bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
COVID19 vaccination choice among Iraqi students at Al-Zahraa University for women
Authors: Hadi Al Kazzaz Hassan 
Published: October 2021

Background: COVID19 vaccine rejection is a global issue that most developing countries face. A study of COVID-19 vaccine preference among Al-Zahraa University female students will pave the way to resolving the issue of vaccine rejection among students. Students' preferences and refusals of the COVID19 vaccine were evaluated to determine the reasons for their decisions. Methods: This study involved 198 students from Al-Zahraa University for women. An observational cross-sectional study was conducted at Al-Zahraa University in Karbala, Iraq, to find out which Health and Medical Technology students preferred the COVID19 vaccine. Tests based on statistics made use of frequency and rate data. Results: Most students (95%) were over the age of 19. The COVID-19 vaccine was rejected by 138 people (70.4%). A total of 43 students (28.5%) believed that the COVID19 vaccine may not be completely safe. 49.3% of students were not aware of the differences between the various types of vaccines. Pfizer was the most preferred by 64 (34.8%), AstraZeneca by 17 (9.2%), and Chinse-Sinovac by only 11 (6%). 20 students (16.4%) believed that with the vaccine they could return to life as it was before the COVID-19 pandemic. Covid-19 vaccine acceptance among Al-Zahara University students may be low in part because of myths, and partly because of the fear of side-effects associated with the vaccine. Conclusion: Information about COVID-19 vaccines should be transparently communicated to the media by health authorities to help the public make informed decisions.
Construção de Cenários do Governo Bolsonaro Acerca das Relações Entre Brasil e Oriente Médio l Bolsonaro Government’s Construction of Scenarios About Relations Between Brazil and The Middle East
Authors: De Araújo Gomes Maiko Jhonata 
Published: October 2021

Através do uso da metodologia qualitativa de construção de cenários, o artigo busca analisar as relações entre Brasil e Oriente Médio, com foco no governo vigente de Jair Messias Bolsonaro, com o intuito de apresentar os possíveis cenários que podem vir à tona com base nas relações atuais. Dessa forma, nota-se nessa primeira metade do governo Bolsonaro, uma ruptura dos padrões adotados durante os governos do Partido dos Trabalhadores (PT) para com o Oriente Médio, de modo que houve a adoção de um alinhamento ideológico aos Estados Unidos da América e, consequentemente, aos aliados do governo estadunidense no Oriente Médio, principalmente Israel. Dado o exposto, a hipótese aqui observada é que a Política Externa Brasileira (PEB) do atual governo, direcionada para os países do Oriente Médio, segue questões ideológicas, ao ponto de que os futuros cenários na região variam de acordo com o país em questão.Palavras-chave: Construção de cenários; Relações Brasil-Oriente Médio; Governo Bolsonaro. ABSTRACTUsing the qualitative methodology of scenario construction, the article seeks to analyze the relations between Brazil and the Middle East, focusing on the current government of Jair Messias Bolsonaro, in order to present the possible scenarios that may come to light based on the current relationships. Thus, in this first half of the Bolsonaro government, there is a break with the standards adopted during the Workers' Party (PT) governments towards the Middle East, in such a way that there was the adoption of an ideological alignment with the United States of America and, consequently, to the American government's allies in the Middle East, mainly Israel. Given the above, the hypothesis observed here is that the Brazilian Foreign Policy (BFP) of the current government, aimed at countries in the Middle East, follows ideological issues, to the point that future scenarios in the region vary according to the country in question.Keywords: Scenarios construction; Brazil-Middle East relations; Bolsonaro government. Recebido em: 28/08/2020 | Aceito em: 10/02/2021.
Machine learning techniques in the examination of the electron-positron pair creation process
Authors: Gong C. , Su Q. , Grobe R. 
Published: October 2021

