bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analyzing the Distribution and Variation of Suspended Particulate Matter in the Yellow River Estuary (YRE) using Landsat 8 OLI
Authors: Li Jin , Hao Yanling , Zhang Zhuangzhuang , Li Zhipeng , Yu Ruihong , Sun Ying
Published: December 2020

Yellow River Estuary (YRE) as well as its adjacent coastal areas are famous for its high concentration of Suspended Particulate Matter (SPM). The distribution of SPM and its variations in the estuary area promoted the carbon, oxygen and nutrient cycles in coastal areas and nearby sea areas. This study took advantage of Landsat 8 Operational Land Imager (Landsat 8 OLI) data to estimate SPM in the YRE from 2013 to 2019. Remote sensing reflectance (R rs ) measured by Landsat 8 OLI has been proved to be effective through cross-validate with Geostationary Ocean Color Imager (GOCI). A simple empirical alogrithm (NIR band ratio green band and add red band) was developed to map the SPM distribution and concentration, with the APD 33.12% and R 2 0.93 based on in-situ data. Annual average distribution of SPM shows that highy turbid areas with SPM greater than 10 3 mg/L are mostly found surrounding the estuary of Yellow River, in the northwest part of the Laizhou Bay and south part of Bohai bay. High variations of SPM distributions are consistent with high SPM, and vice versa. The influences of river runoff is mainly concentrated in the estuary area, and outside 4.5 km the variability of SPM effected by river discharge is not ovbious. Significant difference is observed in seasonal SPM distribution. Higher SPM in winter is observed both in range and intensity compared to summer. Significant seasonal variations are mainly controlled by sediment resuspension processes driven by wind-wave forces. The results of this study indicate that Landsat8 OLI is an effective mean to retrieve SPM in YRE and its adjcent areas.
Macrophage Migration Inhibitory Factor Regulates Joint Capsule Fibrosis by Promoting TGF-β1 Production in Fibroblasts
Authors: Zhang Yuxin , Lu Shenji , Wang Kexin , Fan Shuai , Xu Lili , Cai Bin
Published: December 2020

Background: Joint capsule fibrosis caused by excessive inflammation results in post-traumatic joint contracture (PTJC). Transforming growth factor (TGF)-β1 plays a key role in PTJC by regulating fibroblast functions, however, cytokine-induced TGF-β1 expression in specific cell types remains poorly characterized. Macrophage migration inhibitory factor (MIF) is a proinflammatory cytokine involved in inflammation- and fibrosis-associated pathophysiology. Results: In this study, we investigated whether MIF can facilitate TGF-β1 production from fibroblasts and regulate joint capsule fibrosis following PTJC. Our data demonstrated that MIF and TGF-β1 significantly increased in fibroblasts of injured rat posterior joint capsules. Treatment the lesion sites with MIF inhibitor 4-Iodo-6-phenylpyrimidine (4-IPP) reduced TGF-β1 production and relieved joint capsule inflammation and fibrosis. In vitro, MIF facilitated TGF-β1 expression in primary joint capsule fibroblasts by activating mitogen-activated protein kinase (MAPK) (P38, ERK) signaling through coupling with membrane surface receptor CD74, which in turn affected fibroblast functions and promoted MIF production. Conclusion: Our results reveal a novel function of trauma-induced MIF in the occurrence and development of joint capsule fibrosis. Further investigation of the underlying mechanism may provide potential therapeutic targets for PTJC.
Continuous Veno-Venous Hemofiltration (CVVH) Improves Iron Metabolism Disorders in Patients With Sepsis : A Single-Center Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: An Meng-Meng , Jiang Yi , Jin Bei-Bei , Cao Da , Gong Ping
Published: December 2020

Background: Iron metabolism disorder is commonly seen in patients with sepsis. This study aimed to evaluate whether continuous veno-venous hemofiltration (CVVH) improved the iron metabolism disorders in sepsis. Methods: In a single-center, retrospective cohort study, totally 89 sepsis patients were prospectively enrolled and divided into the CVVH group (n=39) and the control group (n=50). Clinical and laboratory data were collected and compared between the groups on days 1, 3 and 7 of ICU admission. Plasma interleukin (IL)-6, hepcidin, erythropoietin (EPO), ferritin and soluble transferrin receptor (sTfR) were determined by enzyme linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). Sequential organ failure scores (SOFA) on days 1 and 7, and 28-day survival between groups were compared.Results: Plasma IL-6, hepcidin, ferritin and RDW on days 3 and 7 were significantly reduced in the CVVH group compared with those in the control group (all P<0.05). The CVVH group had a significantly lower SOFA score on day 7 compared with the control group (P<0.05). Hemoglobin and EPO were gradually decreased within the first week of ICU admission in both groups although no significant differences between the groups were observed. There was no significant difference in sTfR between the two groups along with the time (all P > 0.05). In addition, there were no significant differences in 28-day survival rate and median survival time between the two groups. Conclusion: CVVH improves iron metabolism disorders and the disease severity in sepsis. However, it does not alleviate anemia and fails to improve the survival.
Rural and Remote Intubations in An Australian Aeromedical Retrieval Service: A Retrospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Pellatt Richard , Bolot Renee , Sweeny Amy , Gibbs Clinton , O'Gorman Jacob
Published: December 2020

