bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Elevages caprins en Guadeloupe
Authors: Alexandre G. , Borel H. , Matheron Gérard , Remy C.
Published: January 2021

Une enquête a été réalisée dans 120 élevages par l'INRA-CRAAG afin de déterminer les caractéristiques de l'élevage local et ses potentialités. Les données sont exploitées selon des techniques classiques d'analyse multidimensionnelle aboutissant à une description des différents paramètres de l'exploitation guadeloupéenne et à une typologie des élevages. L'élevage caprin présente certaines originalités : spéculation fréquemment associée à l'élevage bovin permettant une exploitation variable selon les systèmes d'une large diversité de ressources (savanes naturelles, prairies plantées et parcours) auxquelles s'ajoutent différents aliments apportés en compléments et les fourrages issus de la "fauche sauvage". Cet élevage apparaît comme un moyen d'intensification, d'augmentation du produit "socio-économique" de l'exploitation agricole. Certains éleveurs choisissent de mettre en place des structures semi-intensives d'élevage. La pratique du pâturage tournant est proposée. Cependant, la pratique de l'élevage au piquet reste très vivace et serait un moyen de résoudre pour certains éleveurs le problème du foncier.
Le mouton en Martinique. II. Croissance des agneaux sous la mère
Authors: Matheron Gérard , Bastien O. , Leimbacher F.
Published: January 2021

Des contrôles de performances en fermes réalisés entre 1984 et 1987 dans 5 élevages de Martinique (Antilles Françaises) fournissent les croissances entre 10 et 130 jours (âge au sevrage) de 1655 agneaux de phénotypes locaux (Black-Belly et Créole) et croisés européens. Les croisés Lacaune, et plus généralement les croisés européens, donnent de meilleures croissances et poids au sevrage que les autres phénotypes comparés. Néanmoins, cette supériorité n'est pas une règle générale dans tous les élevages. Les auteurs mettent en évidence le rôle prépondérant de la conduite du troupeau, deux fois plus important sur la croissance que le phénotype. L'étude des effets saisonniers souligne la liaison étroite qu'il y a entre la production d'herbe de qualité et la croissance des agneaux. En conclusion, les auteurs insistent sur les gains réalisables par standardisation des techniques d'élevage avant d'envisager une politique uniforme d'amélioration par croisement.
Pelatihan dan pendampingan Dai muda sebagai upaya penyiapan benteng dakwah wilayah muslim minoritas Papua Barat
Authors: Yudiawan Agus , Ahmadi Ahmadi
Published: January 2021

[Bahasa]: Pengabdian masyarakat ini bertujuan untuk meningkatkan kualitas dai muda di wilayah minoritas muslim Papua Barat. Metode dampingan menggunakan Participatory Action Research (PAR). Peserta dampingan sebanyak 20 orang mahasiswa IAIN Sorong. Pendampingan ini menggunakan empat tahapan yaitu, tahap perencanaan, tindakan, observasi, dan refleksi. Hasil pendampingan menunjukkan bahwa kompetensi dai muda peserta pendampingan mengalami peningkatan cukup signifikan (18%). Pada kondisi awal, memiliki kompetensi kurang baik (58,1%) dan berhasil ditingkatkan menjadi baik (76,0%). Kesimpulannya, pendampingan dan pelatihan dapat menjadi pilihan akademis dalam penyiapan dai muda sebelum berkontribusi di masyarakat, khsusunya pada wilayah minoritas muslim di Papua Barat.

Kata Kunci: pelatihan dan pendampingan, Dai, minoritas muslim

[English]: This community service aims to improve young preachers' quality in the Muslim minority area of ??West Papua. The mentoring method used Participatory Action Research (PAR) and involved 20 students of IAIN Sorong. It followed four stages, namely, the planning, action, observation, and reflection stages. The mentoring results showed that the young participants' competence in mentoring had increased quite significantly (18%). They initially had low competence (58.1%) and were successfully upgraded to good (76.0%). In conclusion, mentoring and training can be an academic choice in preparing young preachers before contributing to society, especially in Muslim minority areas in West Papua.

Keywords: training and mentoring, Dai, muslim minority
Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair
Authors: Shen Hua , Yoneda Susumu , Sakiyama-Elbert Shelly E. , Zhang Qiang , Thomopoulos Stavros , Gelberman Richard H.
Published: January 2021

Update

This article was updated on May 13, 2021, because of a previous error. On page e36(1), the title that had read “Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair. The Influence of Synovial Environment on the Early Healing Response in a Canine Mode” now reads “Flexor Tendon Injury and Repair. The Influence of Synovial Environment on the Early Healing Response in a Canine Model.”

An erratum has been published: J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2021 June 16;103(12):e50

Background:

Environmental conditions strongly influence the healing capacity of connective tissues. Well-vascularized extrasynovial tendons typically undergo a robust wound-healing process following transection and repair. In contrast, avascular intrasynovial tendons do not mount an effective repair response. The current study tests the hypothesis that flexor tendons, as a function of their synovial environment, exhibit unique inflammatory, angiogenic, and metabolic responses to injury and repair.

Methods:

Flexor tendons present a distinct opportunity to test the study hypothesis, as they have proximal regions that are extrasynovial and distal regions that are intrasynovial. In an internally controlled study design, the second and fifth forepaw flexor tendons were transected and repaired in either the extrasynovial or the intrasynovial anatomical region. Histological, gene expression, and proteomics analyses were performed at 3 and 7 days to define the early biological events that drive synovial environment-dependent healing responses.