We employ two machine learning techniques, i.e., neural networks and
genetic-programming-based symbolic regression, to examine the dynamics
of the electron-positron pair creation process with full space–time
resolution inside the interaction zone of a supercritical electric
field pulse. Both algorithms receive multiple sequences of partially
dressed electronic and positronic spatial probability densities as
training data and exploit their features as a function of the dressing
strength in order to predict each particle’s spatial distribution
inside the electric field. A linear combination of both predicted
densities is then compared with the unambiguous total charge density,
which also contains contributions associated with the independent
vacuum polarization process. After its subtraction, the good match
confirms the validity of the machine learning approach and lends some
credibility to the validity of the predicted single-particle
densities.
Platelet count and abdominal dynamic CT are useful in predicting and screening for gastroesophageal varices after Fontan surgery
Authors: Isoura Yoshiharu , Yamamoto Akira , Cho Yuki , Ehara Eiji , Jogo Atsushi , Suzuki Tsugutoshi , Amano-Teranishi Yuga , Kioka Kiyohide , Hamazaki Takashi , Murakami Yosuke , Tokuhara Daisuke 
Published: October 2021

Objective
Patients who undergo Fontan surgery for complex cardiac anomalies are prone to developing liver and gastrointestinal complications. In particular, gastroesophageal varices (GEVs) can occur, but their prevalence is unknown. We aimed to elucidate the occurrence of GEVs and the predicting parameters of GEVs in these patients.

Materials and methods
Twenty-seven patients (median age, 14.8 years; median time since surgery, 12.9 years) who had undergone the Fontan surgery and were examined by abdominal dynamic computed tomography (CT) for the routine follow-up were included in the study. Radiological findings including GEVs and extraintestinal complications were retrospectively evaluated by experienced radiologists in a blinded manner. Relationships between blood-biochemical and demographic parameters and the presence of GEVs were statistically analyzed.

Results
Dynamic CT revealed gastric varices (n = 3, 11.1%), esophageal varices (n = 1, 3.7%), and gastrorenal shunts (n = 5, 18.5%). All patients with gastric varices had gastrorenal shunts. All gastric varices were endoscopically confirmed as being isolated and enlarged, with indications for preventive interventional therapy. A platelet count lower than 119 × 109 /L was identified as a predictor of GEV (area under the receiver operating curve, 0.946; sensitivity, 100%; and specificity, 87%).

Conclusions
GEVs are important complications that should not be ignored in patients who have undergone a Fontan procedure. Platelet counts lower than 119 × 109 /L may help to prompt patient screening by using abdominal dynamic CT to identify GEVs and their draining collateral veins in these patients.
Can the design of the instruments used for undersized osteotomies influence the initial stability of implants installed in low-density bone? An in vitro pilot study
Authors: de Carvalho Formiga Márcio , Gehrke Arthur Felipe , De Bortoli João Paulo , Gehrke Sergio Alexandre 
Published: October 2021

ObjectivesThe aims of this study were to compare the initial implant stability obtained using four different osteotomy techniques in low-density synthetic bone, to evaluate the instrument design in comparison to the implant design, and to determinate a possible correlation between the insertion torque and initial stability quotient (ISQ).Materials and methodsFour groups were identified in accordance with the osteotomy technique used (n = 10 implants per group): group G1, osteotomy using the recommended drilling sequence; group G2, osteotomy using an undersized compactor drill; group G3, osteotomy using an undersized drill; and group G4, osteotomy using universal osseodensification drills. Two polyurethane blocks were used: block 1, with a medullary portion of 10 pounds per cubic foot (PCF 10) and with a 1 mm cortical portion of PCF 40, and block 2, with a medullary of PCF 15 and with a 2 mm cortical portion of PCF 40. Tapered implants of 4 mm in diameter and 11 mm in length were used. The insertion torque (IT) and ISQ were measured. The dimensions of the final instrument used in each group and the dimensions of the implant were used to calculate the total area of each part, and these data were compared.ResultsDifferences between the four groups were found for IT and ISQ values depending on the technique used for the osteotomy in the two synthetic bone models (p < 0.0001). All groups showed lower values of initial stability in block 1 than in block 2.ConclusionsUndersized osteotomies with instruments designed according to the implant body significantly increased the initial stability values compared to beds prepared with universal drills and using the drilling sequence standardized by the manufacturer.
Increased Cancer Risk in Autoimmune Hepatitis: A Danish Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Jensen Morten D. , Jepsen Peter , Vilstrup Hendrik , Grønbæk Lisbet 
Published: October 2021

INTRODUCTION:
Autoimmune hepatitis (AIH) is a chronic inflammatory liver disease and as such may increase the risk of cancer. We examined cancer risks in a nationwide cohort of patients with AIH.

