bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of the rs4646994 in ACE gene with susceptibility to tuberculosis in a region of the Brazilian Amazon
Authors: Porchera Débora Chistina Ricardo Fernandes , Braga Ana Cristina Oliveira , Leal Diana Feio Veiga Borges , Pinto Pablo Diego Carmo , Silva Mayara Natália Santana da , Santos Lucas Cauê Bezerra , Silva Cintia Helena Braga da , Costa Giovana Escribano , Barros Maria Clara Costa , Silva Cleonardo Augusto , Assumpção Paulo Pimentel , Santos Ândrea Ribeiro , Santos Sidney Emanuel Batista dos , Fernandes Marianne Rodrigues , Santos Ney Pereira Carneiro dos
Published: May 2021

Background: Tuberculosis is a global public health issue. Recent studies suggested association of host genetic factors to tuberculosis susceptibility in many populations. Polymorphisms can influence the host immune responses to tuberculosis. This study was designed to investigate the association of seventeen genetic polymorphisms with susceptibility and severity to tuberculosis in a sample of Brazilian population. Methods: This case-control study encompassed 283 active tuberculosis patients and 145 healthy subjects that had contact with the bacillus. Genotyping of 13 INDELs polymorphisms and 4 SNPs was achieved using Multiplex PCR method and TaqMan SNP Genotyping Assays. Results: Of the 17 investigated markers, only the ACE marker (rs4646994) showed significant differences between cases and controls. Conclusions: The DEL/DEL (deletion /deletion) genotype of the ACE marker configured a protection factor for the development of tuberculosis. As there is no data in the recent literature relating this polymorphism with tuberculosis in a Brazilian population, our study has become unprecedented.
Carboxylated Nanocellulose Superabsorbent: Biodegradation and Soil Water Retention Properties
Authors: Barajas Ruth M. , Wong Vanessa , Little Karen , Patti Antonio F. , Garnier Gil
Published: May 2021

Carboxylated nanocellulose superabsorbent polymers (SAP) can be used to increase soil water retention in agriculture. The benefits investigated are influenced by the superabsorbent structure, composition and application rate. In this study, TEMPO (2,2,6,6-tetramethylpiperidine-1-oxyl)-oxidised nanocellulose superabsorbents were prepared using three different drying techniques: freeze-dried, and oven-dried at low and high temperatures. The swelling capacity in soil water extracts was measured and compared to deionised water. Soil was amended with different application rates of these superabsorbents to evaluate the effects on water retention, microbial community and their biodegradation. The absorption performance of nanocellulose superabsorbents is affected by the concentration and type of salts in the soil water extracts. Oven-dried at 50°C SAP presents the highest ionic sensitivity attributed to its large number of accessible carboxylate groups. The water retention of the soil treatments increases with increasing application rate. Soil treated with the freeze-dried superabsorbent shows the highest water retention, whereas those amended with the 50°C oven-dried SAP remain moist the longest. The biodegradation rate of these materials depends on the application rate and nutrient availability. Carboxylated nanocellulose superabsorbents emerge as high-performance biodegradable materials for agricultural use, able to replace the current non-biodegradable petrochemical-based superabsorbents.
Antithrombotic Effects of Montelukast by Targeting Coagulation Factor XIa
Authors: Wang Dong , Zhou Yang , Qi Yingying , Song Meiru , Yao Huiqiao , Liao Christopher , Lin Haili , Huang Meijuan , Zhuo Dexiang , Jiang Longguang , Yuan Cai , Chen Yuanzhong , Huang Mingdong , Li Jinyu , Xu Peng
Published: May 2021

Current oral anticoagulants prescribed for the prevention of thrombosis suffer from severe hemorrhagic problems. Coagulation factor XIa (FXIa) has been confirmed as a safer antithrombotic target as intervention with FXIa causes lower hemorrhagic risks. In this study, by a high-throughput virtual screening, we identified Montelukast (MK), an oral antiasthmatic drug, as a potent and specific FXIa inhibitor (IC50 = 0.17 µM). Compared with the two mostly prescribed anticoagulants (Warfarin and Apixaban), MK demonstrated comparable or even higher antithrombotic effects in three independent animal models. More importantly, in contrast to the severe hemorrhage caused by Warfarin or Apixaban, MK did not measurably increase blood loss in vivo. In addition, MK did not affect the hemostatic function in plasma from healthy individuals. In contrast, MK suppressed clot formation in clinical hypercoagulable plasma samples. This study provides a lead compound of anticoagulants targeting FXIa, and suggests the exploratory clinical researches on antithrombotic therapies using MK.
ErbB Receptor Stimulation Is Required for Mouse Colon Adenoma Organoids to Form Crypts
Authors: Tan Chin Wee , Zhu Ruiyan , Kane Serena R , Au Michelle , Zhang Xiaoyu , Hirokawa Yumiko , Faux Maree C , Burgess Antony Wilks
Published: May 2021

