bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Impact of Surgical Margin in Hepatectomy On Patients with Hepatocellular Carcinoma: A Meta-Analysis of Observational Studies
Authors: Chen Ping , Xu Jiaxuan , Hong Jiaze , Si Yuexiu , He Yujing , Gu Lihu
Published: November 2021

Objective

This study aims to comprehensively evaluate the prognostic impact of the surgical margin in hepatectomy on patients diagnosed with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC).
Methods

A comprehensive and systematic search for eligible articles published in English before July 2021 was conducted in PubMed, Cochrane Library, Web of Science, and Embase electronic databases. Notably, overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were the primary endpoints.
Results

In total, 37 observational studies with 12,295 cases were included in this meta-analysis. The results revealed that a wide surgical margin (≥1 cm) was associated with better OS (hazard ration (HR), 0.70; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.63-0.77) and DFS (HR, 0.66; 95% CI, 0.61-0.71) compared to a narrow surgical margin (<1 cm). Subgroup analyses were conducted based on median follow-up time, gender, country, hepatitis B surface antigen (HBsAg) status, tumor number, and liver cirrhosis. The prognostic benefit of a wide surgical margin was consistent in most subgroups, however, analysis of studies from Western countries showed that margin width was not associated with prognosis.
Conclusion

In summary, a wide surgical margin prolongs the long-term prognosis of HCC patients compared to a narrow surgical margin.
Polyester 5-0 Suture for Porous Implant Placement After Retinoblastoma Enucleation: Analysis of 120 Sockets
Authors: Ye Huijing , Chen Rongxin , Xiao Wei , Lian Xiufen , Yang Huasheng
Published: November 2021

Background: Techniques used to suture the rectus muscle to the implant can influence the implant-related complications which is still a major problem following retinoblastoma enucleation. The goals of this work were to report the efficacy among patients with retinoblastoma who underwent enucleation followed by porous implant placement with the rectus muscles sutured with 5-0 polyester suture.Methods: This was a retrospective study of consecutive patients with retinoblastoma who underwent primary enucleation and porous implant placement with the rectus muscles tagged and sutured to the implant with polyester 5-0 suture. All the patients were followed up for a minimum of 2 years. The main outcome measure was implant exposure. The secondary efficacy measures were other implant-related complications.Results: A total of 120 patients (120 eyes) underwent primary enucleation and porous implant placement were included. Postoperatively, 10/120 (8.3%) eyes developed exposure and conjunctival granuloma. Exposure was the most common postoperative complication (7/10, 70.0%). There were no cases of implant extrusion, migration, or infection.Conclusions:Polyester 5-0 sutures are successful in patients with retinoblastoma who underwent enucleation followed by porous implant placement. Complications are minimal. Polyester 5-0 sutures were not associated with unacceptable complications in this pediatric population.
Ureteral Dissection Is a Risky Factor for Ureteral Rupture, the First Case Report.
Authors: Xia Kun , Wang Rongpin , Shen Zhiyan , Xing Zhiyang , Xiang Jiangyue
Published: November 2021

Backgroundureteral dissection（UD）is a rare condition which occurs when injury through the intima and occasionally the media allows entry of urine and separation of the inner and outer ureteral layers. Ureteral rupture (UR) is an urgent disease when ureter wall injures through entire layers, generally caused by ureteral calculus, frequent application of ureteral endoscope, trauma, oppression of tumors, iatrogenic injury and with urine flowing into peripheral space easily causes peritonitis, so patients usually present features of peritonitis prior to signs of urinary tract. Ureteral dissection found in ureteral rupture is the first report. Case presentation21-year-old male and 43-year-old female complained of left and right lumbago respectively with no obvious predisposing cause. Bilateral ureter dilation and contrast agent extravasation observed in imageological examination was the same point between the two patients. Delayed computed tomography (CT) and retrograde pyelography both show double lumen sign and damaged intima. All imaging results throw light on the nature of this disease, like formation of aortic dissection (AD). Conclusion﻿The emphasis of this study lies in imaging manifestations of UD to enable radiologist to find it accurately and rapidly, and also demonstrates that delayed CT and retrograde pyelography can effectively diagnose ureteral dissection with very high accuracy.
Comparative Effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) vs 3D Printed Models of Congenital Heart Disease in Resident and Nurse Practitioner Educational Experience
Authors: Awori Jonathan , Friedman Seth D. , Howard Christopher , Kronmal Richard , Buddhe Sujatha
Published: November 2021

