bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Dickkopf-1 is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated With Immune Infiltrates in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Chaofen , Liu Lina , He Qianyong , Li Yuanyuan , Jiang Jieqing , Chen Yue , Li Xiaomei , Tang Yaxue , Li Yuxin , Zhou Dingan , Jin Feng
Published: September 2021

Background: Head and neck squamous cell carcinoma(HNSCC) has a high level of immune infiltration, and immunotherapy generates new hope to patients with head and neck tumors. It is currently one of the most promising treatments for HNSCC. Previous studies have shown that Dickkopf-1 (DKK1), an inhibitor of Wnt signaling, is related to the prognosis of a variety of tumors. DKK1 is a key mediator of immune activation and is highly associated with tumor progress and tumor microenvironment. However, the association between DKK1 expression and the prognosis of HNSCC and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes is still unknown.Objective: We aim to test the relationship between DKK1 and HNSCC prognosis and tumor infiltrating lymphocytes.Methods:We explored the DKK1 expression differences in multiple tumor tissues and normal tissues via examing TIMER, Oncomine, and UALCAN databases. Then, we searched the Kaplan-Meier database to assess the correlation between DKK1 mRNA levels and clinical outcomes. Subsequently, the TIMER platform and TISIDB website were selected to evaluate the correlation between DKK1 and the level of tumor immune cell infiltration. We used cBioPortal and UCSC Xena database to further explore the reasons for the aberrant expression of DKK1 in tumorigenesis.Results: We found that DKK1 level was significantly elevated in HNSCC tissues compared with normal tissues. The expression of DKK1 is related to the tumor stage, tumor grade, histology, lymph node metastasis and worse clinical prognosis of HNSCC. In addition, DKK1 is negatively correlated with different tumor-infiltrating immune cells in HNSCC. Moreover, DKK1 is closely related to the genetic markers of a variety of immune cells. Also, the prognosis of HNSCC is worse based on the high DKK1 expression of immune cells. Copy number variation (CNV) and DNA methylation may be the cause of abnormal up-regulation of DKK1 in HNSCC.Conclusion: DKK1 can be used as a biomarker for predicting the prognosis and immune infiltration of HNSCC. These results provide us with important clues to better understand the role of DKK1 in the immunotherapy of head and neck tumors from the perspective of bioinformatics.This study provides a theoretical basis for clinical research on the treatment of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma with the DKK1 gene as a target. It may play a major role in advancing the immunotherapy of head and neck squamous cell carcinoma and enhance the therapeutic effect.
Severe Hemolytic Anemia and Acute Renal Failure After Mitral Valve Repair Associated With Non-endothelialization of Artificial Chordae Tendinae: Case Report
Authors: Li Jing , Duan Qun-Jun
Published: September 2021

Background: Mechanical hemolytic anemia and acute renal failure are rare complication sof mitral valve repair.Case presentation: We report a unique case of severe hemolytic anemia and severe acute renal failure after mitral valve repair using artificial chordae tendinae. Conservative therapy including plasmapheresis and blood transfusion was not effective. The major cause of the mechanical hemolysis was mild mitral regurgitation originating from the centre of the valve and striking the annuloplasty ring. The hemolytic anemia resolved gradually after the replacement of mitral valve. The new artificial chordae tendinae was found to be completely non-endothelialized in the surgery. Non-endothelialization of artificial chordae tendinae may also play a role in the genesis of mechanical anemia. Conclusions: The major cause of the mechanical hemolysis was mild mitral regurgitation originating from the centre of the valve and striking the annuloplasty ring. Non-endothelialization of foreign materials might be another mechanism of hemolysis after mitral repair.
Synthesis of thiophenylazolyl pyrrolylsulfamoyl acetamides as potential antimicrobial agents
Authors: Rajeswari Tankam , Sankar Panga Siva , Babu Kayathi Narendra , Padmaja Adivireddy , Padmavathi Venkatapuram
Published: September 2021

A variety of thiophenylazolyl pyrrolylsulfamoyl acetamides were prepared by the reaction of azolylsulfamoyl acetate with pyrrolylamine in the presence of sodium methoxide in methanol under ultrasonication. Chloro, nitro and dinitro substituted thiophenylthiazolyl pyrrolylsulfamoyl acetamides (9d, 9e, 9f) and dinitro substituted thiophenylimidazolyl pyrrolylsulfamoyl acetamide (10f) exhibited potential antibacterial activity against B. subtilis. The compound 9f also displayed prominent antibacterial activity against S. aureus. The compounds 9f, chloro and nitro substituted thiophenylimidazolyl pyrrolylsulfamoyl acetamide (10d, 10e) and 10f exhibited prominent antifungal activity against A.niger.
Baseline MMP expression in periapical granuloma and its relationship with periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment
Authors: Ahmed Muhammad Adeel , Anwar Muhammad Faraz , Ahmed Khalid , Aftab Marziya , Nazim Fizza , Bari Muhammad Furqan , Mustafa Mohammed , Vohra Fahim , Alrahlah Ali , Mughal Muhammad Nouman , Abidi Syed Hani
Published: September 2021

Background

Matrix metalloproteinases (MMPs) catalyzes the degradation of the extracellular matrix components and have a major role in many physiological processes including wound healing. In the current study, we examined the correlation of baseline MMPs 1, 2, 7, and 9 expressions with periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment.
Methods

