bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of radioactive 125I seed implantation for the treatment of refractory malignant tumors based on CT-guided 3D template assisted technique: efficacy and safety
Authors: Zhao Guang Sheng , Liu Song , Yang Liang , Li Chuang , Wang Ruo Yu , Zhou Jun , Zhang Yue Wei 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Objective: To observe the medium-and long-term clinical efficacy and safety of radioactive 125I seed implantation for refractory malignant tumors based on CT-guided 3D template assisted technique. Methods: Twenty-five patients with refractory malignant tumors who received radioactive 125I seed implantation based on CT-guided 3D template assisted technique in our hospital from August 2016 to March 2017 were selected for retrospective analysis. The postoperative adverse reactions were recorded, and the number of puncture needle and particles used in the operation and dosimetric parameters, as well as postoperative physical strength scores and tumor response were statistically analyzed, the overall survival time and survival rate were counted, and the effect and prognosis were explored. Results: All patients were successfully completed 125I seed implantation, and no serious complications occurred. The average number of implanted puncture needles was 17 (19.12±13.00), and the median number of particles was 52 (55.12±32.97). D90 in the postoperative CTV (93.24±15.70) Gy was slightly lower than preoperative CTV (93.92±17.60) Gy (P>0.05). D90 in the postoperative PTV (142.16±22.25) Gy was lower than preoperative PTV (145.32±23.48) Gy (P>0.05). The tumor responses at 6 months postoperatively were: CR: 20% (5/25), PR: 48% (12/25), SD: 24% (6/25), PD: 8% (2/25), CR+PR: 68%, local control rate: 92% (23/25). The 6-, 12-, and 24-month survival rates were 100%, 88%, and 52%, respectively. The KPS physical strength score was gradually recovered, and increased to the highest value at 12 months after seed implantation, and then slightly decreased and the average score was still above 90 points. There were 1 case of pneumothorax during operation, and 2 cases with superficial malignant tumors developed skin ulceration. Multivariate analysis of prognosis showed that tumor sites and types were independent risk factors affecting survival, and the number of needles and particles, and template type were not factors that affected prognosis. Conclusions: 3D template combined with CT-guided radioactive 125I seed implantation improves the rational distribution of radiation dose in tumor target area because of the achievement of accurate radioactive 125I particle implantation, and it has less complications, and can further extend the overall survival and quality of life in patients with refractory malignant tumors.
Loss of FANCD2 and related proteins may predict malignant transformation in oral epithelial dysplasia
Authors: Ho Michael W , Ryan Mark , Gupta Juhi , Triantafyllou Asterios , Risk Janet , Shaw Richard , Wilson James 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: Predicting malignant transformation in oral epithelial dysplasia(OED) is a clinical challenge. The higher rate of malignant transformation in non-smokers supports an endogenous aetiology. Loss of FANCD2 and associated proteins could lead to genomic instability and oncogenesis. Patients & Methods: Longitudinal archival samples from 40 individuals with OED from time of diagnosis to the most recent review in 23 stable OED; or until excision of the SCC in 17 unstable OED undergoing malignant transformation. Histopathological reassessment, immunohistochemistry for FANCD2 and Western blotting for phosphorylation/monubiquitination status of ATR, CHK1, FANCD2 and FANCG were undertaken on each tissue sample. Results:Decreased expression of FANCD2 was observed in the diagnostic biopsy of OED lesions which later underwent malignant transformation. Combining the FANCD2 expression scores with histological grading more accurately predicted malignant transformation (p=0.005) than histology alone and correctly predicted malignant transformation in 10/17 initial biopsies. Significantly reduced expression of total FANCD2, pFANCD2, pATR, pCHK-1 and pFANCG were observed in unstable OED. Discussion: There is good evidence that defects in the DNA damage sensing-signalling-repair cascade are associated with malignant transformation in OED. Loss of post-translational modification in FANCD2 and related proteins, was more predictive of malignant transformation when compared to clinicopathological parameters.
Prevalence and associated factors for Pterygium in Han and Mongolian adults: across-sectional study in inner Mongolian, China
