bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
High-Risk Polymorphisms Associated with the Molecular Function of Human HMGCR Gene Infer the Impedance of Cholesterol Biosynthesis
Authors: Das Keshob Chandra , Hossain Mohammad Uzzal , Moniruzzaman Md , Salimullah Md , Akhteruzzaman Sharif
Published: August 2021

Background: HMG-CoA reductase or HMGCR (3-Hydroxy-3-methylglutaryl-CoA reductase) is a rate-limiting enzyme involved in cholesterol biosynthesis. HMGCR plays an important role in the possible occurrence of hypercholesterolemia leading to atherosclerosis and coronary heart disease. This enzyme is a major target for cholesterol lowering drugs such as “statins” which blocks the synthesis of mevalonate, a precursor for cholesterol biosynthesis. This study aims to characterize deleterious mutations and classify functional Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) of the HMGCR gene through analysis of functional and structural evaluation, domain association, solvent accessibility, and energy minimization studies. Results: Among 6,815 SNP entries from different databases, approximately 388 SNPs were found to be missense. Analysis showed that seven missense SNPs are more likely to have deleterious effects. A tertiary model of the mutant protein was constructed to determine the functional and structural effects of the HMGCR mutation. In addition, the location of the mutations suggests that they may have deleterious effects because most of the mutations are resides in the functional domain of the protein. The findings from the bunch of bioinformatics tools predicted that rs147043821 and rs193026499 missense SNPs could cause significant structural and functional instability in the mutated proteins of the HMGCR gene. Conclusion: Therefore, the results of the current study would undoubtedly be accommodating in future endeavors concerning drug discovery and therapeutics against hypercholesterolemia.
Large scale genomic and transcriptomic profiles of rice hybrids revealed a novel universal mechanism underlying yield heterosis
Authors: Xie jianyin , Wang Weiping , Zhang Quan , Yang Tao , Zhang Zhifang , Zhu Xiaoyang , Li Ni , Zhi Linran , Ma Xiaoqian , Zhang Shuyang , Liu Yan , Wang Xueqiang , Li Feimei , Zhao Yan , Jia Xuewei , Zhou Jieyu , Jiang Ninjia , Li Gangling , Zhang Zhanying , Li Jinjie , Zhang Ziding , Li Zichao , Zhang Hongliang
Published: August 2021

The utilization of heterosis (or hybrid vigor) is a revolutionary technology in agricultural. However, its genetic mechanisms are still unclear in plants. Here we develop, sequence and record the phenotypes of 418 hybrids from crosses between two testers and a diverse mini core collection. Phenotypic analysis showed that heterosis is an extensive but not necessary phenomenon, which varied by combinations and environments. Evidence from both GWAS on the 418 hybrids and their parents and transcriptomics of the traditional rice hybrid Liangyoupei 9, indicated that dominance and overdominance are the main genetic contributions to heterosis. Furthermore, cumulation or complementation of repulsive genetic factors may account for 37.8% of the overdominant QTL and nearly half of the genes with overdominant expression pattern. We systematically compared non-additive and additive factors and observed a common phenomenon that non-additive factors are more sensitive to background than that of additive ones across species, phenotypes, QTLs and transcription levels, further evidence from both simulations and experiment demonstrated a novel universal molecular mechanism underlying heterosis, i.e. homo-insufficiency under insufficient background (HoIIB), which expounds that heterosis in most cases is not the heterozygote advantage but the homozygote disadvantage under the insufficient genetic background. The HoIIB model can explain most known hypotheses and phenomena about heterosis, thus provides a novel theory for future hybrid rice breeding.
The Effect and Attributable Risk of Daily Temperature on Category C Infectious Diarrhea in Guangdong Province, China
Authors: Hao Qiang , Gao Qi , Zhao Ran , Wang Haitao , Li Hao , Jiang Baofa
Published: August 2021

Previous studies have explored the effect between ambient temperature and infectious diarrhea (ID) mostly using the relative risk, which provides limited information in practical applications. There is limited study focused on the disease burden of ID caused by temperature, especially for different subgroups and cities in a multi-city setting. This study aims to estimate the effects and attributable risks of temperature on category C ID and explore potential modifiers among various cities in Guangdong. At first, the distributed lag non-linear models (DLNMs) were used to explore city-specific associations between daily mean temperature and category C ID from 2014 to 2016 in Guangdong and pooled them by applying the multivariate meta-analysis. Then, the multivariate meta-regression was further implemented to analyze the potential heterogeneity among various cities. Finally, we assessed the attributable burden of category C ID due to temperature, low (below the 5th percentile of temperature) and high temperature (above the 95th percentile of temperature) for each city and subgroup population. Comparing with the 50th percentile of daily mean temperature, adverse effects on category C ID were found when temperature was lower than 12.27℃ in Guangdong province. Some city-specific factors (longitude, urbanization rate, population density, disposable income per capita, and the number of medical technicians and beds per thousand persons) could modify the relationship of temperature-category C ID. During the study period, there were 60,505 category C ID cases (17.14% of total cases) attributable to the exposure of temperature, with the attributable fraction (AF) of low temperature (4.23%, 95% empirical confidence interval (eCI): 1.79%-5.71%) was higher than high temperature (1.34%, 95%eCI: 0.86%-1.64%). Males, people under 5 years and workers appeared to be more vulnerable to temperature, with an AF of 29.40%, 19.25%, and 21.49%, respectively. The AF varied substantially at the city level, with the largest AF of low temperature occurred in Shaoguan (9.58%, 95%eCI: 8.36%-10.09%), and that of high temperature occurred in Shenzhen (3.16%, 95%eCI: 2.70%-3.51%). Low temperature was an important risk factor for category C ID in Guangdong province, China. The exposure-response relationship could be modified by city-specific characteristics. Considering the whole population, the attributable risk of low temperature was much higher than high temperature, and males, people under 5 years and workers were vulnerable populations.
Innovated Banana Fiber Nonwoven Reinforced Polymer Composites: Effects of Pre- and Post-treatments on Physical and Mechanical Properties
Authors: Motaleb K.Z.M. Abdul , Ahad Abdul , Laureckiene Ginta , Milasius Rimvydas
Published: August 2021

