bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Catalytic Activity of a Sulfonated Aluminum-Based Metal-Organic Framework: Design of Oleic Acid Esterification With Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Gecgel Cihan , Turabik Meral
Published: March 2021

In this study, the synthesis of MIL-53(Al) (Material Institute Lavoisier, MIL) material, which is an aluminum-containing metal-organic framework (MOF) and generally produced using the solvothermal method was carried out by microwave method at different synthesis times (30-180 min) and temperatures (120-180 °C). In order to improve the catalytic activity of the MIL-53(Al), it was functionalized by applying sulfonation process and SO3-MIL-53(Al) material was also provided. It has been observed that the changing in the synthesis time and temperature cause changes in the morphologies, surface areas and thermal resistance. The highest surface area value was obtained as 1256.3 m2/g at 180 °C-180 min synthesis condition. MIL-53(Al) and SO3-MIL-53(Al) were investigated as catalysts for the esterification of the oleic acid with methanol by designing response surface methodology (RSM). The SO3-MIL-53(Al) catalyst provided higher conversion of oleic acid to ester than MIL-53(Al) as 97.2% and 65.9%, respectively.
Enhanced Linear and Non Linear Optical Activity of Lead Onto L-Threonine Cadmium Acetate Crystal
Authors: M Abila Jeba Queen , Bright K.C. , Delphine S. Mary , Udhaya P. Aji
Published: March 2021

Herein, we describe the growth and characterization of new crystal lead doped L-Threonine cadmium acetate (LTCA). The supramolecular coordination compounds are crystallized by slow evaporation technique at ambient temperature. The X-ray diffraction techniques confirm monoclinic crystal system and the presence of lead onto the LTCA lattice. L-Threonine amino acids have the unique properties like zwitter ionic nature and molecular chirality, which improves the optical properties of the crystal. The linear optical parameters such as optical band gap and refractive indexes are estimated from Uv-Vis analysis. The variation of dielectric constant, dielectric loss with frequency is studied using LCR meter. Due to the electropositive character of lead the static permittivity increases. Magnetic behavior changes to paramagnetic nature due to the inclusion of lead. TG/DTA analysis suggests, the crystal is thermally stable up to 135.32°C. Using Nd-YAG laser the NLO property was studied and the crystal shows higher SHG efficiency than the LTCA crystal.
Using Deep Learning to Predict Microvascular Invasion in Hepatocellular Carcinoma Based on Dynamic Contrast-enhanced MRI Combined with Clinical Parameters
Authors: Song Danjun , Wang Yueyue , Wang Wentao , Wang Yining , Cai Jiabin , Zhu Kai , Lv Minzhi , Gao Qiang , Zhou Jian , Fan Jia , Rao Shengxiang , Wang Manning , Wang Xiaoying
Published: March 2021

Purpose Microvascular invasion (MVI) is a critical determinant of the early recurrence and poor prognosis of patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Prediction of MVI status is clinically significant for the decision of treatment strategies and the assessment of patient’s prognosis. A deep learning (DL) model was developed to predict the MVI status and grade in HCC patients based on preoperative dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) and clinical parameters.Methods HCC patients with pathologically confirmed MVI status from January to December 2016 were enrolled and preoperative DCE-MRI of these patients were collected in this study. Then they were randomly divided into the training and testing cohorts. A DL model with eight conventional neural network (CNN) branches for eight MRI sequences was built to predict the presence of MVI, and further combined with clinical parameters for better prediction.Results Among 601 HCC patients, 376 patients were pathologically MVI-absent, and 225 patients were MVI-present. To predict the presence of MVI, the DL model based only on images achieved an area under curve (AUC) of 0.915 in the testing cohort as compared to the radiomics model with an AUC of 0.731. The DL combined with clinical parameters (DLC) model yielded the best predictive performance with an AUC of 0.931. For the MVI grade stratification, the DLC models achieved an overall accuracy of 0.793. Survival analysis demonstrated that the patients with DLC-predicted MVI status were associated with the poor overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS). Further investigation showed that hepatectomy with the wide resection margin contributes to better OS and RFS in the DLC-predicted MVI-present patients.Conclusion The proposed DLC model can provide a non-invasive approach to evaluate MVI before surgery, which can help surgeons make decisions of surgical strategies and assess patient’s prognosis.
A Simple Method to Handle Non-response Bias in School Surveys on Drug Use
Authors: Legleye Stéphane , Beck François , Spilka Stanislas
Published: March 2021

