bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical characteristics and prognosis analysis of uterine sarcoma: a single- institution retrospective study
Authors: Wang Fang , Dai Xinyue , Hu Xiaoli , Chen Huijun , Wang Yuanqiu
Published: August 2022

Background
Uterine sarcoma is a rare and aggressive malignant gynecologic malignancy, characterized by a relatively high recurrence rate and poor prognosis. The aim of this study was to investigate the clinicopathological features and explore the prognostic factors of these malignancies.
Methods
This is a single-institution, retrospective study. We reviewed the medical records of 155 patients with pathologically confirmed uterine sarcoma including uterine leiomyosarcoma (ULMS), low-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (LG-ESS), high-grade endometrial stromal sarcoma (HG-ESS), undifferentiated uterine sarcoma (UUS) and adenosarcoma (AS) between 2006 and 2022. 112 patients operated between January 2006 and April 2019 were included in survival analysis. The current study recorded the clinicopathological data, treatments and outcomes to determine clinical characteristics and survival data.
Results
The most common histopathological type was ULMS (40.64%), followed by LG-ESS (36.13%) and HG-ESS (10.32%). The mean age at diagnosis of all patients was 49 years and 32.90% were postmenopausal. 15 patients underwent fast-frozen section, 63(54.78%) were diagnosed with malignancy, 29(25.22%) were highly suspected of malignancy that needed further clarification and 23(14.84%) patients were diagnosed as benign disease. 124(80%) patients underwent total hysterectomy (TH) and salpingo-oophorectomy. The multivariate analyses showed that Histological types and tumor size were independent prognostic factors both for overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Tumor stage was only significantly associated with PFS. Elevated preoperative NLR, PLR and postmenopausal status were significantly correlated with shorter PFS and OS in univariate analysis, but no statistically significant difference was found in multivariate analysis.
Conclusions
In patients with uterine sarcoma, in comparison to LMS and LG-ESS, UUS and HG-ESS tend to present as more aggressive tumors with poorer outcomes. Furthermore, larger tumor (> 7.5cm) was an important predictor for shorter PFS and OS.
Are Chinese sexual minority youth at a disadvantage in accessibility to sexual and reproductive health services? Findings from a national survey
Authors: Liang Yun , Hee Jiayi , Peng Chunxiao , Li Chunyan , Cao Wenzhen , Tang Kun
Published: August 2022

Background
Little is known about the accessibility to general sexual and reproductive health (SRH) services among sexual and gender minority communities in China, where gender- and sexuality-related stigma and discrimination remains high. The aim of this study is to investigate the accessibility to SRH services among Chinese sexual minority youths (SMY) aged 15–24 years old.
Methods
This cross-sectional study utilizes data on 54,580 youths from the 2019–2020 National College Student Survey on Sexual and Reproductive Health, conducted across 31 provinces in mainland China. Multivariable logistic regression modelling was conducted to assess the accessibility to SRH services among Chinese youth with different self-reported sexual orientation.
Results
A total of 77.6% of respondents self-identified as heterosexual, while 2.8% identified as lesbian or gay, and 9.0% as bisexual. Accessibility to free condoms at formal health services (OR 1.62, 95% CI: 1.32–1.99) and medical treatment (OR 1.83, 95% CI: 1.26–2.63) were significantly higher among gay men compared to heterosexual men. Gay men (OR 1.38, 95% CI: 1.13–1.68) and bisexual men (OR 1.33, 95% CI: 1.03–1.71) were more likely to use condom at first sexual intercourse compared to heterosexual men. However, the associations were reversed among female respondents.
Conclusions
Although SMY reported higher SRH services utilization compared to their heterosexual counterparts, the accessibility to SRH services remains low among Chinese youths. Policymakers should focus on improving the accessibility to SMY-friendly SRH services among Chinese youths.
Assessment of mechanisms underlying flyash-mediated control of oxidative stress and antioxidant metabolism in Vicia faba L.
Authors: Hussain Alisha , faizan Shahla , Bushra Sayyada
Published: August 2022

Globally, increasing coal-fired power production has resulted in large accumulations of coal combustion byproducts such as fly ash, widely recognized as a valuable soil ameliorant. Taking into account bakla (Vicia faba L.) in greenhouse experiments, this study aimed to assess the effects of soils amended with fly ash (FA; 0% 5%, 10%, 20%, 30%, 40% and 50%) on the plant growth characteristics and the major photosynthesis variables [(including chlorophyll content; stomatal behavior; activity of carbonic anhydrase (CA), a chloroplast-localized metalloenzyme)]; activity of nitrate reductase (NR), a rate-limiting enzyme of nitrogen metabolism; damage indicators [reactive oxygen species (ROS); and malondialdehyde (MDA), a lipid peroxidation product; and cell viability); and also to evaluate the role of defense characteristics such as proline (a nitrogenous osmolyte), and the major enzymes involved in dismutation of superoxide (superoxide dismutase, SOD); metabolism of H2O2–metabolism (catalase, CAT), and in peroxide-cleaving redox reactions (peroxidase, POX). Measurements were done at 45 days after sowing (DAS). Among the FA-proportions tested, 40 and 50% FA caused significant decreases in plant growth characteristics namely shoot length, root length, plant fresh and dry weight, and leaf area; photosynthesis variables including chlorophyll content, stomatal behavior (aperture size, shape and frequency of stomata); activity of CA and NR, and the viability of cells. These decreases in the mentioned parameters were corroborated with increases in ROS and MDA contents. However, when grown in soils amended with 5%, 10%, 20% and 30% FA, V. faba plants exhibited improvements in the mentioned parameters of growth and photosynthesis, and stomata; and cell viability; which were accompanied with the decreased contents of ROS and MDA, and coordinated increases in the activity of SOD, CAT and POX. Given the protective role of lower concentrations of FA (5%, 10%, 20% and 30%) in V. faba, these FA concentrations may be utilized as a fertilizer in sustainably improving the health and productivity of vegetable crops.
Effects of glutathionylation on guanylyltransferase activity of NS5 N-terminal capping domain from dengue, Japanese encephalitis and zika viruses
Authors: Saisawang Chonticha , Reamtong Onrapak , Nachampa Isara , Petcharat Patchareebhorn , Priewkhiew Suphansa , Wongsantichon Jantana , Ketterman Albert J.
Published: August 2022

