bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Occurrence of Shiga Toxin-Producing Escherichia coli Carrying Antimicrobial Resistance Genes in Sheep on Smallholdings in Bangladesh
Authors: Gupta Mukta Das , Sen Arup , Shaha Mishuk , Dutta Avijit , Das Ashutosh
Published: July 2021

Inappropriate antimicrobial treatment can pose a risk for developing resistance against antimi-crobial drugs in bacteria. Close human contact might have a higher chance of being transmitted to humans from sheep if the sheep population is a potential reservoir of zoonotic pathogens such as shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (E. coli) (STEC). Therefore, this study aimed to exam-ine the sheep population in rural Bangladesh for antimicrobial resistant STEC. We screened 200 faecal samples collected from sheep in three Upazila from the Chattogram district. Phenotypical-ly positive E. coli isolates were examined for two shiga toxin-producing genes – stx1 and stx2. PCR positive STEC isolates were investigated for the presence of antimicrobial resistance genes- blaTEM, sul1 and sul2. In total, 123 of the 200 tested samples were confirmed positive E. coli by cul-tured based methods. PCR results show 17(13.8%) E. coli isolates harboured ≥ one virulent gene (stx1 or/and stx2) of STEC. Six of the tested STEC isolates exhibited blaTEM gene; eight STEC isolates had sul1 gene, and sul2 gene was detected in ten STEC isolates. To our knowledge, this study is the first to reveal a significant proportion of STEC isolated from sheep in rural Bangla-desh harbouring antimicrobial resistance genes.
On the Option Pricing by the Binomial Model
Authors: Halidias Nikos
Published: July 2021

In this note we study the binomial model applied to European, American and Bermudan type of derivatives. Our aim is to give the necessary and sufficient conditions under which we can define a fair value via replicating portfolios for any derivative using simple mathematical arguments and without using no arbitrage techniques. Giving suitable definitions we are able to define rigorously the fair value of any derivative without using concepts from probability theory or stochastic analysis therefore is suitable for students or young researchers. It will be clear in our analysis that if $e^{r \delta} \notin [d,u]$ then we can not define a fair value by any means for any derivative while if $d \leq e^{r \delta} \leq u$ we can. Therefore the definition of the fair value of a derivative is not so closely related with the absence of arbitrage. In the usual probabilistic point of view we assume that $d < e^{r \delta} < u$ in order to define the fair value but it is not clear what we can (or we can not) do in the cases where $e^{r \delta} \leq d$ or $e^{r \delta} \geq u$.
Human Support Technology Division
Authors: Hashino Satoshi ,   Robotics Department, Mechanical Engineering Laboratory, 1-2 Namiki, Tsukuba, Ibaraki 305-8564, Japan, Homma Keiko
Published: July 2021

The Human Support Technology Division was established in the Robotics Department October 1, 1994 to strengthen research on assistive technology in the Mechanical Engineering Laboratory. Six researchers gathered from Robotics and other departments. Half a year later, one was promoted to director of the Department of Energy Engineering. Five now carry on, including one part-timer. Our aim is to realize novel mechanisms and control, and to build small, light, powerful mechatronic systems. Improved maneuverability and safety of the human support system and standardization based on ergonomics are also important targets. We are thus conducting the four following projects:
A Review of the Evaluation of the Continuation Task
Authors: Jie Zhang , Yi Peng
Published: July 2021

The continuation task is a new type of writing that organically combines reading and writing. It provides new ideas for English writing teaching. It creatively combines language input understanding with output writing, which can effectively improve students’ writing skills. This paper reviews different ways of evaluating “the continuation task” and outlines related research, aiming to provide suggestions for future teaching practice of its evaluation.
ОСОБЕННОСТИ ЛАБОРАТОРНЫХ ПОКАЗАТЕЛЕЙ ПРИ ПНЕВМОНИИ, ВЫЗВАННОЙ ВИРУСОМ SARS-CoV-2 У ДЕТЕЙ
Authors: Попова Раиса , Руженцова Татьяна , Хавкина Дарья , Чухляев Павел , Гарбузов Александр , Мешкова Наталья
Published: July 2021

Цель исследования – изучить особенности лабораторных показателей у детей, больных коронавирусной инфекцией, вызванной вирусом SARS-CoV-2.

Материалы и методы

Проанализированы данные лабораторных исследований 36 детей в возрасте от 8 месяцев до 17 лет, находившихся в детском инфекционном отделении ГБУЗ МО «МГКБ» г. Мытищи с диагнозом: внебольничная пневмония коронавирусной этиологии (вирус SARS-CoV-2 идентифицирован). У большинства пациентов (96%) отмечали средне-тяжелую форму заболевания, тяжелого течения не было. Вирус SARS-CoV-2 был идентифицирован методом полимеразной цепной реакции (ПЦР). Всем детям в 1-й день, помимо клинического осмотра, рентгенографии или компьютерной томографии (КТ) легких, были выполнены анализы крови клинический и биохимический, оценка свертываемости крови, общий анализ мочи. Пациенты находились под наблюдением в стационаре от 8 до 15 дней. Повторные лабораторные обследования проводили не реже 1 раза в 7 дней, по показаниям – чаще.