Background: Studies have proved the positive link between truancy and substances use in school surveys. In spite of this, no adapted weighting treatment is generally provided; even when the share of missing and truant pupils is high, and all drug use estimates are biased downward. The necessary data can be collected: on one side, individual current drug use and past episodes of absence and truancy of the respondents; on the other, the count of the presents and absents the day of the survey, including truants, in each class. However, the nature of these data prevents any classical modelling of the survey response without additional assumptions. Methods: We review one method proposed in 2002 by Guttmacher and al. that uses only the individual data and propose two methods that combine both kind of data and in which we can distinguish or not between truancy and legitimate absence. We apply them to the French release of the 2015 Espad survey (European survey project on alcohol and other drugs). The theoretical number of pupils was n=7166; 981 were absent (including 359 truants), while 178 were discarded because of the poor quality of their questionnaires and 6007 were considered final respondents. Assumptions, point estimates and variances are compared. Results: Guttmacher’ method is not conceptually valid and can lead to irrelevant corrections with high variances. Our estimate of cannabis regular use is 8.6% (std=0.75) instead of 7.7% (std=0.67), that is a non-response bias of circa 14%. Conclusion: The proposed approach relies on simple and plausible assumptions; it is preferable to any speculative consideration about the magnitude of the underestimation yielded by the classical weighting procedures. Survey designers should evaluate and discuss the potential bias of their surveys and eventually correct it.
A Chemical Probe Based on the PreQ1 Metabolite Enables Transcriptome-wide Mapping of Binding Sites
Authors: Balaratnam Sumirtha , Rhodes Curran , Bume Desta , Connelly Colleen , Lai Christopher , Kelley James , Yazdani Kamyar , Homan Phil , Incarnato Danny , Numata Tomoyuki , Schneekloth Jay
Published: March 2021

The role of metabolite-responsive riboswitches in regulating gene expression in bacteria is well known and makes them useful systems for the study of RNA-small molecule interactions. Here, we study the PreQ1 riboswitch system, assessing sixteen diverse PreQ1-derived probes for their ability to selectively modify the riboswitch aptamer covalently. For the most active probe, a diazirine-based photocrosslinker, X-ray crystallography and gel-based competition assays demonstrated the mode of binding of the ligand to the aptamer, and functional assays demonstrated that the probe retains activity against the full riboswitch. Transcriptome-wide mapping using Chem-CLIP revealed a highly selective interaction between the bacterial aptamer and the small molecule. In addition, a small number of RNA targets in endogenous human transcripts were found to bind specifically to PreQ1, providing evidence for candidate PreQ1 aptamers in human RNA. This work demonstrates a stark influence of linker chemistry and structure on the ability of molecules to crosslink RNA, reveals that the PreQ1 aptamer/ligand pair are broadly useful for chemical biology applications, and provides insights into how PreQ1 interacts with human RNAs.
Development of a Novel Selective Medium for Culture of Gram-negative Bacteria
Authors: Al-blooshi Shooq Yousef , Latif Mustafa Amir Abdul , Sabaneh Nour K. , Mgaogao Michael , Hossain Ashfaque
Published: March 2021

Objective: Although many bacterial culture media are commercially available, there is a continuous effort to develop better selective media for bacteria, which cannot be grown on existing media. While exploring antibacterial properties of clove, we observed that it has the potential to selectively inhibit growth of certain types of bacteria. This led us to do the experiments which resulted in developing the media which selectively allowed the growth of only Gram-negative bacteria, while inhibiting the Gram-positive bacteria. Results: Mueller Hinton Agar (MHA) was used as the base media and was modified to develop MHA-C15 (MHA containing 15 % volume / volume water extract of clove). Different Gram-negative bacterial pathogens including Escherichia coli, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Salmonella typhimurium and Pseudomonas aeruginosa grew on MHA-C15. However, none of the major Gram-positive bacterial pathogens such as Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, Streptococcus pyogenes, Streptococcus mutans, Bacillus spp. and Enterococcus spp. grew on it. Taken together, these findings show that MHA-C15 is a newly developed selective media for culture of Gram-negative bacteria.
The Effect of Melissa Officinalis Syrup on Patients With Mild to Moderate Psoriasis: a Randomized, Double-blind Placebo-controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Yargholi Alireza , Shirbeigi Leila , Rahimi Roja , Mansouri Parvin , Ayati Mohammad Hossein
Published: March 2021

