bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Numerical Investigation of the Collapse of the Steel Truss Roof and a Probable Reason of Failure
Authors: Tufekci Mertol , Tüfekci Ekrem , Dikicioğlu Adnan
Published: October 2020

This study investigates the failure of a roof with steel truss construction of a factory building in Tekirdag in North-western part of Turkey. The failure occurred under hefty weather conditions including thunderbolt, lightning strikes, heavy rain and fierce winds. In order to interpret the reason for the failure, the effects of different combinations of factors on the design and dimensioning of the roof are checked. Therefore, finite element analysis is performed several times under different assumptions and considering different factors aiming to determine the dominant ones that are responsible for the failure using the commercial software Abaqus (Dassault Systèmes, Vélizy-Villacoublay, France). Each loading condition gives out a characteristic form of failure. The scenario with the most similar form of failure to the real collapse is considered as the most likely scenario of failure. Also, the factors included in this scenario are expected to be the responsible factors for the partial collapse of the steel truss structure.
CliGAN: A Structurally Sensitive Convolutional Neural Network Model for Statistical Downscaling of Precipitation from Multi-Model Ensembles
Authors: Chaudhuri Chiranjib , Robertson Colin
Published: October 2020

Despite numerous studies in statistical downscaling methodology, there remains a lack of methods that can downscale from precipitation modeled in global climate models to regional level high resolution gridded precipitation. This paper reports a novel downscaling method using a Generative Adversarial Network (GAN), CliGAN, which can downscale large-scale annual maximum precipitation given by simulation of multiple atmosphere-ocean global climate models (AOGCM) from Coupled Model Inter-comparison Project 6 (CMIP6) to regional-level gridded annual maximum precipitation data. This framework utilizes a convolution encoder-dense decoder network to create a generative network and a similar network to create a critic network. The model is trained using an adversarial training approach. The critic uses the Wasserstein distance loss function and the generator is trained using a combination of adversarial loss Wasserstein distance, structural loss with the multi-scale structural similarity index (MSSIM), and content loss with the Nash-Sutcliff Model Efficiency (NS). The MSSIM index allowed us to gain insight into the model’s regional characteristics and shows that relying exclusively on point-based error functions, widely used in statistical downscaling, may not be enough to reliably simulate regional precipitation characteristics. Further use of structural loss functions within CNN-based downscaling methods may lead to higher quality downscaled climate model products.
PELAKSANAAN PERKULIAHAN PENGAJARAN MIKRO DI PROGRAM STUDI PGSD: SEBUAH PENELITIAN EVALUASI
Authors: Istiningsih Siti , Astria Fitri Puji , Khair Baiq Niswatul , Haryati Linda Feni , Maulyda Mohammad Archi
Published: October 2020

Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengevaluasi pelaksanaan perkuliahan pengajaran mikro di sebuah program studi PGSD di Nusa Tenggara. Penelitian ini adalah penelitian evaluasi program berdasarkan model Robert E. Stake terhadap tiga kelas pengajaran mikro yang dianalisis secara kualitatif. Teknik pengumpulan data yang digunakan adalah observasi, dokumentasi, dan wawancara. Hasil penelitian ini menunjukkan bahwa pengajaran mikro di program studi PGSD yang menjadi subyek penelitian adalah a) pada komponen antecedent; persiapan pembelajaran sudah dilaksanakan dengan cukup baik yaitu dosen menyusun silabus dan instrumen penilaian tetapi belum menyusun RPP/RPS, sarana prasarana pembelajaran tersedia cukup lengkap tetapi laboratorium pembelajaran belum sesuai standar ketersediaan laboratorium micro teaching yang benar; b) pada komponen transactions pelaksanaan pembelajaran belum dilengkapi modul, namun pembelajaran dilaksanakan cukup baik dengan strategi pembelajaran teori dan praktik, menggunakan metode ceramah, diskusi, penugasan dan pembelajaran daring; c) pada komponen outcomes, hasil belajar dari rata-rata nilai adalah 77,18 dan sudah memenuhi KKM.This study aims to evaluate the implementation of micro teaching lectures in a PGSD study program in Nusa Tenggara. This research is a program evaluation study based on the Robert E. Stake model of three micro teaching classes which were analyzed qualitatively. The data collection techniques used were observation, documentation, and interviews. The results of this study indicate that the micro teaching in the PGSD study program which is the subject of research is a) on the antecedent component; learning preparation has been carried out quite well, namely lecturers compile syllabus and assessment instruments but have not compiled RPP/RPS, learning infrastructure is quite complete, but learning laboratories are not in accordance with the standards of the correct availability of micro teaching laboratories; b) in the transactions component, the implementation of learning is not equipped with modules, but learning is carried out quite well with theoretical and practical learning strategies, using lectures, discussions, assignments and online learning methods; c) in the outcomes component, the learning result from the average score is 77.18 and has met the KKM.
HARGA DIRI MAHASISWA YANG TERLAMBAT MENYELESAIKAN STUDI
Authors: Hidayat Dede Rahmat , Ramadhani Siti , Nursyifa Thalia , Afiyanti Yumna
Published: October 2020

