bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Knowledge, Attitude and Practices of Self-Medication Among Community Pharmacy Consumers' Perspectives in Derna City, Libya
Authors: Asmaa Abdulaziz A. Rabee  , Raga A. Elzahaf  , Yahya Saber E. Mansour  , Nusieba A. Mohammed Ibrahim
Published: January 2021

Self-medication may be associated with side effects and increases the chance of drug interactions and also affects the potency of treatment and quality of life. This study aims to estimate knowledge, attitude and pharmacy practices concerning the usage of the drugs without prescription and identifying demographic factors that could influence self-medication among the consumers of community pharmacy in Derna- Libya. Cross-sectional study was conducted among 389 participants randomly selected depending on multi-stage random sampling technique. Data were collected by using a structured questionnaire distributed over 10 different regions in Derna city. This study continued over2 months, in our result 215 (55.3%) of total participant used the self medication, most of them were male, the mean age of participants was 37.40±13.190 ranged from 14 to 83 years, most of participants 179(46%) were in university level, 235(60.4%) were in low-income level and 214(55%) were employee.  In our result 111(28.5%) of participants had low level of knowledge regarding the safety of self-medication, 186 (47.8%) don’t known OTC medication and prescription only medication. Based on the attitude total score 215 participants had negative attitude toward self-medications, 159(40.9%) always purchase the medication without prescription, the most common reason for taking self-medication was that there was no need to visit the doctor for minor illness. And the most of medication dispensed without prescription were analgesics antipyretics for cases of cold and flu as well as in pain. Pharmacy practices were good, most of pharmacist provided information about drug interactions if taking this medicine without a prescription (84.6%) and did not face difficulties to find information about the medicine.
Initial Multitarget Approach Shows Importance for Improved Caprine Arthritis-encephalitis Virus Control Program in Russia for Hobbyist Goat Farms
Authors: Shuralev Eduard A. , Khammadov Nail I. , Osyanin Konstantin A. , Elizarova Inna A. , Salmanova Gaysha R. , Shamaev Nikolai D. , Petrov Sergei V. , Kazarian Gevorg G. , Whelan Clare , Saushkin Nikolai Y. , Samsonova Jeanne V. , Galimzyanov Ilsur G. , Efimova Marina A. , Khaertynov Kamil S. , Faizov Tagir K. , Mukminov Malik N. , Ivanov Arkadiy V.
Published: January 2021

Aim: The aim of this study was to use a multi target approach to testing with both serological tests and an in-house real-time molecular test to investigate the prevalence of the caprine arthritis-encephalitis virus (CAEV) in goats from three hobbyist farms in the Republic of Tatarstan, Russia. Materials and Methods: We have approached the detection of using a multi target approach testing with both ELISA and an in-house real-time PCR test to investigate the prevalence of CAEV in goats. Animals from three hobbyist farms were used in this study. The animals from two farms (n=13 for F1 and n=8 for F2) had clinical signs of arthritis and mastitis. In the third farm (n=15 for F3), all goats were homebred and had no contact with imported animals. Results: CAEV antibodies (ELISA targets TM env and gag genes) were detected in serum samples from two farms (F1 and F2), indicating a seroprevalence 87.50-92.31%. Specific CAEV antibodies were also detected in milk samples. CAEV proviral DNA was detected in 53.85-62.50%. Results from all tests performed in the third farm (F3) were negative, indicting all tests were 100% specific.Conclusion: Results of this work show that CAEV is circulating and present in small hobbyist goat farms in Russia. Serological and molecular tests could be of importance for CAEV control and eradication programs in Russia for hobbyist goat farms.
Teaching Anxiety, Stress and Resilience during the COVID-19 Pandemic: Evaluating the Vulnerability of Academic Professionals in Mexico through the Adapted COVID-19 Stress Scales
Authors: Delgado-Gallegos Juan Luis , Padilla-Rivas Gerardo R. , Zuñiga-Violante Erika , Avilez-Rodriguez Gener , Arrellanos Soto Daniel , Franco-Villareal Hector , Cosio-León María de los Angeles , Romo-Cardenas Gerardo Salvador , Islas Jose Francisco
Published: January 2021

To mitigate the COVID-19 infection, many world governments endorsed the cessation of non-essential activities, such as the school attendance. Thereby, forcing the evolution of the teaching model to the virtual classroom. In the present work we show the application of a modified version of the adapted COVID-19 stress scales (ACSS) which also included teaching anxiety and preparedness, and resilience for academic professionals in Mexico, during the unprecedented transformation of the education system undergone in the COVID-19 quarantine. Most of the studied variables: gender, age, academic degree, household occupants, having a disease, teaching level, teaching mode, work hours, resilience, teaching anxiety and preparedness, and fear of being an asymptomatic patient (FOBAP), showed significant statistical correlation between each other (p<0.050) and to the 6 areas of the ACSS (danger, contamination, social economical, xenophobia, traumatic stress and compulsive checking). Our results further showed that the perceived stress and anxiety, fell into the category of absent to mild with only the danger section of the ACSS falling into the moderate category. Finally, resilience generated throughout the quarantine, seems to be a predictor of the adaptation the academic professional has undergone to cope with stress.
Effects of Essential oils of Elettaria cardamomum Grown in India and Guatemala on Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, and Gastrointestinal Disorders
Authors: Alam Aftab , Rehman Najeeb Ur , Ansari Mohd Nazam , Palla Amber
Published: January 2021

