bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Health inequality among different economies during early phase of COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Aung Myo Nyein , Koyanagi Yuka , Yuasa Motoyuki
Published: June 2020

Background: New corona virus outbreak originated in Wuhan, China, started in January 2020 is escalating as pandemic across the globe in March 2020. It causes unprecedented morbidity, shocked health systems and the supply chains in new epicenters such as Italy, Spain and the US., claiming thousands of lives. Meanwhile, the pandemic is reaching swiftly and silently, to low-income countries where international medias cover less. How likely health outcomes among the countries with different economies may differ during the pandemic has not been reported yet.Method: We conducted analysis of COVID-19 deaths comparing case fatality rate (CRF) among countries with different income categories, applying COVID-19 global data from European Centre for Disease Control including 199 countries’ data as of 31 March 2020, in the early phase of pandemic. We categorized countries into high income countries (HIC), upper-middle income countries (UMIC), lower middle-income countries (LMIC) and low-income countries (LIC) according to World Bank classification by income as of 2020.Result: Statistically, countries in different income groups are significantly different in term of new cases identified in last two weeks and case-fatality rate. (Manova P value <0.001). New tests and detected case numbers shot up in HICs where CFR shot up in LMICs and LICs. The results of this analysis pointed out an important gap among countries with different economic status during ongoing pandemic.Discussion: In the HIC, contact tracing, testing capacity and outbreak response as well as clinical services are strong. In the LICs, there is low capacity of outbreak response which is reflected by the significantly lower number of diagnosis tests. Consequently, reported number of COVID-19 cases in LICs may not reflect the actual burden of the pandemic. Without effective prevention, the pandemic can readily break into the weak health system, and over-burden the hospitals, and clinical services in poor countries.Conclusion: This finding is showing health inequality between the rich and the poor being amplified by COVID-19 pandemic. Addressing such a gap though the local governance and integrated global responses will not only prevent unprecedented deaths, but also preserve the momentum towards SDGs
Recurrence of SARS-CoV-2 RNA in upper respiratory tract samples from recovered patient with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)
Authors: Xin Hualei , Ma Guangren , Dong Liyan , Hu Xiaowen , Song Xin , Jiang Fachun
Published: June 2020

BackgroundCase isolation and contacts tracing are the most widely used strategies to control the outbreak of COVID-19. However, little attention has been paid to the infectiousness of recovered patients with COVID-19.Case presentationIn this study, we reported a confirmed case of COVID-19 whose nasopharyngeal swab test of SARS-CoV-2 RNA turned positive 28 days after hospital discharged.ConclusionsSARS-CoV-2 RNA can be detected in respiratory tract sample 28 days after hospital discharged. Further studies about consecutive detection of SARS-CoV-2 combined with viral isolation among COVID-19 cases should be designed to determine the accurate contagious period.
Descriptive Analysis Of Femur Fracture Patterns, Management And Outcome: Descriptive Observational Study From A Level 1 Trauma Center
Authors: Ghouri Syed Imran , Asim Mohammad , Mustafa Fuad , Kanbar Ahad , Ellabib Mohamed , Jogol Hisham Al , Muneer Mohammed , Abdurraheim Nuri , Goel Aterik Pratap , Abdelrahman Husham , Al-Thani Hassan , El-Menyar Ayman
Published: June 2020

Background We aimed to assess the patterns, associated injuries, management and outcome of traumatic femoral fractures.Methods This retrospective study was conducted to include all trauma patients with femoral shaft fractures admitted in a level 1 trauma center between January 2012 and December 2015. Data were analyzed and compared according to the time to intramedullary nailing; mechanisms of injury and age groups.Results A total of 605 cases were analyzed, with mean age of 30.7±16.2 years.The majority of fractures were unilateral (96.7%) and 91% were closed fractures. Three-fourth of fractures were treated by reamed intramedullary nailing (rIMN); antegrade in 80%. The pyriform fossa nails were used in 71.6% while trochanteric entry nails was used in 28.4%. Forty five (8.9%) of fractures were treated with external fixator, 37 (6.1%) had conservative management. Victims of traffic-related accidents were younger, sustained severe injuries, and more likely to have rIMN and required more blood transfusion. Traffic-related injuries occured more in patients aged 14-30 years whereas; injuries related to fall were significantly higher in patients aged 31-59 years. Thirty-one patients (7.8%) had rIMN < 0-6 h, 106 (25.5%) had rIMN < 6-12 h and 267 (66.8%) had rIMN > 12 h. The implant type, duration of surgery, DVT prophylaxis, in-hospital complications and mortality were comparable among the three treatment groups.Conclusions the frequency of femoral fracture is 11% mainly in severely injured young males by traffic-related accidents and falls. Further multicenter studies are needed.
Fundamental Movement Skills and their Assessment in Primary Schools from the Perspective of Teachers
Authors: Eddy Lucy Hannah , Hill Liam J.B. , Mon-Williams Mark , Preston Nick , Daly-Smith Andy , Medd Gareth , Bingham Daniel D.
Published: June 2020

