bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
COVID-19 Pandemic and Indigenous Representation in Public Health Data
Authors: Huyser Kimberly R. , Horse Aggie J. Yellow , Kuhlemeier Alena A. , Huyser Michelle R.
Published: October 2021

Public Health 3.0 calls for the inclusion of new partners and novel data to bring systemic change to the US public health landscape. The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) pandemic has illuminated significant data gaps influenced by ongoing colonial legacies of racism and erasure. American Indian and Alaska Native (AI/AN) populations and communities have been disproportionately affected by incomplete public health data and by the COVID-19 pandemic itself.

Our findings indicate that only 26 US states were able to calculate COVID-19‒related death rates for AI/AN populations. Given that 37 states have Indian Health Service locations, we argue that public health researchers and practitioners should have a far larger data set of aggregated public health information on AI/AN populations.

Despite enormous obstacles, local Tribal facilities have created effective community responses to COVID-19 testing, tracking, and vaccine administration. Their knowledge can lead the way to a healthier nation. Federal and state governments and health agencies must learn to responsibly support Tribal efforts, collect data from AI/AN persons in partnership with Indian Health Service and Tribal governments, and communicate effectively with Tribal authorities to ensure Indigenous data sovereignty. (Am J Public Health. 2021;111(S3): S208–S214. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306415 )
The Social Survey, the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company, and the Beginnings of the US Public Health Service’s Sickness Surveys
Authors: García Mónica
Published: October 2021

The earliest sickness survey of the US Public Health Service, which started in 1915, was the Service’s first socioeconomic study of an industrial community. It was also the first to define illness as a person’s inability to work. The survey incorporated the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company’s definition of illness, which, instead of sickness rates, focused on duration of illness as a proxy of time lost from work. This kind of survey took place in the broader context of the reform movements of the Progressive Era and the social surveys conducted in the United States, which led to the creation of the Federal Commission on Industrial Relations, where the Service’s sickness survey originated. The Service’s focus on the socioeconomic classification of families and definition of illness as the inability to work enabled it to show the strong link between poverty and illness among industrial workers. The leader of the survey, Edgar Sydenstricker, and the Metropolitan Life Insurance Company came up with new ways to measure the health of the population, which also influenced the Service’s studies of the effects of the Great Depression on public health and the National Health Survey of 1935–1936. (Am J Public Health. 2021; 111(11):1960–1968. https://doi.org/10.2105/AJPH.2021.306454 )
Varlitinib induced differential Protein Expression analysis on oral carcinoma cell line: A therapeutic approach
Authors: Tanveer Fariha , Ilyas Amber , Syed Basir , Hashim Zehra , Ahmed Aftab , Zarina Shamshad
Published: October 2021

Receptor-ligand complex mediated signaling significantly contributesin cellular activities such as growth, proliferation, differentiation, and survival. However, augmented expression of signal transducing receptors and ligands is the most frequent molecular event and major hallmark of oral carcinogenesis. Among these receptors, Epidermal Growth Factor Receptor (EGFR) with intracellular tyrosine kinase activity is the most frequently overexpressed molecule by Squamous epithelial cells of oral cavity. Aberrated EGFR mediated signaling has laid the foundation of targeted therapy thus providing rationale for the conducted study. We have selected EGFR pathway as targeted intracellular signaling cascade inOral squamous cell carcinoma (OSCC). Deactivating EGFR by blocking the binding sites is likely to result in prevention of intracellular downstream signaling. In this context, Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitors (TKIs) have come into play. Quinazolines (aromatic heterocyclic compounds) and their derivatives have shown promising clinical outcomes. Present study focused to investigate anti-EGFR potential of quinazoline derivative, varlitinib-a pan-EGFR inhibitor on oral squamous epithelial cell lines. We performed proteomic analyses to identify differential expression pattern of proteins in SCC-25 cells in response to varlitinib treatment. Identified proteins include Binding Immunoglobulin Protein (BiP), Heat Shock Protein 7C (HSP7C), Protein Disulfide Isomerase 1 A (PDIA1), Vimentin (VIME), Keratin type I Cytoskeletal 14 (K1C14), and β-Actin (ACTB). Among these, five proteinswere found to be downregulated upon varlitinib treatment whereas only Keratin type I Cytoskeletal 14 was upregulated. Differential expression of proteins and possible role of varlitinib as potential antitumor drug in oral carcinoma is discussed.
Acclimation Response and Ability of Growth and Photosynthesis of Terrestrial Cyanobacterium Cylindrospermum sp. Strain FS 64 Under Combined Environmental Factors
Authors: Bahavar Nadia , Shokravi Shadman
Published: October 2021

This investigation tested the hypothesis that the native cyanobacteria can acclimatize and grow under the combination of environmental factors and/or how does their process change with the age of culture? Here, we tried to combine multiple factors to simulated what happens in natural ecosystems. We analyzed the physiological response of terrestrial cyanobacterium, Cylindrospermum sp. FS 64 under combination effect of different salinity (17, 80, and 160 mM) and alkaline pHs (9 and 11) at extremely limited carbon dioxide concentration (no aeration) up to 96h. Our evidence showed that growth, biomass, photosystem II, and phycobilisome activity significantly increased under 80 mM salinity and pH 11. In addition, this combined condition led to a significant increase in maximum light-saturated photosynthesis activity and photosynthetic efficiency. While phycobilisomes and photosystem activity decreased by increasing salinity (160 mM) which caused decreased growth rates after 96h. The single-cell study (CLMS microscopy) which illustrated the physiological state of the individual and active-cell confirmed the efficiency and effectiveness of both photosystems and phycobilisome under the combined effect of 80 mM salinity and pH 11.
Unraveling the Bacterial Assisted Degradation Pathway of Morpholine- a Xenobiotic Micropollutant: A Sustainability for Zero Pollution Environment
Authors: Kumar Rupak , Kapur Suman , Vulichi Srinivasa Rao
Published: October 2021