Objective Critically unwell patients in rural and remote areas of Queensland, Australia, often require airway management with rapid sequence intubation (RSI) prior to retrieval to a tertiary centre. Retrieval Services Queensland (RSQ) coordinate retrievals and support rural hospitals, including via telehealth. We aimed to describe the demographics of patients intubated in Queensland hospitals requiring subsequent aeromedical retrieval. This retrospective cohort study compared patients intubated by a retrieval team, including a LifeFlight Retrieval Medicine (LRM) doctor, to those intubated by the local hospital team. MethodsRetrospective cohort study of all patients intubated in hospitals in Queensland, Australia, requiring subsequent aeromedical retrieval (including an LRM doctor) between January 2019 and December 2019. Data collected included: time of day, mission priority, geographical location of hospital, rurality, diagnosis, failure/assistance with intubation. Descriptive statistics were complemented by logistic regression analyses. Results In 2019, 684 patients were intubated in hospitals in Queensland, Australia, requiring subsequent aeromedical retrieval by a team including an LRM doctor. 131 (19.2%) were intubated by the retrieval team, and 553 (80.8%) were intubated by the local hospital team. The retrieval team was more likely to intubate as the age of the patient increased. In the most rural and remote areas, 64 (43.2%) of patients were intubated by the retrieval team, compared with 84 (56.8%) by the local team. In this subgroup of rural and remote patients, the composite diagnosis of ‘injuries, poisons, toxicology and drugs’ was significantly more likely to be associated with the local team intubating. ConclusionA retrieval team is more likely to be required for intubation of patients in rural and remote hospitals in Queensland, Australia. Service provision for critically unwell patients, coordinated by RSQ, is effective and well-managed. Rural and remote hospitals should be given special preference and consideration for timely dispatch of the retrieval team for assistance with these cases.Trial RegistrationEthical approval for this project was granted by the Royal Brisbane and Women’s Hospital Human Research Ethics Committee (LNR/2020/QRBW/64917). A waiver of consent was granted given the retrospective and deidentified nature of the study.
Using A Behavioral Model to Assess The Barriers And Facilitators to Engaging Local Healthcare Providers In Conducting Interventional Cancer Trials In Nigeria
Authors: Ibraheem Abiola , Oluwasanu Mojisola , Akinbami Akinsegun , Sowunmi Akinyimika , Odedina Stella , Popoola Abiodun , Cipriano Toni , Olopade Olufunmilayo , Oladepo Oladimeji , Polite Blase
Published: December 2020

BACKGROUND: Globalization of cancer clinical trials is now involving low middle income countries such as Nigeria as a rationale for global equity. With this ongoing clinical trial globalization, it is important to engage stakeholders such as local providers at the institutions where these trials are conducted by improving knowledge and perception of local providers concerning clinical trials.METHODS: This is a qualitative focused group study consisting of ten groups conducted at Lagos State University Teaching Hospital between November 2019 and January 2020 using locally developed probe questions to engage local providers according to departments. Transcripts of semi-structured interviews was analyzed using direct content analysis and was mapped against the implementation theory of capability, opportunity and motivation for behavior change(COM-B) to access the challenges and barriers reported by local providers. RESULTS: 239 local providers participated in this study, the challenges identified by providers were low knowledge about clinical trials, poor attitudes and systemic barriers. The opportunities suggested by local providers to improve the conduct of clinical trial in that environ included clinical trial workshops to improve baseline knowledge and perception and team collaboration between providers. CONCLUSION: As cancer clinical trials are being globalized, the local healthcare community should be brought to par with this new intervention and not be left behind. Training about clinical trials should not be limited to providers actively involved in the clinical trials but all the providers in that region should be empowered by improving the baseline knowledge and perception of clinical trials.
Machinability Investigation in Dry Turning of Ti–6Al–4V with a Novel TiB2–ZrC Cermet Tool Using RSM
Authors: Yuan Yikun , Ji Wenbin , Dai Shijie
Published: December 2020

To ensure accuracy and improve the processing efficiency of Ti–6Al–4V alloys, dry turning experiment of Ti–6Al–4V was carried out using a novel TiB2–ZrC cermet tool. The tool was reinforced by nanoscale VC additive and exhibited excellent hardness and fracture toughness. Response surface methodology (RSM) was used in the experiment to verify and evaluate the cutting performance of TiB2–ZrC cermet tool. The cutting forces and surface roughness (Ra) were selected as the optimization objective. Then the analysis of variance (ANOVA) was employed to ascertain the effective cutting parameters on response factors and demonstrate accuracy of the models. It was found that the effective cutting parameters on surface roughness was feed rate, while cutting depth significantly affected cutting forces. And the confirmation experiments showed that the predicted values coincide with experimental values nearly. Based on the optimized cutting parameters, the tool life and tool wear mechanism were investigated. When the vc, ap and f were 100 mm/min, 0.16 mm, 0.1 mm/rev, respectively, the cutting length and tool life could reach to 3233 m and 29.4 min, respectively, due to the excellent wear resistance and stability of TiB2–ZrC cermet tool at high cutting temperature. In this case, the main wear mechanism was adhesive wear and diffusion wear.
Serum Amino Acid Profile in Early-onset Coronary Artery Disease Patients
Authors: Xuan Chao , Li Hui , Tian Qing-Wu , Guo Jun-Jie , He Guo-Wei , Lun Li-Min , Wang Qing
Published: December 2020