27 patients aged between 15–57 years presenting with chronic apical periodontitis or chronic apical abscess of an anterior tooth with previously attempted or failed root canal treatment were included in this study. During surgical endodontic treatment, tissue from the periapical lesion sample was collected and used for gross histopathological analysis as well as mRNA expression analysis of MMPs 1, 2, 7, and 9. Patients were recalled for follow-up after 6 and 12 months to evaluate the healing status both clinically and radiographically and healing was correlated with baseline MMP expression.
Results

Out of 27 patients, healing was observed in 15 patients at the end of 6 months, and patients after 12 months. Six patients showed no healing even after 12 months. Analysis of baseline MMP 1, 2, 7, and 9 expression levels with healing status showed the mean relative expression of MMP2 and MMP9 to be considerably increased in the non-healing group as compared to the healing group.
Conclusion

Overexpression of MMP2 and MMP9 may be considered as a potential prognostic biomarker for periapical wound healing after surgical endodontic treatment. However, further studies are desirable to establish its precise relationship with periapical wound healing.
Effects of post oak Quercus Stellata and Smooth Brome Bromus Inermis Competition on Water Uptake and Root Partitioning of Eastern Redcedar Juniperus Virginiana
Authors: Hamati Samia , Medeiros Juliana S. , Ward David
Published: September 2021

Water availability may alter species competitive interactions, resulting in different outcomes as plants compete for available water. Eastern redcedar Juniperus virginiana (hereafter ERC) will likely continue to encroach into new habitats, which will affect soil and water budgets. We designed a greenhouse experiment to investigate changes in water uptake and rooting depths of two-year old ERC saplings in the presence of an invasive grass (Bromus inermis) and a native tree (Quercus stellata). We measured soil moisture content over two growing seasons. When grown together, ERC took up water from the deeper layers (21–40 cm) whereas B. inermis used water from the top layers of the soil (0–20 cm). Similarly, when ERC grew with Q. stellata, ERC took up water from the deeper layers and Q. stellata used water mostly from the top layers. This root partitioning can allow the co-existence of ERC, grasses, and other trees, which can facilitate ERC encroachment into grasslands and woodlands. However, when the three species grew together, we found root overlap between the ERC and Q. stellata. This overlap can affect ERC establishment and encroachment in habitats where grasses and trees co-occur. A major factor that affected ERC performance was higher mortality in treatments with B. inermis than in the ERC-alone or with Q. stellata. This indicates that competition with grasses is a major factor affecting ERC sapling establishment.
Biochemical and molecular mechanisms associated with the effect of Phoenix dactylifera seeds on cyclophosphamide-induced hepato-renal toxicities in mice
Authors: El-Naggar Sabry Ali , Basyouny Mohamed A. , Alqarni Mohammed , Haidyrah Ahmed S. , Amin Samer Ezat , Elwan Mona , Barnawi Ibrahim Omar , El-Said Karim Samy
Published: September 2021

Cyclophosphamide (CTX) causes severe side effects. Phoenix dactylifera L. showed biomedical values. This study aims to address the biochemical and molecular mechanisms of Phoenix dactylifera seeds extract (PDSE) effects on CTX-induced hepato-renal toxicities in mice. Forty male albino mice were divided into four groups: Gp 1 was served as a negative control, Gp2 was injected intraperitoneally (i.p) with PDSE (200 mg/kg) for 30 consecutive days. Gp3 was injected with CTX single dose (200 mg/kg) and Gp4 was injected with CTX then injected with PDSE. Hematological, biochemical, histopathological alterations, and gene expression for pro-inflammatory cytokine were assessed. GC-MS analysis showed the highest percentages of the peak areas were by Ethyl iso-allocholate, 1-Heptatriacotanol, and 9-12-15-Octadecatrienoic acid 2-3-dihydroxypropyl ester. Treatment with PDSE post-CTX-injection ameliorated the hematological, biochemical, and histological alterations by up-regulating the antioxidant biomarkers and downregulating tumor growth factor beta-1 (TGFβ-1), nuclear factor Kappa-beta (NFκ-β), cyclooxygenase-1 (COX-1) genes.
A specific Upregulated lncRNA in Colorectal Cancer Promotes Cancer Progression by Modulating miR-185-5p/CCND2 Axis
Authors: Li Junshu , Ji Yanhong , Chen Na , Wang Huiling , Fang Chao , Yin Xiaonan , Jiang Zhiyuan , Dong Zhexu , Zhu Dan , Jiang Ruiyi , Fu Jiamei , Zhang Hantao , Shi Gang , Cheng Lin , Su Xiaolan , Dai Lei , Deng Hongxin
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAdenomatous polyposis coli (APC) gene mutations were found in most colorectal cancer patients and functioned as an important inducer of tumorigenesis. Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays a crucial role in the pathogenesis of various diseases, including colorectal cancer (CRC). Here we investigated the role of SURC which is specific upregulated in CRC progression. MethodsBased on the previous microarray results, weighted correlation network analysis (WGCNA) and lncRNA-mRNA co-expression network analysis were used to identify a lncRNA (SURC) and found it was specific up-regulated in CRC patients by qPCR and FISH staining. Chromatin immunoprecipitation (ChIP) assay was used to demonstrate the regulatory effect and mechanism of APC mutation on SURC expression. The effects of SURC on proliferation and cell cycle were determined by in vitro and in vivo experiments. Chromatin Isolation by RNA Purification (CHIRP) and luciferase reporter assay were carried out to illustrate the interaction between SURC, miR-185-5p and CCND2.ResultsWe found that SURC was specific up-regulated in CRC, but not in other solid tumor, when compared with normal adjacent tissues. High expression of SURC correlates with poorer disease-free survival and overall survival of CRC patients. Mutated APC protein resulted in stabilization of β-catenin in CRC, which promotes the transcription of SURC via binding to its promoter. Knockdown of SURC impaired CRC cell proliferation, colony formation and CRC tumor growth. Mechanistically, after transcription, SURC was transferred to cytoplasm and inhibits miR-185-5p expression via binding to miR-185-5p and inhibiting the synthesis of miR-185-5p from pri-miR-185-5p, which results in CCND2 expression.Conclusion﻿Collectively, these results indicated that SURC promoted CRC tumor growth via interacting with miR-185-5p and regulating the activity of miR-185-5p/CCND2 axis which would be a novel diagnosis and prognosis prediction target for CRC.
New Resilience Instrument for Family Caregivers in Cancer: A Multidimensional Item Response Theory Analysis
Authors: LIANG MU ZI , TANG YING , CHEN PENG , LIANG JIAN , SUN ZHE , HU GUANG YUN , YU YUAN LIANG , Ye Zeng-Jie
Published: September 2021

