bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genomic and in silico Structural Characterization of Dobrava-Belgrade orthohantavirus Isolate from European Side of Turkey
Authors: Erdin Mert , Polat Ceylan , Smura Teemu , Irmak Sercan , Cetintas Ortac , Cogal Muhsin , Colak Faruk , Karatas Ahmet , Sozen Mustafa , Matur Ferhat , Sironen Tarja , Oktem Ibrahim Mehmet Ali
Published: December 2021

Orthohantaviruses are transmitted to humans mostly through small mammals that are the reservoirs of these viruses. Because orthohantaviruses show high genetic variability through geographic regions, the genetic characterization of these viruses with whole genome sequencing is of great importance to clarify the molecular epidemiology and track their genetic changes in the reservoir hosts. We have previously reported the presence of Dobrava-Belgrade orthohantavirus (DOBV) in the Igneada region, Kirklareli province by showing antibodies against the virus in rodents and by sequencing partial genomes of the virus. Here we report the whole genome sequencing of DOBV Igneada strain directly from Apodemus flavicollis’ lung tissue by next-generation sequencing followed by phylogenetic analyses. In addition, viral protein structures of DOBV Igneada strain were modelled, and in silico prediction analyses of amino acid changes on viral protein function and stability were performed.The phylogenetic analysis showed a close relation between the DOBV Igneada strain from Turkey and DOBV Ano-Poroia strain from Greece. Similarity plot analysis revealed also similarities between DOBV Igneada strain and other DOBV strains from the Balkans such as Greece, Croatia, and Slovenia. Additionally, in silico prediction suggested that G318E, Y322H, and S324P mutations on Gn glycoprotein are deleterious, and all amino acid changes decrease the stability of both Gn and Gc glycoproteins.In conclusion, full orthohantaviral genomes can be obtained directly from rodent lung tissues allowing detailed genetic and structural analyses of orthohantaviruses. The DOBV Igneada strain shows great similarity to the prototype Ano-Poroia strain, yet it was predicted that DOBV Igneada strain may have some changes on its pathogenicity and its structure warranting further research.
Characterization of PAH Gene Mutations and Analysis of Genotype-Phenotype Correlation in Patients with Phenylalanine Hydroxylase Deficiency from Fujian Province, Southeastern China
Authors: Zhou Jinfu , Luo Jinying , Zeng Yinglin , Qiu Xiaolong , Lin Qingying , Chen Weifeng , Xu Liangpu
Published: December 2021

Phenylalanine hydroxylase deficiency (PAHD) is the most prevalent inborn error of amino acid metabolism in China, has a complex phenotype with many variants and genotypes among different populations. Here, we analyzed the phenylalanine hydroxylase（ PAH ） gene mutations in a cohort of 93 PAHD patients from Fujian Province. And, the analysis of genotype and phenotype correlation in patients with PAHD was also determined. 44 different pathogenic variants were identified, including five novel variants. The three most prevalent mutations among all patents were p.Arg53His (18.03%), p.Arg241Cys (14.75%), and p.Arg243Gln (7.65%). The frequency of the p.Arg53His variant was the highest in patients with mild hyperphenylalaninemia (MHP), while the frequency of the p.Val399= and p.Arg111Ter variants was the highest in patients with classic phenylketonuria(cPKU). The most abundant genotypes observed in PAHD patients were p.Arg53His/p.Arg243Gln, p.Arg53His/p.IVS4-1G>A, and p.Arg53His/p.Arg241Cysp. As for the genotype-phenotype prediction, the APV/GPV system performed well in predicting the actual phenotype, as the overall consistency rate was 85.71% for PAHD patients. In conclusion, we established a PAH gene mutation spectrum in the PAHD patients in Southeastern China. A quantitative correlation analysis between genotype and phenotype severity is helpful for genetic counseling and management.
Expression Analysis of Circulating miR-22, miR-122, miR-217 and miR-367 as Promising Biomarkers of Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: hosseinpour-soleimani Fatemeh , Khamisipour Gholamreza , Derakhshan Zahra , Ahmadi Bahram
Published: December 2021

Background

Currently, the role of serum-based biomarkers such as microRNAs in cancer diagnosis has been extensively established. This study aimed to determine expression levels of bioinformatically selected miRNAs and whether they can be used as biomarkers or a new therapeutic target in patients with Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia (ALL).
Materials and Methods

The expression levels of serum miR-22, miR-122, miR-217, and miR-367 in 21 ALL patients and 21 healthy controls were measured using quantitative real-time PCR. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve and the associated area under the curve (AUC) was used to assess candidate miRNAs' diagnostic value as a biomarker.
Results

The results showed that miR-217 was markedly decreased in patients with ALL compared to controls. Moreover, miR-22, miR-122, and miR-367 were found to be upregulated. Furthermore, ROC analysis showed that serum miR-217 and miR-367 could differentiate ALL patients from the healthy individuals, while miR-22 has approximate discriminatory power that requires further investigation.
Conclusion

Collectively, the results suggested that miR-217 may play a tumor suppressor role in ALL, whereas miR-22, miR-122, and miR-367 could function as an oncogene. Overall, miR-22, miR-217, and miR-367 could be considered possible biomarkers for the early diagnosis of ALL.
Pyruvate Kinase M1 Regulates Butyrate Metabolism in Cancerous Colonocytes
Authors: Park Bohye , Kim Ji Yeon , Riffey Olivia F. , Bruckbauer Antje , McLoughlin James , Bettaieb Ahmed , Donohoe Dallas R.
Published: December 2021