Results:

Uninjured intrasynovial tendons were avascular, contained high levels of proteoglycans, and expressed inflammatory factors, complement proteins, and glycolytic enzymes. In contrast, extrasynovial tendons were well vascularized, contained low levels of proteoglycans, and were enriched in inflammation inhibitors and oxidative phosphorylation enzymes. The response to injury and repair was markedly different between the 2 tendon regions. Extrasynovial tendons displayed a robust and rapid neovascularization response, increased expression levels of complement proteins, and an acute shift in metabolism to glycolysis, whereas intrasynovial tendons showed minimal vascularity and muted inflammatory and metabolic responses.

Conclusions:

The regional molecular profiles of intact and healing flexor tendons revealed extensive early differences in innate immune response, metabolism, vascularization, and expression of extracellular matrix as a function of the synovial environment. These differences reveal mechanisms through which extrasynovial tendons heal more effectively than do intrasynovial tendons.

Clinical Relevance:

To improve outcomes after operative repair, future treatment strategies should promote features of extrasynovial healing, such as enhanced vascularization and modulation of the complement system and/or glucose metabolism.
Experimental Verification of General Validity of Non-force Interaction Formula
Authors: Teslia Iurii
Published: January 2021

In the present work, the physical and mathematical principles of the non-force interaction theory are presented. It is shown that in the basis of this theory there are computer experiments within which there was simulated movement and interaction of material objects through the change of their hypothetical informational contents. The formulae of transformation of the hypothetical informational contents of material objects received from the information-probabilistic interpretation of mechanical movement were used in the experimental research to demonstrate that they also correspond to the processes of speech production in a human brain. The hypothesis, objective and tasks of the experimental research were defined. The methods and software tools were developed to conduct the experiments. To compare different results of the simulation of the processes in a human brain during speech production, there was a range of methods proposed to calculate the estimate of sequence of fragments of natural language texts including the methods based on linear approximation.
The conducted experiments have proved that the formulae received from information-probabilistic interpretation of mechanical movement reflect the processes of speech production. It is shown that the offered approach can successfully be used to create systems of reactive artificial intelligence machines. Experimental and, presented in this work, practical results constitute that the non-force (informational) interaction formulae are generally valid.
Brain Function in Middle-Aged Hong Chuan Tai Chi Players
Authors: Shi Zhenguo , Xu Lei , Xie Hui , Zhang Xianliang , He Qiang
Published: January 2021

Background: Tai Chi has been proved as an effective strategy to improve cognitive function while the mechanism remains unclear. This cross-sectional study aimed to compare the brain functional connection of prefrontal cortex (PFC), motor cortex (MC) and occipital cortex (OC) in middle-aged Tai Chi practitioners and Tai Chi-naïve controls. Methods: 18 Hong chuan Tai Chi practitioners (age:55.78±2.64y) and 22 demographically matched healthy Tai Chi-naïve controls (age:54.69±3.10y) were recruited in this study. Global cognition was measured by the Montreal Cognitive Assessment Scale (MoCA), and the functional connection between PFC, MC and OC in five frequency intervals (I, 0.6-2Hz; II, 0.145-0.6Hz; III, 0.052-0.145Hz; IV, 0.021-0.052Hz; V, 0.0095-0.021Hz) was analyzed by wavelet phase coherence (WPCO). The changes in cerebral oxygenation (Δ[HbO2]) were measured by functional near-infrared spectroscopy (fNIRS). Continuous recordings of NIRS signals were obtained from the left and right prefrontal cortex (PFC), motor cortex (MC) and occipital cortex (OC) in resting state. Results: Compared with age-matched Tai Chi-naïve controls, Hong chuan Tai Chi practitioners had better global cognition and showed higher functional connection levels between left and right PFC, MC, OC in intervals I, III, VI and V in resting state. Conclusion: This study showed that middle-aged Hong chuan Tai Chi practitioners had higher functional connection between PFC, MC and OC, as well as the coordination of left and right brain in resting state, which maybe the contributing factors to higher global cognition.
Characteristics of the Level of Psychomotor Abilities of Female Handball Players
Authors: Śliż Maciej , Przednowek Karolina H. , Kapuściński Paweł , Dziadek Bartosz , Godek Łukasz , Warchoł Krzysztof , Zieliński Janusz , Przednowek Krzysztof
Published: January 2021