Background
Evidence suggests that significant numbers of school children fail to acquire age-appropriate fundamental movement skills (FMS), despite the importance of FMS in facilitating participation in physical activities. This has led to calls for an increase in routine screening of children’s FMS in school settings. However, there is limited research exploring teachers’ knowledge of FMS, and the capacity of schools to conduct such assessments. This project therefore aimed to explore primary school teachers’ knowledge of FMS, and investigated what factors might influence the acceptability of FMS assessments in primary schools.
Methods
Primary school staff working in roles that directly impact the learning of children were invited to take a brief (10–15 minutes) online questionnaire developed using the COM-B Behaviour Change Model.
Results
Primary school staff (n = 851) from 32 countries (UK: n = 746, 88%) completed the questionnaire. A majority reported that knowledge of their pupils’ FMS ability would be beneficial (65.3%), and 71.8% said they would assess FMS if appropriate support was provided. Identified barriers to school-based FMS assessments included: Capability – few (15%) possessed knowledge of FMS; Opportunity – teachers reported that 30–60 minutes would be acceptable for assessing the FMS of a whole class, a substantially shorter period than current assessments require; Motivation – 57.2% stated FMS assessments would increase workload stress and 48% of teachers would be influenced by their peers. Solutions to these issues are discussed using the COM-B theoretical framework.
Conclusions
Current FMS assessment tools are not acceptable, or feasible for use in schools. There is a need for existing measures to be modified, or new tools to be developed, underpinned by the considerations outlined in this paper, if FMS screening in schools is to become a reality.
Utility of radiomics for predicting patient survival in hepatocellular carcinoma with portal vein tumor thrombosis treated with stereotactic body radiotherapy
Authors: Wu Kui , Shui Yongjie , Sun Wenzheng , Lin Sheng , Pang Haowen
Published: June 2020

Objective
This study aimed to develop and validate the combination of radiomic features and clinical characteristics that can predict patient survival in HCC with PVTT treated with SBRT.
Materials and Methods
The prediction model was developed in a primary cohort of 70 patients with HCC and PVTT treated with SBRT, using data acquired between December 2015 and June 2017. The radiomic features were extracted from computed tomography (CT) scans. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator regression model was used to build the radiomic feature. Multivariate Cox-regression hazard models were created for analyzing survival outcomes and the radiomic features and clinical characteristics were presented with a nomogram. The area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic curve was used to evaluate the model. Participants were divided into a high-risk group and a low-risk group based on the radiomic features.
Results
A total of seven radiomic features and five clinical characteristics were extracted for survival analysis. A combination of the radiomic features and clinical characteristics resulted in better performance for the estimation of overall survival (OS) [AUC = 0.859 (CI: 0.770–0.948)] than that with clinical characteristics alone [AUC = 0.761 (CI: 0.641–0.881)]. These patients were divided into high-risk and low-risk groups according to the radiomic features.
Conclusion
This study demonstrated that a nomogram of combined radiomic features and clinical characteristics can be conveniently used to facilitate individualized preoperative prediction of OS in patients with HCC with PVTT before SBRT.
Feasibility of Hybrid 67Gallium-Citrate SPECT/CT Fusion Imaging for Identifying Patients with Osteomyelitis Awaiting Ostectomy
Authors: Kirinoki-Ichikawa Sonoko , Takagi Gen , Miyamoto Masaaki , Fukushima Yoshimitsu , Tara Shuhei , Kumita Shinichiro , Shimizu Wataru
Published: June 2020

PurposeCo-existence of ischemia and osteomyelitis strongly increase the risk of limb amputation, however, there is no established non-invasive assessment. This single-center cohort study used propensity score-matched analysis. We evaluated the clinical feasibility of hybrid 67Ga-citrate single photon emission computed tomography and X-ray computed tomography (SPECT/CT) for early diagnosis, severity assessment, and prognosis determination in these patients. Method We enrolled consecutive patients with suspected osteomyelitis with mean follow-up of 5.5 years. All patients underwent 67Ga SPECT/CT before and 4 weeks after treatment. Osteomyelitis diagnosis was based on histopathology and bacteriology of surgical sample, bone probing, or imaging follow-up. The diagnostic accuracy of bone resection rates and long-term prognoses were determined based on the target-to-background ratio (TBR). Results Among 90 patients who underwent 67Ga SPECT/CT imaging, the initial average TBR of 67Ga-citrate accumulation was 9.1 ± 12.3. TBR significantly improved following treatment (4.3 ± 3.8, p < 0.01, Wilcoxon test), and the rate of limb salvage was 80%. After propensity score matching, the pre-treatment TBR cutoff for bone resection was 10.1 (sensitivity: 85%, specificity: 82%, area under the curve: 0.87). Significant differences in long-term prognosis following bone resection were also observed often when above this cutoff point (TBR ≥ 10.1, 85.2% vs TBR < 10.1, 17.2%, p < 0.001, log-rank test). Conclusions Coupling of hybrid 67Ga-citrate SPECT/CT fusion imaging by TBR analysis revealed severity thresholds for bone resection, and could be used to assess long-term limb prognosis. 67Ga SPECT/CT fusion imaging may aid in making decisions regarding cases of suspected osteomyelitis.Trial registration:UMIN000022208, date of registration. Registered 1 January 2012, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000009900
Zonal Adjusted PSA Density Improves Prostate Cancer Detection Rates Compared with PSA in Taiwanese Males with PSA < 20 ng/mL
Authors: Chang Tsung-Hsin , Lin Wun-Rong , Tsai Wei-Kung , Chiang Pai-Kai , Chen Marcelo , Tseng Jen-Shu , Chiu Allen W
Published: June 2020