Результаты

В 1-й день госпитализации у большинства детей (86%) отмечали нормальные показатели лейкоцитов, у 13% отмечали лейкопению, лимфопению - у 72%, тромбоцитопению - у 38%, увеличение СОЭ - у 27% детей. По результатам биохимического исследования крови, у большинства детей отмечали умеренное увеличение С-реактивного белка (в 73%). Другие показатели оставались в пределах нормальных значений. По результатам общего анализа мочи, клинически значимых отклонений выявлено не было.

За время наблюдения значимых изменений лабораторных показателей у наблюдавшихся детей не отмечалось. К моменту выписки из стационара у большинства пациентов были нормальные значения лейкоцитов, лимфоцитов, С-реактивного белка.

Выводы

При внебольничной пневмонии, вызванной SARS-CoV-2, у детей, как правило, отмечается лимфопения на фоне нормального количества лейкоцитов, увеличение уровня С-реактивного белка. Нормальные показатели клинического анализа крови не исключают развитие пневмонии у ребёнка.
Мобильные комплексы СПЭБ Роспотребнадзора как действенный инструмент при реализации мероприятий по противодействию новой коронавирусной инфекции COVID-19
Authors: Попова Анна , Ежлова Елена , Демина Юлия , Куличенко Александр , Малецкая Ольга , Рязанова Алла , Кузнецова Ирина , Гнусарева Ольга , Михайлова Марина , Сирица Юлия , Манин Евгений , Портенко Светлана , Красовская Т , Куклев Василий , Казакова Е , Данилевская М , Сафонова М , Тельнова Н , Иванова Светлана , Лопатин Антон
Published: July 2021

Для реализации оперативных мероприятий по противодействию COVID-19 в Российской Федерации с целью организации и проведения диагностических исследований были активно задействованы мобильные комплексы специализированных противоэпидемических бригад (СПЭБ) Роспотребнадзора (на базе автошасси). Анализ деятельности мобильных СПЭБ в г. Москве и г. Махачкале в наиболее сложный период негативного развития ситуации, роста заболеваемости и недостаточной готовности лабораторных баз к массовым исследованиям позволил сформулировать основные принципы организации их работы в этот период: тактика опережающих действий, гибкость использования потенциала мобильных комплексов СПЭБ, контроль выполнения противоконтаминационных мероприятий на всех этапах ПЦР-анализа и развитие консультативно-методического (образовательного) направления деятельности специалистов бригад. Использование мобильных СПЭБ Роспотребнадзора в очередной раз продемонстрировало их значение в качестве универсального инструмента противодействия эпидемиям инфекционных болезней.
Measurement of the Probability of a Binary Symbol «0» Erasing in a Single-Photon Asynchronous Communication Channel with a Receiver Based on a Photon Counter
Authors: Timofeev A. M.
Published: July 2021

Receiving modules of single-photon communication channels should provide the least loss of transmitted information when measuring low-power optical signals. In this regard, it is advisable to use photon counters. They are highly sensitive, but are characterized by data logging errors. Therefore, the purpose of this work was to investigate the effect of the intensity of the recorded optical radiation during the transmission of binary symbols «0» on the probability of erasing these symbols in a single-photon communication channel containing a photon counter based on an avalanche photodetector as a receiving module with a passive avalanche suppression scheme.

The lower and upper threshold levels of pulses recorded at the output of the photon counter, as well as the statistical distributions of the mixture of the number of dark and signal pulses at the output of the photon counter when registering binary symbols «0» Pst0( N ) and «1» Pst1( N ) were determined. For this, a technique was used to reduce information loss. As a result, the minimum probability of erasing binary symbols «0» P(–/0) was achieved.

The performed experimental results showed that to achieve the minimum probability of erasing binary symbols «0» P(–/0) = 0,11·10−2, it is important to select not only the intensity of the used optical radiation J , but also the supply voltage of the avalanche photodetector U, at which the dead time of the photon counter is −2 minimal, and its quantum detection efficiency is maximum: J0 ≥ 98,94·10−2 rel. units and U = 52,54 V.
Strength of Flexible Shell of Pneumatic Springs
Authors: Masliev V. G. , Fomin A. V. , Lovskaya A. A. , Masliev A. O. , Gorbunov N. I. , Duschenko V. V.
Published: July 2021

The strength for a flexible shell of a vehicle pneumatic spring during movement relative to a rail track has been studied in the paper. The calculation has been carried out using the finite element method implemented in the SolidWorks software environment. For this purpose, 3D drawings of a balloon-type pneumatic spring have been reproduced. A specific  feature of the design is that the distance between the upper and lower bottoms in static conditions is unchanged – thanks to the body position regulator, which maintains its constancy relative to the trolley frame. The results obtained have made it possible to conclude that there are certain reserves for the level of stresses, i.e.,  in addition to the vertical, it is possible to take into account also transverse mutual displacements of the air spring bottoms which will occur when the trolley moves relative to the body.  At the next stage, the stresses in the material of the flexible shell are investigated for mutual transverse displacements of the bottoms, which are observed with transverse displacements of the trolleys relative to the body of the vehicle when  traveling along curved sections of the track. At the same time, the maximum stresses in the material of the flexible shell of  the pneumatic spring are about 11 MPa, even with twice the nominal air pressure and transverse mutual displacements of the bottoms of 40 mm, that is, they are much less than the breaking strength (30 MPa). The carried out researches allow to draw  a conclusion that the design and parameters of a flexible shell of a balloon-type air springs ensure its strength under operational loading schemes. Therefore, in order to improve the dynamic qualities of vehicles, it is proposed to use a flexible shell  of a pneumatic spring as a component of the spring suspension.
MODELING OF THE MECHANISM OF FORMATION OF A COHERENT INDUSTRIAL POLICY INTEGRATION ASSOCIATIONS ON THE BASIS OF IDEF0 METHODOLOGY
Authors: НURSKY V.
Published: July 2021