The present study examined the volatile composition and antimicrobial and gastrointestinal activity of the essential oils of Elettaria cardamomum (L.) Maton harvested in India (EC-I) and Guatemala (EC-G). Monoterpene were present in higher concentration in EC-I (83.24%) than in EC-G (73.03%), whereas sesquiterpenes were present in higher concentration in EC-G (18.35%) than in EC-I (9.27%). Minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) of 0.5 and 0.1 mg/mL were demonstrated against Pseudomonas aeruginosa in EC-I and EC-G, respectively, whereas MICs of 0.125 and 1 mg/mL were demonstrated against Escherichia coli in EC-I and EC-G, respectively. The treatment with control had the highest kill-time potential, whereas the treatment with oils had shorter kill-time. EC-I was found to be more potent in the castor oil-induced diarrhoea model than EC-G. At 100 and 200 mg/kg, EC-I exhibited 40% and 80% protection, respectively, and EC-G exhibited 20% and 60% protection, respectively, in mice, whereas loperamide (positive control) exhibited 100% protection. In the in vitro experiments, EC-I inhibited both carbachol (CCh, 1 µM) and high K+ (80 mM)-induced contractions at significantly lower concentrations than EC-G. Thus, EC-I significantly inhibited P. aeruginosa and E. coli and exhibited more potent antidiarrheal and antispasmodic effects than EC-G.
High Frequency of Viral Co-Detections in Acute Bronchiolitis
Authors: PETAT Hortense , GAJDOS Vincent , ANGOULVANT Francois , VIDALAIN Pierre-Olivier , CORBET Sandrine , MARGUET Christophe , BROUARD Jacques , VABRET Astrid , AR GOUILH Meriadeg
Published: January 2021

Over two years (2012-2014), 719 nasopharyngeal samples were collected from 6 weeks to 12 months old infants presenting at emergency department with moderate to severe acute bronchiolitis. Viral testing was performed and we found 98% positive samples including 90% Respiratory Syncytial Virus, 34% Human Rhino Virus, and 55% viral co-detections with predominance of RSV/HRV co-infections (30%). Interestingly, we found that the risk of being infected by HRV is higher in the absence of RSV, suggesting interferences or exclusion mechanisms between these two viruses. Conversely, Coronavirus infection had no impact on the likelihood of co-infection involving HRV and RSV. Bronchiolitis is the leading cause of hospitalizations in infants before 12 months of age, and many questions about its role in the later chronic respiratory diseases (asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease) do exist. Role of virus detection and burden of viral codetections need to be further explored, in order to understand the physiopathology of chronic respiratory diseases, a major public health issue.
Education and work under the perspective of LGBTQIA+ students from the Federal Institute of Sergipe
Authors: Medeiros Milene Soares de , Santos Elza Ferreira
Published: January 2021

This article addresses the relationship among education, work and gender based on the analysis of interviews with students from the Instituto Federal de Sergipe (IFS) who declare themselves to be LGBTQIA + (lesbians, transsexual gays, transgenders, queers, intersexuals, asexuals and other categories of gender). It aims to bring reflections upon the challenges faced by LGBTQIA + people in educational and professional environment, as well as on the role of school and professional education in the construction of subjects, deconstruction of gender stereotypes and preparation for the work enviroment. Through bibliographic studies, some research data are presented that point to this reality. The theoretical contribution are the studies of Butler (2007, 2018), Louro (2007, 2008, 2013, 2014, 2018), Dubar (2006, 2012); Bauman (2001, 2005) Ramos (2005, 2008, 2017) among others that demonstrate the relationship among school, society, work and gender. Therefore, it is maintained that the development of discussions and actions that involve gender at school and at work is fundamental, giving students a critical-reflective training, which allows them a dignified insertion in the work enviroment, according to their choices and consequently transformation of their social context.
Sociodemographic factors associated with academic goals in university students in times of the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Garay Jessica Paola Palacios , Flores Jorge Luis Escalante , Calle Juan Carlos Chumacero , Tamashiro-Tamashiro Jaime
Published: January 2021

Motivational processes in students are oriented to the fulfillment of academic goals, therefore, it is one of the significant variables of the study, for this, a student-centered approach was adopted. The present research set out to determine the association of sociodemographic factors with the academic goals of university students from a private university; The sample consisted of 1,400 students from the Health career: 659 (47.1%) were male and 741 (52.9%) were female; The approach was quantitative, of the substantive type, descriptive level, under the non-experimental cross-sectional design; a sociodemographic record was used. Regarding academic goals, the CMA questionnaire was administered. The results showed that the academic goals are associated with the variables sex, age, school of origin and hours of study of the students who participated, since the significance was p <0.05. The data obtained allowed to qualify and quantify the importance of motivation as a transcendent component for the fulfillment of the proposed objectives.
Isolation and Homology Analysis of Alanine Aminotransferase Gene of Barley, Foxtail Millet, Cucumber, and Tomato
Authors: Sisharmini Atmitri , Apriana Aniversari , Santoso Tri Joko , Purwoko Bambang Sapta , Khumaida Nurul , Trijatmiko Kurniawan Rudi
Published: January 2021