Three arboviruses, dengue virus, Zika virus and Japanese encephalitis virus, have wide distribution putting millions of people at risk of infection. These three flaviviruses show evolutionarily conserved features for the viral proteins, which consist of seven non-structural and three structural proteins. Non-structural protein 5 (NS5) is important for viral replication as it possesses multiple functions including both enzyme and non-enzyme roles. Oxidative stress induced by virus infection triggers glutathionylation of cell proteins. This study was to identify the effects of modification by glutathionylation on the guanylyltransferase activity of NS5 and identify the cysteine residues modified for the three flavivirus NS5 proteins. We found the three flavivirus proteins behaved in a similar fashion with increasing glutathionylation yielding decreasing guanylyltransferase activity. The three proteins also possessed conserved cysteines and these appeared to be modified for all three proteins. The glutathionylation appears to induce conformational changes that affect enzyme activity but possibly also create binding sites for host cell protein interactions that occur at later stages of viral propagation.
Inverse association between Helicobacter pylori infection and childhood asthma in a physical examination population: a cross- sectional study in Chongqing, China
Authors: Wang Donghai , Chen Yuxia , Ding Yuan , Tu Jinwei
Published: August 2022

Background: Childhood asthma has substantial effects on children’s health. It is important to identify factors in early life that influence childhood asthma. Accumulating evidence indicates that Helicobacter pylori may protect against allergic diseases. This study aimed to evaluate the relationship between H. pylori infection and pediatric asthma in Chongqing, China.Materials and Methods: This cross-sectional study included healthy children aged 4–18 years who underwent a 13C urea breath test during medical checkups in 2021. All medical information was extracted from electronic medical records and a big data system. Logistic regression was used to evaluate the association between H. pylori infection and pediatric asthma, and multivariate regression models were adjusted for covariates.Results: In our study, 2241 participants, including 1240 boys (55.33%) and 1001 girls (44.67%), underwent urea breath testing (average age: 8.67 ± 2.70 years). Among them, 292 (13.03%) were positive for H. pylori and 152 (6.78%) had asthma. The rates of asthma diagnosis in H. pylori-negative and -positive children were 7.23% and 3.77%, respectively (odds ratio = 1.995; 95% confidence interval: 1.003–3.968; P < .05). Furthermore, family history of asthma and the percentage of eosinophils in routine blood examination were associated with childhood asthma; however, the body mass index, platelet count, and serum vitamin D level were not.Conclusions: We demonstrated a significant inverse association between H. pylori infection and pediatric asthma in Chongqing, China. Further studies are required to determine the causal association and underlying mechanisms to prevent and control childhood asthma
Desiccation tolerance limits, seed longevity in hermetic seed conservations in Acid Lime (Citrus aurantifolia Swingle)
Authors: H.M. Pallavi , Dhananjay B , Patil Bapurayagouda , GN Anand , KJ Sowmya
Published: August 2022

Storage capability of acid lime seeds are under question due to its intermediate to recalcitrant nature. Seed desiccation tolerance limits plays major role in storage of seeds with better viability for propagation in citrus. An experiment was conducted to explore the effect of desiccation limits on germination, influence of storage conditions on seed viability. Fresh seeds of kagzi acid lime investigated showed as the moisture content was reduced from 50.06% to 11.97%, the mean germination percentage was also reduced from 85.25% to 38.50% indicating sensitivity to desiccation tolerance and exhibited recalcitrant to intermediate storage behavior. The experiments on storage conditions results showed that seeds packed in aluminum foil and stored at 100C retained higher germination (62%) and seedling growth parameters up to 3 weeks of storage.
Dexmedetomidine attenuates acute stress-impaired learning and memory in mice by maintaining the homeostasis of intestinal flora
Authors: Hu Xing , Lin Yizi , Xiao Jingni , Dai Chao , Hu Zhaolan , Xie Hebin , Qin Jiao , Chen Li
Published: August 2022

Dexmedetomidine (Dex) has been used in surgery to improve patients' postoperative cognitive function. However, the role of Dex in stress-induced anxiety-like behaviors and cognitive impairment is still unclear. In this study, we tested the role of Dex in anxiety-like behavior and cognitive impairment induced by acute restrictive stress, and analyzed the alterations of the intestinal flora to explore the possible mechanism. Behavioral and cognitive tests, including open field test, elevated plus-maze test, novel object recognition test, Barnes maze test, were performed. Intestinal gut Microbe 16S rRNA sequencing was analyzed. We found that intraperitoneal injection of Dex significantly improved acute restrictive stress-induced anxiety-like behavior, recognition, and memory impairment. By the analysis of intestinal flora, we found that acute stress caused intestinal flora disorder in mice. Dex intervention changed the composition of the intestinal flora of acute stress mice, stabilized the ecology of the intestinal flora, and significantly increased the levels of Blautia and Coprobacillus. These findings suggest that Dex may inhibit the release of inflammatory factors through the intestinal flora and ultimately improving acute stress-induced cognitive impairment.
Study of Dielectric and Thermodynamic properties of Aqueous Glycine
Authors: Alwaleedy Suad , Mohemmed Saeed , Karale Ravikant , Kumbharkhane Ashok C. , Roy Bunty Rani , Sarode Arvind V.
Published: August 2022

