bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
PD-L1 Expression Enhancement by Tumor-Associated Macrophages Derived Osteopontin Leads to Poor Non-Small Cell Lung Caner Prognosis
Authors: Li Yue , Liu Hai-lin , Yue Dong-sheng , Chen Chen , Li Chen-guang , Zhang Zhen-fa , Xu Sheng-qiang , Lu Hui-ping , Gu Tian-tian , Wang Chang-li
Published: September 2020

Background In the tumor microenvironment, programmed death ligand 1(PD-L1) is a key protein upregulated by tumor cells in immune escape. Tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) play a major role in this immunosuppression. Osteopontin (OPN) is related to tumor metastasis and proliferation and immunosuppression. OPN is expressed not only by tumor cells, but also by TAMs. However, little is known of the relationship between OPN expressed by TAMs(TOPN) and PD-L1 in non-small cell lung cancer.MethodsTissue microarray was used to detect the expression of TOPN, TAMs and PD-L1 by multiple quantitative fluorescence staining in 509 NSCLC patients undergoing complete pulmonary resection. The correlations between TOPN, PD-L1 and clinicopathologic data were analyzed. And in vitro cell cocultures were further conducted to investigate the crosstalk between TOPN and Neoplastic PD-L1. The in vivo efficacy of TOPN was evaluated for PD-L1 expression in subcutaneous coculture mouse model of NSCLC.ResultsWe observed a positive association between the TOPN and PD-L1 expression in tumor tissues from 509 patients with NSCLC. In addition, survival analysis revealed that TOPN and PD-L1 were independent prognostic factors for overall survival(OS) and disease-free survival(DFS) of NSCLC patients. We further demonstrated that TOPN upregulated PD-L1 expression in NSCLC cells through NF-κB pathway in vitro. And the upregulation was inhibited by neutralization with anti-OPN antibody or NF-κB inhibitor after co-culture with macrophages. TOPN induced the PD-L1 expression in tumor-bearing mice, and promoted the tumor growth.ConclusionsTOPN/NF-κB axis plays a critical role in PD-L1 expression of NSCLC microenvironment. TOPN could be a potential therapeutic target for NSCLC.
Bone Resorption Induced by Titanium Implantation Through Activation of Osteoclast Formation via C3a
Authors: Liu Xiaohan , Li Siwen , Meng Yuan , Fan Yu , Shi Ce , Ren Feilong , Wu Lin , Wang Jinyan , Sun Hongchen
Published: September 2020

Titanium implantation is widely used for dental replacement with advantages of excellent mechanical strength, corrosion resistance, chemical stability and biocompatibility. Some patients, however, are subject to the failure of implantation due to bone resorption, which closely related to the inflammatory responses without clear mechanisms. In this study, first we found that there were inflammatory responses and increases of osteoclasts in the surrounding tissues near by the titanium implant. Further, data revealed that the C3 was increased in the serum and surrounding tissues near by the titanium implant, and activated by classical and alternative pathways. Next, we recognized that the C3a/C3aR, no C3b played an important role in stimulating secretions of pro-inflammatory cytokines of TNF-α and MMP9 via transcription factors NF-kB and NFATc1. This cascade of responses to titanium implant leaded the differentiation and proliferation of osteoclasts in vivo and in vitro, bone resorption of surrounding tissues of Ti implant. These suggest that the cleaved C3a fragment plays predominant roles in the activation of osteoclast. Therefore, the blocking C3a activation should provide potential to prevent bone resorption and prolong the survival of biomaterial implants.
Cancer Path in Switzerland: Making the Patient an Ally to Increase Health Outcomes and Quality of Life
Authors: Lomazzi Marta , Borisch Bettina
Published: September 2020

BackgroundPrevalence, complexity and costs of cancer care are increasing in Switzerland. Losses in efficiency, resources and inadequate attribution hamper health outcomes. This study investigated possibilities for improvement across the whole cancer path, with a special focus on patients-care provider communication and effective approaches to strengthening interprofessional collaboration.MethodsKey stakeholders were selected based on their expertise in different areas of the cancer path and were invited to take part in interviews. Subsequently, a DELPHI-like method was applied, followed by two focus groups.ResultsThere is a prominent need for collaboration and trans-sectoral action in cancer care, encompassing clinical disciplines, communication strategies and professional attitudes. The necessity and demand for collaboration meets a highly fragmented landscape of cancer in Switzerland with a hierarchical organization of medical care entities and competition. Conclusions Pressing developments are happening in the healthcare system given the rising prevalence of some cancers, the demographics of the Swiss population and the growing number of cancer survivors. More fundamental solutions should be developed and implemented to meet patients’ needs and improve health outcomes: Are care providers and patients assuming their responsibilities for change? Will economic interests and power games boycott this change? The article tries to respond.
Primary Care Provider Uptake of Intensive Behavioral Therapy for Obesity in Medicare Patients, 2012-2017
Authors: Ozoor Mounira , Gritz Mark , Dolor Rowena J , Holtrop Jodi S , Luo Zhehui
Published: September 2020