The majority of colon adenomas harbor genetic mutations in the APC gene. APC mutation leads to changes in Wnt signalling and cell-cell adhesion: as a consequence, intestinal crypt budding increases and the excess crypts accumulate to form adenomas that progress to colon cancer. When cultured with Wnt, R-spondin, EGF, Noggin, myofibroblast conditioned medium and Matrigel, crypts from normal mouse colon mucosa form crypt-producing organoids and can be passaged continuously. Under the same culture and passage conditions, crypts isolated from colon adenomas derived from Apcmin/+ mice typically grow as spheroidal cysts and do not produce crypts. The adenoma organoid growth requires EGF, but not Wnt, R-spondin or Noggin. However, when mouse colon adenoma spheroids are grown for more than 10 days in the presence of EGF, crypt formation occurs. EGF, EREG, β-cellulin, Neuregulin-1 or AREG are sufficient for initiating crypt formation, however, neuregulin-1 is more potent than the other EGF-family members. EGFR and ErbB2 inhibitors both prevent crypt formation in adenoma cultures. Either EGFR:ErbB2 or ErbB3:ErbB2 signalling is sufficient to initiate adenoma crypt budding and elongation. ErbB2 inhibitors may provide a therapeutic avenue for controlling and ablating colon adenomas.
Effect of Vagal Nerve Protection on Heart Rate in Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Lobectomy
Authors: Liu Xiangzheng , Shang Xueqian , Chen Zhimao , Zhang Shijie
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVES: As a common malignant tumor worldwide, lung cancer receives substantial attention from specialists. Surgery occupies an important position in lung cancer treatment, particularly early treatment. To better improve quality of life for patients after surgery, we report our surgical approach to protect vagal nerve branches during lung cancer surgery, especially the thoracic branch, which is important to maintain a suitable heart rate after surgery.METHODS: We selected 40 patients who underwent lobectomy and systematic dissection of mediastinal lymph nodes during the same period. Patients were divided into two groups: the control group (traditional surgery) and the experimental group (surgery with vagal nerve/vagal branch protection). During surgery, vagal nerve function was preserved as much as possible.RESULTS: There were no significant differences in operation time, intraoperative bleeding, postoperative pain, and discharge time between the two groups. Heart rate at discharge was significantly reduced in the experimental group compared with the control group (75.30 bpm vs. 86.00 bpm, respectively; P = 0.038). Heart rate at discharge was compared with heart rate at admission in both groups. The change in heart rate after surgery compared with heart rate at admission was less marked in the experimental group compared with the control group.CONCLUSIONS: Preserving the thoracic and cardiac branches of the vagus nerve during surgery can effectively reduce heart rate in patients after surgery and maintain pre-surgical heart rate.
Implication of N-methyl-D-aspartate receptor In Homocysteine Induced Age related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Samra Yara A. , Kira Dina , Rajpurohit Pragya , Mohamed Riyaz , Owen Leah , Shakoor Akbar , Kim Ivana , DeAngelis Margaret M. , Sheibani Nader , Al-Shabrawey Mohamed , Tawfik Amany
Published: May 2021

Background: Age related macular degeneration (AMD) is a leading cause of vision loss in old people. Elevated homocysteine (Hcy), known as Hyperhomocysteinemia (HHcy) was reported in association with AMD. We previously reported that HHcy induces AMD like features. The current study suggests activation of N-Methyl-D-aspartate receptor (NMDAR) in retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) cells as a mechanism for HHcy-induced AMD. Serum Hcy and cystathione-β-synthase enzyme (CBS) were assessed by ELISA in AMD patients. The involvement of NMDAR in Hcy’s induced AMD features were evaluated 1)-In-vitro using ARPE-19 cells, primary RPE isolated from mice model of HHcy (CBS) and mouse choroidal endothelial cells (MCEC). 2)-In-vivo using wild type mice and mice deficient in RPE cells NMDAR (NMDARR -/-) with/without intravitreal injection of Hcy. Expression of retinal isolectin-B4, Ki67, HIF-1α, VEGF, NMDAR1 and albumin were assessed by immunofluorescence (IF), Western blot (WB), Optical coherence tomography (OCT), and fluorescein angiography (FA) to evaluate retinal structure, fluorescein leakage and development of choroidal neovascularization (CNV) in living mice. Results: Serum of the neovascular AMD patients showed significant increase in Hcy and decrease in CBS levels. Moreover, Hcy significantly increased angiogenic markers; HIF-1α, VEGF and NMDAR in RPE cells and Ki67 in MCEC. Hcy-injected WT mice showed disrupted retinal morphology and development of CNV. Knocking down NMDAR in RPE improved retinal structure and CNV induction.Conclusion: Our findings underscore the potential role for NMDAR in RPE cells in mediating Hcy-induced features of AMD and CNV induction, thus NMDAR inhibition could provide a promising therapeutic target for AMD.
RyR1-mediated moderate endoplasmic reticulum stress is required for myogenic differentiation of myoblasts
Authors: Qiu Kai , Wang Yubo , Xu Doudou , He Linjuan , Zhang Xin , Yan Enfa , Yin Jingdong
Published: May 2021

BackgroundCytosolic Ca2+ plays vital roles in myogenesis and muscle development. Key mutations of ryanodine receptor 1 (RyR1), a major Ca2+ release channel of endoplasmic reticulum (ER), are main causes of severe congenital myopathies. The role of RyR1 in myogenic differentiation has attracted intense research interest, however, it remains unclear. MethodsThis study employed RyR1-knockdown myoblasts and CRISPR/Cas9-based RyR1-knockout myoblasts cells to explore the role of RyR1 in myogenic differentiation, myotube formation as well as the potential mechanism of RyR1-related myopathies.ResultsCytoplasmic Ca2+ concentration was significantly elevated during myogenic differentiation of both primary myogenic cells and myoblasts C2C12 cells, accompanied with a dramatic increase in RyR1 expression and resultant ER stress. Inhibition of RyR1 by siRNA-mediated silence or chemical inhibitor, dantrolene, significantly reduced cytosolic Ca2+, alleviated ER stress, and blocked multinucleated myotube formation. Moderate activation of ER stress effectively relieved myogenic differentiation stagnation induced by RyR1 suppression and demonstrated that RyR1 modulates myogenic differentiation via activation of Ca2+ -induced ER stress signaling. RyR1 knockout-induced Ca2+ leakage led to severe ER stress and excessive unfolded protein response, and drove cell fate from differentiation into apoptosis. ConclusionsTherefore, we concluded that dramatic increase in RyR1 expression is required for myogenic differentiation, and RyR1-mediated Ca2+ release leading to the activation of ER stress signaling serves a double-edged sword role during myogenic differentiation. This study contributes to a novel understanding of the role of RyR1 in muscle development and related congenital myopathies, and provides a potential target for regulation of muscle regeneration and tissue engineering.
Hydrochemical Characteristics and Ion Sources of River Water in the Upstream of the Shiyang River, China
Authors: Zhang ZhiYuan , Jia Wenxiong , Zhu Guofeng , Shi Yang , Xiong Hui , Yang Le , Zhang Miaomiao , Zhang Fuhua
Published: May 2021