Dielectric and thermodynamic properties of aqueous glycine having molecular weight 75.07 g/mol have been studied at different concentrations in the range 0.459 to 1.480 mol/kg in the temperature range of 298.15–278.15 K. Time Domain Reflectometery technique was used in the frequency range of 10 MHz to 30 GHz. Havriliak-Nigami equation was used to analyze the frequency dependence of the complex permittivity spectra. Two relaxation processes have been detected for studied system which requires two Debye relaxation model to describe the complex permittivity spectra 𝛆*(v). The low frequency relaxation process is associated with glycine molecules called β-relaxation while the high frequency relaxation process is associated with water molecules called γ-relaxation. For β –process, relaxation time was observed to be increasing towards lower temperature and higher concentration, which is associated with the rotational motion of glycine molecules in the surrounding of water. Relaxation strength was also observed to be increasing towards low temperature and high concentration, relaxation time and relaxation strength for γ- process was found almost independent of temperature. The study also covers solvation dynamics of glycine through the observed hydration number (Nhyd) and the effective hydration number (Zib). The effective dipole moment has been obtained using Cavell equation in order to see the effect of temperature and concentrations on the dipole moment and ultimately the dielectric constant of the solute molecules. The nature of the molecular interactions in pure liquid and liquid mixtures can be well understood in terms of thermodynamic functions. Thermo dynamical parameters such as molal entropy (∆S), molal enthalpy (∆H) and molal free energy (∆F) in addition to activation entropy, enthalpy and free energies have also been calculated in order to support the obtained dielectric parameters.
Alignment of CCI total ankle replacements in relation to midterm functional outcome and complication incidence.
Authors: Hermus Joris Petrus Sebastiaan , Kuijk Sander van , Witlox Adhiambo , Poeze Martijn , Rhijn Lodewijk W van , Arts Chris
Published: August 2022

Background: Total ankle arthroplasty is increasingly used as a treatment for endstage ankle arthropathy. The aim of our study was to report the mid-term clinical function and survival results of Ceramic Coated Implant (CCI) ankle replacements and assess the association between the alignment of the CCI total ankle replacements and early functional outcome and complication incidence.Methods: Data of 61 patients, who received 65 CCI implants between 2010 and 2016, were obtained from a prospectively documented database. Mean follow-up time was 85.2 months (range 27-99 months). Clinical function was assessed with AOFAS questionnaire and passive range of motion (ROM). Survival analysis and elaborate radiographic analysis was performed. Furthermore, complications and re-operations were recorded for all patients Results: Progression in ROM was most seen in the first 10 months from 21.8 degrees of passive range of motion preoperative to 27.6 degrees postoperative (p< 0.001), while the AOFAS gradually increased till 16 months postoperative from a mean of 40.9 points preoperative to an average of 82.5 over the whole follow up period of 7.1 years (p < 0.001). During follow-up we recorded 8 failures (12.3%) resulting in a Kaplan-Meier survival analysis of 87.7% with a median follow-up of 85.2 months. Conclusion: We observed excellent clinical results and survival after TAA with the CCI implant with only a low mid-term complication rateLevel of Evidence: Level III, prospective cohort study
Prevalence and Factors Associated With Uptake of the Second Dose of the Human Papilloma Virus Vaccine Among Adolescent Girls in Kawempe Division, Kampala
Authors: Nakendo Abubakri , Busingye Robert , Kakaire Othman
Published: August 2022

Introduction: Cervical cancer is a major public health problem and a leading cause of cancer related deaths among women in Uganda. Cervical cancer is caused by human papilloma virus. The ministry of health introduced HPV vaccine in the national routine immunization program which is given in two doses. Many adolescents receive HPV-1 but miss HPV-2; therefore don’t get full protection against the Human papilloma virus. This study determined the prevalence and factors associated with uptake of second dose of the human papilloma virus vaccine among adolescent girls in Kawempe division, Uganda.Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 550 female adolescent girls. Multi-stage random sampling was used to select the parishes and villages with the homes of the parents of the girls. Data were collected using an interviewer administered questionnaire. Uptake of the HPV-2 Vaccine was determined. Bivariate and multivariate analysis was conducted to determine factors independently associated with uptake of the second dose of HPV Vaccine.Results: The Uptake of the second dose of HPV Vaccine was 44.6% (245/550). The factors associated with HPV-2 Vaccine uptake were: knowledge about HPV vaccination services (AOR = 1.88, 95% CI = 1.26–2.79, P = 0.002), Satisfaction of adolescent girls about the HPV vaccination services (AOR = 1.96, 95% CI = 1.10–3.49, P = 0.022), access to HPV services by participants (AOR = 1.63, 95% CI = 1.13–2.34, P = 0.009), secondary level of education of adolescent girls (AOR = 1.78, 95% CI = 1.15–2.75, P = 0.010), the level of education of the participants’ father being Secondary (AOR = 0.36, 95% CI = 0.19–0.69, P = 0.002) and being Tertiary (AOR = 0.38, CI = 0.19–0.74, P = 0.005.Conclusion: The uptake of the second dose of the HPV Vaccine of 44.6% is still short of the Uganda’s national multi-year plan target of achieving HPV Vaccination coverage of 85%. Efforts to improve the uptake of second dose of the HPV Vaccine should focus on strengthening the school outreach programs so that both the first and second HPV vaccine doses are given at school.
A metabolomics approach to parsing the heterogeneity of autism identifies complex dysregulations of cellular bioenergetics
Authors: Smith Alan , Donley Elizabeth , Ney Denise , Amaral David G , Burrier Robert , Natowicz Marvin
Published: August 2022

Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD or autism) is a clinically and etiologically heterogeneous condition. Stratification of autistic individuals into subpopulations with shared metabolic phenotypes can improve understanding of the underlying pathophysiology leading to more precise interventions. We performed metabolomic profiling of 499 autistic and 209 typically developing children, ages 18-48 months, enrolled in the Children’s Autism Metabolome Project (CAMP). Through application of plasma metabolomic analyses of a large population of autistic and typically developing children, individuals were stratified using metabolic phenotypes (metabotypes). Metabotypes associated with autism provide insight into the heterogeneity of this condition. Fifty-four metabolites, mainly associated with amino acid, organic acid, acylcarnitine, and purine metabolism, were quantified using liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectrometry, including important metabolites and ratios related to energy homeostasis not evaluated in earlier studies. Quantitative thresholds of the concentrations of 4 metabolites and 149 ratios of concentrations of metabolites were identified that could stratify CAMP participants into metabolic subpopulations of primarily autistic individuals. One or more metabotypes were present in 83% of the autistic participants. based on the similarity of metabotype profiles of the participants. The metabotypes were grouped into 30 clusters based on the similarity of metabotype profiles of the participants. The clusters displayed 7 broader metabolic patterns of changes in metabolites associated with glycolysis, tricarboxylic acid cycle (TCA), amino acid, purine, and acylcarnitine metabolism. Metabolic phenotypes related to cellular bioenergetics, especially mitochondrial dysmetabolism, were commonly observed in this large cohort of autistic participants. A subset of 42 metabotypes could identify CAMP autistic individuals with 72% sensitivity and 90% specificity. As the number of metabotype clusters increased in each individual, so did the autism severity. Metabolic profiling of autistic children can support diagnosis, enhance understanding of the underlying pathophysiology and suggest targeted metabolic treatments.
Calcium ionophore improves embryonic development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with previous developmental problems in ICSI cycles
Authors: Chen Xiaolei , Zhao Haibin , Lv Jiale , Dong Yi , Zhao Maoning , Sui Xinlei , Cui Ran , Liu Boyang , Wu Keliang
Published: August 2022

Backgroud: Calcium (Ca2+) ionophores are now mainly considered as efficient treatments for fertilization failure. Recently, its application for rescuing poor embryo development was proposed but still non-routine. This study aimed to explore whether Ca2+ ionophore improves embryo development and pregnancy outcomes in patients with poor embryo development in previous ICSI cycles.Methods: This study included 97 patients undergoing assisted oocyte activation (AOA) with Ca2+ ionophore (calcimycin, A23187) treatment. Preimplantation embryonic development and clinical outcomes were compared between ICSI-AOA cycles (AOA group) and previous ICSI cycles of the same patients in which poor embryo developmental potential was present (non-AOA group). Subgroups stratified by maternal age (< 35, 35–40, ≥ 40 years, respectively) were analyzed separately.Results: A total of 642 MⅡ oocytes were collected in AOA group, and 689 in non-AOA group. Significantly higher day 3 good quality embryo rate (P = 0.034), good quality blastocyst formation rate (P < 0.001), and utilization rate (P < 0.001) were seen in AOA group for total included patients. Similar results were seen in each subgroup. There were significant differences in clinical pregnancy rate (P = 0.039) and live birth rate (P = 0.045) in total group. In subgroup aged < 35 years, biochemical (P = 0.038), clinical (P = 0.041), and ongoing pregnancy rate (P = 0.037) in AOA group were significantly higher than that in non-AOA group. No significant improvement for clinical outcomes for subgroups aged 35–40 and aged ≥ 40.Conclusion: The study suggests that calcimycin could improve preimplantation development and pregnancy outcomes in patients aged < 35 years with embryo developmental problems in previous ICSI cycles.
Aphrodisiac Effect of Peanut Extract in Male
Authors: Nnenna Oluchi , Uchendu Chukwuka Nwocha , Obidike Reginald Ikechukwu
Published: August 2022

Peanut is a legume and contains L-3, 4-Phenyl Alanine which is a precursor for Dopamine. Dopamine is a prolactin inhibitor. A slight increase in prolactin leads to infertility.Objective: To investigate the effect of peanut extract on the reproductive performance of males.Methods: Thirty two adult albino rats comprising of 8 males and 24 females were used. The 8 males were divided into two groups (A and B) of 4 rats each. Group A (control) was given 2ml/kg of distilled water (DW), B was given 800mg/kg of Peanut Aqueous Extract (PAE) for 30 days. At day 21, 3 females were introduced to each male for impregnation. At day 31, the males were sacrificed. Blood was collected for hematology and serology. The females carried their pregnancy to term.Result:PAE treated male rats had significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in testosterone, FSH and LH secretions. There was significant (P ≤ 0.05) increase in sperm concentration in PAE treated males than in control. Fertility indices showed that PAE treated male rats’ had 75% impregnation success while DW treated males had 42%. The results confirmed PAE as an aphrodisiac for male and for the treatment of hyperprolactinemia-induced-infertility and early stages of Parkinson’s disease.
Gastroenterological management in a case of cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome
Authors: Ciacchini B. , Nardo G. Di , Marin M. , Borali E. , Caraccia M. , Mogni R. , Cairello F. , Rabbone I. , Ferrero G.B. , Prato A. Pini , Felici E.
Published: August 2022