Background: The delivery of Intensive Behavioral Therapy for obesity (IBT) by primary care providers (PCPs) has been covered by Medicare to support elderly obese individuals (BMI > 30 kg/m2) in managing their weight since 2011 for individual therapy and 2015 for group therapy. We sought to understand patterns of uptake of IBT for obesity services among PCPs serving the Medicare population across the U.S. Methods: We used the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services Provider Utilization and Payment Data from 2012 to 2017 to extract all PCPs who served more than 10 Medicare beneficiaries in each of the six-year period for form a longitudinal study. The procedure codes G0447 and/or G0473 were used to identify PCPs who provided IBT and their characteristics were compared by the IBT-using status. Results: Of the 452,127 eligible PCPs who served Medicare patients in all six years, only 0.9% were found to be IBT utilizers in at least one year from 2012 through 2017 (147 always users, 988 early adopters, and 3,062 late adopters). IBT utilizing providers shared a few common characteristics: they were more likely to be male, internal medicine and family practice providers, saw a higher number of unique Medicare beneficiaries, and practiced in the South and Northeast regions. The proportions of patients with hypertension, diabetes or hyperlipidemia were similar between IBT and non-IBT providers. Conclusions: Very few primary care providers continuously bill IBT services for Medicare patients. Further investigation is needed to identify barriers to the uptake of IBT services among PCPs. Trial registration: not applicable.
Multilevel modelling, prevalence, and predictors of hypertension in Ghana: Evidence from Wave 2 of the World Health Organization’s Study on Global AGEing and adult health
Authors: Aheto Justice Moses Kwaku , Dagne Getachew A.
Published: September 2020

Background

Hypertension is a major public health issue, a critical risk factor for cardiovascular diseases and stroke, especially in developing countries where the rates remain unacceptably high. In Africa, hypertension is the leading driver of cardiovascular disease and stroke deaths. Identification of critical risk factors of hypertension can help formulate targeted public health programmes and policies aimed at reducing the prevalence and its associated morbidity, disability, and mortality. This study attempts to develop multilevel binary logistic regression model, an in-depth statistical model to identify critical risk factors of hypertension to inform interventions aimed at improving cardiovascular health outcomes among adults.
Methods

This study used data on 4667 individuals aged ≥ 18 years from the nationally representative World Health Organization Study on global AGEing and adult health (SAGE) Ghana Wave 2 conducted in 2014/2015. Multilevel regression modelling was applied on final sample of 4381 individuals residing in 3790 households to identify critical risk factors for hypertension based on systolic blood pressure (SBP) (i.e. SBP > 140 mmHg).
Results

A total of 1273(27.3%) were hypertensive. Critical risk factors for hypertension identified were aged ≥ 50 years (OR = 5.4, 95% CI: 4.11–7.09), obese (OR = 1.51, 95% CI: 1.19–1.91), currently married (OR = 0.75, 95% CI: 0.64–0.89), individuals in moderate (OR = 1.38, 95% CI: 1.15–1.65) or bad/very bad health state (OR = 1.35, 95% CI: 1.0-1.83) and moderate difficulty with self-care (OR = 1.64, 95% CI: 1.1–2.44). Strong unobserved household-level residual variations were found. The results from the variation analyses showed that over 12% of variance in hypertension could be attributable to residual household-level variations.
Conclusion

Hypertension remains high in Ghana. Addressing the problem of obesity, targeting specific interventions to those aged over 50 years, and improvement in the general health of Ghanaians are paramount to reducing the prevalence and its associated morbidity, disability, and mortality. Lifestyle modification in the form of dietary intake, knowledge provision supported with strong public health message and political will could be beneficial to the management and prevention of hypertension.
Health services availability and readiness for COVID-19 case surge in hospitals of Nepal
Authors: Bhattarai Suraj , Dhungana Jaya , Ensor Tim , Shrestha Uttam Babu
Published: September 2020

Background

As with other coronavirus-affected countries, Nepal’s medical community also expressed concerns regarding the government’s public health strategies and hospital readiness in response to increasing COVID-19 case surge. To gauge such response, we assessed service availability and readiness status in hospitals situated across seven provinces.
Methods

A web-based observational study was conducted between March 24 and April 07 in 110 hospitals, all of which were later designated as COVID-19 clinics or hospitals by Nepal Government. An electronic survey link was sent out to the clinicians working at the frontline in those hospitals. One response per hospital was analyzed. Hospitals were divided into small, medium, and large based on the total number of beds (small:15 or less; medium:16–50; large:>50), and further categorized into public, private, and mixed based on the ownership.
Results

Out of 110 hospitals, 81% (22/27) of small, 39% (11/28) of medium, and 33% (18/55) of large hospitals had not allocated isolation beds for COVID-19 suspects or cases. Majority of medium (89%; 25/28), and 38% of large hospitals did not have a functional intensive care unit (ICU) at the time of study. Nasopharyngeal (NP)/throat swab kits were available in one-third (35/110), whereas viral transport media (VTM), portable fridge box, and refrigerator were available in one-fifth (20%) of the hospitals. Only one hospital (large/tertiary) had a functional PCR machine. Except for General practitioners, other health cadres—crucial during pandemics, were low in number. On IPC measures, the supplies of simple face mask, gloves and hand sanitizers were adequate in the majority of hospitals, however, N95-respirators and PPE-suits were grossly lacking. Government’s COVID-19 support was unevenly distributed across provinces; health facilities in provinces 2, 4, and 5 received fewer resources than others.
Conclusions

Our findings alerted the Nepalese and other governments to act early and proactively during health emergencies and not wait until the disease disrupts their health systems. Other countries with similar economy levels may undertake similar surveys to measure and improve their pandemic response.
An Educational Collaboration Between Russian-Born US Physicians and Young Russian Oncologists in Evidence-Based Medicine: The Higher School of Oncology
Authors: Baron Ekaterina , Sittig Michelle , Kotov Maxim , Fomintsev Ilya , Gushchin Vadim
Published: September 2020