Colorectal cancer (CRC) cells shift metabolism toward aerobic glycolysis and away from using oxidative substrates such as butyrate. Pyruvate kinase M1/2 (PKM) is an enzyme that catalyzes the last step in glycolysis, which converts phosphoenolpyruvate to pyruvate. M1 and M2 are alternatively spliced isoforms of the Pkm gene. The PKM1 isoform promotes oxidative metabolism, whereas PKM2 enhances aerobic glycolysis. We hypothesize that the PKM isoforms are involved in the shift away from butyrate oxidation towards glycolysis in CRC cells. Here, we find that PKM2 is increased and PKM1 is decreased in human colorectal carcinomas as compared to non-cancerous tissue. To test whether PKM1/2 alter colonocyte metabolism, we created a knockdown of PKM2 and PKM1 in CRC cells to analyze how butyrate oxidation and glycolysis would be impacted. We report that butyrate oxidation in CRC cells is regulated by PKM1 levels, not PKM2. Decreased butyrate oxidation observed through knockdown of PKM1 and PKM2 is rescued through re-addition of PKM1. Diminished PKM1 lowered mitochondrial basal respiration and decreased mitochondrial spare capacity. We demonstrate that PKM1 suppresses glycolysis and inhibits hypoxia-inducible factor-1 alpha. These data suggest that reduced PKM1 is, in part, responsible for increased glycolysis and diminished butyrate oxidation in CRC cells.
The burden and dynamics of hospital-acquired SARS-CoV-2 in England
Authors: Cooper Ben , Evans Stephanie , Jafari Yalda , Pham Thi Mui , Lim Cherry , Pritchard Mark , Pople Diane , Hall Victoria , Stimson James , Eyre David , Read Jonathan , Donnelly Christl , Horby Peter , Watson Conall , Funk Sebastian , Robotham Julie , Knight Gwen , Yin Mo
Published: December 2021

Hospital-based transmission played a dominant role in MERS-CoV and SARS-CoV epidemics but large-scale studies of its role in the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic are lacking. Such transmission risks spreading the virus to the most vulnerable individuals and can have wider-scale impacts through hospital-community interactions. Using data from acute hospitals in England we quantify within-hospital transmission, evaluate likely pathways of spread and factors associated with heightened transmission risk, and explore the wider dynamical consequences. We show that hospital transmission is likely to have been a major contributor to the burden of COVID-19 in England. We estimate that between June 2020 and March 2021 between 95,000 and 167,000 patients acquired SARS-CoV-2 in hospitals with nosocomially-infected patients likely to have been the main sources of transmission to other patients. Increased transmission to patients was associated with hospitals having fewer single rooms and lower heated volume per bed. Moreover, we show that reducing hospital transmission could substantially enhance the efficiency of punctuated lockdown measures in suppressing community transmission. These findings reveal the previously unrecognised scale of hospital transmission, have direct implications for targeting of hospital control measures, and highlight the need to design hospitals better-equipped to limit the transmission of future high consequence pathogens.
Impact of IRS-1 rs956115 and CYP2C19 rs4244285 Genotypes on Clinical Outcome of Patients Undergoing PCI
Authors: Zong Jiaxin , Tang Yingdan , Wang Tong , Ullah Inam , Xu Ke , Wang Jing , Chen Pengsheng , Chen Zengguang , Zhu Tiantian , Chen Jun , Li Jimin , Wang Fei , Yang Lu , Fan Yuansheng , Shi Lu , Gong Xiaoxuan , Eikelboom John W. , Zhao Yang , Li Chunjian
Published: December 2021

Background insulin receptor substrate-1 (IRS-1) rs956115 is associated with vascular risk in patients with coronary artery disease (CAD) and concomitant diabetes. CYP2C19 rs4244285 modulates clopidogrel responsiveness and predicts outcome of CAD. We designed this study to explore the association between IRS-1 rs956115, CYP2C19 rs4244285, and platelet reactivity as well as 1-year outcome in patients with CAD undergoing percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI).Methods IRS-1 rs956115, CYP2C19 rs4244285 genotypes and platelet reactivity were assessed in 1611 post-PCI patients. Major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) which were defined as a composite of cardiovascular death, myocardial infarction and ischemic stroke over 1-year were evaluated. One-way ANOVA was used to compare the platelet reactivity among different genotypes of rs956115 and rs4244285. Multivariable Cox proportional hazard model analysis was used to estimate the association between genotypes of rs956115 and rs4244285 and risk of MACE.Results At 1 month, patients with rs956115 CG genotype had significantly lower level of residual ADP-induced platelet aggregation (PLADP) than those with CC genotype. PLADP significantly increased with the number of rs4244285 A alleles. Patients with rs956115 CG or GG genotype had a 2.09-fold higher risk of MACE than those with CC genotype (adjusted HR=2.09; 95%CI:1.04-4.19; P=0.0376), and those with rs4244285 GA genotype had a 2.19-fold higher risk than GG homozygotes (adjusted HR=2.19; 95%CI:1.13-4.24; P=0.0200). There was no significant difference in risk between AA and GG homozygotes. No interaction between rs956115 and rs4244285 was observed. Conclusions In post-PCI patients, rs956115 GG/CG and rs4244285 GA genotypes were associated with 2.09- and 2.19-fold cardiovascular risks respectively at 1-year follow-up. The effect of rs956115 appeared to be independent of known clinical predictors, while that of rs4244285 GA could be mediated by lower clopidogrel response. Trial registration: Pharmacogenetic and Pharmacokinetic Study of Clopidogrel (PPSC), NCT01968499. Registered October 17, 2013 - Retrospectively registered, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT01968499?term=NCT01968499&draw=1&rank=1
Conducting Cytocompatible Scaffolds: Composite of Sodium Hyaluronate and Colloidal Particles of Conducting Polymers
Authors: Truong Thanh Huong , Musilová Lenka , Kašpárková Věra , Jasenská Daniela , Ponížil Petr , Minařík Antonín , Korábková Eva , Mráček Aleš , Rejmontová Petra , Humpolíček Petr
Published: December 2021