Four types of nonwovens were prepared from different sections of the banana tree e.g., outer bark (OB), middle bark (MB), inner bark (IB) and midrib of leaf (MR) by wet laid web formation. They were reinforced on two different types of matrices e.g., epoxy (E) and polyester (P) to make eight variants of composites. Different concentration (5–15%) of NaOH and water repellent (WR); and different doses (100-500krd) of gamma radiation were applied in different stages of process. The properties like water absorbency, tensile strength (TS), flexural strength (FS) and elongation at break (Eb%) were investigated. OB composites were exhibited higher water absorbency, TS and FS but lower Eb% than other types of composites. Epoxy composites were found to have 16% lower water absorbency, 41.2% higher TS and 39.1% higher FS than polyester composites on an average. Alkali treatment reduced the water absorbency by 32%; improved the TS by 71%; improved the FS by 87% on an average at 15% NaOH. Water repellent treatment (on alkali treated composites) decreased the absorbency by 63% at 10% WR but increased 6.3% at 15% WR. Gamma radiation improved the TS of 30% and FS of 35% on an average at a dose of 100krd for IB and 200krd for other composites. Further increment of dose reduced both the FS and TS.
Genetic Stability in Melon Transformation System: Assessment by Flow Cytometry and ISSR Markers
Authors: Raji Mohammad Reza , Farajpour Mostafa
Published: August 2021

Genetic instability in melon species sometimes occurs as a result of in vitro tissue culture and transformation systems. This study describes a new regeneration technique for agrobacterium-mediated co-culture of muskmelon explants (Cucumis melo L. c.v. ‘Khatooni’). Here, no genetic instability was observed in positive PCR regenerants. 4-day-old cotyledonary explants had been infected with LBA4404 Agrobacterium suspensions. The co-cultivation occurred in the presence of 100mg/l rifampicin and 50mg/l kanamycin. The bacteria contained a binary vector pBI121 carrying nopaline synthase by the promoter-neomycin phosphotransferase gene. The regeneration succeeded 65% in selective MS medium containing N6-benzylaminopurine (600 µg/l), β-naphthoxyacetic acid (25 µg/l) and 50mg/l kanamycin in inoculated 4-day-old cotyledonary explants. According to the polymerase chain reaction analysis of neomycin phosphotransferase II gene, transformation was merely successful (8.4%), indicating a substantial miss on a large number of regenerated plants in the selective medium, as a consequence of PGR and antibiotic imbalances. Inter Single Sequence Repeat markers and flow cytometry analyses were used for evaluating the genetic stability and ploidy level of transplants, respectively. The integrated approach underlined that Agrobacterium inoculation and plant growth regulators were successfully combined in vitro to enable muskmelon transformation.
Sarcomatoid Hepatocellular Carcinoma With Skull Base Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Lin Chen , Chen Bo-An , Jung Shih-Ming , Lee Cheng-Chi
Published: August 2021

Background

Sarcomatoid hepatocellular carcinoma (SHC) is a relatively malignant tumor due to its recurrence and metastasis. Although metastatic SHC has been reported, skull base metastasis has not yet been documented.
Case presentation:

We herein report on a 51-year-old male with left throbbing headache and cranial nerve neuropathies. Magnetic resonance imaging revealed an extradural lesion of over 4 cm involving the jugular foramen, hypoglossal canal, clivus and the atlas. An endoscopic endonasal approach (EEA) was adopted for tissue biopsy and decompression, and the symptoms of the patient improved significantly after the surgery.
Conclusions

SHC invading the skull base is an extremely rare circumstance. For such extradural lesions, EEA is the most applicable and promising treatment approach.
Evaluation of Thyroglobulin Antibody Normalization in Papillary Thyroid Cancer Patients Receiving High-Dose I-131 Therapy
Authors: Hwang Sang Hyun , Jo KwanHyeong , Kang Chun Goo , Wang Jiyoung , Cho Hojin , Kang Won Jun , Cho Arthur
Published: August 2021

