bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Solid Mineral to Soil Radioactivity Contamination Index in Selected Mining Sites and their Radiological Risk Indices to the Public
Authors: Agbalagba Ezekiel Oghenenyerhovwo , Chaanda Mohammed S. , Egarievwe Stephen Uloho U.
Published: June 2021

This study examined the radioactivity levels of soil samples within selected solid mining sites in Nigeria using high purity germanium (HpGe) detector. Sixty soil samples in all were collected from the ten solid mineral mining sites investigated and six samples were collected as control samples from non-mining environment for analyses. The results of the activity concentration values obtained for 40K, 226Ra and 232Th are 100.22 Bq kg-1, 33.15 Bq kg-1 and 77.31 Bq kg-1 respectively. The 226Ra and 40K activities were found to be within the United Nation Scientific Committee on the Effects of Atomic Radiation (UNSCEAR) acceptable permissible limit, but the 232Th mean value was above the permissible limit of 30 Bq kg-1 for the public. In comparison, 40K, 226Ra and 232Th soil samples mean activity concentrations were higher than the control soil samples values by 48.6%, 43.7% and 62.3% respectively. The results of estimated radiation hazard indices indicate average values of 150.72 Bq kg-1, 68.40T, 83.65µSvy-1 and 454.70µSvy-1 for the Radium Equivalent (h), iDose Equivalent (AEDE) and Annual Gonadal Equivalent Dose (AGED) respectively. The mean values for External Hazard Indices (Hex, Hin), Representative Gamma index (s) and Excess Life Cancer Risk (ELCR) were 0.41, 0.50, 1.06 and 0.29 x10-3 respectively. The statistical analysis shows positive skewness.
A Simple and Efficient Visible Light Photodetector based on Co3O4/ZnO Composite
Authors: Tahira Aneela , Mazzaro Raffaello , Rigoni Federica , Nafady Ayman , Shaikh Shoyebmohamad F , Al-Othman Asma A. , Alshgari Razan A. , Ibupoto Zafar Hussain
Published: June 2021

Herein, we propose for the first time visible light photodetector based on n-type ZnO nanorods decorated with p-type Co3O4 nanowires. The heterojunction was fabricated on fluorine doped tin oxide (FTO) glass substrate by low temperature aqueous chemical growth method. ZnO exhibits nanorod morphology and cobalt oxide possesses nanowire shape with sharp tail. Energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS) confirmed the presence of Zn, O, and Co elements in the heterojunction. ZnO and Co3O4 have hexagonal and cubic phases, respectively, as confirmed by XRD. The dense and perpendicular ZnO nanorods are acting as a scattering layer for visible light, while Co3O4 nanowires act as a visible-light absorber. The all oxide p-n junction can operate as visible light photodetector. Furthermore, the heterojunction also shows a reproducible and fast response for the detection of visible light. Optimization of the device is needed (presence of buffer layers, tuning a thickness of the optical absorber) to improve its functionalities.
Association Between Systemic Corticosteroid Therapy and Mortality in Critically Ill Patients with Acute Exacerbation of Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Pan Tingyu , Bai Le , Chen Shi , Zhou Kejie , Wang Jing , Li Yehui , Zhang Weizhou , Zhou Xianmei , He Hailang
Published: June 2021

Background

Whether the patients admitted in intensive care unit (ICU) due to acute exacerbation of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (AECOPD) would benefit from systemic corticosteroid treatment remains controversial. In this study, we aim to investigate the relationship between the systemic corticosteroid treatment and mortality in patients with severe AECOPD, using the public Medical Information Mart for Intensive Care III database (MIMIC III).
Methods

The baseline characteristics, laboratory examination and prognosis of AECOPD patients were retrieved from MIMIC III. Multivariate logistic regression was used to analyze the association between systemic corticosteroid treatment and prognosis. Propensity score matching (PSM) was employed to validate our findings.
Results

A total of 882 patients were included in our study, of which 293 patients (33.22%) underwent systemic glucocorticoid (GC) treatment. 30-day mortality was not reduced by treatment with systemic corticosteroid in this study. The adjusted odds ratio (OR) was 1.296 (95% CI: 0.907–1.852, p = 0.155) and 1.243 (95% CI: 0.867–1.782, p = 0.236) in the logistic regression model 1 and model 2 respectively. Similar results were replicated after PSM (OR 1.144, 95% CI: 0.744–1.759, p = 0.541). In the subgroup of patients with initial eosinophil concentration ≥ 0.35%, corticosteroid treatment resulted in worse outcomes compared with non-GC group. The adjusted odds ratio of 30-day mortality and in-hospital mortality for glucocorticoid therapy were 1.691 (95% CI: 1.002–2.855, p = 0.049) and 2.247 (95% CI: 1.218–4.147, p = 0.010) respectively.
Conclusion

Our study observed that Systemic corticosteroid therapy did not improve the mortality of severe AECOPD patients in ICU and aggravated the mortality of patients with high eosinophils. The results need to be verified in randomized controlled trials.
Vision-Related Quality of Life and Psychosocial Well-Being of Patients with Episcleritis and Scleritis: A Neglected Essence ?
Authors: Tamrakar Apurva Ratna , (Sitaula) Ranju Kharel , Joshi Sagun Narayan , Bajracharya Manjita
Published: June 2021