Mahasiswa yang mengalami keterlambatan penyelesaian studi umumnya mengalami masalah akademik. Kondisi ini berdampak terhadap harga diri yang dimiliki oleh mahasiswa tersebut. Penelitian ini bertujuan untuk mengetahui tingkat harga diri mahasiswa yang terlambat menyelesaikan studi di wilayah Jabodetabek. Harga diri adalah penilaian seseorang terhadap dirinya, dalam penelitian ini diukur menggunakan Roserberg self-esteem scale. Metode penelitian yang digunakan adalah studi deskriptif kuantitatif dengan jumlah sampel sebanyak 71 orang, terdiri dari 49 mahasiswa perempuan dan 22 mahasiswa laki-laki. Hasil penelitian menunjukkan bahwa tingkat harga diri pada mahasiswa yang terlambat menyelesaikan studi di wilayah Jabodetabek berada pada kategori sedang. Berdasarkan kondisi tersebut penting bagi mahasiswa untuk merencanakan kuliah dengan tepat sehingga bisa lulus tepat waktu, karena berdampak pada aspek psikologis, termasuk harga diri. Harga diri akan berdampak kepada keyakinan diri untuk melaksanakan sesuatu.Students who experience delays in completing their study generally experience academic problems which impacting their pride. This study aims to determine the level of pride of students living in the Jabodetabek area who are late in completing their study. Pride is a person's assessment of her/himself which in this research is measured using the Rosenberg self-esteem scale. The research method used is a quantitative descriptive study with 71 participants, consisting of 49 female students and 22 male students. The results showed that the level of self-esteem of students living in the Jabodetabek area who were late in completing their study was in the medium category. Based on these conditions, students are suggested to plan their study appropriately so that they can graduate on time. Unplanned study will impact psychologically, including self-esteem which will have domino effects on other psychological aspect such as self-confidence.
Диагностика и лечение новой коронавирусной инфекции в многопрофильном стационаре: опыт ГКБ №№15
Authors: Байкова Оксана , Вечорко Валерий , Дорошенко Дмитрий , Медников Григорий , Гришин Дмитрий
Published: October 2020

Статья посвящена проблемам этиологии, патогенеза, диагностики, клиники и лечения COVID-19, вызываемого коронавирусом SARS-CoV-2 на основе обзора литературных источников, а также собственного опыта курации пациентов с COVID-19 клиницистами инфекционного госпиталя на базе перепрофилированной ГКБ 15 им. О.М. Филатова. Представляло интерес изменение взглядов медицинского сообщества на патогенез и подходы к лечению данного заболевания за период пандемии.
Knowledge and Preconception Care Seeking Practices among Reproductive-age Diabetic Women in Zambia
Authors: Mutale Patricia , Kwangu Mwenya , Muchemwa Chishala , Silitongo Moono , Chileshe Mutale , Siziya Seter
Published: October 2020

Background and Objectives: Pre-existing diabetes is associated with poor pregnancy outcomes, yet much is unknown about knowledge of preconception care among diabetic women. Preconception Care (PCC) is the health interventions to women and couples before conception to reduce poor maternal and child health outcomes. The objective of this study was to examine the knowledge and preconception care seeking practices of diabetic women in the reproductive age. Methods: The study was conducted at the University Teaching Hospital and Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. A cross- sectional hospital based study of 114 diabetic women between 15-45 years old was conducted between March and May 2017. Data were collected using structured questionnaires during face-toface interviews. Data were entered using Microsoft Excel and then exported to SPSS version 20 for analysis. The Chi-square test was used to determine the association between knowledge levels and identified factors; these were further analyzed using binary logistic regression to determine the adjusted odds of poor knowledge. Results: The findings showed that 52.6% of diabetic women that participated in the study had poor knowledge of preconception care. The identified independent factors associated with poor knowledge on preconception care were women receiving a level of education up to primary education only [Adjusted Odds Ratio (AOR) 4.54, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) (2.23, 9.27)], and women that had ≤ 1 year duration of diabetes diagnosis [AOR 3.21 95% (1.35, 7.65)]. About 67% of the participants with a history of being pregnant after diagnosis of diabetes did not seek preconception care. Conclusion and Implications for Translation: The study indicated poor knowledge level as well as poor practice of seeking preconception care within diabetic women attending the University Teaching Hospital and Levy Mwanawasa General Hospital in Lusaka, Zambia. There is a need to explore the establishment of clinical guidelines and policies that will allow the dissemination of pregnancy related advise to diabetic women. As soon as women of the reproductive age were diagnosed with diabetes they should be aware of the PCC, and information dissemination through health centers is vital to encourage women to seek PCC when pregnancy is desired.
A novel E-subgroup pentatricopeptide repeat protein DEK55 is responsible for RNA editing at multiple sites and splicing of nad1 and nad4 in maize
Authors: Ren Ru Chang , Yan Xu Wei , Zhao Ya Jie , Wei Yi Ming , Lu Xiaoduo , Zang Jie , Wu Jia Wen , Zheng Guang Ming , Ding Xin Hua , Zhang Xian Sheng , Zhao Xiang Yu
Published: October 2020