Biodegradation is the process by which chemicals both natural and xenobiotics are metabolized by microorganisms. Most naturally occurring chemical compounds are biodegradable while xenobiotic may be biodegradable, persistent or recalcitrant. Xenobiotic chemicals, because they are manmade and have developed recently, are present in the environment for comparatively shorter periods of time from its geological presence. This in turn means that the microbial communities present in these environments may not have evolved specific mechanisms for their degradation. Morpholine, a known xenobiotics micropollutant initially believes to be recalcitrant but later prove to be biodegradable by specific set of bacterium species most likely Mycobacterium and Pseudomonas sp in particular. However, the metabolic pathways involved in the successful biodegradation of morpholine stand challenging to establish because of its extreme water solubility and the lack of any chromophore group in morpholine which does not allow easy extraction process. Consequently, no tool for direct estimation of intermediates or metabolites of morpholine has been well reported and only indirect strategies have been developed like presence of microbial growth on intermediates, chemical/analytical assay for intermediate and ammonia measurements to elucidate the degradation pathway for zero pollution environment. In this present study degradation pathway has been ascertained by some selected bacterial isolate for their capacity to degrade morpholine. Based on the said analysis of culture filtrate, it has been revealed that the isolate namely Halobacillus utilizes glycolic route of the metabolic degradation pathway of morpholine and supports the fact that in presence of morpholine, one of two branches of morpholine biodegradation pathway namely ethanolamine and glycolate was was induced while the other branch was inhibited. Whatever the degradation pathway of morpholine exhibited by bacteria, ammonia is the end product of degradation which would be biochemically utilized by isolate.
Dirac-Source Diode with Sub-unity Ideality Factor
Authors: Myeong Gyuho , Shin Wongil , Kim Seungho , Lim Hongsik , Kim Boram , Jin Taehyeok , Sung Kyunghwan , Park Jihoon , Fuhrer Michael , Watanabe Kenji , Taniguchi Takashi , Liu Fei , Cho Sungjae
Published: October 2021

An increase in power consumption necessitates a low-power circuit technology to extend Moore’s law. Low-power transistors, such as tunnel field-effect transistors (TFETs)1-5, negative-capacitance field-effect transistors (NC-FETs)6, and Dirac-source field-effect transistors (DS-FETs)7-10, have been realised to break the thermionic limit of the subthreshold swing (SS). However, a low-power diode rectifier, which breaks the thermionic limit of an ideality factor (η) of 1 at room temperature, has not been proposed yet. In this study, we have realised a DS diode, which exhibits a steep-slope characteristic curve, by utilising the linear density of states (DOSs) of graphene7. For the developed DS diode, η < 1 for more than two decades of drain current with a minimum value of 0.8, and the rectifying ratio is large (> 105). The realisation of a DS diode paves the way for the development of low-power electronic circuits.
Single-Incision Port Robot-Assisted Surgery for Thymic Carcinoid Tumor Resection
Authors: SHIDEI HIROAKI , Mitsuboshi Shota , Yamamoto Tomoko , Kanzaki Masato
Published: October 2021

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia (MEN) is divided into MEN type 1 (MEN-1) and MEN type 2 (MEN-2). MEN-1 may be associated with thymic carcinoid tumors. We present a case of the surgical removal of a thymic carcinoid associated with MEN-1 via a single-incision port RATS.Case presentation: A 39-year-old male patient with multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN-1) who had an anterior mediastinal mass was referred to our hospital. The patient had undergone total parathyroidectomy and auto-transplantation of a partial parathyroid for hyperparathyroidism 6 years ago. Chest computed tomography revealed an isolated anterior mediastinal mass on the thymic gland with a maximum diameter measuring 22 mm. Thymic carcinoid tumor is classified as MEN-1 and has a poor prognosis, so we decided to remove the tumor. Single-incision port RATS was performed, and thymic carcinoid was confirmed in pathology.Conclusions: This report demonstrates that thymic carcinoid tumor removal is feasible and easy to perform via single-incision port RATS.
Cortical Spreading Depression Can Be Triggered by Sensory Stimulation in Primed Wild Type Mouse Brain: a Mechanistic Insight to Migraine Aura Generation
Authors: Hanalioglu Sahin , Taskiran-Sag Aslihan , Karatas Hulya , Donmez-Demir Buket , Yilmaz-Ozcan Sinem , Eren-Kocak Emine , Gursoy-Ozdemir Yasemin , Dalkara Turgay
Published: October 2021