Objective: Resilience instruments specific to family caregivers (FCs) in cancer are limited. This study was designed to validate the 10-item Resilience Scale Specific to Cancer (RS-SC-10) in FCs using multidimensional item response theory (MIRT) analysis.Methods: 382 FCs were enrolled from Be Resilient to Cancer Program (BRCP) and administered with RS-SC-10 and 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36). MIRT was performed to evaluate item parameters while Generalized Additive Model (GAM) and Latent Profile Analysis (LPA) were performed to test the non-linear relationship between resilience (RS-SC-10) and Quality of Life (QoL, SF-36).Results: RS-SC-10 retained 10 items with high multidimensional discrimination, monotonous thresholds and its original two-factor structure (Generic and Shift-Persist). Four latent resilience subgroups were identified and a non-linear dose-response pattern between resilience and QoL was confirmed (per-SD increase OR= 1.62, 95%CI, 1.16-2.13, p=0.0019).Conclusion: RS-SC-10 is a brief and suitable resilience instrument for FCs in cancer. The resilience screening of patients and FCs can be performed simultaneously in clinical practice.
Did States With More Social Capital Pre-pandemic Offer Mental Health Protection During the COVID-19 Pandemic? A Cross-sectional View
Authors: Dauner Kim Nichols , Wilmot Neil A.
Published: September 2021

Background: Mental health has declined during the COVID-19 pandemic, and social capital, as a determinant of health, may serve to buffer those declines. Methods: Building from this, we assessed whether pre-pandemic social capital, which included indicators of social trust, civic participation, and the presence of mask mandates affected pandemic mental health, measured as the percent of the population experiencing symptoms of depression and anxiety at the state level. Results: Generalized social trust and state mask mandates were significantly associated with lower levels of depression and anxiety. Conversely, states with greater civic engagement prior to the pandemic experienced more anxiety and depression.Conclusions: Findings suggest that existing social capital, particularly social trust, may protect against anxiety and depression and contribute to community resilience during times of adversity. States should invest in policies and programs that increase social trust.
High expression of AFFs is related to prognosis of acute myeloid leukemia
Authors: chen xi , Yan Qin , Qin Xiang , Liu Jing , Zeng Yan , Long Sili , Liu Wenjun
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAFF family genes (AFF1, AFF2, AFF3, AFF4, AFFs) are closely related to the occurrence, development and prognosis of a variety of tumors, but the relationship between AFFs and acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is still unclear. This study aims to explore the relationship between AFFs and the prognosis of AML by bioinformatics and real time quantitative PCR. MethodsAnalyze the expression of AFFs in AML patients and AML cell lines through ONCOMINE, GEPIA, EMBL-EBI, and CCLE databases, explore the prognostic value of AFFs in AML through the TCGA database,explore Co-expression and functional enrichment analysis of AFFs through the Linkedomics, DAVID and KOBAS database.We collected peripheral blood samples of 24 cases of AML (non-M3 subtype) and 8 cases of benign individuals, and detected the mRNA expression level of AFFs by real-time fluorescent quantitative PCR (clinical data comes from hospitalized medical records). ResultsThe results of multiple data sets showed that the mRNA transcription level of AFF1, AFF2, AFF3, and AFF4 in AML was significantly higher than that of normal people. Among them, the high expression of AFF1, AFF2, and AFF3 was statistically significant (p<0.05). Our clinical data showed that the mRNA expression levels of AFF1 and AFF2 in AML patients were higher than those in the control group (p<0.05). The high expression of AFF1 was significantly negatively correlated with overall survival (OS) (p<0.05), the high expression of AFF2 was significantly positively correlated with OS (p<0.05), and the high expression of AFF3 was not correlated with OS (p>0.05). ConclusionAFF1 and AFF2 are highly expressed in AML. The high expression of AFF1 is significantly negatively correlated with OS, and the high expression of AFF2 is significantly positively correlated with OS, which may become a new target for treatment.
The Prevalence and Pattern of Cannabis Use Among Patients Attending a Methadone Treatment Clinic in Nairobi, Kenya
Authors: Ngarachu Elizabeth Wambui , Kiburi Sarah Kanana , Owiti Frederick R. , Kangethe Rachel
Published: September 2021