The article suggests a IDEF model of a concerted industrial policy in EАEU countries, including the harmonization of trade and industrial cooperation in the EАEU; coordination of national industrial policies of member countries; enforcement of joint supranational industrial policy of EАEU. It will become possible due to the formation of a mechanism of eliminating the contradictions and increasing of cooperation between the subjects of economic policies of EAEU Member States.
INTERNATIONALIZATION OF BUSINESS ACTIVITY AS IMPORTANT FEATURE OF GLOBALIZATION
Authors: DANILCHENKO A. , PROTS T.
Published: July 2021

The article is devoted to the study of the internationalization of business activity. Discusses the planned directions of development of export policy of Belarus. Identifies features of the process of internationalization of the Republic of China.
RESEARCH METHODS OF ANALYSIS EURASIAN ECONOMIC UNION TRADE INTEGRATION
Authors: PAVLOVSKAYA S.
Published: July 2021

In article the research vehicle of the analysis of trade integration within the Eurasian Economic Union is considered, special attention is paid to indicators of intra-branch trade which allow to reveal prerequisites for development of production cooperation and to gravitational models which illustrate extent of realization of trade potential of integration association. A number of the factors of economic and not economic character influencing trade integration and rendering both the stimulating impact on the integration, and obstructing the traffic up an integration ladder within EAEU is defined.
SUBSTITUTION OF BASES IN ECONOMIC DISCOURSE
Authors: SOLODOVNIKOVA T.
Published: July 2021

The article deals with the ontological essence of the term "context" with reference to the discourse problematic of the study, and precisely in relation to economic discourse. It have been revealed exclusive (cognitive characteristics of communicants, their goals, knowledge, beliefs, ideology) and prototypische (public sphere, shared social action, current conditions, current genre of discourse, roles of participants) contextual characteristics of scientific economic discourse in the aspect of use of the substitution of bases.
SOME ASPECTS OF CHANGING THE TECHNOLOGICAL STRUCTURE
Authors: NAUMOVICH O.
Published: July 2021

In the process of research, the specific phenomenological nature of the high technological order in the transitive economy is shown, the essence of which is the cardinal changes in all elements of the productive forces: in the means and objects of labor, in the labor force, in serious shifts in their quality, the degree of perfection, efficiency. On this basis, it was established that the current stage of development of the economy of the Republic of Belarus is characterized by the formation of a new balance of peripheral and dominant structures.
THE MAIN STAGES OF THE RISK MANAGEMENT PROCESS TAKING INTO ACCOUNT TECHNOLOGICAL FEATURES OF PRODUCTION
Authors: TYMUL E.
Published: July 2021

The article considers the integrated risk classification of the energy companies with regard to their technological specificities. Risks were divided into four main groups risk. According to the author, considerable weight in the energy sector will be the production and technological risks, due to the technical peculiarities of the process of energy production, namely the need to ensure reliability and continuity, the coincidence of processes of production and consumption of energy. These features lead to the fact that minor failures will result in significant financial losses. The author developed the algorithm of risk management of energy companies. In the article the analysis of existing scales of risks.
TO THE MATTER OF STIMULATING NETWORKING AT THE SECONDARY DAIRY RESOURCES MARKET IN THE REPUBLIC OF BELARUS
Authors: BAKHMATOVA E.
Published: July 2021

The article considers the question of formation and development of networking business environment in the Republic of Belarus for the purpose of effective utilization of innovative and commercial potential of the secondary dairy resources market. The concept of cluster policy and its key characteristics are examined. The instruments to improve the quality of business environment are offered in exchange to the selective financial support and preferential mode planned for implementation by government.
Identification of Nucleus Sterility Candidate Genes using a Resequencing Technique in Sweet Pepper Sterile Line AB91
Authors: Meng Yaning , Yan Libin , Zhang Hongxiao , Fan Yanqin
Published: July 2021

Background : Breeding hybrids with nuclear malesterile lines is an important method for the cross breeding of sweet peppers. To date, few reports have been published on the nuclear malesterility gene of sweet pepper.Yet, there are approximately 20 pepper nuclear malesterility lines in the world. Results: Using the self-developed testing material, sweet pepper nuclear malesterile dual-purpose line AB91, the genome-wide resequencing technique was applied to firstly find that the mutation site causing the abortion of sweet pepper nuclear malesterility AB91 is on chromosome #5. The mutation gene Capana05g000747 was filtered out and validated by the flight mass spectrometry genotyping and quantitative real-time PCR method and determined to be the gene causing the abortion of sweet pepper nuclear male sterility AB91.The gene Capana05g000747 mutation site is a non-synonymous mutation site located at the 6th exon,the base C mutated into A, and the amino acid changed from alanine to serine. The three-dimensional protein structure of fertile and sterile plant Capana05g000747 was predicted. The results showed that the three-dimensional structure of the two proteins was differed significantly. Sequence alignment analysis showed that the gene Capana05g000747 has a similar function to gene At2g02148. The gene At2g02148 contains a pentatricopeptide repeatprotein which has important physiological functions in the gene expression process of organelles and is closely related to the performance of malesterility genes. Conclusions : This study revealed that Capana05g000747 was selected as an important candidate gene for sweet pepper nuclear male sterile testingmaterial AB91.This gene provides a theoretical and technical foundation for further cloning as well as transformation and utilization of the gene.
Phenotypic plasticity in the productions of virulence factors within and among serotypes in the Cryptococcus neoformans species complex
Authors: Iyengar Yajur , Xu J. P.
Published: July 2021

