bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
First insights into Molecular basis Identification of 16s Ribosomal RNA Gene of Staphylococcus aureus Isolated from Sudan
Authors: Gumaa Manal Abdalla , Idris Abeer Babiker , Mohamed Nasr aldin Bilal , Hassan Mohamed Ahmed
Published: March 2021

Objective: In this study, we analyzed the molecular evolution of Staphylococcus aureus isolates using 16S rRNA gene and phylogenetic analysis to detect the prevalence of S. aureus infections in Sudan. Results: Molecular detection of S.aureus has shown that 20(43.47%) of patients were positive for S.aureus. The phylogenetic tree of 16S rRNA sequences was divided into three lineages of S.aureus isolates detected from wound infections in Sudan. Nucleotides base-pair substitution was appeared at position 249. This mutation do not linked with Macrolides, Lincosamides and Streptogramines b resistant phenotype. Further studies should investigate the effect of that mutation on resistance to other antibiotics.
Amaranth Leaf Extract Protects Against Hydrogen Peroxide Induced Oxidative Stress in Drosophila Melanogaster
Authors: Ndinawe Johnmark , Kinyi Hellen W.
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveAmaranths leaves are rich in ascorbic acid and polyphenol compounds which have antioxidant activity. The aim of this study was to evaluate their in vivo antioxidant activity. The effect of consumption of Amaranth leaf extract on in vivo antioxidant activity, catalase enzyme activity and H2O2 induced oxidative stress in Drosophila melanogaster flies was assessed.ResultsConsumption of Amaranth leaf extract was associated with increased survival on exposure to H202 in a dose dependent manner in Drosophila melanogaster flies.
Positive Association Between Nutrient Adequacy and Component of Metabolic Syndrome: Outcome of a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Jibril Aliyu Tijani , Ghorbaninejad Parivash , Sheikhhossein Fatemeh , Shab-Bidar Sakineh
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveMetabolic syndrome (MetS) is a multifactorial disease and its exact causes are not completely clear. Micronutrients such as vitamin A, vitamin D, zinc, and magnesium have been reported to play a role in the improvement of MetS components. We therefore aimed to investigate the association of nutrient adequacy with MetS components.ResultsOf the 850 study subjects, the mean BMI and waist circumference were 27.87 kg/m2 and 92.08 cm respectively, with prevalence of metabolic syndrome at 12.12%. Compared with the least quartile, participants in the highest quartile had a significantly higher scores for general (p=0004) and abdominal (p=0.003) obesity. Overall adequacy of nutrients significantly increased across the quartiles. Energy and all nutrient intakes except for dietary fiber, vitamin B3, and iron were observed to significantly differ among the study groups. In this study, we observed no association between nutrient adequacy and the overall measure of MetS. However, we found a significant positive correlation between the nutrient adequacy and waist circumference, even after all potential covariates were controlled for (p<0.001).
Circadian Disruption Alters Gut Barrier Integrity via a ß-catenin-MMP-related Pathway
Authors: Eum Sung Yong , Schurhoff Nicolette , Wolff Gretchen , Toborek Michal
Published: March 2021

We evaluated the mechanistic link between circadian rhythms and gut barrier permeability. Mice were subjected to either constant 24-hour light (LL) or 12-hour light/dark cycles (LD). Mice housed in LL experienced a significant increase in gut barrier permeability that was associated with dysregulated ß-catenin expression and altered expression of tight junction (TJ) proteins. Silencing of ß-catenin resulted in disruption of barrier function in SW480 cells, with ß-catenin appearing to an upstream regulator of Bmal1 and Clock. In addition, ß-catenin silencing downregulated ZO-1 and occludin TJ proteins with only limited or no changes at their mRNA levels, suggesting post transcriptional regulation. Indeed, silencing of ß-catenin significantly upregulated expression of matrix metallopeptidase (MMP)-2 and MMP-9, and blocking MMP-2/9 activity attenuated epithelial disruption induced by ß-catenin silencing. These results indicate the regulatory role of circadian disruption on gut barrier integrity and the associations between TJ proteins and circadian rhythms, while demonstrating the regulatory role of ß-catenin in this process.
A Mathematical Model for Soil-Water Characteristic Curve by Weibull Distribution
Authors: Pan Deng-li , Ni Wan kui , Kang Chen-yun , Lü Xiang-fei , Wang Hai-man
Published: March 2021

The soil-water characteristic curve (SWCC) plays a crucial role in unsaturated soil behavior. However, none of the models are fully applicable to all soil classes. Therefore, it is necessary to come up with more different models to best-fit the measured SWCC data. In this paper, a mathematical model (that is, Weibull model) for the soil-water characteristic curve was proposed based on two-parameters Weibull distribution. It only contains two parameters a and n, the effects of which on the SWCC are independent. The Brutsaert, van Genutchen, Boltzman and Weibull models were fitted to 24 SWCC data sets from UNSODA 2.0. The quality of fit for these models was compared. Results showed that Weibull model was desirably accurate to fit data from a variety of soil classes with 0.999 for R2 and 0.010 for RMSE. Taking into account the \(\overline {{{R^2}}}\), RMSE and ∑Ri criteria, it is therefore suggested that the exponential-based Weibull model had a higher fitting accuracy and performed marginally better than the Brutsaert and VG models. As respect to the criteria of AICc, the Weibull and Brutsaert models performed almost equally well but both had a better performance than VG model. The VG model had the largest average number of iterations, as such, it was relatively difficult to fit. However, the Boltzman model had a lower fitting accuracy and less flexibility in comparison with the other models. Consequently, the Weibull model could be used as an alternative to the soil-water characteristic curve models.
Leptomeningeal Metastasis in ER+HER2- Advanced Breast Cancer Patients: A Review of the Cases in a Single Institute Over a 14-year Period
Authors: Watanabe Junichiro , Mitsuya Koichi , Nakamot0 Shogo , Harada Hideyuki , Deguchi Shoichi , Hayashi Nakamasa , Nakasu Yoko
Published: March 2021