Authors: Wang Yuhan , Shan Guangliang , Gan Linyang , Qian Yonggang , Chen Ting , Wang Hailing , Pan Xiaodan , Wang Wenrui , Pan Li , Zhang Xia , Wang Meng , Ma Jin , Zhong Yong 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: To investigate the prevalence of pterygium and associated factors in Han and Mongolian adults at four survey sites in Inner Mongolia, China.Methods: We conducted a population-based, cross-sectional study as part of the China National Health Survey (CNHS). By means of a stratified sampling method, we finally included 2,651 participants of 30 years of age or older from a total of 3,468 eligible residents. Factors associated with pterygium were analysed by a univariate analysis and logistic regression models.Results: The study population included 1,910 Han and 741 Mongolian adults. The mean age±standard deviation of the study cohort was 48.93±11.06 years. The overall prevalence of pterygium was 6.4% (n=169); 1.4% (n=38) of the cases were bilateral and 4.8% (n=128) were unilateral. The most common grade of pterygium was Grade 2. Based on the results of the univariate analysis, eleven factors were included in a multivariate analysis. The results indicated that age (P<0.001), outdoor occupation (P=0.026), and time spent in rural areas (P<0.001) were significantly associated with pterygium. Sex and ethnicity were not identified as risk factors.Conclusions: Our results indicated that outdoor occupation, old age and more time spent in rural areas were risk factors for pterygium in Inner Mongolia. At the same time, town as a survey site (Hohhot and Tsining District) was a protective factor for pterygium. Ethnicity, gender, smoking, diabetes and high blood pressure are not associated with pterygium.Trial registration KEYWORDS: pterygium, prevalence, Han and Mongolian, risk factors, protective factors
Advanced ultrasound Methods in assessment of carotid plaque instability: A prospective multimodal study
Authors: Zamani Mahtab , Skagen Karolina , Scott Helge , Russell David , Skjelland Mona 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Background: A significant proportion of ischemic strokes are caused by emboli from atherosclerotic, unstable carotid artery plaques. The selection of patients for endarterectomy in current clinical practice is primarily based on the degree of carotid artery stenosis and clinical symptoms. However, the content of the plaque is known to be more important for stroke risk. Intraplaque neovascularization (IPN) has recently emerged as a possible surrogate marker for plaque instability. Neo-microvessels from the adventitial vasa vasorum grow into the full thickness of the vessel wall in an adaptive response to hypoxia, causing subsequent intraplaque haemorrhage and plaque rupture. Conventional ultrasound cannot detect IPN. Contrast-enhanced ultrasound and Superb Microvascular Imaging (SMI), have, however, shown promise in IPN assessment. Recent research using Shear Wave Elastography (SWE) has also reported reduced tissue stiffness in the artery wall (reduced mean Young’s modulus) in unstable compared to stable plaques. The purpose of this study is to identify unstable carotid artery plaques at risk of rupture and future ischemic stroke risk using multimodal assessments. Methods: Thirty symptomatic and 30 asymptomatic patients >18 years, with >50% carotid stenosis referred to Oslo University Hospital ultrasound lab will be included in this on-going project. Patients will undergo contrast enhanced ultrasound, SMI, carotid-MRI and PET-(18F-FDG). Contrast enhanced ultrasound will be analyzed semi-quantitatively (5-levels of visual classification) and quantitatively by plotting time-intensity curve analyses to obtain plaque peak contrast enhancement intensity. Plaques removed at carotid endarterectomy will be assessed histologically and the number of microvessels, areas of inflammation, granulation, calcification, lipid and fibrosis will be measured. Discussion: This multimodality study will primarily provide information on the clinical value of advanced ultrasound methods (SMI, SWE) for the detection of unstable carotid artery plaque in comparison with other methods including contrast-enhanced ultrasound, carotid-MRI and PET-(18F-FDG) using histology as the gold standard. Secondly, findings from the methods mentioned above will be related to cerebrovascular symptoms, blood tests (leukocytes, CRP, ESR, lipoproteins and inflammatory markers) and cardiovascular risk factors at inclusion and at 1-year follow-up. The overall aim is to optimize detection of plaque instability which can lead to better preventive decisions and reduced stroke rate.
Urban flood risk mapping using data-driven geospatial techniques for a flood-prone case area in Iran
Authors: Darabi Hamid , Haghighi Ali Torabi , Mohamadi Mohamad Ayob , Rashidpour Mostafa , Ziegler Alan D. , Hekmatzadeh Ali Akbar , Kløve Bjørn 
Published: November 2019