Background: To assess the change in vision-related quality of life and psychosocial well-being of the patients with episcleritis and scleritis patients before and after treatment.Results: This one-and-a-half-year prospective study was conducted among 76 eyes of 71 new patients of episcleritis and scleritis. A structured questionnaire was used to assess the visual and to analyze the change in effect size. The male-to-female ratio was 1:1.536. Episcleritis was seen in 41 cases (57.7%) while scleritis was seen in 30 cases (42.3%). Patients with episcleritis had statistically significant improvement in general function score (GF) (p<0.05) using paired t-test. The effect size showed medium improvement (approximately 0.5). Whereas there was no statistically significant change in psychosocial impact (PI), visual symptoms (VS) scoring, and a total score (p<0.05) using paired t-test. The effect size showed no improvement for PI and total score and small improvement for VS score. Patients with scleritis had statistically significant improvement in general function score (GF), visual symptoms (VS) scoring and total score (p<0.05) using paired-t-test. The effect size showed medium improvement (approximately 0.5) for general function score (GF) and total score. However, the effect size showed only a small improvement (approximately 0.2) for psychosocial impact (PI) score.Conclusions: Vision Related Quality of Life of patients with scleritis showed significant improvement following treatment unlike episcleritis indicating scleritis more adversely affecting psychosocial well-being.
Community Knowledge, Practice and Prevalence of Brucellosis in Livestock owners in Northern Red Sea Region, Eritrea
Authors: Ghebremeskel Efrem , Tesfai Berhe , Kibreab Fitsum , Weldegebriel Samuel , Dawit Abraham , Mekonen Zemui , Milkyas Hagos , Tseghehannes Esayas , Belay Weldeyesus
Published: June 2021

Background: Brucellosis is an infectious zoonotic disease. In the Sub-Saharan Africa, where the prevalence of brucellosis is not clear and the disease has been reported in most parts of Africa including Eritrea. To this date, the level of knowledge and brucellosis status in the livestock owners’ of Northern Red Sea region, Eritrea, was unknown. Therefore, the objective of this study was to evaluate the level of knowledge and practice, and determine the prevalence of brucellosis in livestock owners in the Northern Red Sea region, Eritrea.Methods: It was a descriptive community-based cross-sectional study where villages and households were selected by simple random sampling and systematic random sampling respectively. A total of twenty-nine villages and 22 livestock owners from each village were selected randomly. Blood samples were screened using Rose Bengal plate test and positives further confirmed using competitive enzyme linked immunosorbent assay techniques. Predesigned structured questionnaire was used as data collection tool. A written informed consent was obtained from each study participants. Data were entered into CSPro and analyzed by SPSS software. Results were presented in percent and frequencies.Results: A total of 637 respondents were enrolled in the study with a mean age of 42.96. Respondents were dominated by males (74.9%) and Tigre (73%) in ethnicity. Majority of them were illiterate (55.5%) and 70.5% were farmers. The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in the selected community was found to be 1.8% with the highest prevalence in Gindae (3.9%) followed by Shieb (3.6%) subregion. The comprehensive good knowledge and practice was rated as 58.4% and 10.5% respectively. A significant association was also shown with age, ethnicity, religion, level of education, occupation and subregions of the respondents (p <0.001). Conclusion: The overall sero-prevalence of brucellosis in the livestock owners in the study region was generally low. However, they had lower level of knowledge and very poor practice. Their level of knowledge and practice showed significant association with their age, ethnicity, level of education and sub-regions. Increasing community awareness, introducing Brucella vaccination to animals and strict controlling of selling of unpasteurized milk to the consumers are highly recommended.
Differences of Virulence Factors, And Antimicrobial Susceptibility According To Phylogenetic Group In Uropathogenic Escherichia Coli Strains Isolated From Korean Patients
Authors: Hyun Miri , Lee Ji Yeon , Kim Hyun Ah
Published: June 2021

Background: Escherichia coli is among the most common uropathogens. Increased antibiotic resistance to gram negative bacilli is global concern. Alternative therapeutic options including vaccines against uropathogenic E. coli (UPEC) have been developed. In this study, we compared the genotypic characteristics and antimicrobial susceptibility of UPEC according to phylogenetic groups. Methods: We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of pyelonephritis patients with UPEC between February 2015 and June 2018. We compared the clinical and genotypic characteristics of UPEC according to phylogenetic groups. The phylogenetic groups and 29 virulence factors were identified using multiplex polymerase chain reaction.Results: Phylogenetic group analysis revealed that most uropathogenic E. coli belonged to groups B2 and D: B2 (276, 77.7%), D (62, 17.5%), B1 (12, 3.4%), and A (5, 1.4%). Among the virulence factors, fyuA, fimH, traT, iutA, papG allele II, and papC were the most frequently observed. Phylogenetic group B2 was more closely related to virulence factors, including fimH, sfa/focED, focG, hlyA, cnf1, fyuA, and PAI, than group D. Groups B2 and D showed similar clinical presentations and complications. Group B2 had mostly healthcare-associated infections and antimicrobial resistance. Group D mostly had community-acquired infections. The K1 serotype was prevalent in group B2, and K5 was the most prevalent in group D.Conclusions: Phylogenetic group B2 had more proportions and types of virulence factors than group D. Group B2 showed a high presentation of virulence factors related to adhesions and toxins. An increased presentation of antimicrobial resistance and healthcare-associated infections was also noted. Considering the genetic characteristics of UPEC, alternative therapeutic options targeting frequent virulence factors might be considered in addition to antibiotics.
Lactate Induces Aberration in the miR-30a-DBF4 Axis to Promote the Development of Gastric Cancer and Weakens the Sensitivity to 5-Fu
Authors: Wang Tengkai , Ji Rui , Liu Guanqun , Ma Beilei , WANG ZEHUA , Zuo Xiuli
Published: June 2021