Purpose: While leptomeningeal metastases (LM) from estrogen receptor-positive, HER2-negative advanced breast cancer (ER+HER2-ABC) has a poor prognosis, the details of LM ER+HER2- are unclear. We therefore retrospectively investigated patients with LM from ER+HER2-ABC.Methods: ER+HER2-ABC patients who received any therapy at Shizuoka Cancer Center between October 2002 and December 2017 were retrospectively analyzed. Patients with central nervous system (CNS) metastases were divided into three groups: brain metastasis (BM) only (B group); BM with LM (BL group); and LM only (L group).Results: Among 369 patients, 102 developed CNS metastases: 70 (68.6%), 13 (12.8%), and 19 (18.6%) in the B, BL, and L groups, respectively. The L group showed a later onset, poorer performance status, more symptoms, and more skull metastasis than the other groups. Radiotherapy as the initial treatment was introduced to 13/13 (100%) and 15/19 (78.9%) in the BL and L groups, respectively. Subsequent systemic therapy excluding best supportive care was introduced to 5/13 (38.5%) and 5/19 (26.3%) in the BL and L groups, respectively. The median overall survival (OS) from the diagnosis of CNS lesions was 295.0, 146.0, and 99.0 days in the B, BL, and L groups, respectively, and worsening of CNS lesions was the major cause of death in the BL and L groups. Multivariate analyses showed that concurrent soft tissue metastasis (hazard ratio, 4.620) and subsequent systemic therapy (hazard ratio, 0.063) were prognostic for the L group.Conclusion: Management of LM from ER+HER2-ABC remains challenging, so a multimodal approach with novel systemic therapy is warranted.
Association between healthy eating index-2015 and cognitive function among the United States elderly adults: the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011–2012
Authors: Fan Yameng , Zhang Yinyin , Li Jiaqiao , Liu Yamei , Chang Huan , Jiang Yude , Tuo Xingxia , Zhou Long , Yu Yan
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDiet quality plays an important role in the development of age-related chronic diseases. However, the association between dietary quality assessed by Healthy Eating Index (HEI)-2015 and cognitive function among the United States (US) elderly adults remains unclear. The present study aims to explore the association between HEI-2015 and cognitive function in elderly adults using data from National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2011-2012. MethodsHEI-2015 scores were calculated from two days 24-hour recall interviews. The cognitive function was evaluated by Digit Symbol Substitution Test (DSST), Animal Fluency Test (AFT) and a global cognition level derived by summing the z scores of individual tests. The associations between HEI-2015 and cognitive function were explored using multiple linear regression and binary logistic regression models. ResultsA total of 1278 participants aged 60 years or older were included. Compared to the lowest HEI-2015 tertile, the elderly adults in highest tertile had a higher global cognition, DSST and AFT scores (P＜0.05); with the lowest quartile of global cognition as cognitive impairment, those who were in the highest HEI-2015 tertile had 38% lower odds of cognitive impairment (OR: 0.62; 95%CI: 0.42-0.91). Among HEI-2015 components, the elderly adults adhering to recommended intake of whole grains and whole fruits components were more likely to have better performance on global cognition (P＜0.05). ConclusionThe higher HEI-2015 was positively associated the better cognitive performance on the global cognition, DSST, and AFT in the US elderly adults.
The Dosimetric Impact of Deep Learning-Based Auto-Segmentation of Organs at Risk on Nasopharyngeal and Rectal Cancer
Authors: Guo Hongbo , Wang Jiazhou , Xia Xiang , Zhong Yang , Peng Jiayuan , Zhang Zhen , Hu Weigang
Published: March 2021

PurposeTo investigate the dosimetric impact of deep learning-based auto-segmentation of organs at risk (OARs) on nasopharyngeal and rectal cancer.Methods and MaterialsTwenty patients, including ten nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients and ten rectal cancer patients, who received radiotherapy in our department were enrolled in this study. Two deep learning-based auto-segmentation systems, including an in-house developed system (FD) and a commercial product (UIH), were used to generate two auto-segmented OARs sets (OAR_FD and OAR_UIH). Treatment plans based on auto-segmented OARs and following our clinical requirements were generated for each patient on each OARs set (Plan_FD and Plan_UIH). Geometric metrics (Hausdorff distance (HD), mean distance to agreement (MDA), the Dice similarity coefficient (DICE) and the Jaccard index) were calculated for geometric evaluation. The dosimetric impact was evaluated by comparing Plan_FD and Plan_UIH to original clinically approved plans (Plan_Manual) with dose-volume indices and 3D gamma pass rates. Spearman’s correlation analysis was performed to investigate the correlation between dosimetric deviation and geometric metrics.ResultsFD and UIH could provide similar geometric performance in parotids, temporal lobes, lens, and eyes (DICE, p > 0.05). OAR_FD had better geometric performance in the optic nerves, oral cavity, larynx, and femoral heads (DICE, p < 0.05). OAR_UIH had better geometric performance in the bladder (DICE, p < 0.05). In dosimetric analysis, both Plan_FD and Plan_UIH had nonsignificant dosimetric differences compared to Plan_Manual for most PTV and OARs dose-volume indices. The only significant dosimetric difference was the Dmax of the left temporal lobe for Plan_FD vs. Plan_Manual (p = 0.05). Only one significant correlation was found between the mean dose of the femoral head and its HD index (R = 0.4, p = 0.01).ConclusionsDeep learning-based OARs auto-segmentation for NPC and rectal cancer has a nonsignificant impact on most PTV and OARs dose-volume indices. Correlations between the auto-segmentation geometric metric and dosimetric difference were not observed for most OARs.
Knowledge and Implementation of Protective Measures for Oral and Maxillofacial Injuries of Ice Hockey Players in Primary and Secondary Schools in Beijing
Authors: Li Bing , Bai Xue , Sun Hui , Cui Chunyan , Liu Weihong
Published: March 2021

