bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Ovarian Endometrioid Carcinoma and Clear Cell Carcinoma: A 21-year Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhou Ling , Yao Liqing , Dai Lin , Zhu Honglan , Ye Xue , Wang Shang , Chen Hongyan , Ma Ruiqiong , Liu Huiping , Cui Heng , chang xiaohong
Published: December 2020

ObjectiveThis study aimed to identify the clinical characteristics of Chinese patients with ovarian endometrioid carcinoma (EC) and clear cell carcinoma (CCC) and to assess the impact of concurrent endometriosis on this group.MethodsThe present study reviewed the medical records of patients who received initial treatment and a postoperative pathological diagnosis of EC or CCC at our center in China between 1998 and 2018. ResultsOf 211 patients, 73 had pure EC, and 91 had pure CCC, and the remaining 47 had mixed cancer. The proportion of EC and CCC remained stable over past 21 years. The proportion of EC declined with aging and the age of EC onset to incline to the young. And the age of CCC onset had two peaks, namely, 36 and 77 years. After review by the pathologist, the number of endometriosis cases found in the pathological section of the analysis increased to 114, accounting for 54% of patients. As the stage progressed, the appearance of endometriosis became increasingly scarce in pathological sections(p=0.001). Compared with CCC, EC had a higher frequency of concurrent endometrial cancer (independent endometrial lesions) and estrogen and progesterone receptor expression(p=0.000). And more patients were in premenopausal state in EC group(p=0.040). In the pure group, multivariate analysis showed that correlation existed between relevance to endometriosis and worse outcomes(p=0.041). In patients with mixed cancer, mixed endometrioid histology was associated with better survival than other subtypes, even with stage III or poorly differentiated tumors(p=0.001). ConclusionsCCC and EC which are common in ovarian cancer patients who have associated with endometriosis have distinct clinicopathological characteristics. Attention should be paid to ovarian cancer patients with a history of endometriosis and those with concurrent endometriosis in pathological sections.
LncRNA GAS5 Suppresses Ovarian Cancer Progression by Targeting miR-96-5p/PTEN Axis
Authors: Dong Qian , Long Xiaoran , Cheng Jie , Yin Xia , Wang Wenjing , Tian Qi , Di Wen
Published: December 2020

Background Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNA) play critical roles in tumor occurrence and progression, including ovarian cancer (OC). The lncRNA growth arrest-specific transcript 5 (GAS5) has been proved to be an important modulator in the growth and metastasis of OC cells. Our studies confirm that GAS5 is down-regulated in OC; however, the potential molecular mechanism underlying it remains to be elucidated. Results In our study, we demonstrated that the expression levels of GAS5 and PTEN decreased, while miR-96-5p was up-regulated in ovarian cancer samples and cell lines compared with controls. PTEN is the downstream target gene of miR-96-5p. The up-regulation of GAS5 inhibited the expression of miR-96-5p, which directly targets PTEN. GAS5 overexpression can significantly reduce OC cell proliferation and invasion ability via suppression of miR-96-5p expression. PTEN/AKT/mTOR expression had a positive correlation with GAS5 expression. Moreover, miR-96-5p promoted OC progression by mediating PTEN/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway. Conclusion Our study identified GAS5 as a ceRNA which regulates the PTEN/AKT/mTOR axis through sponging miR-96-5p in OC.
Site-Specific Resolution of Enthesitis in Patients With Axial Spondyloarthritis Treated With Tumor Necrosis Factor Inhibitors
Authors: Nissen Michael John , Möller Burkhard , Ciurea Adrain , Mueller Ruediger , Zueger Patrick , Schulz Martin , Ganz Fabiana , Scherer Almut , Papagiannoulis Eleftherios , Hügle Thomas
Published: December 2020

Background: Enthesitis is a hallmark of spondyloarthritis (SpA) with substantial impact on quality of life. Reports of treatment effectiveness across individual enthesitis sites in real-world patients with axial SpA (axSpA) are limited. We investigated the evolution of enthesitis following tumour necrosis factor inhibitor (TNFi) initiation in axSpA patients, cumulatively and at specific axial and peripheral sites.Methods: AxSpA patients in the Swiss Clinical Quality Management Registry were included if they initiated a TNFi, had an available Maastricht Ankylosing Spondylitis Enthesitis Score, modified to include the plantar fascia (mMASES, 0–15), at start of treatment and after 6 and/or 12 months and ≥12 months follow-up. Logistic regression models were utilized to analyze explanatory variables for enthesitis resolution. Results: Overall, 1668 TNFi treatment courses (TCs) were included, of which 1117 (67%) had active enthesitis at baseline. Reduction in mMASES at the 6- and 12-month time points was experienced in 72% and 70% of TCs, respectively. Enthesitis resolution at 6/12 months occurred in 37.9% and 43.0% of all TNFi TCs and 40.7% and 50.9% of first TNFi TCs. At 6 months, a significant reduction in the frequency of enthesitis was observed at all sites, except for the Achilles tendon and plantar fascia among first TNFi TCs while at 12 months, reduction was significant at all sites in both TC groups. Enthesitis resolved in 60.3%–77% across anatomical sites, while new incident enthesitis occurred in 4.0%–13.5% of all TNFi TCs at 12 months. Both baseline and new-incident enthesitis occurred most frequently at the posterior superior iliac spine and the fifth lumbar spinous process. Younger age and lower mMASES at baseline were predictors of complete enthesitis resolution, while female sex and second- or later-line TNFi treatment were associated with persistence of enthesitis at 12 months. Conclusion: In real-world axSpA patients treated with a TNFi, enthesitis improved in the majority of patients across all anatomical sites. Significant improvement at the Achilles and plantar fascia entheses was observed only at 12 months. Complete and site-specific enthesitis resolution occurred in ≥40% and ≥60% of TCs evaluated at 12 months, with a low incidence of new site-specific enthesitis.Trial registration: not applicable
Preparation and Properties of C/SiC Composites Reinforced by High Thermal Conductivity Graphite Films
Authors: Zhao Jiajia , Cai Rong , Ma zhaokun , Zhang Kaixuan , Liang Hengliang , Qiu Haipeng , Liu Shanhua , xie weijie
Published: December 2020