Background: Medical trainees frequently note that cardiac anatomy is difficult to conceive within a two dimensional framework. The dynamics of flow and nuances of defects become more apparent when framed in three-dimensional models. Given the evidence of improved comprehension using such modeling, this study aimed to contribute further to that understanding by comparing Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D printed models (3DP) in medical education. Objectives: We sought to systematically compare the perceived subjective effectiveness of Virtual Reality (VR) and 3D printed models (3DP) in the educational experience of residents and nurse practitioners. Methods: Trainees and practitioners underwent individual 15-minute teaching sessions in which features of an anatomically normal heart as well as a congenitally diseased heart were demonstrated using both Virtual Reality (VR) and 3-D printed models (3DP). Participants then briefly explored each modality before filling out a short survey in which they identified which model (3DP or VR) they felt was more effective in enhancing their understanding of cardiac anatomy and associated defects. The survey included a binary summative assessment and a series of Likert scale questions addressing usefulness of each model type and degree of comfort with each modality. Results: 27 pediatric residents and 3 nurse practitioners explored models of normal heart and tetralogy of Fallot pathology. Participants endorsed a greater degree of understanding with VR models (8.5±1) compared with 3D Printed models (6.3±1.8) or traditional models of instruction (5.5±1.5) p<0.001. Most participants had minimal prior exposure to VR (1.1 ± 0.4) or 3-D printed models (2.1 ± 1.5). Most participants felt comfortable with modern technology (7.6 ± 2.1). 87% of participants preferred VR over 3DP. Conclusions: Our study shows that, overall, VR was preferred over 3DP models by pediatric residents and nurse practitioners for understanding cardiac anatomy and pathophysiology.
In Vitro Antioxidant and Antiproliferative Efficacy of Abrus precatorius Seed Extracts On Hep2c Cells and Its Inhibitory Efficacy With Receptors Of Cervical Carcinoma
Authors: Kaur Amritpal , Sharma Yash , Waidha Kamran , Ghosh Madhumita P , Kumar Anoop , Bala Kumud
Published: November 2021

Abrus precatorius is a widely distributed tropical medicinal plant with several therapeutic properties, however its seed extract has not been studied against cervical cancer (CaCx) till date. Herein, we have assessed the antioxidant and antiproliferative properties of A. precatorius seed extracts (ethyl acetate and 70% ethanol) prepared from different extraction methods (Soxhlet and maceration) against human cervix carcinoma cells (Hep2C). We observed a significantly higher total flavonoid content of APE (sox) i.e.,112.7±0.127 mg Quercetin Equivalent/g of extract than others; total phenolic content of APA (mac) seed extract was higher i.e.,108.53±0.089 mg Quercetin Equivalent/g of extract and total tannin content of APA (sox) was higher i.e., 98.98± 0.011 mg tannic acid equivalents/g of extract. In addition, tannic acid, rutin and piperine were identified in extracts by HPLC. Furthermore, APA (sox) exhibited the highest radical scavenging activity with an IC50 value of 14.49±0.93µg/ml. APE (mac) showed the most significant antiproliferative activity with IC50 value of 85.90±0.93µg/mL against Hep2c cells. SOD and GST activity was observed as highest in the APA(Mac) extract whereas the catalase activity and GSH content was maximum in the APE(Mac) extract. Further, the MDA content was observed to be the least in APE(Mac) extracts. Docking results suggested maximum binding energy between tannic acid and Her2 receptor compared to doxorubicin (standard). This study provides evidence that A. precatorius seed extracts possess promising bioactive compounds with probable anticancer and antioxidant properties against CaCx which might be utilized as a possible herbal remedy aimed at restricting tumor growth.
Intimate relationships among soil bacteria: actinomycetes and mycolic acid-containing bacteria
Authors: Kato Manami , Asamizu Shumpei , Onaka Hiroyasu
Published: November 2021

Co-culture is an efficient strategy for natural product discovery. We have used mycolic acid-containing bacteria (MACB) Tsukamurella pumonis TP-B0596 to induce secondary metabolism by actinomycetes and have found several natural products. We also observed that MACB attached to the mycelium of Streptomyces lividans forming coaggregates during combined-culture. This stimulated interest in the interactions among actinomycetes and MACB, and we found that soil isolated cultures contained a mixture of actinomycetes and MACB. Our previously observed interactions were the result of selective screening and combination of bacteria in the lab, which warranted investigation of the existence of these interactions in the natural soil environment. Therefore, in this paper, we report the interaction between a co-isolated natural pair of actinomycetes and MACB in terms of morphology and metabolic changes. A natural pair of actinomycetes and MACB co-aggregated in liquid culture and showed metabolic changes. Interestingly, co-aggregated actinomycetes and MACB were re-isolated from soil with no obvious morphological colony differences from the colony of a single strain. The results demonstrate that there is a stochastic chance of picking colonies containing co-aggregated actinomycetes and MACB, which suggests that the pair can exist in co-aggregate form in the soil environment and interact with each other.
Research On Machining Non-Orthogonal Face Gears By Power Skiving With Tooth Flank Modification Based On Six-Axis Machine Tool
Authors: ZHENGYANG Han , CHUANG Jiang , Xiaozhong Deng
Published: November 2021

To solve the manufacturing difficulties of non-orthogonal face gear, an efficient gear machining method referred to as power skiving is proposed. The machining principle of the power skiving and the relative position between the cutter tool and the workpiece are analyzed. Then, the mathematical model of machining non-orthogonal face gears by power skiving is established and the tooth flank equation is obtained. The installation and movement mode of non-orthogonal face gears on six-axis machine tool are analyzed and the machining parameters are calculated precisely. A method of tooth flank modification on the six-axis machine tool is presented by changing the machining parameters. The meshing performance of the obtained non-orthogonal face gear is analyzed by an example. Finally, the processing test and the tooth flank measurement are carried out. The experimental results show that the non-orthogonal face gear can be machined and modified by power skiving on the proposed six-axis machine tool.
Efficacy of Combined Therapy With Nitroimidazole Drugs and Broad-spectrum Antibiotics on Intra-abdominal Infection: a 10 Years Real-world Cohort Study
Authors: Liu Zhifeng , Liang Hongyi , Xue Gaici , Ye Jiasheng , Wen Fangfang , Ouyang Leifang , Ji Jingjing , Ji Bo
Published: November 2021

