bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) in multiple myeloma patients – a retrospective study
Authors: Huang Junxia , Hu Juanjuan , Gao Yan , Meng Fanjun , Li Tianlan , Mao Chunxia , Liu Shanshan , Shi Xue , Wang Wei , Feng Xianqi
Published: March 2021

Background: Advanced lung cancer inflammation index (ALI) is known to predict the overall survival of patients having some solid tumors or B-cell lymphoma. The study investigates the predictive value of ALI in multiple myeloma (MM) patients and the correlation between ALI and prognosis.Methods: A database of 269 MM consecutive patients who underwent chemotherapy between December 2011 and June 2019 in the Affiliated Hospital of Qingdao University was reviewed. ALI cut-off value calculated before the initial chemotherapy and post 4 courses treatment were identified according to the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, and its association with clinical characteristics, treatment response, overall survival (OS), and progression-free survival (PFS) were assessed.Results: Patients in the low ALI group (n=147) had higher risk of β2 microglobulin elevation, more advanced ISS (International Classification System stage), and TP53 gene mutation, with significantly lower median overall survival (OS; 36.29 vs. 57.92 months, P = 0.010) and progression-free survival (PFS; 30.94 vs. 35.67 months, P = 0.013). Independent risk factors influencing the OS of MM patients were ALI (P = 0.007), extramedullary infiltration (P = 0.001), TP53 (P = 0.020), Plt (P = 0.005), and bone destruction (P = 0.024). ALI (P = 0.005), extramedullary infiltration (P = 0.004), TP53 (P = <0.001), Plt (P = 0.017), and complex chromosome karyotype (P = 0.010) were independent risk factors influencing the PFS of MM patients.Conclusions: ALI is a potential independent risk factor predicting the prognosis of newly diagnosed MM patients.
Caries-associated Salivary Microbiota of Children at Mixed Dentition from Different Geographic Locations
Authors: Li Shanshan , Huang Shi , Zhang Ying , Zhang Lijuan , Li Fan , Tan Kaixuan , Lu Jie , Guo Yi , Chen Zhenggang , Guo Qingyuan , Tang Yongping , Teng Fei , Yang Fang
Published: March 2021

The microbial composition of dental caries may depend on age, diet, and geography, yet the effect of geography on these microbiomes is largely underexplored. Here, we profiled and compared saliva microbiota from 130 individuals aged 6 to 8 years old, representing both healthy children (H) and children with severe caries (C) from two geographical regions of China: Qingdao Guangzhou. First, the saliva microbiota exhibited profound differences in diversity and composition between the C and H groups. The caries microbiota featured a lower alpha diversity and more variable community structure than the healthy microbiota. Furthermore, the relative abundance of several genera (e.g., Lactobacillus, Gemella and Cryptobacterium) was significantly higher in the C group than in the H group. Next, geography dominated over disease status in shaping salivary microbiota, and a wide array of salivary bacteria was highly predictive of the individuals’ city of origin. Finally, we built a universal diagnostic model based on 14 bacterial species, which can diagnose caries with 87% and 85% accuracy within each city and 83% accuracy across cities. These findings demonstrated that despite the large effect size of geography, a universal model based on salivary microbiota has the potential to diagnose caries across human populations.
Modulation of Morphology, Water Uptake/retention, and Rheological Properties by in- Situ Modification of Bacterial Cellulose With The Addition of Biopolymers
Authors: KALYANI PEDDAPAPANNAGARI , Khandelwal Mudrika
Published: March 2021

In situ modification of bacterial cellulose allows structural and morphological tuning which determines the crucial properties such as water absorption/retention and rheological behaviour. This work reports the effect of in situ modification carried out by adding of two biopolymers - Agar and Chitosan - to the standard culture media for bacterial cellulose synthesis. The agar modified BC (Agar-BC) frames the Bacterial cellulose (BC) network as reduced pore volume, and a much denser network, leading to lesser water absorption and further lower retention time than BC. Agar-BC also demonstrates a higher storage modulus, while the yield point is observed at a lower shear strain. This indicates densely packed behaviour of crosslinked polymer with low strain onset of plasticity. On the other hand, chitosan modified BC (Chitosan-BC) also exhibits a lower pore volume with lower densly packed structure and with lower swellability and water retention reduced to 1 hour (7 hours for BC). Chitosan-BC presents a lower modulus with a yield strain similar to that of unmodified BC. The water absorption-retention behaviour is discussed in details on the basis of relative pore shape-size distribution, fibre dimension and surface area. The mechanism of viscoelatic deformation for each of the cases is explained using a schematic illustrations of the presumed fiber morphologies.
Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms Reveal Genetic Diversity in New Mexican Chile Peppers (Capsicum Spp.) 
Authors: Lozada Dennis N. , Bhatta Madhav , Coon Danise , Bosland Paul W.
Published: March 2021