Ablation resistance as one important factor affecting the service life of SiC ceramic matrix composites that is highly valued in aerospace science and technology. In this study, high thermal conductivity (HTC) graphite films and carbon fibers reinforced C/SiC composites simultaneously, fabricating by precursor infiltration and pyrolysis (PIP) technology, to improve the ablation resistance of C/SiC composites. Three C/SiC composites were prepared from different quantity ratios of 2D fiber cloth to HTC graphite film with values of 1:0, 1:1, and 1:10. The microstructure, mechanical properties, thermal conductivity and ablation performance of C/SiC composites after plasma ablation test at 1500 °C for 600 s were investigated. The results showed that with the increase of graphite films’ contents, the thermal conductivity of composites was increased from 9.78 W/(m·K) to 333.34 W/(m·K). Additionally, the mass loss rate reduced from 1.18 to 0.74 mg/s and the linear ablation rate reduced from 0.64 to 0.18 mm/s, indicating that the addition of graphite films could effectively improve the ablation resistance of C/SiC composites.
Trends in Apolipoprotein B, Non-High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, Low-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol, and Hemoglobin A1C Among US Adults with Diagnosed Diabetes, 2005-2018
Authors: Wang X , Zhu Di , Du Yang , Sun Yangbo , Snetselaar Linda
Published: December 2020

Background: The control of blood glucose and athero­genic cholesterol particle concentrations is fundamental for patients with diabetes. The objective of this study was to examine trends in levels of apolipoprotein B (apo B), non-high-density lipoprotein (non-HDL) cholesterol, low-density lipoprotein (LDL) cholesterol, and hemoglobin A1c (A1C) and changes in the proportion of patients who achieved their glycemic and lipid goals between 2005 and 2018.Methods: We conducted a serial cross-sectional analysis of the US nationally representative data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Surveys form 2005 through 2018. Results: In total, 5536 adults aged 20 years or older with diabetes were included (weighted mean age, 60.2 years; female, 50.1%). Among all adults with diabetes, the age-adjusted mean apo B levels did not decrease significantly from 2005 to 2016 (P =0.077). The age-adjusted mean non-HDL cholesterol levels reduced significantly (P =0.004) from 2005 to 2018. In 2017-2018, 55.3% of patients achieved the A1C goal of <7% and 43.8% achieved the non-HDL cholesterol goal of <130 mg/dl. In 2015-2016, 47.3% achieved the apo B goal of <90 mg/dL, 57.2% achieved the LDL cholesterol goal of <100 mg/dl, while 30.6% achieved all four glycemic and lipid goals. The success rates for achieving the goals of apo B, non-HDL cholesterol, and LDL cholesterol were higher in older compared with younger subjects, while white patients exhibited better glycemic control than Mexican Americans and non-Hispanic black patients.Conclusion: Among adults with diabetes, there was a significant reduction in non-HDL cholesterol level while there was no change in levels of apo B, LDL cholesterol or A1C over the past decade. Nevertheless, large percentages of adults with diabetes continue to have higher levels of apo B, non-HDL cholesterol, LDL cholesterol, and A1C.
Exosomes Derived from Cyclic Mechanical Stretch-exposed Bone Marrow Mesenchymal Stem Cells Inhibit RANKL-induced Osteoclastogenesis through the NF-κB Signaling Pathway
Authors: Xiao Fei , Zuo Bin , Wang Chuandong , Li Yang , Peng Jianping , Shen Chao , Cui Yiming , Junfeng Zhu , Chen Xiaodong
Published: December 2020

Background: Skeletal unloading usually induces severe disuse osteoporosis (DOP), which often occurs in patients subjected to prolonged immobility or in spaceflight astronauts. Increasing evidence suggests that exosomes are important mediators in maintaining the balance between bone formation and bone resorption. We hypothesized that exosomes play a pivotal role in the maintenance of bone homeostasis through intercellular communication between bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) and osteoclasts under mechanical loading.Methods: Cells were divided into cyclic mechanical stretch (CMS)-treated BMSCs and normal static-cultured BMSCs, and exosomes were extracted by ultracentrifugation. After incubation with CMS-treated BMSC-derived exosomes (CMS_Exos) or static-cultured BMSC-derived exosomes (static_Exos), the apoptosis rates of bone marrow macrophages (BMMs) were determined by flow cytometry, and cell viability was detected with a CCK-8 assay. Osteoclast differentiation was determined with an in vitro osteoclastogenesis assay. Signaling pathway activation was evaluated by Western blotting and immunofluorescence staining. Hindlimb unloading (HU)-induced DOP mouse models were prepared to evaluate the function of exosomes in DOP.Results: Both CMS_Exos and static_Exos could be internalized by BMMs, and CMS_Exos did not affect BMM viability or increase apoptosis. CMS_Exos effectively suppressed receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL)-mediated osteoclast differentiation and F-actin ring formation. Further molecular investigation demonstrated that CMS_Exos impaired osteoclast differentiation via inhibition of the RANKL-induced NF-κB signaling pathway. Both CMS_Exos and static_Exos partly rescued the osteoporosis caused by mechanical unloading; however, the CMS_Exo group showed more obvious rescue. CMS_Exo treatment significantly decreased the number of tartrate-resistant acid phosphatase (TRAP)-positive osteoclasts.Conclusions: Exosomes derived from CMS-treated BMSCs strongly inhibited osteoclast differentiation by attenuating the NF-κB signaling pathway in vitro and rescued osteoporosis caused by mechanical unloading in an HU mouse model in vivo.
A Study on Efficacy of Helical Tomotherapy Combined With Concurrent Chemotherapy ± EGFR Inhibitor After Induction Chemotherapy In Patients Affected By Locally Advanced Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma (LANC) With Carotid Artery Invasion And Risk Analysis of Massive Bleeding After Radiotherapy
Authors: LIU KUN , Wei Jian , Wang qing sen , Wang Yang , Luo yan rong , Ma Lin , Yang shi ming , Zhang xin xin
Published: December 2020