Background: Abdominal infection still has a high mortality rate, and whether the combination of nitroimidazoles against obligate anaerobe could improve the outcome of abdominal infection remains controversial. Objective: This study aimed at exploring the clinical efficacy of broad-spectrum antibiotics combined with nitroimidazoles in the treatment of abdominal infection. Methods: Clinical data of patients with abdominal infection who received broad-spectrum antibiotics alone (BSA) or broad-spectrum antibiotics in combination with nitroimidazole (NCBSA) at a single center from June 2010 to May 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. One-to-one propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to adjust the potential differences in age, gender, APACHE II score and SOFA score of the two groups. Clinical effective rate, hospitalization days and total hospitalization costs were compared between the two groups. Meanwhile, subgroup efficacy was analyzed according to disease severity (APACH II score) and whether abdominal surgery was performed. Result: A total of 149 propensity score-matched case pairs were included in this study. There was no statistical difference in clinical effective rates between the two groups (P = 0.236). The patients in BSA group had shorter hospital stays (18d vs 27d, P = 0.001) and lower hospitalization costs (85185.7 yuan vs 187898.3 yuan, P < 0.001). However, the body temperature and PCT in patients in NCBSA group were higher than those in BSA group (P = 0.007 and P = 0.045, respectively), and CRP and WBC values in NCBSA group also were higher, but there were no significant differences between the two groups (P = 0.105 and P = 0.170, respectively). And more patients (92 vs 38) in NCBSA group underwent abdominal surgery, which indicated the infection and clinical conditons in NCBSA group were probably more severe. Subgroup analysis showed that the severity of the disease and whether the patient suffered postoperative co-infection did not affect the therapeutic effect of the two groups (P > 0.05). Conclusion: The clinical efficacy of broad-spectrum antibiotics combined with nitroimidazoles for abdominal infection was similar to that of broad-spectrum antibiotics alone, and whether the combination of nitroimidazoles in these conditions still needs more lcinical evidence.
The Sm Gene Conferring Resistance to Gray Leaf Spot Disease Encodes a NBS-LRR Plant Resistance Protein in Tomato
Authors: Yang Huanhuan , Wang Hexuan , Jiang Jingbin , Du Minmin , Li Jingfu
Published: November 2021

Gray leaf spot (GLS), caused by Stemphylium lycopersici (S. lycopersici), is one of the most devastating diseases in tomato (Solanum lycopersicum). The resistance (R) gene, Sm, conferring high resistance to S. lycopersici, was introgressed into cultivated tomatoes from the wild tomato species Solanum pimpinellifolium (S. pimpinellifolium). Recently, several studies reported the mapping of the Sm gene. To date, however, it has not been cloned yet. Here, we cloned this resistance gene using a map-based cloning strategy. The Sm gene was mapped in a 160 kb interval of Chromosome 11 between two markers, M390 and M410, by using an F2 population from a cross between the resistant cultivar ‘Motelle’ (Mt) and susceptible line ‘Moneymaker’ (Mm). Three clustered NBS-LRR resistance genes, Solyc11g020080 (R1), Solyc11g020090 (R2) and Solyc11g020100 (R3) were identified in this interval. Nonsynonymous SNPs were identified only in the ORF of R3, supporting it may be a strong candidate gene for Sm. Furthermore, gene silencing of R3 abolished the high resistance to S. lycopersici in Motelle, demonstrating that it is the gene that confers high resistance to S. lycopersici. The clone of Sm gene will provide new opportunities for innovative breeding strategies to breed multi-resistant tomato cultivars.
Nonnegative Matrix Factorization Model-Based Construction For Molecular Clustering and Prognostic Assessment of Squamous Carcinoma of Head and Neck
Authors: Li Xin-Yu , Yang Xi-Tao
Published: November 2021

Purpose: Exploring nonnegative matrix factorization (NMF) model-based clustering and prognostic modeling of head and neck squamous carcinoma (HNSCC). Methods: The transcriptome microarray data of HNSCC samples were downloaded from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Shanghai Ninth People’s Hospital, and NMF clustering was constructed using the R software package. Relevant prognostic models were developed based on clustering. Results: Based on NMF, all samples were divided into 2 subgroups. Predictive models were constructed by analysing the differential gene between the two subgroups. Results of survival analysis in the current study revealed that the high-risk group had a poor prognosis. Further, results of multi-factor Cox regression analysis revealed that the predictive model was an independent predictor of prognosis. Conclusion: It was evident that the NMF-based prognostic model is a useful guide to the prognostic assessment of HNSCC.
Endoscopic TLIF with Unilateral Pedicle Screw and Contralateral Translaminar Facet Screw Fixation : Technical Note and Early Outcomes
Authors: liang qingchen , sun fenglong , wang hongqing
Published: November 2021