As the largest tributary of the Shiyang River, with the average annual inflow of total runoff accounting for 23%, the Xiying River has representative of mountain runoff of inland rivers in the Northwest of China. Using samples collected in this basin from September 2016 to October 2017, the water chemical composition and ion source characteristics of river were studied. The results show that the river is weakly alkaline, the average pH is 8.0 and the TDS is 179.29 mg·L-1. With the elevation decreasing along the river, the TDS of main stream tend to increase firstly and then decrease, but those of TDS of each tributary decrease, and latter is lower than the former. Affected significantly by the flow, the lowest value of ion concentration in river occurs in summer, and the highest occurs in autumn and winter. The hydrochemical type of river is CaMg-HCO3. In the river, the order of cation mass concentration is NH4+<K+<Na+<Mg2+<Ca2+, and that of anion is F-<NO3-<Cl-<SO42-<HCO3-. The sources of ions in river are mainly from the weathering of Silicates and Carbonates. With the elevation decreasing along the river, the influence of Silicates on the inflowing tributaries is gradually strengthened.
Keystone Design Perforator Island Flap for Closure of the Anterolateral Thigh Flap Donor Site: a Case Series and Our Experience
Authors: Cai Feiyu , Liu Yanshi , Liu Kai , Jielile Jiasharete , Yusufu Aihemaitijiang
Published: May 2021

Purpose: With the development of microsurgical techniques, the anterolateral thigh (ALT) flap has been widely used in reconstruction of various soft-tissue defects. However, there were few studies focusing on the closure of the ALT flap donor site, especially when the width of the harvested ALT flap was more than 6 cm. The purpose of this study was to share our experience of using Keystone Design Perforator Island Flap (KDPIF) to repair the ALT flap donor site where can’t be closed without a skin graft.Method: A retrospective study was used to analyze 12 patients who underwent the reconstruction of the ALT flap donor site using KDPIF from February 2018 to December 2020. Demographics, flap characteristics, surgical technique, postoperative complications, Vancouver Scar Scale (VSS) score, and Scar Cosmesis Assessment and Rating (SCAR) score were statistically analyzed.Results: 12 patients (10 males, 2 females) with the mean age 47.5 years (range, 27-66 years) were included in this study. All ALT flap donor sites were closed by the KDPIF. The mean size of the harvested ALT flap (the donor site size) was 8.1 cm × 14.4 cm (range from 8.0 cm × 11.0 cm to 9.0 cm × 21.0 cm), and the mean size of keystone flap was 9.1 cm × 16.4 cm (range from 8.0 cm × 13.0 cm to 12.0 cm × 19.0 cm). At the mean follow-up of 8.3 months (range, 6-12 months), two patients suffered from the skin infection around the flap, which was controlled under the treatment of wound dressing change and oral antibiotics. Wound dehiscence, osteofascial compartment syndrome (OCS), venous return disorder, and skin necrosis were not presented in any patients. All patients were evaluated at the final follow-up with ASS core (mean, 6.7; range, 5-8) and SCAR core (mean, 7.3; range, 6-9).Conclusion: This study demonstrated that the KDPIF that can be used to close the ALT flap donor site primarily is an effective and alternative treatment for patients with a the width of the donor site more than 6 cm including the advantages of high survival rate, low morbidity, good aesthetics, and simple operation.
WITHDRAWN: Impact of type 2 diabetes mellitus on coronary function evaluated by quantitative flow ratio in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention
Authors: ye zhen , chen qin , zhong jiaxin , chen long , chen lihua , ye mingfang , yan yuanming , chen lianglong , luo yukun
Published: May 2021

Background
The co-existence of type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) seems to reduce the therapeutic benefits from interventional technology in patients diagnosed with coronary artery disease (CAD). But the influence of T2DM on coronary disease still lacks the evidence from a perspective of functional assessment. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the impact of T2DM on coronary function in patients underwent percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI) through the new functional evaluation approach that is quantitative flow ratio (QFR).
Methods
Patients who underwent successful PCI and one-year angiographic follow-up were retrospectively screened and analyzed by QFR. Based on co-presence or absence of T2DM at the time of first admission or first discharge, 677 enrolled patients (794 lesions) were classifed into DM group (211 patients, 261 lesions) and Non-DM group (466 patients, 533 lesions). The post-PCI QFR, follow-up QFR, change value of QFR and incidence of functional restenosis were compared between the two groups.
Results
The two groups reached similar levels of post-PCI QFR (0.95 ± 0.09 vs. 0.96 ± 0.06, p = 0.292), but after one year follow-up, the degree of QFR decline in the DM group was more severe (-0.02 ± 0.09 vs. -0.01 ± 0.07, p = 0.023), leading to the follow-up QFR was lower than the Non-DM group (0.93 ± 0.11 vs. 0.96 ± 0.07, p < 0.001). What's more, the incidence of functional restenosis in the DM group increased significantly within one year (10.0% vs. 4.7%, p = 0.004).
Conclusion
T2DM can accelerate the functional decline of target coronary vessels after successful PCI.
Microrna-2392 Functions as a Tumor Suppressor Gene and Inhibits Malignant Progression of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Via Directly Targeting JAG2
Authors: Sun Bin , Ji Weidan , Liu Chunying , Lin Xuejing , Chen Lei , Qian Haihua , Su Changqing
Published: May 2021

