bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Is Financial Globalization Polluting? – Symmetric and Asymmetric Effects of External Liabilities on CO2 Emissions in the MENA Region
Authors: Gaies Brahim , Nakhli Mohamed Sahbi , SAHUT Jean-Michel
Published: May 2021

This paper aims to study the symmetric and asymmetric effects of financial globalization on CO2 emissions in the MENA region. Using a panel dataset of seven non-OPEC MENA countries over the period 1980-2014, we perform a comprehensive econometric analysis based on the panel ARDL and non-linear panel ARDL (NARDL) models and a battery of tests, including cross-sectional dependence tests, second-generation unit root tests and cointegration tests. The findings reveal a significant long-term impact of financial globalization on CO2 emissions that can be symmetric or asymmetric depending on the nature of financial globalization. While external debt liabilities appear to be polluting because they increase CO2 emissions significantly and linearly, the long-term impact of FDI and portfolio investment liabilities on CO2 emissions is asymmetric, with only negative shocks of FDI and portfolio investment decreasing CO2 emissions. This suggests that financial globalization through foreign investment (FDI and portfolio investment) is more environmentally friendly than financial globalization through debt, which provides interesting insights for policy makers.
Using The Reasoned Action Approach To Analyze Differences In Physical Activity Behaviors of College Student Athletes During The Early COVID-19 Shutdown.
Authors: Branscum Paul W. , Geller Karly S. , Branson Olivia A.
Published: May 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to utilize the Reasoned Action Approach (RAA) to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on the physical activity (PA) behaviors of college student athletes, including aerobic, muscle strengthening, and sport-specific conditioning PA. Theory-based determinants of intentions to all three PA behaviors were assessed using multiple regression analyses.Results: Outcomes demonstrated that perceived norms, perceived behavioral control, and attitudes predicted a significant amount of the variance of intentions for muscle strengthening PA (44.8%) and a moderate amount for aerobic PA (28.5%) and conditioning PA (35.2%). Additionally, intentions, attitudes, perceived norms, and perceived behavioral control were compared between PA type using a repeated measures ANOVA, and results showed there were significant differences. Conclusion: These findings can assist public health practitioners, coaches, and trainers to develop and implement more effective interventions and training sessions for all types of PA with college athletes.
National And Subnational Incidence of Bladder Cancer In Iran: Results of The Iranian National Population-Based Cancer Registry Over A 12-Year Period
Authors: Nowroozi Mohammad Reza , Amini Erfan , Farkhani Ehsan Mosa , Nowroozi Ali , Ayati Mohsen , Rezazadeh Shahin , Momeni Seyed Ali , Bokaie Saied , Sharifi Laleh
Published: May 2021

Background: Bladder cancer is one of the most common cancers worldwide and its incidence and mortality rates vary globally due to genetic variation, population age and exposure to risk factors. In the present study we aim to report national and subnational incidence of bladder cancer in Iran between 2003 and 2015.Methods: This population-based study investigate the age-standardized incidence rates (ASRs) of bladder cancer between 2003 and 2015 in Iran and its 32 provinces using last updated data from national cancer registry system of non-communicable disease center of Iran Ministry of Health, and Medical Education. Results: ASR of bladder cancer increased from 8.35 in 2003 to 13.57 in 2015 in men. ASR of bladder cancer also showed a mild increase in females, 2.12 in 2003 versus 2.86 in 2015.Conclusion: In conclusion, we observed an increasing trend of bladder cancer incidence in Iran, highlighting the disease as a potentially major health problem in the future. Therefore, it is necessary for health organizations to implement effective educational, preventive and therapeutic programs in the country to prevent further increase of disease burden.
High Rates of Treatment Stage Migration For Early Hepatocellular Carcinoma and Its Association With Adverse Impact On Outcomes: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Loo Kee Fong , Woodman Richard , Bogatic Damjana , Muller Kate , Chandran Vidyaleha , Chinnaratha Mohamed Asif , Bate John , Campbell Kirsty , Maddison Matthew , Narayana Sumudu , Le Hien , Pryor David , Wigg Alan
Published: May 2021

Background & Aims:The rate of contraindications to percutaneous ablation (PA) for inoperable early HCC, and subsequent outcomes is not well described. We investigated the prevalence and outcomes of inoperable early HCC patients with contraindications to PA, resulting in treatment stage migration (TSM). Methods:BCLC 0/A patients diagnosed between September 2013 and September 2019 across five hospitals were identified. Primary endpoint was proportion of BCLC 0/A HCCs with contraindications to PA. Secondary endpoints included overall survival (OS), local tumour control (LTC) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). The causal effects of PA versus TSM were assessed using a potential outcome means (POM) framework in which the average treatment effects (ATE) of PA were estimated after accounting for potential selection bias and confounding.Results:245 patients with inoperable BCLC 0/A HCC were identified. 140 (57%) had contraindications to PA and received TSM therapy, 105 (43%) received PA. The main contraindication to PA was difficult tumour location (47%). Patients who received TSM therapy had lower median OS (2.1 versus 5.3years), LTC (1.0 versus 4.8years), and RFS (0.8 versus 2.7years); p<0.001 respectively, compared to PA. The ATE for PA versus TSM yielded an additional 1.02years (p=0.048), 2.87years (p<0.001) and 1.77years (p<0.001) for OS, LTC and RFS respectively. 3-year LTC after PA was suboptimal (63%).Conclusions:Our study highlights high rates of contraindication to PA in early HCCs, resulting in TSM and poorer outcomes. The local recurrence rate after PA was also high. Both findings support exploration of alternative ablative options for early HCCs.
Optimization of Cutting Parameters for Improving Machining Quality Andproduction Rate in Drilling of CFRP Composites
Authors: Wang Qian , Jia Xiaoliang
Published: May 2021