The Cryptococcus neoformans species complex (CNSC) is a common opportunistic human fungal pathogen and the most frequent cause of fungal meningitis. There are three major serotypes in CNSC: A, D, and their hybrids AD, and they have different geographic distributions and medical significance. Melanin pigment and a polysaccharide capsule are the two major virulence factors in CNSC. However, the relationships between serotype and virulence factor production and how environmental factors might impact their relationships are not known. This study investigated the expressions of melanin and capsular polysaccharide in a genetically diverse group of CNSC strains and how their phenotypic expressions were influenced by oxidative and nitrosative stress levels. We found significant differences in melanin and capsular polysaccharide productions among serotypes and across stress conditions. Under oxidative stress, the laboratory hybrids exhibited the highest phenotypic plasticity for melanin production while serotype A showed the highest for capsular polysaccharide production. In contrast, serotype D exhibited the highest phenotypic plasticity for capsular polysaccharide production and clinical serotype AD the highest phenotypic plasticity for melanin production under nitrosative stress. These results demonstrated that different serotypes have different environmental condition-specific mechanisms to modulate the expression of virulence factors.
Evaluation of cell-wall associated direct extracellular electron transfer in thermophilic Geobacillus sp.
Authors: Gurumurthy Dummi Mahadevan , Bilal Muhammad , Kumar Ashok , Reddy Vaddi Damodara , Saratale Ganesh Dattatraya , Guzik Urszula , Ferreira Luiz Fernando Romanholo , Gupta Sanjay Kumar , Savanur Mohammed Azharuddin , Mulla Sikandar I.
Published: July 2021

In this study, a cell-wall-associated extracellular electron transfer (EET) was determined in the thermophilic Geobacillus sp. to utilize iron as a terminal electron acceptor. The direct extracellular transfer of its electrons was primarily linked to the cell wall cytochrome-c and diffusible redox mediators like flavins during the anoxic condition. Based on the azo dye decolouration and protein film voltammetry, it was revealed that, in the absence of surface polysaccharide and diffusible mediators, the cell-wall associated EET pathway was likely to be a favourable mechanism in Geobacillus sp. Because, the permeability of such redox molecule is primarily limited to the cell wall, the electron transfer occurs by direct contact with cell wall-associated cytochrome and final electron acceptor. Furthermore, transfer of electrons with the help of redox shuttling molecules like riboflavin from cytochrome to cells, vice versa indicates that Geoabcillus sp. has adopted this unique pathway during an anoxic environment for its respiration.
Implementation of the Findings from The American College of Surgeons Oncology Group Z0011 Study in Axillary Management in Patients with Invasive Breast Cancer: A Cohort Study in A Brazilian Public University Hospital
Authors: Sanvido Vanessa , Elias Simone , Facina Gil , Bromberg Silvio , Nazário Afonso
Published: July 2021

Background: To evaluate and compare overall survival and locoregional recurrence between patients with invasive breast tumors and sentinel node metastasis undergoing sentinel lymph node dissection (SLND) alone and those undergoing complete axillary lymph node dissection (ALND).Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, we reviewed medical records of all consecutive patients with primary invasive breast carcinoma who had undergone conservative surgery at a public university hospital in Brazil between 2008 and 2018. We evaluated the overall survival and the onset of locoregional recurrence using Kaplan-Meier and Cox regression analyses, respectively. Results: Overall, 97 participants underwent conservative breast surgery, 41 in the ALND group, and 56 in the SLND group. The mean age was 57.8 years. Only 17% of the patients in the ALND group had an additional biopsy-proven axillary disease, and 83% were treated with complete dissection unnecessarily. The 5-year survival rates were 80.1 and 87.5% in the SLND and ALND groups, respectively (p = 0.376). Locoregional recurrence was rare (1.8% and 7.7% in the SLND and ALND groups, respectively; p = 0.196). Intraoperative assessment was performed in 90.2% and 30.8% cases (p < 0.00001) before and after ACOSOG Z0011, respectively. Additionally, a second surgical procedure was performed in 3.8% of cases after ACOSOG Z0011 criteria adoption.Conclusions: Overall survival and locoregional recurrence were similar between the two groups. The de-escalation of ALND to SLND in women with metastasis in the sentinel lymph node treated with conservative surgery and radiotherapy is feasible even in developing countries.
Comprehensive Analysis of NGS And ARMS-PCR For Detecting EGFR Mutations Based On 4467 Cases of NSCLC Patients
Authors: He Changlong , Wei Chengcheng , Wen Jun , Chen Shi , Chen Ling , Wu Yue , Shen Yifan , Bai Huili , Zhang Yangli , Chen Xueping , Li Xiaosong
Published: July 2021