Background

Dysregulation of microRNA (miRNA) expression in various cancers and their vital roles in malignant progression of cancers are well investigated. Our previous studies have analyzed miRNAs that promote malignant progression of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), this study aim to systematically elucidate metastasis suppressor miRNAs in HCC.
Results

miR-2392 was significantly down-regulated in HCC. Overexpression of miR-2392 suppressed proliferation, mobility, spheroid formation and maintenance of cancer stem cells (CSC)-like characteristics in HCC cell lines, whereas down-regulation of miR-2392 led to the opposite results. CTCs from HCC patients with lower serum miR-2392 level had stronger cell spheroid formation ability. A negative correlation between the content of miR-2392 in serum and the number of CTC spheroids had been found. We identified Jagged2 (JAG2) as a direct target of miR-2392, miR-2392 inhibited the expression and nuclear accumulation of JAG2 by targeting 3’-UTR of JAG2. HCC cells were treated with LV-miR-2392 inhibitor and JAG2-siRNA to explore the mechanism of miR-2392 and JAG2 on HCC. Down-regulation of JAG2 inhibited the overexpression effects of miR-2392 in vitro and in vivo. JAG2 is highly expressed in HCC and is closely related to poor prognosis and survival of patients.
Conclusions

Our findings indicated a significant role of the miR-2392/JAG2 axis in suppressing HCC cell growth and aggressiveness, miR-2392 may play a role as a tumor suppressor gene to guide the individualized precise treatment of HCC.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis for Liveweight Traits in Braunvieh Cattle
Authors: Zepeda-Batista José Luis , Nuñez-Domínguez Rafael , Ramírez-Valverde Rodolfo , Ruíz-Flores Agustín , Jahuey-Martínez Francisco Joel , Parra-Bracamonte Gaspar Manuel
Published: May 2021

A genome-wide association study (GWAS) for liveweight traits of Braunvieh cattle was performed. The study included 300 genotyped animals by the GeneSeek® Genomic Profiler Bovine LDv.4 panel; after quality control, 22,734 SNP and 276 animals were maintained in the analysis. The examined phenotypic data considered birth, weaning, and yearling weights. The association analysis was performed using the principal components method via the egscore function of the GenABEL version 1.8-0 package in the R environment. The marker rs133262280 located in BTA 22 was associated with birth weight, and two SNPs were associated with weaning weight, rs43668789 (BTA 11) and rs136155567 (BTA 27). New QTL associated with these liveweight traits and four positional and functional candidate genes potentially involved in variations of the analyzed traits were identified. The most important genes in these genomic regions were MCM2 (minichromosome maintenance complex component 2), TPRA1 (transmembrane protein adipocyte associated 1), GALM (galactose mutarotase), and NRG1 (neuregulin 1), with relationships with embryonic cleavage, bone and tissue growth, cell adhesion, and organic development. This study is the first to present a GWAS conducted in Braunvieh cattle in Mexico and represents a basis for future research. Further analyses of found associated regions will clarify its contribution to the genetic basis of growth-related traits.
Potential Biological Molecules and Immune Cell for Rheumatoid Arthritis Synovial Lesions
Authors: Yang Mingyi , Su Yani , Ma Yao , Xu Ke , Yirixiati Aihaiti , Xu Peng
Published: May 2021

Objective: To study the potential biomarkers and related pathways in rheumatoid arthritis (RA) synovial lesions, as well as immune cell, to provide theoretical basis and research directions for the mechanism and treatment of RA. Methods: Download the RA synovial tissue microarray data set (GSE77298, GSE55457 and GSE55235) from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO), The“limma” package of R to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), DAVIA Perform GO (Gene Ontology, gene ontology) and KEGG (Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, Kyoto Gene Encyclopedia) enrichment analysis. STRING (Search Tool for the Retrieval of Interacting Genes) constructs a Protein Protein Interaction Network (PPI), R screens Hub genes, and mines targeted miRNAs of Hub genes based on multiple databases. In R,the immune cell of RA synovial tissue samples are obtained through the three packages of "e1071", "parallel" and "preprocessCore" with "CIBERSORT" software. Results: Ten Hub genes (KIAA0101, FOXM1, EGFR, CDC20, BUB1B, TYMS, TOP2A, RRM2, JUN and CCNA2) and 2 key miRNAs (miR-520d-5p and miR) related to RA synovial lesions were finally identified -139-5p), significantly enriched in epithelial cell signaling, ECM-receptor interaction, estrogen signaling pathway, cell cycle, ErbB signaling pathway and GnRH signaling pathway in Helicobacter pylori infection. Immune cell analysis found that resting dendritic cells, B cells memory, dendritic cells activated, plasma cells, macrophages M1, mast cells resting and T cells regulatory have high expression in RA, while neutrophils, B cells naive and natural killer cells activated have low expression in RA. Conclusion:The Hub genes, key miRNAs, related pathways, and immune cell obtained in this study provide a certain basis for the etiology and treatment of RA synovial lesions.
Improving the Quality of Life of Adults With Cancer and Their Family Caregivers in Sub-saharan Africa: Intervention Development
Authors: Gabriel Israel , Creedy Debra , Coyne Elizabeth
Published: May 2021