Study Design: Retrospective study.Objective：To evaluate outcomes and safety of endoscopic transforaminal lumbar interbody fusion (Endo-TLIF) for degenerative lumbar diseases.Summary of Background Data：There is no report about Endo-TLIF using unilateral pedicle screws and contralateral translaminar facet joint screw (UPS and TFS) fixation.Purpose: This paper evaluated the efficacy and safety of Endo-TLIF using UPS and TFS fixation in degenerative lumbar diseases.Methods:From August, 2018 to December, 2019, 21 patients with degenerative lumbar diseases were treated with Endo-TLIF. Clinical symptoms were evaluated at 1 month, 3 months, and the last follow-up after surgery. Outcomes were assessed by using the VAS back pain VAS leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI). Dural Sac Cross-sectional Area (DSCA), Foraminal Height (FH), Anterior Disc Height (ADH), Posterior Disc Height (PDH) and Lumbar Lordosis (LL).Results:The mean age of the cases was 62.9 years. The mean operation time was 198.7 min, the blood loss was 86.7 mL, and the length of incision was 5.7 cm. The mean time in bed was 34.3 hours, and the mean length of hospital stay was 15.1 days. The ODI scores improved from 64.1 to 13.3 (P < 0.05), the VAS score of back pain improved from 5.8 to 1.7 (P < 0.05), and the VAS score of leg pain improved from 6.2 to 1.6 (P < 0.05). ADH increased from 1.3 cm to 1.6 cm (P < 0.05), PDH increased from 0.7 cm to 1.0 cm (P < 0.05), FH increased from 1.7 cm to 2.0 cm (P < 0.05), and DSCA increased from 147 mm2 to 40 mm2 (P < 0.05). No serious complications occurred during the follow-up period.Conclusions:Endo-TLIF with UPS and TFS can improve the clinical symptoms of patients with degenerative lumbar diseases. The early curative effect was satisfactory.
Older but not wider. Impacts of molt frequency variation on age and growth dynamics of Newfoundland & Labrador snow crab (Chionoecetes opilio) toward corroborating gastric mill 2 age estimations
Authors: Mullowney Darrell , O’Connell Nicole , Rochette Rémy , Kilada Raouf
Published: November 2021

Aging specimen and survey data from a heterogeneous stock range are combined to investigate effects of molt frequency variation on age and growth dynamics and efficacy of gastric mill age band estimations in snow crab. A central assumption that bands form independent of molting is examined through analyses of molt frequency variation with an overall result of support for the hypothesis that gastric mill bands form independent of molting. This is based on an applied review approach, demonstrating blind age estimation results within and across population units featuring different rates of molt frequency interruptions in context of literature-based expected outcomes of age and growth dynamics. The comprehensive analyses overall supports the ability of gastric mill bands to track chronological ages, but non-fully explained outcomes of growth delays into sexual maturity stages in males and potential estimation error in 1-3 year old crab preclude a conclusion that absolute ages are consistently tracked throughout ontogeny. The results suggest gastric mill bands continue to form during both skip-molts and after terminal molt. Despite uncertainties, the research highlights that males originating from populations where skip-molting is prominent are older reaching fishery size than previously thought (9-10 years), with tentative average estimates of 10-12 years. The study presents novel observations of size-at-age and age-at-maturity in Newfoundland & Labrador (NL) snow crab and broadens life history knowledge for the species. Along with corroborating gastric mill age band estimations, the study reveals future research streams to further help advance the discipline of aging crustaceans [247].
Static Vs Dynamic Connectivity: How Landscape Changes Affect Connectivity Predictions in the Iberian Peninsula
Authors: Goicolea Teresa , Mateo-Sánchez María Cruz
Published: November 2021

Context Climate and land-use changes affect species ranges and movements. However, these changes are normally overlooked in connectivity studies, and this could have adverse consequences in the definition of effective management measures.Objectives We evaluated two ways to incorporate this dynamism: (i) by acknowledging that connectivity is a fluctuating phenomenon (i.e., time-varying connectivity) and therefore, procuring long-term conservation measures; and (ii) by enhancing species movements to their future ranges (i.e., spatio-temporal connectivity). We further compared these dynamic approaches with traditional static connectivity methods.Methods We compared the overall connectivity values and the prioritization of critical habitat patches according to the dynamic and static approaches. This comparison research was conducted for species associated with broadleaf forests of the different ecoregions of the Iberian Peninsula. We considered species habitat preferences for moving and a wide range of dispersal abilities to assess functional connectivity without focusing on a single species.Results Static approaches generated varying overall connectivity values and priority patches depending on the time snapshot considered and different from those generated by dynamic approaches. The two dynamic connectivity approaches resulted in very similar priority conservation patches, indicating their potential to guide endurable conservation measures that enhance connectivity between contemporaneous habitat patches at multiple time snapshots but also species range shifts in time.Conclusions Connectivity is affected by landscape changes, and only dynamic approaches can overcome the issues associated with these changes and provide valuable information to guide improved and endurable measures in changing landscapes.
The State of Health in Belgium, 1990–2019: A Benchmarking Analysis Based on the Global Burden of Disease 2019 Study
Authors: Ghattas Jinane , Gorasso Vanessa , De Pauw Robby , Thunus Sophie , Speybroeck Niko , Devleesschauwer Brecht
Published: November 2021