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Immunoinformatics Approach for Designing Multiple Epitope-Based Vaccine against Human Metapneumovirus Utilizing its Fusion Protein.
Authors: Ahmed Ibtihal A , Alnour Mosab Y , Eisa Nafisa M , Adam Esameldeen A , Omer Faiza A , Osman Maali A , Albagi Sahar O , Hassan Mohammed A
Published: September 2020

BackgroundHuman Metapneumovirus is a major cause of acute respiratory infections especially in children besides it’s responsible for substantial hospitalizations associated with significant morbidity and treatment cost. Hence vaccination is required. Consequently, we aim to predict effective, safe, and universal epitope-based peptides vaccine against the HMPV using its Fusion Protein via the Immunoinformatics approach since there are no licensed vaccines or antiviral treatments yet.To achieve this goal, various Immunoinformatics databases and web servers, including, the Immune Epitope Database used the Allergen FP v.1.0, and ToxinPred web servers as well as Phyre2 web portal for the modeling of peptide 3D structure and molecular docking study on Cresset Flare software.Result According to the results, the peptide GSTVYYPN was the best predicted B-cells epitopes. Moreover, the peptide VIYMVQLPI with population coverage 48.27% in class(C) I, 35.12% in (C)II, and the peptides LIGVYGSSV with 44.03% in C II, YTNVFTLEV with 61.92% in class I were the best-predicted T-cells epitopes that will interact effectively with the MHC I and MHC II molecules respectively.Conclusions We recommend the use of them, the highest coverage, and the best -combined allele’s bindings of immunogenic multiple peptide vaccines. Also, experimental studies recommend validating the results.
Predictive Factors for the Post Embolization Fever after TACE for Hepatocellular Carcinoma Patients: A Single-Center Study in China.
Authors: TIAN Dan , LI Xiaoyu , LV Qianzhou
Published: September 2020

Background Fever is one of the main symptoms for post-embolism syndrome (PES). This study aimed to determine and validate a model to predict fever after transcatheter arterial chemoembolization (TACE) in patients receiving platinum as the main regimen. Materials and Methods Clinical data of HCC patients who underwent TACE with platinum was retrospectively collected in the Fudan University Zhongshan Hospital during January 2016 to January 2018. According to post-TACE medical records, patients were divided into fever group and non-fever group. Predictive factors were selected by multivariate logistic regression. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve were then performed to detect accuracy and discriminative ability of these factors using the derivation cohort and an independent validation cohort.Results Fevers were detected in 44 of 252 patients. Demographics, laboratory data were statistically similar within fever group and non-fever group. Strongest predictors identified in multivariate logistic regression included Iopiodol emulsion dose (OR, 1.081; 95%CI, 1.006-1.162), number of hepatoprotectants (OR, 0.619; 95%CI, 0.419-0.914), K+ (OR, 2.992; 95%CI, 1.225-7.308), and albumin-bilirubin (ALBI) grade (OR, 2.249; 95%CI, 1.040-4.862). Furthermore, the area under the ROC curve of derivation cohort and validation cohort were 0.798 and 0.874 respectively, which indicated comparative stability and discriminative ability of this model. Conclusions Iopiodol emulsion dose, number of hepatoprotectants, K+, and ALBI grade are strong predictors for PEF. The multivariate logistic model of these factors shows a discriminative ability to predict PEF in the validation cohort.
Inter-vertebral Height, Inter-vertebral Foramen Height and Range of Motion are Associated with Redundant Nerve Roots in Lumbar Spinal Stenosis
Authors: Bo Deng , Hua Fan Shao , Bing Feng Xin , Hong Zhenghua
Published: September 2020

Background: To analyze the relational factors influencing the formation of cauda equina redundant nerve roots (RNRs) of the lumbar spinal stenosis.Methods: A retrospective study of 116 patients with lumbar spinal stenosis were treated in our department from January 2016 to June 2019. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) was performed to observe the shape and morphology of the redundant nerve roots of the cauda equina.We divided patient into (RNRs) group and non-RNRs( NRNRs) group based on the presence or absence of RNRs on sagittal T2-weighted MR. We analyzed the demographic characteristics, preoperative back pain visual analogue scale (VAS) scores ,preoperative leg pain VAS scores, and preoperative Oswestry disability index(ODI) scores, and also analyzed the rate of spondylolisthesis and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy. Simultaneously,the inter-vertebral height, intervertebral foramen height, inter-vertebral height +vertebral height, median sagittal diameter at the inter-vertebral space level(DIW-MSD),median sagittal diameter at the pedicel level(DV-MSD),ROM of the stenotic segment, were statistically analyzed for clinical and radiological significance.Results : Of a total 116 total patients,there were no statistically significant differences in either gender [RNRs group (n = 42, 18/24 female) and NRNR group (n = 74, 38/36 female)], age, BMI index, preoperative back pain VAS score , preoperative leg pain VAS score and preoperative ODI score(p> 0.05);however, there were statistically significant differences regard to the duration of symptoms and the rate of spondylolisthesis and ligamentum flavum hypertrophy (p<0.05);the inter-vertebral height,Intervertebral foramen height, inter-vertebral height+vertebral height, DIW-MSD ,ROM of the stenotic segment were also significantly different between the group (p<0.05).Conclusions:The inter-vertebral height, inter-vertebral foramen height, inter-vertebral height + vertebral height, DIW-MSD and ROM of the stenotic segment were the crucial factors related to RNRs in lumbar spinal stenosis.
Clinicopathological Features and Treatment of Thymic Lymphoepithelioma-Like Carcinoma: Two Case Reports and Literature Review
Authors: Guan Xin , Zhang Di , Han Yang , Li Qingchang , Wang Enhua , Wu Guangping , Zhao Huanyu
Published: September 2020