Novel bio-inspired conductive scaffolds composed of sodium hyaluronate containing water soluble polyaniline or polypyrrole colloidal particles (concentrations 0.108, 0.054 and 0.036 % w/w) were manufactured. For this purpose, either crosslinking with N-(3-dimethylaminopropyl-N-ethylcarbodiimide hydrochloride and N-hydroxysuccinimid or a freeze-thawing process in the presence of poly(vinylalcohol) were used. The scaffolds comprised interconnected pores with prevailing porosity values of ~30 % and pore sizes enabling the accommodation of cells. Good swelling capacity (92 – 97 %) without any sign of disintegration was typical for all samples. The elasticity modulus depended on the composition of the scaffolds, with the highest value of ~50 000 Pa obtained for the sample containing the highest content of polypyrrole particles. The scaffolds did not possess cytotoxicity and allowed cell adhesion and growth on the surface. Using the in vivo-mimicking conditions in a bioreactor, cells were also able to grow into the structure of the scaffolds. The technique of scaffold preparation used here thus overcomes the limitations of conducting polymers (e.g. poor solubility in an aqueous environment, and limited miscibility with other hydrophilic polymer matrices) and moreover leads to the preparation of cytocompatible scaffolds with potentially cell-instructive properties, which may be of advantage in the healing of damaged electro-sensitive tissues.
Geohydraulic and vulnerability assessment of tropically weathered and fractured gneissic aquifers using combined electrical resistivity and geostatistical methods
Authors: AKINGBOYE Adedibu Sunny
Published: December 2021

Sustainable potable groundwater supplied by aquifers depends on the protective capacity of the strata overlying the aquifer zones and their thicknesses, as well as the nature of the aquifers and the conduit systems. The poor overburden development of the Araromi area of Akungba-Akoko, in the crystalline basement of southwestern Nigeria, restricts most aquifers to shallow depths. Hence, there is a need to investigate the groundwater quality of the tropically weathered and fractured gneissic aquifers in the area. A combined electrical resistivity tomography (ERT) and Schlumberger vertical electrical sounding (VES) technique were employed to assess the groundwater-yielding potential and vulnerability of the aquifer units. The measured geoelectric parameters (i.e., resistivity and thickness values) at the respective VES surveyed stations were used to compute the geohydraulic parameters, such as aquifer resistivity (\({\rho }_{o}\)), hydraulic conductivity (K), transmissivity (T), porosity (\(\phi\)), permeability (\({\Psi }\)), hydraulic resistance (\({\text{K}}_{R}\)), and longitudinal conductance (S). In addition, regression analysis was employed to establish the correlations between the K and other geohydraulic parameters to achieve the objectives of this study. The subsurface lithostratigraphic units of the studied site were delineated as the motley topsoil, weathered layers, partially weathered/fractured bedrock units, and the fresh bedrock, based on the ERT and the A, H, AK, HA, and KQ curve models. The K model regression-assisted analysis showed that the \({\rho }_{o}\), T, \(\phi\), \({\Psi }\), and S contributed about 81.7%, 3.31%. 96.6%, 100%, and 11.63%, respectively, of the determined K values for the study area. The results, except T and S, have strong high positive correlations with the K of the aquifer units; hence, accounted for the recorded high percentages. The aquifer units in the area were classified as low to moderate groundwater-yielding potential due to the thin overburden, with an average depth of <4 m. However, the deep-weathered and fractured aquifer zones with depths ranging from about 39–55 m could supply high groundwater yield for sustainable exploitation. The estimated S values, i.e., 0.0226–0.1926 mho, for aquifer protective capacity ratings rated the aquifer units in the area as poor/weak to moderately high with extremely high to high aquifer vulnerability index, based on the estimated low Log \({\text{K}}_{R}\) of about 0.01–1.77 years. Hence, intended wells/boreholes in the study area and its environs, as well as any environments with similar geohydraulic and vulnerability characteristics, should be properly constructed to adequately prevent surface and subsurface infiltrating contaminants.
Global Analysis of a Time Fractional Order Spatio-Temporal SIR Model
Authors: Ammi Moulay Rchid Sidi , Tahiri Mostafa , Tilioua Mouhcine , Zeb Anwar , Khan Ilyas
Published: December 2021

We deal in this paper with a diffusive SIR epidemic model described by reaction-diffusion equations involving a fractional derivative. The existence and uniqueness of the solution are shown, next to the boundedness of the solution. Further, it has been shown that the global behavior of the solution is governed by the value of R0 , which is known in epidemiology by the basic reproduction number. Indeed, using the Lyapunov direct method it has been proved that the disease will extinct for R0 < 1 for any value of the diffusion constants. For R0 > 1, the disease will persist and the unique positive equilibrium is globally stable. Some numerical illustrations have been used to confirm our theoretical results.Subject classification: 26A33; 34A08; 92D30; 35K57.
Stress Analysis of Full-length Bond Bolt Under Shear Deformation of Anchor Interface
Authors: Zhengde ZHU , Xiaoyun SHU , Yun TIAN
Published: December 2021