Background: Pentatricopeptide repeat (PPR) proteins form a large protein family that participates in RNA processing in organelles and plant growth. Previous reports regard E-subgroup PPR proteins as editing factors for RNA editing. However, additional functions and roles of the E-subgroup PPR proteins remain to be investigated.Results: In this study, we developed and identified a new maize kernel mutant with arrested embryo and endosperm development, i.e., defective kernel 55 (dek55). Genetic and molecular evidence suggested that the defective kernels was a result of a mononucleotide alteration (C to T) at +449 bp in the open reading frame (ORF) of Zm00001d014471 (hereafter referred to as DEK55). DEK55 encodes an E-subgroup PPR protein within mitochondria. Molecular analyses showed that the editing ratio of 24 RNA editing sites was decreased and that of seven RNA editing sites was increased in dek55 mutant kernels, which were distributed in 14 mitochondrial gene transcripts. Meanwhile, the splicing efficiency of the nad1 introns 1 and 4 and nad4 intron 1 was significantly decreased in dek55 compared with that of wild-type (WT). These results indicate that DEK55 plays a crucial role in RNA editing at multiple sites as well as in the splicing of nad1 and nad4 introns. Mutation in the DEK55 gene led to the dysfunction of mitochondrial complex I. Yeast two-hybrid assays showed that the DEK55 interacts with two multiple organellar RNA editing factors (MORFs), i.e., ZmMORF1 (Zm00001d049043) and ZmMORF8 (Zm00001d048291), respectively.Conclusions: Our results demonstrated that a mutation in the DEK55 gene affects the mitochondrial function essential for maize kernel development. Our results also provide novel insight into the molecular functions of the E-subgroup PPR proteins in plant organellar RNA processing.
Over-expression of ANP32E is associated with poor prognosis of pancreatic cancer and promotes cell proliferation and migration through regulating β-catenin
Authors: Zhang Jianwei , Lan Zhongmin , Qiu Guotong , Ren Hu , Zhao Yajie , Gu Zongting , Li Zongze , Feng Lin , He Jin , Wang Chengfeng
Published: October 2020

Background: Pancreatic cancer is a malignant tumor with high mortality. Acidic nuclear phosphoprotein 32 family member E (ANP32E), a specific H2A.Z chaperone, has been shown to contribute to breast cancer development. However, the significance of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer is poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the role of ANP32E in pancreatic cancer.
Methods: The expression of ANP32E in 179 pancreatic cancer tissues and 171 normal tissues, and the correlation between ANP32E expression and patients’ survival were analyzed from the TCGA database. ANP32E was over-expressed and silenced using lentivirus. siRNA was used to knock down β-catenin. CCK8, colony formation, cell cycle and transwell experiments were performed to determine cell proliferation and migration. qRT-PCR and Western blot were conducted to detect mRNA and protein expression.
Results: ANP32E was up-regulated in pancreatic cancer tissues and cells. Up-regulation of ANP32E predicted poor prognosis in pancreatic cancer patients. Lentivirus-mediated knockdown of ANP32E suppressed the proliferation, colony growth and migration of PANC1 and MIA cells. By contrast, ANP32E over-expression promoted the proliferation and migration of both cells. In addition, ANP32E accelerated the cell cycle progression in PANC1 and MIA cells. Molecular experiments showed that ANP32E activated β-catenin/cyclin D1 signaling. Silencing of β-catenin reduced cell proliferation and migration in ANP32E over-expressed cells.
Conclusion: Our results propose that ANP32E functions as an oncogene in pancreatic cancer via activating β-catenin.
Leadership, governance and management for improving district capacity and performance: the case of USAID Transform: Primary Health Care
Authors: Desta Binyam Fekadu , Abitew Azeb , Beshir Ismael Ali , Argaw Mesele Damite , Abdlkader Sualiha
Published: October 2020

Primary health care (PHC) in Ethiopia serves as the main entry point for preventive, promotive and curative health services. The district health office is responsible for the planning, implementation and evaluation of all district health activities. In addition, district health offices manage service delivery facilities working on provision of PHC – primary hospitals, health centers and health posts. As the leader of the health care system tier, district health management must ensure direction, alignment and commitment within teams and organizations and make sure that achievements are consistent with the vision, values and strategy of the organization. USAID Transform: Primary Health Care provides diverse support to improve district health manager competencies including in-service trainings followed by planning and implementation of performance improvement projects and on-the-job mentoring and support. This study was conducted to compare district level capacity and performances between leadership, management and governance (LMG) and non-LMG districts. Project outcome monitoring data that shows the performance of districts was collected from 284 districts from January to December 2019. The study was carried out using a comparative-cross sectional study design, which assessed and compared district health office level indicators. Districts were classified into two categories: LMG and non-LMG districts. The study compared data from 94 LMG and 190 non-LMG districts. Propensity score matching was used to control the effect of differences between LMG and non-LMG districts. Results of the independent samples t-test revealed that LMG districts scored better average performances of 61.8±121.45 standard deviation (SD) compared to non-LMG districts 56.89±110.39 SD, with t (282243) = -3.407317 and p < 0.001, two-tailed. The difference of 4.9 percentage unit in the average performance indicated a statistically significant difference between the LMG and non-LMG districts. The data analysis illustrated significant differences observed in management practices, district administrative capacity, and quality in project implementation sites.
Spectrum Sensing in Cognitive Radio Networks: Threshold Optimization and Analysis
Authors: kockaya kenan , Develi İbrahim
Published: October 2020