Background: Gastric cancer (GC) is one of the most common malignancies, molecular mechanism of which is still not clear. Aberrant expression of tumor-associated genes is the major cause of tumorigenesis. DBF4 is an important factor in cancers, although there is yet no report on its function and molecular mechanism in GC.Methods: The expression of DBF4 in tumor tissues or cells of GC was detected by RT-PCR and western blotting. Gastric cancer cell line MGC-803 and AGS were transfected with DBF4 siRNA or overexpression vector to detect the function of DBF4 in proliferation and migration with CCK-8 assay, colony formation assay, transwell assay and wound healing assay. miR-30a was found to be the regulator of DBF4 by online bioinformatics software and confirmed with RT-PCR, western blot and dual-luciferase reporter assays.Results: In our study, increased expression of DBF4 in GC tissues was first identified through The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and later confirmed using specimens from GC patients. Furthermore, functional experiments were applied to demonstrate that DBF4 promotes cell proliferation and migration in GC cell lines, moreover weakens the sensitivity of MGC803 and AGS cells to 5-Fu. We further demonstrated that miR-30a showed significantly lower expression in GC cells and inhibited the expression of DBF4 through 3ʹ-UTR suppression. Furthermore, rescue experiments revealed that the miR-30a-DBF4 axis regulated the GC cell proliferation and migration. The important composition in tumor microenvironment, lactate, may be the primary factor that suppressed miR-30a to strengthen the expression of DBF4. Conclusions: Taken together, our study was the first to identify DBF4 as a regulator of cell proliferation and migration in GC. Furthermore, our study identified the lactate-miR-30a-DBF4 axis as a crucial regulator of tumor progression and the tumor sensitivity to 5-Fu, which maybe serve useful for the development of novel therapeutic targets.
Bayesian Variable Selection For High-Dimensional Data With An Ordinal Response: Application Predicting Prognostic Risk Group In Acute Myeloid Leukemia
Authors: Zhang Yiran , Archer Kellie J.
Published: June 2021

Background: Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is a heterogeneous cancer of the blood, though specific recurring cytogenetic abnormalities in AML strongly are associated with attaining complete response after induction chemotherapy, remission duration, and survival. Therefore recurring cytogenetic abnormalities have been used to segregate patients into favorable, intermediate, and adverse prognostic risk groups. However, it is unclear how expression of genes is associated with these prognostic risk groups. We postulate that expression of genes monotonically associated with these prognostic risk groups may yield important insights into leukemogenesis. Therefore, in this paper we propose penalized Bayesian ordinal response models to predict prognostic risk group using gene expression data. We consider a double exponential prior, a spike-and-slab normal prior, a spike-and-slab double exponential prior, and a regression-based approach with variable inclusion indicators for modeling our high-dimensional ordinal response, prognostic risk group, and identify genes through hypothesis tests using Bayes Factor. Results: Gene expression was ascertained using Affymetrix HG-U133Plus2.0 GeneChips for 97 favorable, 259 intermediate, and 97 adverse risk AML patients. When applying our penalized Bayesian ordinal response models, genes identified for model inclusion were consistent among the four different models. Additionally, the genes included in the models were biologically plausible, as most have been previously associated with either AML or other types of cancer. Conclusion: These findings demonstrate that our proposed penalized Bayesian ordinal response models are useful for performing variable selection for high-dimensional genomic data and have the potential to identify genes relevantly associated with an ordinal phenotype.
Effects of Different Concentrations of PM2.5 on the Expression of the Nasal Mucosa, Olfactory Bulb, and Related Inflammatory Factors in Rats
Authors: Jiang Zhiming , Zhao Lina , Li Xiaojia , Wu Zijian , Hu Ling
Published: June 2021

BackgroundAlthough the damaging effect of inhaled smoke on the respiratory system has been widely reported, there are relatively few studies on the effects of inhaled smoke on the nasal mucosa and olfactory bulb. In this study, we observed the activities of adult rats chronically exposed to different concentrations of PM2.5 and analyzed its effects on the olfactory function and the expression of inflammatory factors in the serum, nasal mucosa, and olfactory bulb of rats.MethodsSD rats were randomly divided into normal control, low-smoke, middle-smoke, and high-smoke groups. The groups exposed to different concentrations of PM2.5 smoke were treated with smoke environment intervention for 4 h twice daily for 90 days, while the normal control group was fed routinely,After 90 d,the behavior of in the food-seeking glomeruli of rats was analyzed. The contents of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ in the serum, nasal mucosa, and olfactory bulb of rats were determined by ELISA, and the correlation between them was analyzed. taken for HE staining and TUNEL detection to observe the pathological damage of the nasal mucosa and olfactory bulb.ResultsAfter a series of tests, we found that Long-term exposure to the low, medium, and high concentrations of moxa smoke can cause pathological changes in the nasal mucosa, increase the number of apoptotic cells in the nasal mucosa and olfactory bulb, and increase the expression of IL-1β, IL-6, and TNF-ɑ in the serum, nasal mucosa, and olfactory bulb. Simultaneously,The behavior of the rats also changed. The rats in the medium and high concentrations of moxa smoke searched for food longer, traveled shorter distances and slowed down.ConclusionLong-term exposure to medium and high concentrations of moxa smoke can decrease the olfactory sensitivity of rats.
Cine MR-Based Radiomics to Predict Myocardial Segments With Infarction
Authors: Peng Yongjia , Wang Yan , Wu Kongyang , Luo Yan , Liu Jing , Wang Yixiang , Gong Jingshan
Published: June 2021