Background

The evidence for the efficacy of interventions aimed at enhancing the quality of life of cancer patients and/or family members is compelling, but most of the interventions were carried out in high-income countries. Despite high needs that adversely affect the quality of life of people living with cancer and their family caregivers, there is a lack of culturally sensitive interventions for low-income communities. As a result, designing an intervention in resource-poor setting to address the needs and support coping strategies of individuals with cancer and their family caregivers is critical.
Methods

The intervention content and structure were developed using the Capability, Opportunity, and Motivation-Behaviour (COM-B) model for designing evidence-based interventions. A systematic review and quantitative needs assessment of adults with cancer and their family caregivers were previously undertaken. Based on these results, problem was defined, target behaviours were selected and specified, a comprehensive behavioural diagnosis was conducted, and the Taxonomy of Behaviour Change Techniques was used to identify behaviour change techniques and mode of delivery.
Results

Adults with cancer and their family members' needs were addressed through a 120-minute training intervention delivered in a face-to-face group setting, with a four-week follow-up. This intervention incorporates eleven behaviour change techniques of goals and planning; feedback and monitoring; social support; shaping knowledge; natural consequences; comparison of behaviour; associations; repetition and substitution; comparison of outcomes; reward and threat; and self-belief.
Conclusion

A systemic approach was used to explicitly conceptualise an evidence-based and theory-informed intervention tailored to the target population and setting. The proposed intervention addressed previous evidence gaps for the Nigerian user population of adults living with cancer and their family caregivers. Therefore, if implemented and effective, such an intervention has the potential to improve the quality of life of people living with cancer and their families, as well as the intervention's implementation in clinical practice and communities in other low and middle-income countries.
Prediction of Aerodynamic Characteristics in Upper Airways with Lateral Cephalograms
Authors: Feng Xin , Chen Yicheng , Cai Weihua , Lie Stein Atle , Hellén-Halme Kristina , Shi Xie-Qi
Published: May 2021

Background: The lateral cephalogram is a common imaging diagnostic test for adenoid hypertrophy (AH) in clinics. The study aims to investigate the aerodynamic characteristics within the upper airway (UA) by employing a computational fluid dynamics (CFD) simulation. Furthermore, airflow features are compared between subgroups according to the adenoidal nasopharyngeal (AN) ratios.Methods: This retrospective study included thirty-five cases involving individuals aged 9-15 years who fulfilled the inclusion criteria of having both a lateral cephalogram and cone beam computed tomography (CBCT) imaging that covered the UA region. Based on the three-dimensional (3D) models of the UA segmented from the CBCT images, the aerodynamic characteristics at inspiration and expiration were simulated by the CFD method. The studied aerodynamic parameters were pressure drop (△P), maximum midsagittal velocity (Vms), maximum wall shear stress (Pws), and minimum wall static pressure (Pw). The cases were divided into two subgroups: Group 1 was comprised of cases with an AN ratio < 0.6 and Group 2 with an AN ratio ≥ 0.6. The aerodynamic parameters were compared between the two groups. Results: The maximum Vms exhibits nearly 30% increases in Group 2 at both inspiration (p = 0.013) and expiration (p = 0.045) compared to Group 1. For the other aerodynamic parameters such as △P, the maximum Pws, and minimum Pw, no significant difference is found between the two groups. Conclusions: The maximum Vms is the most sensitive aerodynamic parameter for the groups of cases. An AN ratio of more than 0.6 measured on a lateral cephalogram may predict the noticeably increased maximum Vms, which could assist clinicians in estimating the airflow features in the UA.
A Rare Case of Combined Endometrioid Adenocarcinoma Arising from Uterine Adenomyosis and Clear Cell Carcinoma Arising from Parametrial Deep Endometriosis
Authors: Huang Yu , Luo Fangyuan
Published: May 2021

Background: Simultaneously malignant transformation from both uterine adenomyoma and deep endometriotic lesions is very rare. Case presentation: We present a case of a 44-year-old nulliparous woman begun with abdominal pain and intestinal obstruction. Past medical history showed laparoscopic ovarian endometriotic cyst excision. Ultrasound indicated adenomyoma and a parametrial hypoechoic nodule with abundant blood flow signals and unclear boundaries. Deep invasive endometriosis was considered preoperatively. The patient underwent laparoscopic subextensive hysterectomy and bilateral adnexa resection. Chocolate cyst-like lesion was observed in the parametiral lesion. Postoperative pathological examinations suggested endometrioid adenocarcinoma arising from eutopic endometrium and adenomyoma. Left parametrial lesions suggested poorly differentiated endometrioid adenocarcinoma combined with clear cell carcinoma. CD10+ endometrial stromal cells was observed surrounding tumor cell masses. The patient underwent subsequent transabdominal tumor cell reduction surgery and chemotherapy.Conclusion: Combined with surgical founding and pathological characters of the left parametrial adenocarcinoma, it was more likely to be carcinomatous changes of the original deep endometriosis.
Dosimetric Parameters Associated with the Long-Term Oncologic Outcomes of Gamma Knife Surgery for Sellar and Parasellar Tumors in Pediatric Patients
Authors: Lee Eun Jung , Lee Ji Yeoun , Kim Jin-Wook , Phi Ji-Hoon , Kim Yong Hwy , Kim Seung-Ki , Chung Hyun-Tai , Wang Kyu-Chang , Kim Dong Gyu
Published: May 2021