Background: The study presents an analysis of selected psychomotor abilities of female handball players at different levels of experience. Methods: Studies were performed using Test2Drive computer tests. The following four tests were used to measure psychomotor fitness: Simple Reaction Time, Choice Reaction Time, Hand-Eye Coordination and Spatial Anticipation. The study covered a group of 118 female handball players (age: 19.6 ± 3.16),who play in the PGNiG Polish Women’s Superliga, Polish 1st and 2nd handball league, for the following positions: goalkeepers, centre players, pivot players and wing players. The study also included the body composition analysis and the aerobic capacity level with the use of the multistage 20 metre shuttle run test. In addition, the level of psychomotor abilities of female handball players has been analysed depending on their competition class (league), position on the court and dominant hand. Results: The analysis of the reaction time and movement time showed statistically significant differences between the results (SIRT MT, CHORT RT,HECOR MT) obtained by the female handball players from different competition classes. Additionally, on the basis of the linear Pearson correlation were determined statistically significant relationship between psychomotor abilities and elements of body composition or the aerobic capacity level. Conclusions: The analysis showed that the female players from Polish Women’s Superliga had the highest level of reaction time (SIRT, CHORT and SPANT tests). The study also revealed a significant impact of the body mass index and the percentage of fat content on the movement time (SIRT, CHORT and SPANT tests). The aerobic capacity level (measured in the multistage 20 metre shuttle run test) had a significant influence on the reaction time.
KDM6B Promotes ESCC Cell Proliferation and Metastasis by Facilitating C/EBPβ Transcription
Authors: qin mei , han fei , wu jian , gao fengxia , li yuan , yan dexin , he xuemei , long yang , tang xiaoping , ren delian , gao yan , dai tianyang
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAs an H3K27me3 demethylase and counteracts polycomb-mediated transcription repression, KDM6B has been implicated in the development and malignant progression in various types of cancers. However, its potential roles in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) have not been explored. MethodsThe expression of KDM6B in human ESCC tissues and cell lines was examined using qRT-PCR, immunohistochemical staining and immunoblotting. The effects of KDM6B on the proliferation and metastasis of ESCC were examined using in vitro and in vivo functional tests. RNA-seq and ChIP-seq assay were used to demonstrate the molecular biological mechanism of KDM6B in ESCC.ResultsWe show that the expression level of KDM6B increased significantly in patients with lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, we confirmed that KDM6B knockdown reduces proliferation and metastasis of ESCC cells, while KDM6B overexpression has the opposite effects. Mechanistically, KDM6B regulates TNFA_SIGNALING_VIA_NFκB signalling pathways, and H3K27me3 binds to the promoter region of C/EBPβ, leading to the promotion of C/EBPβ transcription. Besides, we show that GSK-J4, a chemical inhibitor of KDM6B, markedly inhibits proliferation and metastasis of ESCC cells. ConclusionsThe present study demonstrated that KDM6B promotes ESCC progression by increasing the transcriptional activity of C/EBPβ depending on its H3K27 demethylase activity.
Big batteries on wheels: converting diesel trains to battery electric can provide significant economic, environmental, and grid resilience benefits
Authors: Popovich Natalie , Phadke Amol , Tasar Elif
Published: January 2021

Nearly all locomotives in the U.S. are propelled by an electric drive that is powered by a diesel generator, the air pollution from which contributes to more than 1,000 premature deaths every year. Dramatic improvements in battery technology plus access to cheap renewable electricity open the possibility of battery-electric rail. Given that locomotives already have an electric drive, converting them to battery-electric primarily requires a battery car, which can be connected directly to the drivetrain. We examine the case for a battery-electric U.S. freight rail sector and find that one heavy-duty battery car can power a typical locomotive for 450 miles, three times the average daily distance travelled by U.S. freight trains. We find that battery-electric trains can achieve cost parity with diesel trains with electricity charging costs under 6 cents/kWh. We illustrate how these costs can be achieved with access to wholesale electricity rates. Converting the fleet to battery-electric would remove 37 million metric tons of carbon dioxide and generate total sector cost savings of $250 billion over 20 years, while introducing 238 GWh of mobile batteries that could address location-specific grid constraints during extreme events.
Alternative Thoracic Drainage Strategy Alleviates Perioperative Pain After Lung Wedge Resection: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Wei Shoucun , Zhang Guangyan , Ma Jue , Nong Lidan , Zhang Jiatao , Zhong Wenzhao , Cui Jianxiu
Published: January 2021

Background: Indwelling thoracic drainage tube is one of the leading causes of postoperative pain after thoracotomy. Currently, limited evidence exists on evaluating the acute and chronic pain resulting from chest tube after video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS). Herein, we intended to explore an alternative drainage method and its impact on acute and chronic pain after VATS. Methods: For this purpose, ninety-two patients undergoing lung wedge resection were selected and randomly assigned to conventional chest tube (CT) group and venous catheter (VC) group, respectively. Then, the numeric rating scale (NRS) and pain DETECT questionnaire were applied to evaluate the level and characteristics of postoperative pain. Results: Our data showed that the NRS scores of the VC group during hospitalization were significantly lower than those of the CT group 6 hours after surgery, at postoperative day 1, at postoperative day 2, and at the moment of drainage tube removal), respectively. Moreover, the number of postoperative salvage analgesics such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) used in the VC group and postoperative hospitalization days were notably reduced compared with the CT group. However, no significant difference was observed in terms of NRS pain scores between the two groups of patients during the follow-up for chronic pain at 3 months and 6 months. Conclusion: Taken together, the drainage strategy mentioned in this article is effective in relieving perioperative acute pain and reducing the use of salvage analgesics in selected patients undergoing VATS wedge resection, which is beneficial for the rapid recovery of patients after surgery.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03230019. Registered July 23, 2017
Machine Learning Guided Postnatal Gestational Age Assessment Using Newborn Screening Metabolomic Data in South Asia and Sub-Saharan Africa
Authors: Sazawal Sunil , Ryckman Kelli , Das Sayan , Khanam Rasheda , Nisar Imran , Jasper Elizabeth , Dutta Arup , Rahman Sayedur , Mehmood Usma , Bedell Bruce , Deb Saikat , Chowdhury Nabidul , Barkat Amina , Mittal Harshita , Ahmed Salahuddin , Khalid Farah , Raqib Rubhana , Manu Alexander , Yoshida Sachiyo , Ali Said , Baqui Abdullah , Jehan Fyezah , Dhingra Usha , Bahl Rajiv , Ilyas Muhammad , Nizar Ambreen
Published: January 2021