Background: Unlike the spontaneously appearing aura in migraineurs, experimentally, cortical spreading depression (CSD), the neurophysiological correlate of aura is induced by non-physiological stimuli. Consequently, neural mechanisms involved in spontaneous CSD generation, which may provide insight how migraine starts in an otherwise healthy brain, remains largely unclear. We hypothesized that CSD can be physiologically induced by sensory stimulation in primed mouse brain. Methods: Cortex was made susceptible to CSD with partial inhibition of Na+/K+-ATPase by epidural application of a low dose of Na+/K+-ATPase blocker ouabain that does not induce repetitive CSDs or by knocking-down α2 subunit of Na+/K+-ATPase, which is crucial for K+ and glutamate re-uptake by astrocytes, with shRNA. Stimulation-induced CSDs and extracellular K+ changes were monitored in vivo electrophysiologically or with a K+-sensitive fluoroprobe (IPG-4). Results: After priming with ouabain, photic stimulation increased the CSD incidence compared with non-stimulated animals (44.0 vs. 4.9%, p<0.001). Whisker stimulation was less effective (14.9 vs. 2.4%, p=0.02). Knocking-down Na+/K+-ATPase (50% decrease in mRNA) lowered the CSD threshold in all mice tested but triggered stimulus-induced CSDs in 14.3% and 16.7% of mice with photic and whisker stimulation, respectively. Confirming Na+/K+-ATPase hypofunction, extracellular K+ significantly rose during stimulation after subthreshold ouabain or shRNA treatment unlike controls. In line with higher CSD susceptibility, K+ rise was more prominent after ouabain. To gain insight to preventive mechanisms reducing the incidence of stimulus-induced CSDs, we applied an A1-receptor (DPCPX) or GABA-A (bicuculine) antagonist over the occipital cortex, because adenosine formed during stimulation or inhibitory interneuron activity can reduce CSD susceptibility. DPCPX induced CSDs or CSD-like small-DC shifts during photic stimulation, whereas bicuculine was not effective. Conclusions: Our findings indicate that normal brain is well protected against CSD generation. For CSD to be ignited under physiological conditions, priming and predisposing factors are required as seen in migraine patients. Intense sensory stimulation has the potential to trigger a CSD when co-existing conditions can bring extracellular K+ and glutamate concentrations over threshold via reduced uptake of K+ and glutamate (e.g. inefficient fueling of α2-Na+/K+-ATPase due to reduced glycogen breakdown) or facilitated glutamate release (e.g. reduced presynaptic adenosinergic inhibition).
Butterfly Glioblastoma - the Impact of Tumor Volumes and Treatment Strategies on Clinical Outcome
Authors: Bjorland Line Sagerup , Kurz Kathinka Dæhli , Fluge Fluge Øystein , Gilje Bjørnar , Mahesparan Rupavathana , Sætran Hege , Ushakova Anastasia , Farbu Elisabeth
Published: October 2021

PurposeButterfly glioblastoma is a rare subgroup of glioblastoma with a bihemispheric tumor crossing the corpus callosum, and is associated with a dismal prognosis. Prognostic factors are previously sparsely described and optimal treatment approaches remain uncertain. We aimed to analyse prognostic factors in butterfly glioblastoma, and to evaluate treatment strategies and outcome in a real-world setting.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective population-based cohort study of patients diagnosed with butterfly glioblastoma in Western Norway between 01/01/2007 and 31/12/2014. Clinical data were extracted from electronic medical records. Molecular and MRI volumetric analyses were retrospectively performed. Survival analyses were performed using Kaplan-Meier method and Cox proportional hazards regression models.ResultsAmong 381 patients diagnosed with glioblastoma, 36 patients (9.4%) met the criteria for butterfly glioblastoma. Median overall survival was 5.9 months (95% CI 2.7-9.2) and three-year survival was 8.3%. Age was strongly associated with poorer outcome, with adjusted hazard ratio (HR) 1.06 (95% CI 1.03-1.10), p<0.001. Best supportive care was associated with poorer survival compared to multimodal treatment (adjusted HR 5.69 (95% CI 1.39-23.38), p=0.02).ConclusionOutcome from butterfly glioblastoma was dismal, with a median overall survival of less than six months. However, long-term survival was comparable to that observed in glioblastoma in general, and multimodal treatment was associated with longer survival. This suggests that patients with butterfly glioblastoma may benefit from a more aggressive treatment approach despite the overall poor prognosis.
Theoretical Predictions on the Effective Piezoelectric Coefficients of Wurtzite LaN compound from DFT and DFPT Calculations
Authors: Almaghbash Z.A.A.R. , Omar Arbouche , Cherifi A. , Djellouli B.
Published: October 2021

To study the structural, elastic, piezoelectric and dielectric properties of wurtzite (LaN), we have used the ab initio total-energy pseudo-potential plane-wave method (PP-PW) based on density functional theory (DFT) and density functional perturbation theory (DFPT), which performed with Generalized gradient approximation (GGA) as well as local density approximation (LDA). The calculations of piezoelectric constants by mean of linear-response calculations second derivative with respect to a strain and a modification of the electric field. The compound shows a large effective piezoelectric constant (d33) being in the order of 66.96, and 77.260 pc/N with (GGA), and (LDA) calculations, respectively. The dielectric properties and electromechanical coupling coefficients have been calculated. Finally, our piezoelectric findings indicate that the LaN compound has a high effective piezoelectric constant value (d33) which allows it to be in direct competitor of zinc oxide ZnO and aluminum nitride AIN. We hope that our findings provide guidelines for the experimental realization and further research of high-performance materials appropriate for applications in different fields of study, such as biomedical engineering.
Parthanatos Involves in the Damage of Hippocampal Neurons Following Epileptic Seizure: in Vivo and Vitro Study
Authors: Wang Xue , Zhang Wuqiong , Ge Pengfei , Yu Miaomiao , Meng Hongmei
Published: October 2021