Background: The current study aimed to compare the efficacy of transition zone PSA density (TZPSAD) with traditional PSA and PSA density (PSAD), for the diagnosis of prostate cancer (PCa) in Taiwanese males.Methods: Men with PSA between 4.0 and 20.0 ng/mL who underwent a transrectal ultrasound (TRUS) guided prostate biopsy between the studied period were retrospectively identified. The demographic data, PSAD and TZPSAD were calculated in all patients. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to analyze the accuracy of a positive PCa diagnosis.Results: The area under the ROC (AUC) was 0.615, 0.748 and 0.746 for PSA, PSAD and TZPSAD, respectively. The best cut-off of value for TZPSAD in predicting PCa in men with a PSA of 4.0–10.0 ng/ml was 0.367 ng/ml/ml with a sensitivity of 50% and a specificity of 77.5%. In men with a PSA of 10.1–20.0 ng/ml, the best cut-off value was 0.454 ng/ml, with a sensitivity of 74.8% and specificity of 70.9%.Conclusion: The use of TZPSAD may improve the efficacy and specificity of PSA for the diagnosis of PCa in Taiwanese men with PSA 4.0–20.0 ng/ml. TZPSAD efficacy was similar to PSAD but TZPSAD had better specificity.
Giant Invasive Spinal Schwannoma With Vertebral Body Collapse In The Cervical Spine: A Case Report
Authors: Liang Ze-Yan , Wang Zhe-Wei , Chen Xin-Yao , CHEN CHUNMEI
Published: June 2020

Study Design: A case report.Objective: To describe the first case of GISS with VBC in the cervical spine, analyze the clinical features and surgical outcomes, and discuss diagnosis and treatment strategies.Summary of Background Data: The giant invasive spinal schwannoma (GISS) extends more than two vertebral levels, erodes the vertebral body and extends posteriorly and laterally into the myofascial plane. To the best of our knowledge, never before has there been a report of GISS with vertebral body collapse (VBC).Methods: A 44-year-old man was admitted as a result of a 1-year history of limb weakness and defecation difficulties. Power were reduced in all limbs: right upper limb middle finger muscle strength was 2/5, both lower limb hip flexion and knee flexion muscle strength was 3/5, and the muscle strength of the remaining limbs was 0/5. Preoperative MRI revealed that an extradural tumor, localized at the C3 to C5 levels, invaded the C4 vertebral body and attachment. A two-stage operation by posterior and anterolateral approaches was performed. One year after surgery, the patient could walk and write unassissted, and strength was regained to 4/5 in the upper extremities and 5/5 in the lower extremities. MRI showed no recurrence of the tumor. CT showed good fusion of the vertebral bodies, and X-ray films confirmed stable fixation materials without loosening or displacement. The bowel function has improved though patient remains only able to defecate in bed.Conclusions: We herein describe the case of GISS with VBC in the cervical spine. Paired with imaging for malignant features, MRIs meeting the criteria for GISS diagnosis may reveal similar cases that could be preoperatively evaluated by biopsy for optimal surgical planning.
Applying the Behaviour Change Wheel: insights into the development of the breastfeeding component of the Baby Buddy smartphone app
Authors: Musgrave Loretta , Baum Alison , Perera Nilushka , Homer Caroline SE , Gordon Adrienne
Published: June 2020

BackgroundBreastfeeding plays a major role in the health of mothers and babies and has the potential to positively shape an individual’s life both in the short and long-term. In the United Kingdom (UK), despite around 81% of women initiating breastfeeding, only 1% of women breastfeed exclusively to 6 months as recommended by the World Health Organisation (WHO). Women who are socially disadvantaged and younger, are less likely to breastfeed at 6-8 weeks postpartum. One strategy that aims to improve these statistics is the Baby Buddy app which has been designed, developed and implemented by the UK charity Best Beginnings to be a universal intervention to help reduce health inequalities, including breastfeeding. The aim was this study was to retrospectively examine the development of Baby Buddy as a Digital Behaviour Change Intervention (DBCI) that may increase breastfeeding self-efficacy, knowledge and confidence to positively impact breastfeeding rates and duration.MethodsThe study used a three-stage process evaluation, triangulation methods and formalised tools. A retrospective evaluation was done after the app was developed and embedded. The app development process and content were reviewed by applying the Behaviour Change Wheel (BCW), Capability, Opportunity and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) system and Behaviour Change Techniques Taxonomy (BCTTv1). A clear understanding of behaviours that need to change in pregnancy to improve breastfeeding knowledge, self-efficacy and confidence was sought. ResultsRetrospective application of the BCW, COM-B and BCTTv1 confirmed that the Baby Buddy app is a well-designed DBCI, appealing particularly to younger women and women for whom English is not their first language. The Best Beginnings charity used several frameworks and guidelines and the use of these instruments contributed to the good design and development of Baby Buddy. Content analysis verified that the resources developed could affect attitudes and assist women to make decisions, and perceptions of self-efficacy in relation to breastfeeding. ConclusionsBaby Buddy has the potential to improve breastfeeding knowledge, confidence and self-efficacy. Future research should assess which components of the app are most effective on breastfeeding and whether it has an impact on clinical health outcomes for mothers and babies.
Why do we die? Uncovering the genetic connections causing COVID-19 disease severity 
Authors: Cordoza Keyana , Hoch Magen , Montz Frederic B. , Froeschke Bridgette F. , Dobrinski Kimberly P.
Published: June 2020