Objective: Psoriasis is an immune-mediated inflammatory skin disease. It can involve any body skin area, particularly the scalp, lower back, elbows, and knees. There are several topical and systemic therapies for the treatment. Nowadays, herbal medicines are popular treatments for dermatologic conditions. This two-arm parallel, randomized placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted to examine the hypothesis of the efficacy of Melissa officinalis syrup on patients with mild-to-moderate Plaque psoriasis.Result: Among 100 patients, ninety-five participants completed the trial and five of them withdrew. The mean pruritus intensity and PASI scores decreased significantly in the intervention group compared to the placebo group (P<0.001). The DLQI score in the intervention group increased post-treatment compared to pre-treatment (P= 0.029); however, there was no significant difference between the intervention and control group at the end of the study (0.065). Trial registration The trial was registered in the Iranian registry of clinical trials on November 9th, 2019 (https://www.irct.ir/trial/43434 ; registration number: IRCT20191104045326N1).
Current Obesity Was Associated with Hypertension in Children Born Very Low Birth Weight
Authors: Limratchapong Chompoonut , Nuntnarumit Pracha , Paksi Wischuri , Pirojsakul Kwanchai
Published: March 2021

Objectives: Previous studies from the developed countries showed that children born very low birth weight have a higher risk of hypertension compared with that of the normal birth weight controls. However, studies regarding the prevalence of hypertension in such children from the developing countries are scarce. This study aimed to identify the perinatal and postnatal factors associated with hypertension in children born very low birth weight.Results: Forty-six children aged ≥ 6 years from the VLBW cohort of Ramathibodi Hospital, Bangkok, Thailand underwent the ambulatory blood pressure monitoring. The prevalence of hypertension was 15.2% (7/46). The hypertension group had a significant higher BMI z-score at 3 years of age (0.90 ± 1.44 vs -0.45 ± 1.47, P = 0.045) and a greater proportion of current obesity (42% vs 2.5%, P < 0.01) compared to those in the normotensive group. Multivariate analysis revealed that current obesity was associated with hypertension (OR 20.5, 95%CI 1.07-391.5). Among 36 children with normal office blood pressure, four children (11.1%) had high blood pressure uncovered by ABPM, so-called “masked hypertension”. Office systolic blood pressure at the 85th percentile was the greatest predictor for masked hypertension with a sensitivity of 75% and a specificity of 81.2%.
Health Service Experiences and Preferences of Frail Home Care Clients and Their Family and Friend Caregivers During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Weeks Lori E. , Nesto Sue , Hiebert Bradley , Warner Grace , Luciano Wendy , Donelle Lorie
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveThe COVID-19 pandemic has brought about a major upheaval in the lives of older adults and their family/friend caregivers, including those utilizing home care services. In this article, we focus on results from a qualitative component added to a pragmatic randomized controlled trial that focuses on the experiences of our study participants during COVID-19. A total of 29 participants responded to the COVID-19 related questions focused on their health services experiences and preferences from March-June 2020 including 10 home care clients and 19 family/friend caregivers in the provinces of Ontario and Nova Scotia, Canada. ResultsMany participants were affected drastically by the elimination or reduction of access to services, highlighting the vulnerability of home care clients and their caregivers during COVID-19. This took an emotional toll on home care clients and increased the need for family/friend caregiver support. While many participants expressed reduced desire to utilize residential long-term care homes, some caregivers found that passive remote monitoring technology was particularly useful within the COVID-19 context. Our results provide important insights into the ways the older adults and their caregivers have been affected during the COVID-19 context and how to better support them in the future.
High Carbohydrate Intakes May Predict More Inflammatory Status Than High Fat Intakes in Pre-Menopause Women With Overweight or Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Karimi Elmira , Yarizadeh Habib , Setayesh Leila , Sajjadi Seyyedeh Forough , Ghodoosi Nasim , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveUntil now, studies on the association between dietary carbohydrate and fat intakes and inflammation have indicated conflicting results. We evaluated the association of fat and carbohydrate intakes with inflammatory markers in pre-menopause women with overweight or obesity.RESULTS360 women with BMI ≥ 25 participated in this study. The levels of monocyte chemoattractant protein-1 (MCP-1) indicated a significantly increasing trend across tertiles of total dietary carbohydrate (P=0.048). We found that the levels of galectin-3 were negatively associated with dietary carbohydrate in adjusted model (β= -0.28, P=0.04). In addition, the levels of MCP-1 and transforming growth factor beta (TGF-β) were positively correlated to carbohydrate amount in the diet (β= 0.23, P=0.002 and β= 0.29, P=0.002 for MCP-1 for crude and adjusted models, respectively, β= 0.57, P=0.03 and β= 1.23, P=0.003 for TGF-β for crude and adjusted models, respectively). No significant relationship was observed between inflammatory parameters and total fat intake (P>0.05). However, there was borderline significant negative association between total fat intake and TGF-β level in adjusted model (β= -0.95, P=0.05). Therefore, high carbohydrate diet may increase inflammation in women with obesity. To achieve similar results, it is necessary to perform more observational and clinical trial studies in this issue.
Interactions between Caveolin 1 polymorphism and the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND) diet on Metabolic dyslipidemia in overweight and obese adult women: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Khatibi Nasim , Mirzababaei Atiyeh , shiraseb farideh , Abaj Faezeh , koohdani Fariba , Mirzaei Khadijeh
Published: March 2021