Background: Cannabis use during methadone treatment may negatively impact treatment outcomes. The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and pattern of cannabis use among patients attending a methadone treatment clinic in Nairobi, Kenya. Methods: This was a retrospective study of 874 patients on methadone therapy at a methadone maintenance treatment clinic in Nairobi, Kenya from December 2014 to November 2018. Data on sociodemographic characteristics and drug use patterns based on urine drug screens was collected from patient files. Data was analyzed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) for windows version 23.0. Results: Prevalence of cannabis use was 85.8% (95% CI, 83.3 – 88.0) at baseline and 62.7% (95% CI, 59.5 – 65.8) during follow up. A pattern of polysubstance use was observed where opioids, cannabis and benzodiazepines were the most commonly used drugs. The mean age of the patients was 35.3 (SD 9.0) years with majority being male, unemployed (76%), had primary level of education (51.4%) and divorced or separated (48.5%). Cannabis use was associated with dropping out of treatment (p=0.001) and university education was associated with reduced risk for cannabis use OR=0.1 (95% CI, 0.02-0.8, p=0.031). Conclusion: Cannabis use is prevalent among patients attending a methadone treatment clinic in Kenya and is associated with dropping out of treatment. There is a need for targeted interventions to address the problem of cannabis use during methadone maintenance treatment in Nairobi, Kenya.
Defining ICD-10 surrogate variables to estimate the modified frailty index: a Delphi-based approach
Authors: Subramaniam Ashwin , Ueno Ryo , Tiruvoipati Ravindranath , Darvall Jai , Srika Velandai , Bailey Michael , Pilcher David , Bellomo Rinaldo
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThere are currently no validated globally and freely available tools to estimate the modified frailty index (mFI). The widely available and non-proprietary International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, Tenth Revision (ICD-10) coding could be used as a surrogate for the mFI. We aimed to establish an appropriate set of the ICD-10 codes for comorbidities to be used to estimate the eleven-variable mFI.MethodsA three-stage, web-based, Delphi consensus-building process among a panel of intensivists and geriatricians using iterative rounds of an online survey, was conducted between March and July 2021. The consensus was set a priori at 75% overall agreement. Additionally, we assessed if survey responses differed between intensivists and geriatricians. Finally, we ascertained the level of agreement.ResultsA total of 21 clinicians participated in all 3 Delphi surveys. Most (86%, 18/21) had more than 5-years’ experience as specialists. The agreement proportionately increased with every Delphi survey. After the third survey, the panel had reached 75% consensus in 87.5% (112/128) of ICD-10 codes. The initially included 128 ICD-10 variables were narrowed down to 54 at the end of the 3 surveys. The inter-rater agreements between intensivists and geriatricians were moderate for surveys 1 and 3 (κ = 0.728, κ = 0.780) respectively, and strong for survey 2 (κ = 0.811).ConclusionsThis quantitative Delphi survey of a panel of experienced intensivists and geriatricians achieved consensus for appropriate ICD-10 codes to estimate the mFI. Future studies should focus on validating the mFI estimated from these ICD-10 codes.
Person Recognition Using Soft Biometric
Authors: Sriniva Lavanya
Published: September 2021

Global security concerns raised the multiplication of video surveillance devices. Intelligent systems identify the person captured at the different cameras, angles, views, background, and wearing different accessories. Gait is measured at a distance without human cooperation. In this work, gait recognition is increased by concatenating semantic features with traditional features. Combining features are dimensionally reduced and classified using classifiers. This method motivates in future to increase the gait recognition with less false positive detection.
A Review on Carbon Nanotubes (CNT): Structure, Synthesis, Purification and Properties for Modern day Applications
Authors: Taib Nur-Azzah Afifah Binti , Rahman Md. Rezaur , Matin Mohammed Mahbubul , Uddin Jamal , Bakri Muhammad Khusairy Bin , Khan Afrasyab
Published: September 2021

Carbon nanotubes (CNTs), composed of graphene/graphite sheets, have been used since the 1990s and become one of the most important materials owing to its massive applications in energy, environmental and life sciences. In general, there are two types of known CNTs such as single-walled CNTs (SWCNTs) and multi-walled CNTs (MWCNTs). They have broader and novel fields of application in the fabric and textile industries, wastewater treatment, energy storage, and also as structural reinforcement materials. CNTs are reported to synthesize by arc discharge, laser ablation and chemical vapor deposition (CVD) methods where CVD technique is found to be the most versatile and largely used method. In all the methods synthesized CNTs contain various degrees of impurities which are purified by oxidation treatment, ultra-sonication, magnetic purification, etc. CNTs have wide range of industrial applications due to their remarkable mechanical, thermal, electrical, chemical and biological properties. In this review, medical and biomedical applications of CNTs and CNTs-based composites are specially focused due to their significant applications in these fields along with their structure, classification, preparation and related properties. Besides, CNTs’ toxicity and biosafety, especially on the human body, are also discussed in this review article.
The Central Role of Peers Facilitators in the Empowerment of Breast Cancer Patients: A Qualitative Study
Authors: LOGNOS Béatrice , Boulze-Launay isabelle , Million Elodie , Bourrel Gérard , Amouyal Michel , Gocko Xavier , Clary Bernard , Ninot Grégory , Oude-Engberink Agnès
Published: September 2021