BackgroundIn spite of high health expenditures and several reforms, Belgian healthcare system shows unsatisfactory health outcomes. Evidence-based decision-making is essential in a context of decreasing resources and growing health needs. This study aims to assess the health trends in Belgium between 1990 and 2019, to compare the Belgian health status to that of the EU-15 countries, and to identify the main drivers in trends over time and country differences within the EU-15.MethodsWe extracted estimates from the GBD 2019 study via the GBD results tool and visualization tools. We compared the Belgian health status with 14 European Union comparator countries between 1990 and 2019. Results Life expectancy (LE) in Belgium improved significantly between 1900 and 2019 for both men and women. Belgium Age-standardised (AS) mortality dropped significantly for men (-40%) and women (-33%) between 1990 and 2019. Belgium performed significantly better in 2019 than in 1990 in terms of AS Year of Life Lost (YLL) rates. The main contributors to the significant premature mortality decrease were ischemic heart disease, lung cancer and road injuries in men; ischemic heart disease, stroke and breast cancer in women. AS Years lived with disability (YLD) did not significantly differ between 1990 and 2019. Overall, Belgium AS Disability-Adjusted Life Year (DALY) rates dropped by 23%. This decrease is mainly due to decreasing trend in YLL rates while YLDs rates remained stable. Compared to EU-15, Belgium ranking worsened in terms of AS DALY rates for both men and women in 2019. The main contributors for AS DALY rates were ischemic heart disease, lung cancer and self-harm in men; headache disorders, low back pain and gynaecological disorders in women.ConclusionNon-communicable diseases are the main contributors for health burden in Belgium since 1990. Despite the considerable improvement, Belgium’s ranking for DALYs decreased between 1990 and 2019 compared to the EU-15. Primary and secondary prevention could be crucial elements to improve patient health outcomes and reduce their burden on the healthcare system.
Hypoalbuminemia for the Prediction of Survival in Patients with Organ Metastatic Cervical Cancer
Authors: YOSHIKAWA Nobuhisa , YOSHIHARA Masato , TAMAUCHI Satoshi , IKEDA Yoshiki , YOKOI Akira , KAJIYAMA Hiroaki
Published: November 2021

We evaluated the prognostic significance of malnutrition in patients with metastatic cervical cancer. In this study, we retrospectively analyzed the cases of 43 patients with stage IVB (FIGO2018) cervical cancer treated at our institute during December 2004–December 2017. We determined the correlation between clinicopathological characteristics and survival by performing univariate and multivariate analyses. The serum albumin value at diagnosis was used as an index of malnutrition. The median follow-up period was 16.4 months (range, 0.9—91.4 months). On Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 1- and 2-year overall survival (OS) rates for all patients were 61.6% and 48.6%, respectively. The optimal serum albumin for predicting 1-year survival was 3.3 g/dL, as determined by the receiver operating characteristic curve to maximize the area under the curve. The overall survival (OS) of the patients with albumin >3.3 g/dL (n=28) was significantly better than that of the patients with albumin ≤3.3 g/dL (n=15) (p=0.0041). The multivariate analysis revealed that albumin and mode of primary treatment were significantly associated with survival in patients with stage IVB cervical cancer. Hypoalbuminemia was an unfavorable prognostic factor for patients with metastatic cervical cancer..
Improvement of laccase activity by silencing PacC in Ganoderma lucidum
Authors: Zhao Mingwen , Zhu Jing , Song Shuqi , Lian Lindan , Shi Liang , Ren Ang
Published: November 2021

Ganoderma lucidum is a representative white-rot fungus that has great potential to degrade lignocellulose biomass. Laccase is recognized as a class of the most important lignin-degrading enzymes in G. lucidum. However, the comprehensive regulatory mechanisms of laccase are still lacking. Based on the genome sequence of G. lucidum, 15 laccase genes were identified and their encoding proteins were analyzed in this study. All of the laccase proteins are predicted to be multicopper oxidases with conserved copper-binding domains. Most laccase proteins were secreted enzymes in addition to Lac14 in which the signal peptide could not be predicted. The activity of all laccases showed the highest level at pH 3.0 or pH 7.0, with total laccase activity of approximately 200 U/mg protein. Silencing PacC resulted in a 5.2 fold increase in laccase activity compared with WT. Five laccase genes (lac1, lac6, lac9, lac10 and lac14) showed an increased transcription levels (approximately 1.5-5.6 fold) in the PacC-silenced strains versus that in WT, while other laccase genes were downregulated or unchanged. The extracellular pH value was about 3.1, which was more acidic in the PacC-silenced strains than in the WT (pH 3.5). Moreover, maintaining the fermentation pH resulted in a downregulation of laccase activity which is induced by silencing PacC Our findings indicate that in addition to its function in acidification of environmental pH, PacC plays an important role in regulating laccase activity in fungi.
Relativity and View Effects
Authors: Fischli Bernard
Published: November 2021

Relativity has been based on the implicit assumption that it would exclusively describe interactions. Relativistic view effects are included as well, and they act with no force and no energy exchanges. The Ehrenfest paradox is solved. View effects specific to each point of view are the solution. The calculation of the deflection of light by the sun explains in detail why the deflection angle must be almost double the value obtained with Newton’s laws. The compatibility of General Relativity with the new interpretation is discussed. An object has no speed limit due to gravitation but it is limited in speed with electromagnetism. Inertial behavior is examined. The equivalence principle does not introduce gravitation to General Relativity. Relativity impacts the energy formula of electromagnetism using the Lorentz factor which also introduces view effects that are optical illusions with no impact on energy.
Level-1 Visual Perspective Taking Performance in People with High Narcissistic Traits
Authors: Ebrahimian Sima , Mattan Bradley , Rezaei Mazaher
Published: November 2021