Bolt anchoring force is closely related to the shear properties of the anchor interface. Considering the shear properties of anchoring agent and contact interface bonding behavior, the shear stress distribution of full-length bond bolt is analyzed based on the stress-strain relationship among bolt, anchoring agent, surrounding rock and bond interface. In this case, both the interface shear stress of the anchoring agent, surrounding rock and the bolt axial force is obtained respectively under drawing and actual working conditions. The results show that the peak shear stress of the interface, including the shear deformation of the contact interface, is significantly lower than that without it when the drawing force is applied. When designing the bolt parameters under the actual working conditions of grade IV and V surrounding rock, the relative deformation between surrounding rock and anchor should be considered, and the distribution of shear stress changes from “unimodal” to “bimodal ”. In the case of a lower elastic modulus of surrounding rock, both the shear stress concentration and distribution range are obvious, and the position of the neutral point is near the orifice. With the increase of elastic modulus, both the shear stress concentration and distribution range are reduced, and the position of the neutral point moves towards the depth of bolt. As a result, the optimum bolt length of full-length bond bolt can be determined by field test and decreases with the increase of elastic modulus of surrounding rock.
Voltammetric Approach for Pharmaceutical Samples Analysis; Simultaneous Quantitative Determination of Resorcinol and Hydroquinone
Authors: Nabatian Ebrahim , Mousavi Mahdi , Pournamdari Mostafa , Ahmadzadeh Saeid
Published: December 2021

A simple and precise analytical approach developed for single and simultaneous determination of resorcinol (RC) and hydroquinone (HQ) in pharmaceutical samples using carbon paste electrode (CPE) modified with 1-Ethyl-3-methylimidazolium tetrafluoroborate as ionic liquid and ZnFe2O4 nanoparticle. A significant enhancement in the peak current and sensitivity of the proposed sensor observed by using modifiers in the composition of working electrode compared to bare CPE which is in accordance with the results obtained from electrochemical impedance spectroscopy investigations. Electrochemical investigations revealed a well-defined irreversible oxidation peak for RC over a wide concentration range from 3.0 µM to 500 µM in 0.1 M phosphate buffer solution (pH 6.0) with the linear regression equations of Ip (µA) = 0.0276 CRC (µM) + 0.5508 (R2 = 0.997). The limit of detection and quantification for RC analysis were found to be 1.46 µM and 4.88 µM, respectively. However, the obtained SW voltammograms for simultaneous determination of RC and HQ exhibited a desirable peak separation of about 360 mV potential difference and a satisfactory linear response over the range of 50-700 µM and 5-350 µM with the favorable correlation coefficient of 0.991 and 0.995, respectively. The diffusion coefficient (D) of RC and the electron transfer coefficient (α) at the surface of ZnFe2O4/NPs/IL/CPE estimated to be 2.83×10−4 cm s−1 and 0.76. The proposed sensor as a promising and low-cost method successfully applied for determination of RC in commercial pharmaceutical formulations such as the resorcinol cream of 2% O/W emulsion available on the market with the recovery of 98.47±0.04.
Construction and Evaluation of a Virtual Reality Laparoscopic Surgery Collaborative Training Platform: Taking Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy as an Example
Authors: Li Weimin , Huang Hui , Li Qin , Zhang Tao , Gao Wenzhe , Zhu Hongwei , Zhang Xianlin , Yu Xiao
Published: December 2021

Backgroud: Virtual reality (VR) technology represents the future of medical education due to its unique advantages, especially with the Covid-19 pandemic lasting. We developed a laparoscopic VR surgery collaborative training platform hoping to shed light on future medical education in China.Methods: We constructed a VR surgery training platform and designed surgery curriculum on laparoscopic cholecystectomy (LC). 36 first-year postgraduate students in China standardized training program for resident doctor (C-STRD) from the Third Xiangya Hospital of Central South University were enrolled for validation trials. In the Phase I trial, 12 students performed LC in the exploration mode. After training in the surgery learning mode, they performed LC again. The LC scores before and after training were compared. In the Phase II trial, another 12 students were randomly assigned to either the collaborative group or the control group. The former trained with a senior surgeon collaboratively in the surgery learning mode and then performed LC alone in the exploration mode. The latter trained in the surgery learning mode by themselves and performed LC in the exploration mode. The LC scores between groups were compared. The user experience (intention to use, skills improvement, usability, degree of enjoyment) were analyzed through questionnaires from the above 24 students. Interest in surgery learning of Phase I students was compared with 12 students who didn’t experience the VR platform.Results: In Phase I trial, the mean LC scores of the students were elevated from 56.83 to 61.17 (p=0.042) after learning in surgery learning mode. In Phase II trial, collaborative group students had higher scores than their rivals (67.17 vs 61.33, p=0.014). Most students have a positive users’ experience regarding the intention to use and skills improvement. Collaborative group students had higher evaluation regarding usability. Students who experienced the VR platform were significantly more interested in future surgery learning (3.60 vs 2.58, p <0.05).Conclusion: Our study constructed a VR platform for collaborative surgery training, which showed an excellent training effect. Medical students rated the platform highly, and their interest in learning increased.
Hypo- and hyper- sensory processing heterogeneity in Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Lefebvre Aline , Tillmann Julian , Cliquet Freddy , Amsellem Frederique , Maruani Anna , Leblond Claire , Beggiato Anita , Germanaud David , Amestoy Anouck , Moal Myriam Ly-Le , Umbricht Daniel , Chattam Christopher , Murtagh Lorraine , Bouvard Manuel , Leboyer Marion , Charman Tony , Bourgeron Thomas , Delorme Richard , Dumas Guillaume
Published: December 2021