Overexpression of alanine aminotransferase (AlaAT) gene can improve nitrogen use efficiency (NUE) in plants. The previous isolated AlaAT genes cannot be freely applied to generate NUE plants due to IPR restriction. Therefore, isolation of the gene from targeted monocot and dicot plants is necessary. The objectives of this study were to isolate AlaAT genes from barley, foxtail millet, cucumber, and tomato and analyze their homology to other isolated AlaAT genes in sequence databases (gene bank). Total RNA was isolated from roots of barley, foxtail millet, cucumber, and tomato, and then converted into cDNA using reverse transcription method. The cDNA was then cloned into pGEM®-T Easy plasmid and the verified clones were sequenced. The amino acid sequences were analyzed for their homologies using Clustal Omega software and phylogenetic tree was constructed. The results showed that the amino acids of AlaAT gene from barley was different from AlaAT genes of tomato and cucumber with homology level less than 80%. Phylogenetic tree predicted that AlaAT genes clustered into three groups with AlaAT genes of foxtail millet and barley clustered in one group together with other monocots in group I. AlaAT genes derived from dicots clustered into two groups in which AlaAT gene of tomato clustered in group II, while that of cucumber was in group III. The identity differences of AlaAT gene of tomato and that of cucumber as well as the estimates of the same enzymatic functions can open up enormous opportunities in genetic engineering research for the development of NUE rice.
Bacinella, a discrete type of Mesozoic calcimicrobial structure
Authors:   Association Carnets de Géologie, Granier Bruno
Published: January 2021

The controversy surrounding Bacinella irregularis Radoičić, 1959, and Lithocodium aggregatum Elliott, 1956, has involved both sedimentologists and paleontologists. Arguments to exclude them from the Codiaceae are reviewed. The same arguments may be advanced to exclude their ascription to most other organisms. The only hypothesis resisting all elements of disproof is that of a consortium involving microbial communities. Accordingly, these structures are treated here as biosedimentary structures, namely bacinella structures, and not as taxa. One of the features specific to the organisms that built these structures is their strong corroding ability, as shown by the examples of fossils partly or fully cannibalized. This represents one state of corrosion beyond surficial etching and borings. Besides their capacity to corrode calcareous substrates, these microbial organisms formed nodules or oncoids and even built biostromes, which, depending on their stage of development, may have formed soft, firm or even hard substrates. However, to our knowledge, microbial communities contributing to bacinella structures never built up any bioherm. To complete this summary review, a building-block model that coherently takes into account most architectural variations is presented in the form of a figure sketch. The endolithic foraminifer Troglotella incrustans, which is commonly found associated with bacinella structures, is not an encruster or a borer. Lastly, contrary to certain erroneous hypotheses, no major bacinella episode has been ever found coeval with any significant Oceanic Anoxic Event.
Simulated Annealing Algorithm-Based Inversion Model To Interpret Flow Rate Profiles and Fracture Parameters for Horizontal Wells in Unconventional Gas Reservoirs
Authors: Luo Hongwen , Li Ying , Li Haitao , Cui Xiaojiang , Chen Zhangxin
Published: January 2021

With the increasing application of distributed temperature sensing (DTS) in downhole monitoring for multifractured horizontal wells (MFHWs), well performance interpretation by inversing DTS data has become a popular topic around the world. However, because of the lack of efficient inversion models, great challenges still exist in interpreting flow rate profiles and fracture parameters for MFHWs in unconventional gas reservoirs from DTS data.

In this paper, a robust inversion system is developed to interpret flow rate profiles and fracture parameters for MFHWs in unconventional gas reservoirs by inversion of DTS data. A temperature prediction model serves as a forward model to simulate the temperature behaviors of MFHWs. A new inversion model based on a simulated annealing (SA) algorithm is proposed to find inversion solutions to flow rate profiles and fracture parameters. The simulated results of temperature behaviors indicate that the temperature profile of each MFHW is irregularly serrated, and the temperature drop in each serration is positively correlated with the inflow rate and fracture half-length. These results provide an excellent method to identify and locate effective hydraulic fractures for field MFHWs. Because of the far more significant influence of fracture half-length than conductivity on a temperature profile, fracture half-length was chosen as the inversion target parameter when performing the inversion of DTS data for MFHWs. Then a synthetic inversion task was accomplished using the SA algorithm-based inversion system, and it took only 110 iterations to reach the target inversion accuracy (10−6 level). Real-time inversion error distributions indicate that this novel inversion system shows great advantages in computational efficiency. Finally, a field application in a shale gas reservoir is presented to validate the reliability of the new inversion model. Based on accurate identification of effective fractures from DTS profiles, satisfactory inversion solutions (the maximum temperature deviation of less than 0.03 K) are obtained. The absolute error of the inversed gas production rate is less than 4 m3/d. The SA algorithm-based inversion system proves reliable to interpret flow rate profiles and fracture parameters, which is a great help to postfracturing evaluation and productivity improvement for MFHWs in unconventional gas reservoirs.
Deep seismic faulting triggered by nano-crystallization of wadsleyite from olivine
Authors: Ohuchi Tomohiro , Higo Yuji , Tange Yoshinori , Sakai Takeshi , Irifune Tetsuo
Published: January 2021