Epileptic seizures, or status epilepticus can cause hippocampal neurons death, which have several detrimental effects including promoting the progression of epilepsy, the formation of hippocampal sclerosis and cognitive impairment. Exploring the underlying molecular mechanisms of seizure-induced neuronal death may ameliorate the serious impact of the brain caused by seizures and restrain the further progression of epilepsy. Parthanatos is a new form of programmed cell death characterized by hyper-activation of Poly (ADP-ribose) polymerase-1 (PARP-1), excessive synthesis of poly ADP-ribose (PAR) polymer, mitochondrial depolarization and translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) to nucleus which was found in various neurodegeneration disorders but rarely reported in the field of epilepsy. This study aims to investigate whether parthanatos was involved in the mechanism of seizure-induced neuronal death in vivo and vitro study, and to provide new targets for neuroprotective treatment of epilepsy. In vivo study, our results showed that PARP-1 inhibitor PJ34 has protective effect on the damage of hippocampal neurons in rats after epileptic seizure and reduced the expression level of PARP-1 and the synthesis of PAR polymer as well as the translocation of apoptosis-inducing factor (AIF) from mitochondrial to the nucleus. In vitro study, we used glutamate-induced HT22 cell injury to establish cell damage model. Our results showed that glutamate induces HT22 cells death in a time dependent manner, accompanied with parthanatos-related biochemical events. Pretreatment with PJ34 or knockdown of PARP-1 with small interfering RNA effectively protected HT22 cells against the toxic effect of glutamate, and attenuated parthanatos-related biochemical events. Further, application of NAC was found to rescue HT22 cells death and reverse the above-mentioned parthanatos-related biochemical events via alleviating the overproduction of reactive oxygen species (ROS). In conclusion, our study confirmed that Parthanatos was involved in the damage of hippocampal neurons following epileptic seizure, and ROS may be the initial factor of Parthanatos.
Effect of Initial Temperature on Iron Nugget Formation in Fluxless Processing of Titanomagnetite Under Isothermal – Temperature Gradient Profiles
Authors: Zulhan Zulfiadi , Sutandar Cheryl Livia , Suryani Indah , Basuki Eddy Agus
Published: October 2021

Recently, the titanomagnetite by coal producing iron nugget under isothermal – temperature gradient profile is introduced. The reduction process is divided into three stages where in the first stage the initial temperature is kept constant for a certain of time and then the temperature is increased to 1380°C with a certain heating rate in the second stage and finally in the third stage the temperature is maintained at 1380°C for a certain time. The results of the experiments show that the initial temperature in the first stage affects the formation of iron nuggets. Initial temperatures of 700 to 1100°C produce many nuggets up to 3 mm in size, initial temperature of 1200°C produces one nugget with a size of about 4 mm and the initial temperatures of 1300 and 1380°C do not produce nuggets. Optimal iron recovery is achieved at an initial temperature of 1000°C. The slag contains titanium oxide, armalcolite and rest of metallic iron with a size of less than 0.5 mm. The nugget formation is believed due to the aggregation and agglomeration of iron particle during the increasing temperature from initial stage to 1380°C.
Identification of a lncRNA-related Competing Endogenous RNA Network in Recurrent Implantation Failure
Authors: Huang Kai , Shi Ying , Chen Gezi
Published: October 2021

Background: Impaired endometrial receptivity is supposed to be a major element leading to recurrent implantation failure (RIF). Numerous studies have identified that the lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs regulation network functions in the generation of receptive uterus. Long non-coding RNAs could act as competing endogenous RNAs in the pathogenesis of RIF. However, our understanding of the underlying mechanism is still limited. Results: Based on the RNA-Seq results, 617 DEmRNAs, 69 DElncRNAs and 107 DEmiRNAs were identified in the RIF group compared with the control group. To investigate the role of lncRNAs in RIF, we constructed a lncRNA related ceRNA network. A total of 3 lncRNAs, 8 miRNAs and 69 genes were identified. Above all, our study obtained 120 lncRNAs-miRNAs-mRNAs relationships in the ceRNA network. Among three hub lncRNAs, PART1 and PWRN1 were upregulated whereas PGM5P3-AS1 was downregulated in RIF endometrium. Meanwhile, three down-regulated miRNAs (hsa-miR-1207-5p, hsa-miR-134-5p, hsa-miR-1225-5p) and five up-regulated miRNAs (hsa-miR-30c-5p, hsa-miR-30b-5p, hsa-miR-145-5p, hsa-miR-21-5p, hsa-miR-196b-5p) were shown. Conclusions: We constructed a lncRNA-related ceRNA network and identified three hub lncRNAs in recurrent implantation failure. The results may provide further understanding in the pathogenesis of RIF as well as potential diagnostic and therapeutic targets.
Numerical Simulation of Multi-Cluster Fracture Propagation In Horizontal Wells With Limited-Entry Designs
Authors: Guo Changyong , Li Minghui , Liu Tao , Ma Huibo , Wang Bin , Jia Haizheng , Liang Tianbo
Published: October 2021

The effective propagation of multi-cluster fractures in horizontal wells is the key to the development of unconventional reservoirs. Due to the influence of pressure drops at perforating holes and the stress shadow effect, it is difficult to predict the fracturing fluid distribution and fracture dimensions in a fracturing stage. In this paper, a two-dimensional fluid-solid coupling model for simultaneous propagation of multiple fractures is established, and fluid distributions and dimensions of multiple fractures are studied with respect to different perforation designs. The model combines the User Amplitude Curve Subroutine (UAMP) in ABAQUS and the cohesive zone model (CZM) to calculate the perforating friction, fluid distribution and fracture propagation behaviors. After the accuracy of this model is verified by the analytical solution, a group of simulation is conducted to compare fracture propagations when the conventional limited-entry method (CLE) and extreme limited-entry method (less than 5 perforations per cluster, XLE) are used. Simulation results show that the edge and sub-central fractures in CLE cases almost get all the fluid and effectively propagate; central fractures receive little fluid and hardly propagate. In XLE cases, the fluid distribution of each fracture is relatively uniform, but the fracture lengths within one fracturing stage is still uneven; however, only reducing numbers or radii of perforation holes cannot achieve the uniform fracture propagation, where diverters might be further needed. Findings of this study provide a reference for the perforation optimization of multi-cluster horizontal wells in the field.
Hub Targets Analysis of miRNA-mRNA-TF Network in Diabetic Cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ren Bincheng , He Kaini , Yuan Miao , Wang Yu , Tie Yuanyuan , Gao Dengfeng
Published: October 2021