Purpose: Thyroglobulin antibody (TgAb) elevation after I-131 ablation may be difficult to evaluate in cases of recurrence, especially in high-risk patients. This study aimed to evaluate factors contributing to TgAb normalization in papillary thyroid cancer patients receiving high-dose I-131 therapy. Methods: From September 2009 to June 2012, 98 papillary thyroid cancer patients treated with 150 mCi radioactive iodine (RAI) were retrospectively enrolled. Early (3 day) and Delayed (7 day) post-RAI neck counts and reduction ratios were measured and correlated with clinical and pathologic findings. Patients with normal neck ultrasound and undetectable level of serum thyroglobulin (<0.1 ng/mL) and TgAb (<10 IU/mL) were defined as having successful ablation.Results: Thirty-five patients (35.7%) had thyroiditis and 28 (28.6%) achieved ablation success. The thyroiditis group had lower neck counts in both Early and Delayed whole-body scans (WBS), and higher reduction rates than the thyroiditis-absent group. In the ablation success group, Early and Delayed neck counts were significantly higher and the reduction rate of RAI was lower than those in the ablation failure group (p < 0.05). In multivariable analysis, Delayed neck count was the only significant factor for predicting ablation failure (odds ratio = 54.37, 95% confidence interval = 1.33-14.32; p = 0.015).Conclusion: I-131 uptake in the remnant thyroid gland and thyroiditis are factors that indicate TgAb normalization and ablation success in thyroid cancer patients receiving high-dose I-131 therapy.
The influence of primary care quality on nursing home admissions in a multimorbid population with and without dementia in Germany: A retrospective cohort study using health insurance claims data
Authors: Seibert Kathrin , Stiefler Susanne , Domhoff Dominik , Wolf-Ostermann Karin , Peschke Dirk
Published: August 2021

Background
Multimorbidity poses a challenge for high quality primary care provision for nursing care-dependent people with (PWD) and without (PWOD) dementia. Evidence on the association of primary care quality of multimorbid PWD and PWOD with the event of a nursing home admission (NHA) is missing. This study aimed to investigate the contribution of individual quality of primary care for chronic diseases in multimorbid care-dependent PWD and PWOD on the duration of ongoing residence at home before the occurrence of NHA.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective cohort study among elderly care-dependent PWD and PWOD in Germany for six combinations of chronic diseases using statutory health insurance claims data (2007–2016). Primary care quality was measured by 21 process and outcome indicators for hypertension, diabetes, depression, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease and heart failure. The primary outcome was time to NHA after initial onset of care-dependency. Multivariate Cox proportional hazard models were used to compare the time-to-event between PWD and PWOD.
Results
Among 5876 PWD and 12,837 PWOD 5130 NHA occurred. With the highest proportion of NHA for PWD with hypertension and depression and for PWOD with hypertension, diabetes and depression. Average duration until NHA ranged from 6.5 to 8.9 quarters for PWD and from 8.1 to 13.5 quarters for PWOD. Adjusted analyses show consistent associations of the quality of diabetes care with the duration of remaining in one's own home regardless of the presence of dementia. Process indicators assessing guideline-fidelity are associated with remaining in one's home longer, while indicators assessing complications, such as emergency inpatient treatment (HR = 2.67, 95% CI 1.99–3.60 PWD; HR = 2.81, 95% CI 2.28–3.47 PWOD) or lower-limb amputation (HR = 3.10, 95% CI 1.78–5.55 PWD; HR = 2.81, 95% CI 1.94–4.08 PWOD) in PWD and PWOD with hypertension and diabetes, increase the risk of NHA.
Conclusions
The quality of primary care provided to care-dependent multimorbid PWD and POWD, influences the time individuals spend living in their own homes after onset of care-dependency before a NHA. Health care professionals should consider possibilities and barriers of guideline-based, coordinated care for multimorbid care-dependent people. Further research on quality indicator sets that acknowledge the complexity of care for multimorbid elderly populations is needed.
Development of Caryopsis and Starch Physicochemical Properties in Different Grain Positions of Wheat Spikelets
Authors: Wang Leilei , Yu Xurun , Zhang Yong , Wu Yunfei , Xiong Fei
Published: August 2021

Background: Spikelets at different spike positions and the caryopsis at different grain positions grow and develop differently. The caryopsis development and physicochemical properties of starch at different grain positions (the first, second, and third grain positions: G1, G2, and G3) of wheat spikelets were investigated in this study. Results: During the development process, the thickness of both dorsal and abdomen pericarp 8 days after anthesis (DAA) followed the sequence G2 < G1 < G3. However, at 14 DAA the thickness followed the dorsal sequence of G1 < G2 < G3 and the abdomen sequence of G2 < G1 < G3. At 20 and 30 DAA, no difference existed in the pericarp thickness of each grain. The accumulation quantities before 20 DAA varied with starch and protein of endosperm cell in the order G1 > G2 > G3. In mature caryopsis, the caryopsis size and weight indicate that G1 = G2 > G3. The starch content followed the order G1 > G2 > G3, while the essential amino acid, the total amino acid, and the protein content followed the order G2 > G1 > G3. The apparent amylose content followed the sequence G3 > G2 > G1, and A-type starch content followed G3 > G1 > G2. The amorphous ratio followed the order G2 > G1 > G3, whereas the double-helix ratio and the relative crystallinity exhibited the opposite trend. The order of the final degree of hydrolysis through AAG, PPA, and HCL was G2 > G1 > G3. Conclusions: The different material contents were possibly due to the short development time of caryopsis, and the difference in starch physicochemical properties between G2 and the other grain positions might be related to the components and structural characteristics of starch.
Giant Left Anterior Descending Artery Aneurysm in a Patient With Active Systemic Lupus Erythematosus ：A Case Report Short Title: Rare Complications of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Yao Zipeng , Long Yanhong , Zong Zheng , Wang Lin
Published: August 2021