Background: Chile peppers (Capsicum spp.) are among the most important horticultural crops in the world due to their number of uses. They are considered a major cultural and economic crop in the state of New Mexico in the United States. Evaluating genetic diversity in current New Mexican germplasm would facilitate genetic improvement for different traits. This study assessed genetic diversity, population structure, and linkage disequilibrium (LD) among 165 chile pepper genotypes using single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers derived from genotyping-by-sequencing (GBS). Results: A GBS approach identified 66,750 high-quality SNP markers with known map positions distributed across the 12 chromosomes of Capsicum. Principal components analysis revealed four distinct clusters based on species. Neighbor-joining phylogenetic analysis among New Mexico State University (NMSU) chile pepper varieties showed two main clusters, where the C. annuum genotypes grouped together based on fruit or pod type. A Bayesian clustering approach for the Capsicum population inferred K= 2 as the optimal number of clusters, where the C. chinense and C. frutescens grouped in a single cluster. Analysis of molecular variance revealed majority of variation to be between the Capsicum species (76.08%). Extensive LD decay (~5.59 Mb) across the whole Capsicum population was observed, demonstrating that a lower number of markers would be required for implementing genomewide association studies for different traits in New Mexican type chile peppers. Tajima’s D values demonstrated positive selection, population bottleneck, and balancing selection for the New Mexico Capsicum population. Genetic diversity for the New Mexican chile peppers was relatively low, indicating the need to introduce new alleles in the breeding program to broaden the genetic base of current germplasm. Conclusions: Analysis of genetic diversity among New Mexican chile peppers were evaluated using GBS-derived SNP markers and genetic relatedness on the species level was observed. Introducing novel alleles from other breeding programs or from wild species could help increase diversity in current germplasm. We present valuable information for future association mapping and genomic selection for different traits for New Mexican chile peppers for genetic improvement through marker-assisted breeding.
Utilization of Alcohol-based Hand Sanitizers and Associated Health Risks Among Healthcare Professionals Amid COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: H/mariam Desta Assefa , Gudeta Tadesse
Published: March 2021

Background: Alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a crucial and widely used product to avert the rapid spreading of corona-virus disease (COVID-19). However, frequent apply of alcohol-based hand sanitizer mainly at the point-of-care can cause health risks and shortages in and outside the healthcare facilities. The present study was designed to assess the utilization of alcohol-based hand sanitizers and the incidence of associated health risks among health care professionals in COVID-19 pandemic times. Method: A descriptive cross-sectional study was conducted at the Jimma University Medical Center, Ethiopia, between April 01 and June 27, 2020. The collected data were analyzed and described using IBM SPSS Statistics software version 21.Results: Ninety-six health care professionals with 28.69+4.048 years of mean age participated in the study. 95.8% of them practiced alcohol-based hand sanitizers to avert COVID-19 virus transmission in the healthcare setting and community. But they were challenges to practice hand hygiene with alcohol-based hand sanitizers. The common problems were alcohol-based hand sanitizers unavailability 66(68.8%), costly 50(52.1%), and skin damage 8(8.3%). Most of them experienced health risks such as skin dryness 60(62.5%), skin irritation 27(28.1%), ocular irritation 11(11.5%), cough 11(11.5%), and others. These health risks resulted in that 9(9.4%) of them did not practice hand hygiene by alcohol-based hand sanitizers (p-value = 0.999). Conclusion: To prevent COVID-19 virus transmission by alcohol-based hand sanitizers, health care professionals faced different challenges, such as access to alcohol-based hand sanitizers and reported health risks. Therefore, the regulatory and public health bodies should promote local production of alcohol-based hand sanitizers with careful follow-up, and its health risks management plan should gain attention.
Fluorescein-Bridged Perylene Bisimide Dimer for Use as Liquid Crystal: Studies on Mesomorphic and Fluorescence Properties
Authors: Zhu Mingguang , Chen Meihui , Guo Hongyu , Yang Fafu
Published: March 2021

A novel fluorescein-bridged perylene bisimide (PBI) dimer for liquid crystal (LC) with geometrically symmetric structure was developed. The mesomorphic results indicated that the energetically stable and unstable conformers of fluorescein fragments could lead to the transformation of mesophases from a hexagonal columnar mesophase to an uncertain phase at 136.9 °C in heating, whilst a stable hexagonal columnar mesophase maintained between 175.6 °C and 58.6 °C in cooling. The selectively excited fluorescence characters in THF solution demonstrated that the fluorescence resonance energy transfer (FRET) effect between fluorescein fragments and PBI unites could provide a means to effectively impose strong fluorescence of the dimeric PBIs modified with suitable chromophore at the N-imide position, which alternatively serves as a platform for the further study of multi-functional PBI-based LCs.
Circulating circRNA as Biomarkers For Dilated Cardiomyopathy Etiology
Authors: Costa* Marina , Calderon-Dominguez* Maria , Mangas Alipio , Campuzano Oscar , Sarquella-Brugada Georgia , Ramos Monica , Quezada-Feijoo Maribel , Pinilla José Manuel García , Robles-Mezcua Ainhoa , Belmonte Thalia , Enguita Francisco J , Toro Rocio
Published: March 2021