SARS-CoV-2 attacks randomly causing deaths among certain populations. Additionally, this disease seems to kill males preferentially. This study investigates why by examining single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) correlated with increased protein expression associated with viral infection of cells leading to disease proliferation. ACE2, the assumed host cell receptor for the virus is believed to be assisted by co-receptors ENPEP and ANPEP. TMPRSS2 cleaves the S viral protein into two sub-units allowing viral binding to the ACE2 receptor. ACE2 found on the X-chromosome has SNPs increasing ACE2 expression found at frequencies greater than 50% in all male populations analyzed which could account for the increase in male deaths. Females would undergo X-inactivation for the SNPs and have protection from the increased ACE2 expression in all their cells. ACE2, ENPEP, and TMPRSS2 were also found to have population specific SNP patterns which could account for the increased prevalence of disease among certain populations.
Clinical observation of different treatment strategies in pregnant women with COVID-19: a retrospective study
Authors: Lei Gang , Tian Jinghua , Peng Shuangqin , Hu Xiaoji , Zhang Pei , Wu Wen-ning , Xiong Guoping
Published: June 2020

Objective: this study aimed to clarify the clinical characteristics, obstetrical and fetal outcomes of patients with Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) in different stage during pregnancy.Methods: 13 pregnant women with COVID-19 were admitted to Wuhan central hospital and Renmin hospital of Wuhan university between Jan 20 and march 20, 2020, including four patients in first and second trimester demanding for pregnancy termination, seven in first and second trimester and two in third trimester keeping pregnancy. The two groups’ clinical characteristics, treatment and maternal and fetal outcomes were observed and analyzed.Results: Most common clinical manifestation were fever and cough. Among the patients keeping pregnancy, one had a spontaneous miscarriage and fetal malformation was found in another one. Two patients who had a vaginal delivery presented good maternal and neonatal outcomes. All patients showed a good recovery. Conclusion: SARS-COV-2 infection could cause spontaneous miscarriage and fetal malformation in early pregnancy.
Phylogenetic supertree reveals detailed evolution of SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Li Tingting , Liu Dongxia , Yang Yadi , Guo Jiali , Feng Yujie , Zhang Xinmo , Cheng Shilong , Feng Jie
Published: June 2020

Corona Virus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused by the emerged coronavirus SARS-CoV-2 is spreading globally. The origin of SARS-Cov-19 and its evolutionary relationship is still ambiguous. Several reports attempted to figure out this critical issue by genome-based phylogenetic analysis, with limited progress. Here we applied phylogenetic supertree analysis to study the origin and evolution of SARS-CoV-2. Phylogenetic supertree analysis firmly disputes the accuracy of bat coronavirus RaTG13 be the last common ancestor of SARS- CoV-2s reported in other phylogenetic tree analysis based on viral genome sequences, although RaTG13 shows 96.5% similarity with SARS-CoV-2 in the genome. Therefore, viewing RaTG13 as the last common ancestor of SARS-CoV-2 would seriously mislead phylogenetic inference of SARS-CoV-2. Importantly, the discovery of evolution and mutation in SARS-CoV-2s was achieved by phylogenetic supertree analysis. Taken together, the phylogenetic supertree showed extraordinary priority on the SARS-CoV-2 evolution inference relative to the normal phylogenetic tree based on full-length genomic sequences.
Crystal Chemistry and Thermal Behavior of Fe-Carpholite from the Pollino Massif, Southern Italy
Authors: Mesto Ernesto , Laurita Salvatore , Lacalamita Maria , Sinisi Rosa , Rizzo Giovanna , Schingaro Emanuela , Mongelli Giovanni
Published: June 2020

The crystal chemistry and thermal behavior of Fe-carpholite from the Pollino Massif have been investigated by a multi-method approach. A combination of optical microscopy, scanning electron microscopy, mRaman spectroscopy, thermal analysis, room-temperature single-crystal X-ray diffraction, and high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction was employed.

Field and micromorphological observations showed that the studied carpholite occurs in veins embedded in fine-grained matapelites and coexist with quartz, calcite, chlorite, and phengite. In particular, the tiny carpholite crystals are closely associated with quartz, suggesting simultaneous formation.

Structure refinements from single-crystal X-ray diffraction confirm that carpholite crystallizes in the Ccce space group. Anisotropic refinements converged at 2.3 ≤ R (%) ≤ 2.6 and yielded unit-cell parameters a ~13.77 Å, b ~20.16 Å, c ~5.11 Å, and V ~1419 Å3. An XFe [i.e., the molar fraction Fe2+/(Mg+Fe2++Mn)] of ~0.6 was derived from the refined occupancy at the M1 site and is correlated to structural expansion mainly along the b and a axes and to geometrical distortions of the M1, M2, and M3 octahedra. mRaman spectrum of unoriented Fe-carpholite crystals exhibits several bands in the 200–1200 cm–1 region, a strong peak at 3630 cm–1 and a weak peak at 3593 cm–1, the latter two of which account for the presence of two independent OH groups, as also revealed by the X-ray structure refinement.