BackgroundBy comparing the detection rate and type of targeted gene mutations in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) between amplification refractory mutation system PCR (ARMS-PCR) and next generation sequencing (NGS), the characteristics and application advantages of non-small cell lung cancer detection are explained, providing a basis for clinicians to effectively select the corresponding detection methods.Methods and materials The cases of targeted genes for lung cancer were selected from the First Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2016 to October 2020. A sample of 4467 cases was selected，and they were diagnosed with NSCLC by Pathological biopsy. Sample sources include surgical resection, bronchoscope biopsy, metastatic biopsy, blood, sputum, cytology of pleural effusion. Among them, 3665 cases were detected by ARMS-PCR technique, and 802 cases were detected by NGS technology. The detection rate and type of ARMS-PCR and NGS techniques for EGFR gene mutations (including exon 18, exon 19, exon 20, exon 21 and so on) in different NSCLC samples were compared respectively.ResultsThe total mutation rate of EGFR gene detected by ARMS-PCR was 47.6% while 42.4% detected by NGS which indicated that there was a significant difference between the two methods in detecting total mutation of EGFR gene (P<0.001). In different exons, the EGFR mutation rate detected by two methods is various. The mutation rate of exon 19 by ARMS-PCR detection was evidently higher than that of NGS detection, while the mutation rate of exon 20 and 21 by ARMS-PCR detection were statistically significantly lower than that of NGS detection. Moreover, the multiple mutation rate detected by NGS was 16.3% which was much higher than the 2.7% detected by ARMS-PCR with statistically different. ConclusionsIt showed that NGS could direct the drug use for the resistant patients. However, some rare loci could be detected by NGS but the importance and directed meaning are still unknown and the number of rare mutations is rare too. Further research on new biomarkers and technique is still needed for early diagnosis, directing drug use and assessing the therapy prognosis.
Preliminary Geological and Geochemical Study of Gold and Base Metals Mineralization in The Surupa Area, Borena Zone, Southern Ethiopia
Authors: Merera Waktola
Published: July 2021

Background: The southern Ethiopian Precambrian shield terrain largely of sutured medium to high-grades assemblages of Precambrian crystalline basement consists of metamorphic complex and associated plutonic rocks which belongs to northern and southern continuation of the Mozambique belt and the Arabian-Nubian Shield. The paper reported the information on geology, alteration pattern, ore minerals and geochemical investigation for gold and base metals and to delineate potential area of gold and base metals mineralization. The purpose of the study was to carry out a preliminary investigation on geological and geochemical study for gold and base metals mineral potentials around Surupa area.Results: The study area consists of heterogeneous sequences of medium to high-grade poly-deformed gneisses with igneous and sedimentary precursors and structurally affected by three phases of deformation like foliations, mesoscale folds, veins and fractures/joints respectively. The rocks of the area characterized by its medium to high-potassium calc-alkaline rocks of high silicon dioxide and displaying predominance of potassium oxide over sodium oxide. The positive and negative correlation with major oxides exhibited indicate the fractionation nature of the rocks during magmatic differentiation. Conclusions: Based on the result, nickel and cobalt are highly anomalous elements indicating the source for the mineralization controlled by different structures such as fractures and joints. Ore mineral assemblages of pyrite, goethite, magnetite and hematite characterizes the mineralization of the study area. Generally, all those integrated studies confirmed that mineral potential of the study area is mainly controlled by the nature of the rock and associated structures.
Electronic and Optical Properties of Mg2GeO4 Under Pressure Effect: ab Initio Study
Authors: Zhang Yunxia , Xiao Li’na
Published: July 2021

We report first-principles studies the structural, elastic, electronic, and optical properties of Mg2GeO4 in orthorhombic structure, including pressure dependence of structural parameters, band structures, density of states, and optical constants up to 20 GPa. The calculated structural parameters are in good agreement with the available experimental values at zero pressure. The mechanical stability of Mg2GeO4 has been confirmed by calculation of the elastic constants. And the non-uniform pressure dependence of the lattice parameters may also mean that Mg2GeO4 undergoes anisotropic compression. Meanwhile, the pressure dependence of the electronic band structure, density of states and partial density of states of Mg2GeO4 up to 20 GPa were presented. The band structures show a direct band gap for this compound and the calculated band gaps expend with increasing pressure. Moreover, the evolution of the dielectric function, absorption coefficient (α(ω)), reflectivity (R(ω)), and the real part of the refractive index (n(ω)) at high pressure are also presented. According to our work, we found that the optical properties of Mg2GeO4 undergo a blue shift with increasing pressure.
Shallow Landslide Modeling in Complex Hillslope by Using TOPMODEL and SINMAP Models
Authors: Bahmani Farid , Fattahi Mohammad hadi , Sabzevari Touraj , Haghighi Ali Torabi , Talebi Ali
Published: July 2021

Every year many watershed hillslopes are displaced by landslides resulting from deforestation or rainfall-induced saturation. This destruction can lead to extensive loss of life and property damage if it occurs in the vicinity of roads or buildings. The intensity of landslides depends on the degree of saturation influenced by infiltration, hillslope geometry, and soil characteristics. This research's main purpose is to investigate the effect of two features of geometry, the plan shape (convergence and divergence) and profile curvature (convexity and concavity) on the stability of complex hillslopes. TOPMODEL is a hydrological subsurface flow model that can predict the magnitude of saturation and soil moisture deficit at any watershed point. In this research, TOPMODEL equations were developed so that the geometry of hillslopes could be considered. The saturation index in TOPMODEL was linked to SINMAP slope stability model to estimate the stability of different points of the complex hillslope. It was concluded that convex hillslopes are more stable than concave ones. Moreover, divergent hillslopes showed less sensitivity to land sliding compared to convergent ones. All in all the minimum stability was corresponding to the divergent convex hillslope. Finally, the effect of some other geometric parameters (e.g. slope angle, profile curvature parameter, and plan shape) on the stability of hillslopes was examined.
A One-Minute Blood Test Detects Decreased Immune Function and Increased Clinical Risk in COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Deb Chirajyoti , Salinas Allan , Zheng Tianyu , Middleton Aurea , Kern Katelyn , Penoyer Daleen , Borsadia Rahul , Hunley Charles , Abomoelak Bassam , Mehta Vijay , Irastorza Laura , Mehta Devendra , Huo Qun
Published: July 2021