Objective: A higher incidence of metabolic dyslipidemia (MD) and its association with many diseases attracted considerable attention to its control. Caveolin 1 (CAV1) is a known gene associated with obesity. Today, a novel diet recognized as the Mediterranean and Mediterranean-DASH Intervention for Neurodegenerative Delay diet (MIND( is reported to have a positive effect on overall health. Hence, we aimed to investigate the interactions between CAV1 polymorphism and MIND diet on the MD in overweight and obese patients.Results: Remarkably, there was a significant interaction between the MIND diet and CAV1 rs3807992 for dyslipidemia (β=-0.25±132, P=0.05) in the crude model. Whereby, subjects with dominant alleles had a lower risk of dyslipidemia and risk allele carriers with higher adherence to MIND diet may exhibit the lower dyslipidemia.This study presented the CAV1 gene as a possible genetic marker in recognizing people at higher risks for metabolic diseases. It also indicated that using the MIND diet may help in improving dyslipidemia through providing a probable interaction with CAV1 rs3807992 polymorphism.
Cesarean Section and Its Correlates Among Early Child Bearing Women in Nepal
Authors: Bhandari Aliza K C , Adhikari Ashmita , Shrestha Mijjal , Rahman Mahbubur
Published: March 2021

Objective: To examine the factors associated with cesarean section among early child bearing women in Nepal.Results: Out of 4006 women of reproductive age group from 1996 to 2016, more than 50% had early pregnancy. The population-based cesarean section (CS) rate was about 10% [95% confidence interval: (8.9-11.6)]. Our logistic regression model showed that women with early child bearing had 32% (p-value <0.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.50- 0.94) less chance of having CS than women of age group 19-29 years. It was also evident that poorest women of same age group had 66% less likelihood of having CS than the richest (p-value: <0.05, 95% confidence interval: 0.29-0.99). Similarly, women from province-1, province-3 and province-4, having complete four antenatal check-ups and delivering in a private institution were associated with CS among early child bearers.
Potential prognostic value of PD-L1 and NKG2A expression in Indonesian patients with skin nodular melanoma
Authors: Saputro Ridwan Dwi , Rinonce Hanggoro Tri , Iramawasita Yayuk , Ridho Muhammad Rasyid , Pudjohartono Maria Fransiska , Anwar Sumadi Lukman , Setiaji Kunto , Aryandono Teguh
Published: March 2021

Objective

Biomarker mRNA levels have been suggested to be predictors of patient survival and therapy response in melanoma cases. This study aimed to investigate the correlations between the mRNA expression levels of PD-L1 and NKG2A in melanoma tissue and clinicopathologic characteristics and survival in Indonesian patients with primary nodular melanoma.
Results

Thirty-two tissue samples were analyzed. Upregulated PD-L1 was associated with shorter overall survival (hazard ratio: 2.930; 95% confidence interval: 1.011–8.489, p = 0.048) compared with patients with normoregulated PD-L1. A significant positive correlation was found between the expression levels of PD-L1 and NKG2A (rs: 0.768, p < 0.001). However, no clinicopathologic associations with PD-L1 and NKG2A mRNA levels were statistically proven. Comparison with other studies suggested that the choice of adjuvant therapy and the presence of TILs affect the prognostic role of PD-L1 expression. NKG2A was not proven to be an independent predictive factor but may become an adjunct target for therapy. The strong correlation between PD-L1 and NKG2A suggests that anti-PD-1 and anti-NKG2A agents could be effective in patients with PD-L1 upregulation. The combination of the mRNA levels of these two target genes may provide a novel prognostic and therapeutic direction for immunotherapy.
Impact of COVID-19 pandemic on athletes with disabilities preparing for the Paralympic Games in Tokyo
Authors: Urbański Piotr , Szeliga Łukasz , Tasiemski Tomasz
Published: March 2021

Objective

The main aim of the study was to assess the impact of COVID-19 pandemic on athletes preparing for the Tokyo 2021 Paralympic Games during the lockdown period in Poland. The study involved 166 athletes, members of either the Polish Paralympic Committee or the Polish Sports Association for the Disabled ’Start’, two organizations responsible for managing and regulating sports played by persons with disabilities in Poland.
Results