BackgroundAlthough not common, coronary artery aneurysms (CAAs) can develop to over 8 mm in diameter to become giant CAAs. In the context of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), autoantibody- and immune complex-mediated atherosclerosis is believed to be the most prevalent cause of aneurysm.Case presentationwe report the case of a 53-year-old female SLE patient who presented to our hospital with radiating chest pain. Coronary angiography revealed a giant aneurysm in the middle segment of the left anterior descending artery (LAD) and distal subtotal occlusion in the left circumflex artery (LCX). Laboratory testing also identified risk factors such as an abnormal pulmonary enzyme profile, dyslipidemia, and nephritis parameters.To prevent thromboembolism, anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy were administered. In addition, one stent was implanted at the distal end of the LCX and repeated coronary angiography verified restoration of TIMI grade III flow.The patient was discharged with resolved chest pain. During 6 months of follow-up, the patient is in good health.Conclusions﻿Our case study, together with 16 recent comparable reports, emphasizes the need for coronary aneurysm screening in SLE patients. It is necessary that thromboembolism, anticoagulation and antiplatelet therapy were administered for CAA.
Genetic analyses of SERPINA5 in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Matchett Billie J. , Lincoln Sarah J. , Baker Matt , Tamvaka Nikoleta , Cabrera-Rodriguez Janisse , Labuzan Sydney A. , Helminger Jacqueline , Hinkle Kelly M. , Duara Ranjan , Graff-Radford Neill R. , Ertekin-Taner Nilüfer , Ross Owen A. , Rademakers Rosa , Dickson Dennis W. , Murray Melissa
Published: August 2021

Alzheimer’s disease (AD) is a progressive neurodegenerative disease that is the most common cause of dementia. Our previous studies have shown that increased expression of the SERPINA5 gene is associated with hippocampal vulnerability in AD, and that the SERPINA5 protein binds to tau and co-localizes within neurofibrillary tangles. To determine if genetic variants in the SERPINA5 gene may be contributing to this phenotype, we sequenced 103 autopsy-confirmed young-onset AD cases with a positive family history of cognitive decline. We observed one individual with a rare missense variant (rs140138746) in the SERPINA5 gene, resulting in an amino acid change (p.E228Q). We screened a further 1170 neuropathologically diagnosed AD cases and identified an additional 5 carriers of this variant, resulting in an allelic frequency of 0.002141 within our AD validation cohort, which was comparable to online genomic databases. Although not significant, SERPINA5 p.E228Q variant carriers were found to be younger at age of onset and age of death than non-carriers. SERPINA5 p.E228Q variant carriers had a longer disease duration than non-carriers, which approached significance. To further elucidate possible neuropathologic contributions of the SERPINA5 p.E228Q variant, we carried out descriptive neuropathologic burden analysis on a variant carrier that was matched to a non-carrier for age, sex, disease duration, Braak tangle stage, TDP-43 positive status, and who possessed an APOE ε4 risk allele. Interestingly, SERPINA5 burden was lower in the SERPINA5 p.E228Q carrier than the non-carrier in 9 corticolimbic brain regions studied, which exaggerated the tau:SERPINA5 immunohistochemical ratio. The SERPINA5 p.E228Q carrier was observed to have more severe neuronal loss in several brain regions compared to the non-carrier. Together, we cautiously interpret these findings to suggest that the SERPINA5 p.E228Q variant may stall tangle maturity and slow AD disease progression, thus prolonging disease duration in these individuals.
Using Online Spaces to Recruit Kenyan Queer Womxn and Trans Men in Restrictive Offline Settings
Authors: Haase Stephanie , Zweigenthal Virginia , Müller Alex
Published: August 2021

BackgroundUnderstanding and addressing healthcare and service delivery inequalities is essential to increase equity and overcome health disparities and service access discrimination. While tremendous progress has been made towards the inclusion of sexual and gender minorities in health and other research, gaps still exist. Innovative methods are needed to close these. This case study describes and reflects on using online-based data collection to ascertain sexual health decision-making and health service utilisation among Kenyan queer womxn and trans men. Methods: Case study The study used a mixed-methods approach in two phases with triangulated quantitative and qualitative elements. Both elements used web-based technology to gather data. ResultsUsing online spaces to recruit and collect data from queer womxn and trans men exceeded expectations. A total of 360 queer womxn and trans men responded to the digitally distributed survey, and 33 people, queer womxn and trans men, as well as key informants, participated in the interviews, which were primarily conducted on Zoom and Skype. The case study analyses the risks and benefits of this approach and concludes that online sampling approaches can mitigate risks and enable effective and safe sampling of a marginalised group in a restrictive legal setting: Kenyan queer womxn and trans men. ConclusionUsing online spaces when researching marginalised populations may could effectively overcome risks around stigma, discrimination and violence. It can be an effective way to better understand these populations’ healthcare needs. Factors contributing to success included building trusting relationships with key members of the community, strategic and opportune timing, a nuanced understanding of the mobile landscape, and careful safety and security measures. However, it should be noted that conducting research online could increase the risk of further marginalising and excluding those without access to web-based technology.
Turkish cases of Mabry Syndrome with a novel homozygous mutation in PGAP2 gene
Authors: Jaiswar Sandeep , Kartal Ayşe
Published: August 2021

Hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome is a genetic disorder. We report two siblings aged three years and fourteen years who were investigated for global development delays, seizures and dysmorphic features. A novel missense variant, c.1003G>A (p. Ala335 Thr chr11.3,846,572 NM_001256236.1), in PGAP2 gene was identified using whole-exome sequencing. We highlight the significance of elevated alkaline phosphatase in patients with certain dysmorphic features, can lead to the diagnosis of hyperphosphatasia with mental retardation syndrome using exome sequencing.
Thermal management of photovoltaic panel with nano-enhanced phase change material at different inclinations
Authors: SASIDHARAN UNNIKRISHNAN KARTHAMADATHIL , BANDARU ROHINIKUMAR
Published: August 2021

Photovoltaic (PV) panel, coupled with phase change material (PCM), has attracted broad attention for the panel's thermal management. Despite the higher energy storage capability of PCMs, the main disadvantage is their low thermal conductivity which is compensated to an extent with the nano-enhanced PCMs (NEPCMs). In this study, numerical simulations are carried out to compare the natural convection phenomena and thermal response of PV-NEPCM with simple PV-PCM for various tilt angles. CuO nanoparticles with a 4% volume concentration are selected for NEPCM. The thermal performance of PV-NEPCM at inclinations of 0°, 15°, 30°, and 45\(^\circ\) are compared with a simple PV-PCM system. The average temperature of PV, liquid fraction and thermal energy stored in PCM, the PV efficiency are compared for PV-PCM and PV-NEPCM systems. Results show that the loading of nanoparticles increases the conduction heat transfer inside PCM. It has also been shown that at lower inclinations, the use of NEPCM is more effective due to the dominance of conduction heat transfer. At higher tilt angles, natural convection plays a significant role in the heat transfer mechanism inside PCM. By using NEPCM, the maximum decrease in PV temperature of 1.11\(℃\) and maximum improvement in the liquid fraction (7.6%) are achieved when \({\theta }=0^\circ\) compared to simple PCM. Enhancement of thermal energy stored in PCM increases slightly upon adding nanoparticles, and the highest improvement is obtained for \({\theta }=0^\circ .\) Maximum enhancement of PV efficiency is found to be 1.6% for \({\theta }=0^\circ\) inclination on adding nanoparticles at a fraction of 4 vol.%. Keywords: PV, nano-enhanced PCM, nanoparticles, natural convection, liquid fraction.
NF-κB/ABCA1 Pathway Aggravates ox-LDL-Induced Cell Pyroptosis by Activation of NLRP3 Inflammasomes in THP-1-Derived Macrophages
Authors: Li Jiashan , Liu Jiaru , Yu Ying , Liu Yuee , Guan Xiuru
Published: August 2021

There is now overwhelming experimental and clinical evidence that atherosclerosis is a chronic inflammatory disease and characterized by lipid deposition in blood vessels. Pyroptosis, an inflammatory form of cell death by certain inflammasomes, has been shown to be associated with the development of AS in recent years. However, the relationship between lipid deposition in foam cells and cell pyroptosis has not been clarified. Here, we demonstrate that with increasing ox-LDL concentration, the expression of pyroptosis associated protein GSDMD, NLRP3 inflammasome gradually increased, intracellular LDH and mature IL-1β release increased, and the proportion of double positive cells with Hoechst/PI staining increased. Interestingly, the expression of NF-κB signal activation marker protein p-NF-κB and p-IκB increased with the increase of ox-LDL concentration. Ox-LDL-induced pyroptosis can be abolished by NF-κB phosphorylation inhibitor, BAY11-7082. Additionally, BAY11-7082 could also significantly up-regulate the protein expression of ABCA1 and eliminate the inhibitory effect of ox-LDL on the expression of ABCA1.Moreover, siABCA1 was transfected into THP-1-derived macrophages under ox-LDL treatment. Compared with the control group, the expression of GSDMD and NLRP3 inflammasome, the release of mature IL-1β and LDH increased, and the proportion of Hoechst/PI staining double-positive cells increased with blocked cholesterol efflux. Finally, cells treated with VX-765, a pyroptosis inhibitor, showed increased cholesterol efflux and cell foaming in THP-1-derived macrophages,which suggest that cell pyroptosis may be a "double-edged sword" in the development of AS. In conclusion,our findings demonstrate for the first time that the NF-κB/ABCA1 pathway is involved in ox-LDL induced pyroptosis by cholesterol efflux blocked activation of NLRP3 inflammasomes in THP-1-derived macrophages, providing a new therapeutic avenue for the prevention and treatment of AS.
Implementation of Project Management Concept for Conversion into a Smart City: A Case Study on Agartala
Authors: Paul Swarup
Published: August 2021