Upon infection with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, most people will develop no or mild symptoms. However, a small percentage of the population will become severely ill, and some will succumb to death. The clinical severity of COVID-19 has a close connection to the dysregulation of the patient’s immune functions. We previously developed a simple, nanoparticle-enabled blood test that can determine the humoral immune status in animals. In this study, we applied this new test to analyze the immune function in relation to disease severity in COVID-19 patients. From the testing of 153 COVID-19 patient samples and 142 negative controls, we detected a drastic decrease of humoral immunity in COVID-19 patients who developed moderate to severe symptoms, but not in patients with no or mild symptoms. The new test may be potentially used to monitor the immunity change and predict the clinical risk of patients with COVID-19.
Effect of Volume and Renewal of the Storage Media on the Release of Monomer from Dental Composites
Authors: Shahabi Sima , Sayyari Maryam , Sadrai Sima , Valizadeh Sara , Hajizamani Hamidreza , Sadr Alireza
Published: July 2021

Background: released monomers to the oral environment from dental composite, cause systemic or local side effects on the tissues and cells and also affect mechanical properties of the resins.Methods: This study evaluated the effect of the volume and renewing of storage media on monomer leachability from dental composite. Samples of two dental composites (BEAUTIFIL II Gingiva (BG) and Filtek bulkfill flowable (FBF)) were stored after polymerization in 1 and 3 milt storage media (ethanol/water 75%) for seven days. Refreshing of storage media was done in half of the samples of each group. The amount of releasing monomers (UDMA, BisGMA, TEGDMA) in storage media were measured by high performance liquid chromatography. (HPLC) Data was analyzed using Two-way ANOVA and T-test. (α=0.05).Results: Elution of TEGDMA and UDMA from both composites was significantly higher in 3ml storage media. In groups with refreshing of storage media, BisGMA had higher amounts of release. Saturation makes the storage media volume important factor in monomer elution. Conclusion: Refreshing of storage media had significant effect on monomer release before the elution of 50% of total released monomer.
National COVID-19 Hospital Admissions and Mortality among Healthcare Workers in South Africa, 2020-2021
Authors: Tlotleng Nonhlanhla , Jassat Waasila , Cohen Cheryl , Made Felix , Kootbodien Tahira , Masha Maureen , Naicker Nisha
Published: July 2021

Background: Healthcare workers (HCWs) in close contact with SARS-CoV-2-infected patients have an increased risk of infection compared to non-HCWs, but little is known about the clinical course and risks for mortality amongst HCWs in South Africa. In this study, we compared characteristics of hospitalised HCWs with non-HCWs with COVID-19 and assessed factors associated with COVID-19 mortality among HCWs.Methods: Data from 5 March 2020 to 30 April 2021 was obtained from DATCOV, the national surveillance programme monitoring COVID-19 admissions in private and public hospitals across South Africa. A logistic regression model was used to determine factors associated with COVID-19 HCW admissions and mortality. Results: There were a total 169,678 confirmed COVID-19 admissions reported on DATCOV, of which 6,364 (3.8%) were HCWs. Compared to non-HCWs, HCWs were less likely to be male [aOR 0.3, 95%CI (0.3-0.4)], and more likely to be younger, white or other race, have pre-existing obesity and asthma, and be admitted in the private sector, in Eastern Cape, Gauteng, Kwa-Zulu Natal, Limpopo, Northern Cape and North West provinces. Pre-wave 1 [aOR 3.0; 95%CI 2.4-3.7)], wave 1 [aOR 2.1; 95%CI (1.8-2.5)] and post-wave 1 [aOR 1.3; 95%CI (1.0-1.7)] were associated with increase in HCW admissions compared to wave 2. There was an increased risk for in-hospital mortality among HCWs in the older age group (40-49 [aOR 3.8; 95%CI (1.6-8.80)]; 50-59 [aOR 4.7; 95%CI (2.0-10.9)] and 60-65 years [aOR 9.8; 95%CI (4.2-23.0)] compared to HCWs less than 40 years, with comorbidities such as hypertension, diabetes, chronic kidney diseases, malignancy and TB. Mortality was decreased for HCWs who were coloured [aOR 0.5; 95%CI (0.3-0.8)], admitted in the public sector [aOR 0.7; 95%CI (0.5-0.9)] in pre-wave 1 [aOR 0.6; 95%CI (0.3-0.9)] compared to wave one period. Conclusion: In-hospital mortality in HCWs was associated with age, race, wave period, presence of comorbidites and sector. Policies should be put in place to remove older HCWs with comorbidities from direct patient care. Optimal management of comorbid conditions is advised and improvement of infection prevention and control measures in healthcare settings for those that come into direct contact with infected patients.
Synchronous/Metachronous Endometrial and Colorectal Malignancies in Taiwanese Women: A Population-Based Nationwide Study
Authors: Chao Angel , Wu Ren-Chin , Chao An-Shine , Chang Wei-Yang , Wu Chen-Hsuan , Lai Chyong-Huey , Yang Lan Yang
Published: July 2021