Athletes with disabilities have been strongly affected by the pandemic and the resultant lockdown, which limited or prevented their participation in training sessions and possibly hampered their future sport performance during the Tokyo 2021.
Changes and Drive Mechanism of Climate Extremes During Recent 60 Years in Qilian Mountains, Northwestern China
Authors: Li Zongjie , Lv Yue Ming , Li Zongxing , Lingling Song
Published: March 2021

A interesting study of analyzing the temporal and spatial characteristics and the reason change of extreme climate indexes based on the daily precipitation and temperature data of 24 meteorological stations in Qilian Mountains from 1961 to 2017. The results showed that the interannual change of the warming index of extreme temperature was similar to that of the cold index of extreme temperature. All daily indexes of extreme precipitation except CWD passed the significance level test of 5%. All daily indexes of extreme precipitation except for CDD in Hexi inland river basin, Qaidam inland river basin and Yellow river basin showed an increasing trend. However, the increasing extent of CWD, R10MM, R20MM and R25MM in Yellow river basin was lower than that of Qilian Mountain. The warming range of the four indexes (TX10, TN10, TXN and TNN) decreased from south to north. The spatial distribution of PRCPTOT, SDII, RX1DAY, RX5DAY, R95 and R99 was similar in the Qilian Mountains. The central part of the Qilian Mountains was the area with larger increasing region, and the increase region decreased from inside to outside. TX10, TN10, ID, FD showed a significant negative correlation with altitude, while TXN, TNN showed a significant positive correlation with altitude. The changes of TX10, TN10, TXN, TNN, ID, FD and DTR were the most obvious in the high altitude area (> 2500m), and the changes of TN90, TX90, TXX, TNX and GSL were the most obvious in the low altitude area (< 2500m). Qilian Mountains, Hexi inland river basin and Qaidam inland river basin were greatly affected by the AMO, NTA, CAR, SCSSMI, SAMSMI and were slightly affected by the Nino4, NAO, NP, SOI, AO, MEI. Extreme precipitation days indexes of Yellow river basin is highly correlated with AO and SCSSMI. The effect of the circulation index of Atlantic multidecadal Oscillation, Tropical Northern Atlantic Index, Tropical Southern Atlantic Index, North Tropical Atlantic SST Index, Caribbean SST index on the extreme temperature warm index was stronger than that of extreme temperature cold index.
Fusion Energy: On the track of a different philosophy and solution
Authors: Ferro Joao
Published: March 2021

When two (or more) nuclei fuse, to form a heavier element, energy is released. The mechanism is known, at least to some degree. And the actual technological development on the subject has been introducing applications in many areas. Even so, there are some challenges before we can be able to provide energy by an appropriated fusion process: high needs of power, plasma confinement issues, heavy equipment, etc.
The present idea intends to show a different view. The author calls in a broad sense, Conceptual Thesis, and it has the Natural Language as principal tool. The author either explicitly or implicitly discusses the space-time fabric, double-slit experiment, and other concepts like non-duality. A nano-apparatus draft with the purpose to be in the scope of a near future research, closes the picture.
Uptake of evidence by physicians: De-adoption of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents after TREAT trial showed they are ineffective and unsafe
Authors: Vu Khoa , Zhou Jiani , Everhart Alexander , Desai Nihar , Herrin Jeph , Jena Anupam , Ross Joseph , Shah Nilay , Karaca-Mandic Pinar
Published: March 2021

Variation in de-adoption of ineffective or unsafe treatments is not well-understood. We examined de-adoption of erythropoiesis-stimulating agents (ESA) in anemia treatment among patients with chronic kidney diseases (CKD) following new clinical evidence of harm and ineffectiveness (the TREAT trial) and the FDA's revision of its safety warning. We used an interrupted time series approach to estimate changes in use of epoetin alfa (EPO) and darbepoetin alfa (DPO) in the commercial and Medicare Advantage (MA) and Medicare fee-for-service (FFS) populations. We also examined how changes in both trends and levels of use were associated with physicians’ characteristics. Study cohort included patients with CKD stages 3 to 5 during 2007-2015. Use of DPO and EPO declined over the study period. There were no consistent changes in DPO trend across insurance groups, but the level of DPO use decreased right after the FDA revision in all groups. The decline in EPO use trend was faster after the TREAT trial for all groups. Nephrologists were largely more responsive to evidence than primary care physicians. Differences by physician's gender, and age were not consistent across insurance populations and types of ESA.
Hydrogen Sulfide Reduces Renal Ischemia-Reperfusion Injury by Enhancing Autophagy and Reducing Oxidative Stress
Authors: Li Hui , Wang Shuaiwei , An Shuangshuang , Gao Biao , Teng Tieshan , Wu Dongdong , Li Yanzhang
Published: March 2021