Background In 2020, the number of new cancer cases was estimated at 20 490 862 worldwide up from 18.1 million in 2018 and 14.1 million in 2012. Since the 2000s, cancer treatments have significantly improved, allowing either a cure or control of the disease. Patients share their experience of the disease and use supportive care solutions through involvement in patient associations and online forums. All the associations were built on the principle of “peer support,” which is based on mutual aid between people who suffer or have suffered from the same somatic or psychological illness or had the same life experience.This experiential knowledge can be explored to understand the role of peers and associations in the appropriation of their cancer Methods: A qualitative phenomenological study was undertaken through semi-structured interviews with 12 participants. Interviews were audio-recorded, transcribed verbatim, then analyzed by means of triangulation up to the point of theoretical saturation, by a semio-pragmatic method. Results: Four categories emerged: (1) “Transforms a painful experience into a positive one. It mobilizes the human values of sharing, love, and humility, which facilitates resilience”; (2) “The characteristics of the association, a non-medical place between people sharing a common destiny, resonates with patients’ needs and improves their well-being”; (3) “The association transforms the patients’ experiences by facilitating engagement that leads to a patient-expert (empowerment)”; and (4) “Understanding what is happening to them is soothing, reassuring, because patients’ concerns need to be heard ant their care understood”.Conclusions: This study highlights patient associations can serve as the mediator of NPI and facilate the empowerment of breast cancer patient Practice implications: Educating health professionals in initial and continuing education about non-pharmacological interventions will be a major issue. Teaching the patient-centred approach to health professionals is one of the priorities in initial and continuing medical education.
Spinal Cord Injury Causes Prominent Tau Pathology Associated with Brain Post-Injury Sequela
Authors: Nakhjiri Elnaz , Roqanian Shaqayeq , Zangbar Hamid Soltani , Vafaee Manuchehr Seyedi , Mohammadnejad Daryoush , Ahmadian Shahin , Zamanzadeh Selva , Ehsani Ehsan , Shahabi Parviz , Shahpasand koorosh
Published: September 2021

Spinal cord injury (SCI) can lead to neurological impairment with significant functional and cognitive deficits. It is obvious that SCI causes focal neurodegeneration that gradually expands to the other cord areas. On the other hand, it is clear that traumatic brain injuries result in tau protein pathology and profound neurodegeneration. Tau is a microtubule-associated protein, which is highly expressed in neurons, and its abnormalities result in neuronal cell death. Moreover, it is clear that tau pathology spreads in various brain areas upon trauma. Therefore, we herein examined tau pathology in the spinal cord as well as brain samples at various time-points in severe SCI mouse models. We examined the effects of severe SCI on locomotor function, spatial memory, and anxiety/risk-taking behavior. We found a gradual increased tau pathology in the spinal cord as well as brain areas; confirmed by immunostaining and immunoblotting. Moreover, we studied the brain samples with electron microscopy and observed disrupted mitochondria and microtubule structure upon SCI. SCI caused motor dysfunction, memory impairment, and abnormal risk-taking behavior. Importantly, pathogenic cis P-tau elimination with systemic administration of respective monoclonal antibody restored SCI-related pathological and functional consequences. Thus, our finding suggests that SCI results in profound tauopathy, which spreads to brain areas, reflecting brain dysfunction. Moreover, tau immunotherapy with anti-cis P-tau antibody could suppress the pathogenic outcomes in the SCI mouse models, which would have profound clinical implications in the SCI patients.
Strategic alliances for sustainable development: An application of DEA and Grey Theory Models
Authors: Wang Chia-Nan , Nguyen Hoang-Phu , Nhieu Nhat-Luong
Published: September 2021

Sustainable development is a global trend and an economic priority for many nations. Although new energies can be considered good investments in green growth, it may lead to financial barriers to developing countries. The purpose of the study concentrates on an alternative solution that increasing the efficiency performance of current fossil energy industries. The study has combined two models of Data Envelopment Analysis (DEA) and Grey Theory in determining inefficiency units and proposed potential strategic alliances for sustainable development in the Vietnam Coal industry. Besides considering inputs and outputs in the models, the location of coal mines is also a key indicator in recommending good alliances. The results show that the collaborations between Cao Son coal mine and Coc Sau coal mine; between Nui Beo coal mine and Vang Danh coal mine brings the best improvement for sustainable development. The study suggests detailed strategies in action that enterprises and policymakers can refer to apply in practice.
Optimization of a Heliostat Field by Multiobjective Particle Swarm Optimization (MOPSO) Algorithm Based on Energy, Exergy, and Economic Point of Views
Authors: Zhang Huijuan , Bayati Morteza , Ehyaei M. A. , Ahmadi A. , Costa V. A. F.
Published: September 2021