Background: Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is the third most common cause of heart failure. The multidisciplinary nature of testing, -involving genetics, imaging, or cardiovascular techniques-, makes its diagnosis challenging. Novel and reliable biomarkers are needed for early identification and tailored personalized management. Peripheral circular RNAs (circRNAs), a leading research topic, remain mostly unexplored in DCM. We aimed to assess whether peripheral circRNAs are expressed differentially among etiology-based DCM. The study was based on a case-control multicentric study. Methods: We enrolled 130 subjects: healthy controls (n=20), idiopathic DCM (n=30), ischemic DCM (n=20) and familial DCM patients which included pathogen variants of i) LMNA gene (n=30) and ii) BCL2-associated athanogene 3 (BAG3) gene (n=30). Differentially expressed circRNAs were analyzed in plasma samples by quantitative RT-PCR and correlated to relevant systolic and diastolic parameters. The pathophysiological implications were explored through bioinformatics tools. Results: Four circRNAs were overexpressed compared to controls: hsa_circ_0003258, hsa_circ_0051238, and hsa_circ_0051239 in LMNA-related DCM; and hsa_circ_0089762 in the ischemic DCM cohort. The obtained areas under the curve confirm the discriminative capacity of circRNAs. Conclusions: The circRNAs correlated with some diastolic and systolic echocardiographic parameters with notable diagnostic potential in DCM. Circulating circRNAs may be helpful for the etiology-based diagnosis of DCM as a non-invasive biomarker.
Word Formation of Dawro, South West Ethiopia
Authors: Bulcha Abraham
Published: March 2021

This study attempted to describe and analyze the derivational morphology of Dawro, an Omotic language that belongs to the North Ometo cluster (Fleming, 1976) in Southern Nation Nationalities and People Regional State. The study examines the word formation processes involved in the derivation of nouns, verbs, adjectives, and compounding and reduplication. To that end the researcher used descriptive research type through qualitative approaches used to collect and analyses the data. Consequently, primary data on word formation processes was collected through unstructured linguistic data elicitation tool to the selected six key informants. The study, investigated the processes of nominalization, including the derivation of manner, abstract, action and result nominal derivations. Regarding derivation of verbs, the study presents the derivation of causative, passives and reciprocals. In the formation of adjectival, the study analyses adjectives formed from different derivational suffixes, such as -ttiya, -ma, -a, -o, -e, -iya and -anča. The study also discussed the processes of compounding, the formation of compound nouns and compound adjectives. Concerning the process of reduplication, the study examined that the formation of reduplication of the adverbs and nouns that refer to time. Besides, the phonological, morphological, syntactic and semantic features of the derivatives and compounds are considered in this study. For all kinds of word formation, rules have been provided.
Amelioration of hemophilia B through CRISPR/Cas9 induced homology-independent targeted integration
Authors: Li Dali , Chen Xi , Niu Xuran , Liu Yang , Zheng Rui , Wang Liren , Yang Lei , Lu Jian , Yin Shuming , Shao Yanjiao , Wei Yu , Pan Jiahao , Sayed Ahmed , Ma Xueyun , Liu Meizhen , Jing Fengxiang , Liu Mingyao , Hu Jiazhi , Zhang Xiaohui
Published: March 2021

Site-specific integration of exogenous gene through genome editing is a promising strategy for gene therapy. However, homology-directed repair (HDR) only occurring in proliferating cells is inefficient especially in vivo. To investigate the efficacy of Cas9-induced homology-independent targeted integration (HITI) strategy for gene therapy, a rat hemophilia B model was generated and employed. Through HITI, a DNA sequence encoding the last exon of rat Albumin (rAlb) gene fused with a high-specific-activity Factor IX variant (R338L) using T2A, was inserted into the last intron of rAlb via recombinant adeno-associated viral (rAAV). The knock-in efficiency reached up to 3.66% determined by ddPCR. The clotting time was reduced to normal level 4 weeks after treatment, and the circulating FIX level was gradually increased up to 52% of normal during 9 months even after partial hepatectomy, demonstrating the amelioration of hemophilia. Through PEM-seq, no significant off-targeting effect was detected. Moreover, this study provides a promising therapeutic approach for hereditary diseases.
Biomarkers for Diagnosis and Post-Kasai Portoenterostomy Prognosis of Biliary Atresia: Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: He Lin , Ip Dennis Kai Ming , Tam Greta , Lui Vincent Chi Hang , Tam Paul Kwong Hang , Chung Patrick Ho Yu
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To evaluate the accuracy of biomarkers for the early diagnosis of biliary atresia (BA) and prognostic stratification after Kasai portoenterostomy (KPE).
Methods

We conducted a systematic review of PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Scopus and OVID for English literatures reporting BA biomarkers published before August, 2020. Biomarkers selected for study was based on a good evidence-level (better than Grade B, level 2b). Screening, data extraction, and quality assessment were done in duplicate.
Results

A total of 51 eligible studies were involved for systematic review, and data from 12 of them (4182 subjects) were extracted for meta-analysis in the following 2 domains: (1) serum matrix metallopeptidase-7 (MMP-7), interleukin33 (IL-33) and γ-glutamyl transferase (GGT) to differentiate BA from non-BA; and (2) aspartate aminotransferase to platelet ratio index (APRi) to predict post-KPE liver fibrosis/cirrhosis. Summary sensitivity, specificity and the area under the curve (AUC) of MMP-7 for diagnosing BA were 96%, 91% and 0.9847, respectively. Summary sensitivity and specificity of IL-33 for diagnosing BA were 77% and 85%, respectively. Summary sensitivity, specificity and AUC of GGT for diagnosing BA were 80%, 79% and 0.9645, respectively. Summary sensitivity and specificity of APRi for predicting post-KPE liver fibrosis were 61% and 80%, respectively. Summary sensitivity, specificity and AUC of APRi for predicting post-KPE cirrhosis were 78%, 83% and 0.8729, respectively. Moreover, good evidence-level was shown in the investigations of serum IL-18 and IL-33 in distinguishing BA from healthy control, serum IL-18 for prognosing post-KPE persistent jaundice, and serum hyaluronic acid and MMP-7 for prognosing post-KPE significant liver fibrosis.
Conclusions