Background: Lack of empathy is one of the main characteristics of narcissists. However, it is not clear whether there is a similar deficit in other facets of mentalizing, such as perspective-taking.Method: In this study, we measured the taking visual perspectives ascribed to different targets (e.g., first-person self, third-person self-avatar, and third-person stranger avatar). Our study focused on separate groups of individuals with high and low self-reported narcissistic traits. Results: Participants reporting high Narcissism scores showed higher accuracy in a third-person perspective-taking task than did their low-Narcissism counterparts. However, when the first-person perspective was incongruent with the third-person (first person vs. self- tagged avatar), the accuracy of their responses decreased.Conclusions: The discrepancy between the two types of perspective taking of people with high narcissism can probably mean that the narcissistic people perfectly identify / empathize with one object (person, avatar, character, etc.) and therefore their perspective-taking is disrupted when they need to identify with more than one object that represent their self-attributed perspectives.
Does Intradialytic Group Exercise Influence Malnutrition and Quality of Life in Maintenance Hemodialysis Patients? Evidence From an Experimental Study Using a Single-group Repeated-measures Design
Authors: Zhou Li-Juan , Zhang Li-Yuan , Shi Dan , Wang Qian , Chen Li
Published: November 2021

BackgroundMaintenance hemodialysis (MHD) patients is the representative of the sedentary group and often suffer from physical inactivity. Exercise rehabilitation is not widely included in dialysis care despite demonstrated health benefits. This study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of intradialytic group exercise in MHD patients.MethodsThis was a single center, single-group repeated-measures design study, which included MHD patients in the hemodialysis center in Taizhou, China. The 12-week, 3 times per week intradialytic group exercise programme was conducted around 30 min during the first 2 hours of each dialysis session. Anthropometric indicators, including Body Mass Index (BMI), Triceps Skinfold Thickness (TSF), Mid-upper Arm Circumference (MUAC), Mid-arm Muscle Circumference (MAMC) Handgrip Strength (HGS), and quality of life were measured at baseline, 4-week follow up and 12-week follow up. Laboratory indicators, including Hemoglobin level (Hb), Total Protein (TP) and Albumin (Alb) were measured at baseline and 12-week follow up. The repeated-measures analysis of variance and Friedman test were used to compare the parametric and non‐parametric data at three time points, respectively. Paired t test was used to compare the continuous parametric between two time points.ResultsNinety patients were enrolled at baseline and seventy-five patients finished the whole 12-week exercise programme. There were 7 patients dropped out for losing of motivation and sample churn rate for losing of motivation was 7.8% (7/90). Participants reported significant improvements in most of the outcomes, TSF (F (2, 148) = 28.908, p = 0.000), MUMC (F (2, 148) = 3.1821, p = 0.044), MAMC (F (2, 148) = 27.795, p = 0.000), HGS (F (2, 148) = 42.383, p = 0.000), TP (F (t = -2.417, p = 0.018), ALB (t -3.190, p = 0.002), Hb (t = -2.353, p = 0.021), and QOL (F (2, 148) = 10.48, p = 0.000).ConclusionsThe positive results from this research suggest that intradialytic group exercise programme including aerobic exercise and resistance exercise is a safe and suitable exercise way for maintenance hemodialysis patients. This exercise can help keep patients’ motivation and improve nutritional status and quality of life in maintenance hemodialysis patients.
Living material assembly of bacteriogenic protocells
Authors: Xu Can , Martin Nicolas , Li Mei , Mann Stephen
Published: November 2021

Advancing the spontaneous bottom-up construction of artificial cells with high organisational complexity and diverse functionality remains an unresolved issue at the interface between living and non-living matter. To address this challenge, a living material assembly process based on the capture and on-site processing of spatially segregated bacterial colonies within individual coacervate micro-droplets is developed for the endogenous construction of membrane-bounded, molecularly crowded, compositionally, structurally and morphologically complex synthetic cells. The bacteriogenic protocells inherit diverse biological components, exhibit multi-functional cytomimetic properties and can be endogenously remodelled to include a spatially partitioned DNA/histone nucleus-like condensate, membranized water vacuoles and a self-supporting 3D network of F-actin proto-cytoskeletal filaments. The ensemble is biochemically energized by self-sustainable ATP production derived from implanted live E. coli cells to produce a cellular bionic system with amoeba-like external morphology and integrated life-like properties. Our results demonstrate a novel bacteriogenic strategy for the bottom-up construction of functional protoliving micro-devices and provide opportunities for the fabrication of new synthetic cell modules and augmented living/synthetic cell constructs with potential applications in engineered synthetic biology and biotechnology.
Effect of Placing Double-lumen Irrigation-suction Tube on Spontaneous Closure of Anastomotic Leakage Following Rectal Cancer Surgery
Authors: Tian Weliang , Huang Ming , Xu Xin , Yao Zheng , Zhao Risheng
Published: November 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to explore the effect of placement of double-lumen irrigation-suction tubes (DLIST) on the spontaneous closure of anastomotic leakages (AL) after rectal cancer surgery. Methods: The study was performed at two centers which was managed by the same chief. The treatment in the two center were same. From January 2011 to June 2020, patients with postoperative AL after rectal cancer surgery were eligible. Patients were divided into a passive drainage (PD) group and a DLIST group according to whether the PD,placed during the rectal cancer surgery, had been replaced with the DLIST. The effect of DLIST on the AL was evaluated.Result: There were 76 patients in the DLIST group and 52 in the PD group. The DLIST group was more inclined to achieve spontaneous closure of AL (HR =3.048; 95% CI: 1.787-5.197; P<0.001). Both length of stay and costs of the treatment in the DLIST group were lower (54 [41.25-117] days vs. 112 [66.75-127.75] days, P =0.005; and $18,721 [$14,982-44,960] vs. $40,840 [$20,932-50,529], P < 0.001).Conclusion: Placement of DLIST is an effective method for treating AL following rectal cancer surgery. Compared with PD, the cost of DLIST in the treatment of AL is lower and the length of stay is shorter.
Targeting PD-L1 and TIGIT Could Restore Intratumoral CD8 T Cell Function in Human Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Thibaudin Marion , Limagne Emeric , Hampe Léa , Ballot Elise , Truntzer Caroline , Ghiringhelli François
Published: November 2021