Background: Amino acids play essential roles in protein construction and metabolism. Our study aims to provide a profile of amino acid changes in the serum of patients with early-onset coronary artery disease (EOCAD) and identify potential disease biomarkers.Methods: Ultra-performance liquid chromatography-multiple reaction monitoring-multistage/mass spectrometry (UPLC-MRM-MS/MS) was used to determine the amino acid profile of patients with EOCAD in sample pools. In the validation stage, the serum levels of candidate amino acids of interest are determined for each sample.Results: A total of 128 EOCAD patients and 64 healthy controls were included in the study. Eight serum amino acids associated with disease state were identified. Compared with the control group, serum levels of seven amino acids (L-Arginine, L-Methionine, L-Tyrosine, L-Serine, L-Aspartic acid, L-Phenylalanine, and L-Glutamic acid) increased and one (4-Hydroxyproline) decreased in the patient group. Results from the validation stage demonstrate that serum levels of 4-Hydroxyproline were significantly lower in myocardial infarction (MI) patients (9.889 ± 3.635 μg/ml) than those in the controls (16.433 ± 4.562 μmol/L, p < 0.001). Elevated serum 4-Hydroxyproline levels were shown to be an independent protective factor for MI (OR = 0.863, 95% CI: 0.822-0.901). The significant negative correlation was seen between serum 4-Hydroxyproline levels and cardiac troponin I (r = -0.667) in MI patients.Conclusion: We have provided a serum amino acid profile for EOCAD patients and screened eight disease state-related amino acids, and we have also shown that 4-Hydroxyproline is a promising target for further biomarker studies in early-onset MI.
Plastically Bendable Crystals of Flufenamic Acid Form III
Authors: Liu Yu , Zhang Keke , Xu Jun , Wu Songgu , Gong Junbo
Published: December 2020

Bendable organic crystal is a burgeoning research field due to interesting phenomenon and broad application prospects. Here we report a plastic bendable pharmaceutical crystal, flufenamic acid (FFA) form Ⅲ crystal. The crystal exhibits plastic bending when the force is applied on (100) face. The column-like structure and the slip planes among them are the basic features responsible for the exceptional plasticity. The spatially resolved atomic-level studies via X-ray diffraction and micro-Raman reveal the structural perturbations in FFA crystal after bending, illustrating that the packing in each “column” is also critical for the plastic bending, which contributes to the exploration of plastic bending mechanism and inspires the design of flexible organic crystal materials.
Patients’ Priorities and Expectations on an EU Registry for Rare Bone and Mineral Conditions
Authors: Javaid Muhammad Kassim , Mordenti Mariana , Boarini Manila , Sangiorgi Luca , 5 ERN BOND Working Group , Westerheim Ingunn , Alves Ines , Skarberg Rebecca , Appelman-Dijkstra Natasha , Graasemann Corinna
Published: December 2020

BackgroundUnderstanding the natural history of rare bone and mineral conditions is essential for improving clinical practice and the development of new diagnostics and therapeutics. Recruitment and long-term participation in registries are key challenges for researchers. To understand the user needs, the European Reference Network on Rare Bone Diseases (ERN BOND) and European Patient Advocacy Groups developed and implemented a multinational survey about the patient’s preferred database content and functionality. Findings were analysed using descriptive statistics and regression methods.ResultsThere were 493 eligible responses from 378 adults, 15 children and 100 parents, guardians or carers (PGC) across 22 rare bone and mineral conditions. Osteogenesis imperfecta constituted 53.4% of responses. Contents related to improving treatment and medical services scored the highest and contents about anxiety and socializing scored less highly. Additional content was recommended by 205 respondents. Respondents preferred data entry by their Healthcare Provider (HCP). However, less than 50% of adults received followup from their specialist HCP at least annually and 29% were followed up as needed. ConclusionsThis survey of individuals, their family, guardians and carers has prioritised the key components for an EU-based rare bone and mineral condition research database. The survey highlights issues around collecting psychosocial impacts as well as measures of HCP trust. The survey demonstrated that using only specialist centre visits for data collection, while preferred by patients, will miss a substantial number of individuals, limiting generalisability. Combined HCP and patient platforms will be required to collect representative and complete natural history data for this patient group.
Hepatoprotective Effect of Yiqijianpi Formula (YQJPF) on Liver Failure Through Modulation of Hypoxic and Apoptosis Pathways
Authors: Tang Li , Wang Feixia , Xiao Lingyan , Shen Min , Xia Siwei , Zhang Zili , Zhang Feng , Zheng Shizhong , Tan Shanzhong
Published: December 2020