Background: Although myocardial infarction (MI) can be assessed quantitatively and qualitatively by using late gadolinium-enhanced (LGE) cardiovascular magnetic resonance (CMR) imaging, intravenous administration of gadolinium can expose patients to high risk of nephrogenic systemic fibrosis, especially in those with cardiovascular diseases. The purpose of this study is to harness cine CMR-based radiomics for predicting MI without introducing gadolinium.Methods: In this retrospective study, we included 48 patients with acute myocardial infarction (AMI) confirmed by later gadolinium enhancement (LGE) at CMR. CMR examinations were performed within 2 to 6 days after PCI. According to the LGE, each myocardial segment was dichotomized into with and without MI. Radiomic features of myocardial segments were extracted from cine CMR images and the myocardial segments were divided into training and validation sets randomly at a ratio of 0.7:0.3. Pearson correlation and Mann-Whitney U rank test were used to eliminate redundant and irrelevant features. A least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) algorithm was used for features selection in the training set. Radiomic signatures were constructed in both the training and validation sets and its predictive performance was assessed using area under the cure of receiver operating characteristic (AUC-ROC).Results：Of 768 myocardial segments in the 48 patients, there were 291 (38%) segments with MI and 477 (62%) segments without MI. After univariate analysis, there were 22 RFs related to MI with statistical significance. LASSO regression selected 18 RFs for radiomics signature builting. AUC-ROC of radiomic signatures in prediction of segments with MI was 0.74(95% CI:0.69-0.78)and 0.68 (95%CI: 0.60-0.75) in the training and validation sets, respectively. The difference was not statistically significant (p=0.14).Conclusion: Cine MR-based radiomics signature can achieve a good prediction performance for MI, which showed the potential to be a promising imaging biomarker for MI without the administration of contrast agent.
Kinetic Modelling of Insitu Treatment of Petroleum Hydrocarbon Contaminated Soil Using Bone Char and NPK Fertilizers
Authors: Okwonna Obumneme O. , Otaraku Ipeghan J.
Published: June 2021

This study investigates the effectiveness of bone char (organic) and NPK (inorganic) fertilizers as stimulants in the degradability of petroleum hydrocarbon contaminants on soil. The Physicochemical properties of the hydrocarbon sludge were used to assess the effectiveness of this process over an 8-week period using 0.5 – 3.5kg mass of each fertilizer at different experiments. A first order kinetic model was used to estimate the rate of degradation of the total hydrocarbon content (THC) and total organic carbon (TOC) contaminants and the half-life of the remediation process. The microbial population within the period was also determined. The P-Value (P<0.05) indicate that these fertilizers were effective in degrading these contaminants on the soil, because of the significant difference between the treated and the control soil samples. A direct relationship was observed between with the mass and performance of the fertilizers. With 3.5 kg mass of the fertilizers, rate constants of 0.018 day-1 and 0.019 day-1 were obtained for the removal of the THC and TOC contaminants, respectively using the bone char fertilizer, whereas NPK fertilizer gave rates of 0.03 day-1 and 0.023 day-1 respectively. The performance of the NPK fertilizer is attributable to its Nitrogen and Phosphorous content. The model adequately described the process and showed the effectiveness of both fertilizers in the remediation process.
Detection of Cell Membrane Interactions with Lipid-functionalized Single-walled Carbon Nanotubes
Authors: Kallmyer Nathaniel , Eeg Danielle , Khor Rachel , Roby Nathan , Reuel Nigel
Published: June 2021

Membrane-active molecules are of great importance to drug delivery and antimicrobials applications. While the ability to prototype new membrane-active molecules has improved greatly with the advent of automated chemistries and rapid biomolecule expression techniques, testing methods are still limited by throughput, cost, and modularity. Existing methods suffer from feasibility constraints of working with pathogenic, living cells and by intrinsic limitations of model systems. Herein, we demonstrate an abiotic sensor that uses semiconducting single-walled carbon nanotubes (SWNT) as near infrared fluorescent transducers to report membrane interactions. This sensor is comprised of SWNT aqueously suspended in a phospholipid monolayer; these SWNT probes are very sensitive to solvent access (changes in permittivity) and thus report morphological changes to the membrane by modulation of fluorescent signal where binding and disruption are reported as brightening and attenuation, respectively. This mechanism is first demonstrated with chemical and physical membrane-disruptive agents including ethanol, sodium dodecyl sulfate, and application of electrical pulses. Known cell-penetrating and antimicrobial peptides are then used to demonstrate how the dynamic response of these sensors can be deconvoluted to evaluate different, parallel mechanisms of interaction. Lastly, SWNT functionalized in several different bacterial lipopolysaccharides (P aeruginosa, K pneumoniae, and E coli) are used to evaluate a panel of known membrane-disrupting antimicrobials to demonstrate that drug selectivity can be assessed by suspension of SWNT with different membrane materials.
Design, Synthesis and Biological Evaluation of Morpholinated Isatin-Quinoline Hybrids as Potential Anti-Breast Cancer Agents.
Authors: Singh Atamjit , Kaur Komalpreet , Kaur Jaspreet , Gulati Puja , Duggal Amit , Bedi Preet Mohinder Singh
Published: June 2021