Cognitive radio (CR) is a technology developed for the effective use of radio spectrum sources. The spectrum sensing function plays a key role in the performance of cognitive radio networks. In this study, a new threshold determination method based on online learning algorithm is proposed to increase the spectrum sensing performance of spectrum sensing methods and to minimize the total error probability. The online learning algorithm looks for the optimum decision threshold, which is the most important parameter to decide the presence or absence of the primary user, using historical detection data. Energy detection and matched filter based spectrum sensing methods are discussed in detail. The performance of the proposed algorithm was tested over non-fading and different fading channels for low signal-to-noise ratio (SNR) regime with noise uncertainty. In the conclusion of the simulation studies, improvement in spectrum sensing performance according to optimal threshold selection was observed.
Investigation on Yield Behavior of 7075-T6 Aluminum Alloy at Elevated Temperatures
Authors: Lin Jianping , Bao Xingyu , Hou Yong , Min Junying , Qu Xinlei , Tao Zhimin , Chen Jiajie
Published: October 2020

Aluminum alloys have drawn considerable attention in the area of automotive lightweight. High strength aluminum alloys are usually deformed at elevated temperatures due to their poor formability at room temperature. In this work, the yield behavior of 7075 aluminum alloy in T6 temper (AA7075-T6) within the temperature ranging from 25 ℃ to 230 ℃ was investigated. Uniaxial and biaxial tensile tests with the aid of induction heating system were performed to determine the stress vs. strain curves and the yield loci of AA7075-T6 at elevated temperatures, respectively. Von Mises, Hill48 and Yld2000-2d yield criteria were applied to predicting yield loci which were compared with experimentally measured yield loci of the AA7075-T6. Results show that yield stress corresponding to the same equivalent plastic strain decreases with increasing temperature within the investigated temperature range and the shape of yield loci evolves nearly negligibly. The experimental yield locus expands with an increase of equivalent plastic strain at the same temperature and the work hardening rate of AA7075-T6 exhibits obvious stress-state-dependency. The non-quadratic Yld2000-2d yield criterion describes the yield surfaces of AA7075-T6 more accurately than the quadratic von Mises and Hill48 yield criteria, and an exponent of 14 in the Yld2000-2d yield function gives the optimal predictions for the AA7075-T6 at all investigated temperatures.
Pelvic Organ Prolapse and Uterine Preservation: A survey of female gynaecologists (POP-UP survey)
Authors: Urdzík Peter , Kalis Vladimir , Blaganje Mija , Rusavy Zdenek , Smazinka Martin , Havir Martin , Dudic Rastislav , Ismail Khaled M
Published: October 2020

Background: The aim of this study was to explore the personal views of female gynecologists regarding the management of POP with a particular focus on the issue of uterine sparing surgery.Methods: A questionnaire based survey of practicing female gynecologists in the Czech Republic, Slovenia and Slovakia.Results: A total of 140 female gynecologists from 81 units responded to our questionnaire. The majority of respondents stated they would rely on a urogynecologist to aid them with their choice of POP management options. The most preferred options for POP management were sacrocolpopexy and physiotherapy. Almost 2/3 of respondents opted for a hysterectomy together with POP surgery, if they were menopausal, even if the anatomical outcome was similar to uterine sparing POP surgery. Moreover, 81.4% of respondents, who initially opted for a uterine sparing procedure, changed their mind if the anatomical success of POP surgery with concomitant hysterectomy was superior. Discussing uterine cancer risk in relation to other organs had a less significant impact on their choices.Conclusions: The majority of female gynecologists in our study opted for hysterectomy if they were postmenopausal at the time of POP surgery. However, variation in information provision had an impact on their choice.
Changes in treatment strategy over time for arteriovenous malformation in a Japanese high-volume center
Authors: Komatsu Katsuya , Takagi Yasushi , Ishii Akira , Kikuchi Takayuki , Yamao Yukihiro , Yoshida Kazumichi , Miyamoto Susumu
Published: October 2020

Background: Despite rapid developments in devices used to treat arteriovenous malformation (AVM), a randomised trial of Unruptured Brain Arteriovenous malformations published in 2014 recommended conservative treatment for nonhemorrhagic AVM. Objective: The purpose of the current retrospective study was to confirm how AVM treatment in Japan has changed and to assess the safety of treatment for hemorrhagic and nonhemorrhagic AVMs.Methods: We enrolled 242 consecutive patients with AVM; each patient’s treatment was selected and performed at our hospital. The type of onset, Spetzler–Martin (S–M) grade, age, sex, selected treatment, mortality, and morbidity were compared between the first and second periods of our study.Results: In patients with grade I–III AVM, the selected treatment changed between the first and second periods; however, in grade IV and V patients, the selected treatment did not change. Overall, interventions by microsurgery alone decreased (p < 0.001), the proportion of total treatments including microsurgery decreased (p = 0.005), interventions using stereotactic radiosurgery (SRS) alone increased (p = 0.009), and interventions including SRS increased (p = 0.002). Morbidity associated with intervention was 0.92% in the first period and 0% in the second period, and mortality was 0.92% in the first period and 1.67% in the second. Conclusions: With the development of new devices, the selected treatment was changed in patients with S–M grade I–III AVM, but was not changed in patients with grade IV and V. The complication rate was low and did not change throughout the periods. These findings suggest that the safety of treatment depends on a full understanding of device development and the selection of proper treatment, not on hemorrhagic onset. Further treatment innovations are expected to change the treatment for grade IV and V AVMs.
Heg.IA: An intelligent system to support diagnosis of Covid-19 based on blood tests
Authors: Barbosa Valter Augusto de Freitas , Gomes Juliana Carneiro , Santana Maíra Araújo de , Albuquerque Jeniffer Emídio de Almeida , Souza Rodrigo Gomes de , Souza Ricardo Emmanuel de , Santos Wellington Pinheiro dos
Published: October 2020