Activity of deep earthquakes, which increases with depth from ~400 km to a peak at ~600 km and abruptly decreases to zero at 680 km, is enigmatic, because brittle failure is unlikely to occur under the corresponding pressures of 13−24 GPa. It has been suggested that pressure-induced phase transformations of olivine in subducted slabs are responsible for occurrence of the deep earthquakes, based on deformation experiments under pressure. However, most experiments were made using analogue materials of mantle olivine and at pressures below ~5 GPa, which are not applicable directly to the actual slabs. Here we report the results of deformation experiments combined with in situ X-ray observations and acoustic emission measurements on (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 olivine at 11−17 GPa and 960−1250 K. We find that shear cracking followed by rapid formation of nano-crystalline wadsleyite on the crack surface is essential for the occurrence of faulting, which is observed only at temperatures around 1160 K. The faulting is accompanied by intense acoustic emissions and partial melting, which is likely to be induced by rapid sliding and adiabatic shear heating along the weak layer of nano-crystalline wadsleyite. In contrast, the olivine to ringwoodite transformation in (Mg,Fe)2SiO4 olivine would not cause such faulting because of the slow diffusion creep of ultrafine-grained ringwoodite. Our findings suggest the transformational faulting occurs on the surface of the metastable olivine wedge in subducted slabs, leading to deep earthquakes in the limited depth range.
An Investigation Into the Beneficial Effects of High-Dose Interferon beta 1-a, Compared to Low-Dose Interferon Beta 1-a (the base therapeutic regimen) in moderate to severe COVID-19
Authors: Darazam Ilad Alavi , Hatami Firouze , Rabiei Mohammad Mahdi , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Shabani Minoosh , Shokouhi Shervin , Moradi Omid , Gharehbagh Farid Javandoust , Mirtalaee Nasrinsadat , Negahban Halimeh , Amirdosara Mahdi , Zangi Masoud , Hajiesmaeili Mohammadreza , Kazempour Muhanna , Shafigh Navid
Published: January 2021

Introduction: Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been a serious obstacle in front of public health. Interferon-beta 1a (IFN-β 1a) has been used to treat patients with COVID-19. We aimed to compare the effectiveness of high-dose IFN-β 1a compared to low dose IFN-β 1a in moderate to severe COVID-19 cases.Methods: In this randomized, controlled, and clinical trial, eligible patients with confirmed SARS-CoV-2 infections were randomly assigned to receive one of the two following therapeutic regimens: The intervention group was treated with high-dose IFN-β 1a (Recigen) (Subcutaneous injections of 88μg (24,000 IU) on days 1, 3, 6) + lopinavir /ritonavir (Kaletra) and the control group was treated with low-dose IFN-β 1a (Recigen) (Subcutaneous injections of 44μg (12,000 IU) on days 1, 3, 6) + lopinavir /ritonavir (Kaletra) (400mg/100 mg twice a day for 10 days, orally, in two groups). Result: A total of 168 COVID- 19 confirmed patients underwent randomization; 83 were assigned to the intervention group and 85 were assigned to the control group. Median Time To Clinical Improvement (TTIC) for cases treated with low-dose IFN-β1a was shorter than that for cases treated with high-dose IFN-β1a (6 vs10 days). Due to differences between some baseline clinical factors between intervention and control group, we performed an adjusted analysis. The model failed to reach a significant difference between two groups. Conclusion: The use of high-dose IFN-β 1a did not improve TTCI in hospitalized patients with moderate to severe COVID-19. Also, it did not have any significant effect on mortality reduction compared with treating with low-dose IFN-β 1a.Trial registration: The trial was confirmed by the Ethics in Medical Research Committee of the Shahid Beheshti University of Medical Sciences. Signed informed consents were obtained from all the participants or their legally authorized representatives. This trial has been registered as ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04521400.
Selection of the Fusion and Fixation Range in the Intervertebral Surgery to Correct Thoracolumbar and Lumbar Tuberculosis：A Retrospective Clinical Study
Authors: Yang Zongqiang , Liu Changhao , Niu Ningkui , Tang Jing , Shi Jiandang , Wang Zili , Ding Huiqiang
Published: January 2021

Background To compare the diseased verses the non-diseased intervertebral surgery used in the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar spinal tuberculosis and to explore the best choice of fusion of fixation range.Methods 221 patients with thoracolumbar and lumbar tuberculosis were categorized into two groups. 118 patients underwent the diseased intervertebral surgery (lesion vertebral pedicle fixation, Group A) and 103 patients underwent the non-diseased intervertebral surgery (1 or 2 vertebral fixation above and below the affected vertebra, group B). Spinal tuberculosis diagnosis was confirmed in both groups of patients before lesion removal, bone graft fusion, and internal fixation. Clinical data and efficacy of the two surgical methods were then evaluated. Results The mean follow-up duration for both procedures was 65 months (50-68 months range). There were no significant differences in laboratory examinations,VAS scores, and the Cobb angle correction rate and the angle loss. However, significant differences existed in the operation time, blood loss, serosanguineous drainage volume, and blood transfusion requirement between the two groups. The diseased intervertebral surgery group performed significantly better than the non-diseased intervertebral surgery group in all of these areas. In both cases, the bone graft fused completely with the normal bone by the last follow-up, occuring at 50-86 months post surgery.Conclusion The diseased intervertebral surgery is a safe and feasible option for the treatment of thoracolumbar and lumbar tuberculosis. It effectively restores the physiological curvature of the spine and reduces the degeneration of adjacent vertebral bodies in the spinal column.
Behaviour Learning System for Robot Soccer Using Neural Network
Authors: Tominaga Moeko , Takemura Yasunori , Ishii Kazuo
Published: January 2021