Purpose:Locally advanced nasopharyngeal carcinoma (LANC) often invades the parapharyngeal space and internal carotid artery. Patients with LANC and carotid artery invasion have a poor prognosis, which often result from massive neck hemorrhage after radiotherapy. We examined risk factors potentially influencing the therapeutic effects of radiotherapy in LANC patients with carotid artery invasion and the risk of massive neck hemorrhage.Methods:This retrospective study included 130 LANC patients with carotid artery invasion admitted to our hospital between January 2012 and September 2019. All patients were treated with induction chemotherapy followed by concurrent chemoradiotherapy ± epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) inhibitor. Effects of clinical factors and treatment regimens on prognosis were evaluated.Outcomes:The 5-year progression-free survival (PFS), distant metastasis-free survival (DMFS), local nodal recurrence-free survival (LNRFS), local recurrence-free survival (LRFS), nodal recurrence-free survival (NRFS) and overall survival (OS) of the 130 patients were 75.2%, 76.8%, 90.0%, 93.9%, 95.8%, 87.2%, respectively. The incidence of fatal bleeding after radiotherapy was 2.3% (3/130). For these 3 cases, the degree of carotid artery invasion was ≥270º, the primary site was the pharyngeal recess and the patients suffered nasopharyngeal necrosis after radiotherapy.Univariate analysis showed that clinical stage was negatively correlated with DMFS and PFS (P<0.05). The induction chemotherapy TP regimen, platinum-based concurrent chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitors (Nituzumab/Cetuximab) significantly improved PFS and DMFS (P<0.05). Patients with hemoglobin levels >110 g/L had a higher PFS, DMFS and OS than patients with hemoglobin levels ≤110 g/L (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis showed that the EGFR inhibitor was an independent risk factor for PFS and DMFS, while the lowest hemoglobin level was an independent risk factor for OS.Conclusion:In LANC patients whose carotid artery invasion was <270º, helical tomotherapy combined with concurrent chemotherapy and EGFR inhibitor after induction chemotherapy had mild and tolerable side effects, better PFS and DMFS, and did not cause massive hemorrhage. In patients whose primary tumor was pharyngeal recess with carotid artery invasion ≥270º, diabetes or re-radiotherapy led to a higher risk of massive hemorrhage after radiotherapy.
Association of Age With Tumor Grade in Patients With Digestive Tumors: A Study Based on US SEER Registry
Authors: Zhang Yange , Li Wei
Published: December 2020

Background: Previous studies have not demonstrated an independent association of age and tumor grade. In this study, we aimed to explore the relationship between age and tumor grade (differentiation) in patients with digestive tumors.Methods: Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results (SEER) 18 registry database for 1973 through 2015 was retrieved for the present study. Both piecewise and non-piecewise linear regression model were utilized to examine the relationship between age and tumor grade. Results: The present study included a total of 938,145 patients with 13 types of primary malignancies of the digestive system. In non-piecewise regression analyses, older age was associated with higher tumor grades in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.0001) and anal squamous cell carcinoma (P < 0.0001). In contrast, older age was related to lower tumor grades in patients with esophageal adenocarcinoma (P = 0.0177), gastric adenocarcinoma (P < 0.0001), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (P < 0.0001) and rectal adenocarcinoma (P < 0.0001). In piecewise regression analyses, positive associations of age and tumor grade were only observed in specific age groups in some types of tumor, e.g., anal adenocarcinoma (> 66 years), gallbladder adenocarcinoma (> 49 years), pancreatic adenocarcinoma (> 56 years), hepatocellular carcinoma (35-90 years), rectal adenocarcinoma (<59 years in White; < 52 years in Non-White) and anal squamous cell carcinoma (<51 years in White; < 58 years in Non-White). Patients with well-differentiated tumors had better long-term prognoses compared to those with poorly-differentiated tumors (all P < 0.05). Conclusion: The patterns of relationship between age and tumor grade were different in patients with different types of digestive tumor, which may be a reflection of the distinct molecular subtypes of these tumors.
Thermal and Hydrodynamic Characteristics Research of a Tree-Shaped Microchannel Network Thermal Exchanger on the High-Speed Motorized Spindle
Authors: Li Song-Hua , Zhao Zi-Chen , Wang Yong-Hua , Wang Wei-Nan
Published: December 2020