Background: cardio-facio-cutaneous is a rare genetic syndrome affecting less 900 people in the world. It is mainly characterized by craniofacial, dermatologic and cardiac defects, but also gastroenterological symptoms can be present, ranging from feeding difficulties to gastroesophageal reflux and constipation. In this report we describe a case of this syndrome characterized by severe feeding and growth difficulties, with a particular focus on the management of gastroenterological complications. This report wants to illustrate one of the many features of a syndrome that rarely comes to the attention of the clinician and that is not easy to diagnose.Case presentation: the patient was a caucasian male with Cardio-Facio-Cutaneous syndrome who, already a few hours after birth, presented feeding difficulties that worsened in the following months and lead to a complete growth arrest and malnutrition. He was first treated with a nasogastric tube placement. Subsequently, a laparoscopic Nissen fundoplication and a laparoscopic Stamm gastrostomy were performed. The child was fed with nocturnal enteral nutrition and diurnal oral nutrition. Eventually the patient resumed feeding validly and regained adequate growth.Conclusion: this paper aims to bring to light a complex rare syndrome that infrequently comes to the attention of the pediatricians and that is not simple to diagnose. We also highlight the possible complications from a gastroenterologic point of view. Our contribution can be useful to the pediatrician in the first diagnostic suspicion of this syndrome. In particular, it can be useful to remember that in an infant with Noonan-like features, suction or swallowing problems, vomiting and feeding difficulties should suggest the diagnosis of a Cardio-facio-cutaneous syndrome. It can also be useful to highlight that gastroenterological issues may lead to severe growth failure and that the role of the gastroenterologist is key to manage supplemental feeding and to establish if a nasogastric or gastrostomic tube placement is necessary.
Synthesis of myricetin derivatives and evaluation of their hypoglycemic activities
Authors: Li Feng , Yang Chong , Zhang Liang , Li Wenbao
Published: August 2022

Myricetin is a common plant-derived flavonoid and exhibits a wide range of activities. However, myricetin also exhibits substantial limitations, such as its poor water-solubility and low stability in body when it was administrated by oral. To solve these problems, a series of myricetin derivatives with different disaccharide groups were designed, synthesized and evaluated their hypoglycemic activities. All synthesized compounds displayed significant α-glucosidase inhibitory activity in comparison with acarbose in vitro, which indicated that myricetin derivatives with different disaccharide groups had good hypoglycemic activity and could be further developed as hypoglycemic drugs.
Neurodevelopmental Outcomes of Preterm Infants Born <29 weeks with Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia Associated Pulmonary Hypertension: A Multicenter Study
Authors: Lodha Abhay , Thomas Soumya , Jain Sunil , Murthy Prashanth , Chacko Joseph , Soraisham Amuchou , Tang Selphee , Dosani Aliyah
Published: August 2022

OBJECTIVE
To determine neurodevelopmental outcomes of preterm infants born at < 29 weeks gestational age (GA) with bronchopulmonary dysplasia and pulmonary hypertension (BPD-PH) at 18 to 24 months corrected age (CA).
STUDY DESIGN:
In this retrospective cohort study, preterm infants born at < 29 weeks GA between January 2016 and December 2019, admitted to level 3 Neonatal Intensive Care Units, who developed BPD and were evaluated at 18–24 months CA in the neonatal follow-up clinics were included. We compared demographic characteristics and neurodevelopmental- outcomes between the two groups: Group I: BPD with PH and Group II: BPD without PH, using univariate and multivariate regression models. The primary outcome was a composite of death or neurodevelopmental impairment (NDI). NDI was defined as any Bayley-III score < 85 on one or more of the cognitive, motor, or language composite scores.
RESULTS
Of 366 eligible infants, 116 (Group I [BPD-PH] = 7, Group II [BPD with no PH] = 109) were lost to follow-up. Of the remaining 250 infants, 51 in Group I and 199 in Group II were followed at 18–24 months CA. Group I and Group II had median (IQR) birth weights of 705 g (325) and 815g (317) [p = 0.003] and median gestational ages (IQR) were 25 weeks (2) and 26 weeks (2) [p = 0.015], respectively. Infants in the BPD-PH group (Group I) were more likely to have mortality or NDI (adjusted Odds Ratio [aOR] 3.63; 95% CI: 1.08–12.27).
CONCLUSION
BPD-PH in infants born at < 29 weeks GA is associated with increased odds of the composite outcome of death or NDI at 18–24 months CA.
Single-pulse X-ray Acoustic Computed Tomography Image Guided Precision Radiation Therapy
Authors: Gonzalez Gilberto , Prather Kiana , Pandey Prabodh Kumar , Sun Leshan , Caron Joseph , Wang Siqi , Ahmad Salahuddin , Xiang Liangzhong , Chen Yong
Published: August 2022