Background: Babies born early and/or small for gestational age in Low- and Middle-income countries (LMIC) contribute substantially to global neonatal and infant mortality. Tracking this metric is critical at a population level for informed policy, advocacy, resources allocation and program evaluation and at an individual level for targeted care. Early prenatal ultrasound is not available in these settings, gestational age (GA) is estimated using newborn assessment, LMP recalls and birth weight, which are unreliable. Algorithms in developed settings, using metabolic screen data, provided GA estimates within 1-2 weeks of ultrasound-based GA. We sought to leverage machine learning algorithms to improve accuracy and applicability of this approach to LMIC settings.Methods: This study uses data from AMANHI-ACT prospective pregnancy cohorts in Asia and Africa where early pregnancy ultrasound estimated GA and birth weight are available and metabolite screening data in a subset of 1318 newborn are available. We utilized this opportunity to develop machine learning (ML) algorithms. Random Forest Regressor was used where data was randomly split into model-building and model-testing dataset. Mean absolute error (MAE) and root mean square error (RSME) were used to evaluate performance. Bootstrap procedures were used to estimate confidence intervals (CI) for RMSE and MAE. For pre-term birth identification ROC analysis with bootstrap and exact estimation of CI for area under curve (AUC) were performed.Results: Overall model estimated GA, had MAE of 5.8 days (95%CI 5.6-6.3), which was similar to performance in SGA, MAE 6.3 days (95%CI 5.6-7.0). GA was correctly estimated to within 1 week for 70.9% (95%CI 67.9-73.7). For preterm birth classification, AUC in ROC analysis was 92.6% (95%CI 87.5-96.1; p<0.001). This model performed better than Iowa regression, AUC Difference 2.8% (95%CI 0.9-11.8%; p=0.021).Conclusions: Machine learning algorithms and models applied to metabolomic gestational age dating offer a ladder of opportunity for providing accurate population-level gestational age estimates in LMIC settings. These findings also point to an opportunity for investigation of region-specific models, more focused feasible analyte models, and broad untargeted metabolome investigation.
Selenium-Related Nutritional Status in Patients With Common Variable Immunodeficiency: Association With Oxidative Stress and Atherosclerosis Risk
Authors: Andrade Itana , Suano-Souza Fabíola , Fonseca Fernando , Lago Carolina , Sarni Roseli
Published: January 2021

Background: Common variable immunodeficiency (CVID) is an innate immunity error, possibly associated with recurrent or chronic infections and autoimmune / inflammatory diseases and neoplasms. It is suggested that these conditions lead to persistent immune stimulation and increased oxidative stress. A positive impact on the survival of patients with an inborn errors of immunity was observed with advanced clinical care protocols, thus raising concerns about the risk of developing other associated chronic diseases, such as atherosclerosis. Studies suggest that selenium (Se) is a protective trace element against damage caused by oxidative stress. Thus, it is postulated that adequate consumption reduces the risk of some chronic diseases. Results: The median age of CVID patients was 36.8 years, with a female predominance. Low concentrations of GPx, Se and apo A-1 were observed in the patients, besides the presence of dyslipidemia and higher concentrations of adiponectin, us-CRP, and LDLox. There was no association between the concentrations of Se and GPx and the biomarkers of lipid metabolism involved in atherosclerosis risk, except for a positive association with apo A-1 and HDL. The median of polyunsaturated fat was lower in CVID patients and the intake of zinc and retinol was higher among them when compared to controls. Conclusion: The study showed a higher risk of cardiovascular disease in CVID patients. The presence of low selenium in CVID patients points to the importance of assessing the selenium-related nutritional status in these patients.
Non-Linear Relationship Between High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol and Incident of Diabetes Mellitus: A Secondary Retrospective Analysis Based on A Japanese Cohort Study
Authors: Cao Changchun , Hu Haofei , Zheng Xiaodan , Wang xinyu , Wang Yulong , He Yongcheng
Published: January 2021