This research is devoted to the energy, exergy, and economic analyses and optimization of a heliostat field. The model of the heliostat solar receiver includes detailed geometric factors related to the optical and thermal losses and efficiencies throughout the year. The main parameters of the thermal performance of this system consist of energy and exergy efficiencies, and economic parameters are investigated. By computing the energy, exergy, and economic analysis tools, they are applied for the analysis of performance, and viability of the system’s operating in Tehran City, including the detailed information of the environmental conditions of that location. For optimization purposes, 7 design variables related to geometric specification of the heliostat field are selected and the related lower and upper bonds are selected. Two target functions considered for the optimization are heliostat field exergy efficiency and payback period. The economic feasibility results of this study reveal that the net present value is 58.84 million US$, the payback period is 6.76 years, and the internal rate of return is 0.16. By considering the MOPSO algorithml, the annual mean exergy efficiency is increased from the 30.9–34.3% while the heliostat field payback period in reduced from the 6.76 to 4.3 years.
Glucose Limitation Sensitizes Cancer Cells to Selenite-Induced Cytotoxic Effect via SLC7A11-Mediated Redox Collapse
Authors: Chen Hui , Zhang Han , Cao Lixing , Cui Jinling , Ma Xuan , Zhao Chong , Yin Shutao , Hu Hongbo
Published: September 2021

Background: Combination of fasting with chemotherapy has been drawn an increasing attention because of the encouraging efficacy. SLC7A11 is frequently over-expressed in most of cancer cells, and elevated expression of SLC7A11 renders cancer cells more susceptible to glucose starvation owing to SLC7A11-mediated redox collapse. Selenite is a representative inorganic form of selenium, and is preferentially accumulated in tumors. This selenophilic peculiarity of cancer cells is closely associated with the elevated expression of SLC7A11. Given the established the link among glucose deprivation, SLC7A11, oxidative stress and selenite, we hypothesized that glucose starvation could specifically sensitize cancer cells to selenite-mediated cytotoxic effect. Methods: The cytotoxic effect of combining selenite with glucose starvation on cancer cell was assessed by crystal violet staining and Annexin V/PI staining. Flow cytometry were employed to assess intracellular ROS levels, labile iron pool and lipid peroxidation. Xenograft models were used to test its in vivo antitumor activity. Commercial assay kit, LC-MS, RNA interference and western blot were applied to investigate the mechanism underlying synergistic effect.Results: It showed that cytotoxic effect of selenite on cancer cells, but not on normal cells, was significantly enhanced in response to the combination of selenite and glucose limitation. Furthermore, in vivo therapeutic efficacy of combining selenite with fasting was dramatically improved in xenograft models of lung and colon cancer. Mechanistically, we found that SLC7A11 expression in cancer cells was up-regulated by selenite both in vitro and in vivo. The elevated SLC7A11 led to accumulation of cystine, depletion of NADPH, and inhibition of cystine to cysteine conversion, which in turn boosted selenite-mediated reactive oxygen species (ROS), followed by enhancement of selenite-mediated cytotoxic effect. Conclusion: The findings of the present study provide an effective and practical approach for increasing the therapeutic window of selenite, and imply that combination of selenite with fasting holds promising potential to be developed a clinically useful regimen for treating certain types of cancer.
Prevalence and associated factors of Female genital mutilation among reproductive age women’s of Wolayita Zone, Southern Ethiopia: a cross-sectional study, 2018
Authors: Anjulo Bargude Balta , Lambebo Amanuel Fanta
Published: September 2021

Background

Female genital mutilation (FGM) is estimated to have been practiced on at least 200 million girls and women in 30 countries around the world. Clitoridoctomy is the most common type of FGM in Ethiopia.
Objectives

The aim of the study was to assess the magnitude of Female Genital Mutilation and associated factors among women’s of Wolayita zone.
Methods

A community-based quantitative cross-sectional study was used. Face-to-face interviews with prepared questionnaires were used to collect data. SPSS version 20 software was used to analyze the data. The prevalence of FGM was determined using descriptive statistics. The researchers utilized a bivariate and multivariate logistic regression model to find independent determinants of FGM.
Result

296 women were circumcised out of a total of 333, indicating that FGM is prevalent in the research area (88.9%). age (AOR-1.86, 95% CI: 0.42–0.98) and support for tradition (AOR: 14.595, 95% CI: 3.391–6.807) were all independently linked to FGM.
Conclusion

An integrated effort administrative and surrounding community intervention to be initiated to alleviate FGM practices through empowering women, discouraging risky factors like traditions; and sensitizing parents, community members and the public focusing on the rejecting of FGM.
Biomolecular Characterization of Bacillus tequilensis A1C1 Isolated from Soil and Chromatographic Analysis of D-serine in its Cellular Fraction
Authors: Kapil Shikha , Bhattu Monika , Kumar Tarun , Sharma Vipasha
Published: September 2021