Keeping in view the emerging need of potent and safer anti-breast cancer agents as well as pharmacological attributes of isatin, quinoline and morpholine derivatives, novel hydrazone linked morpholinated isatin-quinoline hybrids has been designed, synthesized and evaluated as anti-breast cancer agents. Synthesized hybrid compounds were preliminary screened against two breast cancer cell lines (MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231). Almost all synthetics showed potent inhibitory potential against hormone positive MCF-7 cells while inactive against hormone negative MDA-MB-231 cells. Potent compounds were further evaluated against L929 (noncancerous skin fibroblast) cell line and found highly selective for MCF-7 cells over L929 cells. Cell cycle analysis confirmed that most potent compound AS-4 (MCF-7: GI50 = 4.36 µM) cause mitotic arrest at G2/M-phase. Due to higher selectivity toward estrogen receptor alpha (ERα) dependent MCF-7 cells various binding interactions of AS-4 with ERα are also streamlined, suggesting the capability of AS-4 in completely blocking ERα. Overall study suggest that, AS-4 can act as a potential lead for further development of potent and safer anti-breast cancer agents.
Advantage and Disadvantage of Global and Local Climate Datasets on Modeling Species Distribution at Continental and Landscape Scales
Authors: Liao Chi-Cheng , CHANG Chi-Ru , CHEN Yi-Huey
Published: June 2021

Species distribution model based on global and local climate datasets were hypothesized to have advantages on projecting distribution range at continental and landscape scales, respectively. Random Forest (RF) and principle components analysis (PCA) aimed to project potential distribution range and to construct climate space of Bretschneidera sinensis in continental East Asia (CEA) and northern Taiwan (NTWN) based on the WorldClim and local climate datasets. Geographical extent of the endangered species at continental scale was available to be projected by RF based on the WorldClim dataset, whereas RF had projected bias map that presented gridded squares at edges of the potential distribution range. At landscape scale, projection map of RF in NTWN based on the WorldClim dataset presented gridded distribution far from empirical distribution pattern, while that based on local climate dataset presented a distribution pattern relevant to elevation and topography. PCA had revealed climate differentiation between continental and island populations. Evidently, local climate dataset had reflected climate heterogeneity at landscape scale and is essential for identifying local adaptation of island population at geographical margin of the endangered species. However, huge number of gridded cells generated from local climate interpolation method for projecting potential distribution range at landscape scale is not available to expand geographical extent to continental region. Global climate dataset has the advantage on modeling geographical extent of plant species at continental scale, while local climate dataset used for modelling species distribution enables conservationists to delineate reliable conservation areas in fragmented natural habitats at landscape scale.
Early Pedunculated Colorectal Cancer with Nodal Metastasis: A Case Report
Authors: Kondo Hiroka , Ogawa Shimpei , Ohki Takeshi , Bamba Yoshiko , Kaneko Yuka , Koshino Kurodo , Nakagawa Ryosuke , Tani Kimitaka , Maeda Fumi , Aihara Hisako , Tokito Fumiaki , Fujikawa Shuji , Yamamoto Tomoko , Nagashima Yoji , Inoue Yuji , Itabashi Michio , Yamaguchi Shigeki
Published: June 2021

Background: Among early colorectal cancers, pedunculated polyps have a higher complete resection rate than non-pedunculated cases and rarely require additional surgery. However, this time, we experienced a case of pedunculated colorectal cancer, which was histologically poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma. Lymphatic invasion was also found, so additional intestinal resection was performed and nodal metastasis was found.Case presentation: A 43-year-old woman underwent colonoscopy because of positive fecal occult blood. A 20 mm-sized pedunculated polyp was found in the descending colon, and endoscopic resection was performed. Histopathological examination revealed non-solid poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma, invading to the submucosa (3,500 μm from the muscularis mucosae) with lymphatic invasion. In spite of its early stage cancer, the risk of nodal metastasis was considered to be high, and bowel resection was additionally performed. Although there was no residual cancer in the site after endoscopic resection, a metastasis was found in one regional lymph node. The patient is undergoing postoperative adjuvant chemotherapy. There was no evidence of recurrence after three months after the additional surgery. Conclusions:　 For pedunculated polyps, additional bowel resection was performed for patients with multiple risk factors for nodal metastasis such as poorly differentiated adenocarcinoma and positive lymphatic invasion. Then, we experienced a case of nodal metastasis, so we report it with a review of the literature.
Environmental Risk Assessment of Industrial by-product Gypsum Utilized in Filling Abandoned Mine
Authors: Du XueHong , Li Xiangdong , Feng Qiyan , Meng Lei , Sun Yue
Published: June 2021

This paper conducts sequential batch extraction experiments on phosphorus gypsum, titanium gypsum and desulfurized gypsum to explore their leaching characteristics and evaluate the hazards of the three types of gypsum. In addition, COMSOL Multiphysics is used to numerically solve the filling models of the three gypsum materials and the patterns of migration of metal elements in gypsum are observed. The result show that the leaching concentration of metal elements of the three gypsums is much lower than the leaching toxicity identification standard, so none of the three have the characteristics of leaching toxicity, and they are not classified as hazardous solid wastes; phosphorus gypsum and FGD gypsum are easier to release metal elements under low pH conditions, while the release of metal elements in titanium gypsum is not obvious under acidic conditions; the simulation results show that the diffusion concentration of metal elements increases with the passage of time, and its migration ability decreases with the increase of depth. The three gypsums can be considered as filling material for abandoned mines. During the filling process, the diffusion rate, diffusion distance and final concentration of metallic elements in gypsum are all affected by the initial concentration.
Moderate Consumption of Healthy Nordic Foods is Associated with Reduced Mortality in the Norwegian Women and Cancer Study: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Jensen Torill , Braaten Tonje , Jacobsen Bjarne Koster , Skeie Guri
Published: June 2021