Background: Lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) is rare in the thymus, which is easy to be misdiagnosed. To improve its clinicopathological knowledge, we describe two cases of thymic LELC, and investigate their clinicopathological features (microscopical and immunohistochemical features), treatment and follow-up data with a review of previously published cases. Case presentation: Two patients in the First Affiliated Hospital of China Medical University underwent complete surgical resection for thymic LELC. In both, they were treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy after operation. Histologically, tumor cells were arranged in nest-like patterns or stripe-shaped infiltration in collagen fibrous interstitial tissue containing lymphocytes. And the tumor cells were diffusely positive for broad spectrum pan-cytokeratin (CK), CK19, CD5, CD117, epithelial membrane antigen (EMA) and p63, focally positive for CD20, and negative for TdT. Recent clinical reexamine showed that the two patients were alive with no signs of recurrence.Conclusion: We report two cases of thymic LELC with a review of previously published cases to summarize the knowledge of their clinicopathological characteristics, which is necessary for the accurate diagnosis and clinical treatment.
Non-unitary superconductivity in the monolayer of orthorhombic CoSb
Authors: Li Wei , Xu Xuguang , Wei Xinyuan , Jin Wentao , Zou Muyuan , Yuan Tianzhong
Published: September 2020

Ferromagnetism and superconductivity are generally considered to be antagonistic phenomena in condensed matter physics. Here, we theoretically study the interplay between the ferromagnetic and superconducting orders in a recent discovered monolayered CoSb superconductor with an orthorhombic symmetry and net magnetization, and demonstrate the pairing symmetry of CoSb as a candidate of non-unitary superconductor with time-reversal symmetry breaking. By performing the group theory analysis and the first-principles calculations, the superconducting order parameter is suggested to be a triplet pairing with the irreducible representation of 3B2u, which displays intriguing nodal points and non-zero periodic modulation of Cooper pair spin polarization on the Fermi surface topologies. These findings not only provide a significant theoretical insight into the coexistence of superconductivity and ferromagnetism, but also reveal the enhancement of exotic spin polarized Cooper pairing by ferromagnetic spin fluctuations in a triplet superconductor.
Analysis of Risk Factors Progression of Preterm Delivery Using Electronic Health Records
Authors: Safi Zeineb , Venugopal Neethu , Ali Haytham , Makhlouf Michel , Boughorbel Sabri
Published: September 2020

Background: Preterm deliveries have many negative health implications on both mother and child. Identifying the population level factors that increase the risk of preterm deliveries is an important step in the direction of mitigating the impact and reducing the frequency of occurrence of preterm deliveries. The purpose of this work is to identify preterm delivery risk factors and their progression throughout the pregnancy from a large collection of Electronic Health Records (EHR). Results: The study cohort includes more than 60,000 deliveries in the USA with the complete medical history from EHR for diagnoses, medications, procedures and demographics. We propose a temporal analysis of risk factors by estimating and comparing risk ratios at different time points prior to the delivery event. We selected the following time points before delivery: 9, 6, 3 and 1 month(s). We did so by conducting a retrospective cohort study of patient history for a selected set of mothers who delivered preterm and a control group of mothers that delivered full-term. We analyzed the extracted data using a logistic regression model. The results of our analyses showed that the highest risk ratio corresponds to history of previous preterm delivery. Other risk factors were identified, some of which are consistent with those that are reported in the literature, others need further investigation. Conclusions: The comparative analysis of the risk factors at different time points showed that risk factors in the early pregnancy related to patient history and chronic condition, while the risk factors in late pregnancy are specific to the current pregnancy. Our analysis unifies several previously reported studies on preterm risk factors. It also gives important insights on the changes of risk factors in the course of pregnancy.
Editing and Expression of miR-589-5p as an Important Biomarker in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Yue Yuanyi , Zhang Qiang , Xiao Li
Published: September 2020

Objectives: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is recognized as the third most common cancer worldwide. Recently, emerging evidence showed that microRNA (miRNA) A-to-I editing plays crucial roles in cancer prognosis as well as cancer therapy. However, the relationship between CRC and miRNA editing remains not fully understood. Herein, we presented the first comprehensive analysis of miRNA editing events in CRC. Methods: Using patient data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), we performed editing events and detected the expression levels of miR-589-5p. Results: we identified both editing events and the expression levels of miR-589-5p are significantly associated with Consensus Molecular Subtyping (CMS), especially for CMS4. The editing and expression levels of miR-589-5p impact almost completely different sets of gene expression, indicating the edited miR-589-5p plays a different role in CRC progression, compared to the wildtype miR-589-5p. Conclusions: In conclusion, our study provided the first association of miRNA editing and CRC. We demonstrated that expression and editing level of miR‑589‑5p may work as a novel biomarker for both prognosis and diagnosis in CRC.
Postpartum Death in Malaysia 2013 - 2019 A Case Control Study
Authors: Daud Faiz , Bahari Nor Izyani , Ahmad Norfazilah , Asis Siti Harirotul Hamrok
Published: September 2020