Background. Sensory processing atypicalities are part of the core symptoms of autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and could result from an excitation/inhibition imbalance. Yet, the convergence level of phenotypic sensory processing atypicalities with genetic alterations in GABA-ergic and glutamatergic pathways remains poorly understood. This study aimed to characterize the distribution of hypo/hyper-sensory profile among individuals with ASD and investigate the role of deleterious mutations in GABAergic and glutamatergic pathways related genes in sensory processing atypicalities. Method. From the Short Sensory Profile (SSP) questionnaire, we defined and explored a score – the differential Short Sensory Profile (dSSP) - as a normalized and centralized hypo/hypersensitivity ratio for 1136 participants (533 with ASD, 210 first-degree relatives, and 267 controls) from two independent study samples (PARIS and LEAP). We also performed an unsupervised item-based clustering analysis on SSP items scores to validate this new categorization in terms of hypo and hyper sensitivity. We then explored the link between the dSSP score and the burden of deleterious mutations in a subset of individuals for which whole-genome sequencing data were available. Results. We observed a mean dSSP score difference between ASD and controls, driven mostly by a high dSSP score variability among groups (PARIS: p<0.0001, η2 = 0.0001, LEAP: p<0.0001, Cohen’s d=3.67). First-degree relatives were with an intermediate distribution variability profile (p<0.0001). We also reported a positive developmental trajectory of the dSSP score (PARIS: p=0.0006, η2 = 0.02; LEAP: p=0.01, η2 = 0.01). Clusters were similarly characterized by hypo- and hyper-sensitivity items in both study samples (Cramer's V from 0.64 to 0.69, p<0.05). Our genetic analysis showed a trend only for an association with mutations of the GABAergic pathway.Limitations. The major limitation was the dSSP score difficulty to discriminate subjects with a similar quantum of hypo- and hyper- sensory symptoms to those with no such symptoms, resulting both in a similar ratio score of 0.Conclusion. The dSSP score could be a relevant clinical score of the hypo/hyper-sensory individual profile in subjects with ASD. Combined with additional sensory domain characteristics, genetics and endophenotypic substrates, the dSSP score will offer new avenues to explore the underlying neurobiological mechanisms of sensory processing atypicalities in ASD.
Pyrolysis kinetic analysis of sequential extract residues from Hefeng sub-bituminous coal based on Coats-Redfern method
Authors: Huang Xian-Jin , Mo Wen-Long , Ma Ya-Ya , He Xiao-Qiang , Syls Yelixiati , Wei Xian-Yong , Fan Xing , Yang Xiao-Qin , Zhang Shu-Pei
Published: December 2021

Sequential extract residues (Ri, i=1, 2, 3, 4, 5) were obtained from Hefeng acid-washing coal (HFAC) by petroleum ether, carbon disulfide, methanol, acetone and isometric carbon disulfide/acetone mixture, sequentially. Pyrolysis behavior of the samples was carried out using thermogravimetry analysis. Coats-Redfern method with different reaction order was used to analyze the pyrolysis kinetic of each sample, and the kinetic parameters, including correlation coefficient (R2), activation energy (E), pre-exponential factor (A), were calculated. Results showed that the weight loss of extract residues was higher than HFAC, and pyrolysis behavior varies greatly for residues, which may be due to unstable structure after extraction. From conversion-temperature (α-T) curves, pyrolysis process was divided into three stages: low-temperature stage (150-350 oC), medium temperature stage (350-550 oC) and high temperature stage (550-950 oC). And the medium temperature stage made great contribution to the process of pyrolysis, which was dominated by depolymerization and decomposition reaction, and the effect of kinetic fitting to this stage is better, with R2 higher than 0.95. Relationship between kinetic parameters and reaction order showed that swelling effect might be an important reason for the discrepancy of E for each sample in the process of pyrolysis. And Ln(A)-E relationship has a great significance to predict E and the A under higher reaction order.
The Quality of Life of Long Term Survivors of Patients with Biliary Atresia
Authors: Le Melanie , Reinshagen Konrad , Tomuschat Christian
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Advances in surgical techniques and perioperative care have improved patients' short-and mid-term postoperative outcomes with Biliary Atresia (BA). However, the long-term results of these patients have not been thoroughly investigated. This systematic review aims to determine the long-term outcomes and the patients' health-related Quality of life (HrQoL) with their native livers or liver transplantation. Methods: A systematic literature-based search for relevant cohorts was performed using Pubmed/Medline, Cochrane Library from its inception to August 2021. Original studies reporting on BA, Hepatoportoenterostomie, portoenterostomy, Kasai, Liver transplantation, Quality of life, or HrQoL were included. Pooled prevalence has been calculated for cholangitis, secondary liver transplantation, or associated malformations using MetaXL (version 5.3). Subgroup analysis on HrQoL followed surgical treatment after BA was calculated by using RevMan (version 5.4).Results: 12 articles were considered for data synthesis. Nine studies compared biliary atresia patients to an age-matched healthy reference group. 4/9 (n = 338) of these studies indicated lower scores for biliary atresia patients; 5/9 (n = 127) stated similar health status. A Forest plot analysis including all studies with total HrQoL showed a tendency of higher scores towards healthy controls (MD -0.79, 95% CI: -6.00-4.41). Comparing patients after Kasai Hepatoportoenterostomy with healthy controls demonstrated favorable outcomes for the control group (MD -3.22, 95% CI: -7.20-0.75) with no statistical significance (p = 0.11). The pooled estimation of the prevalence of cholangitis, secondary liver transplantation and associated malformations are 0.33 (95% CI: 0.06–0.66), 0.59 (95% CI: 0,42–0.75) and 0.13 (95% CI: 0,01–0.33).Conclusion: Biliary atresia patients have an overall high prevalence of progressive liver-related complications and risk of lower HrQoL compared to their healthy peers. Furthermore, those patients who received liver transplantation appear to have the same Quality of life as those living with their native livers. Targeted and evidence-based follow-up procedures and transitional care are essential to meet these patients' long-term care needs. Prospective and multicenter research das focuses on the attributes and predictors of the long-term prognosis of patients with biliary atresia are necessary.
In Situ Synthesis of Polyaniline Based Ceramic Wastes Composites: Dielectric and Electrical Properties
Authors: Sohail M. , Shahzad Adnan , Sayed Mian Gul , Ullah Ihsan , Omer M. , Adnan Adnan , Mabood Fazal , Ahmad Aziz
Published: December 2021