The bacteria isolated from the pomace dumping soil site (bacteria id A1C1) showed maximum growth (O.D600 = 1.97 ± 0.4 X 109 cells/ml) within 48h in the minimal salt media supplemented with L-serine. The isolated strain was identified as ‘Bacillus tequilensis’ through 16sRNA sequencing. The strain was quantified for D-serine content by using RP-HPLC. The D-serine concentration was calculated as 0.919 ± 0.02 nM in the bacterial cellular fraction by using a standard curve plot and linear curve equation. Further, recovery % was also calculated for the spiked samples which vary from 85–90%. The study’s peculiarity reflects the fact that the isolated strain was explored for the first time to detect the presence of serine enantiomers. The biochemical features also showed 70% similarity to the standard strain Bacillus tequilensis 10bT. The optimum growth parameters were recorded as 37℃±0.5, 150 ± 0.5 RPM, and 7 ± 0.5pH. The strain was Gram-positive and synthesized endospores. Morphological results showed its rod shape, large, irregular, and off-white-coloured colonies. A1C1 was also tested for the production of secondary metabolites and enzymes. A1C1 showed positive results for indole production, lactose fermentation, protease, and gelatinase whereas, negative results for catalase, MR-VP, citrate utilization, cellulase, amylase, and pectinase. Further, the strain was assayed for PGPR attributes and showed a negative phosphate solubilization index and IAA production. The antibacterial assay showed 5% and 2% efficacy of the extracellular fraction against MTCC 40 and MTCC 11949 respectively. These results demonstrate that Bacillus tequilensis A1C1 has antibacterial activity, the potential to secrete extracellular enzymes, and D-serine content in the intracellular fraction of the cultivated cells.
To study the in-vivo efficacy and safety of AYUSH polyherbal formulation among COVID-19 infected Syrian gold hamsters
Authors: Kanchibhotla Divya , Subramanian Saumya , K.R. Hari Venkatesh , reddy Ravi
Published: September 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has infected millions of people around the world and the resulting disease burden has challenged the already stressed healthcare systems globally. Amidst the increasing morbidity rate of SARS-CoV-2, the scientific community is vigorously researching possible remedies targeted against the virus. Natural herbs have a great potency to cure infectious diseases and are vastly unexplored. The present study aims to investigate Ayurvedic herbs in a unique polyherbal formulation, NOQ19, against the SARS-CoV-2 virus in an animal model. A total of 19 female Syrian hamsters were infected with the virus cell culture through intranasal route. 4 out of 19 animals were mock controls, 5 were infection controls, 4 were treated with remdesivir and acted as positive controls and remaining 6 were treated with NOQ19. The hamsters were observed to note body weight reduction and adverse events followed by sacrifice on day 4 after inoculation with the virus. The lung pathology and viral load was studied in each hamster. Results showed a significant reduction of 78.2% in the viral load for the NOQ19 arm, as compared to the infection control. Gross examination of the lung histology of the NOQ19 arm suggested an improvement in edema and congestion compared to the infection control. Also, no adverse events were noticed in NOQ19 hamster group. Therefore, the authors propose NOQ19 formulation as a potential option to be tested further for its efficacy and efficiency against COVID-19.
Ranking of barriers for the internet of things implementation in the E-learning platform
Authors: Yadav Vinay Kumar , Yadav Sanjeev
Published: September 2021

Learning through the Web or training via e-learning is rising exponentially and is gradually preferred by conventional ways of education and training. This massive change is directly related to digital computer technological advancement. The transformation driven by innovation in computer technology has enhanced the reach of e-learning and education, making the process of sharing knowledge easy, clear, and efficient. The E-learning system relies on various success factors from several viewpoints, such as framework, organisational alignment, instructor, and student support. This paper aims to identify the critical barriers to the Internet of Thing implementation in e-learning and to establish a relational relationship between identified barriers using the Interpretive Structural Modelling approach. This paper has established some primary barriers that are useful for Internet of Things implementation in E-learning by research scholars and industrial practitioners. For the study of the driving force and dependency power of the E-learning barrier, Interpretive Structural Modelling methodology was used to classify interrelationships between barriers for improved understanding and relationships between these barriers, and Management Cross Impact Multiplications were conducted to estimate the magnitude of these relationships. Applied to classification analysis, which is used for analysing the driving power and dependence power of E-learning barriers.
Individualized Clinical Target Volume Delineation and Efficacy Analysis in Unilateral Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Treated with Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy (IMRT): 10-Year Summary and Results
Authors: Xie De-Huan , Wu Zheng , Li Wang-Zhong , Cheng Wan-Qin , Tao Ya-Lan , Wang Lei , Lv Shao-Wen , Lin Fei-Fei , Cui Nian-Ji , Zhao Chong , Ma Jun , Huang Shao-Min , Lu Tai-Xiang , Su Yong , Han Ya-Qian
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the long-term local control, failure patterns, and toxicities after individualized clinical target volume (CTV) delineation in unilateral nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) treated with intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT).Methods: Unilateral NPC was defined as nasopharyngeal mass confined to one side of nasopharynx and did not significantly exceed the midline of nasopharyngeal apex/posterior wall. From November 2003 to December 2017, 95 patients with long-term follow-up were retrospectively included. All patients received IMRT. The CTVs were determined based on the distance from the gross tumor, the contralateral parapharyngeal space and skull base orifices were spared from irradiation.Results: There were 3 local recurrence and 8 regional recurrences in 10 patients during 84- month follow-up. All local recurrences were PGTVnx-in-field, and no recurrences in traditional high-risk area including contralateral parapharyngeal space and skull base orifices. The 10-year local-recurrence free survival, regional-recurrence free survival and overall survival were 96.2%, 90.5% and 84.7%, respectively. The dosimetry parameters of the tumor-contralateral organs were all lower than the values of the tumor-ipsilateral side (P < 0.05). The late toxicities occurred mainly in the tumor-ipsilateral organs, including radiation-induced temporal lobe injury, impaired visuality, hearing loss and subcutaneous fibrosis.Conclusion: Individualized CTV delineation in unilateral NPC could yield excellent long-term local control with limited out-of-field recurrences, reduced dose to tumor- contralateral organs and mild late toxicities, which is worthy of further exploration.
Adsorption-regulated precise synthesis of atomically-dispersed bimetallic Fe-Co sites on carbon for electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction
Authors: Zhang Shengbo , Han Miaomiao , Shi Tongfei , Zhang Haimin , Lin Yue , Zheng Xu-Sheng , Zheng Li Rong , Zhou Hongjian , Chen Chun , Zhang Yunxia , Wang Guozhong , Yin Huajie , Meng Guowen , Zhao Huijun
Published: September 2021