Background and Objective High-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) may be directly involved in glucose metabolism by enhancing insulin sensitivity and insulin secretion. This current study aimed to explore the association between HDL-C and the risk of diabetes mellitus (DM) in Japanese population. Methods This retrospective cohort study was based on a publicly available DRYAD dataset. A total of 15388 study participants from Murakami Memorial Hospital in Japan included all medical records for participants who received medical examinations from 2004 to 2015. The target-independent variable and the dependent variable were HDL-C measured at baseline, and DM incident appeared during follow-up, respectively. Covariates involved in this study included gender, age, ethanol consumption, smoking status, regular exerciser, systolic blood pressures, diastolic blood pressures, body mass index, waist circumference, fatty liver, total cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose. Cox proportional-hazards regression was used to investigate the association between HDL-C and DM, generalized additive models to identify non-linear relationships.Results After adjusting for gender, age, ethanol consumption, smoking status, regular exerciser, systolic blood pressures, diastolic blood pressures, body mass index, waist circumference, total cholesterol, triglycerides, hemoglobin A1c, fasting plasma glucose, the result showed HDL-C was negatively associated with incident of DM (HR = 0.54, 95%CI (0.35, 0.82)). The results remained robust in a series of sensitive analysis. A non-linear relationship was detected between HDL-C and incident of DM, which had an inflection point of HDL-C was 1.72mmol/L. The effect sizes and the confidence intervals on the left and right sides of the inflection point were 0.36 (0.21, 0.59) and 2.90 (0.96, 8.75). Subgroup analysis showed a stronger association could be found in the population with the ex-smoker and current-smoker. The same trend was also seen in the community with hypertension (P for interaction = 0.010, HR = 1.324). Conclusion: HDL-C is negatively associated with DM risk. The relationship between HDL-C and incident of DM is also non-linear. HDL-C was strongly negatively related to the incident of diabetes when HDL-C is less than 1.72mmol/L.
Caution for liver injury after bariatric surgery: logistic regression of risk factors for early elevation of liver enzymes after surgery
Authors: Zhang Yu , Yang Huawu , Zhan Dafang , Liu Xiaoxiao , Xu Chenxin , Zhang Tongtong , Liu Yanjun
Published: January 2021

The reasons for the influence of bariatric surgery (BS) on the early abnormal increase of liver enzymes and liver injury remain unclear. We found abnormal elevation of alanine aminotransferase (ALT) and aspartate aminotransferase (AST) in liver chemistry early after BS. To investigate the risk factors for early elevation of ALT and AST after BS, we performed a regression analysis of 177 patients who underwent BS at our center. Follow-up data before and after BS were collected and divided into two groups according to whether ALT and/or AST increased and exceeded the clinical threshold one month after BS. Logistic regression analysis was used, and independent risk factors were screened. Waist circumference (WC) before BS was an independent risk factor (P < 0.05) for increased ALT and AST after BS, but other factors (P > 0.05), such as sex, type of BS, or body mass index (BMI), were not. The cutoff of WC to predict abnormal elevation of ALT and AST after BS was 117.35 cm (sensitivity, 0.75; specificity, 0.62) and 113.65 cm (sensitivity, 0.88; specificity, 0.48), respectively. WC is an independent risk factor for early liver injury after BS. Long-term liver-related follow-up is necessary.
Identification of Key Methylation Differentially Expressed Genes in Posterior Fossa Ependymoma Based on Epigenomic and Transcriptome Analysis
Authors: Wang Guanyi , Jia Yibin , Ye Yuqing , Kang Enming , Chen Huijun , Wang Jiayou , He Xiaosheng
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPosterior fossa ependymoma (EPN-PF) can be classified into Group A posterior fossa ependymoma(EPN-PFA) and Group B posterior fossa ependymoma (EPN-PFB) according to DNA CpG island methylation profile status and gene expression. EPN-PFA usually occurs in children younger than 5 years and has a poor prognosis. MethodsUsing epigenome and transcriptome microarray data, a multi-component weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to systematically identify the hub genes of EPN-PF. We downloaded two microarray datasets (GSE66354 and GSE114523) from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The Limma R package was used to identify differentially expressed genes (DEGs), and ChAMP R was used to analyze the differential methylation genes (DMGs) between EPN-PFA and EPN-PFB. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses were performed using the Metascape database. ResultsGO analysis showed that enriched genes were significantly enriched in the extracellular matrix organization, adaptive immune response, membrane raft, focal adhesion, NF-kappa B pathway, and axon guidance, as suggested by KEGG analysis. Through WGCNA, we found that MEblue had a significant correlation with EPN-PF (R=0.69, P=1 x 10-08) and selected the 180 hub genes in the blue module. By comparing the DEGs, DMGs, and hub genes in the co-expression network, we identified five hypermethylated, lower expressed genes in EPN-PFA (ATP4B, CCDC151, DMKN, SCN4B, and TUBA4B), and three of them were confirmed by IHC. ConclusionssGSEA and GSVA analysis indicated that these five hub genes could lead to poor prognosis by inducing hypoxia, PI3K-Akt-mTOR, and TNFα-NFKB pathways. Further study of these dysmethylated hub genes in EPN-PF and the pathways they participate in may provides new ideas for EPN-PF treatment.
Digitalisation of Energy Systems within the Context of Existing Policy Frameworks: An Assessment of Sustainable Energy Transitions in Africa
Authors: Nwaiwu Fortune
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDigital technologies have unique characteristics for achieving radically disruptive transitions within the energy sector. They provide opportunities for new production and consumption models between micro producers and consumers of electricity within communities in a way that transforms the traditional energy generation and consumption model. The study critically assessed the digitalisation of energy systems in Africa within the context of existing policy frameworks in the quest to achieve sustainable energy transitions in Africa. It investigated how digital technologies such as blockchain, digital platforms and smart grids were adopted and implemented within the energy sector in achieving new energy production and consumption models that are both environmentally sustainable and socially inclusive, this assessment was done within the context of existing policy and regulatory frameworks of the society where the use cases were domiciled. MethodsThe research adopted a qualitative methodological approach which was done in three stages - a document analysis that reviewed relevant literature on the energy sector and policies within the sector for Nigeria and South Africa; the next step involved a comparative case study is conducted to assess the characteristics of how digital technologies was deployed in mediating sustainable energy transitions; finally, the outcomes of the comparative case studies was then situated within the context of existing policies within the countries covered by the study ResultsResults from the research indicate that Africa is still in the early stages of adoption and application of digital technologies such as blockchain and smart grids within the energy sector, the results also showed the disconnect between policy environment and industry efforts in achieving digital technologies mediated sustainable energy transitions in Africa. The current applications as exemplified in the use cases by the three companies covered in this study indicates that Africa's sustainable energy transitions is in a rudimentary or early adoption stage, and they are not currently aided by the policy environments in which such projects are domiciled.ConclusionsThe research provides deep insights into the current state and developments within the energy sector especially in relations to how digital technologies are being adopted and implemented in solving the energy poverty prevalent across sub-Saharan Africa.
Lycopus lucidus Turcz exerts neuroprotective effect against H2O2‑induced neuroinflammation by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation in cortical neurons
Authors: Kim Hyunseong , Hong Jin Young , Jeon Wan-Jin , Lee Junseon , Baek Seung Ho , Ha In-Hyuk
Published: January 2021