BackgroundHigh adherence to healthy Nordic diets may enhance longevity. However, optimal intake levels of healthy Nordic foods are not known. Hence, in a large prospective cohort of women in Norway we examined all-cause mortality in relation to intake of five food groups that are part of a healthy Nordic diet: Nordic fruits and vegetables, fatty fish, lean fish, wholegrain products, and low-fat dairy products. MethodsA total of 87 899 women who completed a food frequency questionnaire between 1996 and 2004 were followed for mortality until the end of 2018. Cox proportional hazards regression models were used to examine the associations between consumption of the Nordic food groups and all-cause mortality. The food groups were examined as categorical exposures, and all but wholegrain products also as continuous exposures in restricted cubic spline models.Results A total of 9 168 women died during the 20-year follow-up. Nordic fruits and vegetables, fatty fish and low-fat dairy products were not linearly associated with mortality (p < 0.05). The optimal intake levels and hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI) associated with these intakes were approximately 200 grams/day of Nordic fruits and vegetables (HR 0.84 (95% CI: 0.77–0.90)), 10–20 grams/day of fatty fish (HR 0.98 (95% CI: 0.92–1.03)) and 200 grams/day of low-fat dairy products (HR 0.94 (95% CI: 0.89–0.99)) compared to no consumption. High consumption of fatty fish (≥ 70 grams/day) was associated with increased mortality. Intake of wholegrain products of >120 grams/day was associated with lower mortality (HR 0.92 (95% CI: 0.85–0.99)) compared to < 60 grams per day. Lean fish consumption was not associated with mortality. After stratification by smoking status, the observed association for Nordic fruits and vegetables was only significant in ever smokers with the optimal intake level at 250 grams/day (HR 0.78 (95% CI: 0.71-0.86)).Conclusion Moderate intake of healthy Nordic foods seems to be better than low or high intake, and high consumption either does not add any beneficial effects or can compromise longevity. Stronger inverse associations for Nordic fruits and vegetables were observed in former and current smokers.
Synthesis, characterization of Co1-xNixAl2O4 Spinel system and catalytic role in the synthesis of dihydropyrimidinone
Authors: Vaz Teotone , Naik Pranav P. , Fernandes Janesline , Salgaonkar Lalitprabha , Hasolkar Snehal S.
Published: June 2021

In the present investigation, Spinel systems with chemical composition Co1 − xNixAl2O4 (x = 0.0, 0.25, 0.5, and 0.75) have been successfully synthesized by the co-precipitation citrate precursor technique. The phase formation, crystal structure, and impurity check were confirmed by X-ray powdered diffraction (XRD) and Fourier transforms infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy technique. The particle size estimation was done using a transmission electron microscope (TEM). Investigation of magnetic behavior and parameters such as saturation magnetization (MS), coercivity (HR), and retentivity (MR) was done using a vibrating sample magnetometer (VSM). The catalytic activity of prepared spinel systems was explored for the one-pot synthesis of dihydropyrimidinone derivatives. The catalytic product was identified by comparison of melting point and the spectral data (FTIR).
Migraine Patients Had Lower Covid-19 Phobia and PCL-5 Scores During Lockdown Period
Authors: Aktan Çile , Toptan Tuğçe , Utku Çisem , Belen Hayrunnisa Bolay
Published: June 2021

Background: To examine the impact of the lockdown period of the pandemic on COVID-19 phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder in migraine patients.Methods: A total of 73 patients, including 39 migraine and 34 controls, completed the study during the lockdown period. The patients were evaluated by using Structured Headache Questionnaire, PCL-5 and COVID -19 Phobia Scale via the telephone-based telemedicine method.Results: Migraine patients had significantly lower scores in all subgroups of the COVID-19 Phobia Scale (mean = 42.33 ± 12.67) than those in the healthy control group (mean = 52.88 ± 13.18). PCL-5 scale scores in migraine patients were significantly lower (mean = 27.18 ± 14.34) compared to the healthy controls (Mean = 34.03 ± 14.36). Migraine attack frequency decreased or did not change in 67% of the patients during the lockdown period.Conclusion: Acute stress response to an extraordinary situation such as a pandemic may be more controlled in migraine patients, yet specific phobia and post-traumatic stress disorder have been reported more frequently in patients with migraine under normal life conditions. We interpreted that the life- long headache associated stress may generate tendency to a resilience and resistance to extraordinary traumatic events in migraine patients.
Model of Prediction of Gas Emission based on Gas Content Uncertainty in Coal Mine using Geostatistical Simulation and Monte Carlo Method
Authors: Rahimi Shokofe , Ataee-pour Majid , Madani Hasan
Published: June 2021

It is very difficult to predict the emission of coal gas before the extraction, because it depends on various geological, geographical and operational factors. Gas content is a very important parameter for assessing gas emission in the coal seam during and after the extraction. Large amounts of gas released during the mining cause concern about adequate airflow for the ventilation and worker safety. Hence, the performance of the ventilation system is very important in an underground mine. In this paper, the gas content uncertainty in a coal seam is first investigated using the central data of 64 exploratory boreholes. After identifying the important coal seams in terms of gas emission, the variogram modeling for gas content was performed to define the distribution. Consecutive simulations were run for the random evaluation of gas content. Then, a method was proposed to predict gas emission based on the Monte Carlo random simulation method. In order to improve the reliability and precision of gas emission prediction, various factors affecting the gas emission were investigated and the main factors determining the gas emission were identified based on a sensitivity analysis on the mine data. This method produced relative and average errors of 2% and 0.57%, respectively. The results showed that the proposed model is accurate enough to determine the amount of emitted gas and ventilation. In addition, the predicted value was basically consistent with the actual value and the gas emission prediction method based on the uncertainty theory is reliable.
Effect of BaO-CaO-SiO2 addition on dielectric and electrocaloric properties of lead-free 0.2Ba(Ti0.9Sn0.1)O3-0.8Ba(Zr0.18Ti0.82)O3 bulk ceramics
Authors: dandan Zhang , Zhang Xiuli , LI XingJia , LIANG Zhu , XU Haisheng , LV Zhaoyue , SANG XiaoDong , LI SaiSai
Published: June 2021