Carbon fiber reinforced polymer (CFRP) composites need to be machined by operations like trimming, reaming and drilling for the dimensional tolerance and final assembly. This paper presents a cutting parameters optimization method for drilling of CFRP composites to improve hole quality and production efficiency. Hole quality indicators including exit delamination and average surface roughness are expressed as functions of cutting parameters based on the regression analysis of experimental data. Multi-objective optimization of cutting parameters for decreasing exit delamination and surface roughness, increasing material removal rate is accomplished with non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm Ⅱ (NSGA-Ⅱ). Optimization results are large numbers of Pareto optimal solutions widely distributed in the objective space, the reliability of Pareto optimal solutions is checked with the global convergence and spacing distance. Moreover, posterior analysis is implemented to identify key solutions of better performance from the Pareto optimal solutions to facilitate the decision-making. Results show that the identified key solutions are capable of achieving satisfactory drilling performances with different preferences for exit delamination, surface roughness and material removal rate. This study provides a feasible way to determine the appropriate cutting parameters, with which demands for multiple responses could be satisfied simultaneously in practical machining operations.
Emotional Regulation and Affects in Patients With Borderline Personality Disorder
Authors: Ortiz Geovanny Genaro Reivan , Álvarez Daniel Orlando Icaza
Published: May 2021

Background: The regulation of emotions and affective strategies have been shown to be relevant in the clinic of borderline personality disorder (BPD), however, the studies carried out are still not conclusive on the influencing role of these two variables on the course of the TLP. The need for empirical evidence on the relationship between the internal components of these manifestations is faced: cognitive reappraisal, expressive suppression, positive affect and negative affect. Result: The results indicate that the psychological variables studied present more dysfunctional values ​​in patients with BPD. The symptomatic of BPD does not moderate the relationship between cognitive reappraisal and negative affect; and cognitive reappraisal together with positive affect are associated with fewer BPD symptoms. Conclusion: The results obtained offer different clinical implications in the affective and emotional context of BPD, however, it would be necessary to use alternative measures of the emotional pattern, such as physiological methodologies to have more defining results.
A meta-analysis of gender differences in e-learning outcomes
Authors: yu zhonggen
Published: May 2021

The new century has been witnessing a rapid development of information technologies, along with which e-learning has been increasingly popularized especially in this special pandemic time. This study, including 20 high-quality publications, meta-analytically examined gender differences in e-learning outcomes, e.g. e-learners’ self-efficacy, satisfaction, motivation, attitude, and performance, across the world. The study concludes that there are generally no significant gender differences in e-learning outcomes except in a few countries. For example, females significantly outperformed males in Spain and the UK. In Austria, India, and mixed countries (Chile and Spain), females hold significantly more positive attitudes towards e-learning than males. In the USA, females present significantly higher self-efficacy than males. Future research into the gender issue in e-learning across the world may adopt cross-disciplinary research methods except for a meta-analysis.
Development and Selective Grain Make Plasticity ‘Take the Lead’ in Adaptive Evolution
Authors: USAN MIGUEL BRUN , Rago Alfredo , Thies Christoph , Uller Tobias , Watson Richard A.
Published: May 2021

Background: Biological evolution exhibits an extraordinary capability to adapt organisms to their environments. The explanation for this often takes for granted that random genetic variation produces at least some beneficial phenotypic variation in which natural selection can act. Such genetic evolvability could itself be a product of evolution, but it is widely acknowledged that the immediate selective gains of evolvability are small on short timescales . So how do biological systems come to exhibit such extraordinary capacity to evolve ? One suggestion is that adaptive phenotypic plasticity makes genetic evolution find adaptations faster. However, the need to explain the origin of adaptive plasticity puts genetic evolution back in the driving seat, and genetic evolvability remains unexplained. Results: To better understand the interaction between plasticity and genetic evolvability , we simulate the evolution of phenotypes produced by gene-regulation network-based models of development. First , we show that the phenotypic variation resulting from genetic and environmental perturbation are highly concordant. This is because phenotypic variation, regardless of its cause, occurs within the relatively specific space of possibilities allowed by development. Second, we show that selection for genetic evolvability results in the evolution of adaptive plasticity and vice versa . This linkage is essentially symmetric but, unlike genetic evolvability, the selective gains of plasticity are often substantial on short, including within-lifetime, timescales. Accordingly, we show that selection for phenotypic plasticity can be effective in promoting the evolution of high genetic evolvability. Conclusions: Without overlooking the fact that adaptive plasticity is itself a product of genetic evolution, we show how past selection for plasticity can exercise a disproportionate effect on genetic evolvability and, in turn, influence the course of adaptive evolution.
A Novel Lossless Encoding Algorithm for Data Compression
Authors: Tbakhi Abdelghani , Al-okaily Anas
Published: May 2021