Microsatellite stable colorectal cancers (MSS-CRC) are resistant to anti-PD-1/PD-L1 therapy but the combination of immune checkpoints inhibitors (ICI) could be a clue to reverse resistance. Our aim was to evaluate ex vivo the capacity of the combination of atezolizumab (anti-PD-L1) and tiragolumab (anti-TIGIT) to reactivate the immune response of tumor infiltrating lymphocytes (TILs) in MSS-CRC. We analysed CRC tumor tissue and the associated blood sample in parallel. For each patient sample, extensive immunomonitoring and cytokine production were tested. We generated an ex vivo assay to study immune reactivity following immune stimulation with checkpoint inhibitors of tumor cell suspensions. Three microsatellite instable (MSI) and 13 MSS-CRC tumors were analysed. To generalize our observations, bioinformatics analyses were performed on public data of single cell RNA sequencing of CRC TILs and RNA sequencing data of TCGA. Atezolizumab alone could only reactivate T cells from MSI tumors. Atezolizumab and tiragolumab reactivated T cells in 46% of MSS-CRC samples. Reactivation by ICK was observed in patients with higher baseline frequency of Th1 and Tc1 cells, and was also associated with higher baseline T cell polyfunctionality and higher CD96 expression. CD96 expression was found in CD4 and CD8 TILs and was highly expressed in exhausted T cells. CD96 was expressed at higher levels in CMS1 and CMS4 tumors, and was related to intrinsic poor prognosis. Together these data suggest that the association of atezolizumab and tiragolumab could restore function of CD4 and CD8 TILs in MSS-CRC.
Treatment Outcome and Associated Factors among Type 1 Diabetic Children<15 Years Admitted With DKA in Bahir Dar City Public Referral Hospital, North West, Ethiopia: A retrospective Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Meseret Fentahun
Published: November 2021

Background: Length of hospital stay and overall in hospital mortality of diabetic keto acidosis during management are the foremost primary out comes that should be measured. Because, it is highly trusted on the improvement of diabetic keto acidosis related complication management. However, data associated to length of stay, mortality rate due to diabetic keto acidosis remains to be limited in Ethiopia.In addition to this, Nonfiction is much scarce in relation to factors associated with treatment outcome starting from its initial presentation and the overall management process. Objective: To assess treatment outcome of children<15 years old admitted with diabetic keto acidosis at Felege Hiwot comprehensive referral hospital, North West, Ethiopia, 2021Methods: Retrospective cross sectional study was conducted at Felege Hiwot comprehensive referral hospital among randomly selected sample of 176 children admitted with diabetic keto acidosis from 2016 to 2021.Data were collected by using data abstraction tool. Then it was coded, enter, cleaned and stored into Epi-data version 4.2 and was exported into STATA 14.0 statistical software for analysis. Categorical variables were described using proportions and compared using Chi-square test; whereas continuous parametric variables with mean and standard deviation and compared using parametric (t-test). Model goodness-of-fit and assumptions were checked. Finally, association between independent variables and length of hospital stay were assessed using binary logistics regression and Variables with p-value < 0.05 were considered as statistically significant.Result: The mean length of hospital stay was 9.5±6.2 days. About 59.3% of had long hospital stay (>7days).Majority of the clients (97.5%) were improve and discharged with 14.2% management complication and 4(2.5%) died in the hospital. Factors that affect long hospital stay were residence(AOR=4.31;95CI=1.25-14.80),family history of diabetes (AOR=0.12; 95%CI=0.02-0.64),glycaemia at admission (AOR=1.01;95%CI=1.00-1.02),insulin skipping (AOR=0.08;95%CI=0.01-0.98),abdominal pain(AOR=4.28;95%CI=1.11 -15.52), time in which the patient get out of diabetic keto acidosis(AOR=6.39;95%CI=1.09-37.50).Conclusion and Recommendation: Majority of clients were showed improvement and discharged to their home after longer hospital stay and with very low mortality rate followed by complication (14.2%).The time with in which the majority of the clients get out of DKA were found in between 24-48 hours. Thus, to achieve the intended treatment out come early in time, modification of the approach by emphasizing the above predictors is mandatory with the recommendation of multicenter study in this regard.
Surgery Goes EPA (Entrusted Professional Activity) – How a Strikingly Easy to use App Revolutionizes Assessments of Clinical Skills in Surgical Training
Authors: Diwersi Nadine , Gass Jörn-Markus , Fischer Henning , Metzger Jürg , Knobe Matthias , Marty Adrian
Published: November 2021