In recent years, compared with traditional refrigeration technology, the electrocaloric refrigeration technology has been applied in variety of green cooling devices due to its high efficiency and environmentally friendly. Recent findings reveal that the ceramics system with additives (such as, LiBiO2, PbO) can create large ECE under low electric field. In this work, the ternary glass BaO-CaO-SiO2 (BCS) was used as a sintering aid to enhance the electrocaloric (EC) response of 0.2Ba(Ti0.9Sn0.1)O3−0.8Ba(Zr0.18Ti0.82)O3(BZSnT20) bulk ceramics. The EC properties of BZSnT20 could be also improved via controlling sintering temperature and the content of BCS sintering aid. It was found that BZSnT20 with 0.5wt% BCS show the maximum EC response of 3.2K under 7MV/m with sintering temperature of 1262℃. These results demonstrated that the ECE of BZSnT20 can be boosted by using appropriate additives, which provides an effective route to realize large ECE under low electric fields.
A Novel and Open-Source Application for Vasculature Dataset Analysis and Visualization
Authors: Bumgarner Jacob , Nelson Randy
Published: June 2021

Vascular networks can dictate and indicate states of health and disease. Structural analyses of these networks can facilitate improved understanding of disease states. Recent advances in preclinical imaging techniques and segmentation software have led to the generation of large-scale vasculature datasets. However, these advances have not been accompanied by the development of modernized, open-source analysis software packages. Here we describe VesselVio, an application developed to analyze and visualize pre-segmented 2D and 3D vasculature datasets. Vasculature datasets can be loaded and analyzed with custom parameters to extract numerous quantitative whole-network and individual segment features. Visualization of results and accuracy inspections can be conducted using the interactive visualization tool. The utility and compatibility of VesselVio is demonstrated via the analysis of 3D inferior colliculus segmentations from female and male mice as well as the analysis of 2D retinal fundus images of control, glaucomatous, and diabetic retinopathy patients.
The association of vaccination and the incidence of new cases of COVID-19 among health care workers, December 16, 2020 through May 4, 2021
Authors: Akhrass Fadi Al , Reynolds Nina , Akhrass Christina Al , Dawahare James , Raj Rishi , Green Gregory , Hom Richard
Published: June 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is the virus that causes the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This highly transmissible and pathogenic virus has caused a significant threat to health care workers (HCW) as well as human health and public safety. Several studies have shown the value and effectiveness of messenger ribonucleic acid (mRNA) vaccines (mRNA) protecting HCWs from symptomatic or asymptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infections. New research is needed to demonstrate the effectiveness of vaccines where the follow-up periods are more extended than prior research. This study uses a "real-world" cohort of HCWs and provides insight into the effectiveness of the mRNA vaccines against HCWs with symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection. Symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection occurred in 5 fully vaccinated HCWs and 124 unvaccinated HCWs (incidence rate, 4.14 vs. 95.53 per 100 000 person-days, respectively, incidence risk ratio (IRR), 0.0433 [95% CI, 0.018-0.1]). Receipt of the authorized mRNA vaccines was associated with a significantly lower incidence of symptomatic SARS-CoV-2 infection for a median follow-up of 139 days. Ways to enhance complete vaccination and, subsequently, optimal immunity is required to lift masking restrictions in the health care settings.
Bronchoscopic biopsies with radial endobronchial ultrasonographic navigation in the diagnosis of tuberculosis and mycobacteriosis in patients with peripheral lung masses
Authors: Shabalina I. Yu. , Zaytseva A. S. , Popova A. I. , Larionova E. E. , Lovacheva O. V. , Ergeshov A. E.
Published: June 2021