The intriguing features of single-atom catalysts (SACs) could bring catalysis into a new paradigm, however, controllably synthesising SACs with desired SA loadings and coordination forms are challenging. Here, we report an adsorption-regulated approach to precisely control the synthesis of bimetallic Fe-Co SAs on carbon. Bacterial cellulose (BC) is utilised as an adsorption regulator to controllably impregnate Fe3+/Co2+ on BC and through carbonisation to anchor Fe-Co SAs on BC-derived carbon via bimetallic [(O-C2)3Fe-Co(O-C2)3] coordination with desired Fe/Co contents and atomic ratios. Under electrocatalytic nitrogen reduction reaction (NRR) conditions, [(O-C2)3Fe-Co(O-C2)3] is operando transformed to [(O-C2)3Fe-Co(O-C)C2] that promotes and sustains NRR performance. A superb ammonia yield of 574.8 ± 35.3 μg h-1 mgcat.-1 with an exceptional faradaic efficiency of 73.2 ± 4.6% are obtained from an electrocatalyst with the highest bimetallic Fe-Co site density. The exemplified synthetic approach would be of generically applicable to controllably anchor SAs on carbon that enables meaningfully investigate and rationally design SACs.
Revealing the scientific root of scratch formation on soda-lime-silica glass surface: Digging deeper into structural modification of glass surface
Authors: Roy Barsheek , Rosin Andreas , Gerdes Thorsten , Schafföner Stefan
Published: September 2021

Scratch formation on glass surfaces is a ubiquitous phenomenon induced by the virtue of plastic deformation, often accompanied by radial, lateral or median cracks with consequent chipping and brittle fracture caused during and after the event of dynamic abrasion instigated by shear stress by another harder material. This paper deals with the fundamental aspect of scratch formation on soda-lime-silica (SLS) glass surfaces. A constructive combination of surface-sensitive characterization tools including field emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), laser scanning microscopy (LSM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Raman spectroscopy and instrumented indentation technique (IIT), helped to investigate the structural cause of generation of visible scratches on SLS glass surfaces. The experimental evidences propose that a silicate network possessing a mechanically-weakening structural characteristic in terms of network connectivity confined to the region between 5 nm and 100 nm below the glass surface, is likely to cause a destructive surface scratch eminently visible to naked eyes.
Sonographic Measurement and Sex Variability of Portal Vein Using US scan in a sample of Sudanese Adults
Authors:   Mohammedelghazali Abuelgassim Elbagir Mustafa1, Mustafa Elbagir , Abdulkarim Mohamed , Awad Khalid A. , Koko Alaa Osman Mohamed
Published: September 2021

Background: Measurements of the normal portal venous dimension in a specified population is so crucial. portal vein can be measured by several methods for assessing different parameters, Computed topography (CT) and sonographic imaging are common examples. The diagnosis of portal hypertension depends on the transverse portal vein diameter (normal diameter from 6-15 mm). The aim of this study is to establish baseline value for the portal vein diameter and assess the correlation with age, gender, weight, height and BMI in Sudanese populations.Methodology: This was a descriptive cross-sectional study that included a sample of Sudanese adults who were requested to have routine abdominal sonographic scanning due to reasons not related to liver or portal vein problems. The study was carried out at the Radiology Department of Qatar Alnada Hospital, Umbadda, Khartoum, Sudan 2020.Results: In this study, 376 participants were included of which more than half were females (56.1%, n=211), while 165(43.9%) were males. The mean age of the participants was 38.12 + 15.57 years. The mean portal vein diameter was 10.79 + 1.27 millimeters. From this study the portal vein diameter varied with age (p value = 0.000), weight (p value = 0.002), height (p value = 0.000) and gender (p value = 0.000). It is not related to BMI (p value = 0.3).Conclusion: This study has revealed that the portal vein diameter has positive correlation with age, gender, height, and weight of the person and has no correlation with the BMI.
PLANOS PGBL E VGBL DE PREVIDÊNCIA PRIVADA: UMA ANÁLISE DO MERCADO BRASILEIRO
Authors: Campani Carlos Heitor , Nascimento Thiago Roberto Dias , Martins Fabio Garrido Leal , De Azambuja Sandro
Published: September 2021

Este estudo analisa planos de previdência privada no Brasil, em especial os conservadores do tipo PGBL e VGBL. Além de discutir características importantes desses planos, foi realizada uma intensiva pesquisa de campo a fim de se levantar condições utilizadas pelo mercado. A pesquisa se utilizou dos planos comercializados pelas 4 maiores seguradoras do setor. Analisamos os benefícios fiscais que tais planos oferecem, bem como as opções de renda disponíveis para o cidadão brasileiro e o que difere um plano PGBL de um plano VGBL. Temos por objetivo auxiliar o cidadão brasileiro na tomada de decisão quanto à escolha de um plano de previdência privada.Mostramos que as condições atuais para a conversão da provisão acumulada em renda não estimulam os participantes a realizá-la, favorecendo a prática de resgates parciais como forma de se obter renda na aposentadoria