Data compression is a challenging and increasingly important problem. As the amount of data generated daily continues to increase, efficient transmission and storage has never been more critical. In this study, a novel encoding algorithm is proposed, motivated by the compression of DNA data and associated characteristics. The proposed algorithm follows a divide-and-conquer approach by scanning the whole genome, classifying subsequences based on similarity patterns, and binning similar subsequences together. The data are then compressed in each bin independently. This approach is different than the currently known approaches: entropy, dictionary, predictive, or transform based methods. Proof-of-concept performance was evaluated using a benchmark dataset with seventeen genomes ranging in size from kilobytes to gigabytes. The results showed considerable improvement in the compression of each genome, preserving several megabytes compared with state-of-art tools. Moreover, the algorithm can be applied to the compression of other data types include mainly text, numbers, images, audio, and video which are being generated daily and unprecedentedly in massive volumes.
Isoacteoside Attenuates Septic Acute Lung Injury by Inhibiting Inflammation, Oxidative Stress and Endothelial Hyperpermeability in Mice
Authors: Luo Yan-nian , He Nan-nan , Xu Juan , Wang Rui , Cao Wen , Chen Dongdong
Published: May 2021

The present study was aimed to explore the protective role of isoacteoside (ISO) in cecal ligation and puncture (CLP)-induced acute lung injury (ALI) in mice. Mice were divided into the following groups: sham control group, ALI group, and ALI+ISO group, in which mice received 10,50 or 100 mg/kg/day of ISO for 3 days before, 0h and 12h after CLP surgery. In the first experiment, all mice were maintained until 72 h after the CLP operation to calculate the survival rate. In the second experiment, mouse serum and lung and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) were collected 24 h after model establishment for detection. The results revealed that ISO significantly improved the ALI associated survival rate, reduced the pathological injury, ALI score, infiltration of inflammatory cells, leakage of cells and proteins into BALF, systemic and local cytokine secretion, and pulmonary oxidative stress. Moreover, ISO significantly inhibited the expression levels of the pro-inflammatory proteins TLR4, MyD88, p-NF-κB p65, p-IKKαβ, and p-IκBα and increased the expression levels of the endothelial permeability related proteins ZO-1, claudin 5 and VE-cadherin. In conclusions, ISO mitigated acute lung injury in mice which was attributed to the capacity of ISO to inhibit inflammation, oxidative stress and endothelial hyperpermeability.
DNASE1L3 Deficiency, New Phenotypes and Evidence for a Transient Type I Interferon Signaling
Authors: Tusseau Maud , Lovšin Ema , Samaille Charlotte , Pescarmona Remi , Maggio Maria Cristina , Selmanovic Velma , Debeljak Marusa , Dachy Angelique , Janin Alexandre , Januel Louis , Mathieu Anne-Laure , Gibier Jean Baptiste , Chopin Emilie , Rouvet Isabelle , Goncalves David , Fabien Nicole , Rice Gillian , Labalme Audrey , Romagnani Paolo , Lesca Gaetan , Walzer Thierry , Viel Sebastien , Perret Magali , Crow Yannick , Avčin Tadej , Cimaz Rolando , Belot Alexandre
Published: May 2021

Deoxyribonuclease 1 like 3 (DNASE1L3) is a secreted enzyme that has been shown to digest the extracellular chromatin derived from apoptotic bodies, and DNASE1L3 pathogenic variants have been associated to a lupus phenotype. It is unclear whether interferon signaling is sustained in DNASE1L3 deficiency in humans. Here we report four new patients carrying biallelic DNASE1L3 pathogenic variations, including two previously unreported mutations. Disease in one patient was characterized by lupus nephritis and skin lesions, while two others exhibited hypocomplementemic urticarial vasculitis syndrome. The fourth patient presented with early-onset inflammatory bowel disease. To explore whether or not the interferon cascade was strongly and sustainably induced, Interferon stimulated genes (ISGs) expression was assessed for each patient. Contrary to canonical type-I interferonopathies, we noticed a transient increase of ISGs in blood, which reverted to normal with disease remission. Reviewing previous reports, DNASE1L3-related disease appears to carry a significant risk of lupus nephritis and a poor outcome together with the presence of anti-neutrophil cytoplasmic antibodies (ANCA). DNASE1L3 deficiency may share the pathogenesis with C1q deficiency by affecting efferocytosis, and this report suggests that interferon production is not directly driven by DNASE1L3 pathogenic variants.
Student Learning Effects And Influencing Factors In Two Online Teaching Models: An Analysis
Authors: Wang Yan , An Na , Chen Xu , Hu Pei
Published: May 2021