In the present study, ceramic wastes collected from the premises of industrial zone in Peshawar, KP Pakistan were investigated. An effort has been made to recycle and use the ceramic wastes as fillers in polymeric composites. The negative cost ceramic wastes were purified and activated thermally. The elemental composition and pellets of the wastes were investigated through SEM/EDX analysis. Waste/Polyaniline (PANI) composite was synthesized via in-situ free radical polymerization technique. SEM of the composites showed the uniform distribution of fillers particles in the PANI matrix. XRD studies confirmed that the prepared composite material had a face- centered cubic geometry with distinct preferential orientations. Dielectric analysis showed that the materials exhibit active performance at high frequency regions (3MHz to 3GHz) at room temperature. The results show decrease in dielectric losses and capacitance (1.6 pF) at high frequency regions. AC conductivity of the composite has been increased up to 37.95 Scm-1. This revealed the effect of PANI on the ceramic wastes while increasing its conductance performance. This suggests that the composite material can be investigated for use in photovoltaic detectors, electro-responsive capacitors and power applications.
An Innovative Curriculum Development Experience: Emergency Medical Dispatch Role in the Healthcare Transformation Vision of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alsofayan Yousef , Almakhalas Kharsan , Alabdali Abdullah , Arafat Mohammed , Aljerian Nawfal , Cluntun Ameera , Alshammari Waad , Alharthi Salman , Alhajjaj Fahad , Alowais Jalal , Alsolamy Sami , Mzahim Bandr , Sabbagh Abdulrahman
Published: December 2021

BackgroundHealthcare medical dispatch systems play a fundamental role in the daily operations of prehospital services. This includes facilitating the interpretation of various dispatch-related systems, receiving incident calls, categorizing cases, guiding proper resources deployment, and providing proper instructions before the arrival of healthcare providers. Considering the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia’s (KSA’s) health sector transformation plan as part of Vision 2030, developing an Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD) Program as part of essential prehospital services will allow rapid and competent healthcare delivery. In this study, our purpose is to describe the curriculum development of the EMD Program to improve the training of dispatchers and to share the experience in the interest of better prehospital dispatch systems.MethodsA selected group of education experts and academics in emergency medical services dispatch were assigned to develop an EMD curriculum over six months. This study aims to describe the approach followed in developing an innovative EMD Program to share the experience and ultimately standardize dispatch-related training programs. The data of this study was collected by reviewing approved documents of the EMD Program including program curriculum, syllabus, logbook, and exam blueprint after approval letters received from the Health Academy, Saudi Commission for Health Specialties.ResultsThe development of the EMD program utilized a consecutive mixed approach staring with a competency-based with backward design method to ensure the achievement of targeted outcomes followed by the Kern Six-step curriculum development model, namely: (1) problem identification and general need assessment; (2) targeted need assessment; (3) goals and objectives; (4) educational strategies; (5) implementation; and (6) evaluation and feedback. This resulted in four comprehensive modules and seventeen competencies throughout the fourteen-week EMD Program. Conclusion As part of the health sector transformation plan in KSA, EMD services play a fundamental role in the daily operations of prehospital healthcare services. Developing an EMD Program with a consecutive mixed approach including a competency-based with backward design method followed by the Kern Six-step curriculum development model led to a set of learning outcomes in the EMD Program including interpreting various dispatch systems, prioritizing incidents, deploying proper resources, and providing pre-arrival instructions to improve the current operations of EMD services, allow rapid access to healthcare facilities, and ultimately save more lives.
South Sudanese or Australian or Both or Caught in Between? A Qualitative Study Examining Identity Among South Sudanese Refugees Living in Sydney, Australia.
Authors: Vaughan Geraldine , Nyanhanda Tafadzwa , Kaphle Sabitra , Kelly Jenny , Rawal Lal , William Mude
Published: December 2021