Introduction
Endometrial cancer (EC) and colorectal cancer (CRC) may share a common genetic background. In a subset of patients, the two malignancies can coexist either at the time of diagnosis (synchronous) or develop consequently (metachronous). The purpose of this nationwide, population-based study was to investigate the occurrence and clinical outcomes of synchronous/metachronous EC/CRC in Taiwanese women.
Materials and methods
Data for women diagnosed with EC and/or CRC between 2007 and 2015 were retrospectively retrieved from the nationwide Taiwan Cancer Registry. Mortality data were obtained from the National Death Registry. Women with synchronous/metachronous EC/CRC versus EC or CRC were compared in terms of clinical characteristics and outcomes.
Results
Of the 62,764 Taiwanese women diagnosed with EC and/or CRC during the study period, 167 (0.3%) had synchronous/metachronous EC/CRC. Among them, 72 cases (43.1%) presented with EC followed by CRC, 66 (39.5%) with CRC followed by EC, and 29 (17.4%) with synchronous EC/CRC. Kaplan-Meier estimates for time-to-event data revealed that the 2-year risk rates of developing a metachronous tumor of interest (CRC or EC) in women diagnosed with an initial EC and CRC were 39.6% and 42.1%, respectively. The 5-year overall survival rates of women with metachronous EC/CRC who had an initial diagnosis of EC, CRC, and synchronous EC/CRC were 73.9%, 70.9%, and 37.0%, respectively.
Conclusions
EC is the most common first tumor in Taiwanese women with metachronous EC/CRC. The 2-year risk rates of developing a metachronous tumor of interest (CRC or EC) in women diagnosed with an initial EC and CRC are not negligible. Surveillance for CRC is recommended for all women diagnosed with EC. The clinical outcomes of synchronous EC/CRC are markedly less favorable.
Dermatomal Somatosensory Evoked Potentials And Cortical Somatosensory Evoked Potentials Assessment In Congenital Scoliosis
Authors: Zhang Zhenxing , Wang Yi , Luo Tao , Yuan Yang , Li Jingfeng
Published: July 2021

Background: The aim of this study was to assess the value of dermatomal somatosensory evoked potentials (DSEPs) and cortical somatosensory evoked potentials (SSEPs) in monitoring spinal cord function for patients with congenital scoliosis (CS). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the neurophysiological signals recorded in 62 patients from our orthopedic department who underwent MRI, CT and a specialist physical examination by a surgeon to confirm the diagnosis of CS. To observe the incidence of abnormal DSEPs and SSEPs in CS patients and to analyze the difference in sensitivity and reliability between the two in the examination of scoliosis patients. Results: All patients were evaluated with total spine magnetic resonance imaging (MRI). Only 23 patients (37.09%) showed intradural lesions in the MRI findings. Abnormal waveforms were observed in the DSEPs of 60 patients (96.8%) , 25 of which (40.3%) had abnormal waveforms in the tibial SSEPs, and the difference was statistically significant (P＜0.05). Of the 10 patients with clinical symptoms, 2 (20%) had abnormal tibial SSEPs waveforms , and 23 (44.2%) of 52 patients without clinical symptoms had abnormal tibial SSEPs waveforms. DSEPs are more sensitive to microscopic posterior column dysfunction in patients with CS that cannot be detected by either imaging or routine clinical examination. Conclusion: DSEPs provide evidence for the type of neurophysiological dysfunction in patients with congenital scoliosis. Preoperative DSEPs assessment is recommended as a baseline examination for intraoperative monitoring and comparison with the postoperative situation. DSEPs recording complements the information obtained from routine clinical and radiological evaluation.
A Case of Occult Colon Cancer with Sepsis as the Primary Manifestation Identified by Bone Marrow Puncture
Authors: wang hua jun , zhou chenjie
Published: July 2021

Background: Bone marrow metastasis is common in liver cancer and lung cancer, but there are few reports in colon cancer. To date, there are no research reports from mainland China; in particular, reports of bone marrow metastasis combined with septic shock as the main manifestation are even rarer. We hope that this case report can raise clinical awareness of the insidiousness of colon cancer and the possibility of metastasis to the bone marrow, especially for patients with progressive thrombocytopenia that is difficult to correct, should be treated differently from sepsis. Case presentation: A 71-year-old elderly woman presented with sepsis as the first symptom, which mainly manifested as high fever, low blood pressure, high inflammatory indicators, etc. CT examination revealed mild inflammation of the lungs and no obvious abnormalities in the abdomen. Blood culture suggested Escherichia coli and Aeromonas hydrophila/caviae. After anti-infective treatment, the patient's sepsis symptoms improved significantly, but after repeated platelet transfusion, her hypothrombosis had still not been corrected. Finally, a large number of malignant cells were identified through a bone marrow puncture smear, and further PET-CT examination confirmed that a malignant tumor in the ascending colon accompanied by multiple metastases, such as in the liver and bones. This patient was ultimately confirmed to have colon adenocarcinoma buy autopsy. Conclusions: Colon cancer can have bone marrow metastasis, and it can be accompanied by intractable thrombocytopenia. Bone marrow aspiration may help distinguish between transient thrombocytopenia associated with sepsis.
Stability and Periodicity in a Mosquito Population Suppression Model Composed of Two Sub-models
Authors: Zhu Zhongcai , Zheng Bo , Shi Yantao , Yan Rong , Yu Jianshe
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose a mosquito population suppression model which is composed of two sub-models switching each other. We assume that the releases of sterile mosquitoes are periodic and impulsive, only sexually active sterile mosquitoes play a role in the mosquito population suppression process, and the survival probability is density-dependent. For the release waiting period T and the release amount c , we find three thresholds denoted by T ∗ , g ∗ and c ∗ with g ∗ < c ∗ . We show that the origin is a globally or locally asymptotically stable equilibrium when c ≥ c ∗ and T ≥ T ∗ , or c ∈ ( g ∗ ,c ∗ ) and T < T ∗ . We prove that the model generates a unique globally asymptotically stable T -periodic solution when either c ∈ ( g ∗ ,c ∗ ) and T = T ∗ , or T > T ∗ for any c > g ∗ . We give numerical examples to illustrate our theoretical results and make comparisons with some known models in the literature.
Early aEEG can Predict Neurodevelopmental Outcomes at 12- To 18- Month of Age in VLBWI with NEC: A Cohort Study
Authors: Chen Si , Xiao Xiuman , Lin Su , Zhu Jianghu , Liang Lidan , Zhu Minli , Yang Zuqin , Chen Shangqin , Lin Zhenlang , Liu Yanli
Published: July 2021