To improve the thermal dissipation of high-speed motorized spindle, core component of machine tool, according to the construction theory of mammalian circulation and respiratory system, this paper optimizes the distribution of the existing tree-shaped microchannel network structure, changes the thermal exchanger assembly mode, directly as the spindle shell, and make it possible in engineering applications. Considered the conjugate heat transfer between the spindle stator, thermal exchanger, and cooling water, a three-dimensional (3D) fluid thermodynamic model of a tree-shaped microchannel network thermal exchanger and a conventional spiral thermal exchanger are established. Both have the identical heat exchange area and inlet size. The hydrodynamic characteristics, pressure loss, temperature gradient distribution, and coefficient of performance (COP) are compared. The results indicate that the new structure proposed in this paper has more excellent hydrodynamic characteristics, smaller pressure changes, more uniform temperature gradient distribution, and greater COP. The experiment results verify the correctness of the theoretical calculation. It has a wide range of application prospects in thermal problems of high-speed spindle.
Transcriptomic and metabolomic joint analysis reveals distinct flavonoid biosynthesis regulation for variegated testa color development in peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.)
Authors: Hu Mengdie , Li Jiawei , Hou Mingyu , Liu Xiaoqing , Cui Shunli , Yang Xinlei , Liu Lifeng , Jiang Xiaoxia , Mu Guojun
Published: December 2020

Peanut (Arachis hypogaea L.) is one of the important oil and economic crops, among which the variegated testa peanut is a unique member. But the molecular mechanisms underlying the pigment synthesis in variegated testa are still unclear. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) in pigment metabolism pathway in colored area indicated there were 27 DEGs highly related to the synthesis of variegated testa color among 1,050 DEGs,which were 13 up-regulated and 14 down-regulated,consisting of 3 PALs, 1 C4H, 2 CHSs, 1 F3H, 1 F3'H, 2 DFRs, 2 LARs, 2 IAAs, 4 bHLHs and 9 MYBs. GO analysis indicated DEGs were similarly enriched in 3 branches.KEGG analysis suggested flavonoid biosynthesis is the most direct metabolic pathway for the synthesis of testa variegation.The liquid chromatography tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) results showed that cyanidin and delphinidin were the main metabolites that caused the color difference between the colored area and the non-colored area. Through the verification of 20 DEGs via qPCR, the results were consistent with that of transcriptome sequencing in 4 comparison groups. The results in this study lay the foundation for revealing the molecular regulation mechanisms of anthocyanin synthesis in variegated testa peanut.
Simulated Sunlight Decreases the Viability of SARS-CoV-2 in Mucus
Authors: Sloan Angela , Cutts Todd , Griffin Bryan D , Kasloff Samantha , Schiffman Zachary , Chan Mable , Audet Jonathan , Leung Anders , Kobasa Darwyn , Stein Derek , Safronetz David , Poliquin Guillaume
Published: December 2020

This study examined the effect of simulated sunlight on the viability of SARS-CoV-2 spiked into tissue culture medium or mucus. The study revealed that inactivation took 37 minutes in medium and 107 minutes in mucus. These times-to-inactivation were unexpected since they are longer than have been observed in other studies.
Management of insecticides for use in disease vector control: a global survey
Authors: Berg Henk van den , Bezerra Haroldo Sergio da Silva , Chanda Emmanuel , Al-Eryani Samira , Nagpal Bhupender Nath , Gasimov Elkhan , Velayudhan Raman , Yadav Rajpal Singh
Published: December 2020

Background: Vector control plays a critical role in the prevention, control and elimination of vector-borne diseases, and interventions of vector control continue to depend largely on the action of chemical insecticides. A global survey was conducted on the management practices of vector control insecticides at country level to identify gaps to inform future strategies on pesticide management, seeking to improve efficacy of interventions and reduce the side effects of chemicals used on health and the environment.Methods: A survey by questionnaire on the management practices of vector control insecticides was disseminated among all WHO Member States. Data were analysed using descriptive statistics.Results: Responses were received from 94 countries, or a 48% response rate . Capacity for insecticide resistance monitoring was established in 68-80% of the countries in most regions, often with external support; however, this capacity was largely lacking from the European & Others Region. Procurement of vector control insecticides was in 50-75% of countries taking place by agencies other than the central-level procuring agency, over which the central authorities lacked control, for example, to select the product or assure product quality. Moreover, some countries experienced problems with estimating the correct amounts for procurement, especially for emergency purposes. Large fractions of countries across regions showed shortcomings in worker safety, pesticide storage practices, and pesticide waste disposal. Shortcomings were most pronounced in countries of the European & Others region, which has long been relatively free from mosquito-borne diseases but have recently faced challenges of re-emerging vector-borne diseases.Conclusions: Critical shortcomings in the management of vector control insecticides are common in countries across regions, with risks of adverse pesticide effects on health and the environment. Advocacy and resource mobilization are needed at regional and country level to address these challenges.
Additive manufacturing and injection molding process for mass-production of face shields during COVID-19 pandemic: A comparative study 
Authors: Kunkel Maria Elizete , Vasques Mayra Torres , Perfeito João Aléssio Juliano , Zambrana Nataly Rabelo Mina , Bina Tainara dos Santos , Passoni Laura Helena de Melo , Ribeiro Thamires Verri , Rodrigues Sandra Maria Sousa , Castro Renato Ortolani Marcondes de , Ota Natacha Harumi
Published: December 2020