A new kind of coronavirus, the SARS-Cov2, started the biggest pandemic of the century. It has already killed more than 250,000 people. Due to this fact, it is necessary quick and precise easily available diagnosis tests. The current Covid-19 diagnosis benchmark is RT-PCR with DNA identification, but its results takes too long to be available. Tests based on IgM/IgG antibodies have been used, but their sensitivity and specificity may be very low when viral charge is reduced. Many studies have been demonstrating the Covid-19 impact in hematological parameters. This work proposes an intelligent system to support Covid-19 diagnosis based on blood testing. We employed a dataset provided by Hospital Israelita Albert Einstein, a Brazilian private hospital. The database contains the results of more than one hundred laboratory exams, such as blood count, tests for the presence of viruses such as influenza A, and urine tests, of 5644 patients. Among these patients, 559 of them are infected with SARS-Cov2. We used metaheuristics algorithms to reduce the set of We tested several machine learning methods, and we achieved high classification performance: 95.159% +- 0.693 of overall accuracy, kappa index of 0.903 +- 0.014, sensitivity of 0.968 +- 0.007, precision of 0.938 +- 0.010, and specificity of 0.936 +- 0.011. Experimental results pointed out to Bayes Network as the best configuration. In addition, only 24 blood tests were needed. This points to the possibility of a new low cost rapid test based on common blood exams and intelligent software. The desktop version of the system is fully functional and available for free use.
Dengue virus non-structural protein 1 disrupts the TGF-β/Smad signaling 
Authors: Lahon Anismrita , Arya Ravi , Kumar Vivek , Mishra Ritu , Banerjea Akhil
Published: October 2020

TGF-β signaling is tightly regulated to ensure cellular functions. Role of DENV on the TGF-β/Smad signaling has not been well established. Therefore, we aimed to study the association between DENV infection and TGF-β/Smad signaling. We observed significant impairment in the expression of Smad2, Smad3, Smad4, Smad6 and Smad7 during DENV replication, which are the key players in TGF-β signaling. Significant reduction in the expression of phosphorylated Smad3 was also documented. Overexpression of Smad2/3/4/6 provided the evidence of slight inhibition on DENV replication indicating these Smads may work against the establishment of DENV replication. DENV non-structural protein 1 (NS1) was noted as crucial viral factor that impaired the expression of Smad2, Smad3 and Smad4 and also physically interacts with these proteins as confirmed by co-immunoprecipitation assay. Additionally, we observed NS1 is also capable of blocking the nuclear translocation of Smad3 and thus further ensuring inhibition of Smad signaling. To figure out degradation mechanisms, we studied the role of two distinct E3 ligases, CHIP and Smurf2, which are essential for the degradation of Smad proteins. Co-expression of Smad2/3/4 and NS1 with Smurf2, Smurf2mut, CHIP or use of CHIP-/- cells suggests that only Smurf2 has significant role in the degradation of Smad proteins during DENV infection. NS1 may acts as a co-factor with Smurf2 to escalate the proteasome and lysosome mediated degradation of Smad3 and Smad4 proteins respectively. Therefore, our results confirm that NS1 interacts with Smad proteins and reduces their expression by utilizing E3 ligase and disrupt the TGF-β/Smad signaling.
Urinary orosomucoid and retinol binding protein levels as early diagnostic markers for diabetic nephropathy
Authors: Zhou Xue-hong , Liu Shu-yan , Feng Lin , Yang Bo , Li Yong-feng , Wang Xiao-qing , Chen Jie , Wang Hui-hui
Published: October 2020

Background:Diagnosing diabetic nephropathy is important to prevent long-term kidney damage and determine the prognosis of patients with diabetes. Since some kidney injury biomarkers increase in the early stages of diabetic nephropathy, this study investigated the clinical significance of combined detection of urine orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein for early diagnosis of diabetic nephropathy.Methods:We included 72 patients with type 2 diabetes and 34 healthy persons between August 2016 and July 2018 at our hospital. Using the Mogensen grading criteria, participants were classified as having diabetes or diabetic nephropathy, and healthy persons constituted the control group. Urine orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein levels were measured and correlated with other variables.Results:Increase in renal damage raised urinary orosomucoid levels gradually (P<0.05). Urinary retinol-binding protein and microalbumin levels were significantly higher in the diabetes group than in control and nephropathy groups. Orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein might be independent risk factors for diabetes and diabetic nephropathy. Urinary orosomucoid significantly correlated with retinol-binding protein and microalbumin levels (r = 0.489 and 0.513, respectively) in the diabetic nephropathy group. The receiver operating characteristic curve yielded a sensitivity, specificity, and correction index of 0.941, 0.842, and 0.783, respectively, while analysis for retinol-binding protein yielded a sensitivity, specificity, and correction index of 0.942, 1.000, and 0.941, respectively.Conclusion:The increase in urine orosomucoid and retinol-binding protein levels can be detected in the early stages of type 2 diabetic nephropathy. Therefore, both markers are important for diabetic nephropathy detection and early treatment.
A new method for evaluation of patellar height and the position of the joint line before and after total knee arthroplasty
Authors: Han Hua , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: October 2020