Background: There is little information regarding knowledge and implementation of sports-related oral and maxillofacial injury prevention measures of ice hockey players in primary and secondary schools. Thus, we investigated methods to improve the safety of juvenile ice hockey players in Beijing and reduce the incidence of oral and maxillofacial injuries, including tooth avulsions, tooth fractures, and jaw fractures. Methods: Using a convenience sampling method, we obtained consent from young ice hockey players from five primary and secondary schools and six special sports training institutions in Beijing; we administered a total of 280 questionnaires. Results: Only 12.50% of respondents reported wearing mouth guards during ice hockey; 62.50% of respondents reported never wearing a mouth guard; 43.58% did not know the risk of sports-related oral injury. Not understanding the necessity of wearing teeth protection was the most common reason reported why athletes do not wear protective gear (89.64%). Inconsistent behaviour among teammates (67.14%) was the psychological factor related to refusal to wear the mouth guard. Wearing discomfort (34.33%) and communication influence (33.14%) were also mentioned; 77.14% of the parents reported that the formulation and enforcement of the relevant regulatory agencies' standards were important to encourage young athletes to wear protective gear. Conclusion: Young ice hockey players in Beijing lack knowledge of sports-related oral injuries and effective protective measures, despite the high risks. The most effective way to improve compliance is to draw up and enforce the Ice Hockey Association's relevant standards and the coach's guidance.
Discovery of an ancient massive merger event in the For- nax cluster galaxy NGC 1380
Authors: Zhu Ling , Ven Glenn van de , Leaman Ryan , Pillepich Annalisa , Iodice Enrica , Pinna Francesca , Navarro Ignacio Martin , Coccato Lodovico , Falcón-Barroso Jesus , Zhang Le , Corsini Enrico , Gadotti Dimitri , Fahrion Katja , Hernquist Lars , Lyubenova Mariya , Mao Shude , McDermid Richard , Nelson Dylan , Pakmor Rüdiger , Poci Adriano , Sarzi Mark , Vogelsberger Mark , Zeeuw Tim de
Published: March 2021

Driven by gravity, galaxies are expected to continuously grow through the merging of smaller systems. To derive their past merger history is challenging, as the accreted stars disperse quickly; yet, it is a needed step to test the theory of hierarchical evolution. The merger histories of the most massive Local Group spirals, the Milky Way and M31, have been re- cently uncovered by using the motion and chemistry of their individual stars. On the other hand, the details of the merger history of galaxies at larger distance have so far remained hidden. Here we report the discovery of an ancient, massive merger event in the lenticu- lar galaxy NGC 1380 in the Fornax cluster. By applying a recently developed population-orbital superposition model (Zhu at al 2020) to NGC 1380’s surface brightness as well as stellar kinematic, age, and metallicity maps from VLT/MUSE IFU data (Sarzi et al 2018), we obtain the stellar orbits, age and metallicity distributions of this galaxy. The highly radial orbits which make up an inner stellar halo are ∼ 13 Gyr old with metallicity Z/Z⊙ ∼ 1.2 and comprise a stellar mass of M∗,halo(r<2Re)∼3.4×10^10 M⊙. By comparing to analogues from the cosmological galaxy simulation TNG50 (Pillepich 2019), we find that the formation of the inner stellar halo of NGC 1380 requires a merger with a massive satellite galaxy with stellar mass of ∼ 3 × 10^10 M⊙ that occurred roughly ∼ 10 Gyr ago. Moreover, we infer the total accreted stellar mass of NGC 1380 to be ∼ 6 × 10^10 M⊙. The massive merger in NGC 1380 is the first major merger event found in a normal phase-mixed galaxy beyond the Local Volume, and it is the oldest and most massive one identified in nearby galaxies so far. Our chemo-dynamical method, when applied to extended deep IFU data and in combination with cosmological galaxy simulations, can quantitatively unravel the merger history of a large number of nearby galaxies.
VHL Expression Level in the Pathological Tissue is Significantly Associated with Clinical Outcomes of Platinum-Based Chemotherapy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients.
Authors: Cao Yejun , Wang Lingwei , Zhang Qiying , Zhang Qiyan , Han Yang , Liu Jie , Wang Jinyi , Ma Liang , Sun Zhengliang , Zhao Tian , Wang Guangxue , Li Qinchuan , Chen Guohan , Hong Xuan
Published: March 2021