Face shield is a personal protective equipment required for healthcare professionals to decrease the risk of contamination during the COVID-19. Fused deposition modeling (FDM) is the most applied process of additive manufacturing due to its usability and low-cost. The injection molding (IM) is the fastest process for mass industrial production. The comparison between the FDM and IM process to produce plastic parts is well known, but this study is the first to perform a qualitative comparison of these processes for mass-production and distribution of face shields in a pandemic. The design of the face shield was developed in three prototyping cycles based on requirements of medical, Brazilian regulatory standards, manufacturing, and production. The FDM manufacturing of 35,000 face shields was carried out by a volunteer network using low-cost 3D printer and the IM manufacturing of 80,000 was carried out by partner companies. With the production of face shields through the FDM process, it was possible to make daily deliveries of small batches to local hospitals. A total of 80,000 face shields was produced in larger batches by the IM process and delivered to remote regions in Brazil. Considering the manufacturing resilience of the processes (quality, costs, and production time), in a situation such as the current COVID-19 pandemic with disturbances and uncertainties, both FDM and IM processes are suitable for mass production of face shields. The FDM process promotes a fast-daily production once a committed network of volunteers is formed in strategic regions. The IM process was the best option for large scale production of face shields and delivery to remote regions without the availability of 3D printers.
LINGUISTIC ANALYSIS OF SLAVIC MEDIA TEXTS CONTAINING HATE SPEECH
Authors: Gorodnycha Larysa , Olkhovyk Maryna , Gergul Svitlana
Published: December 2020

The article analyzes hate speech definitions as linguistic and cultural phenomena in the context of an interdisciplinary approach, and describes features of linguistic resources distribution in the texts with the hate speech. The paper deals with the functioning of the concept “hate speech” in the regional media space of Ukraine and Bulgaria. The authors define the causes of the hate speech usage in the media texts and study the hate speech as the source of the modern vocabulary. The article gives deeper understanding of the essence of the concept “hate speech”, more clearly defining its boundaries, reasons for distribution and the main features of the functioning, considering the interdisciplinary approach to its interpretation. The research describes the features of an editor's work on the texts with the hate speech and methods of its neutralization, as well as proven discriminatory manifestation of hate speech in political neologisms as “refugee”, “migrant”, “internally displaced person”. For implementing the goals and objectives of the study, the complex of methods has been used: system approach, monitoring and analysis of the media texts in the regional media, summarizing the results of the analysis.
Analyzing the FDI dynamics and the investment climate impacting the economic development of BSEC
Authors: Siskos Evangelos , Darvidou Konstantia
Published: December 2020

The paper concentrates on the analysis of inward and outward FDI in the BSEC countries, their structuring by countries of origin and destination, and how the investment climate (in particular economic freedom and economic development) affects the actual FDI influx in the region. The BSEC countries became considerably attractive for FDI at the beginning of the 2000s, and now they receive about 4% of the world FDI. All the BSEC countries are net recipients of FDI, but some of them also actively invest abroad. Most FDI to the region originates in Europe. FDI is the most important for several small BSEC economies, especially in some periods when they made a significant contribution to capital formation. Despite a temporary increase in imports, FDI also helped to stabilize the balance of payments. Most BSEC countries usually outperform average countries worldwide by trade freedom, low tax burden, fiscal health, financial freedom, property rights, and low inflation. However, this group of countries is quite diverse by particular indicators. Corruption and excessive regulations often act as the drawbacks for the investment climate. The overall economic freedom and low tax burden are the strongest determinants of inward FDI to the BSEC countries. Improving the overall economic freedom, protecting property rights, and better control over government spending are the most crucial for stimulating economic growth. Economic growth and trade freedom are less important factors for FDI.
Water quality improvement measures at the Yagang cross-section in the Pearl River Delta based on the calculation of excessive pollutant fluxes
Authors: Pang Min , Xu Ruichen , Zhu Tianyi , Wang Changfangzi , Kaisam John Paul
Published: December 2020

The aim of this study was to quantify the sources of pollution in the Yagang River Basin. A 1-D hydrodynamic model and a 1-D water quality model were combined with the excessive pollutant flux analysis method to calculate pollution data of the Yagang area. The results showed that upstream pollution was the primary cause of water quality degradation for the Yagang Basin, exceeding the water quality standards. In addition, the pollution problem ranking of the entire basin was as follows: the Yagang area (30.4%) > the Foshan area (23.2%) > the Baini River Basin (13.1%) > the Liuxi River Basin (0.6%). In addition, the rainy season had the greatest influence on pollution concentrations. It was also concluded that if the boundary water quality could meet the inspection requirements (class IV water), and the internal research area sewage collection rate reached 60%, the ammonia-nitrogen (NH3-N) in the river discharge would reach 35.7%. This would allow the water quality at the Yagang cross-section to reach standard class IV.
Postignuća u darivanju organa u Kliničkom bolničkom centru Rijeka
Authors: Župan Željko
Published: December 2020

Hrvatska je jedna od vodećih zemalja svijeta po broju umrlih darivatelja organa i broju izvedenih transplantacija po glavi stanovnika godišnje. Klinički bolnički centar (KBC) Rijeka darivateljska je bolnica s iznimno uspješnim programom darivanja organa te s najboljim rezultatima u državi u tom području tijekom proteklog desetljeća. U KBC-u Rijeka ostvari se jedna četvrtina do petina svih solidnih organa namijenjenih transplantacijskom liječenju u Hrvatskoj s realiziranih 80 do 115 solidnih organa godišnje od 2012. do 2018. godine. U spomenutom razdoblju ostvario se i najveći apsolutni broj umrlih darivatelja te najveći broj solidnih organa za presađivanje u državi, unatoč činjenici da se darivateljski potencijal bolnice ne ubraja u najveće u Hrvatskoj. Porast broja darivatelja u KBC-u tijekom posljednjeg desetljeća simultano se odvijao s povećanjem broja darivatelja na nacionalnoj razini s naglaskom na činjenici da je regionalna stopa darivanja tijekom navedenog razdoblja u KBC-u Rijeka za 1,9 do 3,6 puta veća u odnosu na prosjek u državi. Stopa protivljenja darivanju organa od strane članova obitelji umrlih pacijenata iznosi samo 2,7 % od 2011. do 2018. godine nakon obavljena 224 razgovora u tom razdoblju od strane članova tima bolničkih transplantacijskih koordinatora. Navedena stopa protivljenja iznimno je niska i značajno je niža u odnosu na nacionalni prosjek koji iznosi 20 % i smatra se odličnim rezultatom u svijetu. KBC Rijeka se zahvaljujući navedenim dosezima u darivanju organa od umrlih snažno pozicionirao u vodeću darivateljsku bolnicu na nacionalnoj razini, visoko respektabilnu unutar međunarodne stručne zajednice u tom vrlo zahtjevnom području kliničke medicine bez koje razvoj kliničke transplantacije dokazano nije moguć.
Infekcije mokraćnog sustava povezane s uporabom urinarnih katetera – put do nula infekcija
Authors: Abram Maja , Magaš Morana , Škrobonja Ivana , Barać Nives
Published: December 2020