Background

Central nervous system (CNS) injuries are a leading cause of permanent functional impairment in humans. Nerve damage can be aggravated by neuroinflammation mediated by protein complexes known as inflammasomes, such as the NLRP3 inflammasome which is a key mediator of caspase-1 and interleukin-1β (IL-1β) /interleukin-18 (IL-18) activation. Lycopus lucidus Turcz (LLT) is a traditional medicinal herb that exerts therapeutic effects against oxidative stress, inflammation, and angiogenesis; however, it remains unclear whether LLT can directly protect neurons against damage, and the underlying molecular mechanisms are poorly understood.
Methods

We investigated the neuroprotective effect of LLT against hydrogen peroxide (H2O2)-induced neuronal damage in cultured primary rat cortical neurons, as well as the potential underlying mechanisms. Neuronal viability and cell death assays were used to determine the effects of LLT on neuroprotection, while the mode of cell death was confirmed using flow cytometry. Changes in the expression of inflammatory factors involved in activation of the NLRP3 inflammasome were measured using immunocytochemistry (ICC) and confirmed by real-time PCR. And, we analyzed that the effect of LLT on neurotrophic factors secretion and synaptic connectivity using ICC in H2O2-induced neuron at 7 days in vitro.
Results

LLT effectively protected cultured rat cortical neurons from H2O2-induced injury by significantly inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation. In addition, LLT significantly reduced caspase1 activation, which is known to be induced by inflammasome formation, and consequently regulated the secretion of IL-1β/IL-18. We demonstrated that LLT enhances axonal elongation and synaptic connectivity against H2O2-induced injury of rat primary cortical neuron.
Conclusions

Together, these results demonstrate that LLT can directly protect cultured cortical neurons from H2O2-induced neuronal damage by inhibiting NLRP3 inflammasome activation and the secretion of caspase-1 and IL-1β/IL-18. Thus, our study provides new insights into the therapeutic mechanisms of LLT and suggests that the NLRP3 inflammasome could be a promising target for treating neurological diseases.
Prognostic Value of Variations in Serum Biomarkers and Prognostic Scores Values between Admission and Second day in Intensive Care Unit Septic patients
Authors: Rios-Toro Juan Jesus , Guzman Maria Dolores Pola-Gallego de , Guerrero-Marin Maria , Rodríguez-Rubio David , Ruiz-Garcia Maria-Isabel , Aguilar-Alonso Eduardo , Rivera-Fernandez Ricardo
Published: January 2021

Background: To determinate the prognostic value of procalcitonin (PCT) and C-reactive protein (CRP) changes during the first two days of admission to the ICU with sepsis and/or septic shock, and to compare it with changes in Acute Physiology And Chronic Health Evaluation II (APACHE-II) and Sepsis-related Organ Failure Assessment (SOFA) prognostic scores. Methods: Prospective cohort observational study. 50 consecutive patients admitted to a single-center ICU. Results: Aged 67(52-75) years with APACHE-II 19(14-25) and SOFA scores 7(5-11) points on admission, and a recorded 28-day mortality of 42%. There were no significant differences observed between APACHE II, SOFA, PCR nor PCT in the survival versus the non-survival group on the day of admission. APACHE II (p=0,001) and SOFA (p=0,002) between admission and second day raised significantly in no survivors, with no significant changes in CRP and PCT. Mortality was significantly associated with a raise in APACHE-II and SOFA scores between admission and second day (OR:2.13,1.18-3.86) but not with PCT nor CRP changes.Conclusions: Changes in SOFA and APACHE II scores between admission and second day in ICU septic patients are more sensitive mortality predictors than the observed changes in CRP and PCT values.
Model to Predict Cause-specific Mortality in Patients With Olfactory Neuroblastoma: A Competing Risk Analysis
Authors: Liu Lipin , Zhong Qiuzi , Zhao Ting , Chen Dazhi , Xu Yonggang , Li Gaofeng
Published: January 2021