Purpose

We aimed to investigate the dosimetric parameter and the minimally required dose associated with long-term control of sellar and parasellar tumors after gamma knife surgery (GKS) in children.
Methods

A retrospective analysis was performed on pediatric patients under the age of 19 who were diagnosed with sellar and parasellar tumors and received GKS in our institution from 1998 to 2019. Cox proportional hazards regression analyses were used to investigate the dosimetric parameters associated with treatment outcome. The Kaplan-Meier method was used to analyze tumor control rates after GKS.
Results

Thirty-seven patients with 40 sellar and parasellar tumors, including 22 craniopharyngiomas and 12 pituitary adenomas, were followed up for a mean of 85.8 months. The gross target volume was 0.05 − 15.28 cm3, and the mean marginal dose was 15.8 Gy (range, 9.6–30.0 Gy). Ten patients experienced treatment failure at 28.0 ± 26.7 months. The actuarial 5- and 10-year tumor control rates were 79.0% and 69.8%, respectively. D98% was an independent predictive factor of tumor control (p = 0.007, hazard ratio 0.846, 95% confidence interval 0.749–0.956), with cutoff values of 11.5 Gy in the entire cohort and 10 Gy in the craniopharyngioma group. Visual deterioration occurred in two patients with the maximum point dose of 10.1 Gy and 10.6 Gy to the optic apparatus.
Conclusion

D98% is a reliable index of the minimum required dose for long-term control of sellar and parasellar tumors after GKS. The optimal D98% value for each diagnosis needs to be elucidated in the future.
Effect of Sampling Force on The Quality of Oropharyngeal Swabs
Authors: guo wenliang , Li shaoqiang , Hong chen , Jiang qian , Yu tao , Wang chong-yang , Zhou Yuan-yuan , Yang yong-ming , Liu Hao , Li shi-yue
Published: May 2021

Background

The aim of this study was to clarify the most suitable sampling force for OP swabs.
Methods

Thirty healthy subjects were continuously included in this study. The quantitative relationship between sampling force and the quality of OP swabs (CT values of GAPDH in OP swab specimens) has been explored.
Results

No significant relativities between the median sampling forces and qualities of OP swab were found in this study (r=-0.079, P = 0.547). The median and maximum sampling forces were remarkedly differed from different sampling doctors (P < 0.001). However, the mRNA expression of GAPDH of OP swabs specimens that were taken by two different doctors showed no statistical difference. The mRNA expressions of GAPDH presented no significant difference among three groups(low level: 0–20 g, middle level: 20–40 g, high level: > 40 g)of sampling force (P = 0.873). However, it was observed that the incidence of side effects was significantly increased in the middle and high level groups, compared to the low level group (P < 0.002).
Conclusions

We believed that a sampling force ranged from 0 to 40 g was considered as the optimal strength during OP swab sampling.
Refractive Error and or Visual Impairment and Their Impact on Quality of Life Among School-age Children in Sub-saharan Africa; A Protocol of a Systematic Review
Authors: Magakwe Tshubelela Sello Simon , Xulu-Kasaba Zamadonda Nokuthula Queen , Hansraj Rekha
Published: May 2021

BackgroundRefractive error (RE) is a leading cause of visual impairment (VI) in children, the most common cause of childhood handicaps, and the second leading cause of childhood blindness globally. Refractive error and/or VI limits the ability of a child to perform well at school, in most sporting activities which require good vision, and negatively affects the socio-economical security of an individual. These two conditions have also reported to impact quality of life (QoL). The epidemiological evidence about the prevalence and distribution of RE and VI, as well their impact on the QoL of school-going children in Sub-Saharan Africa (SSA), will assist policymakers and stakeholders involved in child eye care in channelling resources appropriately. The main objective of this scoping review study therefore is to map available evidence on RE and or VI and their impact on QoL of school-going children in SSA. Methods This systematic review study will follow the five steps outlined in a framework proposed by Arksey and O’Malley (2005). The literature search will be conducted using the following databases, EBSCOhost: CINAHL, Academic search complete, Health-Consumer and Health-Nursing, Google Scholar, Science direct and PubMed. The period of the literature will be from January 1998 to 31 December 2020, all suitable studies will be exported to a Mendeley library and in cases of outstanding articles the authors will be contacted directly. The title screening will be done by the principal investigator (PI), then the study will employ two independent reviewers which will have access to the Mendeley library to do abstract screening (AS) and a full article screening (FAS). Following FAS, data extraction will be done by PI. The quality index of all included studies will be determined using the Mixed Method Appraisal Tool (MMAT). The results will be reported using the Preferred Reporting Items for systematic reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA). Discussion The evidence of this scoping review will guide policy makers and all stakeholders in planning intervention strategies to address this global issue. Furthermore, the results of this review will be published in a peer reviewed journal and will be used to guide future research in this and related areas. Systemic review registration: Submitted (PROSPERO) 27/04/2021
Destabilization and ion conductivity of yttria-stabilized zirconia for solid oxide electrolyte under thermal stress
Authors: Lee Hwanseok , Jo Kanghee , Park Min-sung , Kim Taewoo , Lee Heesoo
Published: May 2021