Backgroud: Online teaching has become the main educational method in higher learning institutions during the Covid-19 pandemic. There is, however, no unified online teaching model in colleges and universities, and the pros and cons of different models and their teaching effects have not yet been reported. Methods: An anonymous online survey of students and teachers of Medical Laboratory Science at the Hubei University of Medicine, who participated in online teaching during the pandemic was conducted by the website Questionnaire Star.Results: The results found that 63.5 percent of students and 53.9 percent of teachers believed that the synchronous online teaching model in the form of live video streaming was more conducive to students’ understanding of the course content than Massive Open Online Course (MOOC). Additionally, 64.1 percent of teachers believed that online teaching generally had a substantial impact on students’ learning effects compared with face-to-face lectures, and that this was mainly because students were less able to focus their attention online. Although teachers and students agree that the methods of individual teachers are the most important factor in determining the effect of online teaching, their opinions on the influence of other factors vary. Interestingly, 41.4 percent of students interacted more online than they did in traditional offline classes, with only 25.5 percent recording fewer interactions. Conclusions: Both teachers and students are inclined to live video streaming than MOOC in online teaching, and teachers should take various influencing factors into consideration to improve their teaching effects.
Hepatocellular Carcinoma (HCC): Epidemiology, Risk Factors, and Survival
Authors: Soni Sweta , Pareek Puneet , Narayan Satya , Rakesh Amrita , Abhilasha Abhilasha
Published: May 2021

Background: HCC is an aggressive tumour with unpredictable outcome. It is fourth most common cause of cancers in India. However, information on HCC is inadequate in India.Therefore purpose of study is to determine overall survival for patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and association between various predictive factors and survival. Results: The median overall survival (OS) was 5 months ranging from 0-13 months. Majority of patients were in advance stage (III/IV). All patient died by 13 months. None of the possible predictive factors were found to be significantly associated with survival (P > 0.05) by univariate analysis. However age < 59 yrs, male gender, KPS ≤ 60, AFP ≥ 400, cirrhosis, multifocality, tumour size > 10 cm, advance stage (IIIB/IV), child pugh score B/C, CLIP score ≥ 4 and raised bilirubin level had poorer survival compared to other predictive factors. Median survival was better in patient treated with TACE followed by sorafenib + palliative care group (9 month) then sorafenib + palliative care and palliative care alone group (5 and 4 months respectively). Although results were not statistically significant (p: 0.133). Amongst all possible variables, highest hazard was found with multifocal lesion (2.0577) and results were statistically significantly (p 0.0451, 95 % confidence interval : 0.9225 to 4.5900 ) as compared to unifocal lesion with median survival period of 7 vs 9.5 months by Kaplan-Meier survival curve analysis using log rank test. Conclusion: Multifocality was independent predicator for poor survival in HCC. Further clinical studies are necessary to improve the outcomes of patients with high risk features.
Improving the Mechanical Properties of Ramie-Polylactic Acid Green Composites by Surface Modification using Single Bath Alkaline and Silane Treatment
Authors: Sharma Swati , Majumdar Abhijit , Butola Bhupendra Singh
Published: May 2021

This research work emphasises on improving the interfacial adhesion of ramie/ polylactic acid (PLA) composites. For this purpose, ramie fabric was modified using vinyl trimethoxy silane with two different hydrolysing agents, i.e. sodium hydroxide and ammonia. The surface modified ramie fabric was characterised by static water contact angle, elemental dispersive X-ray (EDX) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR). FTIR and EDX analysis confirmed the presence of silica. The tensile strength of fabric showed a decrease after the silane treatment. The composites were prepared by compression moulding using untreated and treated ramie fabrics with PLA. The treatment improved tensile and impact performance of ramie/PLA composites due to enhanced interfacial adhesion between fibre and matrix. Dynamic mechanical analysis (DMA) results revealed that treated ramie/PLA composites have higher storage modulus and lower tangent delta than untreated composites.
Endovascular Recanalization of Chronic Total Occlusions of the Native Superficial Femoral Artery After Failed Femoropopliteal Bypass in Patients with Critical Limb Ischemia.
Authors: Minici Roberto , Ammendola Michele , Talarico Marisa , Luposella Maria , Minici Marco , Ciranni Salvatore , Guzzardi Giuseppe , Laganà Domenico
Published: May 2021

Background: The femoropopliteal bypass occlusion in patients with critical limb ischemia and chronic total occlusion of the native superficial femoral artery remains a significant problem, that hardly challenges vascular surgeons and interventional radiologists. Performing a secondary femoropopliteal bypass is still considered the standard of care, although it is associated with a higher complication rate and lower patency rate in comparison with primary bypass. Advanced age, lack of a good great saphenous vein, anastomosis’ pseudoaneurysms and high surgical risks make surgical approach not always suitable. Over the past few years, angioplasty has been commonly used, with the development in endovascular technologies, to treat chronic total occlusions of the native SFA, with a good technical success rate and clinical prognosis. Hence, the idea to recanalize the native SFA chronic total occlusions, in patients with critical limb ischemia (CLI) and femoro-popliteal bypass failure, has been born, limited to those patients unfit for surgery or refusing surgical reconstruction. Data regarding long-term outcomes of this approach in femoro-popliteal bypass failure are limited to few case-series studies.Results: Technical success was achieved in 51 (94.4%) of 54 limbs. Angiographically, 77.8% of the lesions were TASC II category D, while 22.2% TASC II category C. The average length of the native SFA lesions was 26.8 cm. Clinical success, with improved Rutherford classification staging, followed each case of technical success. The median follow-up value was 5.75 years (IQR, 1.5 – 7). By Kaplan-Meier survival analysis, primary patency rates were 61% (±0.07 SE) at 1 year and 46% (±0.07 SE) at 5 years. Secondary patency rates were 93% (±0.04 SE) at 1 year and 61% (±0.07 SE) at 5 years. Limb salvage rates were 94% (±0.03 SE) at 1 year and 88% (±0.05 SE) at 5 years.Conclusions: The endovascular recanalization of chronic total occlusions (CTO) of the native superficial femoral artery (SFA) after failed femoropopliteal bypass is a safe and effective therapeutic option in patients unfit for surgery with critical limb ischemia.
A Clinical Study of AWT Measurement and Polynomial Regression Model Analysis in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Tang Hao , Zhao Dongchu , Zhang Chuan , Huang Xiaoying , Liu Dong , Li Yang , Wang Yaoli , Jiang Dongpo , Wang Zhengguo , Liang Huaping , zhang lianyang
Published: May 2021