BackgroundAcute-on-chronic liver failure (ACLF) is a severe complication of cirrhosis, which seriously endanger human life and health. Yiqijianpi decoction (YQJPF) is a Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) formula that has been widely used in the treatment of liver failure with significant effect. The purpose of this study was to investigate the active components and mechanism to ameliorate acute on chronic liver failure(ACLF).MethodsLPS combined with D-Gal was used to establish the rat model of ACLF, pathological examination was detected by H&E staining, liver function test was assayed by ELISA. LPS was used to induce hepatocytes injury in vitro. Cell proliferation assay, TUNEL assay were used in human hepatic L02 cells. The active components and putative targets of YQJPF were predicted by network pharmacology approach and GEO analysis. Functional and pathway enrichment analysis were presented by using String, Cytoscape and Metascape. Further, experimental validation was done to verify the effect of YQJPF on PI3K/AKT-HIF-1ɑ and apoptosis-related signaling pathways by using Immunohistochemistry and Western blotting.ResultsAfter being treated with YQJPF, the rat liver injury and fibrosis were alleviated, and Cell Counting Kit-8 assay, TUNEL assay indicated YQJPF also inhibited the apoptosis in hepatic L02 cells. Through network pharmacologic analysis, 135 active components in YQJPF decoction, 573 known therapeutic targets and 2940 liver failure-related human genes were identified. 163 gene symbols maybe the key for liver failure treatment by YQJPF decoction. VEGF-A was hub gene in PPI network. The KEGG pathway and GO enrichment analyses indicated that the PI3K/AKT, HIF-1 signaling pathways were the prominently enriched signaling pathways. In vivo, YQJPF upregulated the expression of PI3K/AKT-HIF1-ɑ and VEGF-A. Moreover apoptosis pathway were verified by up-regulating Bcl2 expression and down-regulating Bax expression in vivo and in vitro.ConclusionYQJPF is beneficial for alleviating liver failure, may regulate hypoxic liver injury through PI3K/AKT-HIF1α dependent apoptosis pathway.
How to improve patient experience of compassion through nursing: Development of an on-job mentorship programme in a tertiary care hospital, Pakistan
Authors: Arshad Alma , Lalani Naureen , Sultan Noureen , Zubairi Aly , Hussain Ayesha , Hasan Babar S. , Rasheed Muneera A.
Published: December 2020

Background

Evidence suggests improvement in nursing staff satisfaction, competence, and retention after implementation of evidence-based mentorship programmes. When guided by a framework of compassion, mentoring as a caring action can not only build healthy, transformative relationships and energize the workplace environments but a similar behavior is reciprocated to patients which subsequently can drive patient experience of care. However, examples of on-job mentorship programs for nurses in low- and middle-income countries (LMIC) are limited owing to human and financial constraints.
Objective

The current study describes the development of a feasible an on-job nursing mentorship program using a compassionate framework aimed at improving nurses’ experience and thus enhancing patient experience from a tertiary care hospital in Pakistan.
Methods

The intervention package was built by a team composed of service and nursing leadership, director patient experience of care and a compassion specialist using a theory of change model. The package followed a series of steps that were based on the principles of implementation science, a) identification of a framework, b) creating a working group and c) multiple meetings to frame the model followed by implementing the preconditions for roll-out of the programme.
Results

The intermediate outcome was to have nurses demonstrate skills of compassion with the eventual outcome of improving the patient's experience of compassion. The pre-conditions were identified as: recruitment of staff with appropriate skills for pediatric care, precision of compassionate experience definition, creation of a compassionate culture and development of competent head nurses as supervisor. In order to ensure the pre-conditions, various interventions were planned and some were implemented through the course of designing. These involved, creation of space to talk about compassionate skills with staff, provide trainings and on-job coaching, revising career ladder of supervisors, inclusion of pediatric compassion specific nursing education service orientation program, recognition of efforts and promotion of compassionate values in numerous communication platforms, arrangement of training workshops, creation of checklists and development of dashboards.
Conclusion

The approach helped to delineate feasible pathways for an on-job compassionate mentorship programme through strengthening routine supervision leading to improved patient experience of care in the pediatric service.
Molecular Characterization of Carbapenem-Resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Clinical Isolates from Egyptian Patients
Authors: Hassan Reem M , Salem Sherifa T , Hassan Saly Ismail Mostafa , Hegab Asmaa , Elkholy Yasmine S
Published: December 2020

Acinetobacter baumannii (A. baumannii) represents a global threat owing to its ability to resist most of the currently available antimicrobial agents. Moreover, emergence of carbapenem resistant A. baumannii (CR-AB) isolates limits the available treatment options. Enzymatic degradation by variety of ß-lactamases, have been identified as the most common mechanism of carbapenem resistance in A. baumannii. The alarming increase in the prevalence of CR-AB necessitates continuous screening and molecular characterization to appreciate the problem. The present study was performed to assess the prevalence and characterize carbapenemases among 206 CR-AB isolated from various clinical specimens collected from different intensive care units at Kasr Al-Aini Hospital. All isolates were confirmed to be A. baumannii by detection of the blaOXA-51-like gene. Molecular screening of 13 common Ambler class bla carbapenemases genes in addition to insertion sequence (IS-1) upstream OXA-23 was performed by using four sets of multiplex PCR, followed by identification using gene sequencing technology. Among the investigated genes, the prevalence of blaOXA-23, and blaOXA-58 were 77.7%, and 1.9%, respectively. The ISAba1 was detected in 10% of the blaOXA-23 positive isolates. The prevalence of metallo-β-lactamases (MBLs) studied; blaNDM-1, blaSPM, blaVIM, blaSIM-1 were 11.7%, 6.3%, 0.5%, and 0.5% respectively. One of class A; bla KPC was detected in 10.7% of the investigated isolates. blaOXA-24/40, blaIMP, blaGES, blaVEB and blaGIM were not detected in any of the studied isolates. Moreover, 18.4% of the isolates have shown to harbor two or more of the screened bla genes. We concluded that the most prevalent type of ß-lactamases genes among CR-AB isolates collected from Egyptian patients were blaOXA-23 followed by blaNDM-1 and blaKPC.
The Use of Augmented and Mixed Reality Technology to Improve Surgical Outcomes: a Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Bollen Edward , Solomon Joshua , Stubbs Matthew , Langridge Benjamin , Butler Peter E.
Published: December 2020