Background: The pathogenic mechanism and development of the diabetic cardiomyopathy(DCM) has been generally explained, and it is clear that the microRNAs(miRNAs), mRNAs and transcription factors(TFs) participate in the process of the DCM disease. Yet, the hub targets of the disease progression are not clear.Methods: To figure out the problem, we downloaded data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus(GEO) database (GSE44179 and GSE4745). The targeted mRNAs of miRNAs were downloaded from TargetScan, miRBD and microT-CDS database. Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment of miRNAs and mRNAs were analysed in DAVID.R studio software was used to visualize the results of screened targets and GO enrichment. Cytoscape software was used to visualize the miRNA-mRNA-TF interaction network and calculate the hub targets. Results: We filtered eight miRNAs, nine mRNAs and ten transcription factors(TFs) by bioinformatics analysis, and constructed a miRNA-mRNA-TF network. The top ten degrees of nodes in the network are rno-miR-7a, Hnf4a, rno-miR-17, rno-miR-21, rno-miR-122, rno-miR-200c, Med1, Mlxipl, SP1 and rno-miR-34a, which were closely related to the process of DCM. Conclusion: This study revealed that rno-miR-7a, Hnf4a, rno-miR-17and rno-miR-21 may play vital role in the progress of diabetic cardiomyopathy.
Corticosteroid Treatment in Severe Patients With SARS-CoV-2 and Chronic HBV Co-infection: a Retrospective Multicenter Study
Authors: Meng Mei , Chu Yufeng , Zhang Sheng , Sha Jing , Wang Peng , Cui Yunliang , Han Meihong , Dong Xuan , Sun Wenqing , Zhang Zhongfa , Deng Yunxin , Wang Tao , Annane Djillali , Jia Shouqiang , Chen Dechang
Published: October 2021

Background. The impact of corticosteroids on severe patients with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19)/ chronic hepatitis B virus (HBV) co-infection is currently unknown. We aimed to investigate effect of corticosteroid on these subgroup patients.Methods. In this retrospective multicenter study including 5447 confirmed COVID-19 patients from Jan 1, 2020 to Apr 18, 2020, severe patients with COVID-19/HBV co-infection were identified. To minimize the bias of confounding variables on effect of corticosteroid treatment, inverse probability of treatment weighting (IPTW) based on propensity score was employed.Results. The prevalence of HBV co-infection in hospitalization COVID-19 patients was 4.1%. 105 severe patients with COVID-19/HBV co-infection were enrolled (median age 62 years, 57.1% male). Fifty-five patients received corticosteroid treatment and 50 patients did not. Corticosteroid treatment was associated with high D-dimer level, neutrophil count (all P<0.05). With IPTW analysis, corticosteroid treatment worsen acute liver injury (OR, 1.767, 95%CI, 1.018-3.065, P=0.043). Corticosteroids might delay SARS-CoV-2 viral RNA clearance (OR, 4.963, 95%CI, 2.717-9.065, P <0.001). The 28-day and in-hospital mortality were both significantly higher in corticosteroid treatment group than non-corticosteroid treatment group (OR, 8.738, 95%CI, 2.826-27.022, P <0.001; OR, 10.122, 95%CI, 3.291-31.129, P <0.001, respectively). In multivariable analysis, higher D-dimer level (>1µg/ml) (OR, 10.686, 95%CI, 2.421-47.159, P=0.002) and corticosteroid therapy (OR, 11.236, 95%CI, 1.273-99.154, P=0.029) were independently associated with 28-day mortality. Methylprednisolone dose per day and cumulative dose in non-survivors was significantly higher than in survivors.Conclusions. In severe patients with COVID-19/HBV co-infection, corticosteroid treatment may increase mortality. Therefore, corticosteroid therapy should be prescribed with caution in the subset of patients.
Influence of sex on diaphragm thickness using a method for determining intima media thickness in healthy young adults
Authors: Oguri Masayoshi , Okanishi Tohru , Ikeguchi Takuya , Ogo Kaoru , Kanai Sotaro , Maegaki Yoshihiro , Wada Shinichi , Himoto Takashi
Published: October 2021

Background: To clarify the differences in diaphragm thickness between male and female participants in healthy young adults using ultrasonography and to investigate the relationship between diaphragm thickness and respiratory pressure.Methods: Twenty-nine healthy individuals (16 females and 13 males) participated in the study. Diaphragm thickness was measured at total lung capacity (TLC) and at functional residual capacity (FRC) in each participant. We measured the diaphragm thickness using a method for mean intima media thickness. Moreover, change ratio of diaphragm thickness was calculated with the diaphragm thickness at TLC and FRC.Results: Mean diaphragm thicknesses at FRC in males were significantly narrower than those in females (p<0.001). The change ratio of diaphragm thickness was significantly augmented in males compared with that in females (p<0.001). There was a significant positive correlation between the change ratio of diaphragm thickness and respiratory muscle strength in males but not in females.Conclusions: The change ratio might be an alternative to evaluate respiratory muscle strength in young adult males. The diaphragm thickness values and the change ratio of diaphragm thickness in healthy young adults, evaluated by B-mode sonography, were varied based on sex.
Preparation And Characterization of a New Proton-Exchange Membrane On The Basis of The Modification of Sulfonated Polystyrene With MIL-53 (Al)-NH2 For Applying in The Direct-Methanol Fuel Cell
Authors: Salehi Masoumeh , Karimipour Gholamreza , Montazerozohoori Morteza , Ghaedi Mehrorang , Mandanipour Valiollah
Published: October 2021