Background: Information regarding factors associated with postpartum death enhances the understanding of the root cause of the problem; hence, facilitate the formation of effective remedial measure. Literatures on postpartum death in Malaysia are limited despite the increasing trend of mortality in the state of Selangor. This study aimed to determine the associated factors with postpartum death in Malaysia. Method: A case-control was conducted using data from the Selangor State Health Department. All 114 postpartum death cases that were notified to the health department from 2013 to 2016 were selected. Controls (ratio case 1: control 4) were mothers who survived six weeks of postpartum within the same year range and selected via simple random sampling. A set of datasheets was used to gather information on; i) socio-demographic characteristics, ii) past medical/surgical history and iii) obstetrics history. Analyses were conducted using IBM Statistical Product and Service Solution Statistics Version 25.Results: The odds of postpartum deaths were almost three times higher among the non-Malaysian citizen (aOR 2.78, 95% CI: 1.35-5.72). The presence of medical/ surgical problems was associated with a 3-fold increase in the odds of postpartum death (aOR 3.22, 95% CI: 1.85-5.61). The odds of death were nine times higher for those who delivered in non-health facilities (home/en-route) (aOR 9.13,95% CI: 2.05-40.77) than those delivered in health facilities. Women who attended antenatal care at government health facilities and practised family planning had low odds for postpartum deaths [(aOR 0.35, 95% CI: 0.20-0.64) and (aOR 0.46, 95% CI: 0.25-0.85), respectively. Conclusions: Postpartum deaths could be prevented reduce by ensuring adequate health service delivery to the non-citizen, enhanced medical care on underlying medical/surgical illness and restrict delivery in non-health facilities. This reduction can be achieved by promoting attendance to antenatal care in government health facilities and practicing family planning. Future health programme aimed to curb this death should be designed with emphasis on education to these target group as early as pre-pregnancy and throughout the antenatal period.
A Novel Artificial Intelligence based Hybrid Maximum Power Point Tracking Technique for Solar Photovoltaic System
Authors: Khan Mohammad junaid
Published: September 2020

Backgrounds: Solar photo-voltaic (PV) arrays have non-linear characteristics with distinctive maximum power point (MPP) which relies on ecological conditions such as solar radiation and ambient temperature. In order to obtain continuous maximum power (MP) from PV arrays under varying ecological conditions, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) control methods are employed. MPPT is utilized to extract MP from the solar PV array, high-performance soft computing techniques can be used as an MPPT technique. Results: In order to show the feasibility and performance of the proposed Artificial Intelligence based Perturbe and Observe (AIAPO) MPPT controller, a simulation analysis has been carried out using the PV system. Combined results with different MPPT systems for power, voltage and current waveforms are the output values increase to 272.4W, 157V and 1.74A respectively. Using proposed AIAPO MPPT provides more accurate and stable result as compared to Perturbe and Observe (PO), Fuzzy Logic (FL) and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) based MPPT Technique. As per the experimentation performed by various MPPT techniques are carried out for PV system which are clearly indicating that the comparative analysis of power, voltage and current performance of PV system (i.e. have been recorded 272.4W, 157V and 1.74A) using proposed MPPT method which is better than the PO based MPPT (i.e. 169.1W, 127V, 1.43A), FL based MPPT technique (i.e. 256.9W, 152V, 1.69A) and ANN based MPPT technique (i.e. 265W, 154V, 1.71A) correspondingly. Conclusions: The aim of this paper is to track MPP from the solar PV array by the proposed hybrid controller for irradiation changes and comparing results with PO, FL and ANN based MPPT controllers. Different MPPT techniques have been used to compute MPP and improved efficiency of the PV panel. AIAPO, ANN, FL and PO MPPT methods have been chosen to obtain this objective. Simulation results showing that the system in which proposed control method has been used gives better performance and reduce fluctuations of the MPP as compared to PO, FL and ANN based MPPT technique at rapid changes of irradiation. In order to fabricate a reliable and real time hybrid system, there is a massive scope of research to develop multi-input renewable energy systems.
Survival Benefit with Palliative Local Radiotherapy in Metastatic Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma
Authors: Wen Wen , Yao Ji-Jin , Tang Qing-Nan , Hua Xin , Jin Ya-Nan , Long Zhi-Qing , Xie Shuang-Yan , Huang Han-Ying , Guo Ling , He Zhen-Yu , Zhang Wen-Wen , Mai Hai-Qiang , Lin Huan-Xin
Published: September 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the benefit to be gained from the addition of local radiotherapy to systemic chemotherapy in patients with newly diagnosed metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma in endemic areas of Southern China.Methods: The data of patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma (n = 649) were retrospectively analyzed: 313 patients received only chemotherapy and 336 received chemotherapy plus radiotherapy. The characteristics of the radiotherapy and chemoradiotherapy groups were compared using the chi-square test or Fisher exact test. Survival was analyzed using the Kaplan–Meier method. A Cox proportional hazard model was used to identify the factors independently associated with survival.Results: Median follow-up was for 36 months. In univariate analysis, radiotherapy was significantly associated with improved survival (median OS 27 vs. 18 months; 5-year OS 36.4% vs. 20.1%; P < 0.001). In multivariate analysis, radiotherapy was an independent predictor of survival (HR, 0.65; CI, 0.53-0.79; P < 0.001). Other independent prognostic factors included number of metastatic organs, smoking, body mass index, hemoglobin, and N stage. In subgroup analysis, chemoradiotherapy was associated with improved survival in both the single-organ metastasis group (5-year OS, 38.5% vs. 25.1%; P < 0.001) and the multiorgan metastases group (5-year OS, 25.0% vs. 9.7%; P = 0.003）.Conclusion: The addition of local radiotherapy to chemotherapy appears to improve survival in patients with metastatic nasopharyngeal carcinoma. Even patients with multiorgan metastases may benefit from radiotherapy.
High capacity manganese layered-perovskite cathode for fluoride ion batteries involving cationic and anionic redox reaction
Authors: Miki Hidenori , Yamamoto Kentaro , Nakaki Hiroyuki , Yoshinari Takahiro , Nakanishi Koji , Nakanishi Shinji , Iba Hideki , Miyawaki Jun , Harada Yoshihisa , Ochi Masayuki , Kuroki Kazuhiko , Uchiyama Tomoki , Watanabe Toshiki , Matsunaga Toshiyuki , Kageyama Hiroshi , Uchimoto Yoshiharu
Published: September 2020