Recently the smart city concept has become a burning topic in India. The government of India has already selected more than hundred cities to be converted into smart cities. Agartala, the capital of Tripura, is one of such selected cities. There are numerous applications of engineering aspects in the course of conversion of a city into a smart city. Project Management is one such area which has tremendous application in smart city development. But extensive literature reviews show only the concept, various constituents, and effects of a smart city on its citizens. No systematic procedure of implementation of different activities with a view to converting a city into a smart city using the concept of Project Management from nascent stage has been found in literature. Application of Project Management can help a lot the competent authority to get a clear idea on different components of smart city project. The present work highlights the application of Project Management on smart city development. Agartala city has been considered as a case study for this present work due to its typical geographical location as well as different activities it requires to start with. The degree of importance of different activities in the network diagram of the project has been decided by applying multi criteria decision making tools. Thus, this present work finally determines the total project completion time together with critical activities of the project. This work can give rise to a general idea in the competent authorities dealing with other cities also.
Leakage Mitigation in NW FET using Negative Schottky Junction Drain and its Process Variation
Analysis
Authors: Shaikh Mohd Rizwan Uddin , Loan Sajad A , Alharbi Abdullah G
Published: August 2021

In this work, a Schottky junction on the drain side employing low workfunction (WF) metal is proposed as a method to suppress the OFF-state leakage in nanowire (NW) field-effect transistor (FET). Instead of a highly n+ doped drain, low WF metal with negative electron Schottky-barrier height (SBH) as a drain minimizes the lateral band-to-band tunneling (L-BTBT) considerably. L-BTBT is the movement of carriers (holes) from the drain conduction band (CB) into the channel valence band (VB) during the OFF-state. Impact of varying WF at channel-drain junction on the device characteristics is studied. It is observed that SBH60 eV is required to mitigate L-BTBT compared to the conventionally-doped and junctionless (JL) NW counterpart. Furthermore, unlike L-BTBT, leakage in NW Schottky-drain (SD) comprises of holes tunneling through the SB from the metal drain into the channel and termed as the lateral SB tunneling (L-SBT). In contrast to JL NW FET, the process variation immunity (varying channel doping, NCh and NW diameter, dNW ) and the ON-state current of the proposed device is not compromised at the expense of lower OFF-state LSBT. Instead, the device is less susceptible to process variations and retains the ON-state performance of the NW MOSFET. For a ±20% change in NCh, ∆IOF F /IOF F of 7% compared to 97% in NW JL FET is observed.
Consequences of Obstetric Fistula: Lived Experiences of Fistula Patient Women in Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia.
Authors: Sori Demisew Amenu , Debelew Gurmesa Tura , Berihe Aster , Hordofa Zerihun Asefa
Published: August 2021

Background: Women in low-income countries, including Ethiopia, experience delays in seeking treatment and suffer from obstetric fistula and its consequences. To assess the consequences of obstetric fistula among women who were patient of the problem in Jimma University Medical Center, Southwest Ethiopia. Methods: An exploratory study was conducted among 24 women receiving obstetric fistula treatment from April 01-30, 2019 at Jimma University Medical Centre. Data were collected by in-depth interviews. Data analysis was done by using thematic framework analysis.Results: Most women with obstetric fistula face various physical challenges such as pain, body weakness, and numbness of legs. They also face various psychosocial problems such as humiliation, stigma, and discrimination, inability to participate in social events, divorce, stress, depression, and suicidal ideation. Conclusion: Obstetric fistula exerts tremendous physical, emotional, financial, and social trauma on those affected. So, strengthening the existing fistula care and integrate psycho-social and economic support is very crucial.
Non-destructive and Quantitative Viscoelastic-Mapping of Cellulose Nanofibrils Using Low-Total-Force Contact Resonance Force Microscopy (LTF-CRFM)1
Authors: Hess Kristen M. , Killgore Jason P. , Sr Wil V.
Published: August 2021

Low-total-force contact resonance force microscopy (LTF-CRFM), an atomic force microscopy method, is introduced as a non-destructive means to quantify the local viscoelastic loss tangent (δ) of cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs). The method limits static and dynamic forces during measurement to minimize substrate and geometry effects and to reduce the potential for stress-induced CNF damage. LTF-CRFM uses Brownian motion to achieve the thermally-limited lowest dynamic force, while approaching adhesive pull-off to achieve the low static force. LTF-CRFM measurements were shown to generate analyzable data without evidence of nonlinear artifacts and without damage to the CNF over static forces ranging from 11.6 nN to 84.6 nN. The measured δ of CNFs was 0.015 ± 0.0094, which is the first reported δ measurement of an isolated CNF. Finally, LTF-CRFM successfully mapped δ along the length of CNFs to determine that kink defects along the CNF do not impart a local viscoelastic property change at the length scale of the measurement.
Ultrathick MoS2 Films with Exceptionally High Volumetric Capacitance
Authors: Bo Zheng , Cheng Xiangnan , Yang Huachao , Guo Xinzheng , Yan Jianhua , Cen Kefa , Han Zhaojun , Dai Liming
Published: August 2021