Objective: In this study, a new measurement device was used to measure the AWT in critically ill patients and a polynomial regression model was applied to analyze the correlation between intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) and AWT in critically ill patients.Methods: A retrospective analysis was conducted in critically ill patients who were admitted to the Department of Critical Care Medicine of Daping Hospital of Army Medical University from August 30, 2018, to June 30, 2020. According to the intravesical pressure (IVP) on the first day of ICU admission and death within 28 days, the patients were divided into the IAH group (IVP ≥12 mmHg), the non-IAH group, the survival group and the nonsurvival group. The demographic and clinical data, prognostic indicators, AWT and IVP on days 1-7 after entering the ICU, IAH risk factors, and 28-day death risk factors were collected.Results: The AWT on the 1st and mean 7th day of the IAH group was (2.89±0.32)N/mm and (2.82±0.46) N/mm, respectively, which was higher than that of the non-IAH group [ (2.45±0.29) N/mm, (2.43±0.39) N/mm], p＜0.001. The average IVP on the 1st and mean 7th day of all patients were 12.78 (6.14, 18.99) and 11.49 (6.66, 19.43) mmHg, and the AWT on the 1st and mean 7th days were (2.75±0.38) and (2.75±0.47) N/mm, respectively, with significant differences (p< 0.0001). The polynomial regression models showed that the average AWT and IVP on the 1st and mean 7th were AWTday1=-2.450×10-3, IVP2+9.695×10-2 IVP+2.046，r=0.667（p＜0.0001），and AWTmean=-2.293×10-3, IVP2+9.273×10-2 IVP+2.081, respectively. The logistic regression analysis showed that AWTday1 2.73-2.97N/mm increased the patient's 28-day mortality risk (OR: 6.834; 95%: 1.105-42.266, p=0.010).Conclusion: There is a nonlinear correlation between AWT and IVP in critically ill patients, and a high AWT may indicate poor prognosis.
Prognostic Factors in Conventional Chondrosarcoma Patients: a SEER Database Analysis
Authors: Fu Peng , Gao zhenzhen , Sun Ting , Bao Yi , Chen Gang
Published: May 2021

Background: Conventional chondrosarcoma, a rare type of bone tumor, was resistant to chemotherapy and radiation therapy, so more characteristics were needed. In clinic, the use of small series and single-institution studies have limited the investigation of chondrosarcoma. The Surveillance, Epidemiologic, and End Results is the most complete and comprehensive database worldwide. Based on this database, the study aimed to collect clinicopathological features and detect the prognosis of patients with conventional chondrosarcoma. Methods: Clinicopathologic and survival data of 782 patients from 2010 to 2016 and 353 patients from 2007 to 2009 were downloaded and analyzed. Overall survival was analyzed using the Kaplan-Meier method and verified by univariable Cox regression, and independent prognostic factors were assessed using the multi-variable Cox regression hazards model. Then, nomogram was established and the one-, three-, and five-year survival rates could be calculated with the nomogram. Competitive risk models were conducted to identify prognostic risk factors related to competitive endpoint events in patients with conventional chondrosarcoma. Results: In total, 361 extremities, 360 axial bones, and 61 cranial samples were collected from the 2010 to 2016 cohort. The median survival time of patients with conventional chondrosarcoma was 35 months, and the independent prognostic factors were sex, grade, surgery, AJCC_M age, and tumor size. Thereafter, a nomogram was established based on those independent prognostic factors. The competitive risk model revealed no competitive risk for the cancer specific endpoint event. Those data from 2007 to 2009 were used to validate the results from 2010 to 2016 with general consistency. This retrospective study determined the prognostic factors in patients with conventional chondrosarcoma using the Cox regression hazards model. A nomogram was established to help oncologists assess this rare malignant tumor with low heterogeneity.Conclusions: In the study, independent prognostic risk factors for conventional chondrosarcoma were identified, and a nomogram predicting three- and five- year overall survival rates were established, which may help physicians to predict the prognosis of patients with chondrosarcoma.
Intimate Partner Violence as a Predictor of Antenatal Care Services Utilization in Rwanda
Authors: Bahati Claire , Izabayo Josias , Niyonsenga Japhet , Sezibera Vincent , Mutesa Léon
Published: May 2021