Cancer has been and continues to be a leading cause of death globally. More than half of all cancer patients undergo ionizing radiation therapy and dosimetry is crucial to the success and improvement of these treatments - ensuring that an accurate radiation dose is delivered to the target location. Despite widespread clinical use, the delivered dose can only be planned and verified via simulations with phantoms, and an in-tumor, on-line dose verification is still unavailable after more than one-hundred years of clinical application. X-ray-induced acoustic computed tomography (XACT) has recently shown the potential for imaging the delivered radiation dose within the tumor. Prior XACT imaging systems require tens of averages to achieve reasonable images. Here, we demonstrate that our XACT signals can be detected for each individual X-ray pulse (4µs) with sub-mGy sensitivity from a clinical linear accelerator during radiotherapy. Single-pulse XACT imaging holds great potential for personalized precision radiotherapy.
High-voltage Linear LED Driving for Three-phase AC Power Grids: A Competitive Scheme for General Lighting
Authors: Zhang Xiu , Wang Baoxing , Li Shuqi , Cai Yong
Published: August 2022

This work investigates the high-voltage linear multi-string LED driving scheme for three-phase AC power grids and confirms the superiority and practicality of this scheme in lighting applications for the first time. Three-phase AC power amplifies the excellent performance of linear multi-string LED driving systems in comparison to single-phase AC power. Based on the features of the rectified voltage waveform in the three-phase AC power supply, the LED distributions of the linear multi-string LED driving scheme were calculated with a unique optimization method to balance LED power and driving efficiency within ± 10% voltage fluctuations. And a double-string LED lighting system was constructed as a module prototype with the capability of scaling up. The experimental results exhibit high driving efficiency (~ 94% @380V line voltage), high power factor (~ 0.952), flicker-free, and high reliability at an extremely low cost (~$0.005/W).
Fabrication of zein/Persian gum particles under the effect of pH and mixing ratio and investigating their physico-chemical properties
Authors: Esteghlal Sara , Hosseinin Seyed Mohammad Hashem
Published: August 2022

Zein is the main protein of corn with interesting properties such as having FDA approval for human oral consumption, biocompatibility, resistance to digestive enzymes, and easily forming nanoparticles that make it a good candidate to be used in food and pharmaceutical industries for encapsulation and stabilizing Pickering emulsions. However, hydrophobic interactions between zein nanoparticles leads them to large coagulation. Coating nanoparticles with a charged biopolymer is an efficient way to prevent aggregation behavior due to the repulsive forces in the presence of coating layer (shell). In this research, water-soluble portion of Persian gum (WPG), as an emerging polysaccharide with appropriate properties and high availability, was used to increase the zein particles’ stability. Zein/WPG composite particles were fabricated by anti-solvent method under the effect of pH (3-7) and mixing ratio (10:1-1:2) and then their properties were investigated. FT-IR spectroscopy confirmed the interaction between two biopolymers and TEM micrographs revealed a core-shell morphology in composite particles. Incorporating WPG and pH reduction caused higher fluorescence emission at 303 nm. The presence of WPG increased the relative viscosity and the highest values were measured at pH 5 for both control zein and zein/WPG particles. The mixing ratio was more effective than pH on viscosity. The average size ranged from 218.6 nm for mixed particles at 1:1 mixing ratio and pH 3 to 7.53 μm for zein particles at pH 5. The results of this study can be used for fine-tuning of nanoparticles’ characteristics made from prolamins and anionic polysaccharides for different applications like encapsulation and interfacial stabilization.
Fabrication and Properties of Hydrophobically Modified ZnO-SiO 2 Nanocomposite with Polysiloxane
Authors: lonbani Saba Necooei , Montazeri Arash , Malakdar Sharbanoo
Published: August 2022

Studies on the wettability properties of solid surfaces are very important in any of the scientific and industrial fields. The most common principle for a superhydrophobic self-cleaning surface is the lotus effect induced by surface roughness. In this study, silicate compounds have been used to produce hydrophobic surfaces. In this way, firstly, SiO2-ZnO nanocomposite was produced, and then vinyl trimethoxy silane was used to increase the water contact angle (WCA). The structure and morphology of nanocomposites were investigated by infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction pattern (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and energy-dispersion spectrometer (EDS) analyses. The thermal stability of nanocomposite coatings was examined by thermogravimetric analysis (TGA). In order to investigate the wetting properties, the surface roughness was measured using an atomic force microscope (AFM), where the subsurface roughness average was obtained at 37.79 nm. The WCA of the coated surfaces with ZnO-SiO2 and ZnO-SiO2 @Polysiloxane nanocomposites were measured at 69 and 160°, respectively, indicating the surface superhydrophobic properties of ZnO-SiO2 @Polysiloxane nanocomposites. Finally, superhydrophobic properties of nanocomposites were investigated by the Cassie-Baxter model. The value of the f2 parameter in the model was estimated at 0.9556. This means that air occupies about 95.56% of the contact area between the water droplet and nano-coating, which is responsible for the superhydrophobic property of the surface.
Consumption of underutilised grain legumes and the prevention of type II diabetes and cardiometabolic diseases: evidence from field investigation and physicochemical analyses
Authors: Hamadou Mamoudou , Alain Mune Mune Martin , Obadias Fookalbo Vagai , Hashmi Muhammad Zaffar , Başaran Bahri , Paul Bayang Jean , René Minka Samuel
Published: August 2022