Purpose: The main objective of this study was to evaluate the cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality and other causes of mortality for patients with olfactory neuroblastoma (ONB). The secondary aim was to model the probability of cause-specific death and build a competing risk nomogram to predict cause-specific mortality for this disease.Methods: Patients with ONB from 1975 to 2016 were identified from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. We estimated the cumulative incidence function (CIF) for cause-specific mortality and other causes of mortality, and constructed the Fine and Gray’s proportional subdistribution hazard model, as well as a competing-risk nomogram based on Fine and Gray’s model, to predict the probability of cause-specific mortality for patients with ONB.Results: After data selection, 826 cases were included for analysis. Five-year cumulative incidence of cause-specific mortality was 19.5% and cumulative incidence of other causes of mortality was 11.3%. Predictors of cause-specific mortality for ONB included tumor stage, surgery and chemotherapy. Age was most strongly predictive of other causes of mortality: patients aged >60 years exhibited subdistribution hazard ratios (SHRs) of 1.063 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.05-1.08; p =0.001). The competing risk nomogram for cause-specific mortality was well-calibrated, and had good discriminative ability (concordance index=0.79).Conclusion: We calculated the CIF of cause-specific mortality and other causes of mortality in patients with the rare malignancy ONB. We also built the first competing risk nomogram to provide useful individualized predictive information for patients with ONB.
Joint Replacement Registries Significantly Reduce Revision Rates
Authors: Okafor Charles Ebuka , Nghiem Son , Vertullo Christopher , Byrnes Joshua
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDespite the rapid establishment of joint replacement registries (JRR), its effect on key outcomes such as revision rates is uncertain. While some countries with JRR have recorded reductions in revision rates, other countries without JRR also have reported similar reductions. This study evaluated the impact of JRR on revision rates across countries while controlling for non-JRR related factors and JRR outcomes transfer (to non-registry countries) that could contribute to reduction in revision rates. MethodsThis assessment was performed by a difference-in-differences statistical approach using a panel regression model. We compared revision rates of non-registry countries to registry countries, and further compared non-registry period revision rates to registry period (of registry countries) revision rates. We controlled for non-JRR related factors and JRR outcomes transfer by the inclusion of a linear trend in the model. Data were collected from 1980 – 2018. Registry data were obtained from JRR databases while non-registry data were obtained from literature search in Medline and Google Scholar. ResultsThe average difference in revision rates between registry countries compared to non-registry countries was not statistically significant for hip (p-value = 0.056) and knee (p-value = 0.501) respectively. The average difference in revision rate in the registry period of registry countries relative to the non-registry periods was statistically significant for hip (p-value < 0.0001) and knee (p-value = 0.004) respectively. The impact of JRR on revision rate reduction as a percentage was 19.23% (95% CI: 10.86 – 31.55%) and 13.07% (95% CI: 3.28 – 31.18%) for hip and knee respectively. ConclusionsJoint replacement registries cause significant reduction in revision rates and its effect on this outcome may be further improved by increasing surgeons’ participation. Establishment of JRR in countries or regions yet to would be a worthwhile decision.
Specialty-level Factors Historically Influencing Telehealth Use Can Provide Implications for Sustainability in a Post-Pandemic Era: A Systematic Review and Narrative Synthesis
Authors: Rangachari Pavani , Mushiana Swapandeep S. , Herbert Krista
Published: January 2021

Background: Recent studies in the US have found wide variation in telehealth use across medical specialties (e.g., 6.1% in Allergy-Immunology vs. 24.1% in Cardiology). This is a problem-of-interest, because the US lacks a standardized set of telehealth reimbursement policies, which in turn has hindered telehealth use across all specialties. Despite these policy-level constraints experienced by all specialties, some have normalized telehealth use to mainstream practice, while others are just getting started during the pandemic. Despite accelerated telehealth use during COVID-19 through removal of federal coverage restrictions, uncertainties remain regarding future sustainability. This paper conducts a systematic review to identify “specialty-level factors” historically influencing telehealth use, with a view to identifying implications for widespread sustainability in the post-pandemic era.Methods: We conducted a systematic review and narrative synthesis to examine factors historically influencing telehealth use across six medical specialties in the US, including three “lower-using” specialties (Allergy-Immunology, Gastroenterology, Family Medicine) and three “higher-using” specialties (Cardiology, Psychiatry, Radiology). The “macro-meso-micro” framework was used to guide the review. Article searches were conducted on PubMed. The PRISMA checklist was used to guide reporting of literature reviewed. Three reviewers worked to develop a preliminary synthesis, identify eligibility criteria, explore themes in the data, and assess robustness of final synthesis.Results: Fifty-three articles were reviewed across six medical specialties. The review identified 12 factors across 3 layers, including: 1) macro-layer (policy-level, legal, other-structural), 2) meso-layer (specialty-level historical telehealth rationale, hospital-organizational, specialty-society, treatment, technological, research, cultural) and 3) micro-layer (individual-level provider-and-patient-specific) factors. A key finding was that among “higher-using” medical specialties, the specialty societies and hospital organizations in the meso-layer, proactively promoted telehealth use by influencing both macro- and micro-layer factors (e.g., advocating for consistent payment policies and enabling provider practices to be more tech-savvy & patient-centric, respectively).Conclusion: By identifying a comprehensive set of contextual, individual (and interaction) factors influencing telehealth use across six medical specialties, this review addresses a gap and provides a foundation for future research. Importantly, it identifies: 1) strategies for reducing variation in telehealth use across medical specialties, and 2) implications for ensuring widespread sustainability in the post-pandemic era.
Spatio-temporal Evolution of Water-Energy-Food System Risk from the Provincial Perspective: A Case Study of China
Authors: Ding Tonghui , Chen Junfei , Li Ming
Published: January 2021