Technological developments have raised the promise of a human{robot symbiotic society. A soccer game has characteristics similar to those expected in such a society. Soccer is a multiagent game in which the strategy employed depends on each agent's position and actions. This study discusses the results of the development of a learning system that uses a self-organising map to select behaviours depending on the situation. This system can reproduce the action selection algorithm of all players in a certain team, and the robot can instantly select the next cooperative action from the information obtained during the game. In this manner, common sense rules can be shared to learn an action selection algorithm for a set of both human and robot agents as opposed to robots alone.
The Association Between Maternal Cytomegalovirus Urinary Excretion and Congenital Infection Rate
Authors: Zlatkin Rita , Bilavsky Efraim , Pardo Joseph , Salman Lina , Bardin Ron , Hadar Eran , Shmueli Anat
Published: January 2021

Background: Cytomegalovirus (CMV) vertical transmission occurs predominantly during primary maternal infection. There are no known non-invasive methods for diagnosis of fetal infection before delivery, however some risk factors have been suggested. We aimed to evaluate the association between maternal CMV urinary excretion and congenital CMV infection.Methods: A retrospective cohort study of all women who were diagnosed with primary CMV infection during pregnancy in a single university affiliated tertiary medical center, between 2012 and 2016. We examined congenital CMV infection and disease rates in women with and without CMV urinary excretion.Results: Overall, 126 women were included. There was no difference in maternal symptoms between the groups. We found no difference in congenital CMV infection and disease rates between women with and without urinary excretion of CMV (congenital infection rate 37.1% vs. 24.4%, p=0.209, congenital disease rate of 18.2% vs. 22.4%, p=0.648). Women with positive urinary CMV excretion had lower IgG avidity (36.7% vs 54.6%, p=0.007), with no additional difference in serology pattern. Compared to asymptomatic women, those with CMV related symptoms did not have significantly higher rates of urinary excretion of CMV (70% vs. 60.5%, p=0.38) or congenital infection rates (40.7% vs. 31.2%, p=0.48)Conclusion: Among women with primary CMV infection in pregnancy, we did not find an association between urinary excretion of CMV and congenital CMV infection.
The study of Mycoplasma pneumonia infection among children with respiratory tract infection in hospital in Chengdu from 2014 to 2020
Authors: zhang lei , Lai Meimei , Ai Tao , Liao Huilling , Huang Yijie , Zhang Ying , Liu Yanru , Wang Li , Hu Jie
Published: January 2021

Aim: The hospitalized children with Mycoplasma pneumonia (M. pneumonia) infection caused by respiratory tract infection in Chengdu were studied and analysis of the epidemiological characteristics was carried out to provide a theoretical basis for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Method: 22882 hospitalized children with respiratory tract infections between January 2014 and December 2020 were collected M. pneumonia IgM antibody was detected by indirect immunofluorescence method and passive agglutination method. Demographic characteristics, clinical diagnose and laboratory data of these children were analyzed.retrospectively.. Result : The 4213 specimens with M. pneumonia were tested positive, the total positive rate was18.41%(18.30% in male and 22.72% in female). Higher positive rates were found in female children,Look from the statistical analysis results, the consistency between the two sets of data is low（ｘ2=198.078、P＜0.01）. The results of different age patients with contrast different M. pneumonia infection degree were statistically significant（F=162.7532、P＜0.01）,there was higher M. pneumonia positive rate in Preschoolers and school-age children ,33.98% and 32.98%, respectively.The incidence rate of M. pneumonia in 2017 and 2019 was significantly higher than average （F=538.95, P＜0.01)The difference of incidence rate of M. pneumonia was not significant in different months in 2014, 2015 and 2020 (P>0.05). But the probability of M .pneumonia infection patients was much higher from April to May and September to October in2016,2017,2018 and 2019（P＜0.05）. There was no correlation about M. pneumonia infection with temperature and humidity( P＞0.05)，there was negative correlation with PM2.5（R=0.09362, P<0.01）and PM10.（R=0.1185, P<0.01）.There was no difference about constituent ratio of case of M. pneumonia infection between 2014 and 2019 (F=32.34,P>0.05).The Common respiratory diseases of M. pneumonia infection, bronchopneumonia accounts for the highest proportion,followed the exacerbation of asthma and severe pneumonia.There was significantly difference about constituent ratio of case of M. pneumonia infection between in 2020 and in other years (F=159.35,P<0.01) .The Common respiratory diseases of M. pneumonia infection, bronchopneumonia accounts for the highest proportion,followed the acute bronchitis and exacerbation of asthma.Conclusion:The distribution and epidemiological trend of M. pneumonia in patients with respiratory tract infection showed the risk of inflammation was connected with the gender, age, year and month, no relationship with temperature and humidity in Chengdu,.Higher M. pneumonia positive rate was shown in the children with bronchial pneumonia and exacerbation of asthma.The prevention measures which controlled the COVID-19 disease had effectively controlled the infection rate of M. pneumonia.
Improving the HIV-Stigma in the Marginalized Population in Khorramabad, Iran: An Educational Trial Using Role-Playing and Lecturing
Authors: Jomezadeh Mina , Zamani-Alavijeh Fereshteh , Nasirian Maryam
Published: January 2021