Manufacturing electrode films at an industrial-level submillimeter thickness (~ 100 µm) with superior volumetric performance is of practical significance for the commercialization of miniaturized supercapacitor systems. Herein, we propose a commercially scalable solvated-ion-intercalated hydrothermal strategy to demonstrate a recorded-high volumetric capacitance (511.29 F cm− 3) for supercapacitors based on industrial-level submillimeter MoS2 film electrode (94.2 µm). The intercalated solvated-Li+ ions increase the amount of negative surface charges and reduce the formation energy of 1T MoS2, leading to a high metallic phase purity of 82.7% with enhanced electrical conductivity. Together with the expanded interlayer distance (~ 1.23 nm), this allows rapid electron transfer and ion transport in the excessively-stacked ultrathick MoS2 film to be simultaneously realized. Thus, the as-fabricated MoS2||activated carbon asymmetric supercapacitor presents both high energy and power densities, outperformed those of commercial devices, including supercapacitors with submillimeter-thick electrodes and even micrometer-thick electrodes.
Optimized Virtual Optical Waveguides Enhance Light Throughput in Scattering Media
Authors: Pediredla Adithya , Scopelliti Matteo Giuseppe , Narasimhan Srinivasa , chamanzar Maysam , Gkioulekas Ioannis
Published: August 2021

Ultrasonically sculpted gradient-index optical waveguides make it possible to non-invasively steer and confine light inside scattering media. This confinement capability has applications in tissue and brain imaging, where virtual optical waveguides can be used on their own or cascaded with physical optical elements. The level of light confinement strongly depends on ultrasound parameters such as modulation pattern, frequency, and amplitude, as well as the material parameters of the scattering medium such as the refractive index, scattering coefficient, and phase function. We provide a characterization of these dependencies for a radially symmetric virtual optical waveguide. To this end, we develop a physically-accurate simulator, and use it to quantify how different ultrasound and material parameters affect light confinement. We explain our observations through a qualitative analysis of the behavior of multiply scattered light. We use the results of this analysis to demonstrate that, by properly designing ultrasound parameters, we can achieve a fourfold improvement in light confinement compared to previous virtual optical waveguide designs. We additionally show that virtual optical waveguides can achieve up to 50% light throughput enhancement compared to an ideal external lens, in a medium that mimics the scattering properties of human bladder, and at an optical thickness of one transport mean free path. Lastly, we show experimental results that corroborate the simulation predictions. In particular, we demonstrate for the first time that virtual optical waveguides effectively recycle scattered light in turbid media, and can achieve a 15% light throughput enhancement at five transport mean free paths.
Vertebral fractures as a precursor to potential hip fractures in elderly women
Authors: Wu Xuan , Chen Xiang-xu , Bai Li-yong , Chen Hui , Rui Yun-feng
Published: August 2021

Objective: The purpose of this study was to investigate the kind of low-energy fracture which is a precursor of hip fracture in the elderly, and to suggest the importance of osteoporosis treatment and gait training for fall prevention after this low-energy fracture to prevent the occurrence of secondary hip fracture. Methods: From January 2017 to December 2020, a total of 564 patients who underwent surgical treatment for hip fractures were admitted to the Zhongda Hospital affiliated to Southeast University. Baseline information including gender, age, diagnosis and type of low-energy fracture before hip fracture were collected. FRAX score, the number of patients received functional training and the number of patients received anti-osteoporosis treatment were analyzed. Results: There were180 male patients and 384 female patients in the total 564 patients. The number of male patients with low-energy fractures before hip fracture was 28, including hip fracture (8 cases), vertebral fracture (8 cases) and humeral fracture (7 cases), and radial fracture (5 cases). The number of female hip fracture patients with a low-energy fracture before fracture was 62, containing vertebral fracture (31 cases), hip fracture (15 cases), radial fracture (9 cases) and humeral fracture (7 cases). It was found that vertebral fractures were the most frequent low-energy fractures that preceded hip fractures in elderly women compared to other low-energy fractures. It was showed that the 10-year probability of hip fracture and other site fractures was significantly higher in the group with lumbar fractures and other site fractures than those in the group without fractures assessed by using the FRAX measurement system. There were no statistical significance among the three groups of patients who underwent functional training and anti-osteoporosis treatment. We could not find statistical significance among the three groups of patients who underwent functional training and anti-osteoporosis treatment. Conclusion: Vertebral fracture is a precursor of hip fracture in elderly women. In face of the vertebral fractures, surgeons, especially orthopedic surgeons, should pay extra attention to the treatment of osteoporosis and anti-fall functional training.
Analysis of Annual Maximum Rainfall for Frequency Distribution to Determine the Best-fitted Probability Distribution for Different Sites in Pakistan.
Authors: khan Tasir , Wang Yejuan , Anwar Mohammad
Published: August 2021

In the project of irrigation and addition structure of hydraulic, it is important to assess the specific probability of extreme rainfall. The novelty of this study is the use of KS, Chi-square, root mean square error (RMSE), and peak weight root means square error (PWRMSE) to evaluate the fit theoretical and Empirical distributions. Thirty-seven years of meteorological data from 1980 to 2017, the frequency analysis of the annual maximum rainfall in 10 regions of Pakistan was conducted. Used eight formulas to predict the annual return period of the maximum hourly precipitation every year. Five different probability distribution functions (PDF) are used to predict the probability distribution of the annual maximum hourly rainfall. Use the chi-square test and Kolmogorov- Smirnov to assess the goodness of fit. It shows that the log-logistics distribution is the overall best-fitting PDF of the annual maximum hourly rainfall in most areas of Pakistan. Besides, the peak weight relative mean square error and root mean square error goodness of fit test indicators both indicate that most suitable distribution of the probability function of all stations analysis is similar. The value of root means square error (RMSE) is almost always smaller than peak weight root means square error (PWRMSE). This is due to the higher weighting of value above the average value in the PWRMSE goodness of fit index, while for the RMSE goodness of fit index individual value has an equal weight.
Community Pharmacists’ as Influenza immunizers in a Middle Eastern country: A national web-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abbas Linda Abou , Hassan Hamad
Published: August 2021