Background
Renal ischemia-reperfusion injury (IRI) is a major cause of acute kidney injury. Hydrogen sulfide (H2S) exerts a protective effect in renal IRI. The present study was carried out to investigate the effects of exogenous H2S on renal IRI by regulating autophagy in mice.
Methods
Mice were randomly assigned to control, IRI, and NaHS (28, 56 and 100 µmol/kg) groups. Renal IRI was induced by clamping the bilateral renal pedicles for with non-traumatic arterial clamp for 45 min and then reperfused for 24 h. Mice were administered intraperitoneally with NaHS 20 min prior to renal ischemia. Sham group mice underwent the same procedures without clamping. Serum and kidney tissues were harvested 24 h after reperfusion for functional, histological, oxidative stress, and autophagic determination.
Results
Compared with the control group, the concentrations of serum creatinine (Scr), blood urea nitrogen (BUN), and malondialdehyde (MDA), the protein levels of LC3II/I, Beclin-1, and P62, as well as the number of autophagosomes were significantly increased, but the activity of superoxide dismutase (SOD) was decreased after renal IRI. NaHS pretreatment dramatically attenuated renal IRI-induced renal dysfunction, histological changes, MDA concentration, and p62 expression in a dose-dependent manner. However, NaHS increased the SOD activity and the protein levels of LC3II/I and Beclin-1.
Conclusions
These results indicate that exogenous H2S protects the kidney from IRI through enhancement of autophagy and reduction of oxidative stress. Novel H2S donors could be developed in the treatment of renal IRI.
The Effects of Insulin Therapy on Mothers’ Blood Pressure and Weight in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sun Tiange , Meng Fanhua , Zang Shufei , Li Yue , Zhang Rui , Yu Zhiyan , Huang Xinmei , Wang Fang , Zhang Liwen , Liu Jun
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe primary mechanism of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was insulin resistance. Effects of insulin as the first - line medicine for GDM women was blurring. This work aims to investigate influences of insulin therapy on GDM mothers. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study recruited 616 GDM women with lifestyle intervention (diet and physician alone) and 92 GDM women with insulin therapy. Comparing the differences of variables (BMI, blood pressure, gestational weight gain, the incidence of macrosomia and so on) between GDM women with insulin and with lifestyle alone with univariate analysis. Employed paired sample test to evaluate the changes of BP from the time of intervention to one week before delivery, and used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between insulin therapy and gestational hypertension (GH).ResultsThere were no significant differences in delivery mode, newborn weight and the incidence of macrosomia between GDM women with insulin and with lifestyle alone. Insulin therapy slightly increased mothers’ weight despite there were no significant statistically differences in the rate of excessive weight gain comparing to the intervention of lifestyle alone which was attributed to short - term administration (about 12 weeks). In addition, the injection of insulin remarkably enhanced the incidence of gestational hypertension (GH). furthermore, the effect still existed after matching the time of insulin therapy, and from starting insulin usage to delivery systolic blood pressure significantly elevated 6mmHg (vs 4mmHg lifestyle alone, P = 0.529) and diastolic blood pressure 9mmHg (vs 5mmHg lifestyle alone, P = 0.032). Correlation analysis implied blood pressure near the delivery had significant positive correlation with BMI, 1 hour blood glucose, HbA1c, area under the blood glucose curve and gestational weight gain. Logistic regression analysis with enter selection confirmed that insulin therapy was an independent risk factor for the development of GH.ConclusionsThis work suggested that insulin therapy for short - term usage might slightly increase mothers’ weight, but had the marked risk of raising mothers’ BP, especially DBP.
No beneficial effect on survival but with a decreased postoperative adverse events for robotic surgery in patients with rectal cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lei Xiong , Yang Lingling , Huang Zhixiang , Shi Haoran , Zhou Zhen , Tang Cheng , Li Taiyuan
Published: March 2021

Aim

To compare the oncologic outcomes in patients with rectal cancer receiving robotic vs. laparoscopic surgery.
Methods

The clinical data of patients with rectal cancer receiving robotic surgery (Robot group, n = 317) or laparoscopic surgery (Laparoscopy group, n = 224) were collected for outcomes assessment. The primary endpoints were the survival outcome. The secondary outcomes were postoperative adverse events and pathologic characteristics.
Results