Background: Marginalized populations are significantly important in the HIV control program due to their socio-economic conditions and lifestyles. Improving the individuals' stigmatizing attitudes, which can be achieved only through proper education, is a major way to prevent HIV. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of two methods, role-playing and lecture, on improving the attitudes of the suburban population of Khorramabad towards HIV.Methods: The present randomized educational trial was conducted on 270 suburban populations over 18 years of age in Khorramabad, Iran in 2019, and the individuals were randomly assigned to three groups, namely role-playing, lecture, and control. We utilized a standard HIV knowledge and attitude questionnaire to collect data before and after the intervention. We entered the data entered into the SPSS and analyzed them using the independent two-sample t-test, paired t-test, and multiple regression.Results: The attitudes towards HIV were stigmatizing in all three groups of the marginalized population before the educational intervention. After education, the attitudes of both groups, role-playing and lecture, improved significantly compared to the control group (P<0.0001); however, there was no significant difference between the two methods. (P> 0.05). There was a significant positive correlation between scores of attitude and knowledge (P<0.0001).Conclusion: Education is a basic pillar of improving the attitude towards individuals living with HIV/AIDS, and can lead to lower stigma and discrimination against people with the disease, and thus their greater desire to disclose their disease and receive medical services. Even though there was no significant difference between the two methods of teaching role-playing and lecture in the present study, further studies should be conducted on determining effective teaching methods due to the widespread of educational methods.
Selection and Validation of Appropriate Reference Genes for Gene Expression Studies in Schima Superba
Authors: Yang Zhongyi , Zhang Rui , Zhou Zhichun
Published: January 2021

Background Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) is a reliable and high-throughput technique for gene expression studies, but its accuracy depends on the expression stability of reference genes. Schima superba is a strong resistance and fast-growing timber specie. However, so far, reliable reference gene identifications have not been reported in S. superba. In this study, we screened and verified the stably expressed reference genes in different tissues of S. superba.Results Nineteen candidate reference genes were selected and evaluated for their expression stability in different tissues. Three software programs (geNorm, NormFinder, and BestKeeper) were used to evaluate the reference gene transcript stabilities, and comprehensive stability ranking was generated by the geometric mean method. Our results identified that SsuACT was the most stable reference gene, SsuACT + SsuRIB was the best reference genes combination for different tissues. Finally, the stable and less stable reference genes were verified using the SsuSND1 expression in different tissues.Conclusions This is the first report to verify the appropriate reference genes for normalizing gene expression in S. superba for different tissues, which will facilitate future elucidation of gene regulations in this species, and useful references for relative species.
Motion Characteristics of Subclinical Tremors in Parkinson’s Disease and Healthy Subjects
Authors: CHAN PING YI , RIPIN ZAIDI MOHD , Halim Sanihah Abdul , Arifin Wan Nor , Yahya Ahmad Shukri , Eow Gaik Bee , TAN Kenny
Published: January 2021

The Parkinson’s disease tremor characteristics reported previously are not applicable to the full spectrum of severity. The characteristics of high- and low-amplitude tremors differ in signal regularity and frequency dispersion, which indicates that characterization should be studied in separate severity. The subclinical tremor of Parkinson’s disease is close to physiological tremor, yet their distinctive features are still undetermined. This study aims to determine joint motion characteristics that are unique to subclinical Parkinson’s disease tremors. The tremors were characterized by four hand–arm motions based on displacement and peak frequencies. The rest and postural tremors of 63 patients and 62 normal subjects were measured with inertial sensors. The baseline was established from normal tremors, and the joint motions were compared within and between the two subject groups. Displacement analysis shows that pronation–supination and wrist abduction–adduction are the most and least predominant tremor motions respectively, for both Parkinson’s disease and normal tremors. However, the subclinical Parkinson’s disease has significant greater in amplitude and peak frequency in specific predominant motions as compared to normal tremor. The flexion-extension of normal postural tremor increases in frequency from proximal to distal segment, which is explainable by mechanical oscillation. This characteristic is also observed in patients but with amplification in wrist and elbow joints. The contributed distinctive characteristics of subclinical tremors provide clues on the physiological manifestation that is a result of the neuromuscular mechanism of Parkinson’s disease.
Reorganisation of diffusion microstructure in the precuneus is associated with preserved cognitive function in Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Nagano-Saito Atsuko , Houde Jean-Christophe , Bedetti Christophe , Descoteaux Maxime , Leyton Marco , Benkelfat Chawki , Monchi Oury
Published: January 2021