BackgroundThe use of mixed and augmented reality in surgery is a novel and rapidly developing field. Augmented reality is a technology which overlays virtual images on to the real world and is supported by a variety of platforms. Mixed reality is a newer technology, which, in contrast, allows the user to interact with virtual objects projected onto the real world. These technologies have been employed in a range of surgical contexts and specialities and have generated significant public interest, however, the evidence supporting their proposed benefits is unclear. This systematic review aims to critically appraise the intraoperative use of mixed and augmented reality technologies to improve surgical outcomes and provide directions for future research. Methods This systematic review will follow the PRISMA guidelines and search the MEDLINE, EMBASE, the Cochrane Library electronic databases. All clinical studies reporting empirical data on the intraoperative use of augmented or mixed reality technologies will be eligible for inclusion. Identified studies will be screened for inclusion by three authors in parallel, with a fourth author resolving any discrepancies. Risk of bias will be assessed in accordance with Cochrane Handbook for Systematic Reviews of Interventions guidance. The quality of evidence for each outcome will be assessed using the GRADE approach.DiscussionThis will be the first systematic review performed with a specific focus on the use of mixed reality in surgery. If augmented and mixed reality are to become established tools in surgery, it is necessary to understand their use cases, advantages, limitations and cost-effectiveness. This is a young but rapidly evolving field; this synthesis of the current evidence base will provide direction for future research and development.Systematic Review RegistrationPROSPERO CRD42020205892
A Novel Brachytherapy Biliary Drainage Catheter Loaded With 125I Seeds in Patients With Malignant Obstructive Jaundice: Preliminary Results Versus Iodine-125 Seed Strands Placement
Authors: Li Zhaonan , Jiao Dechao , Han Xinwei , Zhou Xueliang , Li Yahua
Published: December 2020

Background The placement of 125I seeds was a safe method for treating cholangiocarcinoma .The purpose of this study was to compare a novel brachytherapy biliary drainage catheter (BBDC) with an Iodine-125 (125I) seed strand after self-expandable metallic stent(SEMs) implantation in terms of safety and efficacy, as treatments for patients with cholangiocarcinoma of malignant obstructive jaundice (MOJ). Methods From September 2016 to December 2018, We retrospectively enrolled patients with biliary stent implantation after receiving either BBDC loaded with 125I seeds (double-strands irradiation group) or an 125I seed strand treatment (single-strand irradiation group, control group). The outcomes were analyzed regarding the relief of obstructive jaundice, interventional-related complications, stent patency and survival time. ResultsThe success rate of interventional therapy in both groups was 100% and all patients with MOJ were alleviated . The overall complication rates of BBDC group and control group were 23.1% (9 / 39) and 26.5% (9/ 34), respectively (P > 0.05). The median and mean overall stent patency of the BBDC group and the control group were (207 days versus 180 days, 204.212 days versus 186.278 days, p = 0.043). The median and mean overall survivals in the BBDC group were higher than those in the control group (245 days versus 212 days, 244.883 days versus 221.844 days, p = 0.030). ConclusionsThis interim analysis showed that BBDC (double-stranded irradiation) can prolong the stent patency time compared with 125I seed strand treatment (single-stranded irradiation) and had the advantage of reducing jaundice, which seemed to extend survival period.
What Is the Impact of Different Glucose-lowering Agents for Atrial Fibrillation Risk: A Systematic Review and a Network Meta-analysis 
Authors: Shi Wence , Wenchang Zhang , Lihua Gao , Chunhua Ding
Published: December 2020

Background: The emergence of new glucose-lowering agents has brought revolutionary changes to the treatment of cardiovascular diseases. Diabetes is associated with atrial fibrillation (AF) and atrial flutter (AFL) progression, while whether or not glucose-lowering agents would bring a reduction of AF/AFL is not clear. We therefore evaluate the effect of different glucose-lowering agents on AF/AFL and made this network meta-analysis to identify the optimal treatment for diabetes patients to reduce AF/AFL events.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, and the Cochrane Library until September 30 2020, and Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were used in this network meta-analysis. The primary endpoint for our study was AF or AFL events. Only studies with a follow-up period of at least 12 months and reporting AF/AFL as clinical endpoints were included. Results from trials were presented as odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence intervals (CIs) and were pooled using a bayesian random-effects model.Results: 5 eligible studies (9 glucose-lowering agents were analyzed including thiazolidinedione[TZD], metformin[Met], sulfonylurea[SU], insulin[Insu], dipeptidyl peptidase-4 inhibitor[DPP-4i], glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonist[GLP-1RA], sodium-glucose cotransporter 2 inhibitor[SGLT2i], alpha glucosidase inhibitor[AGI], and non-sulfonylurea[nSU]) consisting of 263583 patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus were included. Pooled results show that GLP1-RA, when compared to Met (OR 0.17, 95% CI 0.04-0.61), SU (OR 0.23, 95% CI 0.07-0.73), Insu (OR 0.20, 95% CI 0.07-0.86), and nSU (OR 0.18, 95% CI 0.04-0.66) significantly reduce AF/AFL events. In addition, DPP-4i could also reduce AF/AFL events when compared with nSU (OR 0.33, 95% CI 0.12-0.92).Conclusion: The finding of our study indicated that GLP1-RA could be optimal glucose-lowering agent for diabetes patients to prevents AF/AFL. Met and insulin-providing therapy (insulin, sulfonylurea, or non- sulfonylurea) should be avoided to patients with high risk of AF/AFL.Trial registration: We have registered in PROSPERO (international prospective register of systematic reviews (CRD42020212994) for this network meta-analysis
Antifungal effects of ZnO, TiO2 and ZnO-TiO2 nanocomposite on Aspergillus flavus
Authors: ilkhechi nasrollah najibi , Mozammel Mahdi , Khoroushahi Ahmad Yari
Published: December 2020