Transplantirani i ostali urološki pacijenti imaju češće potrebu za uvođenjem ureteralnog stenta, odnosno urinarnih katetera, te su izloženi povećanom riziku za stjecanje infekcija mokraćnog sustava (IMS). To je najčešća infektivna komplikacija u primatelja alogeničnog grafta, glavni izvor pijelonefritisa, bakterijemije i sepse. Također, IMS su najzastupljenije infekcije povezane sa zdravstvenom skrbi, a glavni rizični čimbenik za njihov nastanak je upravo prisustvo katetera. Vodeći uzročnici ovih infekcija su E. coli, E. faecalis, vrste iz roda Klebsiella, Proteus i Pseudomonas koje često karakterizira i višestruka antimikrobna rezistencija, što dodatno ugrožava klinički ishod. Radi praćenja IMS-a povezanih s uporabom katetera svake se godine provodi jednodnevno presječno istraživanje kojim su obuhvaćeni svi pacijenti hospitalizirani taj dan. Rezultati pridonose sagledavanju problema, unaprjeđenju mjera prevencije, planiranju empirijske antimikrobne terapije, odnosno sigurnosti hospitaliziranih uroloških pacijenata.
The effectiveness of technology-based distance weight loss interventions on body composition in health care: a systematic review, meta-analysis and meta-regression (Preprint)
Authors: Lahtio Heli
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND

Overweight and obesity are major problems worldwide and they lead to an increased risk for several diseases. The use of technology in the treatment of obesity is promising, but there is considerable uncertainty regarding its efficacy in the current literature.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this systematic review was to study the effectiveness of technology-based distance weight loss interventions in health care on body composition in comparison to control groups that do not use technology. The aim of the meta-regression was to evaluate the factors associated with the changes in body composition outcomes in a comprehensive PICOS -framework.

METHODS

Studies were searched from eight databases. The inclusion criteria were developed based on the PICOS-framework (population: 18-65 years; intervention: technology-based distance weight loss interventions; comparison: control groups without technology; outcome: BMI, waist circumference or body fat percentage; study design: randomized controlled trial). Meta-analysis and meta-regression were performed.

RESULTS

The meta-analysis included 30 studies. The quality of the studies was moderate (7/13). A statistically significant difference was observed in BMI (MD 0.83; 95% CI 0.51 to 1.15; P < .0001), waist circumference (MD 2.45; 95% CI 1.83 to 3.07; P < .0001), and body fat percentage (MD 1.07; 95% CI 0.74 to 1.41; P < .0001) in favor of the weight loss groups using technology. According to the findings of the meta-regression, interventions with personal feedback and higher quality of the studies may have been associated with a reduction in waist circumference and lower body fat percentage.

CONCLUSIONS

Technology-based distance weight loss interventions significantly reduced BMI, waist circumference, and body fat percentage. Future studies should focus on the comparability of the intervention content but also on the relations between the type of technology, behavioral change models, and biopsychosocial factors.

CLINICALTRIAL

This systematic review is registered in Prospero (CRD42016035831).
SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC INCLUSION OF DISABLED INDIVIDUALS. A LITERATURE REVIEW
Authors: Caragiani Elena Sorina
Published: December 2020

Considering the vulnerable groups’ economic, social and political life, the main aim of this research is to review the connection between the disabled individuals’ social and economic inclusion and the economic development. Different from other papers, I have pointed out the background dissimilarities of disabled people among EU member states. The methodological research consists in employing a review of existing literature into this field, in order to draw up an integrative and substantiated approach of the disabled people. The main results of the paper bring a comprehensive contribution for the continuous struggle to improve the life standards of disabled individuals. Thus, this paper represents the foremost foundation for further research, for deepening the macro-econometric endeavor, in order to support the disabled individuals’ social and economic inclusion, by reshaping the existing strategies and policies.
ANALYSIS OF SOCIOECONOMIC STATUS, GENDER, AND ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS TO STUDENT CAREER MATURITY
Authors: Ghofur Muhammad Abdul , Soejoto Ady , Pamungkas Heni Purwa
Published: December 2020

Career maturity is defined as a person's ability to identify and prepare for a career choice. Career maturity will be necessary for students because as the level of career maturity increases, the achievement of their work will also increase. This study aims to determine the factors that influence student career maturity. The type of research used is correlational research with quantitative methods. Data were collected using a questionnaire method and data analysis techniques using multiple linear regression. The results of the regression analysis showed that gender variables influenced career maturity, while academic achievement and socioeconomic status do not have a significant influence on student career maturity.
Exploitation of Potentials of Organic Fruit Production in North East India
Authors:   Assam Agricultural University, Jorhat–785013, Bhattacharyya R.K. , Das Utpal
Published: December 2020