Background: The measurement of patellar height and restoration of the natural position of the joint line are crucial to total knee arthroplasty (TKA). However, there remains a lack of consensus on an optimal measurement method to associate the patellar height with the joint line position. The objective of this study was to introduce a new method and validate the application in TKA both preoperatively and postoperatively.Methods: Instead of taking marginal landmarks as the tibial references, the tibial shaft axis was used to construct the new measurement method, which comprises the axis-patella (AP), joint axis-patella (jAP) indices and joint line height (JLH). Patellar heights were measured using the Insall-Salvati (IS), modified Insall-Salvati (mIS), Blackburne-Peel (BP), Caton-Deschamps (CD) indices, and the new method in 175 knees both preoperatively and postoperatively. Intraclass correlation coefficients and Pearson’s correlation analyses were respectively used to evaluate the reliabilities and correlations.Results: There were good correlations between the proposed method and the mIS, CD, and BP indices. High inter-observer reproducibility was found for AP (preoperative and postoperative 0.83), jAP (preoperative 0.82; postoperative 0.86) indices and JLH (preoperative 0.88; postoperative 0.95). High intra-observer repeatability was also found for AP (preoperative 0.85; postoperative 0.87), jAP (preoperative 0.83; postoperative 0.87) indices and JLH (preoperative 0.80; postoperative 0.92).Conclusions: The new method is reliable for measuring patellar height before and after TKA, providing an alternative to distinguish between true and pseudo patella baja. Furthermore, JLH can be applied to assess and restore the joint line position in TKA.
MiR-4310 induced by SP1 targets PTEN to promote glioma progression
Authors: Zhiyong Wu , Jie Luo , Tengyue Huang , Renhui Yi , Shengfeng Ding , Cheng Xie , An'qi Xu , Yu Zeng , Xizhao Wang , Ye Song , Xiaofeng Shi , Hao Long
Published: October 2020

Background: miRNAs have been reported to be involved in multiple biological processes of gliomas. Here, we aimed to analyze miR-4310 and its correlation genes involved in the tumor progression of human glioma. Methods: miR-4310 expression levels were examined in glioma and non-tumor brain (NB) tissues. The molecular mechanisms of miR-4310 expression and its effects on cell proliferation, migration, and invasion were explored by 3-[4,5-dimethylthiazol-2-yl]-2,5 diphenyl tetrazolium bromide (MTT) , Transwell chamber, Boyden chamber, and western blot analyses, as well as in vivo tumorigenesis in nude mice. The relationships among miR-4310, SP1, and phosphatase and tensin homolog (PTEN) were explored by chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP), agarose gel electrophoresis, electrophoresis mobility shift (EMSA), and dual luciferase reporter gene assays. Results: miR-4310 expression was upregulated in glioma tissues compared to NB. Overexpressed miR-4310 promoted glioma cell proliferation, migration, and invasion in vitro and tumorigenesis in vivo . Inhibition of miR-4310 was sufficient to reverse these results. Mechanistic analyses revealed that miR-4310 promoted glioma progression through the PI3K/AKT pathway by targeting PTEN. Additionally, SP1 induced the expression of miR-4310 by binding to its promoter region. Conclusion: miR-4310 promotes the progression of glioma by targeting PTEN and activating the PI3K/AKT pathway meanwhile the expression of miR-4310 is induced by SP1.
Multiple Endocrine Neoplasia Type 1: A Chinese Family with a New Germline Mutation(c.201delC) and Detection Errors Due to an Intron Mutation
Authors: Zhang Fan , Lin Xinyue , Wang Xiaoli , Yu Xiaohui
Published: October 2020