This study aimed to synthesis ZnO, TiO2 and ZnO–TiO2 (ratio weight of 1/1 for Zn/Ti) nanoparticles using zinc acetate and titanium isopropoxide through the sol-gel method. Physicochemical and morphological characterization and antifungal properties evaluation like minimum inhibition concentration (MIC) and minimum fungicide concentration (MFC) of nanopowders were investigated against Aspergillus flavus at in vitro. All synthesized nanoparticles (50 µg/ml) showed fungal growth inhibition while ZnO-TiO2 showed higher antifungal activity against A. flavus than pure TiO2 and ZnO. TiO2 and ZnO-TiO2 (300 µg/ml) inhibited 100% of spur production. Pure ZnO and TiO2 showed pyramidal and spherical shapes, respectively whereas ZnO-TiO2 nanopowders illustrated both spherical and pyramidal shapes with grown particles on the surface. Based on our findings, low concentration (150 µg/ml) of ZnO-TiO2 showed higher ROS production and stress oxidative induction thus fungicide effect as compared to alone TiO2 and ZnO. In conclusion, ZnO-TiO2 nanostructure can be utilized as an effective antifungal compound but more studies need to be performed to understand the antifungal mechanism of the nanoparticles rather than ROS inducing apoptosis.
Synthesis and characterization of magnetic recyclable Fe-substituted zinc aluminate photocatalysts with enhanced sunlight-driven degradation of industrial dyes
Authors: Tangcharoen Thanit , T-Thienprasert Jiraroj , Kongmark Chanapa
Published: December 2020

Using the sol-gel auto combustion approach with diethanolamine (DEA) as fuel, a sequence of iron-substituted zinc aluminates, ZnFexAl2−xO4 powders, including variable Fe3+ ion concentrations (0 ≤ x ≤ 2) were effectively created. XRD, FT-IR, SEM, EDS, BET, UV-DRS, and VSM were employed to examine the structures, chemical bonds, morphologies, composition, surface area, and optical properties as well as the magnetic behavior of the collected samples. A single-phase spinel structure was gained for the calcined aluminate powders with different interplanar spacing and crystallite sizes, as revealed by the classification results. The bandgap energy (Eg) of adapted aluminates was in the range of 2.08–3.14 eV, identified as being much lower compared to the pure sample (5.60 eV). Thus, Fe3+-substituted ZnAl2O4 samples could be successfully photoexcited using both ultraviolet and visible light, as suggested by the results. Examination of how the four main pollutant types decay when irradiated by sunlight was carried out to assess the samples and establish photocatalytic activity. These contaminants included phenol rhodamine B (RhB), heteropolyaromatic methylene blue (MB), azoic methyl orange (MO) and methyl red (MR). The performance of photocatalytic degradation reached 98% after 150 minutes for all optimal samples of organic dyes. Besides, each of the altered photocatalysts could be recycled and displayed high stability. The S-shaped curve of ferrimagnetism can result from in those samples as found by the magnetic measurements, though pure ZnAl2O4 displays diamagnetic characteristics. The adapted samples show intense improvement in the remanent magnetization (Mr) when compared to pure ZnAl2O4, signifying that magnetic photocatalyst recovery by applying an external magnetic field is easy. Thus, these results offer a convincing sign that ZnAl2O4 powders replaced by Fe3+ could provide the ability to aid in the ecologically-friendly collection of solar energy.
Inhibition of Cr(VI) in the Al2O3-CaO-Cr2O3 castables by using (Al1-x,Crx)2O3 solid solution
Authors: Xu Tengteng , Xu Yibiao , Li Yawei , Nath Mithun
Published: December 2020

Al2O3-CaO-Cr2O3 castables are required for various furnaces due to excellent corrosion resistance and sufficient early strength. However, generation of toxic Cr(VI) caused subsequent problems with disposal. The present work aimed at achieving Cr(VI) reduction by replacing Cr2O3 with (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 solid solution. The phase evolutions and Cr(VI) formation in castables were systemically investigated. Compared with Cr2O3, stability of (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 in CAC was much higher and improved gradually with Al3+ proportion. The substitution of Cr2O3 with (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 completely inhibited CaCrO4 formation at 300–1100 oC, and drastically suppressed Ca4Al6CrO16 generation at 900–1300 °C. Thus, a remarkable Cr(VI) reduction of 98.1% could be achieved. Moreover, In comparison with CA and CA2, CA6 was much more stable, which would not take chemical reaction with (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3. Thus, incorporating some Al2O3 powders in Al2O3-CaO-Cr2O3 castables to form CA6 at temperature above 1300 oC was also essential for inhibiting Cr(VI) formation when using (Al1 − x,Crx)2O3 as substitute for Cr2O3.
Habitual Tea Drinking is Associated with Reduced Odds of Restrictive Spirometry Pattern in Non-smokers
Authors: Hsu Cheng-Yuan , Wu I-Hsuan , Chou Chieh-Ying , Chang Yin-Fan , Sun Zih-Jie , Yang Yi-Ching , Lu Feng-Hwa , Chang Chih-Jen , Wu Jin-Shang
Published: December 2020