Background: Although compelling evidence shows that the experience of intimate partner violence (IPV) during pregnancy is detrimental to both physical and mental health of the victims and their offspring, studies on negative impact of IPV on antenatal care (ANC) services utilization are scarce. Methods: The aim of the current study was to determine the impact of IPV exposure on ANC services utilization indicators such as (i) initiation of care within the first three months of pregnancy, (ii) receipt of at least four ANC visits and (iii) receipt of care from skilled providers among reproductive age women in Rwanda. This study used the data from the 2014-15 Rwanda Demographic and Health Survey. Multiple logistic regression was used to estimate the effects of physical and sexual IPV on the antenatal care (ANC) services utilization indicators. Results: Among married women living with their partners with at least one child aged 5years or under (N=5116), 17% of them reported physical violence, 22.8% reported psychological violence and 9.2% reported sexual violence. We found that there was a significant negative relationship between physical IPV and both early ANC and sufficient ANC. Women who had experienced physical violence by their partners during the preced­ing 12 months were less likely to receive more than four ANC visits, (O.R) = 0.6151 confidence interval (CI) [0.417-0.908] and they were less likely to attend the first ANC visits within the first three months (O.R) =0.656 confidence interval (CI) = [0.445-0.967].Conclusion: In this study, the prevalence of IPV is still high and there is evidence that it does have significant impact on ANC. Therefore, the results provide support for continued efforts to reduce intimate partner violence, through the improvement of screening for IVP during ANC visits.
Prospective Study of Epigenetic Alterations Responsible for Isolated Hemihyperplasia/Hemihypoplasia and Their Association With Leg Length Discrepancy
Authors: Shin Chang Ho , Lim Chaemoon , Kim Hwa Young , Yoo Won Joon , Cho Tae-Joon , Choi In Ho , Ko Jung Min
Published: May 2021

Background: Hemihyperplasia and hemihypoplasia result in leg length discrepancy (LLD) by causing skeletal asymmetry. Beckwith-Wiedemann syndrome (BWS) and Silver-Russell syndrome (SRS) are opposite growth-affecting disorders caused by opposite epigenetic alterations at the same chromosomal locus, 11p15, to induce hemihyperplasia and hemihypoplasia, respectively. Because of their somatic mosaicism, BWS and SRS show a wide spectrum of clinical phenotypes. We evaluated the underlying epigenetic alterations and potential epigenotype-phenotype correlations, focusing on LLD, in a group of individuals with pure isolated hemihyperplasia/hemihypoplasia.Results: We prospectively collected paired blood-tissue samples from 30 patients with pure isolated hemihyperplasia/hemihypoplasia who underwent surgery for LLD. Methylation-specific multiplex-ligation-dependent probe amplification assay (MS-MLPA) and bisulfite pyrosequencing for differentially methylated regions 1 and 2 (DMR1 and DMR2) on chromosome 11p15 were performed using the patient samples. Samples from patients showing no abnormalities in MS-MLPA or bisulfite pyrosequencing were analyzed by single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) microarray and CDKN1C Sanger sequencing. We introduced a metric named as the methylation difference, defined as the difference in DNA methylation levels between DMR1 and DMR2. The correlation between the methylation difference and the predicted LLD at skeletal maturity, calculated using a multiplier method, was evaluated. Predicted LLD was standardized for stature. Ten patients (33%) showed epigenetic alterations in MS-MLPA and bisulfite pyrosequencing. Of these, six and four patients had epigenetic alterations related to BWS and SRS, respectively. The clinical diagnosis of hemihyperplasia/hemihypoplasia was not compatible with the epigenetic alterations in four of these ten patients. No patients showed abnormalities in SNP array or their CDKN1C sequences. The methylation difference was strongly correlated with the standardized predicted LLD in patients with epigenetic alterations (r = 0.76; p = 0.01).Conclusions: Pure isolated hemihyperplasia and hemihypoplasia can occur as a spectrum of BWS and SRS. Although the accurate differentiation between isolated hemihyperplasia and isolated hemihypoplasia is important in tumor surveillance planning, it is often difficult to clinically differentiate these two diseases without epigenetic tests. Epigenetic tests may play a role in the prediction of leg length discrepancy, which would aid in treatment planning.
IL-2 Increases Tams-Derived Exosomal Mir-375 to Ameliorate Hepatocellular Carcinoma Development and Progression
Authors: Chen Hao , Tang Chao , Wu Fei , Lu Linming , Li Shu , Li Zhenhan , Lu Wei , Wu Zhihao , huang yanqiang
Published: May 2021