Developing electrochemical high-energy storage systems is of crucial importance towards a green and sustainable energy supply. A promising candidate is fluoride ion batteries (FIBs), which can deliver a higher energy density than is possible with lithium ion batteries1,2. However, conversion-type reactions with metal fluorides causes a poor electrochemical reversibility1,3,4. Recently, layered perovskite oxides such as LaSrMnO4 have been shown to undergo topotactic electrochemical (de)fluorination, but they have low reversible discharge capacities (25 ~ 100 mAh/g) and poor rate capabilities. Here we show that a double-layered perovskite oxyfluoride La1.2Sr1.8Mn2O7–δF2 exhibits topotactic (de)intercalation reaction inside the rock-salt slabs, achieving a large reversible capacity of 535 mAh/cm3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 2 in La1.2Sr1.8Mn2O7–δFx), with excellent cycle stability and rate capability. Surprisingly, despite the close-packed perovskite-based structure, two extra fluoride ions are (de)intercalated beyond x = 2, leading to a reversible capacity of 1168 mAh/cm3 (0 ≤ x ≤ 4). During the further intercalation, oxygen molecules are formed in the perovskite layer, as in Na0.75[ Li0.25Mn0.75 ]O25, which is responsible for the charge compensation (i.e. anion redox)5,6 and the concomitant formation of oxygen vacancies that allow the incorporation of the excess fluoride ions. These results highlight the layered perovskite oxide/oxyfluorides as a new class of active materials for the construction of high-performance FIBs. More generally, the concept of anion-intercalation through O2 formation in the mixed-anion perovskite materials can be used to develop new functionalities.
Assessment Of Knowledge, Attitude And Practice Of Mothers On The Effects Of Sunlight Exposure And Its Associated Factors Among Infants Found In Debre Tabor Town, North Central Ethiopia, 2018
Authors: Feleke Dejen Getaneh , Mesfin Endalkachew , Mekete Gashew
Published: September 2020

Background: Early morning sunlight exposure for infants was a good practice to prevent rickets and alleviate the problem of vitamin D efficiency. Rickets is a major public health problem in many countries of the world. In many rich industrialized countries, the prevalence of rickets in the general population diminished after the introduction of dietary supplementation. But the most cost-effective way of getting vitamin D is simply from sunlight exposure rather than vitamin-D supplementation and advanced treatment. The main objective of this study is to assess the knowledge, attitude and practice of mothers on the effects of sunlight exposure and its associated factors among infants found in Debre Tabor town, North central Ethiopia, 2018. Methods: community-based cross-sectional study had been conducted among 105 mothers with infants in Debre Tabor city, South Gondar Zone, Amhara, Northcentral Ethiopia, 2018 from October 30 -/2018-January 1/2019. To select study participants simple random sampling techniques was employed. Data was entered into Epi info version 7.2.0.1, and exported to SPSS window version 20 for analysis. Binary and Multivariable logistic regression was used to see the association between dependent and independent variables. Odds ratio with 95% confidence interval was computed. P-value < 0.05 was used to declare association. Results: The overall knowledge, practice and attitude of the mothers about sunlight exposure were 61.14%, 59.44%, and 61% respectively, regarding factors associated with knowledge, practice and attitude of mothers about sunlight exposure were highly influenced by good time exposure for sunlight exposure ,mother who exposed their infants to sunlight exposure sometimes were 3.2 times less for acquiring knowledge than mothers who expose their infants who warm daily [AOR: *3.2(1.02-6.4)], mothers who had an occupation of daily laborer were 3.4 times less likely to practice sunlight exposure to their infants governmental workers [AOR: *3.4(0.8 2.8)] and. mothers who do not believe about the good effect of sunlight exposure had 3.3 times negative attitude towards about sunlight exposure than who thinks well [AOR; **3.3(1.5-8.9)] were significantly associated with knowledge ,practice and attitude of mothers about sunlight exposure and the total attitude of the mother’s sunlight exposure was lower than knowledge and practice .Hence; Based on the result the concerned body and health care providers should create awareness about the effect of sunlight exposure through health education.
Anticoagulant in Patients with Pulmonary Embolism and Fatty Liver: A Case Report
Authors: Li Sha-Sha , Lin Wei-Xian , Huang Kun-Yu , Chen Sheng-Yang , Chen Juan , Wang Yu-Ping , Xue Lian-Fang , Liu Hui , Wang Jing-Hao , Zhang Qing
Published: September 2020