Background: The majority of the current South Sudanese population in Australia arrived as refugees in the early 2000s, facing challenges related to dislocation, navigating a new culture while honouring their own own. Much of the research on the South Sudanese experience has been conducted in the early years after arrival, with resettlement stressors likely to influence narratives of identity as new immigrants.This study aimed to understand the lived experiences of identity among South Sudanese who are long-term residents of Australia after fleeing their birth country, migration, and re-building their lives.Methods: The qualitative study was underpinned by a phenomenological framework that characterised the experiences of study participants. Purposive and snowball sampling was used to recruit Sydney-residing adults who arrived in Australia through its humanitarian refugee program 10 or more years ago and were born in South Sudan. Semi-structured interviews explored how participants identified themselves in Australia, changes in their experiences over time, their social and general life situation in Australia, and perceptions (self and other) of South Sudanese people in Australia.Results: The 26 participants from refugee backgrounds all had similar experiences of dislocation, most arriving in Australia 10-19 years ago with family members. Most participants were in employment and had attained (sometimes multiple) educational qualifications.Participants described a multiplicity of interconnected domains that governed the negotiating and making sense of identity. Three key themes were identified: mutable identities - dependent on context; Identity in relation to children; and the influence of limited opportunities. These themes were mediated by other interwoven personal and structural factors that shaped experience and perception. Expressions of hope, pride and achievement were threaded through several of the interviews, particularly in relation to their children. There was also frustration related to employment challenges and discrimination that limited identity reconstruction.Conclusions: Our exploration of long-term lived experiences for South Sudanese migrants highlights the evolving and often conflicting factors that shape domains of integration and identity construction. The deeper, more nuanced understandings of bicultural identity within a strengths-based framework calls for better partnerships and services to support strengthened community and acculturalisation.
WITHDRAWN: Nitrogen-Doped Carbon Boosting Fe2O3 Anode Performance for Long-Life Supercapacitors
Authors: dong kaijie , yang zhaokun , shi dongjian , Chen Mingqing , dong weifu
Published: December 2021

Here, we report Fe2O3/N-doped carbon (Fe2O3/CN) composites via one-step facile calcination process by using FeOOH and PANI as precursor. The results show that N-doped carbon is helpful to enhance the electrochemical properties of Fe2O3. N-doped carbon not only enhances the conductivity of Fe2O3 electrode, but also alleviates the volume expansion of Fe2O3 in the process of repeated charge and discharge. In addition, the synergistic effect of Fe2O3 and N-doped porous carbon makes the composites show higher capacitive properties (538.7 mF/cm2 at 5 mA/cm2) and cycle life (100% retention after 2000 cycles). In addition, its superior electrochemical performance is also proved in symmetrical supercapacitor. After 4900 cycles with current density of 10 mA/cm2, its capacity retention rate is 100%. So Fe2O3/N-doped carbon as electrode materials for long-life symmetrical supercapacitors has broad application prospects.
Rigid tumors contain soft cancer cells
Authors: Fuhs Thomas , Wetzel Franziska , Fritsch Anatol , Li Xinzhi , Stange Roland , Pawlizak Steve , Kießling Tobias , Morawetz Erik , Grosser Steffen , Sauer Frank , Lippoldt Jürgen , Renner Frederic , Friebe Sabrina , Zink Mareike , Bendrat Klaus , Oktay Maja , Condeelis John , Briest Susanne , Wolf Benjamin , Horn Lars-Christian , Höckel Michael , Aktas Bahriye , Marchetti M Cristina , Manning M. Lisa , Niendorf Axel , Bi Dapeng , Käs Josef
Published: December 2021

Palpation, as already mentioned in the ancient Egyptian medical text Ebers Papyrus, utilizes that solid tumors are stiffer than the surrounding tissue. However, cancer cell lines tend to soften, which may intuitively foster invasion by enhancing the ability of cancer cells to squeeze through dense tissue. This paradox raises questions besides the oxymoron itself: Does softness emerge from adaptation to the external microenvironment? Or are soft cells already present inside a rigid primary tumor mass to support cancer cell unjamming? We investigate primary tumor explants from patients with breast and cervix carcinomas on multiple length scales from the tissue level down to single cells. We find that primary tumors are highly heterogeneous in their mechanical properties. From the tissue level this heterogeneity persists down to the scale of individual cells in cancer cell clusters, resulting in a broad distribution of cell rigidities with a higher fraction of softer, more squeezable cells. Plus, squeezed cell shapes correlate with cancer cell motility. Mechanical modelling based on patient data reveals that a tumor mass as a whole is able to maintain a rigid, solid behavior even when it contains a significant fraction of very soft cells. Cell softening induced cancer cell unjamming generates heterogeneous cancer cell clusters with a solid backbone of rigid cells surrounded by soft motile cells.
GaN-Based Bipolar Cascade Lasers with 25nm Wide Quantum Wells
Authors: Piprek Joachim , Muziol G. , Siekacz M. , Skierbiszewski C.
Published: December 2021

Utilizing self-consistent numerical simulation in good agreement with measurements, we analyze internal device physics, performance limitations, and optimization options for a unique laser design with multiple active regions separated by tunnel junctions, featuring surprisingly wide InGaN quantum wells. Contrary to common assumptions, these quantum wells are revealed to allow for perfect screening of the strong built-in polarization field, while optical gain is provided by higher quantum levels. However, internal absorption, low p-cladding conductivity, and self-heating are shown to strongly limit the laser performance.
Mobile Health Technologies could enhance Public Private Mix for Tuberculosis care in Rural Southwestern Uganda: Qualitative Findings
Authors: Tumuhimbise Wilson , Atwine Daniel , Kaggwa Fred , Musiimenta Angella
Published: December 2021