MMP-7, IL-33 and GGT are useful biomarker to assist the diagnosis of BA. APRi could be used to predict post-KPE significant liver fibrosis and cirrhosis. These non-invasive biomarkers could be integrated into the management protocol of BA.
Predicting Mortality in Adult Patients With Sepsis in the Emergency Department by Using Combinations of Biomarkers and Clinical Scoring Systems: A Systematic Review.
Authors: Tong-Minh Kirby , Welten Iris , Endeman Henrik , Hagenaars Tjebbe , Ramakers Christian , Gommers Diederik , Gorp Eric van , Does Yuri van der
Published: March 2021

IntroductionSepsis can be detected in an early stage in the emergency department (ED) by biomarkers and clinical scoring systems. A combination of multiple biomarkers or biomarker with clinical scoring system might result in a higher predictive value on mortality. The goal of this systematic review is to evaluate the available literature on combinations of biomarkers and clinical scoring systems on 1-month mortality in patients with sepsis in the ED.MethodsWe performed a systematic search using MEDLINE, EMBASE and Google Scholar. Articles were included if they evaluated at least one biomarker combined with another biomarker or clinical scoring system and reported the prognostic accuracy on 28 or 30 day mortality by area under the curve (AUC) in patients with sepsis. ResultsWe included 18 articles in which a total of 35 combinations of biomarkers and clinical scoring systems were studied, of which 33 unique combinations. In total, seven different clinical scoring systems and 21 different biomarkers were investigated. The combination of procalcitonin (PCT), lactate, interleukin-6 (IL-6) and Simplified Acute Physiology Score-2 (SAPS-2) resulted in the highest AUC on 1-month mortality. ConclusionThe combination of PCT, IL-6, lactate and the SAPS-2 score had the highest AUC on 1-month mortality in patients with sepsis in the ED. The studies we found in this review were too heterogeneous to conclude that a certain combination it should be used in the ED to predict 1-month mortality in patients with sepsis.
Novel mathematical approach to covid-19 studies with reproduction-like number and acceleration parameter
Authors: Rebhan Eckhard
Published: March 2021

To study the progression of a pandemic, the cumulative case numbers Zn,
assigned to discrete time steps tn, are transferred into a continuously differentiable
function Z(t) by means of a best least squares fit. In this setting, a reproduction-
like number is introduced which is easily applicable to many different situations due
to its handy analytical form. It can be understood as a cross between a volatile in-
stantaneous reproduction number and the more robust effective reproduction number
commonly used. Starting from it, a further quantity, termed acceleration parameter,
is introduced, which facilitates a more differentiated characterization of the infection
dynamics. In particular, it allows to determine precisely when the limit to exponential
growth is reached and exceeded. In this context, the frequently encountered equaliza-
tion of dangerous and exponential growth of the infection numbers is shown to be
rather misleading. Hence it is extensively studied how different kinds of growth can
be correctly described. In many situations exponential growth is just a timeless tran-
sient between sub- and super-exponential growth, and, quite generally, it proves to
be much more complex than commonly assumed. It turned out useful to incorporate
the incidence as a further epidemiological indicator, and for comparison purposes the
effective reproduction number is also included. A close relationship is found between
the two. In addition, the incidence is used for calculating the trace that the progres-
sion of the pandemic leaves behind on a plain spanned by itself and the acceleration
parameter. This plane can be divided into a dangerous area, where the pandemic is
uncontrollable, and a safer area that must be the target of mitigation efforts. At present,
many countries and the world as a whole are mired in the dangerous area. The latter
was chosen as an example for all applications to the covid-19 pandemic.
Moisture Characteristics of Improved Gravelly Guest Soil for Bio-slope-engineering
Authors: Zhang Junyun , Chen Siyuan , He Zhuoling
Published: March 2021

This paper explores the reasonable proportion of guest soil in bio-slope-engineering by means of proportional experiments. In the experiment, rubble and improved materials such as peat and water-retaining agent were selected to study the effect of peat and water-retaining agent content on moisture constant, permeability coefficient and water absorption rate of guest soil.The measurements showed that peat and absorbent agent improve effective water capacity and water absorption speed of guest soil, thus guest soil absorb and hold more effective water; however, with the increase of peat content, wilting moisture capacity of guest soil will increase and its permeability coefficient will also enlarge, which is a disadvantage to plants survival in drought conditions and slope stability in rainy seasons. According to guest soil’s proportional experiments and field test, the favorable amount of rubble, peat, absorbent agent and aggregate agent, is 80%, 20%, 1.0‰ and 1.0‰, respectively, and the reasonable content of fertilizer in guest soil is 100 g/m2. The results may guide the design and construction of Guest soil spraying for bio- slope-engineering.
Evaluation of extreme precipitation in the Yangtze River Delta Region of China using a 1.5 km mesh convection‑permitting regional climate model
Authors: Dong Guangtao , Jiang Zhiyu , Wang Ya , Tian Zhan , Liu Junguo
Published: March 2021