Background: Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is proved to play an irreplaceable role in anti-tumor regulation in numerous experimental and clinical trials. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) is able to release exosomes to promote the development and progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) as part of microenvironment.Methods: In this study, our intention is to explore the effects of the exosomes from TAMs with IL-2 treatment on HCC development.TAMs were collected and cultured from liver cancer tissues. The exosomes from the TAMs treated with IL-2 (ExoIL2-TAM) or not (ExoTAM) were identified and used to treat HCC cells. The HCC cells proliferation, apoptosis and metastasis were measured in vivo and in vitro. The changes of miR-375 in exosomes was explored to clarify whether it is reponsible to the anti-apoptotic effects of IL-2. Results: Both decrease of cell proliferation and metastasis and increase of apoptosis were observed with ExoIL2-TAM treatment compared with ExoTAM in vivo and in vitro. miR-375 was obviously abundant in ExoIL2-TAM. Enriched miR-375 could be transmitted between TAMs and HCC cells via exosomes and was responbible for the increased apoptosis of HCC cells. Conclusions: Taken together, IL-2 increases exosomal miR-375 from TAMs to attenuate hepatocellular carcinoma development. This study provides a new perspective to explain the mechanism how IL-2 inhibits hepatocellular carcinoma and implys the potential clinical value of exosomal miR-375 released by TAMs.
Acute Dyspnea After Use of Non-Invasive Ventilation in COPD Patients: The Deventilation Syndrome
Authors: Schellenberg Mavi , Imach Sandra , Iberl Gabriele , Kirchner Marietta , Herth Felix , Trudzinski Franziska
Published: May 2021

Background: In daily routine, many COPD patients lament early onset augmented dyspnea following use of NIV (Deventilation Syndrome, DVS) as a negative side-effect. This is the first study to this date to quantify and characterize DVS. MethodsThis monocenter prospective observational study collected demographic, physiologic and symptomatic data from 67 in-patients with severe COPD Gold III-IV and chronic hypercapnic failure before, during and after use of an established NIV.During their inpatient follow-up, we examined patients during the first hour after termination of nocturnal NIV. DVS was defined by the authors as an increase of ≥ 2 points on the Borg scale during the first 30 minutes. We monitored cardiovascular and respiratory data and measured diaphragm excursion. Subjective dyspnea was documented by use of the Borg scale and questionnaires. In addition, respirator and demographic data were collected.ResultsDVS occurred in 58% of our COPD patients. Patients with DVS were more severely ill than non-DVS concerning bronchial obstruction (FEV1 0.6 vs 0.8l, p<0.05) and hypercapnia during spontaneous breathing (pre NIV pCO2: 54.5 vs 49.3mmHg, p<0.02). DVS patients showed significantly higher respiratory rates (RR) (20.1 vs 18.1/min p<0.05) after termination of NIV.ConclusionsThis is the first trial quantifying and characterizing early onset augmented dyspnea after the use of NIV, referred to as DVS. It is now brought to attention as a frequent side effect of long-term home ventilation and possible pathophysiologic mechanisms are elucidated.
Digitalized Long-Lasting Insecticidal Nets Mass Distribution Campaign in the Context of Covid-19 Pandemic in Kongo Central, Democratic Republic of Congo: Challenges and Lessons Learned.
Authors: LIKWELA Joris LOSIMBA , NGWALA Phillipe LUKANU , Austin Julian , Ntale Deogratias Cibinda , SOMPWE Eric MUKOMENA , MPIANA Godé KANYEBA , TSHULA Joseph KALONJI , LIKWELA Tathy KALONDA , KANKU-KA-MUNABE Patrick , KUMBI Adrien N’SIALA , NDAHAMBARA Gilbert KULIMUSHI , NTALE Helen CIBINDA , KIAMENGA Michele LUNTADILA , NJILA Jules KABONGO , YAV Ghislain MAKHAN , BANETI Didier GASIGWA , NTUMBA Albert KALONJI
Published: May 2021

Background: The DRC organized a first mass distribution campaign of LLINs with digitalized data management with coordinated support from the Ministry of Health (MOH) and SANRU Asbl, in the context of the Covid-19 pandemic in Kongo Central province. This article describes the planning and implementation process of this campaign as well as the challenges and lessons learned.Methods: The planning and implementation process was performed in line with the standard guidance issued by the National Malaria Control Program (NMCP) following the start of Covid-19. The changes and adaptations put in place as well as the challenges encountered are described.Results: A total of 5,629,211 people were registered (7.7% above projection) in 1,065,537 households (6.2% below projection) giving an average of 5.3 people per household. Of a total of 3,062,850 LLINs ordered, 2,886,096 were distributed to households (94%). Out of 11,070 villages and 3,947 teams planned, 91.7% of villages were reached and 93% of teams were established.Conclusion: The revision of standards of campaign implementation during Covid-19, as well as effective coordination supported by real-time decision-making through digital data management, have been factors in the success of this campaign. Maintaining this momentum is essential to ensure the continuity of malaria prevention services for the population.
Stage-Wise Gene Expression Profiling Reveals Potential Genes and the Pathways in Kidney Cancer
Authors: Khouja Hamed Ishaq , Ashankyty Ibraheem Mohammed , Bajrai Leena Hussein , Kumar PK Praveen , Kamal Mohammad Amjad , Mobashir Mohammad
Published: May 2021