Patients in the Robot group have significantly shorter operation time (163.6 ± 41.1vs.190.6 ± 52.5min), shorter time to 1st gas passing [2(1)vs.3(1)d] and shorter hospital day [7(2)vs.8(3)d], compared to those in Laparoscopy group (P < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of urinary retention short- and long term in Robot group is significant lower than in Laparoscopy group (1.9% vs. 10.7%; 0.6% vs. 4.0%, P < 0.05, respectively). TNM stage II and III was more frequently observed in the Robot group than that in the Laparoscopy group (94.3% vs. 83.5%), whereas stage I was more common in the Laparoscopy group than in the Robot group (5.7% vs. 16.5%). No significant difference in the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were observed in Robot group and Laparoscopy group at 1-, 3- and 5-year. By a multivariable-adjusted analysis, the robotic surgery was not an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS.
Conclusions

A beneficial effect on survival of the robotic surgery for rectal cancer could not be demonstrated. However, the robot is a feasible surgical procedure due to the decreased postoperative adverse event.
Emergency treatment of ophthalmologic diseases during the first phase of SARS-CoV2 pandemic in a tertiary referral center in Germany – the COVID-DETOUR questionnaire study
Authors: Ehlken Christoph , von Medem Constantin , Lüdemann Maya , Kirsch Anna Maria Barbara , Roider Johann Baptist
Published: March 2021

Background:During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need of treatment of urgent ophthalmological diseases and the possible risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection had to be weighed against each other. In this questionnaire study, we aimed to analyze potential barriers and patients’ health beliefs during and after the lockdown early 2020 in a tertiary referral center in Kiel, Germany.Methods:Patients admitted for the treatment of urgent ophthalmic diseases between March 1st, 2020, and June 3rd, 2020, were asked to participate in a questionnaire study. After informed consent was obtained, patients were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire which addressed aspects of their medical history, their health beliefs concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and barriers on their way to the treatment center. The study group was subdivided into two subgroups, depending on the occurrence of their symptoms, before and after the lockdown was ended on April 20th, 2020.Results:Ninety-three patients were included, 43 in subgroup A (before April 20th) and 50 in subgroup B (April 20th or later). Retinal disorders were most common (approximately 60%), with retinal detachments being the most singular reason for admission. Only 8 patients (8.6%) experienced a delay between their decision to visit a doctor until the actual examination. Every fourth patient was afraid of a COVID-19 infection, and expected a higher likelihood for an infection at the hospital. Patients with comorbidities tended to be more likely to be afraid of an infection (correlation coefficient 0.183, p=0.0785) and were significantly more likely to be concerned about problems with organizing follow-up care (corr. coefficient 0.222, p=0.0328). Higher age was negatively correlated with fear of infection (corr. coefficient -0.218, p-value 0.034).Conclusion:In this questionnaire study, only a minority of patients indicated a delay in treatment, regardless of whether symptoms occurred before or after the lockdown before April 20th. While patients with comorbidities were more concerned about infection and problems during follow-up care, patients of higher age – who have a higher mortality – were less afraid. Protection of high-risk groups should be prioritized during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Trial registration:The study was registered as DRKS00021630 at the DRKS (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) before the conduction of the study on May 5th, 2020.
Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Gas Tamponade for Myopic Foveoschisis
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Yu Yanping , Dai Dongshu , Liu Wu
Published: March 2021

Background

We evaluated the effect of vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade for myopic foveoschisis (MF),and analysed prognosis with different gas tamponade.
Methods

Retrospective, non-randomized study. The records of patients with MF treated by vitrectomy, were reviewed. Patients were followed up postoperatively mean 16.74 months, to record changes of Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT).
Results

62 eyes (59 patients) were analysed in total, with mean age of 55.29 ± 10.34 years, 49 females (83.1%). Foveoschisis completely resolved in all eyes at least 6 months post vitrectomy, except for two postoperative full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). Final BCVA improved significantly from 0.69 ± 0.39 to 0.44 ± 0.42 logMAR, and CFT from 502.47 ± 164.78 to 132.67 ± 52.26 µm. Patients were subdivided into three subgroups based on the different endotamponades used (C3F8, C2F6, and air). Baseline BCVA, baseline CFT and foveal detachment (FD) were not significantly different among the three groups. Eyes treated with air tamponade had better visual outcomes than eyes with C3F8 tamponade (P = 0.009). Baseline BCVA and FD were significant risk factors for postoperative BCVA (P<0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively).
Conclusions