ObjectiveEntrusted Professional Activities (EPAs) are increasingly being used in competency-based medical education approaches. A general lack of time in clinical settings, however, prevents supervisors from providing their trainees with adequate feedback. With a willingness for more administrative tasks being low in both trainees and educators, the authors developed a radical user-friendly mobile application based on the EPA concept called “Surg-prEPAred”.DesignSurg-prEPAred is designed to collect micro-assessment data for building competency profiles for surgical residents according to their curriculum. The goal of Surg-prEPAred is to facilitate the performance and documentation of workplace-based assessments. Through aggregated data the app generates a personalized competency profile for every trainee. During a pilot run of 4 months, followed by ongoing usage of the application with a total duration of 9 months (August 2019 to April 2020), 32 residents and 33 consultants made daily use of the application as a rating tool. Every rating included knowledge, skills and professional attitudes of the trainees. Before the initiation of the App and after the 9-month trial period trainees and supervisors where both sent questionnaires to evaluate the user friendliness and effectiveness of the App. Results510 App based assessments were generated. Out of 40 pre-defined EPAs, 36 were assessed. 15 trainees and 16 supervisors returned the questionnaires and stated the surg-prEPAred App as very valuable, effective and feasible to evaluate trainees in a clinical setting providing residents with an individual competence portfolio to receive precision medical education. ConclusionsThe authors expectation is that the Surg-prEPAred App will contribute to an improvement of quality of medical education and thus to the quality of patient care and safety. In the future the goal is to have the App become an integral part of the official Swiss surgical curriculum accepted by the Swiss professional surgical society.
A Cross-sectional Survey of Urban and Rural Residents' Perceptions About the Medical System Services in a Middle Province of China
Authors: Pan Ying , Li Shaowen , Yan Lina , Chen Sihua , Pi Kejiang , Xi Biao
Published: November 2021

Background: To investigate urban and rural residents' perceptions on the issue of "difficult access to quality medical services and expensive medical bills" (difficult and expensive medical services) 10 years after the implementation of medical and health care system reform in China.Methods: we conducted a cross-sectional questionnaire survey of residents in a middle province of China. Multi-stage stratified random sampling was utilized to sample a total of 1968 residents of three cities in the middle province in July 2019. Results: Residents in the province were highly satisfied with the solution of "difficult and expensive medical services", with the satisfaction rate reaching 70%. However, satisfaction differed among the surveyed cities. 83.4% of the residents reported "difficult and expensive medical services"as their current major concern. Complex medical procedures (31.25%) and high inspection costs (51.68%) were the main reasons for "difficult and expensive medical services". Other reasons include the provision of medical and health resources, the service awareness of medical and health care personnel, people's health needs, and the perceptions of health, etc. Conclusions: The issue of "difficult and expensive medical services" is a social issue requiring constant attention.
BOAS NOVIDADES EM QUÍMICA NOVA
Authors: Machado Giovanna , David Jorge , Morgon Nelson
Published: November 2021

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Amino Acid-Based Deep Eutectic Solvents in Biomass Processing - Recent Advances
Authors: Gomes Gustavo , Mattioli Renan , Pastre Julio Cezar
Published: November 2021

The use of non-conventional solvent systems, such as deep eutectic solvents (DES), for biomass processing is a growing interest. DES are formed by two or more components, usually solids at room temperature, which can interact with each other via hydrogen bonding, from a hydrogen bond acceptor (HBA) and a hydrogen bond donor (HBD), resulting in a liquid phase. The most studied HBA in the literature is choline chloride with several HBD and their use have been extensively reviewed. However, other abundant and natural HBA can be successfully applied on the preparation of different DES, e.g., amino acids. These amino acid-based DES have been used in biomass pretreatment, providing the fractionation of the main macromolecular components by lignin solubilization. In addition, amino acid-based DES can be applied in biomass chemical conversion to obtaining platform chemicals such as furanic derivatives. Bearing this in mind, this review focuses on exploring the use of amino acid-based DES on biomass processing, from pretreatment to chemical conversion.
Who Remembers those “Undocumented Minors”? Locating the Genealogy of the Oppressed in Valeria Luiselli’s Tell Me How It Ends
Authors:   Assistant Professor, Dept. of English, Nistarini Women’s College, Research Scholar, Vidyasagar University., Mukherjee Indrajit
Published: November 2021

We can always look upon the intersection of history and events as an exciting façade, full of deceptions, half-baked truths, and awkward reconciliations in the framework of cultural studies. The Mexican author Valeria Luiselli’s Tell Me How It Ends (2017) attempts to trace the evolution of a set of social, political, and cultural circumstances that are pregnant with significance in the traumatic past of millions of Latin-American children refugees in the United States. First, the article will unpack how Luiselli’s impalpable domain tries to connect the unresolved experiences of the violent wounds of those children’s deportation and dislocation from Guatemala, Honduras, and Mexico with their unfortunate encounters in the foreign land. Second, it will attempt to dismantle, disrupt, and deconstruct the construction of America as a heteroglossic space around the challenges of those displaced children by displaying some questions addressed to them at the immigrant court. Finally, the proposed paper will critically scrutinise how this non-fictional work follows the creeping imperialist approaches of the United States through the hazes of childhood recollections, making a heartfelt appeal to everyone to halt discrimination, racial hatred, and poisonous ignorance. Applying Agamben’s idea of the homo sacer, such a study will bring to the fore the dialectics of postcoloniality in the United States, where undocumented children’s claims to identity formation and self-determination processes would be at odds with the more comprehensive national identity in contemporary times.