On the basis of the sulfonated polystyrene, a new proton-exchange membrane was prepared in this study. In order to be applied in the direct-methanol fuel cells (DMFCs), the modification of sulfonated polystyrene was conducted by MIL-53(Al)-NH2. Membranes were fabricated using sulfonated polystyrene, polyethylene, and different amounts of MIL-53(Al)-NH2, then they were briefly illustrated by SPS-PE-MIL-53. The membranes were characterized using the FT-IR, SEM, and TGA. The proton conductance, water uptake, oxidative resistance, ionic conductance, and the permeability of methanol were measured to assess its performance in a DMFC with a cation-exchange membrane. The SPS-PE-MIL-53 (1:1:0.25 w:w:w) membrane showed relatively better performance than the other membranes. The selectivity factor for this membrane was 7.17 × 104 S.s.cm-3. To assess the performance, the fabricated membranes were used in a fuel cell. All membranes fabricated in the fuel cell performed well, but the SPS-PE-MIL-53 (1:1:0.25 w:w:w) membrane performed better than the other membranes. DMFC on the basis of SPS-PE-MIL-53 (1:1:0.25 w:w:w) membrane had a maximum peak power density of 17.04 mAcm-2 with a maximum current density of 115.38 mAcm-2. In general, the prepared membranes performed well than similar membranes.
Proton Pump Inhibitor Intake During Chemoradiotherapy for Rectal Cancer: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Bridoux Marie , Deley Marie-Cecile Le , Bertrand Nicolas , Simon Nicolas , Sylla Dienabou , Mirabel Xavier , Turpin Anthony
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) are one of the most widely used drugs worldwide and are involved in several drug interactions. Recently, several studies have suggested that PPIs may interfere with the efficacy of capecitabine. This study primarily aimed to investigate the effects of PPI intake on the pathological response rate of patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant chemoradiotherapy with capecitabine. Method: A retrospective study was conducted at a French Comprehensive Cancer Center. Patients with locally advanced rectal cancer treated with neoadjuvant radiochemotherapy followed by surgery were included in the study. Demographic parameters, treatment characteristics, survival data, and PPI intake data were collected. Survival data were estimated using the Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test.Results: In total, 215 patients were included, of whom 135 (62.8%) were men. The PPI intake frequency was 16.1%. The rate of complete histological response was lower in patients on PPIs than in those not on PPIs (8.7% vs. 19%, p=0.36). PPI intake was not associated with a statistically significant decrease in recurrence-free survival (hazard ratio [HR]=1.26, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.61–2.60, p=0.54) or overall survival (HR=0.95, 95% CI 0.33–2.76, p=0.93).Conclusion: There is a trend to a lower complete histological response with PPI co-medication in patients treated for locally advanced rectal cancer. However, the safety of PPIs could not be confirmed. Further ancillary studies of prospective clinical trials or studies using the Health Data Hub are necessary to explore the effects of PPIs on rectal cancer more accurately.
Body Mass Index Trajectories in Adolescence And Incident Metabolic Syndrome in Early Adulthood
Authors: Ying Ming , Hu Xiangming , Li Qiang , Chen Zhujun , Zhou Yingling
Published: October 2021

Background: The incidence of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing each year, and MetS is closely related to cardiovascular diseases. Body mass index (BMI) has been widely used to measure obesity, and the relationship between MetS and BMI has been widely reported. However, the relationship between the trajectory of BMI and MetS is still unclear.Methods: Six waves of the cross-sectional China Health and Nutrition Survey (CHNS) were completed in nine provinces in China from 1993 to 2009, with more than 12,000 participants. We enrolled individuals who were aged 10 to 20 years in 1993, and 554 participants were finally included in our study. A latent class growth mixed model was used to identify different BMI trajectory patterns based on the BMI value measured at each follow-up. Participants completed blood tests and a physical examination in 2009 to allow for the diagnosis of MetS. The primary aim was to explore the relationship between different BMI trajectories and the incidence of MetS through logistic regression, adjusting for baseline age, sex, BMI, waist circumference, residence, educational background, smoking status, alcohol consumption, and nutritional intake.Result: During a follow-up of 16 years, 61 (11.01%) participants developed MetS. In multivariate-adjusted models, different BMI trajectories were significantly associated with the occurrence of MetS in early adulthood. Childhood or adolescents with a low-high BMI trajectory or a high-high BMI trajectory showed a significantly higher risk of MetS in early adulthood than those with a low-low trajectory (low-high: OR=3.40, 95% CI: 1.14-10.13, P <0.05; high-high: OR=5.81, 95% CI: 1.63-20.69, P <0.05).Conclusion: Our study identified three BMI trajectories from adolescence through 16 years of follow-up and found that in addition to baseline BMI, BMI trajectories were also an independent risk factor for incident MetS in early adulthood.
Kinematics Analysis and Singularity Avoidance of a Parallel Mechanism with kinematic redundancy
Authors: shen chaoyu , Qu Haibo , Guo Sheng , Li Xiao
Published: October 2021