Background Studies have shown that neurological damage is not uncommon in NEC survivors. The purpose of the study was to investigate the predictive value of amplitude integrated electroencephalogram (aEEG) for neurodevelopmental outcomes in preterm infants with neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC).Methods Infants with NEC (n=13) were selected, and the control group was selected according to 1:1-2 pairing by gestational age. We performed single-channel (P3-P4) aEEG in two groups. The Burdjalov score system was evaluated and compared between the two groups. Cranial magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed at term equivalent age. And the neurological outcomes at 12-18 month of age were compared with Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS).Results There was good consistency between the two groups in general conditions, except for the highest C-reactive protein (CRP) and incidence of thrombocytopenia. In the 1st aEEG examination, the incidence of retardation in Co (7/10:0/16), Cy (8/10:0/16), LB (6/10:0/16), B (8/10:0/16) and Total score(9/10:0/16) were significantly increased in the NEC group (p≤0.01). Cranial MRI in NEC group revealed widened inter-parenchymal space with decreased myelination. The Gesell Developmental Schedules (GDS) assessment indicated that NEC children had inferior performance and lower mean scores in the sub-domains of gross motor (73.12±10.742:94.13±10.366, P<0.001), fine motor (68.15±10.323:100.04±12.608, P<0.001), adaptive behavior (74.79±9.774:100.24±12.175, P<0.001), language (68.59±12.593:96.37±11.493, P<0.001), personal-social responses (82.36±16.013:97.58±11.834, P=0.010) and in overall DQ (73.08±8.901:98.02±9.289, P<0.001). The results of the logistic binary regression analysis revealed that NEC patients had a significantly increased risk of neurodevelopmental retardation compared to no NEC patients (aOR = 27.00, 95% CI 2.561 – 284.696, P = 0.006). Confirmed by Spearman’s rank correlation analysis, the neurodevelopmental outcome was significantly affected by 1st aEEG Burdjalov score (r=0.603, p=0.001). The abnormal 1st Burdjalov score has predictive value for neurodevelopmental retardation with high specificity (84.62%) and positive predictive value (80.00%).Conclusions Early aEEG in NEC patients suggested inhibition of brain function. NEC children are more likely developing neurodevelopmental delay. And there’re high specificity and PPV of the early aEEG in predicting neurodevelopmental retardation.
ECMO After Cardiac Surgery: A Single Center Study On Survival And Optimizing Outcomes
Authors: Brewer Jennifer , Tran Anthony , Yu Jielin , Ali Mohammed I , Poulos Constantine , Gates Jonathan , Gluck Jason , Underhill David
Published: July 2021

BackgroundThe study purpose is to examine survival prognostic and extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) application outcomes at our tertiary care center.MethodsThis is a retrospective analysis, January 2014 to September 2019. We analyzed 60 patients who underwent ECMO after cardiac surgery. All inpatients with demographic and intervention data was examined. 52 patients (86.6%) had refractory cardiogenic shock, 7 patients (11.6%) had pulmonary insufficiency, and 1 patient (1.6%) had hemorrhagic shock, all patients required either venous-arterial (VA) (n=53, 88.3%), venous-venous (VV) (n=5, 8.3%) or venous-arterial-venous (VAV) (n=2, 3.3%) ECMO for hemodynamic support.ECMO parameters were analyzed and common postoperative complications were examined in the setting of survival with comorbidities.ResultsIn-hospital mortality was 60.7% (n=37). Patients who survived were younger (52 ± 3.3 vs 66 ± 1.5, p < 0.001) with longer hospital stays (35 ± 4.0 vs 20 ± 1.5, p < 0.03). Survivors required fewer blood products (13 ± 2.3 vs 25 ± 2.3, p = 0.02) with a net negative fluid balance (-3.5 ± 1.6 vs 3.4 ± 1.6, p = 0.01). Cardiac re-operations worsened survival.ConclusionECMO is a viable rescue strategy for cardiac surgery patients with a 40% survival to discharge rate. Careful attention to volume management and blood transfusion are important markers for potential survival.