The TG curve indicates a total mass loss of 15.6% in the temperature range 30–1000 °C, and the DTA curve shows a broad endothermic band at ~400 °C, extending up to ~650 °C, and weak exothermic peaks at ~700 and 750 °C. The latter may be ascribed to the breakdown of the Fe-carpholite structure and crystallization of new phases. The in situ high-temperature X-ray powder diffraction from 30 to 1105 °C revealed no significant changes in XRD patterns from 30 to 355 °C but reflection splittings from 380 °C due to a Fe-oxidation/deprotonation process. The carpholite and deprotonated carpholite phases coexist in the temperature range 380–580 °C, whereas only the deprotonated phase is observed up to 630 °C. Above this temperature, the carpholite structure collapses and the characteristic peaks of spinel and quartz phases are observed. At 1105 °C, spinel, mullite, garnet, cristobalite, and tridymite can be clearly identified. Our results provide insight into the thermal stability of Fe-carpholites and may help understand the thermal evolution of HP/LT metasediments.
6750 SAYILI TİCARİ İŞLEMLERDE TAŞINIR REHNİ KANUNU UYARINCA AYNI ALACAĞA TEMİNAT TEŞKİL ETMEK ÜZERE BİRDEN ÇOK TAŞINIRIN REHİN HAKKINA KONU OLMASI
Authors: ÖCAL APAYDIN Bahar
Published: June 2020

29871 sayılı ve 28 Ekim 2016 tarihli Resmî Gazete’de yayımlanan 6750 sayılı Ticarî İşlemlerde Taşınır Rehni Kanunu (TİTRK), 1 Ocak 2017 tarihinde yürürlüğe girmiştir. Bu Kanun ile taşınır rehninin uygulanmasını ve rehne konu taşınırların çeşitliliğini artırmak amacıyla, rehne konu taşınırın teslimine ihtiyaç duymayan sicilli bir rehin türü benimsenmiştir. TİTRK m. 5/f.1 hükmünde rehne konu olabilecek taşınır varlıklar tahdidî olmayan bir şekilde sayılmıştır. Taşınır rehni uygulamasının artırılması amacıyla, TİTRK m. 5/f.6 hükmünde birden çok taşınırın rehne konu olabileceği düzenlenmiştir. Ne var ki, Ticarî İşlemlerde Taşınır Rehni Kanunu’nda birden çok taşınırın rehne konu olması hususunda açık bir düzenleme yapılmamıştır. Buna karşılık, TİTRK m. 18 hükmünde, Ticarî İşlemlerde Taşınır Rehni Kanunu’nda hüküm bulunmayan hâllerde Türk Medeni Kanunu’nun (TMK) “taşınmaz rehnine” ilişkin hükümlerinin uygulanacağı ifade edilmiştir. Bu doğrultuda birden çok taşınırın rehne konu olması hâlinde TİTRK m. 18’in atfıyla TMK m. 855 hükmü uygulama alanı bulacağı kabul edilmektedir. Bu çalışmanın amacı, Ticarî İşlemlerde Taşınır Rehni Kanunu uyarınca birden fazla taşınırın aynı alacağa teminat teşkil etmesi amacıyla rehin hakkının tesisi hâlinde rehin tesis edilmesinin koşulları ile rehin tesis edildikten sonra ortaya çıkan değişikliklerin rehin hakkı üzerindeki etkisini incelemektir.
Deciphering the Role of Glutamate Signaling in Glioblastoma Multiforme: Current Therapeutic Modalities and Future Directions
Authors: Mollazadeh Hamid , Mohtashami Elmira , Mousavi Seyed H. , Soukhtanloo Mohammad , Vahedi Mohammad M. , Hosseini Azar , Afshari Amir R. , Sahebkar Amirhossein
Published: June 2020

As the most popular intrinsic neoplasm throughout the brain, glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) is resistant
to existing therapies. Due to its invasive nature, GBM shows a poor prognosis despite aggressive surgery
and chemoradiation. Therefore, identifying and understanding the critical molecules of GBM can help develop
new therapeutic strategies. Glutamatergic signaling dysfunction has been well documented in neurodegenerative
diseases as well as in GBM. Inhibition of glutamate receptor activation or extracellular glutamate release by specific
antagonists inhibits cell development, invasion, and migration and contributes to apoptosis and autophagy in
GBM cells. This review outlines the current knowledge of glutamate signaling involvement and current therapeutic
modalities for the treatment of GBM.
Ultrasmall Europium, Gadolinium, and Dysprosium Oxide Nanoparticles: Polyol Synthesis, Properties, and Biomedical Imaging Applications
Authors: Yue Huan , Park Ja Young , Chang Yongmin , Lee Gang Ho
Published: June 2020

Imaging agents are crucial in diagnosing diseases. Ultrasmall lanthanide oxide (Ln2O3) nanoparticles (NPs) (Ln = Eu, Gd, and Dy) are promising materials as high-performance imaging agents because of their excellent magnetic, optical, and X-ray attenuation properties which can be applied as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), fluorescence imaging (FI), and X-ray computed tomography (CT) agents, respectively. Ultrasmall Ln2O3 NPs (Ln = Eu, Gd, and Dy) are reviewed here. The reviewed topics include polyol synthesis, characterization, properties, and biomedical imaging applications of ultrasmall Ln2O3 NPs. Recently published papers were used as bibliographic databases. A polyol method is a simple and efficient one-pot synthesis for preparing ultrasmall Ln2O3 NPs. Ligand-coated ultrasmall Ln2O3 NPs have good colloidal stability, biocompatibility, and renal excretion ability suitable for in vivo imaging applications. Ultrasmall Eu2O3 NPs display photoluminescence in the red region suitable for use as FI agents. Ultrasmall Gd2O3 NPs have r1 values higher than those of commercial molecular contrast agents and r2/r1 ratios close to 1, which make them eligible for use as T1 MRI contrast agents. Ultrasmall Dy2O3 NPs exhibit high r2 and negligible r1 values, which make them suitable for use as T2 MRI contrast agents. All ultrasmall Ln2O3 NPs have high X-ray attenuation powers which make them suitable for use as CT contrast agents. Unmixed, mixed, or doped ultrasmall Ln2O3 NPs with different Ln are extremely useful for in vivo imaging applications in MRI, CT, FI, MRI-CT, MRI-FI, CT-FI, and MRI-CT-FI.
Yishen Huazhuo Decoction Induces Autophagy to Promote the Clearance of Aβ1-42 in SAMP8 Mice: Mechanism Research of a Traditional Chinese Formula Against Alzheimer’s Disease
Authors: Wang Kai , Sun Weiming , Xu Jiachun , Qin Qijing , Yu Zhen , Cheng Ruzhen , Zhang Linlin , Liu Shuang , Zhou Zhen , Zhang Yulian , Cui Yuanwu
Published: June 2020