North East Region (NER) of India comprises eight states namely Arunachal Pradesh, Assam, Manipur, Meghalaya, Mizoram, Nagaland, Sikkim and Tripura. Total geographical area of NER is 2.55 lakh km2, which is about 8% of India’s total area. Physiography of NER is divided into three divisions—Meghalaya plateau, northeastern hills and Brahmaputra valley. NE hills alone accounts for 65% of the total land area, Brahmaputra valley 22% and Meghalaya Plateau covers 13%. Average annual rainfall in the region is 2500mm. Less than 18% of net cropped area is under irrigation. NER enjoys suitable agro climatic condition for growing wide array of horticultural crops. With exception to mandarins and to a certain extent to banana and pineapple, majority of fruit crops in the region are largely grown in homestead gardens. The region has tremendous potential for growing all the subtropical, tropical and temperate fruit crops organically. From the Zone-wise, nutrient-wise consumption pattern of fertilizers during 2014-15 clearly depicts that in South Zone a total of 166.33, in West Zone a total of 84.64, in North Zone a total of 192.32, in East Zone a total of 161.08 while in North East Zone a total of only 82.63. NPK kg per hectare fertilizers are consumed. The major share of whatever little fertilizers consumed in the North East Zone largely goes to the plantation crops like tea, rubber as well as to the cereal crops grown in the region. The low fertilizer consumption pattern in the region clearly depicts farmers’ tendency of non using inorganic fertilizers for fruit production. This situation compelled the fruit production organically by default in the region. However, it would be a challenging task for the fruit growers of the region to produce fascinating fruit crops of the region organically not merely by default but primarily as well as substantially by practice of organic farming. State like Sikkim of the region from the beginning of the current year is already one step ahead in proclaiming to be the first state in the country to be organic. In addition, another NER state Tripura is already in limelight by proclaiming positions as Organic Pineapple Producer among the sixty Agri Export Zones of the country. Mizoram, Meghalaya and Assam states have taken initiative to produce mandarins, lemons, passion fruits and pineapples organically. Manipur Organic Mission Agency is planning organic production of mandarins, lemons and pineapples as a first step in six hill districts of the state. Arunachal Pradesh has formed state Soil Health Mission as an initial step for entry into systematic organic fruit production. With the existing diversified tropical, subtropical and temperate fruit crops in NER, exploitation of potentials of organic fruit production in the region would definitely be a giant step in making the entire NER as the Organic Hub for fruits in the country.
Enhanced Cooperative Tamper Evident Agent Based Anomaly Intrusion Detection in Ad Hoc Networks
Authors:   Department of Computer Science, Vikramasimhapuri University-Nellore, Sreenivsulu P. , Reddy Dr. K. Ramesh ,   Department of Computer Science, Vikramasimhapuri University-Nellore
Published: December 2020

In recent years with increasing number of wireless devices Ad Hoc Networks become a vital technology. But these networks are highly vulnerable to attacks due to several reasons such as changing topology, open medium and lack of centralized monitoring. Current intrusion detection systems are based on either rule based or behavior model. The efficiency of such IDS is based on how accurate they identify the attacks. In clustering a cluster head is selected as coordinator for performing transmissions in both inter and intra cluster environment. There are many models for choosing a cluster head in Ad Hoc environment. However if the cluster head itself is a compromised node then the cluster head can launch attacks without being detected since its IDS is already malfunctioned. In this paper we propose an “Enhanced Cooperative Tamper Evident Agent Based Anomaly Intrusion Detection System”, which helps in identifying the attacks more accurately even if cluster head is compromised.
Theoretical Study on the Mechanism of Alkylation At 0-6 Position of Guanine by Temozolomide and Bitc-Temozolomide
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Mizoram University, Gogoi Dipanta , tluangi Lalmalsawm , Pachuau Zodinpuia
Published: December 2020

Temozolomide, an alkylating prodrug mainly used in the treatment of malignant glioblastoma(brain cancer). However, after giving dose of TMZ, there is a chance of reappearance of cancer cell after few days. The purpose of this study is to shade more light on mechanism of alkylation at O-6 position of guanine by TMZ and BITC-TMZ through computationally. This study will lead to gain of useful information of drug design and development. Along with the geometrical optimization using density functional theory, MEP and FMO parameters are also calculated. As the alkylation takes place at the O-6 of guanine of DNA. Therefore, this study mainly focus on the guanine sructures. The physiological properties of BITC-TMZ is found to be similar with the TMZ.
Method Development and Validation for Multicomponent Analysis of Emtricitabine and Ritonavir in Bulk Drug by RP-HPLC
Authors: Kapoor Aman , Ankalgi Amar Deep , Thakur Upasana , Pandit Vinay , Ashawat Mahendra Singh
Published: December 2020

A simple, sensitive, economic and specific reverse phase liquid chromatographic method was developed for the simultaneous estimation of Emtricitabine and Ritonavir in bulk drug. Chromatographic conditions consisted of   C-18 Column (Shim-pack) 250 x 4.6 mm, particle size 5 µm , mobile phase combination of methanol and water (80:20), flow rate 1ml per minutes, run time 15 minutes and UV detection at 251nm. . The retention time for Emtricitabine and Ritonavir were found to be   3.25 and 7.8 min and average percentage recoveries 99.42% and 99.63% respectively. The validation parameters were found to comply with ICH guidelines. These methods can be further employed in future for the routine determination of Emtricitabine and Ritonavir in bulk drug and formulation.