Realistic representation of rainfall characteristics on local scales by state-of-the-art climate models remains a key challenge, especially on sub-daily timescales. In this study, the convection-permitting Weather Research and Forecasting (WRF) model configured with 1.5 km grid spacing is used to simulate precipitation on sub-daily timescales over the Yangtze River Delta Region of China for continuous 10 years (2005–2014). The simulations are compared with rain gauge observations, reanalysis data, and the simulations of a lower resolution WRF with 9 km grid spacing that has a parameterization of convection. The results show that precipitation over the region can be well captured by using the convection-permitting model (CPM). Furthermore, the intensity, duration and coverage of these precipitation events can be more accurately described by the CPM. On the convection timescales of 1–4 hours, especially for heavy rainfall events, the CPM is more accurate than the convection-parameterized model in capturing the short-duration events, which may be due to its better account of physical processes related to the convection on the convection-permitting scale. In addition, the extreme events which are more localized and with short-duration can be represented better by the CPM while the convection-parameterized model tends to produce widespread precipitation events covering more grid cells than observations Biases of the simulation by the 9-km mesh convection-parameterized mode appear to be related to the deficiencies in the representation of convections.
Identification of Fly Ash and Bottom Ash (FABA) Hazardous Waste Generation From the Industrial Sector and Its Reduction Management in Indonesia
Authors: Widyarsana I Made Wahyu , Tambunan Suci Ameliya , Mulyadi Aurilia Ayuanda
Published: March 2021

With increasing economic growth and urbanization, it is estimated that the amount of waste in Indonesia will increase. One big player in the industrial sector is the energy procurement industry. This research was conducted to determine the generation of fly ash and bottom ash (FABA) in Indonesia using 3 (three) data approaches: (1) the industrial production capacity of the energy supply sector in the form of Steam Power Plants (SPP), (2) hazardous waste generation data in the Mining, Energy, Oil, and Gas (MEOG) Industry and (3) the hazardous waste generation data in the Manufacturing, Agro-industry, and Service (MAS) Industry, with the data obtained from the Ministry of Environment and Forestry. Furthermore, the FABA generation will be predicted until 2040, and the management of the waste will also be discussed. It is known that Indonesia’s SPP sector has a production capacity of 69,600,000 tonnes yr-1, with the waste factor for fly ash and bottom ash being 0.0653 and 0.0091 respectively. Thus, based on the maximum and minimum capacity, the total bottom ash and fly ash may reach 5,186,334.09 tonnes yr-1, and 3,630,433.86 tonnes yr-1 in 2019 respectively. Furthermore, the FABA generation in 2019 from the MEOG and MAS sector reached 7,381,414.47 tonnes and 21,764,718.79 tonnes respectively. Meanwhile, the Annual Average Growth Rate prediction method determined that the FABA generation in the SPP sector is in the range of 3,668,744.62 tonnes to 5,241,063.75 tonnes in 2040. The FABA generated from MEOG and MAS sectors is assumed to be in the range of 7.459.308,07 tonnes to 21.994.394,61 tonnes in 2040. Apart from the disposal technology, FABA waste can also be utilized; fly ash can be used as hot mix asphalt, cement and concrete, and landfill cover. Meanwhile, bottom ash can be widely used in road construction projects as a substitute for aggregates due to its sand-like properties and substitute for aggregate in concrete mixtures.
Solvent-controlled photocatalytic divergent cyclization of alkynyl aldehydes: access to cyclopentenones and dihydropyranols
Authors: Zhu Haiqian , Zheng Hanliang , Zhang Junhua , Feng Jian , Kong Lichun , Zhang Fang , Xue Xiao-Song , Zhu Gangguo
Published: March 2021

Divergent synthesis is a powerful strategy for the fast assembly of different molecular scaffolds from the identical starting materials. We describe here a novel solvent-controlled photocatalytic divergent cyclization of alkynyl aldehydes with sulfonyl chlorides for the direct construction of highly functionalized cyclopentenones and dihydropyranols that widely exist in bioactive molecules and natural products. Density functional theory calculations suggest that an unprecedented N,N-dimethylacetamide-assisted 1,2-hydrogen transfer of alkoxy radicals is responsible for the cyclopentenone formation, whereas a C-C cleavage accounts for the selective production of dihydropyranols in acetonitrile. Given the simple and mild reaction conditions, excellent functional group compatibility, forming up to four chemical bonds, and tunable selectivity, it may find wide applications in synthetic chemistry.
WITHDRAWN: Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides alleviate depressive-like behaviors in post-stroke rats via suppressing NLRP3 inflammasome to inhibit hippocampal inflammation
Authors: Li Zhifang , Xu Hexiang , Xu Yi , Lu Guanfeng , Peng Qiwei , Chen Jiefang , Bi Rentang , Li Jianzhuang , Chen Shengcai , Li Hongkai , Jin Huijuan , Hu Bo
Published: March 2021