The degradation behavior of yttria-stabilized zirconia under thermal stress was investigated in terms of phase transformation, local atomic structure, and electrical conductivity. The average grain size of 8YSZ were increased from 20.83 µm to 25.81 µm with increasing aging temperature. All 8YSZ samples degraded at different temperatures had a predominantly cubic structure. The (400) peak of 8YSZ deteriorated at 1300 and 1400°C shifted to high angle, and the peak of tetragonal was not indexed. For 8YSZ degraded at 1500°C, the (400) peak shifted to a lower angle, and the peak of tetragonal was identified. In the local atomic structure of the aged 8YSZ with extended X-ray absorption fine structure, the intensity of the Zr-O peak gradually increased, and the intensity of the Zr-Cation peak decreased as the aging temperature increased. The changes in the peaks indicate that the oxygen vacancies were reduced and Y3+ ions escaped from the lattice, leading to destabilization of 8YSZ. The activation energies of 8YSZ at 1300°C and 1400°C were derived to be 0.86 and 0.87 eV, respectively, and the activation energy of 8YSZ at 1500°C increased significantly to 0.92 eV. With the thermal deterioration of 8YSZ, the cation (Y3+) escaped from the lattice and the number of oxygen vacancies decrease, resulting in the formation of a tetragonal structure and high activation energy at 1500°C.
Validity and Reliability of Handgrip Dynamometry in Older Adults: A Comparison of Two Widely Used Dynamometers
Authors: Benton Melissa J. , Spicher Jefferson M. , Silva-Smith Amy L.
Published: May 2021

Background

Among older adults, decreased handgrip strength is associated with greater risk of frailty, and loss of physical function, mobility, lean mass, and overall muscular strength and power. Frailty is also associated with sarcopenia, for which handgrip strength has been recommended for diagnostic purposes. Specific cutoff points for diagnosis have been identified but use of different devices may affect measurement. Therefore to assess validity and reliability, we compared Jamar hydraulic versus Smedley spring handgrip dynamometers.
Methods

Sixty-seven older (76.2 ± 0.9 years) men (n = 34) and women (n = 33) completed two trials of handgrip strength measurement on sequential days (T1, T2) using both devices in random order. Intraclass correlations were used to assess test-retest reliability, and Bland-Altman analysis was used to assess validity as the level of agreement between devices.
Results

There were significant (p < 0.001) relationships between devices at T1 (r = 0.94) and T2 (r = 0.94) and strong (p < 0.001) intraclass correlations were observed for both devices (Jamar = 0.98; Smedley = 0.96), indicating excellent reliability. However, there were significant differences between devices. Strength measured with Jamar was greater than Smedley at both T1 (27.4 ± 1.4 vs. 23.4 ± 1.1 kg, p < 0.001) and T2 (25.3 ± 1.4 vs. 21.8 ± 1.2 kg, p < 0.001). Bland-Altman analysis confirmed these differences. Subgroup analysis to evaluate the effect of gender and age indicated that in women and old-old (> 75 years) participants, differences between devices were closer to zero for both measurements compared to men and young-old (65–75 years) participants.
Conclusions

Our results demonstrate that despite excellent reliability, there is poor agreement between devices, indicating a lack of validity. For use as a diagnostic tool, standardization and device-specific cut points for handgrip dynamometry are needed.
Association of Social-cognitive Factors With Individual Preventive Behaviors of Covid-19 Among a Mixed-sample of Older Adults From China and Germany
Authors: Yanping Duan , Sonia Lippke , Wei Liang , Shang Borui , Petra Wagner , Baker Julien Steven , Jiali He , Keller Franziska Marie
Published: May 2021

Background: Older adults are vulnerable to infection and infections developing into severe diseases during the COVID-19 pandemic. Performing individual preventive behaviors including hand washing frequently, facemask wearing and physical distancing play an important role to reduce the transmission of COVID-19 in the community. Identifying key correlates of the preventive behaviors that are modifiable through intervention is a recognized priority. This study aimed to examine the association of social-cognitive factors (motivational and volitional factors) with preventive behaviors in a mixed-sample of older adults from China and Germany and to evaluate the moderating effects of countries on the associations of these factors with preventive behaviors.Methods: Cross-sectional questionnaire surveys were conducted in China (June 2020 to July 2020) and Germany (June 2020 to February 2021). 578 older adults completed the online survey (N Chinese = 356, mean age = 67.75, SD = 6.24, 39.6% females; N German = 222, mean age = 69.09, SD = 6.9, 63.5% females). The questionnaire consisted of demographics, three preventive behaviors (hand washing, facemask wearing and physical distancing) before and during the pandemic, motivational factors (health knowledge, attitude, subjective norm, risk perception, motivational self-efficacy, intention) and volitional factors (volitional self-efficacy, planning and self-monitoring) of preventive behaviors. Univariate linear regressions and multiple hierarchical linear regressions with simple slope analyses were used. Results: The majority of motivational and volitional factors were associated with three preventive behaviors with small-to-moderate effect sizes (f2 = .02 to .17), when controlling for demographics and past preventive behaviors. When country was included in the regression models, it predicted all three preventive behaviors. Country also moderated five associations, including 1) volitional self-efficacy and hand washing, 2) self-monitoring and facemask wearing, 3) motivational self-efficacy and physical distancing, 4) volitional self-efficacy and physical distancing, and 5) planning and physical distancing. Conclusions: Findings underline the generic importance of modifiable factors and addressing them through preventive behavior interventions especially increasing health knowledge, developing intentions and plans, and strengthening self-efficacy among older adults. Country-related mechanisms should be considered when aiming to learn from other countries on the promotion of preventive behaviors.
Parosmia due to COVID-19 Disease: A 268 Case Series
Authors: Rashid Rasheed Ali , Alaqeedy Ameer A. , Al-Ani Raid M.
Published: May 2021