BackgroundRestrictive spirometry pattern (RSP) is found to be associated with an increased risk of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. This study was aimed to examination of the association between tea consumption and RSP in smokers and non-smokers.MethodsA total of 14,997 eligible subjects were analyzed after excluding individuals with (1) age <20 years, (2) a history of asthma, lung cancer, tuberculosis, or any chest structural deformities, or (3) a history of connective tissue diseases. RSP was defined as FVC<80% of the predicted value and an FEV1/FVC ratio ≥ 70%. One traditional Chinese teapot containing 120ml was defined as one “cup.” Habitual tea consumption was defined as 120mL/d or more for at least 1 year. To evaluate the effects of cumulative dosage of tea over time, the variable “cup-year” was obtained by multiplying the number of daily cups of tea by the number of years one has consumed. ResultsThe amount of daily tea consumption and the prevalence of habitual tea drinking were significantly higher in the non-RSP group (65 ± 191 vs. 110 ± 242 mL, p < 0.001; 15.1% vs. 24.0%, p< 0.001). In multiple logistic regression, habitual tea drinker (OR = 0.75, CI 0.63-0.89, p < 0.01) and tea consumption no less than 3 cup-year (OR = 0.74, CI 0.61-0.89, p < 0.01) were associated with a lower risk of RSP in non-smoking group while the association was insignificant in the smoking group.ConclusionHabitual tea drinking and tea consumption of at least three cup-years were associated with a reduced risk of RSP in the non-smokers, but not in the smokers.
What resources do elderly people choose for managing their symptoms? Clarification of rural older people’s choices of help-seeking behaviors in Japan
Authors: Ohta Ryuichi , Sato Mikiya , Ryu Yoshinori , Kitayuguchi Jun , Maeno Tetsuhiro , Sano Chiaki
Published: December 2020

Background

Appropriate help-seeking behavior (HSB) that involves lay and professional care may moderate the usage of medical resources and promote good health, especially among the rural elderly. However, there is little evidence regarding the rural elderly’s HSB choices for mild symptoms. Therefore, this study attempts to bridge this gap.
Methods

The participants were patients living in rural areas and over the age of 65, who attended Japanese clinics and general hospitals. In Phase 1, monthly diaries and one-on-one interviews about their mild symptoms and HSB were used to establish checklist items and assess content validity. Content analysis helped determine the items. In Phase 2, participants were asked to complete the checklist to measure HSB. The checklist answers and HSB mentioned in the diaries were compared to evaluate construct validity. Retests were conducted to examine the content’s reliability and test-retest reliability.
Results

Phase 1 included 267 participants (average age = 75.1 years, standard deviation [SD] = 4.3; 50.1% male). The diary collection rate was 97.6%. Of the participants, 70.4% used lay care and 25.4% used professional care. Content analysis identified eight types of lay care and four types of professional care. Phase 2 included 315 participants (average age = 77.7 years, SD = 8.27; 46.0% male). In terms of validity, the results of the checklists and the diaries were correlated (Spearman p 0.704; p < 0.001). The most common behavior with mild symptoms was consulting with primary care physicians, followed by self-care and using home medicine. The test-retest reliability for mild symptoms found kappa values of 0.836 for lay care and 0.808 for professional care.
Conclusions

The list of rural older people’s choices of HSB for mild symptoms had high validity and reliability. Therefore, it can be used to assess the relationships between HSB and health conditions and the effectiveness of health promotion on HSB among rural elderly people.
Changes in healthcare workers’ anxiety during two time points of the COVID-19 pandemic: Evidence from a longitudinal study
Authors: Steinmetz Lorena Cecilia López , Herrera Carla Romina , Fong Shao Bing , Godoy Juan Carlos
Published: December 2020

Evidence on the within-person changes of healthcare workers’ mental health during the COVID-19 pandemic is absent. This study aimed to examine the within-person changes of anxiety in Argentinean healthcare workers during this pandemic, adjusting for main demographic factors, region, mental disorder history, and COVID-19 contagion. A longitudinal web survey (N = 305) was conducted during two time points of the pandemic, one of which was an infection peak. Anxiety significantly increased across time. However, there were significant interaction effects modulating anxiety levels. The largest anxiety increases occurred in healthcare workers who were wondering if they had contracted COVID-19 while symptomatic. Irrespective of the time point, anxiety was the highest in healthcare workers from a region inside the country who were wondering if they had contracted COVID-19, either asymptomatic or symptomatic. An interaction effect between the mental disorder history and the COVID-19 contagion suggested that the anxiety outcomes were mainly due to the concern about the COVID-19 contagion, rather than due to pre-existing mental health vulnerabilities. An increasing anxiety outcome may be expected among healthcare workers as the pandemic progresses. The uncertainty regarding COVID-19 contagion is a preventable and modifiable interacting factor to produce the worst anxiety outcomes among healthcare workers.
Quantitative Analysis of Colistin-Resistant Escherichia Coli in Retail Meat from Local Vietnamese Markets
Authors: Nguyen Thang Nam , Khong Diep Thi , Le Ha Viet , Tran Hoa Thi , Phan Quang Ngoc , Le Huong Thi Thu , Kawahara Ryuji , Yamamoto Yoshimasa
Published: December 2020