METHODS:
This study was based on nationwide Danish healthcare registries. We identified all persons diagnosed with AIH between 1994 and 2018. We included 1805 patients with AIH and 16,617 age- and sex-matched population controls. We estimated cumulative risks of cancers and risk ratios (RRs) between patients and controls. Within the cohort of patients with AIH, we examined the impact of immunosuppressive treatment (IST) and cirrhosis on cancer risks.

RESULTS:
The 10-year risk of any cancer was 13.6% (95% confidence interval [CI] 11.7–15.6) in patients with AIH with an RR of 1.5 (95% CI 1.3–1.7) compared with controls. Patients with AIH had a 10-year risk of 0.5% (95% CI 0.2–1.1) for hepatocellular carcinoma. The 10-year risk was 1.6% (95% CI 1.0–2.5) for colorectal cancer (RR: 2.1 [95% CI 1.3–3.5]) and 4.0% (95% CI 3.0–5.3) for nonmelanoma skin cancer (RR: 1.8 [95% CI 1.3–2.5]). Among patients with AIH, the risk of cancer was higher for those with cirrhosis (hazard ratio: 1.3 [95% CI 1.0–1.7]), and it also increased 1.05-fold (95% CI 1.0–1.1) for every year the patient was on IST.

DISCUSSION:
AIH was associated with a 1.5-fold increased 10-year risk of cancer compared with age- and sex-matched controls. Among patients with AIH, the risk of cancer was higher for those with cirrhosis, and it also increased slightly with longer duration of IST.
Relationship between nitric oxide levels and the activity of fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1 and their role in diagnostics of the development of irreversible morphofunctional changes in bronchi of smoking adolescents
Authors: Ilchenko S. I. , Fialkovska A. O. , Skriabina K. V. 
Published: October 2021

The aim is to study the relationship between the level of exhaled nitric oxide (FeNO) and the activity of the fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β1 in blood serum and brush biopsy samples of bronchial mucosa in order to determine their role in the development of irreversible morphological and functional changes in smoking adolescents.
Materials and methods. 20 adolescent smokers with chronic bronchitis (CB) (average age – 17.5 ± 0.2 years) were exa­mined. The comparison group consisted of 37 adolescent smokers without respiratory symptoms (average age – 15.9 ± 0.2 years) and 15 healthy adolescents, who never smoked (average age – 15.9 ± 0.4 years). In adolescent smokers the tobacco smoking status was assessed. To confirm active smoking, the nicotine metabolite cotinine was determined in urine. Instrumental methods included spirometry, chest X-ray, tracheobronchoscopy. The FeNO level was measured using a Niox Mino. TGF-β1 level was determined in the blood serum and brush biopsy samples of the bronchial mucosa.
Results. The FeNO levels were significantly lower in adolescent smokers with CB in comparison with adolescent smokers without respiratory symptoms (6.1 ± 0.3 ppb versus 8.8 ± 0.6 ppb, P < 0.05). The relationship between the FeNO levels and indicators of the tobacco smoking status has been established in patients with CB and in asymptomatic smokers. There was a significant increase in the TGF-β1 levels in the blood serum in patients with CB compared with asymptomatic smokers (478.7 ± 57.9 pg/ml versus 231.5 ± 23.5 pg/ml, P < 0.05). In smoking adolescents a relationship between a FeNO level and an increased activity of the fibrogenic cytokine TGF-β (r = -0.63; P < 0.05) has been established. In one third of patients the TGF-β1 factor was identified in the bronchial endothelium. The presence of this factor in the bronchial endothelium is a serious prognostic criterion for the risk of developing “inadequate” pneumofibrosis, which can lead to irreversible remodeling processes in the bronchi.
Conclusions. Determination of FeNO levels and TGF-β1 in the blood serum in smoking adolescents has a reliable diagnostic value for determining the risk group for the development of irreversible morphological and functional changes in the bronchi and can improve the efficiency of early diagnosis of chronic respiratory pathology.
Features of the immunoreactivity T and B lymphocytes subpopulations and cytokine imbalance in patients with hepatosplenomegaly of different etiology
Authors: Klimova O. M. , Kordon T. I. , Sushkov S. V. , Drozdova L. A. , Lavinska O. V. , Merezhko O. S. , Bychenko K. O. 
Published: October 2021