AIMS: Patients with liver disease are more prone to thrombosis and bleeding events than healthy people. The decision to use anticoagulation in patients with pulmonary embolism and liver disease requires a cautious evaluation of the risks of bleeding and the beneﬁts of anticoagulation. In order to make a recommendation for patient with fatty liver that developed pulmonary embolism, we reported this case. METHODS: In this paper, we reported a case of a patient with fatty liver that developed pulmonary embolism. The low molecular weight heparin sodium injection and different anticoagulants were evaluated for this patient.RESULTS: After evaluating the efficacy and safety of different anticoagulants in patients with pulmonary embolism and liver dysfunction, rivaroxaban is more suitable for this patient to be treated by sequential therapy. After three weeks of treatment with rivaroxaban, the patient’s blood routine test results were normal, and no side effect was found. CONCLUSIONS: For patients with pulmonary embolism and fatty liver, maybe NOAC is more suitable.
Systemic Inflammation Causes Microglial Dysfunction With a Mixed Ad-like Pathology
Authors: Bathini Praveen , Dupanloup Isabel , Zennaro Elena , Terrabuio Eleonora , Fisher Amrei , Babaliani Edona , Doucey Marie-Agnes , Alberi lavinia
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAlzheimer's disease (AD) is the primary cause of cognitive deficit in elderly humans. Late-onset AD (LOAD) is sporadic, multifactorial, non-Mendelian accounting at present for 95% of the cases in contrast to the genetic form. Risk factors for sporadic AD include Gene: Environment interactions. There is increasing evidence that lifestyle and environmental stress such as infection and chronic inflammation are underlying culprits of neurodegenerative dementia. Dementias that share or mimic pathological processes of AD include cerebrovascular diseases, Lewy body disease, TDP-43 proteinopathy. To date, very few mouse models reproduce the pathophysiological progression of mixed-vascular-AD, while the majority of studies have employed transgenic animals reproducing the familial form. MethodsWe have re-engineered the Polyinosinic:polycytidylic acid (PolyI:C) sterile infection model in wildtype C57Bl6 mice to obtain chronic low-grade systemic inflammation. We have conducted a cross-sectional analysis of aging PolyI:C and Saline control mice (3 months, 6 months, 9 months and 16 months), taking the hippocampus as a reference brain region, based on its vulnerability, and compared the brain aging phenotype to AD progression in humans with mild AD, severe AD and Controls (CTL), parallely in Vascular dementia (VaD) patient specimens.ResultsWe found that PolyI:C mice display both peripheral and central inflammation with a peak at 6 months, associated with memory deficits. The hippocampus is characterized by a pronounced and progressive tauopathy. In PolyI:C brains, microglia undergo aging-dependent morphological rearrangements progressively adopting a phagocytic phenotype. Transcriptomic analysis reveals a profound change in gene expression over the course of aging, with a peak in differential expression at 9 months. We confirm that the proinflammatory marker Lcn2 is one of the genes with the strongest upregulation in PolyI:C mice upon aging. Validation in brains from patients with increasing severity of AD and VaD shows a reproducibility of some gene targets in vascular dementia specimens rather than AD ones, in which only GFAP is strongly increased at the severe stages.ConclusionsThe PolyI:C model of sterile infection demonstrates that peripheral chronic inflammation is sufficient to cause neuropathological processes resembling a mixed-VaD-AD phenotype, with progressive tau hyperphosphorylation, changes in microglia morphology, astrogliosis and gene reprogramming reflecting increased neuroinflammation, vascular remodeling and the loss of neuronal functionality seen to some extent in humans.
Clubfeet and Constriction Band Syndrome - Case Report
Authors: Shabani Bujar , Bytyqi Dafina , Bytyqi Cen
Published: September 2020

Background: Clubfeet and constriction band syndrome is very rare nonidiopathic condition. Treatment is often difficult and the recurrence deformity rate is high. The purpose of this study was to assess the effectiveness of Ponseti method in treatment of congenital constriction band syndrome accompanied clubfoot deformity and lymphedema.Case presentation: We are presenting an interesting case of bilateral clubfeet and congenital circumferential constriction band syndrome in lower limb. Ponseti method of correcting the congenital clubfoot deformity was applied. Constriction band release is accomplished by two stage completely excising the ﬁbrous band and multiple two stage Z-plasties on the right calf.Conclusion: The results of this study indicate that the Ponseti method of gentle, systematic manipulation and weekly cast changes is effective treatment of nonidiopathic clubfoot distal to congenital amniotic constriction band.
Up Regulation of LINC00473 Promotes Cervical Cancer Progression and Predicts Poor Prognosis
Authors: Zhou Xi , Zhao Xia , Wu Zhouyi , Ma Yan , Li Heng
Published: September 2020