The spread of drug-resistant bacteria via food has contributed to the dissemination of resistant bacteria among humans. However, the status of food contamination with resistant bacteria, particularly the quantitative level of resistant bacteria in food, has not yet been well elucidated. In this study, the abundance of colistin-resistant Escherichia coli in meat samples was quantified to understand the origin of the contamination of meat available in local Vietnamese markets. Fifteen samples each of chicken and pork meat purchased from local Vietnamese markets were assessed for the presence of colistin-resistant E. coli with the mobile colistin resistance gene mcr. The results showed that 40% (6/15) and 66% (10/15) of the pork and chicken meat samples, respectively, were contaminated with colistin-resistant E. coli. The median quantitative levels of colistin-resistant E. coli in the contaminated pork and chicken samples were 1.8 × 104 and 4.2 × 103 CFU/g, respectively. The results of phylogenetic analysis of isolates from a chicken meat sample showed that the contaminated colistin-resistant E. coli were a mix of multiple phylogenetical clones of bacteria that may have multiplied during sale. This is the first study to quantify the abundance of colistin-resistant E. coli in meat samples.
Medienbildung in der Hochschule
Authors: Rabe-Matičević Sandra , Veith Stefanie
Published: December 2020

Um zukünftige pädagogische Fachkräfte zu professionellem Handeln im Kontext digitalisierter Gesellschaften zu befähigen, kommt den Hochschullehrenden in den pädagogischen Studiengängen die Aufgabe zu, auf Basis bestehender Medienkompetenzen und in deren Erweiterung medienpädagogische Kompetenzen zu fördern sowie (Medien)Bildungsprozesse zu initiieren. Während verschiedene Kompetenzmodelle darlegen, wie diese weiterzuentwickeln seien, bleiben die Ausführungen hinsichtlich des Gegenstandes der (Medien)Bildung vage. Auf der Suche nach einem geeigneten bildungstheoretisch fundierten didaktischen Konzept für die medienpädagogische Ausbildung an der Hochschule wurden Klafkis allgemeine Bildungstheorie, welche Medienbildung als einen kategorialen Bildungsprozess innerhalb eines gesellschaftlichen Kontextes einbetten lässt, und seine daraus abgeleitete kritisch-konstruktive Didaktik in Kombination mit den Prinzipien und Arbeitsweisen der handlungsorientierten Medienpädagogik für die eigene Seminarkonzeption nutzbar gemacht. Der bildungstheoretischen Abhandlung folgend, werden im Beitrag das Lehrkonzept und dessen Umsetzung skizziert. Mit Rückgriff auf die seminarbegleitende Evaluation werden schliesslich die Erträge für die universitäre (Medien)Bildung dargestellt.
Possibilities of using ultrasonographic fetal biometry in cats
Authors: GÓRKA ANNA , OCHOTA MAŁGORZATA , NIŻAŃSKI WOJCIECH
Published: December 2020

Ultrasonographic fetal biometry is a technique used in both human and veterinary medicine to predict parturition time and evaluate fetal development. In domestic cats, the parameters that have been examined so far are the inner chorionic cavity diameter (ICC), biparietal diameter (BPD), deep portion of diencephalotelencephalic vesicle (DPTV), femur length (FL), body diameter/abdominal diameter (BD/AD), and eye diameter (ED). The most accurate are ICC and BPD measured in early and late pregnancies. With regard to breed and size differences, there are formulas dedicated to Maine coons. There is a need to develop formulas for other domestic cat breeds and to examine the course of development of more fetal structures.
ENSINO REMOTO DE URGÊNCIA NOS CURSOS DA ÁREA DA SAÚDE DURANTE O DISTANCIAMENTO SOCIAL GERADO PELA PANDEMIA
Authors: Fávero Ana Carolina Dondoni , Parreira Felipe Moura
Published: December 2020

Com o avanço do novo Coronavírus, as restrições exigidas pelo distanciamento social geraram impactos sobre as atividades da população, principalmente sobre as escolas e universidades, que têm experimentado um novo modelo educacional, marcado pela mudança da educação presencial para o ensino on-line. O ensino remoto emergencial traz consigo uma preocupação em relação à carência de fiscalização, podendo comprometer a qualidade do ensino, prejudicando a formação dos futuros profissionais. Este trabalho trata de uma pesquisa de levantamento, utilizando como instrumento de coleta de dados o survey, aplicado em meio digital. A população escolhida foram acadêmicos dos cursos da área da saúde de um Centro Universitário do leste mineiro sujeitos ao ensino totalmente on-line durante o período de pandemia. Após o recebimento das respostas, os dados foram analisados, sendo que, dos resultados obtidos, 72,7% dos estudantes acreditam que o ensino remoto pode ser uma ferramenta complementar ao ensino presencial, enquanto 27,3% acredita que não. Quando questionados se professores estão capacitados para o emprego do ensino remoto, 59% afirmaram que sim, mas 41% acredita que não. Em relação à produtividade, 87,5% dos estudantes afirmaram que as aulas presenciais são mais produtivas que as aulas à distância, enquanto 12,5% acredita que o ensino remoto seja mais produtivo.  Os maiores dificultadores técnicos das aulas on-line foram: internet inadequada (52,4%), local inadequado para assistir às aulas (22,9%) e recursos tecnológicos inadequados (8,5%). Ao serem interrogados sobre seu nível de satisfação com o ensino remoto, as respostas dos acadêmicos variaram desde totalmente satisfeitos a totalmente insatisfeitos. Em virtude dos aspectos observados, depreende-se que o ensino remoto implantado no contexto da pandemia é uma solução imediata que pode continuar sendo empregada junto ao ensino presencial no intuito de enriquecer o crescimento científico e possibilitar maiores acessos.