Keyword: Emtricitabine, Ritonavir, RP-HPLC, accuracy and linearity.
Method Development, Validation and Stability Indicating Studies for Simultaneous Estimation of Anti-Hypertensive Drugs from Pharmaceutical Formulation by RP-HPLC
Authors: Bhalme V. M. , Jumade P. P. , Bawankar Ram D , Wanjari D. S. , Mundhada D. R.
Published: December 2020

Objective: Method development, validation & stability indicating studies for simultaneous estimation of Anti-Hypertensive drugs, Benidepine (BEN) and Metoprolol (MET) from pharmaceutical formulation by RP-HPLC.

Methods: For present work, reverse phase chromatography was selected as its suggested use for ionic and moderate to non-polar compounds. Reverse phase chromatography is simple, suitable, better regarding efficiency, stability, and reproducibility. C18 packed column, a 100 X 2.1mm. ID column of 5.0 μm particle packing, was selected for separation of BEN and MET. Different solvent systems were tried and optimized in combinations as mobile phase. BEN (4 μg/ml) and MET (50 μg/ml) in 15mM ammonium formate-Methanol (15:85 v/v) was developed as it was showing good peak shapes and a significant amount of resolution. The mobile phase was flowed at 1.2 ml/min with detection of BEN analytes at 236 nm and MET analytes at 225 nm respectively.

Result: Method development was done. Specificity, linearity, accuracy, precision, robustness, limit of detection and limit of quantitation were used to accomplish validation. The method was found linear from 32.5 – 500 µg.ml-1 for both BEN and MET individually. The percentage recovery of BEN when placed for period of 12 hours was found to 100% in 0.1N/M NaOH at 60˚C and Thermal (60˚C); 12 % degradation in 0.1N/M HCl at 60˚C; Oxidation (3-6% H2O2) at room temperature whereas for MET was 100 % in 0.1N/M NaOH, 0.1N/M HCl at 60˚C, at thermal (60˚C) as well as oxidation by 3-6% H2O2 at room temperature. 

Conclusion: Developed analytical method for the simultaneous estimation of Benidipine (BED) and Metoprolol (MET) in both bulk and tablet formulation has obliged the ICH guidelines including, tailing factor (T), separation factors (α), theoretical plates (N), capacity factor (k’), resolution (R) and RSD (%). The validated stress degradation studies under thermal, oxidative, alkali and acid ascertained few degradation products for Benidipine whereas the Metoprolol was unaffected with forced degradation studies.

Keywords: Benidipine, Metoprolol, Reverse-Phase High Performance Liquid Chromatography, Stability indicating method.
Abordagem Cirúrgica Realizada em 3 Tempos
Authors: Simões Ferreira Filipe , Areas Ribeiro Bruna , Rangel Chagas Luíza , Pessanha de Almeida Abreu Maitê , Costa de Brito Barbosa Maria , Gonçalves Romano Cruz Ribeiro Ramon , Gonçalves Romano Cruz Ribeiro Douglas
Published: December 2020

Ganglioneuromas são tumores neuroblásticos, derivados da crista neural. Raros, afetam crianças e adultos jovens, com predileção pelo sexo feminino e majoritariamente de comportamento benigno e assintomático. Originam-se em qualquer parte do sistema simpático paravertebral, tendo o interior da cavidade torácica e o retroperitônio como principais sítios, com raro acometimento simultâneo. Objetivo: Elucidar a complexidade da abordagem de lesões tumorais que ultrapassam diferentes planos anatômicos, propondo uma estratégia cirúrgica inovadora. Métodos: Este relato de caso baseou-se em coleta de dados do prontuário de uma paciente em acompanhamento no ambulatório de neurocirurgia no Hospital Escola Álvaro Alvim. Resultados: Obteve-se, através de uma técnica minimamente invasiva, excisão em bloco do tumor, com margens de segurança, do componente abdominal, e ressecção parcial da porção das raízes nervosas lombares. Conclusão: Os tumores das raízes lombares com progressão para a cavidade abdominal exigem abordagem multiprofissional, devido à necessidade de disjunção dos segmentos da lesão em etapas. Admite-se que, com o domínio da técnica cirúrgica, os tumores benignos devem ser removidos imperiosamente pela via videolaparoscópica, devido às vantagens em relação à morbidade e recuperação pós-operatória se comparada à laparotomia.
Comparação do Atendimento ao Acidente Vascular Cerebral entre Dois Municípios da Região Sul do Brasil. Centros de especialização são eficientes?
Authors: Regina Frühauf Inara , Fernández de Almeida Previtali Luiza , Seibt Dewe Samantha , De Paula Guedes Vinícius
Published: December 2020

Introdução: Acidentes vasculares cerebrais (AVC) estão entre as principais causas de incapacitação e morte no Brasil e com maior prevalência a partir dos 50 anos de idade. A identificação rápida dos sintomas é de fundamental relevância para o diagnóstico e tratamento adequado. Objetivos: Avaliar o tempo de internação, a mortalidade e os gastos em saúde pública ao comparar dois Municípios da Região Sul do Brasil: um com centros especializados em AVC e outro com atendimento via Pronto Socorro sem especialização. Metodologia: A partir do banco de dados do Datasus estudou-se o período entre janeiro de 2017 a dezembro de 2018 para seleção de indivíduos a partir dos 50 anos para realizar comparação. Resultados: Os resultados apontaram um desfecho desfavorável aos pacientes submetidos a atendimento não especializado o que indica a relevância da existência de tais centros. Conclusão: Centros específicos possuem menor tempo de internação com custo inferior ao sistema e menor mortalidade.