AbstractIn an effort to improve tools for effective flood risk assessment, we applied machine learning algorithms to predict flood-prone areas in Amol city (Iran), a site with recent floods (2017–2018). An ensemble approach was then implemented to predict hazard probabilities using the best machine learning algorithms (boosted regression tree, multivariate adaptive regression spline, generalized linear model, and generalized additive model) based on a receiver operator characteristic-area under the curve (ROC-AUC) assessment. The algorithms were all trained and tested on 92 randomly selected points, information from a flood inundation survey, and geospatial predictor variables (precipitation, land use, elevation, slope percent, curve number, distance to river, distance to channel, and depth to groundwater). The ensemble model had 0.925 and 0.892 accuracy for training and testing data, respectively. We then created a vulnerability map from data on building density, building age, population density, and socio-economic conditions and assessed risk as a product of hazard and vulnerability. The results indicated that distance to channel, land use, and runoff generation were the most important factors associated with flood hazard, while population density and building density were the most important factors determining vulnerability. Areas of highest and lowest flood risks were identified, leading to recommendations on where to implement flood risk reduction measures to guide flood governance in Amol city.
WASH conditions in a small town in Uganda: how safe are on-site facilities?
Authors: Nayebare J. G. , Owor M. M. , Kulabako R. , Campos L. C. , Fottrell E. , Taylor R. G. 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
Inadequate hygiene coupled with the conjunctive use of the shallow subsurface as both a source of water and repository of faecal matter pose substantial risks to human health in low-income countries undergoing rapid urbanisation. To evaluate water, sanitation and hygiene (WASH) conditions in a small, rapidly growing town in central Uganda (Lukaya) served primarily by on-site water supply and sanitation facilities, water-point mapping, focus group discussions, sanitary-risk inspections and 386 household surveys were conducted. Household surveys indicate high awareness (82%) of domestic hygiene (e.g. handwashing, boiling water) but limited evidence of practice. WHO Sanitary Risk Surveys and Rapid Participatory Sanitation System Risk Assessments reveal further that community hygiene around water points and sanitation facilities including their maintenance is commonly inadequate. Spot sampling of groundwater quality shows widespread faecal contamination indicated by enumerated thermo-tolerant coliforms (TTCs) (Escherichia coli) ranging from 0 to 104 cfc/100 mL and nitrate concentrations that occasionally exceed 250 mg/L. As defined by the WHO/UNICEF Joint Monitoring programme, there are no safely managed water sources in Lukaya; ∼55% of improved water sources comprising primarily shallow hand-dug wells show gross faecal contamination by E. coli; and 51% of on-site sanitation facilities are unimproved. Despite the critical importance of on-site water supply and sanitation facilities in low-income countries to the realisation of UN Sustainable Goal 6 (access to safe water and sanitation for all by 2030), the analysis highlights the fragility and vulnerability of these systems where current monitoring and maintenance of communal facilities are commonly inadequate.
Antibiotics in livestock wastewater treatment by using biomass-derived activated carbon supported ZnS nanomaterials
Authors: Luo Qi , Li Hua 
Published: November 2019