Although parosmia is a common problem in the era of the COVID-19 pandemic, few studies assessed the demographic and clinical aspects of this debilitating symptom. We aimed to evaluate the socio-clinical characteristics and outcome of various options of treatment of individuals with parosmia due to COVID-19 infection. The study was conducted at two main Hospitals in the Ramadi and Tikrit cities, Iraq, on patients with a chief complaint of parosmia due to COVID-19 disease. The study involved 7 months (August 2020-February 2021). Detailed demographic and clinical characteristics and treatment options with their outcome were recorded and analyzed. Out of 268 patients with parosmia, there were 197 (73.5%) females. The majority were from age group ≤ 30 years (n = 188, 70.1%), housewives (n = 150, 56%), non-smokers (n = 222, 82.8%), and associated with dysgeusia (n = 207, 77.2%) but not associated with nasal symptoms (n = 266, 99.3%). All patients have complained of anosmia (89.9%) or hyposmia (10.1%). Troposmia was reported in the majority of participants. The majority of the patients were suffering from severe parosmia (65.7%). Around 3 quarters of the cases were presented in ≤ 4 months. Altered quality of life (AQL) was presented in 91.8% of subjects, and there was a significant association with the presence of dysgeusia and type and severity of parosmia. The smoking habit didn't show a significant association with AQL, the severity of parosmia, and the recovery rate. Most of the odor group was the most triggering stimuli eliciting parosmia, while, the sewage was the response odor in above 50% of the cases. The recovery rate was poor with olfactory training plus either tonics or local and systemic steroids. Parosmia due to COVID-19 infection is a common problem with poor results in the short-term treatment and follow-up. The AQL was seen in a greater proportion of patients and strongly associated with the presence of dysgeusia, type, and severity of parosmia.
Platelet Parameters Assessment among Sudanese Pregnant Women with Preeclampsia Attending Wad Medani Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital
Authors: FadlElseed Ejlal Omer , Mohamedahmed Khalid Abdelsamea , Mohamed Aboagala Mustafa , Hassan Muatez Ibrahim , Mohammed Yousif E/Hameed , Talha Albadawi Abdebagi
Published: May 2021

Background: Preeclampsia is considered one of the major health problems associated with pregnancy and one of the causes of maternal mortality. The pathogenesis of preeclampsia associated with platelet activation.Methods: This is a case-control laboratory-based study carried out in Wad Medani Obstetrics and Gynecology Teaching Hospital, Gezira State, Sudan from January to November 2020. The study aimed to evaluate the platelet parameters (platelet count and platelet indices) in pregnant women with preeclampsia. A total of 50 pregnant women with preeclampsia as cases (32.20 ± 3.21 years) and 50 normotensive pregnant women as controls (30.68 ± 2.85 years) participated in this study. Three ml of venous blood samples were collected from all participants in K3 EDTA containers. platelet parameters (platelet count and platelet indices) were determined using Mindray BC 3000 Automated Hematology Analyzer. Data were analyzed using the SPSS computer program (version 22). Results: The study results showed that the thrombocytopenia account for 56 %, all cases with low PCT (100%). Furthermore the means of PLTs count, PCT and PDW in cases were (144.40 ± 31.80 × 109/L, 0.13 ± 0.03 % and 15.80 ± 0.45 fl respectively) versus controls (269.40 ± 72.50 × 109/L, 0.22 ± 0.05 % and 15.50 ± 0.29 fl respectively), giving statistically significant differences (P value = 0.000, 0.003 and 0.022 respectively). The mean of PCT of mild cases was lower than severe cases (P value = 0.004); but there were no significant differences in PLTs count, MPV and PDW (P value = 0.379, 0.283 and 0.075 respectively).Conclusion: The study concluded that platelet count (PLTs count) and plateletcrit (PCT) were significantly decreased in pregnant women with preeclampsia especially; so platelet parameters especially (PLTs count and PCT) should be included for assessing and predicting the risk of severe preeclampsia.
Discovery of Potential Plant-derived Iradoides with COVID-19 Mpro in silico
Authors: Rehan Mohd
Published: May 2021

Iradoides are a small class of plant derived natural products, which used in traditional system of medicine such as Unani, Tibetan, Ayurveda, Siddha, and Chinese medicine. The several diverse types of iradoides have been isolated from many parts of the plant such as root, leaves, flowers, stem, rhizomes, bark, and seed. Here, we used bioactive iradoides to know the potency against COVID-19 Mpro. The COVID-19 Mpro is a potential target of the drug, which identified by Chinese scientist (published manuscript in Nature on June 2020). From several studies, we found that many natural products such as flavonoids, saponins, steroids, terpenoids, and synthesized compounds have been used on this target (COVID-19 Mpro). We screened a series of iradoides against COVID-19 Mpro (PDB ID: 6LU7) by using many docking software as BIOVIA Discovery Studio 2017 R2, Chimera 1.13.1, Auto Dock Tools-1.5.6, AutoDock Vina to known best inhibitor against COVID-19 Mpro. According to obtained results, 6′-O-trans-feruloylnegundoside, p-hydroxybenzoyl-6′-O-trans-caffeoylgardoside, 2′-O-p-hydroxybenzoyl gardoside, 6-deoxyharpagide, reptoside show binding energies -8.1, -8.3, -8.2, -7.0, and -7.1 Kcal/mol, respectively. From this study, we found that all iradoides show more potency on COVID-19 Mpro when compared with Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine. The Chloroquine and hydroxychloroquine used as standards for comparison. From the results of this study, we found that iradoides may be useful in the treatment of COVID-19 patients.