Objective: To investigate the association between expression level of Von Hippel-Lindau(VHL) in pathological tissue and outcomes of platinum-based chemotherapy in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Methods: The pathological samples of NSCLC patients were obtained for immunohistochemical staining to evaluate the expression level of VHL. Furthermore, their clinical data were collected and prognosis was traced by phone. The correlation between gene expression level and the hematotoxicity was evaluated by chi-square test. The influence of VHL expression level on the risk of hematotoxicity was tested by logistic regression model. The survival curve was plotted by Kaplan-Meier method and the survival rate between the two groups was compared by log-rank test. Results: A total of 110 NSCLC patients were enrolled in this study, the median follow-up time of these patients was 27.5 months. In the whole group, 31 patients had died by the last date of follow-up to get their survival information (Nov.10,2020), with a median survival time of 24.3 months. Though immunohistochemical analysis,we found that 59 patients(53.6%) had weak expression level of VHL or lack of expression in their tumor tissues,while 51 patients(46.4%) presented moderate or high expression. We found that the patients with weak expression of VHL in their carcinoma tissue or lack of expression had more opportunities to occur neutropenia after platinum-based chemotherapy(OR=0.264,95%CI=0.085-0.818,P-value=0.021).And the expression level of VHL was correlated with OS(Logrank test：P-value= 0.007，HR= 4.219,95%CI: 1.75-10.174, P-value=0.001), while not related with DFS(Logrank test：P-value=0.256，HR= 1.334,95%CI:0.642-2.769, P-value=0.440). Conclusion: The expression level of VHL gene in pathological tissue is related with Granulocytosis and leukocytotoxicity after platinum-based chemotherapy in NSCLC patients. It can be used as a biomarker to predict the risk of neutropenia and the prognosis of NSCLC patients.
Bladder Malignant Granular Cell Tumor With EP300 Gene Mutation: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Huang Jian , Zhu Di , Ren Xinle , Huang Bing
Published: March 2021

Background Malignant granular cell tumor (GCT) is extremely rare. Malignant GCT with EP300 gene mutation in the bladder has not been reported in the literature.Case presentation We report a special case of 45 years old female with malignant GCT of the bladder. Physical examination found a pelvic mass in the patient. Magnetic resonance imaging showed a huge mass between the posterior wall of the bladder, the cervix, and the anterior wall of the vagina. Pathological examination showed that the mass was 11×11×4.5cm in size, involved in the bladder's posterior wall. Under the microscope, the tumor cells were arranged in the shape of a nest or cord to infiltrate the bladder's wall. The tumor cells were pleomorphic, red-stained granular within the cytoplasm, with increased nuclear/cytoplasmic ratio, vacuolar nuclei, and obvious nucleoli. The tumor cells were showed obvious nuclear atypia, and the mitosis was more than 5/50HPF. Coagulative necrosis was widely showed within the tumor. Immunohistochemistry(IHC) showed that S-100, NSE, CD68, CR, α-AT, and TFE-3 were strongly positive, and the Ki-67 proliferation index was around 15%. The next-generation high throughput sequencing indicated that EP300 gene was missense mutated (c.457A>G) with 33% mutation abundance, and genes of DPYD(c.1627A>G),ERCC1( c.354T>C),NQO1(c.559C>T),TPMT(c.719A>G) and XRCC1(c.1196A>G) were polymorphic mutated. The patient died after three months of the second surgical treatment. Conclusions We report for the first time a primary bladder malignant GCM accompanied by mutations in special driving genes such as EP300. We also conducted a comprehensive literature review and an in-depth discussion.
Gait training with a wearable curara® robot for cerebellar ataxia: a single-arm study
Authors: Matsushima Akira , Maruyama Yoichi , Mizukami Noriaki , Tetsuya Mikio , Hashimoto Minoru , Yoshida Kunihiro
Published: March 2021

Background: Ataxic gait is one of the most common and problematic symptoms in people with degenerative cerebellar ataxia. Intensive and well-coordinated inpatient rehabilitation has been shown to improve ataxic gait. In addition to therapist-assisted gait training, robot-assisted gait training has been introduced for several neurological disorders; however, only a small number of trials have been conducted for degenerative cerebellar ataxia. We aimed to validate the rehabilitation effect of a wearable “curara®” robot we developed in a single-arm study of people with degenerative cerebellar ataxia.Methods: Twenty participants with spinocerebellar ataxia or multiple system atrophy with predominant cerebellar ataxia were enrolled. The clinical trial period was 15 days. We used a curara® type 4 wearable robot for gait training. We measured the following items on days 0, 7, and 14: Scale for the Assessment and Rating of Ataxia, 10-m walking time (10mWT), 6-min walking distance (6MWD), and timed up and go test. Gait parameters (i.e., stride duration and length, standard deviation of stride duration and length, cadence, ratio of the stance/swing phases, minimum/maximum knee joint angle, and minimum/maximum hip joint angle) were obtained using a RehaGait®. On the other days (days 1–6 and 8–13), the participants were instructed to conduct gait training for 30 ± 5 min with curara®. We calculated the improvement rate as the difference of values between days 14 and 0 divided by the value on day 0. Differences in the gait parameters were analyzed using a generalized linear mixed model with Bonferroni’s correction.Results: Eighteen participants were analyzed. The mean improvement rate of the 10mWT and 6MWD was 19.0% and 29.0%, respectively. All gait parameters, except the standard deviation of stride duration and length, improved on day 14.Conclusions: The wearable curara® robot has the potential to facilitate gait training in people with degenerative cerebellar ataxia.Trial registration: jRCT, jRCTs032180164. Registered 27 February 2019 - Retrospectively registered, https://jrct.niph.go.jp/en-latest-detail/jRCTs032180164
Bayesian modelling of population trends in alcohol consumption provides empirically based country estimates for South Africa
Authors: Cois Annibale , Matzopoulos Richard , Wyk Victoria Pillay-van , Bradshaw Debbie
Published: March 2021