In this paper, the definition of Water-energy-food system risk (WEF-R) was firstly defined based on stability, coordination and sustainability. Set pair analysis and risk matrix were applied to assess the spatio-temporal dynamics of WEF-R in China from 2008 to 2017. The research results showed that stability subsystem had the greatest influence on the WEF-R, and sustainability subsystem was an important factor affecting the WEF-R. According to the spatial-temporal analysis, the risk levels of coordination and sustainable subsystems showed a gradual downward trend, while that of stability subsystem showed small fluctuations from 2008 to 2017. In terms of the WEF-R level, it presented a decreasing trend of small fluctuations. In addition, the higher-risk areas of stability subsystem and lower-risk areas of sustainability subsystem, which were mainly centralized in southeast coastal and central regions, were consistent with the areas of good economic development level and high level of urbanization. While the lower-risk areas of stability subsystem and higher-risk areas of sustainability subsystem, which were mainly centralized in the northwest regions, brought into correspondence with the areas of good resource endowment but lower levels of economic development. Therefore, the spatial differences of economic development level and resource endowment were the main factors affecting the spatial pattern of the WEF-R level in China. Therefore, policy makers should focus on WEF-R and implement measures to improve the sustainable development of WEF nexus.
Overall Survival in Metastatic Renal Cancer in the Central Region of Morocco: A Real Life Experience Over One Decade
Authors: mellas nawfel , nouiakh lamyae , kinany Khaoula El , benhami meriam , oualla Karima , amaadour lamiae , arifi samia , mellas soufiane , tazi fadl , elfatemi hinde , fakir samira el , farih moulay hassan , benbrahim zineb
Published: January 2021

Background: Available treatments for metastatic RCC (mRCC) are usually non-curative. In the last decade, novel targeted therapies have significantly improved mRCC outcome. The objective in this study was to describe outcomes in patients with mRCC in Morocco.Methods: 100 patients with mRCC were recruited between January 2008 and December 2018 in the Hassan II University Hospital of Fez. Data were retrospectively collected. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was used to determine overall survival (OS) and progression free survival (PFS).Results: Mean age of the patients was 58.6 years(±12). Sixty seven percent of patients were male. Clear cell carcinoma was the most common histological subtype (78%). According to the IMDC scoring, 72% of patients were in the intermediate and 18% in the poor risk groups. Seventy patients received targeted therapy. Overall response rate (according to RECIST criteria version 1.0) was 38.6%. The median PFS was 7.0 months (95% CI, 4.6 to 9.4). The median OS was 11.6 months (95% CI, 7.9 to 15.3). In the multivariate analysis, cancer specific mortality was impacted by treatment with VEGFR inhibitors (HR: 0.2; 95% CI, 0.1 to 0.4; p =0.001) and IMDC score (intermediate risk group HR: 3.5 (95% CI, 1.4 to 9.1; p =0.009); and poor risk group HR: 5.5 (95% CI, 1.9 to 16.1; p =0.002)).Conclusion: This is the first report from clinical practice in an African country of OS data in mRCC. The study showed high mortality rates. However, outcomes of VEGFR inhibitors are consistent with studies investigating these treatments.
High Level of Complement Factor Ba Within 11 to 17 Weeks of Gestation Increases the Risk of Subsequent Gestational Diabetes: A Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Shen Ying , Li Junxian , Tian Hairong , Ji Ye , Li Ziyun , Lu Junxi , Lu Huijuan , Liu Bo , Liu Fang
Published: January 2021

Background: Several studies have shown that the over activation of complement factor B(CFB) was related to obesity, insulin resistance(IR) and type 2 diabetes mellitus. This study was to assess whether circulating complement factor Ba (CFBa) within 11 to 17 weeks of gestation is associated with subsequent gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) or not.Methods: Biochemical parameters and blood samples were collected from 399 pregnant women within 11 to 17 weeks of gestation. At 24 to 28 weeks of pregnancy, all participants underwent 75-g oral glucose tolerance test (fasting for more than 8 hours before blood sampling) and were assigned to GDM group(n=80) and normal control group(n=319). Perinatal data were collected after delivery. A propensity score-matched (PSM) analysis was performed to reduce the impact of confounding factors on glucose metabolism during pregnancy between the two groups.Results: Two groups of 74 well-matched patients who maintained balance in terms of baseline characteristics. The levels of CFBa in pregnant women who later developed GDM were significantly higher than those in healthy pregnant women [0.4(0.1-0.8) vs. 0.2(0.2-0.3), P=0.031]. Logistic regression results confirmed that the level of CFBa was an independent influencing factor for the occurrence of GDM (OR=1.52, 95% CI: 1.25-1.85, P=0.000). Further grouping according to the quartile of CFBa level, it was found that the incidence of GDM in category 3 was markedly higher than that in the first and the second categories. Conclusions: High level of the CFBa within 11 to 17 weeks of gestation increased the risk of subsequent GDM, and maybe a biomarker for predicting GDM.