Micro-abstract: Using the publicly available datasets, we have investigated the list of critical pathways and the genes which appear to be clinically highly significant in case of renal cell carcinoma. ARHGAP6, TGM4, CD248, SLC13A3, EPO, PARD6A, CLCA2, UBE2S, ERAL1, FGFR1, MRVI1, DYNC1I2, CDCA7 are among the top ranked genes which appeared highly significant in terms of patient survival.Clinical practice points: Using the publicly available datasets, we have investigated the gene expression profiling for renal cell carcinoma. In the previous work, it has been focused on selected genes and pathways. Here, we have investigated the list of critical pathways and the genes which appear to be clinically highly significant in case of renal cell carcinoma. ARHGAP6, TGM4, CD248, SLC13A3, EPO, PARD6A, CLCA2, UBE2S, ERAL1, FGFR1, MRVI1, DYNC1I2, CDCA7 are among the top ranked genes which appeared highly significant in terms of patient survival. These genes leads to potential alteration in PI3K-Akt, Foxo, endocytosis, MAPK, tight junction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways. Our work will help in diagnosing the renal cell carcinoma patients because here, we have presented the differentially expressed genes, their inferred pathways, and the clinical impact of the selective genes. Since, our finding is from overall perspective including clinical relevance so this study will help in future for diagnostic also.Background: Cancer is among the highly complex disease and renal cell carcinoma is the sixth-leading cause of cancer death. In order to understand complex diseases such as cancer, diabetes and kidney diseases, high-throughput data are generated at large scale and it has helped in the research and diagnostic advancement. However, to unravel the meaningful information from such large datasets for comprehensive and minute understanding of cell phenotypes and disease pathophysiology remains a trivial challenge and also the molecular events leading to disease onset and progression are not well understood. Methods: With this goal, we have collected gene expression datasets from publicly available dataset which are for two different stages (I and II) for renal cell carcinoma.Results and conclusion: In this work, we have applied computational approach to unravel the differentially expressed genes, their networks for the enriched pathways. Based on our results, we conclude that among the most dominantly altered pathways for renal cell carcinoma, are PI3K-Akt, Foxo, endocytosis, MAPK, Tight junction, cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction pathways and the major source of alteration for these pathways are MAP3K13, CHAF1A, FDX1, ARHGAP26, ITGBL1, C10orf118, MTO1, LAMP2, STAMBP, DLC1, NSMAF, YY1, TPGS2, SCARB2, PRSS23, SYNJ1, CNPPD1, PPP2R5E. In terms of clinical significance, there are large number of differentially expressed genes which appears to be playing critical roles in survival.
Trait Impulsivity and Choice Impulsivity in Young Adults With Binge Eating Disorder
Authors: zheng Dan-Hui , Liu Meng-Meng , Yan Wan-Sen
Published: May 2021

Background: Binge Eating Disorder (BED) as a public health problem has been included in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition (DSM-5). Akin to addictive disorders, impulsivity-related neuropsychological constructs might be potentially involved in the onset and development of BED. However, it remains unclear which facets of impulsivity are connected to overeating and binge eating behaviors among general populations. The present study aimed to detect the relationship between impulsivity and BED both on the personality-trait and behavioral-choice levels in undiagnosed young adults. Methods: Fifty-eight BED individuals and 60 healthy controls, matched on age, gender, and educational level, were assessed by using a series of self-report measurements, including the Barratt Impulsiveness Scale (BIS-11), UPPSP Impulsive Behaviors Scale (UPPSP), Delay Discounting Test (DDT), and Probability Discounting Test (PDT). Results：Multivariate analysis of variance models revealed that compared with healthy controls, the BED group showed elevated scores on the BIS-11 Attentional and Motor impulsiveness, and on the UPPSP Negative Urgency, Positive Urgency, and Lack of Perseverance. However, BED subjects had similar discounting rates on the DDT and PDT with healthy controls. Regression models found that Negative Urgency was the only risk factor positively predicting BED. Conclusions：These findings suggested that typical facets of trait impulsivity, which have been recognized in addictive disorders, were associated with BED in young adults, whereas choice impulsivity was not aberrantly seen in BED. This study might promote a better understanding of the pathogenesis of BED.
The Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic Outbreak on Eating and Lifestyle Habits of Adolescents in Bosnia and Herzegovina: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ćorić Nevena , Jurić Anita , Karlovic Andrea
Published: May 2021

Background: Pandemic caused by the COVID-19 virus brought tremendous changes in the lifestyle of adolescents, about which numerous studies have been published. Due to extended restrictions, long term impact should be investigated.Methods: This cross-sectional study enrolled 953 voluntary participants aged 14 to 21, from different regions of B&H. Participants were asked to complete an online 37-item survey, regarding socio-demographics, geographic, social characteristics, dietary and lifestyle habits, physical activity, including their consumption of dietary, vitamin and mineral supplements. They also needed to provide information about their weight, height and weight change during the entire period of the COVID-19 pandemic from March 2020 until the end of November when the study was completed. For data entry and analysis, SPSS (version 25) and Microsoft Excel were used.Results: At the time of completing the survey, a slightly lower BMI of participants was noticed compared to the time before the pandemic. A statistically significant difference was determined between males and females BMI, boys BMI was slightly higher. Females gained and men lost BW. Increased intake of unhealthy types of food was associated with weight change. Increased mental stress during the pandemic was associated with dietary changes, respectively with decreased as also increased food amount. High percent of participants (40.4%) who increased their physical activity did not alter their eating in the form of the food amount. This study reported use of some dietary supplements which have not been used before the pandemic by 63.5% participants.Conclusions: This paper presents a unique insight into the changing lifestyle and eating habits of adolescents in B&H during lockdown and post-lockdown period of research. Considering that pandemic is still ongoing, data from study like this may be useful to create further steps in battling the pandemic.