Background: Morinda officinalis oligosaccharides (MOOs) is a traditional Chinese medicine extracted from plant Morinda officinalis roots. It has been used to treat mild and moderate depressive episodes. In the present study, we investigated whether MOOs can ameliorate depressive-like behaviors in post-stroke depression (PSD) rats and further discussed its mechanism by suppressing microglial NLRP3 inflammasome activation to inhibit hippocampal inflammation.Methods: Behaviors tests were performed to evaluate the effect of MOOs on depressive-like behaviors in PSD rats. The effects of MOOs on the expression of IL-18, IL-1β and nucleotide-binding domain leucine-rich repeat family pyrin domain containing 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome were measured in both PSD rats and lipopolysaccharide (LPS)+adenosine triphosphate (ATP) stimulated BV2 cells by reverse transcription polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR), immunofluorescence and Western blot analysis. Adeno-associated virus (AAV) were injected into hippocampus to downregulate NLRP3 inflammasome expression. The detailed molecular mechanism underlying the effects of MOOs was analyzed by Western blot and immunofluorescence.Results: MOOs can alleviate depressive-like behaviors in PSD rats. PSD rats showed increased expression of IL-18, IL-1β and NLRP3 inflammasome in the ischemic hippocampus, while MOOs compromised the elevation. NLRP3 downregulation ameliorated depressive-like behaviors and hippocampal inflammation response in PSD rats. Moreover, we found that NLRP3 is mainly expressed on microglia. In vitro, MOOs effectively inhibited the expression of IL-18, IL-1β and NLRP3 inflammasome in LPS+ ATP treated BV2 cells. We further showed that modulation of NLRP3 inflammasome by MOOs was associated with IκB/NF‐κB p65 signaling pathway.Conclusion: Overall, our study revealed the antidepressive effect of MOOs on PSD rats through modulation of microglial NLRP3 inflammasome. We also provide a novel insight into hippocampal inflammation response in PSD pathology and put forward NLRP3 inflammasome as a potential therapeutic target for PSD.
Circulating endothelin-1 levels are positively associated with chronic kidney disease in women but not in men: a longitudinal study in the Vara-Skövde cohort
Authors: Hellgren Margareta I. , Jansson Per-Anders , Alayar Hormoz , Lindblad Ulf , Daka Bledar
Published: March 2021

Background: The vasoconstricting peptide endothelin-1 (ET-1) is associated with endothelial dysfunction. The aim of this paper was to investigate whether circulating ET-1 levels predicts chronic kidney disease (CKD) in a prospective population study.Methods:In 2002-2005, 2816 participants (30-74 years) were randomly selected from two municipalities in South-Western Sweden and followed up in a representative sample of 1327 individuals after ten years. Endothelin-1 levels were assessed at baseline. Outcome was defined as CKD stage 3 or above based on eGFR < 60 mL/min/1.73m2. Those 1314 participants with successful analysis of ET-1 were further analyzed using binary logistic regression.Results:At follow-up, 47 (7.2%) men and 63 (9.6%) women had CKD stage 3 and above. The level of ET-1 was divided into quintiles showing that women in the highest quintile (n=132) had a significantly increased risk of developing CKD during the follow up period (OR=2.379, 95% CI:1.23-4.61, p<0.01) compared with the other quintiles (1-4), even when adjusted for age, physical activity, current smoking, alcohol consumption, hypertension, diabetes, BMI, high- sensitive CRP and LDL-cholesterol (OR=2.66, 95% CI:1.29-5.49, p<0.01). No significant differences were observed between quintiles of ET-1 and development of CKD in men (NS). Conclusions:High levels of ET-1 are associated with development of CKD in women but not in men.
Comparative analysis of pituitary adenoma with and without apoplexy in pediatric and adolescent patients: a clinical series of 80 patients
Authors: Wang Run , Wang Zixun , Song Yifu , Li Longjie , Han Xiaodi , Han Sheng
Published: March 2021

Object
Pituitary adenomas (PAs) have a low incidence in pediatric and adolescent patients, and their clinical characteristics remain unclear. As a severe complication of PA, apoplexy was investigated in young patients in the present study.
Methods
Eighty consecutive patients younger than 20 years with PAs who underwent surgery were included. The study cases were divided into an apoplexy group and non-apoplexy group, and the corresponding clinical data were statistically analyzed and compared between these two groups.
Results
The study included 33 males and 47 females, with a mean age of 16.9 years. There were six (7.5%) ACTH-secreting, 13 (16.3%) GH-secreting, 47 (58.7%) PRL-secreting, and 14 (17.5%) non-functioning PAs. There were 34 (42.5%) patients in the apoplexy group and 46 (57.5%) patients in the non-apoplexy group. Preoperatively, patients in the apoplexy group were more likely to have visual impairment (P = 0.033, HR = 2.841, 95% CI = 1.073–7.519) and had poorer visual impairment scores than those in the non-apoplexy group (P = 0.027). Although not statistically significant, apoplexy may have been associated with a higher Ki-67 proliferation index (P = 0.070). However, apoplexy was not associated with tumor type, tumor size, resection rate, or tumor recurrence.
Conclusion
Tumor apoplexy was common in pediatric and adolescent patients with PAs, and was associated with more severe preoperative visual deficits. Hence, appropriate surgical treatment may be important for salvaging visual function in young PA patients.
Differential Expression of Proinflammatory Cytokines IFN-γ and TNF-α in CKD Patients from South India.
Authors: Sevak Vandit , Chinniah Rathika , Pandi Sasiharan , Krishnaswamy Sampath Kumar , Karuppiah Balakrishnan
Published: March 2021