The aim was to study the mechanisms of immunological dysregulation of cytokine and immunoglobulin production, changes in the CD expression of T and B lymphocyte subpopulations in patients with hepatosplenomegaly of different etiology.
Materials and methods. We examined 73 patients with liver cirrhosis complicated by portal hypertension, hepatosplenomegaly, and bleeding from phlebectasia. We identified three groups of patients depending on the triggering factors of cirrhosis: the first (I) group – HBV/HCV; the second (II) group – CMV/VEB; the third (III) group – hereditary enzymopathies. The study material was lymphocytes and blood serum. We used the methods of ELISA, immunofluorescence and flow cytometry.
Results. An increase in the concentration of IgA and IgM was revealed against the background of normal number of CD22+ B lymphocytes with HBV/HCV (I group), high level of IgM and their producers, B lymphocytes, with CMV/VEB (II group), in group III with hereditary enzymopathies, the concentration of all immunoglobulins was normal with an increased content of B lymphocytes. Multidirectional changes in the content of cytokines were revealed: in group I the synthesis of anti-inflammatory cytokines IL-4, IL-10 and in group II – pro-inflammatory IL-1β, INF-γ, TNF-α dominated; in group III the concentration of IL-6 and vascular growth factor (VEGF) was maximally increased. The number of activated CD3+CD4+CD25+ T cells was reduced in groups I and II – by 2.3 and 2.0 times respectively, in group III – increased by 1.2 times. The number of regulatory T lymphocytes CD3+CD4+CD25+CD127neg was reduced by half in I and II groups. Expression of co-stimulatory molecules CD3+CD4+CD28+ was low in all groups and the maximum decrease was in group III. In patients with HCV/HBV, an increase in the expression of the late activation marker of lymphocytes CD3+HLA-DR+ by an average of 63 % was noted.
Conclusions. The revealed immune disorders in hepatosplenomegaly of different etiology are characterized by multidirectional changes. Approaches to the treatment of these patients should be complex, taking into account the trigger factors that cause dysregulation of immune responses, which leads to further destruction, and focuses at remodeling target organs.
Immunohistochemical features of gastrointestinal stromal tumors and the role of expression of p16ink4A, Ki-67, VEGF and MMP-9 in their behavior
Authors: Yakovtsova I. I. , Miroshnichenko Ya. M. , Chertenko T. M. 
Published: October 2021

Aim: to clarify the prognostic value of cytoplasmic p16ink4A, VEGF, MMP-9 and Ki-67 expressions in gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GISTs) and connection of different levels of these markers expression with aggressive transformation of GISTs.
Materials and methods. Our study included 36 samples of primary tumors and 10 relapses of GIST and metastases in liver after primary combined treatment (surgery and chemotherapy with imatinib). The immunohistochemical study was performed with 4 primary antibodies: Ki-67, p16ink4A, VEGF and MMP-9. We used formalin fixed and paraffin embedded (FFPE) tissue samples for immunohistochemical study.
Results. In our study we showed significant connection between levels of cytoplasmic expression of p16ink4A in primary GISTs and such markers of tumor aggressive behaviour as Ki-67, MMP-9 and VEGF (Fisher’s exact P-value = 0.000753; 0.000101 and 0.000048 respectively). Between cytoplasmic expression of p16ink4A and VEGF and also between p16ink4A and MMP-9 strong direct correlation was found (γ = 0.829, P < 0.05 and rs = 0.961, P < 0.05 respectively). The correlation between expression of Ki-67 and p16ink4A was also direct and strong (rs = 0.754, P < 0.05), but with some exclusions, that’s why this correlation needs further investigation in larger groups with preciser molecular analysis. Analysis of metastatic GISTs samples showed prominent levels of MMP-9 and VEGF expression.
Conclusions. Our study has shown very important role of cytoplasmic expression of p16ink4A in GIST as one of the markers of aggressive behavior, which can be used in complex with other markers for more accurate prognosis of GISTs progression. Prominent levels of MMP-9 and VEGF expression in metastatic GISTs can be a marker of resistance to imatinib. So probably evaluation of MMP-9 and VEGF expression can be used as a tool for correct choice of chemotherapy for patients with GISTs.
Comparison and Evaluation of Different Test Methods and Models for Determining Zero Shear Viscosity of Asphalt Binder
Authors: Wang Honglei , Liu Jianfeng , Qin Hua , Wang Xue , Tao Zhuohui , Shen Shihui 
Published: October 2021