Functional neuroimaging studies of patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) have repeatedly identified over-activations in midline structures (medial prefrontal cortex, anterior cingulate cortex, posterior cingulate cortex, and precuneus), especially in those without comorbid dementia. Here, we investigated whether the different cognitive profiles in PD were linked to measures of diffusion microstructure in medial regions of the brain. Using magnetic resonance based diffusion weighted imaging (DWI) in healthy volunteers (HV) and PD patients with and without mild cognitive impairment (PD-nonMCI and PD-MCI), applying diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) and high angular resolution diffusion imaging (HARDI) techniques, we observed: 1) increased fractional anisotropy (FA) in the precuneus and the anterior cingulate in the PD-nonMCI participants compared with the HV; 2) an association between precuneus FA and executive and memory function, respectively, in PD and HV; 3) a negative correlation between age and midline structure FA in PD but not HV; and 4) a differential association between cognitive scores and apparent fiber density (AFD) of the posterior cingulate-precuneus bundle in HV vs. PD. Together, these findings suggest that white matter reorganization of the posterior medial microstructures might serve a compensatory role for damaged basal ganglia function in PD-nonMCI.
Configuration Design and Verification of Soft-rigid Hybrid Hand with ab/ adduction Movement
Authors: Liu Zhe , Zhang Zeyi , Liu Weihong , Huang Guozhen , Jiang Yongkang , CHEN Diansheng
Published: January 2021

Dexterous hand, as robot end effecter, is gradually showing unparalleled potential. In this paper, we proposed a novel configuration for the movement of the robot thumb metacarpal joint. Then, the force transfer efficiency of the finger structure is analyzed to reduce the demand for motor torque and realize the integration of ten motors inside the palm. Additionally, With the help of a soft-rigid hybrid palm, the contact area of the grasping object and the load capacity has increased considerably. Finally, the integrated verification is carried out on the home-made service robot, which can obtain reliable grasping of objects of various shapes and different surface features. What’s more, the robotic hand flexibly operates the infrared thermometer to measure the temperature of the water in the cup which shows a great application prospect in the field of service and industry.
Rapid fluorescence imaging of human hepatocellular carcinoma using the β-galactosidase-activatable fluorescence probe SPiDER-βGal
Authors: Ogawa Soichiro , Kubo Hidemasa , Murayama Yasutoshi , Kubota Takeshi , Yubakami Masayuki , Matsumoto Tatsuya , Yamamoto Yusuke , Morimura Ryo , Ikoma Hisashi , Okamoto Kazuma , Kamiya Mako , Urano Yasuteru , Otsuji Eigo
Published: January 2021

Fluorescence imaging of tumours facilitates rapid intraoperative diagnosis. Thus far, a promising activatable fluorescent probe for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) has not been developed. Herein, the utility of the fluorescence imaging of HCC using a β-galactosidase (β-Gal)-activatable fluorescence probe SPiDER-βGal was examined. β-Gal activity was measured in cryopreserved tissues from 68 patients. Live cell imaging of HCC cell lines and imaging of tumour-bearing model mice were performed using SPiDER-βGal. Furthermore, fluorescence imaging was performed in 27 freshly resected human HCC specimens. In cryopreserved samples, β-Gal activity was significantly higher in tumour tissues than in non-tumour tissues. Fluorescence was observed in HCC cell lines. In mouse models, tumours displayed stronger fluorescence than normal liver tissue. In freshly resected specimens, fluorescence intensity in the tumour was significantly higher than that in non-tumour liver specimens as early as 2 min after spraying. Receiver operating characteristic curves were generated to determine the diagnostic value of SPiDER-βGal 10 min after its spraying; an area under the curve of 0.864, sensitivity of 85.2%, and specificity of 74.1% were observed for SPiDER-βGal. SPiDER-βGal is useful for the rapid fluorescence imaging of HCC. Fluorescence imaging guided by SPiDER-βGal would help surgeons detect tumors rapidly and achieve complete liver resection.
Factors Associated with Public Attitudes Towards Persons with Disabilities: A Systematic Review
Authors: WANG ZIRU , Xu Xiaoli , Chen Yan , Jiang Jiayao , Han Qiong , Ni Guo-Xin
Published: January 2021

Objective：The aim of this review is to identify and summarize factors that are associated with public attitudes towards people with various disabilities systematically.Methods: An electronic search of three databases was performed (Medline, EMBASE and Cochrane) covering the period from 1950 to present. A comprehensive search strategy was developed and citation lists for potential eligible studies were also screened. Only quantitative studies using valid measurements were included, and the methodological quality of included studies was appraised based on three criteria (sample, measurement, analysis) by two independent reviewers.Results: Twenty-seven studies met the eligibility criteria and were included in the study. Three categories of the factors were found to be associated with the public attitudes, which are related to the attitude provider, disabled people, and society respectively. Specifically, the more people know about disabilities, the more positive their attitude could be; and the frequency and quality of the contact with the disabled are also proved to be influential to the attitudes. Meanwhile, the type of disability is also closely correlated to the public’s attitude towards the disabilities.Conclusion: People’s knowledge of the disability and their contact with the disabled are the main factors that influence public attitude towards persons with disabilities.
Perception towards Nursing Profession among Nurses Working in Public Hospitals in Central Ethiopia: A Mixed-Method Study
Authors: Tura Meseret , Fage Sagni , Birhanu Adamu , Kolola Tufa , Zerihun Ebisa , Mideksa Lemma
Published: January 2021