Background

Despite some global progress in the implementation of the public-private mix for Tuberculosis care, the engagement of private healthcare providers remains wanting especially in high incidence countries such as Uganda. Although mobile health technologies are low-cost approaches that can enhance Tuberculosis care, there is a dearth of research about their application in fostering public-private mix.
Objective

To explore the potentials of mobile health technologies in fostering public-private mix for Tuberculosis care in Uganda.
Methods

This was a qualitative study design that involved in-depth interviews with 13 key informants (private healthcare workers) purposively selected between June and July 2020 due to their active involvement in Tuberculosis care from four private hospitals in Mbarara City. The interviews were transcribed and coded to identify key themes for analysis using content analysis.
Results

Mobile Health technologies (such as mobile apps, text messages) have the potential to map and link patients from private hospitals to the referral units, support patient medication adherence, notify and report Tuberculosis cases to the Ugandan Ministry of Health, and enhance patient care and monitoring.
Conclusion

Mobile Health technologies have the potential to revolutionize Tuberculosis care by establishing a centralized pathway for linking the referred patients from private hospitals to public hospitals. Future research should focus on assessing the utilization of mobile health technologies in enhancing access to referral units by presumptive Tuberculosis patients referred from private hospitals in low-resource settings.
Stability of B2 compounds: Role of the M point phonons
Authors: Ono Shota , Kobayashi Daigo
Published: December 2021

Although many binary compounds have the B2 (CsCl-type) structure in the thermodynamic phase diagram, an origin of the structural stability is not understood well. Here, we focus on 416 compounds in the B2 structure extracted from the Materials Project, and study the dynamical stability of those compounds from first principles. We demonstrate that the B2 phase stability lies in whether the lowest frequency phonon at the M point in the Brillouin zone is endowed with a positive frequency. We show that the interatomic interactions up to the fourth nearest neighbor atoms are necessary for stabilizing such phonon modes, which should determine the minimum cutoff radius for constructing the interatomic potentials of binary compounds with guaranteed accuracy.
The School Environment is a Mixed blessing for Seventh-Graders with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Taiwan: A Cohort Study
Authors: Lu Hsin-Hui , Chen Duan-Rung , Chou An-Kuo
Published: December 2021

Background : There is strong evidence to support the association between bullying and the onset of mental health conditions in students with ASD. In Taiwan, seventh grade marks the first year in middle school after elementary school. It is also a period when peers tend to affiliate with one another to perform bullying behaviors to establish status among the peer group. Therefore, it is considered one of the most challenging times for students with ASD due to several adjustments within the school environment and the developmental changes that arise at this age.. To assess the association between school environment and bullying victimization among students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) studying in regular classes in the first year of middle school. Methods: Data were obtained from the Special Needs Education Longitudinal Study database located in the Survey Research Data Archive of Academia Sinica. One hundred and eighty-four seventh-graders with ASD in regular classes across Taiwan were included in the analysis. The primary variables under study were whether they had experienced social exclusion, insults or teasing, extortion, or sexual harassment over the past semester.Results: Participants with a higher positive friendship quality (P = 0.027) and who had received more peer support upon encountering difficulties in school (P = 0.041) were less likely to experience social exclusion. Participants with higher positive friendship quality (P = 0.001) and a more positive learning environment in the classroom (P = 0.031) were less likely to have experienced insults or teasing. However, participants with more friends were more likely to be extorted (P = 0.015) and sexually harassed (P = 0.001) than those with fewer friends. Furthermore, participants in regular classes on a part-time basis were 2.59 times more likely to report sexual harassment than those in regular classes on a full-time basis (P = 0.021). Conclusions : This study suggests that a supportive school environment reduces the likelihood that seventh-graders with ASD are bullied. Clinicians should consider the association between the school environment and bullying victimization among adolescents with ASD in regular classes during their first year of middle school.
Mechanical Properties of Bamboo And Their Use In Fishing Rods
Authors: Nishiyama Ryo , Sato Motohiro
Published: December 2021

Bamboo has historically been used in Japan as a structural material and for building tools such as fishing rods owing to its remarkable structural properties. In recent years, the materials used for manufacturing fishing rods have changed greatly owing to the development of composite materials; however, the basic slender tapered hollow cylindrical fishing rod design has remained unchanged throughout the long history of fishing. However, the mechanical rationale behind this structural design has not yet been sufficiently verified, and this study clarifies this. The analysis was performed by solving the nonlinear bending equation of a slender tapered cantilever beam with a concentrated load at the tip, which causes large deflection, using the Runge–Kutta method. The deflection curves and bending stresses were obtained, and the structural design to minimize the stresses was explored. Our results may prove useful for bamboo-inspired bionic design and bring to light our ancestors’ deep knowledge of natural materials and their advanced technological capabilities.
Lipid A modification-induced colistin-resistant Klebsiella variicola from healthy adults
Authors: Kim Sun Ju , Jo Jeongwoo , Ko Kwan Soo
Published: December 2021

We identified two Klebsiella variicola isolates from fecal samples: one is colistin-resistant, and another is colistin-susceptible. The colistin-resistant K. variicola isolate showed no mutations in phoPQ, pmrAB, and mgrB, and crrAB and mcr were not identified. However, its phoQ and pbgP expression was significantly higher and amino-arabinosylated lipid A with hexa-acylated species in lipopolysaccharide was identified.