Objective Long noncoding RNAs imbalance exert momentous effect in cancer. LINC00473 can accelerate the extensive tumors proceeding. Nevertheless, LINC00473 effects in cervical cancer has less reported. This study focused on estimate the LINC00473 effects in the developing process of cervical cancer and its unknown molecular biological regulation mechanism.Methods qRT-PCR was applied for not only measuring LINC00473 expression but also c-myc, cyclinD1 and β-catenin mRNA expression. Both cell count and transwell methods were utilized for determining cell proliferation and invasion. Western blot was employed to estimate c-myc, cyclinD1 and β-catenin protein expression.Results LINC00473 high-expressed was showed in organizations and cells. The LINC00473 gene knockout muffled the cells development, while LINC00473 overexpressed occured opposite trend. Besides, its knockout dramatically inhibited c-myc, cyclinD1 and β-catenin expression. β-catenin overexpression could rescue restrain effect of LINC00473 low-expression on cells progress. Conclusion The LINC00473 high-expression may promote cervical cells progress through adjusting Wnt/β-catenin pathway.
Risk Factors for Antibiotic Treatment of Pigs Between Birth and Slaughter – A Longitudinal Study
Authors: Burow Elke , Rostalski Anja , Harlizius Jürgen , Simoneit Céline , Tenhagen Bernd-Alois , Käsbohrer Annemarie
Published: September 2020

Background: Recently, we found an association between antibiotic treatment and antibiotic resistance in fecal Escherichia coli from rearing pigs during their life. In this study, our aim was to investigate potential risk factors for antibiotic treatment at different production stages of these pigs.Results: In a longitudinal study, antibiotic use was recorded in commercial pig production chains, starting in 29 breeding herds. Information on housing system and management, management of animals and feeding, animal health and performance was surveyed in the herds. In total 55, 57 and 66 variables were evaluated for the production stages suckling, weaning and fattening. In descriptive and univariable analyses seven to eight variables per production stage were associated with antibiotic use. In multivariable analyses, rodent control carried out by a company was associated with an increased risk of antibiotic treatment (odds ratio (OR), 6.86, confidence limits, CL, 1.12 – 41.83, p = 0.023) at suckling. At weaning, production type (farrow-to-finish vs. movement of pigs to another farm after suckling or weaning; OR 0.15, CL 0.02 – 0.89, p = 0.023) was associated with the risk of antibiotic treatment. During the fattening stage, animals were treated more often when the number of weaned piglets per sow and year increased (additional piglet: OR 2.5, CL 0.6 – 29.6, p = 0.0172).Conclusions: Different risk factors were associated with an increased risk of antibiotic treatment in the individual production stages. Therefore, focus on specific measures, especially at suckling and weaning, when most antibiotics are used, is needed. Further research on key factors driving antibiotic use and the causative pathogens that require treatment is necessary in pig production.
A Comparison of the Analysis of Methods for Feature Extraction and Classification by Wavelet Transform in SSVEP BCIs
Authors: Heidari Hoda , Einalou Zahra , Dadgostar Mehrdad , Hosseinzadeh Hamidreza
Published: September 2020

Most of the studies in the field of Brain-Computer Interface (BCI) based on electroencephalography have a wide range of applications. Extracting Steady State Visual Evoked Potential (SSVEP) is regarded as one of the most useful tools in BCI systems. In this study, different methods such as feature extraction with different spectral methods (Shannon entropy, skewness, kurtosis, mean, variance) (bank of filters, narrow-bank IIR filters, and wavelet transform magnitude), feature selection performed by various methods (decision tree, principle component analysis (PCA), t-test, Wilcoxon, Receiver operating characteristic (ROC)), and classification step applying k nearest neighbor (k-NN), perceptron, support vector machines (SVM), Bayesian, multiple layer perceptron (MLP) were compared from the whole stream of signal processing. Through combining such methods, the effective overview of the study indicated the accuracy of classical methods. In addition, the present study relied on a rather new feature selection described by decision tree and PCA, which is used for the BCI-SSVEP systems. Finally, the obtained accuracies were calculated based on the four recorded frequencies representing four directions including right, left, up, and down.
Updated evaluation of clinicopathologic landscape in histopathologic subtypes of endometrial carcinoma with MMR gene mutation
Authors: Wang Aifen , Hu Weidong , Zhang Qingfu , Ren Hongjiu , Zhang Ziyue , Zhao Zihan , Chen Youguo
Published: September 2020

Objective: This study aimed to identify an optimal screening strategy to detect mismatch repair (MMR) mutation for each histologic subtype of endometrial carcinoma. Material and methods: We performed a comparative analysis of the demographic, clinical, pathologic, and molecular data for 562 patients from The Cancer Genome Atlas database, stratified by tumor histologic subtype.Results: Molecular data, including MLH1, MLH3, PMS1, PMS2, MSH2, MSH3, MSH6, and EPCAM, was available for 562 patients, of which 162 (28.8%) had tumors that were positive for MMR gene mutations. Of these tumors, the penetrate rate of grade 3 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (84/184, 45.7%) was significantly higher than that of uterine serous carcinoma (35/156, 22.4%) (p < 0.001), grade 2 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (26/129, 20.2%) (p < 0.001), and grade 1 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (17/93, 18.3%) (p < 0.001). Of 562 endometrial carcinomas, alterations in MSH2 (n = 55), MSH6 (n = 54), and MSH3 (n = 50) were the most frequent mutations. There were no differences in overall survival and progression-free interval (PFI) between MMR mutation carriers and nonmutation carriers (p >0.05) except that PFI with MMR gene mutation was higher than with MMR proficiency in grade 3 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma (p = 0.014). Conclusions: Grade 3 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma harbored more MMR mutations than grade 1 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, grade 2 endometrioid endometrial carcinoma, and uterine serous carcinoma. Besides MLH1, MSH2, MSH6, PMS2, and EPCAM mutation, MLH3, MSH3, and PMS1 mutation may be necessary to be screened in patients with newly diagnosed endometrial carcinoma.