The kinematic redundancy is considered as a way to improve the performance of parallel mechanism. In this paper, the kinematics performance of a three degree-of-freedom parallel mechanism with kinematic redundancy (3-DOF PM-KR) and the influence of redundant part on the PM-KR are analyzed. Firstly, the kinematics model of the PM-KR is established. The inverse solutions, the Jacobian matrix and the workspace of the PM-KR are solved. Secondly, the influence of the redundant redundancy on the PM-KR has been analyzed. Since there exists kinematic redundancy, the PM-KR possesses the fault-tolerant performance. By locking one actuated joint or two actuated joints simultaneously, the fault-tolerant workspace are obtained. When the position of the redundant part is changed, the workspace and singularity will be changed. The results show that the kinematic redundancy can be used to avoid the singularity. Finally, the simulations are performed to prove the theoretical analysis.
High Prevalence of Urinary Schistosomiasis in a Desert Population: Results from an Exploratory Study Around the Ounianga Lakes in Chad
Authors: Moser Wendelin , Batil Annour Aboum , Ott Rebekka , Abderamane Moussa , Clements Ruth , Wampfler Rahel , Poppert Sven , Steinmann Peter , Allan Fiona , Greter Helena
Published: October 2021

Background: Researching a water-borne disease in the middle of the Sahara desert might not seem the most relevant concern. However, nomadic Sahelian pastoralist’s health concerns regarding their livestock and anecdotal reports about trematode infections of Fasciola spp and Schistosoma spp in desert-raised animals justified an exploratory study focusing on the lakes of Ounianga in Northern Chad. The aim was to test whether trematode parasites such as Schistosoma spp occur in human populations living around the Sahara desert lakes of Ounianga Kebir and Ounianga Saker in northern Chad. Methods: The study comprised of three components. First, a cross sectional survey based on a random sample drawn from the population to detect infections with S. haematobium and S. mansoni ; second, focus group discussions exploring disease priorities, access to health and health seeking behaviour; and third, searching water contact sites for intermediate host snails. Samples of trematode parasites and snails were confirmed on species level by molecular genetics methods. Results: Among 258 participants, the overall S. haematobium prevalence using urine filtration was 39.1% (95% CI 33.2% – 45.1%), with 51.5% of the infected suffering from heavy infection. The intermediate host snail of S. haematobium ( Bulinus truncatus ) occurred at water sites near both study villages, revealing the potential for local transmission. Although a positive S. mansoni POC-CCA test result was obtained from 15.2% (10.6%-19.7%) of the samples no intermediate host snails of S. mansoni were found, and the relevance of S. mansoni remains uncertain. Qualitative findings underline the importance of morbidity caused by urinary schistosomiasis, and the lack of access to diagnostics and treatment as a major health concern. Conclusion: This research revealed a high prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in the population living around the lakes of Ounianga in the Sahara, a UNESCO world heritage site in Chad. Despite the high public health importance of the associated morbidity expressed by the population there is no access to diagnostics and treatment. Further research is needed to develop and test a context adapted intervention.
Effects of yield point and plastic anisotropy on results of elastic-plastic finite element analysis of tension leveling
Authors: Fan Changxiang , Wang Honghao , Zhang Ye , Chen Dexin , Guo Jing , Yanagimoto Jun
Published: October 2021

Tension leveling is an important industrial process to eliminate the flatness defects and residual stresses of metal strips to provide high-quality sheet metals for subsequent sheet metal forming. The finite element (FE) method can be applied to elucidate the effects of process parameters on the quality of sheets after tension leveling for various materials. In our previous investigation, an accurate FE model considering the anisotropy and cyclic plasticity of materials has been established for the elastic-plastic FE analysis of tension leveling. In this study, we further studied the effects of the yield point and plastic anisotropy on tension leveling using the FE model established in our previous investigation. Aiming at improving the accuracy of simulation, a modified constitutive model was developed to describe the anisotropic hardening of materials under cyclic loading. The modified constitutive model was implemented into Abaqus/Standard as a user-defined material (UMAT) subroutine to simulate the development of the anisotropy in materials during tension leveling. The modified model was also applied to the FE analysis of sheet metal forming processes to demonstrate its simulation capability and accuracy.
Vision-Related Quality of Life in Patients Suffering from Coexisting Glaucoma and Cataract
Authors: Khorrami-Nejad Masoud , karimi farshid , Abbas Azimi , Ramin Daneshvar , Mosavi Seyed Aliasghar , Hamidi Fateh , Sarabandi Amin
Published: October 2021