Background:

Studies have found that autophagy could promote the clearance of Aβ. To promote and
maintain the occurrence of autophagy in Alzheimer's disease (AD) might be a potential way to reduce neuronal
loss and improve the learning and memory of AD.

Objective:

To investigate the possible mechanisms of Yishen Huazhuo Decoction (YHD) against AD model.

Methods:

Forty 7-month-old male SAMP8 mice were randomly divided into model (P8) group and YHD
group, 20 in each group, with 20 SAMR1 mice as control (R1) group. All mice were intragastrically
administered for 4 weeks, YHD at the dosage of 6.24g/kg for YHD group, and distilled water for P8 group and
R1 group. Morris water maze (MWM) test, Nissl’s staining, TEM, TUNEL staining, immunofluorescence
double staining, and western blot analysis were applied to learning and memory, structure and ultrastructure of
neurons, autophagosome, apoptosis index, Aβ, LAMP1, and autophagy related proteins.

Results:

The escape latency time of YHD group was significantly shorter on the 4th and 5th day during MWM
test than those in P8 group (P=0.011, 0.008<0.05), and the number of crossing platform in YHD group
increased significantly (P=0.02<0.05). Nissl’s staining showed that the number of neurons in YHD group
increased significantly (P<0.0001). TEM showed in YHD group, the nucleus of neurons was slightly irregular,
with slightly reduced organelles, partially fused and blurred cristae and membrane of mitochondria. The
apoptosis index of YHD group showed a decreasing trend, without statistically significant difference
(P=0.093>0.05), while Caspase3 expression in YHD group was significantly lower (P=0.044<0.05). YHD
could promote the clearance of Aβ1-42 protein, improve the expression of Beclin-1 and p-Bcl2 proteins, reduce
mTOR and p62 proteins.

Conclusions:

YHD could induce autophagy initiation, increase the formation of autophagosomes and
autolysosome, promote the degradation of autophagy substrates, thereby to regulate autophagy, thereby to
promote the clearance of Aβ1-42 to improve memory impairment in SAMP8 mice.
Evaluation of the Role of Silicone Intubation in Non-complicated External Dacryocystorhinostomy
Authors: Massoud Omar M. , Elbakary Molham A. , Shalaby Osama E. , Hashish Aiman A.
Published: June 2020

Aim:

Evaluation of the role of silicone intubation in non-complicated External dacryocystorhinostomy (Ext-DCR).

Background:

Silicone intubation is described as a step of Ext-DCR. It was proposed that it may prevent obstruction involving the osteotomy or the common canaliculus. However, its necessity in non-complicated Ext-DCR is controversial.

Objective:

To study the effect of intubation and its duration on the results of non-complicated Ext-DCR.

Methods:

A prospective randomized interventional study that included 75 Ext-DCRs. Patients with a high risk of failure were not included. Patients were randomly distributed between 3 equal groups with either traditional 3 months intubation (group A), short-term intubation for 2-3 weeks (group B), or non-intubation (group C).

Results:

The success rate was 92%, 96%, and 92% in groups A, B, and C, respectively, with no significant differences (P = 0.853). Temporary foreign body sensation was reported in 16% in group A and 12% in group B. No significant complications were recorded in any of the 3 groups.

Conclusion:

Intubation (either short-term or 3 months) did not affect the results of Ext-DCR, which gives more evidence that it is not necessary in non-complicated cases.
Recent Patents on Control System of EDM Machine Tool
Authors: Xie Baocheng , Liu Jianguo , Chen Yongqiu
Published: June 2020

Background:

Electrical Discharge Machining (EDM) has widely been used in manufacturing
high strength and high hardness of metal material due to the EDM process, which is free from mechanical
force. The control system, a core of the EDM machine tool, plays a major role in manufacturing
high strength and high hardness metal material in terms of machining efficiency and machining
quality of the process of EDM. Thus, more and more attention has been paid to the current trends of the
control system of the EDM machine tool.

Objective:

To meet the increasing requirements of machining quality and machining efficiency in the
EDM process, the control system of the EDM machine tool is being improved continuously.
Methods: This paper reviews current various representative patents related to the control system of the
EDM machine tool.

Methods:

This paper reviews current various representative patents related to the control system of the EDM machine
tool.