Background
Grain legumes (GLs) are used in food as well as in traditional medicine due to their therapeutic properties. This study was carried out to correlate grain legume consumption to the prevention of type II diabetes and some cardiometabolic diseases (high blood pressure, obesity, and stroke).
Materials and methods
An exploratory survey was carried out among the population (n = 468) of Diamaré’s division (Maroua, Cameroon). A correlation study was carried out to demonstrate the link between the consumption of certain GLs and the prevention of metabolic diseases. A compositional analysis of selected GLs was performed according to the referenced methods.
Results
Significant correlations were observed between the consumption of soybean, Bambara beans, and cowpea and the prevention of certain metabolic diseases. Remarkable protein content was noted in soybean’s whole flour (WF) (38.133 ± 0.366 g/100g DM), followed by the underutilised cultivar BVB of Bambara bean (26.434 ± 0.366 g/100g DM). The cowpea seed has the highest total carbohydrate and vitamin C content of 59.294 ± 0.129 g/100g DM and 327.715 ± 0.336 µg EAA/100g DM, respectively, followed by the underutilised cultivar BVB with values of 57.696 ± 0.097 g/100g DM and 261.951 ± 0.376 µg EAA/100g DM. The three underutilised Bambara bean cultivars’ WF have the most remarkable dietary fibre content (18–28%). Soybean’s WF and those of the three underutilised Bambara bean cultivars contained the highest levels of total phenolic compounds and flavonoids, i.e., 206.089 ± 0.087 mg GAE/100 DM, 143.868 ± 0.299 mg QE/100g DM for soybean, respectively. The highest free radical scavenging activity (DPPH) was noted with the polyphenolic compounds’ extracts from soybean’s WF, i.e., 21.193 ± 0.049 µg TE/100g DM, followed by those from the underutilised BVB cultivar with a value of 16.594 ± 0.160 µg TE/100g DM. The most notable ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) was obtained with soybean (34.481 ± 0.029 µg TE/100g DM), followed by the cultivar GHB (32.036 ± 0.076 µg TE/100g DM).
Conclusion
The significant levels of protein, phenolic compounds, and dietary fibre in these seeds confirmed these correlations and their potential therapeutic effects and nutritional properties.
A Space Vector PWM Fed SRM with Full Bridge Power Converter
Authors: Sun Haitao , Chen Yan , Dou Yinke
Published: August 2022

A space vector pulse width modulation (SVPWM) driving method for the switched reluctance motor (SRM) is proposed. With a ring structure, a three-phase SRM can be driven by using a standard full-bridge power converter instead of the conventional asymmetric H-bridge. Based on this type of driving topology, an SVPWM method is applied for driving the SRM. The SVPWM method is compared to the conventional SRM driving method by using the asymmetric H-bridge, the results show that the SVPWM can reduce the torque ripple in the SRM effectively. The experimental validation is also made to verify the proposed driving topology and method, of which the results match well with the simulated results.
Lupus pathogenesis and autoimmunity are exacerbated by high fat diet–induced obesity in MRL/lpr mice
Authors: Zhang Xin , Meng Juan , Shi Xuhua , Quinet Robert , Davis William , Zakem Jerald , Patel Ronak , Lobo Gitanjali , Hellmers Linh , Ray Alicia , Washington Talon , Keshavamurthy Chandana , Kumar Natasha , Ali Hiba , Dhulipala Swathi , Hille Chad , You Zongbing
Published: August 2022

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an autoimmune disease characterized by persistent inflammation and autoantibody production, leading to systemic damage. Genetic predisposition and environmental factors such as high fat diet (HFD)/obesity may contribute to lupus development. In this study, we investigated the impact of HFD in lupus pathogenesis and autoimmunity to reveal the pathological link of HFD and SLE using-lupus prone mice.Methods: Sixty MRL/lpr mice were grouped and fed with a regular diet (RD) or HFD. Their body weights were recorded weekly. SLE progression was monitored by skin lesion, urine protein, and titers of anti-dsDNA and antinuclear antibodies (ANA). Mice were euthanized at week 14. Kidney and skin tissue sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E), periodic acid–Schiff (PAS), and Masson's trichrome to detect lupus histopathological lesions and were quantified as kidney index and histological skin score. Immune cells in the spleen were identified by immunofluorescence staining and flow cytometry. Student t test or two-way ANOVA was used for statistical analysis.Results: HFD induced a significant increase in mouse body weight by week 5 and continued until week 14 compared to RD (p<0.05 to p<0.01). Skin lesions resembling human discoid lupus were observed as early as week 6 and became severe at week 14 in 55.6% of the HFD group compared to 11.1% of the RD group (p<0.05). Proteinuria occurred from week 11 to week 14 in the HFD group. Splenomegaly was observed in the HFD mice (p<0.05). The HFD group had a higher histological skin score and kidney index than the RD group. An increased trend of anti-dsDNA antibody was detected in the HFD group but no difference in ANA was seen between HFD and RD groups. A significant increase of germinal center B cells and plasma cells was observed in the spleens of HFD mice. The percentage of Tfh cells and the ratio of Tfh/Treg were significantly increased in the HFD group (p<0.05). Conclusion: Our results showed that HFD induced an accelerated and exacerbated lupus development and autoimmunity in MRL/lpr mice. Tfh/Treg cells may be the interconnection of HFD and SLE. Interventions of healthy diet or restoring balance of Tfh/Treg cells may improve both lupus symptoms and outcomes in genetically predisposed SLE patients.
Brain parenchymal and leptomeningeal metastasis in lung cancer
Authors: Li Qing , Lin Zhen , Hong Ye , Fu Yang , Chen Yueyun , Liu Ting , Zheng Yue , Tian Jiangfang , Liu Chunhua , Pu Wei , Ding Zhenyu , Wang Chun
Published: August 2022

Patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) are prone to brain metastases (BM), which essentially include brain parenchymal metastases (PM) and leptomeningeal metastases (LM). We conducted a retrospective study to comprehensively assess the clinical characteristics and risk factors of patients with advanced NSCLC who develop PM and LM. Patients with advanced NSCLC were enrolled. These patients were then divided into 3 groups for analysis: patients without BM (No-BM), patients with PM and patients with LM. Data on clinical characteristics of each patient at the time of diagnosis advanced NSCLC were extracted and analyzed. In addition, prediction models were developed and evaluated for PM and LM. A total of 592 patients were enrolled in the study. BM was present in 287 patients (48.5%). Among them, 185 and 102 patients had PM or LM. Patients with LM had a higher proportion of EGFR exon 21point mutations (L858R) compared to patients with No-BM and PM (p < 0.0001). The median time to the onset of PM and LM from the diagnosis of advanced NSCLC was 0 months and 8.3 months, respectively. Patients with LM had a statistically shorter over survival (OS) compared to either No-BM or PM patients (p < 0.0001). Based on independent predictive variables, two nomogram models were constructed to predict the development of PM and LM in advanced NSCLC patients, and the C-indexes were 0.656 and 0.767, respectively. Although both considered as BM, PM and LM had different clinical characteristics. And the nomogram showed good performance in predicting LM development, but not PM.
Improved One-year Outcomes After Active Cooling During Left Atrial Radiofrequency Ablation
Authors: Joseph Christopher , Nazari Jose , Zagrodzky Jason , Sherman Jacob , Zagrodzky William , Bailey Shane , Kulstad Erik , Metzl Mark
Published: August 2022

Background: Active esophageal cooling during pulmonary vein isolation (PVI) with radiofrequency (RF) ablation for the treatment of atrial fibrillation (AF) is increasingly being utilized to reduce esophageal injury and atrioesophageal fistula formation. Randomized controlled data also show trends towards increased freedom from AF when using active cooling. This study aimed to compare one-year arrhythmia recurrence rates between patients treated with luminal esophageal temperature (LET) monitoring versus active esophageal cooling during left atrial ablation.Methods: Data from two healthcare systems (including 3 hospitals and 4 electrophysiologists) were reviewed for patient rhythm status at one-year follow up after receiving PVI for the treatment of AF. Results were compared between patients receiving active esophageal cooling and those treated with traditional LET monitoring using Kaplan-Meier estimates.Results: A total of 513 patients were reviewed; 253 received LET monitoring using either single or multi-sensor temperature probes, and 260 received active cooling. Mean age was 66.8 (SD +/-10) years, and 36.8% were female. Arrhythmias were 60.1% paroxysmal AF, 34.3% persistent AF, and 5.6% long-standing persistent AF, with no significant difference between groups. At one-year follow-up, KM estimates for freedom from AF were 58.2% for LET monitored patients and 72.2% for actively cooled patients, for absolute increase in freedom from AF of 14% with active esophageal cooling (P=.03).Conclusions: In this first study to date of the association between esophageal protection strategy and long-term efficacy of left atrial RF ablation, a clinically and statistically significant improvement in freedom from atrial arrhythmia at one-year was found in patients treated with active esophageal cooling when compared to patients that received LET monitoring.
A case of neonatal lupus presenting with severe systemic hypertension and multiorgan failure in absence of congenital heart block (CHB): clinical management and recent literature review of neonatal cardiac lupus
Authors: Jain Samhita , Spadafora Ruggero , Maxwell Sarah , Botas Carlos , Nawaytou Hythem , Scheven Emily , Crouch Elizabeth E.
Published: August 2022

Neonatal Lupus (NLE) is a rare acquired autoimmune disorder caused by transplacental passage of maternal autoantibodies to Sjogren’s Syndrome A or B (SSA-SSB) autoantigens1 which target fetal and neonatal tissues for immune destruction. The cardiac trademark of NLE is autoimmune heart block, which accounts for more than 80% of cases of complete atrioventricular heart-block (AVB) in newborns with a structurally normal heart2. NLE presenting with cardiac alterations not involving rhythm disturbances are described in the literature, but they are rare. Here, we report a case of a neonate with high anti-SSA antibodies who developed severe systemic hypertension and transient ventricular dysfunction in absence of the most common cardiac presentations of NLE: rhythm abnormalities, endocardial fibroelastosis, and dilated cardiomyopathy3. The patient developed severe multiorgan dysfunction syndrome that required prolonged critical care support but fully recovered and was discharged home. We highlight the unusual clinical features of this NLE case and the importance of timely treatment of NLE allowing complete recovery of a critically ill neonate.
A survey on artificial intelligence techniques for security event correlation: models, challenges, and opportunities
Authors: Levshun Diana , Kotenko Igor
Published: August 2022

Information systems need to process a large amount of event monitoring data. The process of finding the relationships between events is called correlation, which creates a context between independent events and previously collected information in real time and normalizes it for subsequent processing. In cybersecurity, events can determine the steps of attackers and can be analyzed as part of a specific attack strategy. In this survey, we present the systematization of security event correlation models in terms of their representation in AI-based monitoring systems as: rule-based, semantic, graphical and machine learning based-models. We define the main directions of current research in the field of AI-based security event correlation and the methods used for the correlation of both single events and their sequences in attack scenarios. We also describe the prospects for the development of hybrid correlation models. In conclusion, we identify the existing problems in the field and possible ways to overcome them.