Abstract
A new type of composite photocatalyst material was successfully prepared through the ultrasound-assisted coprecipitation method precipitate of zinc sulfide (ZnS) nanomaterials on peach wood activated carbon (PAC). The optimization of ZnS@PAC demonstrates excellent photocatalytic performance by using the response surface method (RSM), which is essential for improving photocatalytic performance. In this model it was found that the photocatalytic degradation of enrofloxacin (ENR) increased with microwave heating power and ZnS concentration, whereas it decreased with increasing activation time. The RSM model predicts that under certain conditions (microwave heating power 800 W, activation time 3 h, ZnS 0.5 mol·L−1), the maximum degradation rate of ENR in livestock and poultry wastewater is 97.81%. By empirical testing under the optimum conditions with 97.35% degradation the accuracy of the designed model was proven using RSM and the mechanism of the photocatalytic process was studied.
Centre-of-Mass Based Gait Recognition for Person Identification
Authors: Ghosh Rajib 
Published: November 2019

Background:
Gait recognition focuses on the identification of persons from their walking
activity. This type of system plays an important role in visual surveillance applications. The
walking pattern of every person is unique and difficult to replicate by others.

Objective:
The present article focuses on to develop a person identification system based on gait
recognition.

Methods:
In this article, a novel gait recognition approach is proposed to show how human body
Centre-of-mass-based walking characteristics can be used to recognize unauthorized and suspicious
persons when they enter in a surveillance area. Walking pattern varies from person to person mainly
due to the differences in the footsteps and body movement. Initially, the background is modelled
from the input video captured through static cameras deployed for security purpose. Foreground
moving object in the individual frames is then segmented using the background subtraction algorithm.
Centre-of-mass based discriminative features of various walking patterns are then studied using
Support Vector Machine(SVM) classifier to identify each unique walking pattern.

Results:
The proposed system has been evaluated using a self-generated dataset containing a side
view of various walking video clips. The experimental results demonstrate that the proposed system
achieves an encouraging person identification rate.

Conclusion:
This work can be further extended to provide a general approach in developing an automatic
person identification system in an unconstrained environment.
THE LEARNING EXPERIENCE OF GREATER CHINESE STUDENTS IN FRENCH UNIVERSITIES: A CROSS-CULTURAL PERSPECTIVE
Authors: Lee Hsin-I , Badiane Kemo , Xu Yiru 
Published: November 2019

Today, more and more Greater Chinese students are motivated to study in Western universities more specifically French universities. This makes France one of the fourth most popular destination for international students. Using pragmatics and social-cultural constructivist perspectives, this article aims at improving the adaptation of the Greater Chinese students benefiting from a French-Greater Chinese university exchange. The method employed in this study was descriptive qualitative research based on interviews and online surveys with Greater Chinese students for two academic years before they went to France and while staying there. The results at the end of which we made some suggestions for academic purposes took place prior to these exchanges. Furthermore, we focus on what seems the most important to us, meaning adaptation to French university pedagogical methods. Thus, the article proposed a presentation of the characteristics, the main obstacles faced and the appropriate advice for the elaboration of the syllabus. To summarize, the paper proposes reflections in the sense of designing FFL preparatory syllabi specific to study programs. By listing the real encountered problems and suggesting means to overcome them, we think this can be helpful to FFL teachers and students involved. Implications for teachers, researchers and learners are highlighted. Keywords: FFL, academic competences, university pedagogical methods, lectures, FSP (French for Specific Purposes)
LECTURERS’ POLITENESS STRATEGIES IN EFL CLASSROOM WITH MULTICULTURAL BACKGROUND
Authors: Heriyawati Dwi Fita , Siba Stifania Yuliana , Sulistyo Teguh 
Published: November 2019

The choice of words used by the lecturer such as politeness strategies in the classroom interaction is very important, not only for controlling the classroom but also for the process of acquiring the language itself. This study aimed to investigate lecturer’s politeness strategies in criticizing teaching performance of students with multicultural backgrounds in a microteaching class. This qualitative study was conducted with the students from multicultural backgrounds. The subject of this study was a lecturer who taught Microteaching. The findings of this study showed that there were four most frequent criticism strategies used by the lecturer: demand for change, indicating standard, advice about change and other hint. In addition, the highest proportion of politeness strategies applied by the lecturer was occupied by positive politeness, off-record strategy, bald on record, and negative politeness. It implied that the lecturer mostly applied positive politeness in criticizing the students, in order to save the students’ face, get closer and give more positive feedback to help students develop their teaching performance. The facts also proved that students’ multicultural background did not affect too much lecturer’s decision in applying politeness strategies, yet it needed to be very careful in delivering them. Keywords: politeness strategies, criticism, multicultural backgrounds
SELF-LOVE AND SELF-ACCEPTANCE: REDEFINING IDEAL BEAUTY THROUGH ITS REPRESENTATION IN SCARS TO YOUR BEAUTIFUL
Authors: Rosida Ida , Saputri Dinni Yulia 
Published: November 2019