Background: Alcohol use has widespread effects on health and contributes to over 200 detrimental conditions. Although the pattern of heavy episodic drinking independently increases the risk for injuries and transmission of some infectious diseases, long-term average consumption is the fundamental predictor of risk for most conditions. Population surveys, which are the main source of data on alcohol exposure, suffer from bias and uncertainty. This article proposes a novel triangulation method to reduce bias by rescaling consumption estimates by sex and age to match country-level consumption from administrative data.Methods: We used data from 17 population surveys to estimate age- and sex-specific trends in alcohol consumption in the adult population of South Africa between 1998 and 2016. Independently for each survey, we calculated sex- and age-specific estimates of the prevalence of drinkers and the distribution of individuals across consumption categories. We used these aggregated results, together with data on alcohol production, sales and import/export, as inputs of a Bayesian model and generated yearly estimates of the prevalence of drinkers in the population and the parameters that characterise the distribution of the average consumption among drinkers.Results: Among males, the prevalence of drinkers decreased between 1998 and 2009, from 56.2% (95% CI : 53.7%;58.7%) to 50.6% (49.3%;52.0%), and increased afterwards to 53.9% (51.5%;56.2%) in 2016. The average consumption from 52.1 g/day (49.1; 55.6) in 1998 to 42.8 g/day (40.0; 45.7) in 2016. Among females the prevalence of current drinkers rose from 19.0% (17.2%;20.8%) in 1998 to 20.0% (18.3%; 21.7%) in 2016 while average consumption decreased from 32.7 g/day (30.2; 35.0) to 26.4 g/day (23.8; 28.9).Conclusions : The methodology provides a viable alternative to current approaches to reconcile survey estimates of individual alcohol consumption patterns with aggregate administrative data. It provides sex- and age-specific estimates of prevalence of drinkers and distribution of average daily consumption among drinkers in populations. Reliance on locally sourced data instead of global and regional trend estimates better reflects local nuances and is adaptable to the inclusion of additional data. This provides a powerful tool to monitor consumption, develop burden of disease estimates and inform and evaluate public health interventions.
Optimization of epilepsy surgery through virtual resections on individual structural brain networks
Authors: Nissen Ida A. , Stam Cornelis J. , Straaten Elisabeth C.W. , Millán Ana P. , Douw Linda , Pouwels Petra J.W. , Idema Sander , Baayen Johannes C. , Velis Demetrios , Mieghem Piet Van , Hillebrand Arjan
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe success of epilepsy surgery in patients with refractory epilepsy depends upon correct identification of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) and an optimal choice of the resection area. In this study we developed individualized computational models based upon structural brain networks to explore the impact of different virtual resections on the propagation of seizures.MethodsThe propagation of seizures was modelled as an epidemic process (susceptible-infected-recovered (SIR) model) on individual structural networks derived from presurgical diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) in 19 patients. The candidate connections for the virtual resection were all connections from the clinically hypothesized EZ, from which the seizures were modelled to start, to other brain areas. As a computationally feasible surrogate for the SIR model, we also removed the connections that maximally reduced the Eigenvector Centrality (EC) (large values indicate network hubs) of the hypothesized EZ, with a large reduction meaning a large effect. The optimal combination of connections to be removed for a maximal effect were found using simulated annealing. For comparison, the same number of connections were removed randomly, or based on measures that quantify the importance of a node or connection within the network.ResultsWe found that 90% of the effect (defined as reduction of EC of the hypothesized EZ) could already be obtained by removing substantially less than 90% of the connections. Thus, a smaller, optimized, virtual resection achieved almost the same effect as the actual surgery yet at a considerably smaller cost, sparing on average 27.49% (standard deviation: 4.65%) of the connections. Furthermore, the maximally effective connections linked the hypothesized EZ to hubs. Finally, the optimized resection was more effective than random removal of the same number of connections, and equally or more effective than removal based on structural network characteristics.ConclusionThe approach of using reduced EC as a surrogate for simulating seizure propagation can suggest more restrictive resection strategies, whilst obtaining an almost optimal effect on reducing seizure propagation, by taking into account the unique topology of individual structural brain networks of patients.
Short Term Outcomes of Gastric Cancer at University Teaching Hospital of Kigali (CHUK), Rwanda.
Authors: Niyongombwa Irénée , Karenzi Irénée David , Sibomana Isaie , Muvunyi Vital , Kagimbangabo Jean Marie Vianney , Urimubabo Jean Christian , Nifasha Antoine , Abahuje Egide
Published: March 2021

Purpose:

Gastric cancer is endemic in the so called stomach cancer region comprising Rwanda, Burundi, South Western Uganda and eastern Kivu province of Democratic Republic of Congo but its outcomes in that region are under investigated. This is the first study ever conducted in Rwanda with the purpose to describe the short term outcomes (in-hospital mortality rate, length of hospital stay, 3, 6, 12 and 24 months survival rates) in patients treated for gastric cancer.
Methods:

We retrospectively reviewed the data collected from records of patients who consulted CHUK over a period of 10 years from September 2007 to August 2016. Patients were followed in hospital and after discharge for survival length. Descriptive statistics were used for baseline demographic data, Kaplan-Meier model and univariate cox regression were used for survival analysis.
Results:

Of the 199 patients enrolled in the study, 92 (46%) were males and 107 (54%) females. The mean age was 55.4 ranging between 24 and 93. The mean symptoms duration was 15 months. Most patients consulted with advanced disease, 62.3% with distant metastases. Treatment with curative intent was offered for only 19.9% of patients. The in-hospital mortality rate was 13.3%. The 3, 6, 12 and 24 months survival rate was 52%, 40.5%, 28% and 23.4% respectively. The Overall survival rate was 7 months.
Conclusion:

In Rwanda, patients with gastric cancer have delayed consultations and advanced disease at the time of presentation. This cancer is associated with poor outcomes in terms of hospital mortality and post discharge survival rates.
Clinical Characteristics and Risk Factors for Culture-Negative Periprosthetic Joint Infections
Authors: Watanabe Shintaro , Kobayashi Naomi , Tomoyama Akito , Choe Hyonmin , Yamazaki Etsuko , Inaba Yutaka
Published: March 2021

Background

Culture-negative periprosthetic joint infections (PJIs) can complicate diagnosis and management of PJI. This study aimed to identify risk factors for culture-negative PJI and differences in clinical characteristics between culture-positive and culture-negative PJI group.
Methods

This retrospective, cross-sectional study evaluated PJI cases obtained between January 2013 and October 2019 at our institution. These PJI cases were divided into culture-positive and culture-negative groups and then compared. The demographics, laboratory findings, and details of patient’s clinical characteristics were investigated. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analysis were performed to investigate risk factors for culture-negative PJI.
Results

A total of 109 PJI cases were included in the analysis: 82 (75%) culture-positive and 27 (25%) culture-negative. The mean serum white blood cell (WBC) count, C-reactive protein level, erythrocyte sedimentation rate in the culture-negative group were significantly lower than those in the culture-positive group (p < 0.05). There were no significant differences between the two groups regarding history of prior antibacterial administration or treatment success rates. Multivariate analysis identified a low serum WBC count as a risk factor for culture-negative PJI (odds ratio = 0.78; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 0.63–0.97; p = 0.027).
Conclusions

A low serum WBC count is a risk factor for culture-negative PJI, but prior antimicrobial therapy is not. The results suggest that PJI cases with lower levels of systemic inflammation are likely to be culture-negative; therefore, the possibility of a culture-negative result should be considered in suspected cases of PJI with low inflammatory markers, regardless of prior antibiotic exposure.
Identification of INHBA as a Potential Biomarker for Gastric Cancer by Comprehensive Analysis
Authors: Liu Guangjie , Hu Xiao-jie , Jia Yuxuan , Huo Bing-jie , Wang Cheng , Yang Lei , Liu Fang
Published: March 2021

Inhibin subunit beta A (INHBA) is a member of the TGF-beta (transforming growth factor-beta) superfamily proteins, which plays a fundamental role in various cancers. However, little is known about the exact role of INHBA in patients with gastric cancer (GC). The present study aims to explore the relationship between INHBA and GC and detect the underlying mechanisms. Multiple bioinformatic approaches were first preformed basing on TIMER, GEPIA2, GEO, Oncomine and UALCAN databases, which revealed that INHBA was highly elevated in GC. This result was proved by Immunohistochemistry (IHC) and real time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) in 65 cases of GC tissues in our study. The bioinformatic analysis also revealed that high expression of INHBA was significantly related to unfavorable prognosis of GC. To detect the underlying mechanism, further analysis was performed basing on Kaplan Meier plotter database and found that poor prognosis of GC was related to infiltration of different enriched immune-cell subgroups. That was INHBA being negatively correlated with B cell while positively correlated with CD8 + T cells, macrophage, neutrophil and dendritic cell infiltration. However, there was week significant methylation level change between tumor and normal tissues. Moreover, INHBA mainly enriched on cancer-related signaling pathways, including TGF-beta signaling pathway, ECM-receptor signaling pathway, PID ALK1/2 pathway, and AGE-RAGE signaling pathway, which provide a new insight for future in-depth study.
Microphysiological stroke model for systematic evaluation of neurorestorative potential of stem cell therapy
Authors: Lee Wonjae , Lyu Zhonlin , Park Jon , Kim Kwang-Min , Jin Hye-jin , Wu Haodi , Rajadas Jayakumar , Kim Deok-Ho , Steinberg Gary
Published: March 2021

Stem cell therapy is emerging as a promising treatment option to restore a neurological function after ischemic stroke. Despite the growing number of candidate stem cell types, each with unique characteristics, there is a lack of experimental platform to systematically evaluate their neurorestorative potential. When stem cells are transplanted into ischemic brain, the therapeutic efficacy primarily depends on the response of the neurovascular unit (NVU) to these extraneous cells. In this work, we developed an ischemic stroke microphysiological system (MPS) with a functional NVU on a microfluidic chip. Our new chip design facilitated the incorporated cells to form a functional blood-brain barrier (BBB) and restore their in vivo-like behaviors in both healthy and ischemic conditions. We utilized this MPS to track the transplanted stem cells and characterize their neurorestorative behaviors reflected in gene expression levels. Each type of stem cells showed unique neurorestorative effects, primarily through supporting the endogenous recovery, rather than through direct cell replacement. And the recovery of synaptic activities, critical for neurological function, was more tightly correlated with the recovery of the structural and functional integrity in NVU, rather than with the regeneration of neurons itself.
Lesão do ligamento colateral ulnar da articulação metacarpofalangeana do polegar: série de casos
Authors: Alves Rezende Luis Guilherme Rosifini , Shimaoka Filipe Jun , Shimabukuro Gunter Shin Iti Takamori , Mandarano-Filho Luiz Garcia , Mazzer Nilton , Barbieri Cláudio Henrique
Published: March 2021