Results:

By summarizing a large number of patents about the control system of the EDM machine tool,
the parameter control system, the servo control system and the numerical control system of the EDM
machine tool are analyzed, and the development trend of the EDM machine tool control system has
been discussed.

Conclusion:

The optimization of the control system of the EDM machine tool is conducive to increasing
machining efficiency and machining quality in the EDM process. More relevant patents will be
invented in the future.
Upscaling Anodic Synthesis of TiO2 Nanotubes Film as Potential Material for Photoelectrocatalytic Applications: Influence of Electrolyte Overheating and Aging on Nanotube Morphology and Stability
Authors: Marien Cédric , Le Pivert Marie , Dirany Ahmad , Drogui Patrick , Cottineau Thomas , Robert Didier
Published: June 2020

Background:

Among Advanced oxidation processes, heterogeneous photocatalysis have a
great interest, because it uses only light has a source of energy. One of the main limiting processes in
photocatalysis is the high probability of electron-hole pair’s recombination in the volume or at the surface
of the photocatalyst particles. TiO2 nanotubes grown by anodic synthesis are widely studied because
of the large number of potential practical applications especially in photocatalytic or photoelectrochemical
applications. However, the preparation of these electrodes at large scale is still challenging due to
some technological obstacles such as the electrochemical cell design or the precise control of nanotubes
morphology, especially regarding electrolyte ageing and overheating during the synthesis.

Objective:

This study examines the electrochemical synthesis of TiO2 nanotubes supported on large
titanium electrodes.

Methods and Results:

By understanding heat dissipation phenomenon during the synthesis, an optimized
electrochemical cell was designed to prepare 6x4 cm 2 anodes. Then we aimed to control precisely the
length of the nanotubes independently of electrolyte ageing. Indeed, It was previously observed that the
electrolyte composition evolves (ageing) during the nanotubes synthesis and hence leads to nonreproducible
nanotubes morphologies under time-controlled potentiostatic anodization conditions.

Conclusion and Perspectives:

To overcome this issue, we developed a Coulometric approach that allows
to synthesize, reusing the same electrolyte, several electrodes with a great precision and reproducibility
on the length of the nanotubes (2,7 μm ± 160 nm) despite electrolyte ageing. Subsequently,
these electrodes can be integrated in a photocatalytic or photoelectrocatalytic process in a real
wastewater treatment sector would be very relevant.
E-Tourism: Malaysian travellers intention in online accommodation booking
Authors: Abdul Rahim Fitriya , Lau Teck Chai , Ng David Ching Yat
Published: June 2020

A great number of tourists has embraced online travel booking. This paper examines the influence of four factors, namely credibility, trustworthiness, perceived usefulness, and perceived ease of use on booking intention and explores whether the attitude mediates the relationship between trustworthiness and booking intention. A total of 191 completed and usable questionnaires from holidaymakers in Malaysia were collected. The results showed that perceived usefulness and perceived ease of use have a significant positive relationship with the booking intention. The result also highlighted that attitude partially mediates the relationship between trustworthiness and booking intention. The paper concludes with a discussion on managerial implications and suggestions to address this issue.   
Keywords: holiday accommodations, holidaymakers, online booking, online information search.   
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2320
Modalities to Address Legal Impediments to the Citizens’Right to Impart Public Sector Information
Authors: Mohamad Hashim Haswira Nor , Mahmood Anida , Mohamed Zain Fazlin , Suhaimi Nurul Shuhada
Published: June 2020

This paper conducts a comparative analysis of various modalities currently being adopted in selected countries to address legal impediments to the citizens’ rights to impart public sector information (PSI). Previous studies have identified a myriad of laws currently in force in Malaysia which impede the citizens’ rights to impart PSI. In the absence of sui generis law on the right to information, disclosure, publication, communication and distribution of PSI is subject to these laws. This paper surveyed to identify the most appropriate modalities for adaptation in Malaysia and later suggested the appropriate modalities to address the legal impediments.   
Keywords: Legal impediment; Right to information; Modalities; Citizens.   
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2322
Sticking to the Old Ways in the Plea-Bargaining Process: Some evidence from Malaysia
Authors: Hamin Zaiton , Othman Mohd Bahrin , Abd Rani Ahmad Ridhwan
Published: June 2020

In Malaysia, the plea-bargaining process was formalized in 2010 with the amendment to the Criminal Procedure Code 1976, which was intended to reduce the number of criminal cases that could be resolved at the pre-trial stage. However, the law in action does not appear to be in line with the law in the statute book. Hence, this paper aims at examining the reality of the plea-bargaining process and the extent of the applications in Malaysia. This paper adopts a qualitative methodology, of which the primary data is obtained from semi-structured while the secondary data obtained from library-based sources.   
Keywords: Plea-Bargaining Process; Criminal Procedure; Prosecutor; Defence Counsel.   
eISSN: 2398-4287 © 2020. The Authors. Published for AMER ABRA cE-Bs by e-International Publishing House, Ltd., UK. This is an open access article under the CC BYNC-ND license (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0/). Peer–review under responsibility of AMER (Association of Malaysian Environment-Behaviour Researchers), ABRA (Association of Behavioural Researchers on Asians) and cE-Bs (Centre for Environment-Behaviour Studies), Faculty of Architecture, Planning & Surveying, Universiti Teknologi MARA, Malaysia.   DOI: https://doi.org/10.21834/ebpj.v5iSI1.2324
On the Parasites of the Lesser Apple Leaf Roller, Teras minuta (Robs.)
Authors: Weed Clarence M.
Published: June 2020

The parasites described herein were mostly bred at the Laboratory during 1886, though a few had been obtained during previous seasons.
Novel Indicator to Ascertain the Status and Trend of COVID-19 Spread: Modeling Study (Preprint)
Authors: Nakano Takashi , Ikeda Yoichi
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

In the fight against the pandemic of COVID-19, it is important to ascertain the status and trend of the infection spread quickly and accurately.