The ideal beauty has a significant impact on social life. Those who feel their body doesn’t meet the idealize body view, some might have body dissatisfaction and lower body appreciation. This study aims to explore a broader definition and understanding of the beauty as it is represented in Scars to Your Beautiful, a song by Alessia Cara, both its lyric and music video. Using content analysis and supported by the concept of the figure of Speech, cinematography, and representation by Stuart Hall completed the investigation on this beauty ideal. The result shows that Scars to Your Beautiful strive to redefine the term of beauty which cannot be determined only by certain criteria such as having a thin body, white skin, flawless and addressed to women only, but beauty reaches a broader definition in all shapes, sizes, colors, even the gender. These findings highlight the importance of self-love and self-acceptance in the social context. Keywords: beauty ideals, representation of beauty, body dissatisfaction
THE NARRATIVE DISCOURSE OF INTERETHNIC BEHAVIOURS AND RELATIONS: THE CONTESTATION OF ETHNIC IDENTITY
Authors: Widyastuti Susana 
Published: November 2019

Drawing from Discursive Social Psychology (DSP) (Potter, 1998; Potter Edwards, 2001), this study is concerned with how attitudes, behaviours, and identity can be observed through language in use or discourse. Focusing on the narratives of the marginalized Chinese Indonesians, it particularly aims at revealing behaviours in coping with the majority group, and how such behaviours may in turn shape intergroup relations and ethnic identity. The data were in the form of narratives of personal experience of Chinese Indonesians collected through interview which were then scrutinized through in-depth analysis within their socio-political context. It has been revealed that in dealing with unequal power relations, two behaviours are embraced – convergence and divergence – which are manifested in various discursive and social practices of adapting to the wider society and maintaining aspects of ethnic identity. Any choice of behaviours can have consequences for interethnic relations and ethnic identity. The ideological power exercised by different regimes has obviously constructed ethnic identity and thus made it historically and ideologically contested. The contestation is discursively articulated through the negotiation between ethnic and national identity, the labelling practice using the words Cina and Tionghoa, and the perpetuation of stereotypes associated with the ethnic group. Keywords: ethnicity, discourse, identity, social-psychology
RUTIN RESTORE BIOCHEMICAL CHANGES, OXIDATIVE STRESS AND BETATROPHIN LEVEL IN STZ-INDUCED DIABETIC RATS
Authors: ABAS AL-SHIMAA M. , EL-FARAFG AHMED F. , ABDALLA NEHAL W. 
Published: November 2019

Objective: Diabetes mellitus (DM) is associated with long-term damage, dysfunction, of various organs. Study aims to assessrole of rutin on experimentally induced diabetes.
Methods: 50 adult male albino rats divided into 5 groups. Group I (control group, rats were orally administered with 1 ml saline daily). Group II (DMSO group, rats were orally administered with 0.2 % DMSO for 60 d orally). Group III (positive control, animals were injected intraperitoneally with 60 mg/kg b. wtstreptozotocin followed by intraperitoneal injection with 120 mg/kg b. wt of Nicotinamide after 15 min). Group IV (therapeutic group, diabetic rats treated with 100 mg/kg b. wt of rutin for 60 d orally). Group V (standard group, diabetic animals treated with 100 mg/kg b. wt of metformin for 60 d orally). At the end of the experimental period blood serum and plasma, liver, kidney and pancreatic tissues were collected.
Results: Diabetic rats showed a significant increase in plasma glucose, serum urea, creatinine, cholesterol and triglyceride. Also, induced oxidative stress as pointed out an increase in MDA level, decrease in GSH level, GST and CAT activities in compared to control group. Also, showed an increase in plasma and tissues levels of betatrophin. Oral administration of rutin cause decrease in elevated biochemical and oxidative stress parameters. Also, decrease betatrophin level when compared with diabetic rats. Our results were confirmed by histopathological examination of different tissues.
Conclusion: This study suggests thatrutinexihibitsantihyperglycemic and antioxidant activity in streptozotocin-induced diabetic rats.