A lesão do ligamento colateral ulnar da articulação metacarpofalangeana do polegar é uma lesão comum no esquiador e outros esportes que envolvem trauma do polegar. Estas lesões, quando negligenciadas acarretam instabilidade articular, trazendo prejuízo funcional e debilidade aos pacientes. O diagnóstico precoce é fundamental, para caracterizar o padrão da lesão. As lesões completas são manejadas preferencialmente de forma cirúrgica, geralmente com excelentes resultados funcionais pós-operatórios. Apresentamos o relato de caso de quatro pacientes do sexo feminino, praticantes de esportes de diferentes modalidades com lesões do ligamento colateral ulnar da articulação metacarpofalangeana do polegar. Uma das pacientes apresentava lesão bilateral. O tratamento foi realizado de forma cirúrgica e todos os pacientes apresentaram bons resultados funcionais pós-operatórios. Nossos resultados são condizentes com os resultados observados na literatura, onde o tratamento cirúrgico acarreta bom resultado funcional, possibilitando, inclusive, o retorno ao esporte.
Modal properties diagnostics of the high-pressure fuel injection pipes in off-road diesel engine
Authors: Otipka Václav , Zajac Roman , Prokop Aleš , Řehák Kamil
Published: March 2021

Injection systems of modern commercial vehicle power units are still a frequent topic for development engineers in terms of durability and reliability. Therefore, the content of this study is just an investigation of the dynamic behaviour of high-pressure injection pipes of a four-cylinder combustion engine. The modal properties of the injection tubes are evaluated by experimental modal analysis (EMA). Another phase of the measurements is the sensing and analysing of the acceleration on each injection pipe during the engine speed ramp in the entire range of the speed spectrum. There was investigated the modal behaviour of the structure to the operational character of the excitation. The work includes a numerical model established by finite element method (FEM), where the boundary conditions correspond to the real installation of injection pipes from the measurement. The modal properties of injection pipes were primarily investigated through the numerical approach, several variants of pipe attachments were considered in simulations. Comparing the FEM results of different pipe attachments, the suitability of the clamp position with respect to the specific installation in the power unit from the measurement is discussed. From the evaluated results, it is possible to assume the dynamic behaviour of the high-pressure injection pipe in the power unit. Based on the performed analyses, the critical mode shapes of the injection pipes are described considering the engine operating condition. When the engine speed frequency and some pipe eigen frequency interfere together, it is undesirable state. In many cases, this leads to a crack initiation and subsequent damage of the injection pipes during the cyclic load. The presented results and conclusions in this study should improve the overall knowledge on high-pressure fuel pipes in terms of modal properties and its vibration behaviour during operating condition.
Odontogenic cervico-facial necrotizing fasciitis. A case report
Authors: Amorim Klinger de Souza , Gercina Carvalho Dantas Anne Caroline , Nascimento Allen Matheus da Silva , Gomes Dellovo Andrea , De Albuquerque Júnior Ricardo Luiz Cavalcanti , Souza Liane Maciel de Almeida
Published: March 2021

Necrotizing fasciitis is characterized as a subset of aggressive infections of the skin and soft tissues that cause necrosis of the muscular fascia and subcutaneous tissues. It has a polymicrobial origin and presents an extensive necrosis that exhibits gas formation in the subcutaneous tissue and superficial fascia. The management of infected tissues requires rapid diagnosis, immediate surgical intervention accompanied by extensive debridement and systemic antibiotic therapy. The aim of this paper is to relate a case of an odontogenic necrotizing fasciitis of the cervico-facial region emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Perspectivas del uso de la Amalgama Dental bajo el Convenio de Minamata: Tendencias Nacionales e Internacionales
Authors: Gómez Gabriel Jaime
Published: March 2021

El objetivo de este artículo de revisión es abordar el tema de la amalgama dental en relación con el Convenido de Minamata Sobre el Mercurio. Las decisiones que, al amparo de dicho convenio, se vienen tomando en el mundo, incluyendo Colombia, y que afectan la continuidad de la amalgama como material de restauración dental, siendo esto agravado por los altos niveles de prevalencia de la caries dental a nivel global. Se revisa la posición de algunas organizaciones internacionales y sus decisiones basadas en lo que la evidencia científica disponible muestra sobre la toxicidad y biocompatibilidad de la amalgama, y sus posibles materiales de reemplazo. Se revisa el panorama nacional y el impacto de las decisiones gubernamentales sobre la profesión odontológica.
Factors Affecting Employee Performance during Work from Home
Authors: Aropah Vina Da’watul , Sarma Ma’mun , Sumertajaya I Made
Published: March 2021

The Corona Virus Disease (Covid-19) pandemic in Indonesia began with the discovery of Covid-19 sufferers on March 2, 2020. Coronavirus is a group of viruses that can cause disease in animals or humans. To respond the conditions of the Covid-19 outbreak, NPPA issued a regulation concerning adjustments to the work system of the government employee in efforts to prevent the spread of Covid-19. This study uses census sampling, where all members of the population used as samples. The total responden of the Government Employee in NPPA is 128 employees, who are works mostly at home during the pandemic. The research data used primary and secondary data. Comparison using PLS-SEM as analyzing the data. The result of the research showed that leadership and work environment have impact on employee performance, whereas organizational support has no impact on employee performance.
Preparation, characterization and dyeing wastewater treatment of a new PVDF/PMMA five-bore UF membrane with β-cyclodextrin and additive combinations
Authors: Bian Xiaozheng , Huang Jianping , Qiu Lin , Ma Chunyan , Xi Danli
Published: March 2021