Background: Nurses' perceptions guide them in maintaining their nursing profession and are dependent on different factors. Although a good perception can help lead a successful profession, many nurses leave the profession in Ethiopia. The aim of this study was to assess the nurses’ perception towards their profession and factors associated with it among nurses working in public hospitals in the west Shewa zone, Oromia, Central Ethiopia.Methods: An institutional based cross-sectional study, a concurrent mixed-methods approach was conducted among randomly selected nurses working in public hospitals in the west Shewa zone from May 25-June 20, 2020. Quantitative and qualitative data were obtained using interview techniques. The quantitative data were analyzed using SPSS version 25 and the qualitative was analyzed through thematic analysis. The strength and direction of the statistical association were measured according to the odds ratio and the 95% confidence interval. The statistically significant level was reported at p < 0.05. Results: In this study, 54.6% [95%CI (48.0%, 61.0%)] had a good perception towards nursing profession. Nurses who had Bachelor degree (BSc) [AOR: 3.00 (95% CI: (1.55-5.80)], those who earn a monthly salary of ≥ 6194 ETB [AOR: 2.28 (95% CI: 1.01-5.16)], those working in primary hospitals [(AOR: 4.39 (95%CI: (1.39-9.95)] and general hospitals [(AOR:6.09(2.84,13.01) were more likely to have good perception towards nursing profession than their counter parts.Conclusions: Nearly six in ten nurses in the study area had a good perception towards nursing profession. Nurses’ level of education, monthly salary scale and type of hospital the nurses were working in should be considered for improving nurses’ perception towards their profession and thereby to keep the experienced nurses in their profession.
Latina migrants´ breastfeeding experiences living in a Spanish-speaking country : a qualitative descriptive study
Authors: Iglesias-Rosado Blanca , Leon-Larios Fatima
Published: January 2021

Background

The migratory flows in Spain have changed due to the arrival of migrant population. Among them, the Latino collective predominated, of which more than one half are women of childbearing age. However, there is no previous study exploring their breastfeeding experiences in a country where their mother tongue is spoken. This study aimed to explore Latina migrants' breastfeeding experiences in a Spanish-speaking country.
Methods

A descriptive qualitative study was carried out. The study used intentional sampling. Study participants were contacted by video calls, and data were collected through a semi-structured in-depth interview (n = 19). The interviews were transcribed and analyzed by thematic analysis.
Results

The two main categories that emerged were breastfeeding facilitators and barriers, divided into ten interrelated subcategories: work conditions; precarious socioeconomic conditions; lack of support (health professionals, family and society); physiological changes, pain and fatigue; ignorance and wrong beliefs; support networks (partner health professionals and family); host country versus home country; religious practices/worship; appropriate attitude, knowledge and experience; breastfeeding support groups. Most of the study participants stated that their breastfeeding experiences were influenced by barriers such as work and by facilitators such as peer support.
Conclusions

More support from caregivers and more sensitivity to cultural diversity are demanded by women, and well-trained professionals are needed to extend breastfeeding for a longer time. This paper provides caregivers, such as nurses, more knowledge about the care demanded by migrant women to contribute to a longer breastfeeding experience.
Development and Biomechanical Analysis of a New Anterior Cervical Pedicle Screw Fixation System
Authors: Sun Maji , Wang Qiuan , Zhang Xingchen , Zhao Rui , Guo Kaijin , Yuan Feng
Published: January 2021

ObjectiveA new anterior cervical pedicle screw fixation system was developed based on the relevant anatomical structure of the cervical spine, and its biomechanical properties were evaluated on fresh cadaver cervical spine specimens to provide a basis for preliminary clinical application. MethodsThree-dimensional parameters of the new nail plate system were obtained from the anatomical data of cervical spine specimens, and the system was produced by 3D printing technology. Fresh adult cadaver cervical spine specimens were used to measure biomechanical stability in the intact state (group A: complete group) and to establish a C5-7 instability model in which fixation with the traditional cervical anterior nail plate system was performed (group B). Anterior cervical spine displacement, strength, stiffness, torsion torque, etc. were measured under the fixed state when 4 screws were used for fixation with the pedicle screw system (group C) and 6 screws were used for the anterior cervical pedicle screw system (group D). ResultsIn terms of the load-displacement relationship, the results showed that the average displacement difference between group D and group C after the test was 25%, that between group D and group B was 30%, that between groups C and B was 18%, and the differences were statistically significant (P <0.05). In terms of the axial stiffness of the cervical spine, that of group D was 20% higher than that of group C and 40% higher than that of group B, that of group C was 20% higher than that of group B when fixed, and those of group D and C were both better than that of group A, the blank control group; all the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). In terms of torsion mechanical properties of the cervical spine, the experimental results showed that that of group D was higher than that of group C by 21% and higher than that of group B by 40%, that of group C was higher than that of group B by 30%, and the differences were statistically significant (P<0.05). The biomechanical tests showed that in terms of load-displacement, axial stiffness and torsional mechanical properties, the anterior cervical pedicle locking and guiding internal fixation system was slightly better than the complete method. The 6 nail fixation method was better than the 4 nail fixation method. ConclusionThe new anterior cervical pedicle screw fixation system conforms to the anatomy of Chinese individuals and has better mechanical stability than do traditional fixation methods. It is a new, reliable anterior cervical pedicle internal fixation system for clinical practice.List of Abbreviations: ACPS: anterior cervical pedicle screw.