Background: Multiple endocrine neoplasia type 1 (MEN1) is a hereditary cancer syndrome caused by germline mutations in the MEN1 gene located on chromosome 11q13. The three main endocrine tissues affected most frequently by tumors in MEN1 are the parathyroid (95%), enteropancreatic neuroendocrine tissues (50%), and anterior pituitary (40%). The purpose of this study was to report on a Chinese family with a new heterozygous MEN1 mutation in exon 2 [NM_130802: c.201delC (p.Ala68Profs*51) with localization to Chr11:64577381 on assembly GRCh37].
Methods: A 49-year-old female patient (proband) was admitted to the hospital due to intermittent recurrent hypoglycemia symptoms. After a series of examinations, we found that she had a pancreatic tumor, parathyroid tumor, adrenal tumor, and suspicious gastrinoma. Due to the proband’s suspicious clinical manifestations of MEN1, we performed genetic detection for the proband and her immediate family members. We also used multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MLPA) to rule out homozygous mutations caused by a deletion of gene fragments in the proband and her immediate family members.
Results: A new MEN1 germline mutation [c.201delC (p.Ala68Profs*51)], which could induce MEN1, was found by the genetic test. Two of the proband’s six relatives were found by the genetic test to have the same mutations as the proband, and the proband’s sister also had the typical symptoms of MEN1. However, the first and second genetic detection results showed that they were homozygous mutations, which did not conform to Mendelian inheritance laws. The MLPA results showed that the gene deletion was absent in the MEN1. The results from the third genetic detection (redesigned the primer) showed that they had a heterozygous mutation. The detection errors might due to an intron mutation.
Conclusions: A new germline mutation, which can improve the identification of clinical phenotypes and the early diagnosis of MEN1, was identified. An intron mutation may lead to incorrect results of homozygous, which is incompatible with Mendelian genetic law. Redesigning the primers for gene detection could avoid this situation.
Strengthening healthcare providers’ capacity for safe abortion and post-abortion care services in humanitarian settings: lessons learned from the clinical outreach refresher training model (S-CORT) in Uganda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo
Authors: Tran Nguyen Toan , Greer Alison , Dah Talemoh , Malilo Bibiche , Kakule Bergson , Morisho Thérèse Faila , Asifiwe Douglass Kambale , Musa Happiness , Simon Japheth , Meyers Janet , Noznesky Elizabeth , Neusy Sarah , Vranovci Burim , Powell Bill
Published: October 2020

BackgroundFragile and crisis-affected countries account for most maternal deaths worldwide, with unsafe abortion being one of its leading causes. This paper aims to describe the Clinical Outreach Refresher Training strategy for sexual and reproductive health (S-CORT) designed to update health providers’ competencies on uterine evacuation using both medications and manual vacuum aspiration. The paper also explores stakeholders’ experiences and recommendations for improvement.MethodsUsing mixed methods, we evaluated three training workshops that piloted the uterine evacuation module in 2019 in humanitarian contexts of Uganda, Nigeria, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.ResultsResults from the workshops converged to suggest that the module contributed to increasing participants’ theoretical knowledge, technical and counseling skills, confidence, and positive attitudinal changes that promote a rights-based, fearless, non-judgmental, and non-discriminatory approach toward clients. Participants valued the hands-on, humanistic, and competency-based training methodology, although most regretted the short training duration. Recommendations to improve the capacity development continuum of uterine evacuation included recruiting the appropriate health cadres for the training; sharing printed pre-reading materials to all participants; sustaining the availability of medication and supplies to offer services to clients after the training; and helping staff through supportive supervision visits to accelerate skills transfer from training to clinic settings.ConclusionsWhen the lack of skilled human resources is a barrier to lifesaving uterine evacuation services in humanitarian settings, the S-CORT strategy could offer a rapid hands-on refresher training opportunity for service providers needing an update in knowledge and skills. Such a capacity-building approach could be useful in humanitarian and fragile settings as well as in development settings with limited resources as part of an overall effort to strengthen other building blocks of the health system.
A Novel Quantification Platform for Point-of-care testing of Circulating MicroRNAs Based on Allosteric Spherical Nanoprobe
Authors: Tian Huiyan , Yuan Changjing , Liu Yu , Li Zhi , Xia Ke , Li Mengya , Xie Fengxin , Chen Qinghai , Chen Ming , Fu Weiling , zhang yang
Published: October 2020

MiRNA-150, a gene regulator that has been revealed to be abnormal expression in non-small cell lung cancer ( NSCLC ), can be regarded as a serum indicator for diagnosis and monitoring of NSCLC . Herein, a new sort of nanoprobe, termed allosteric spherical nanoprobe, was first developed to sense miRNA-150. Compared with conventional hairpin, this new nanoprobe possesses more enrichment capacity and reaction cross section. Structurally, it consists of magnetic nanoparticles and dual-hairpin. In the absence of miRNA-150, the spherical nanoprobes form hairpin structure through DNA self-assembly, which could promote the Förster resonance energy transfer (FRET) of fluorophore (FAM) and quencher (BHQ1) nearby. However, in the presence of target, the target-probe hybridization can open the hairpin and form the active “Y” structure which separated fluorophore and quencher to yield a “signal on” fluorescence. In the manner of multipoint fluorescence detection , the target-bound allosteric spherical nanoprobe could provide a high detection sensitivity with a linear range of 100 fM to 10 nM and a detection limit of 38 fM. More importantly, the proposed method could distinguish the expression of serum miRNA-150 among NSCLC patients and healthy people. Finally, we hoped that the potential bioanalytical application of this nanoprobe strategy will pave the way for point-of-care testing (POCT).
Safe child feces disposal practices and its association with reported diarrhea in low-income and middle-income countries: A systematic review and meta-analysis protocol
Authors: Soboksa Negasa Eshete , Olkeba Beekam Kebede , Gudeta Dinkinesh Begna
Published: October 2020