PurposeTo evaluate the QOL and vision-related QOL in patients suffering from coexisting glaucoma and cataract.MethodsThis cross-sectional-analytical study was carried out on 222 cases including 163 patients suffering from coexisting glaucoma and cataract as patients’ group and 59 healthy individuals as the control group. Data were gathered via the use of EuroQol five-dimensional (EQ-5D) and National Eye Institute-Visual Functioning Questionnaire 39 (NEI-VFQ 39(. Then, the obtained results were compared before and one month after cataract surgery in patients and control groups. ResultsThe mean and 95% confidence interval of overall vision-related QOL score in healthy individuals and patients during pre- and post-operation phases were 86.65 (69.3 – 104.0), 48.7 (9.4 – 88.1) and 56.1 (12.2 – 100.0), respectively. There were significant differences among the three compared groups in terms of all NEI-VFQ 39 items (P<0.05). The mean and confidence interval of EQ-5D score during pre- and post-operation phases were 0.42 (0.21-0.64) and 0.58 (0.39-0.78), respectively (P=0.017) and for healthy individuals, it was 0.70(0.59-0.80). After surgery, all QOL items significantly increased among patients (P<0.05). Also, there were significant differences in the scores compared to healthy individuals (P<0.05). One month after surgery, all vision-related QOL items` scores obtained by NEI-VFQ 39 and all QOL items` scores obtained by EQ-5D were significantly lower in the treated patients than healthy individuals (P<0.05).Conclusion In patients suffering from coexisting glaucoma and cataract, the overall QOL and vision-related QOL scores were improved after cataract surgery. However, there was a significant difference between them and healthy individuals.
Application of a custom NGS Gene Panel revealed a high diagnostic utility for molecular testing of hereditary ataxias.
Authors: Radziwonik Wiktoria , Elert-Dobkowska Ewelina , Klimkowicz-Mrowiec Aleksandra , Ziora-Jakutowicz Karolina , Stepniak Iwona , Zaremba Jacek , Sulek Anna
Published: October 2021

Background

Hereditary ataxias (HA) are a rare group of heterogeneous disorders. Here, we present results of molecular testing a group of ataxia patients using custom-designed Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) panel. Due to genetic and clinical overlapping of hereditary ataxias and spastic paraplegias (HSP), designed panel encompassing together HA and HSP genes.
Methods

The NGS libraries comprising coding sequence for 152 genes were performed using KAPA HyperPlus and HyperCap Target Enrichment Kit and sequenced on the MiSeq instrument. Obtained results were analyzed using BaseSpace Variant Interpreter and Integrative Genomics Viewer. All pathogenic and likely pathogenic variants were confirmed using the Sanger sequencing.
Results

A total of 29 patients with hereditary ataxias were enrolled to the NGS testing, and 16 patients had a confirmed molecular diagnosis with diagnostic efficiency of 55.2%. Pathogenic or likely pathogenic mutations were identified in 10 different genes: POLG (PEOA1, n=3; SCAE, n=2), CACNA1A (EA2, n=2), SACS (ARSACS, n=2), SLC33A1 (SPG42, n=2), STUB1 (SCA48, n=1), SPTBN2 (SCA5, n=1), TGM6 (SCA35, n=1), SETX (AOA2, n=1), ANO10 (SCAR10, n=1), SPAST (SPG4, n=1).
Conclusions

We demonstrated that approach based on targeted NGS panel can be highly effective and useful tool in the molecular diagnosis of ataxia patients. Furthermore, we highlight that sequencing panel targeted to ataxias together with HSP genes increase the diagnostic success.
Comprehensive Analysis and Prognosis Prediction of N6-methyladenosine-related Lncrnas in Immune Microenvironment Infiltration of Gastric Cancer
Authors: Huang Jianfeng , Chen Wenzheng , Chen Changyu , Xiao Tao , Jie Zhigang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundN6-methyladenosine (m6A) RNA modification plays an important role in regulating tumor microenvironment (TME) infiltration. However, the relationship between the expression pattern of m6A-related long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and the immune microenvironment of gastric cancer (GC) is unclear. MethodsIn this study, 23 m6A-related lncRNAs were identified by Pearson’s correlation analysis and univariate Cox regression analysis. According to the expression of these lncRNAs, we identified two distinct molecular clusters by consensus clustering and compared the differences of the TME and enriched pathways between the two clusters. We further constructed a prognostic risk signature and verified it using The Cancer Genome Atlas training and testing cohorts. ResultsThe results showed that cluster 1 was associated with tumor-related and immune activation-related pathways. In addition, cluster 1 was also associated with higher ImmuneScore, StromalScore, and ESTIMATEScore. The results of the stratified survival analysis and independent prognosis analysis indicated that the risk signature is an independent prognostic indicator for patients with GC. In addition, it can effectively predict survival status in patients with different clinical characteristics. Furthermore, our risk model showed that low risk scores were significantly correlated with high expression of programmed death-1 (PD-1) and cytotoxic T-lymphocyte associated protein 4 (CTLA4), as well as sensitivity to chemotherapeutic drugs (e.g., paclitaxel and oxaliplatin). ConclusionsThis evidence contributes to our understanding of the regulation of TME infiltration by m6A-related lncRNAs and my lead to more effective immunotherapy and chemotherapy for patients with GC.
Unpacking the ‘green’ recovery spending: an assessment of likely implications on greenhouse gas emissions towards 2030 for key emitters
Authors: Hans Frederic , Woollands Santiago , Nascimento Leonardo , Höhne Niklas , Kuramochi Takeshi
Published: October 2021

This paper analyses how fiscal stimulus spending in response to the COVID-19 pandemic supports the low-carbon transition. We developed a new framework to categorize rescue and recovery spending measures according to their level of greenness and their type of expected impact on greenhouse gas emissions. This framework allows to better capture how measures’ emission impacts may unfold over time and to identify the share of fiscal spending missing robust conditions or incentives to be considered low-carbon. We assess nearly 2,500 measures announced by 26 emitters as of May 2021, representing around 65% of global GHG emissions in 2018. Our findings show that the largest share (35%) of spending with potential GHG emission implications went to measures that supported the status quo in the respective countries when there were low-carbon alternatives. Our assessment reveals the different magnitudes to which the emitters have missed the opportunity for a green recovery. While low-carbon spending is also significative in size (22%) across countries, almost two-thirds of it can be considered enabling or catalytic in nature and will rather unfold its impact over time. This fiscal spending will trigger transformational change over time but will not necessarily lead to direct emission reduction impacts before 2030.