OBJECTIVE

The purpose of our study is to formulate a new and simple indicator that represents the COVID-19 spread rate by using publicly available data.

METHODS

The new indicator K is a backward difference approximation of the logarithmic derivative of the cumulative number of cases with a time interval of 7 days. It is calculated as a ratio of the number of newly confirmed cases in a week to the total number of cases.

RESULTS

The analysis of the current status of COVID-19 spreading over countries showed an approximate linear decrease in the time evolution of the K value. The slope of the linear decrease differed from country to country. In addition, it was steeper for East and Southeast Asian countries than for European countries. The regional difference in the slope seems to reflect both social and immunological circumstances for each country.

CONCLUSIONS

The approximate linear decrease of the K value indicates that the COVID-19 spread does not grow exponentially but starts to attenuate from the early stage. The K trajectory in a wide range was successfully reproduced by a phenomenological model with the constant attenuation assumption, indicating that the total number of the infected people follows the Gompertz curve. Focusing on the change in the value of K will help to improve and refine epidemiological models of COVID-19.
Information Access and Use by Patients With Cancer and Their Friends and Family: Development of a Grounded Theory (Preprint)
Authors: Thiessen Maclean , Sinclair Shane , Tang Patricia A , Raffin Bouchal Shelley
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Information has been identified as a commonly unmet supportive care need for those living with cancer (ie, patients and their friends and family). The information needed to help individuals plan their lives around the consequences of cancer, such as the receipt of health care, is an example of an important informational need. A suitable theory to guide the development of interventions designed to meet this informational need has not been identified by the authors.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to generate a grounded theory capable of guiding the development of interventions designed to assist those living with cancer in meeting their informational needs.

METHODS

Classic grounded theory was used to analyze data collected through digitally recorded one-on-one audio interviews with 31 patients with cancer and 29 friends and family members. These interviews focused on how the participants had accessed and used information to plan their lives and what barriers they faced in obtaining and using this information.

RESULTS

The theory that emerged consisted of 4 variables: personal projects, cancer as a source of disruption to personal projects, information as the process of accessing and interpreting cancer-related data (CRD) to inform action, and CRD quality as defined by accessibility, credibility, applicability, and framing. CRD quality as a moderator of personal project disruption by cancer is the core concept of this theory.

CONCLUSIONS

Informational resources providing accessible, credible, applicable, and positively framed CRD are likely key to meeting the information needs of those affected by cancer. Web-based informational resources delivering high-quality CRD focused on assisting individuals living with cancer in maintaining and planning their personal projects are predicted to improve quality of life. Research is needed to develop and integrate resources informed by this theoretical framework into clinical practice.
Advantages of Artificial Intelligence in Predicting Risk Factors for Stroke: Model Development and Retrospective Data Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Fu Zhenqiang , Wang Jingtao , Lu Hong
Published: June 2020

BACKGROUND

Cerebral stroke is a common cardiovascular disease in the field of neurology. Current imaging detection methods and psychological nerve scoring methods are characterized by low sensitivity and high subjectivity. Machine learning in artificial intelligence (AI) systems has shown high accuracy in the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and has been applied in the field of neurology. At present, there are few studies on the application of machine learning to stroke diagnosis.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study was to explore the predictive value of AI systems in stroke disease and to provide a reference for the application of AI systems in the field of medical neurology.

METHODS

A retrospective analysis was performed on 763 patients with stroke, of whom 183 (24.0%) had recurrent stroke, as confirmed by the neurology department of First Affiliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University from January 2014 to December 2019. Basic data and medical data of all participants were collected. Univariate and multivariate Cox and logistic regression model algorithms were respectively used to predict stroke risk factors. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to detect the accuracy and sensitivity of the Cox and logistic models. According to the support vector machine (SVM) algorithm in machine learning, data were filled and preprocessed using mean value, median, linear regression, and normalized expectation-maximization (EM) methods. The influencing factors were selected using the conservative mean method, and the risk factors for stroke recurrence were predicted by the SVM model. The area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC curve was used to analyze and compare the prediction results of the three models.

RESULTS

The multivariate Cox model and logistic model analyses showed that family history of stroke, systolic blood pressure, history of heart disease, total cholesterol, disease progression, dietary habits, and history of hypertension were the main risk factors for stroke recurrence. The sensitivity and specificity of the Cox model were 0.754 and 0.805, respectively. The AUC of the logistic model was 0.889. In the SVM model data filling algorithm, the median AUC was 0.874, which was significantly higher than that of the other algorithms (P<.05). The top 10 risk factors of stroke patients predicted by the SVM model included both clinically established risk factors and potential risk factors. The prediction results of stroke risk factors were in the order of 0.873SVM>0.861logistic>0.853Cox.

CONCLUSIONS

AI systems have obvious advantages in the prediction of stroke disease, and this work provides a reference for the application of AI in the field of medical neurology.
Challenges Ahead in 2021 & 2022
Authors: LUYCKX Dr. Marc
Published: June 2020

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