A new type of polyvinylidene fluoride (PVDF)/polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA) hollow fiber membrane (HFM) with five bores was prepared. The effects of polyvinylpyrrolidone (PVP), β-cyclodextrine (β-CD), polyethylene glycol (PEG) and polysorbate 80 (Tween 80) and their combinations on the PVDF/PMMA five-bore HFMs were investigated. The performance and fouling characteristics of five-bore HFMs for dyeing wastewater treatment were evaluated. Results indicated that adding 5 wt.% PVP increased the porosity and water flux of the membrane but decreased the bovine serum albumin (BSA) rejection rate. Adding 5 wt.% β-CD significantly improved the tensile strength and rejection of the HFMs with no effect on the increase of water flux. The characteristic of the HFMs with different additive combinations proved that the mixture of 5 wt.% PVP and 1 wt.% β-CD gave the best membrane performance, with a pure water flux of 427.9 L/ m2·h, a contact angle of 25°, and a rejection of BSA of 89.7%. The CODcr and UV254 removal rates of dyeing wastewater treatment were 61.10% and 50.41%, respectively. No breakage or leakage points were found after 120 days of operation, showing their reliable mechanical properties. We set the operating flux to 55 L/m2·h and cross-flow rate to 10%, which can effectively control membrane fouling.
Wastewater collection system failures in a capital city: analysis and sustainable prevention
Authors: Marquez Andres , Jagroop C. , Maharaj C.
Published: March 2021

An analysis of failures in a capital city's wastewater collection system was carried out and recommendations were made for sustainable preventive measures based on a risk of failure assessment. Most failures in sewer lines were associated with blockage caused by sediment accumulation and clogging from fats, oils and/or grease dumped by restaurants along several streets, combined with poor or nonexistent maintenance of the lines. Sewer lines in streets with higher risk levels due to multiple food establishments along those streets experienced most of the failures. Sustainability of the proposed maintenance was evidenced since it reduces costs and exposure to harmful substances and hazardous conditions as well as minimizing environmental impacts.
An Overview of Immune Evasion Strategies of DNA and RNA Viruses
Authors: Naz Sheikh Saba , Aslam Afsheen , Malik Taqdees
Published: March 2021

:

A successful viral infection is due to the effective evasion of viruses of the immune system.
The entry of viruses is usually detected by different cellular receptors including PRRs. Recognition of
the viral genome leads to the production of interferons through a signaling stream. This review article
provides brief information regarding escape mechanisms of DNA and RNA viruses from the host immune
system. These strategies include viral endonuclease activity, cap snatching of host mRNA, the
formation of replication organelles, stress granule formation, membrane modifications, action of proteases,
and evasion from ISGs. Moreover, the strategies of DNA viruses to inhibit immune responses
include subversion of mRNA, transcriptional factors, adaptor proteins, PRRs, evasion from T lymphocytes,
genomic diversity, theft or seizure of host defense proteins, imitation of host factors like affecting
cytokines and chemokines of the host, suppression or inhibition of apoptosis, and proteasomal
degradation of host antiviral proteins by DNA viruses. The knowledge of these mechanisms is pivotal
to understanding different methodologies that viruses have created to escape antiviral cellular reactions
of the host as well as virus-host interactions and the origin of viral pathogenesis. Also, this knowledge
is significant for the design of gene targeting vectors, antiviral vaccines, and the development of effective
treatments directed against DNA and RNA viruses.
KERAGAMAN ARTHROPODA PADA PERTANAMAN PADI DENGAN PEMANFAATAN GULMA SEBAGAI TANAMAN BORDER
Authors: Lailiyah Isniatul , Haryadi Nanang Tri
Published: March 2021

Gulma berbunga di sekitar lahan pertanian memiliki potensi sebagai refugia yang menyediakan pakan dan tempat berlindung untuk mendukung kehidupan musuh alami, yang selanjutnya dapat dijadikan sebagai alternatif dalam pengendalian hama. Tanaman refugia merupakan bentuk konservasi karena mampu meningkatkan kehadiran arthropoda bermanfaat, sehingga dapat menekan serangan hama. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui pengaruh gulma dalam menarik musuh alami. Gulma yang digunakan pada penelitian yaitu Ageratum conyzoides, Bidens pola, Althernanthera sessilis, Cyanthillium cinereum, dan Eclipta prostrata. Pengamatan dilakukan dalam interval 7 hari (pada pukul 08.00 WIB dan 16.00 WIB) hingga panen dengan menggunakan sweep net dan yellow pan trap, dilanjutkan dengan identifikasi arthropoda. Berdasarkan hasil pengamatan diketahui bahwa keragaman arthropoda terdiri dari herbivora 57 %, predator 40 %, polinator 3 %, dan parasitoid 0 %. Keberadaan arthropoda bermanfaat pada refugia lebih tinggi dibandingkan dengan kontrol. Jumlah predator paling banyak yaitu pada Cyanthillium cinereum, sedangkan polinator mendominasi pada tanaman Althernanthera sessilis dan Cyanthillium cinereum. Sementara itu, kelimpahan herbivora paling tinggi ditemukan pada kontrol.