Objective: To explore the proinflammatory cytokine expression from chronic kidney disease patients (CKD) with its secondary complications.Methods: A total of 133 CKD patients and 149 healthy controls were evaluated for TNF-α and IFN-γ cytokine mRNA expression by qRT- PCR methods.Results: We found upregulated expression for TNF-α (FC: 2.5) and IFN-γ (FC:1.76) in pooled CKD patients when compared to controls. The expression profile for TNF-α and IFN-γ was 2.6 and 1.71 fold respectively for dialysis patients. However, in Non-Dialysis patients, a down regulated expression for TNF-α (FC: 0.19) and upregulated expression for IFN-γ (FC:1.6) were noticed. The IFN-γ and TNF-α expression level was 2.02 and 1.79 fold respectively for CKD patients with diabetes. Whereas in non-diabetic CKD patients, the IFN-γ and TNF-α expressions were 1.79 and 1.87 fold respectively. When we grouped the data based on with and without complications, we found a significant upregulated expression for IFN-γ (FC:1.64) and down regulated expression for TNF- α (FC:0.65) were observed in without complications. A significant upregulated expression were observed for IFN-γ (FC:1.82) and TNF- α (FC:2.27) in with complications. We have observed a significant positive correlation between TNF-α and IFN-γ (R=0.620; p< 0.0001). Analysis of data showed negative correlation between eGFR and Creatinine in Dialysis and Non-Dialysis group of patients. The disease severity progression showed that, 84.2% (n=112) of individuals fall under <15 eGFR.Conclusion: Increased TNF-α and IFN-γ expression suggests that Th1 cells are involved in CKD inflammation and its disease pathogenesis.
Implications of Tectonic Anomalies From Potential Field Data in Some Parts of Southeast Nigeria.
Authors: EKWOK STEPHEN EGUBA , Akpan Anthony Effiong , Achadu Ogiji-Idaga Martins , Ulem Christian Atelwhobel
Published: March 2021

Tectonic structures controlling mineralization in some parts of Southeast Nigeria were evaluated using airborne potential field data. High and low frequency filters and depth determination tools were adopted to evaluate short and long wavelength anomalies, resolve the spatial spreading of igneous intrusions, depths to geologic sources and basin topography. The high frequency results exhibited high concentration of short wavelength anomalies in the Obudu Plateau and Ikom-Mamfe Rift. The underlying main tectonics of the area elucidated by the low frequency results caused the widespread occurrences of short wavelength geologic structures that are revealed by the high frequency maps. The study area is characterized by comparatively thin (~13.0 to <3000 m) sedimentation. The observed thin thickness is as a result of the massive Precambrian basement outcrops in some locations in the Obudu Plateau and the proliferation of igneous intrusions within this part of the Lower Benue Trough. The 2-D models showed the undulating nature of the underlying basin topography, the location of intrusions, domal structures and related normal faults. The locations and neighbourhood of intrusions and/or short wavelength structures are viable sites for lead-zinc-barite, brine and metallogenic minerals.
Southern Hemisphere Continental Temperature Responses to Major Volcanic Eruptions Since 1883 in CMIP5 Models
Authors: Harvey Pamela J , Grab Stefan W
Published: March 2021

Although global and Northern Hemisphere (NH) temperature responses to volcanic forcing have been extensively investigated, knowledge of such responses over Southern Hemisphere (SH) continental regions is still limited. Here we use an ensemble of CMIP5 models to explore SH temperature responses to four major volcanic eruptions: Krakatau (1883), Santa Maria (1902), Agung (1963) and Pinatubo (1991). Focus is on near-surface temperature responses over southern continental landmasses including southern South America (SSA), southern Africa (SAF) and Australia and their seasonal differences. Findings indicate that for all continents, temperature responses were strongest and lasted longest following the Krakatau eruption. Responses in Australia had the shortest lag time, strongest maximum seasonal response, as well as the most significant monthly anomalies. In contrast, SSA records the longest lag time, weakest maximum seasonal temperature response, and lowest number of monthly negative anomalies following these eruptions. In most cases, the strongest single-season response occurred in austral autumn or winter, and the weakest in summer or spring. We tentatively propose that cooler temperature responses are likely caused, at least in part, by the intensification of the westerlies and associated mid-latitude cyclones and anti-cyclones.
Video-assisted Thoracic Surgery for Congenital Diaphragmatic Hernia Compared With Conventional Open Surgery in Infants
Authors: Zhao Shengliang , Pan Zhengxia , Li Yonggang , An Yong , Jin Xin , wu chun
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of video-assisted thoracic surgery for the treatment of congenital diaphragmatic hernia (CDH) in a larger series compared with conventional open surgery. Additionally, we summarized the experience of thoracoscopic surgery in the treatment of CDH in infants.MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the clinical data of 109 children with CDH who underwent surgical treatment at the Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery of Children’s Hospital of Chongqing Medical University from January 2010 to January 2019. According to the surgical method, the children were divided into an open group (62 cases) and a thoracoscopy group (47 cases). We compared the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, postoperative hospital stay, postoperative CCU admission time and other surgical indicators as well as the recurrence rate, mortality rate and complication rate of the two groups of children.ResultsThe index data on the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative mechanical ventilation time, postoperative hospital stay and postoperative CCU admission time were better in the thoracoscopy group than in the open group. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (P<0.05). Compared with the number of incision infections, pulmonary infections, atelectasis, pleural effusion and chylothorax between the two groups, the number of children in the open group was greater than that in the thoracoscopy group, and the total postoperative complication rate (51.61%) was higher than that in the thoracoscopy group (44.68%). The recurrence rate of the thoracoscopy group (8.51%) was higher than that of the open group (3.23%). In the open group, 2 patients died of respiratory distress after surgery, and no patients died in the thoracoscopy group.ConclusionsThoracoscopic surgery and open surgery can effectively treat CDH. Open surgery has advantages in patients with unstable haemodynamics, large diaphragm defects and abdominal malformations. Compared with conventional open surgery, thoracoscopy has the advantages of shorter operation time, less trauma, faster recovery and fewer complications, but there is a risk of recurrence. The choice of surgical method should be determined by the characteristics of diaphragmatic lesions and the experience of the clinician.
Three Dimensional Epidemic Model with Non-monotonic Incidence and Saturated Treatment: A Case Study of SARS Infection of Hong Kong 2003 Scenario
Authors: Ghosh Uttam , Sarkar Susmita , Ghosh Jayanta Kumar
Published: March 2021