Abstract
Zero shear viscosity (ZSV) has been proven to be a reasonable indicator for characterizing the high-temperature performance of asphalt binders. Various test methods and models have been used in the literature to determine the ZSV, while no consistent result can be obtained. In addition, the differences and similarities among these methods are not yet clear, which can often bring difficulties and confusion to researchers when trying to implement the ZSV methods. This paper aims to evaluate the applicability of different test methods and rheological models in determining the ZSVs of asphalts. The shear rate sweep test, frequency sweep test, and creep test were performed on 60/80 and 80/100 pen grade base asphalts and styrene-butadiene-styrene (SBS) modified asphalt, and ZSVs were determined using Carreau’s model, Carreau-Yasuda model, Cross/Sybilski’s model, Cross/Williamson’s model, Burger’s model, the threshold method, and the ratio method. The test results showed that the shear rate sweep test and the creep test have lower variability and better applicability than the frequency sweep test, and the four rheological models and the threshold method used in the shear rate sweep test could determine the ZSV well. In the frequency sweep test, the Cross/Sybilski’s model failed to determine the ZSVs of all asphalts, and the ZSV of SBS asphalt could only be calculated by the ratio method. Under different test methods and models, the ZSVs of each base asphalt were similar, while that of SBS asphalt were significantly different. Considering the time consumption and applicability of the test, the shear rate sweep test seems to be the most promising test method for determining ZSVs.
Evolution of Gross Forelimb and Fine Digit Kinematics during Skilled Reaching Acquisition in Rats
Authors: Bova Alexandra , Ferris Kenneth , Leventhal Daniel K. 
Published: October 2021

AbstractThe ability to learn dexterous motor skills is a fundamental aspect of human behavior. However, the underlying neural circuit mechanisms for dexterous skill learning are unclear. Advancing our understanding of motor skill learning requires the integration of modern neuroscientific techniques with a rigorously characterized dexterous task. The development of automated rodent skilled reaching with paw tracking allows detailed analysis of how reach-to-grasp kinematics evolve during learning. We assessed how both “gross” forelimb and “fine” digit kinematics changed as rats learned skilled reaching. Rats whose success rates increased (learners) consistently reduced the variability in their reach trajectories. Refinement of fine digit control generally continued after consistency in gross hand transport to the pellet plateaued. Interestingly, most rats whose success rates did not increase (non-learners) also converged on consistent reach kinematics. Some non-learners, however, maintained substantial variability in hand and digit trajectories throughout training. These results suggest that gross and fine motor components of dexterous skill are, on average, learned over different timescales. Nonetheless, there is significant intersubject variability in learning rates as assessed by both reaching success and consistency of reach kinematics.
I AM A GENIUS DOES ANYONE HERE KNOW ME?
Authors: Brown Lois 
Published: October 2021

Lois Brown attended VIBE International Symposium at Concordia University, November 30 - December 2, 2018, where she performed a twenty-minute solo version of I AM A GENIUS DOES ANYONE HERE KNOW ME? This performance was based on a 70 minute piece also titled I AM A GENIUS DOES ANYONE HERE KNOW ME? created by Lois Brown and composed by James O’Callaghan.
Trailer: https://vimeo.com/289326915