Background

Utilizing community pharmacists (CPs) as immunizers has being adopted in various countries as approach to boost influenza vaccination coverage. Our study aims to explore the Lebanese CPs’ willingness to administer influenza vaccine, and to identify factors associated with this willingness.
Methods

This is a web-based, cross-sectional study, conducted over 2 months, from the 1st of November to the end of December 2020, among Lebanese CPs. An anonymous, questionnaire using google form was sent electronically to pharmacists. The collected data was analyzed using the statistical software SPSS (Statistical Package for Social Sciences). Bivariate and multivariate analyses were performed to examine factors associated with the willingness of CPs to administer influenza vaccine.
Results

A total of 412 CPs participated in this survey of which 76.9% are willing to administer influenza vaccines. More than 90% of them had a good overall knowledge score and 88.8% of CPs showed a positive overall attitude score, particularly towards involvement of CPs in influenza vaccine provision. Their willingness to administer vaccine was positively associated with the younger age (aOR = 3.106 with 95% CI (1.597 to 6.040)), higher education level (aOR = 2.022 with 95% CI (1.093 to 3.741)), previous experience in immunization (aOR = 2.725 with 95% CI (1.320 to 5.627)) and urbanicity of pharmacy (aOR = 1.542 with 95% CI(1.219 to 4.627)). Extensive working hours (aOR = 2.341 with 95% CI (1.131 to 4.845)), working in pharmacies that are operating round-the-clock, showing positive attitude towards immunization (aOR = 3.014 with 95% CI (1.872 to 10.422)) and towards provision of influenza vaccines (aOR = 13.721 with 95% CI (13.721 to 38.507)) were also positively associated to this willingness. Conversely, patient privacy (aOR = 0.553 with 95% CI (0.079 to 0.983)), time and cost for professional development (aOR = 0.551 with 95% CI (0.172 to 0.918)), limited patient’s trust (aOR = 0.339 with 95% CI (0.203 to 0.784)), financial remuneration (aOR = 0.182 with 95% CI (0.088 to 0.377)), and requirement of formal certification in vaccine administration (aOR = 0.182 with 95% CI (0.088 to 0.377)) were negatively associated to this willingness.
Conclusion

Addressing the unearthed concerns related to utilizing CPs as influenza immunizers through a concerted effort is a key to success in any future implementation of vaccination services in pharmacies.
Knowledge and Attitude Regarding Infection Control Among Undergraduate Dental Students at B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences.
Authors: Acharya Pujan , Baral Ratna , Shrestha Sajeev , Baral Dharanidhar
Published: August 2021

Background: In academic institutes, dental students are not only involved in academic activities, but also in the management of patients’ care. This calls for inculcation of adequate knowledge and positive attitude among them so that a good clinical practice is implemented in the dental setting, thereby creating a safe working environment for students as well as patients. Thus, the study was conducted to assess knowledge and attitude regarding infection control among undergraduate dental students of B.P.Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.Methods: An online descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at BPKIHS from February till March 2021. Undergraduate students from third year, fourth year and internship were included in the study. A self-administered questionnaire comprised of demographic characteristics, knowledge and attitude regarding infection control was used to collect the data via a Google form. Descriptive and inferential statistics was used to analyze the data. The p value <0.05 was considered statistically significant at 95% confidence interval.Results: A total of 136 undergraduate dental students participated out of which 65.0% were females and 35.0% were males. Out of the total participants, 78.7% were found to have adequate knowledge while 74.3% participants showed ‘positive’ attitude. Mean age of the participants with adequate knowledge was significantly higher than participants with inadequate knowledge (p=0.047). The difference in knowledge among participants was statistically significant (p=0.001) in academic years. The majority (90.4%) of interns showed adequate knowledge followed by fourth year (83.7%) and third year (58.7%) students. The difference in attitude, was also statistically significant (p= 0.011) in academic years, but it was mostly (90.4%) of positive attitude in fourth year participants followed by third year (68.3%) and Interns (65.4 %).Conclusion: The present study reports adequate knowledge and positive attitude regarding infection control among undergraduate dental students in BPKIHS. Further studies are encouraged to be conducted among students from different academic institutes all over the country to ascertain their level of attitude and knowledge regarding infection control in dental care services.
Factors Impacting University–Industry Collaboration in European Countries
Authors: Cudic Bojan , Alešnik Peter , Hazemali David
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to examine the links between university-industry collaboration (UIC) predictors (inputs), and the results of UIC cooperation (outputs). The focus of the research is UIC within the European Union member states and the Western Balkan countries.The analysis was conducted using the partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM). This method enabled examining the links between variables that are not directly observable. The authors used data for the period of three years, 2015–2018. The results prove that countries investing in UIC predictors (inputs) have better UIC performance (outputs). Based on the statistical analysis, the authors identified the investments in knowledge, networking, and research and development (R&D), in general, as the most significant that impact UIC performance.