In this paper, we have proposed a mathematical compartmental model with non-monotonic incidence and saturated treatment and we have validated the model with SARS infection in Hong Kong, 2003. We have analysed the stability of disease free and endemic equilibria as well as different bifurcations. We have shown that the epidemic disappears if the cure rate of treatment crosses a threshold value. We have obtained a necessary and sufficient condition for backward bifurcation, which shows the basic reproduction number less than unity is not sufficient to eradicate the disease completely. Saddle-node and Hopf bifurcation with respect to awareness factor have been investigated, which shows that the awareness factor is effective to change the disease dynamics. The model has been fitted to SARS cases in Hong Kong. The most effective parameters for controlling infections have been identified through sensitivity analysis. Moreover, we have investigated how the number of infected cases reduces if there was some vaccination polices in SARS infection. Finally, the model has been also used as an optimal control problem as vaccination and treatment controls are time dependent functions.
Deaf Awareness Workshop for Medical Students—An Evaluation
Authors: Kruse Janina , Zimmermann Anja , Fuchs Michael , Rotzoll Daisy
Published: March 2021

Background In the present study, a workshop was designed to determine the effect of deaf awareness training on medical students concerning their gain of knowledge regarding deafness and their competence in providing adapted communication and healthcare for deaf and hard of hearing patients. Methods Knowledge and competence in 95 medical students were evaluated in an online survey prior to as well as following the workshop. The workshop was held online in three consecutive sessions. Results Students reported a substantially more confident approach to working with hearing impaired patients and indicated that an online learning environment is a suitable and helpful alternative to face-to-face teaching. However, a direct comparison was not conducted. Participants improved significantly in all evaluated items concerning their knowledge and competence (p <0.001). Furthermore, measurements revealed interaction effects between students’ current period of study and the point in time of self-evaluation before and after the workshop. Preclinical students not only catch up but even surpass their clinical peers concerning their learning outcome. Conclusion Reviewing the results obtained by this study, we are optimistic with respect to all participants’ highly positive experiences and learning outcomes. Deaf awareness training should be included in the curriculum of all medical faculties.
Potentially inappropriate medication use among elderly patients on follow-up at the chronic care clinic of a specialized teaching hospital in Ethiopia. A cross-sectional study
Authors: Tesfaye Behailu Terefe , Tessema Mihret Terefe , Yizengaw Mengist Awoke , Bosho Dula Dessalegn
Published: March 2021

Background

Elderly patients are prone to potentially inappropriate medication use (PIMU); its use have been associated with multiple adverse consequences. As a result, it is crucial to determine the magnitude and factors associated with PIMU. The present study was mainly aimed to determine and assess the magnitude and predictors of potentially inappropriate medications use in elderly patients on follow-up at the chronic care clinic of Jimma medical center.
Methods

A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted involving 219 patients aged 65 years and above on treatment follow-up. Data was collected using checklist. The 2019 updated American Geriatric Society (AGS) Beers Criteria® and Screening Tool of Older People’s Potentially Inappropriate Prescriptions criteria and Screening Tool to Alert Doctors to Right Treatment (STOPP/START) criteria (version 2) were employed to assess PIMU. SPSS IBM (v22) was used for data entry and analysis. Categorical variables were described using frequency and percentage, whereas continuous variables were described using mean with standard deviation (SD) or median with interquartile range (IQR). Logistic regression was conducted to identify predictors of PIMU.
Results

The average number of medications prescribed per patient was 4.0 (IQR = 2.0). At least one PIMU was identified in 182 (83.1%) and 99 (45.2%) patients, based on Beers and STOPP criteria, respectively. Additionally, potential prescription omission (PPO) was observed in 24 (10.9%) patients. The risk of Beers PIMU was increased with age [AOR = 1.21, p < 0.001], hypertension [AOR = 4.17, p < 0.001], and Polypharmacy [AOR = 14.10, p < 0.001], while a decrease in the risk was noted in patients with a diagnosis of ischemic stroke [AOR = 0.133, p = 0.01] and asthma [AOR = 0.03, p < 0.001]. Using STOPP criteria, hypertension [AOR = 2.10, p = 0.04], diabetes mellitus [AOR = 2.26, p = 0.04], ischemic heart disease [AOR = 2.84, p = 0.04], peripheral neuropathy [AOR = 10.61, p < 0.001], and Polypharmacy [AOR = 6.10, p < 0.001] significantly increased the risk of PIMU.
Conclusions

Regardless of the screening tool used to assess, the present study revealed PIMU in the large proportion of the participants. Multiple medication use and certain disease condition had increased the probability of PIMU. Thus, it is imperative to use screening tools to review medications prescribed for each hospitalized elderly patients so as to reduce adverse consequences of PIMU.