the online learning process. It also investigates the prominent learners’ roles in the online learning environment and the possible factors affecting their engagement or participation in the online learning process. An exploratory research design was applied to this study. The subjects were a hundred and sixty-five undergraduate students from the English Literature Department and the English Education Department. The data collected were from a questionnaire that was distributed using Google Form link via WhatsApp Group, an online interview through the ZOOM meeting, and online observation through learning management systems (LMS) Moodle used by the students. Results show that most students conveyed positive responses toward their online engagement. There were also three most prominent learners’ roles identified. These roles covered active learning, problem solvers, and knowledge seeker. Besides, most students expressed that the number of compulsory task submissions, content courses, unstable internet connection, and limited internet data become the learning factors that might demotivate them to accomplish the online activities and complete the online language course. Thus, course creators or teachers should reconsider using appropriate and effective online learning activities and online learning objects to enhance the students’ active engagement in the online course.
G-TOLERANCE OF THE ISS CREW DURING THE BALLISTIC LANDING AFTER OFF-NOMINAL LAUNCH OF SPACE VEHICLE SOYUZ
Authors:   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Glebova Т.М. , Koloteva M.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Orlov O.I. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Ovchinin A.N. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow, Vasin A.V. ,   Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center, Star city, Moscow region, Konovalova I.V. ,   Gagarin Research & Test Cosmonaut Training Center, Star city, Moscow region, Salnikov A.V. ,   Institute of Biomedical Problems of the Russian Academy of Sciences, Moscow
Published: March 2021

Tolerance of the chest-to-back accelerations (+Gx) at the peak value of 6.7 g was evaluated in two Soyuz crew members after the ballistic landing following the off-nominal launch. G-tolerance of CM-1 was evaluated as good based on analysis of reported subjective sensations and results of objective physiological investigations. CM-2 tolerance was also evaluated as good though using the available results of objective investigations only. CM-1 appreciated highly the ground-based emergency training, including centrifuge sessions.
DNA Interaction and Cytotoxic studies on Mono/Di-Oxo and Peroxo- Vanadium (V) complexes - A Review
Authors: Kothandan Saraswathi , Sheela Angappan
Published: March 2021

Vanadium is considered to be biologically significant and several vanadium IV & V complexes
have successfully been studied as chemotherapeutic agents like insulin mimetic, antibacterial,
antioxidant, and anticancer activities. The divergent ligand systems also play a pivotal role in designing
the metal complex with desired properties. Thus, the combination of both with their synergistic
advantages results in a potential drug candidate. Different mechanistic pathways have been proposed
to explain the antitumor effects of vanadium complexes, including induction of tyrosine residues
phosphorylation, inhibition of key protein tyrosine phosphatases (PTPases), which in turn promote the
activation of the extracellular regulated kinase cascading (ERK) pathway. In the current review, we
have summarized the work on vanadium (V) complexes based on different ligand systems and their
biological significance as an anticancer lead compound.
Human Recombinant Relaxin (Serelaxin) as Anti-fibrotic Agent: Pharmacology, Limitations and Actual Perspectives
Authors: Sassoli Chiara , Nistri Silvia , Chellini Flaminia , Bani Daniele
Published: March 2021

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Relaxin (recombinant human relaxin-2 hormone; RLX-2; serelaxin) had raised expectations as a new medication for fibrotic diseases. A plethora of in vitro and in vivo studies have offered convincing demonstrations that relaxin promotes remodelling of connective tissue extracellular matrix mediated by inhibition of multiple fibrogenic pathways, especially the downstream signalling of transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1, a major pro-fibrotic cytokine, and the recruitment and activation of myofibroblast, the main fibrosis-generating cells. However, all clinical trials with relaxin in patients with fibrotic diseases gave inconclusive results. In this review, we have summarized the molecular mechanisms of fibrosis, highlighting those which can be effectively targeted by relaxin. Then, we have performed a critical reappraisal of the clinical trials performed to-date with relaxin as anti-fibrotic drug, in order to highlight their key points of strength and weakness and to identify some future opportunities for the therapeutic use of relaxin, or its analogues, in fibrotic diseases and pathologic scarring which, in our opinion, deserve to be investigated.
A Review of Preparation Methods for Heterogeneous Catalysts
Authors: Israf Ud Din  , Nasir Qazi , Garba Mustapha D. , Alharthi Abdulrahman I. , Alotaibi Mshari A. , Usman Muhammad
Published: March 2021

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Catalysts contribute significantly to the industrial revolution in terms of reaction rates and reduction in production costs. Extensive research has been documented on various industrial catalysis in the last few decades. The performance of catalysts is influenced by many parameters, including synthesis methods. The current work overviews the most common methods applied for the synthesis of supported catalysts. This review presents the detailed background, principles, and mechanism of each preparation method. The advantages and limitations of each method have also been elaborated in detail. In addition, the applications of each method in terms of catalyst synthesis have been documented in the present review paper.
Image Integration Procedures in Multisensory Medical Images: A Comprehensive
Survey of the State-of-the-art Paradigms
Authors: Dogra Ayush , Ahuja Chirag Kamal , Kumar Sanjeev
Published: March 2021

Background:

Obtaining the medical history from a patient is a tedious task for doctors
as it depends on a lot of factors which are difficult to keep track from a patient’s perspective. Doctors
have to rely upon technological tools to make a swift and accurate judgment about the patient’s
health.

Introduction:

Out of many such tools, there are two special imaging modalities known as X-ray -
Computed Tomography (CT) and Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI) which are of significant importance
in the medical world assisting the diagnosis process.

Method:

The advancement in signal processing theory and analysis has led to the design and implementation
of a large number of image processing and fusion algorithms. Each of these methods
has evolved in the terms of their computational efficiency and visual results over the years

Result:

Various researches have revealed their properties in terms of their efficiency and outreach
and it has been concluded that image fusion can be a very suitable process that can help to compensate
for the drawbacks.

Conclusion:

In this manuscript, recent state-of-the-art techniques have been used to fuse these image
modalities and established its need and importance in a more intuitive way with the help of a
wide range of assessment parameters.