Introduction: In household environments, the improper handling of children's feces can be a significant contaminant, raising a high risk of baby exposure. Several studies done on the magnitude of safe disposal of child feces and its association with reported childhood diarrhea have varied outcomes and no tries have been made to systematically review this. Therefore, a systematic review is necessary to provide an exhaustive summary of the current evidence. Thus, the objective of this a systematic review and meta-analysis will be to pool out the available evidence on the magnitude of safe child feces disposal practices and its association with reported childhood diarrhea in low-income and middle-income countries. Methods: In order to find applicable literature for this study, PubMed, Science Direct, the Cochrane Library collection and Ovid Medline will be searched. In addition, it can search for Google Search Engine, Google Scholar, and references from other studies.The primary outcome of interest will be the magnitude of safe child feces disposal practices and the secondary outcome will be its association with reported diarrhea. Observational studies (cross-sectional studies, case-control studies, and cohort studies) written in English, from January 2000 onwards will be included. The selected studies will be critically appraised by two independent reviewers using an appropriate tool. The pooled magnitude of safe child feces disposal practices and its association with reported childhood diarrhea will be analyzed using Stata version 16. Heterogeneity will be assessed using the chi-square test (Q-test) statistics and inverse variance index (I2). Forest plots will be used to present the combined estimate with 95% CI. A funnel plot and Egger’s test of small study bias will be used to assess publication bias.Discussion: This systematic review will identify the evidence available on the magnitude of safe child feces disposal practices and its association with reported diarrhea. The findings from this study will be made publicly available in a repository and published in a peer-reviewed journal. The findings from this study will also provide directions for future research and public health professionals with an understanding of the importance of safe child feces disposal practices to preventing childhood diarrhea in the community.Systematic review registration number: PROSPERO CRD42020189034
The prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon and its association with refractive errors in Chinese preschool children: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Zhuo Deyi , Chen Si , Ren Xiaofang , Wang Bingsong , Liu Linbo , Xiao Lin
Published: October 2020

Background: To assess the prevalence and demographics of lower eyelid epiblepharon in Chinese preschool children and to evaluate its association with refractive errors. Methods: In this population-based, cross-sectional study , a total of 3,170 children aged 3 to 6 years from Beijing, China underwent examinations including weight, height, cycloplegic autorefraction and slit-lamp examination of external eyes. The adjusted odds ratios (AORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) were calculated to evaluate. The prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon in preschool children and its association with refractive errors were analyzed. Results: The prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon was 26.2%, which decreased with age with 3-, 4-, 5-, and 6-year-old being 30.6%, 28.0%, 15.0%, and 14.3%, respectively. Boys had a higher risk of having epiblepharon than girls with ORs = 1.41 (95%CI, 1.20-1.66) and no significant correlation was detected between BMI and epiblepharon after adjustment of age and sex. Epiblepharon was associated with significantly higher risk of refractive errors including astigmatism (OR = 3.41; 95% CI, (2.68-4.33)), myopia (OR = 3.55; 95%CI, (1.86-6.76)), and hyperopia (OR = 1.53; 95% CI, (1.18-1.99)). Among astigmatic epiblepharon preschoolers, with-the-rule is predominant (80.9%) and epiblepharon severity was associated with astigmatism severity (p = 0.019). Conclusions: There is a high prevalence of lower eyelid epiblepharon in Chinese preschool children, particularly among boys and the youngers. Preschoolers with lower eyelid epiblepharon are subject to higher risk of developing astigmatism, myopia, and hyperopia, than those without. An increased attention should be paid to this eyelid abnormality in preschool population.
Comparative analysis of clinical factors associated with pedicle screw pull-out during or immediately after surgery between intraoperative cone-beam computed tomography and postoperative computed tomography
Authors: Sumiya Satoshi , Fukushima Kazuyuki , Kurosa Yoshiro , Hirai Takashi , Inose Hiroyuki , Yoshii Toshitaka , Okawa Atsushi
Published: October 2020

Background No studies to date have elucidated the clinical factors associated with pedicle screw pull-out during or immediately after surgery. The aim of this study was to assess the frequency of pedicle screw pull-out by comparing intraoperative scans obtained using cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) with postoperative scans obtained using computed tomography (CT). We also sought to determine the incidence of pedicle screw pull-out and identify relevant risk factors.Methods This was a retrospective analysis of prospectively collected data for 742 pedicle screws placed in 76 consecutive patients who underwent at least triple-level posterior fixation for thoracic or lumbar spinal injury, spinal metastasis, or pyogenic spondylitis between April 2014 and July 2020. Pedicle screw pull-out distance in the axial and sagittal planes was compared between CT scans obtained 2 days postoperatively and CBCT images acquired intraoperatively. Risk factors associated with pedicle screw pull-out were investigated by multivariate logistic regression analysis.Results Pedicle screw pull-out was seen with 58 pedicle screws (7.8%) in 26 patients (34.2%). There were significant differences in age, number of fused segments, frequency of diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis (DISH), and medical history of osteoporosis for pedicle screw pull-out. Risk factors for pedicle screw pull-out were older age (odds ratio 1.07, 95% confidence interval 1.02–1.130) and a diagnosis of DISH (odds ratio 3.35, 95% confidence interval, 1.12–10.00). Several cases suggest that use of connecting rods was an important factor in intraoperative pedicle screw pull-out.Conclusions Our findings suggest that age, number of fused segments, the presence of DISH, and medical history of osteoporosis are risk factors for pedicle screw pull-out, with the greatest being older age and DISH.