The objective of the study: to evaluate the effectiveness of diagnosis of tuberculosis and mycobacteriosis in bronchobiopsy specimens obtained during navigation by radial endobronchial ultrasonography (rEBUS) in patients with peripheral lung lesions without bacterial excretion.Subjects and methods. A retrospective analysis of the diagnostic effectiveness of bronchoscopic examination with biopsies was carried out in 179 patients (75 men and 104 women) suffering from pulmonary tuberculosis or mycobacteriosis without bacterial excretion; peripheral lung lesions had been visualized by computed tomography (CT). The patients were divided into two groups: 93 underwent bronchoscopy with biopsies with rEBUS navigation, 86 underwent bronchoscopy with classical biopsies and preliminary CT navigation. Each patient underwent multiple biopsies, at least one fluid biopsy (bronchoalveolar lavage or bronchial lavage), and one tissue biopsy (transbronchial lung biopsy or brush biopsy). Specimens collected by all types of bronchobiopsy were sent for microbiological and cytological tests, specimens of pulmonary transbronchial biopsy were additionally sent for histological examination.Results. The diagnosis of tuberculosis was verified by bronchobiopsy in 106 (67.5%) of 158 patients with tuberculosis, but statistically significantly more often in the group with rEBUS navigation versus the group without it – 81.9% (68/83) versus 50.7% (38/75), respectively (pχ2 < 0.01). The diagnosis of non-tuberculous mycobacteriosis was verified by bronchobiopsy in 13 (61.9%) of 21 patients, in the group with rEBUS navigation – in 80.0% (8/10) patients, in the group without it – in 45.5% (5/11) (pφ > 0.05). The use of rEBUS navigation while collecting bronchobiopsy specimens made it possible to increase the etiological verification of tuberculosis using the following microbiological methods: microscopy – from 14.7 to 49.4% (pχ2 < 0.01), molecular genetic – from 41.3 to 72.3% ( pχ2 < 0.01), culture (Bactec MGIT960) – from 44.0 to 67.5% (pχ2 < 0.01) The greatest enhancement of diagnostic effectiveness was achieved in the specimens of bronchoalveolar lavage and bronchial lavage – from 33.3 to 71.1% (pχ2 < 0.01) and in brush biopsy specimens – from 25.6 to 57.6% (pχ2 < 0.01).
Family Functioning, Expressed Emotion and Quality of Life in Adolescents with Early Onset Schizophrenia Spectrum and Affective Psychotic Disorders
Authors: Ropi Stavroula , Kolaitis Gerasimos , Zaravinos-Tsakos Foivos , Androutsos Christos , Dafoulis Vaios , Belivanaki Maria , Tzavara Chara , Rotsika Vasiliki , Christogiorgos Stylianos
Published: June 2021

Background:

Quality of family functioning and levels of parental Expressed
Emotion (criticism, hostility, or emotional overinvolvement) are prospectively
associated with the course and outcome of a range of childhood psychiatric disorders.

Aims:

This study examined family functioning, expressed emotion and quality of
life, in a clinical sample of 40 adolescents presenting with schizophrenia spectrum
or affective psychotic disorders.

Methods:

Expressed Emotion was measured using the Family Questionnaire,
family functioning using the Family Assessment Device and Quality of life using
the KIDSCREEN 27.

Results:

Parents scored high on both parts of the Family Questionnaire, the Critical
Comments and Emotional Over-involvement. Higher Expressed Emotion was
associated with more emotional difficulties of both parents, especially depressive
features. Economic difficulties of the family were found to be negatively associated
with the adolescents’ psychological wellbeing.

Conclusion:

Overall, the study points out the need for appropriate family
interventions, which will assist the caregivers in developing communication and
problem-solving strategies and will contribute to the reduction of high levels of hostile
or critical expressed emotion and emotional over-involvement within the family.
Engellaria (Caryophyllaceae), un nuevo género norteamericano segregado de Stellaria
Authors: Iamonico Duilio
Published: June 2021

Antecedentes y Objetivos: Stellaria tradicionalmente incluye 150-200 especies principalmente distribuidas en las regiones templadas de Eurasia y América del Norte. Estudios moleculares mostraron que Stellaria es polifilética e incluye aproximadamente 120 especies. El género tiene una alta variabilidad fenotípica que ha llevado a desórdenes nomenclaturales lo que dificulta la identificación de las diversas especies. Se presenta una nota sobre un taxón actualmente aceptado bajo el género Stellaria -Stellaria obtusa- que debe reconocerse como un género separado, aquí propuesto como Engellaria gen. nov.Métodos: El trabajo está basado en la revisión de especímenes de herbarios americanos y europeos y en el análisis de la literatura.Resultados clave: Datos moleculares disponibles muestran que Stellaria obtusa no está incluida en el clado Stellaria s.s., pero que es basal a otro clado que comprende los géneros Honckenya, Schiedea y Wilhelmsia. Stellaria obtusa, por lo tanto, fue comparada con estos tres grupos y con los miembros apétalos morfológicamente similares de Stellaria s.s. (S. crispa, S. media, S. pallida y S. irrigua). Los resultados obtenidos conducen al reconocimiento de S. obtusa como un nuevo género monotípico norteaméricano separado. Se propone una clave diagnóstica de los miembros apétalos pertenecientes a los géneros americanos de Caryophyllaceae. Finalmente, los nombres Stellaria obtusa y Stellaria washingtoniana (= S. obtusa) se lectotipifican basado en especímenes depositados, respectivamente, en UC (isolectotipos en GH, NY y YU) y GH (isolectotipos en BM, CAN, CAS, CS, DOV, F, GH, K, MIN, MSC, NY, US y VT), respectivamente. Para el nombre Alsine viridula (= S. obtusa) el holotipo se encontró en USA (isotipos en CAS, F, GH, NY, OSC, RM y UC).Conclusiones: Stellaria obtusa no pertenece al género Stellaria. El presente estudio muestra cómo el uso combinado de datos morfológicos y análisis filogenéticos ayudó a aclarar la posición taxonómica de grupos de plantas difíciles, como Stellaria.
Новые гетерогенные наноструктурные катализаторы на основе наночастиц переходных металлов и гексагонального нитрида бора
Authors: Конопацкий А.С. , Фаерштейн К.Л. , Волков И.Н. , Лейбо Д.В. , Калинина В.В. , Гольберг Д.В. , Штанский Д.В.
Published: June 2021

Structure and catalytic activity of the novel heterostructured FePt/h-BN nanomaterials in carbon monoxide oxidation reaction were studied. Transmission electron microscopy, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy and X-ray diffraction methods were used for structure and surface chemical composition investigation. Developed materials were demonstrated to have enhanced catalytic activity with 100% CO conversion at 250 °C. Structure ordering in FePt nanoparticles was observed during thermal activation of the material.