Vitrectomy with ILM peeling and gas tamponade results in good functional and anatomic outcomes in the treatment of MF. Good vision and no-FD pre-surgery are related with good visual prognosis. Air tamponade can provide faster visual recovery and reduce postoperative complications, compared with expansive gas.
Novel and naturally derived Hydroxyapatite/cellulose nanofibre/curcumin biocomposite for tissue engineering applications
Authors: S Sridevi , S Ramya , L Kavitha , Dhanaraj Gopi
Published: March 2021

Hydroxyapatite (HAp) based composite materials are attaining increasing interest as a potential therapeutic agent for tissue engineering application. In the present study, HAp based composite material is synthesized from biowaste in a cost effective way. Fish bone derived HAp is combined with a cellulose nanofibre (CNF) and curcumin (Cur) as a composite for enhanced thermal, biological and mechanical properties. The HAp/CNF/Cur composite is prepared with different concentrations of CNF (1–3.wt%) and Cur (0.5–1.5 wt%), respectively. Different characterization techniques like Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and thermal gravimetric (TGA) analysis were engaged to assess the functional groups, phase composition, morphology, elemental composition and thermal analysis of the composite. The mechanical strength of the composite is examined using Vickers micro-hardness test. In addition, antibacterial nature of the composite is evaluated against negative and positive bacteria. The viability of human osteosarcoma MG 63 cells over the composite is studied at different concentrations of 1, 3, 7, 10 and 15 µg for 24 h of incubation. Overall, the present investigation shows that the as-synthesized HAp/CNF/Cur composite with enhanced thermal, mechanical and biological properties will be a prospective aspirant for tissue engineering therapeutics.
A Novel Tumor Suppressor ASMTL-AS1 Regulates the Mir-1228-3p/SOX17/Β-Catenin Axis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sun Jie , Li Xiaohua , Yu Enqiao , Liu Jianxia , Sun Liang , He Qin , Lu Qiran
Published: March 2021

Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer that lacks effective therapeutic targets. There is a significant need to clarify its pathogenesis, so as to bring new targeted approaches for TNBC management. Here, we identified a long-non coding RNA (lncRNA) ASMTL-AS1 that linked to TNBC development and progression. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays were used to test gene and protein levels, respectively. The regulatory axis of miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin was determined by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. In vivo assay was conducted by using the nude mice model via subcutaneous transplantation of tumor cells.Results: ASMTL-AS1 was significantly downregulated in TNBC tissues compared to normal tissues, which was closely associated with aggressive clinical features and unfavorable prognosis. Lentivirus-mediated ASMTL-AS1 overexpression evidently inhibited TNBC cell colony formation, viability and invasion. RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-1228-3p was the downstream target of ASMTL-AS1, ASMTL-AS1 increased SOX17 expression via sponging and repressing miR-1228-3p. Subsequently, the upregulated SOX17 trans-suppressed β-catenin expression, resulting in the inactivation of carcinogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby restraining TNBC cell growth and dissemination. Importantly, the xenograft tumor model showed that the ASMTL-AS1/miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin regulatory axis was indeed existed in vivo.Conclusion: Our data characterize a novel tumor suppressor in TNBC, restoration of ASMTL-AS1 may be a candidate therapeutic intervention for TNBC patients.
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss among migrant workers in Kuwait
Authors: Buqammaz Mariam , Gasana Janvier , Alahmad Barrak , Shebl Mohammed , Albloushi Dalia
Published: March 2021

Background–Although the effect of hearing loss on years lived with disability (YLD) is quite substantial, occupational hearing loss among migrant workers is significantly under-studied. In Kuwait, where nearly two-thirds of the population are migrant workers, the burden of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is unknown. Objective–To assess the prevalence of ONIHL among migrant workers in Kuwait and explore workplace and individual risk factors that are associated with ONIHL. Subjects and Methods–We obtained data of annual physical exams for the year 2018 conducted by the Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center (SIMC) for all industrial workers in the area. We applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the effects of individual and occupational characteristics on ONIHL. Results–A total of 3,474 industrial workers visited SIMC for an annual exam. The vast majority were men (99%) and non-Kuwaitis (98%) with a median age of 38 years. A total of 710 workers were diagnosed with ONIHL with a prevalence of 20.4%. Age, years of experience, and self-reported exposure to noise were associated with statistically significant higher odds of ONIHL. When adjusted for age, years of experience and other individual level factors, type of industry was not a statistically significant predictor of ONIHL. Conclusions–The study uncovers the significant burden of hearing loss among the migrant workers subpopulation in Kuwait, an area of occupational health that is often underestimated or unrecognized. Although laws and regulations are in place to prevent and control noise in the workplace, local authorities must ensure that industrial workers are provided with the necessary training and controls to reduce noise exposure.
A scenario analysis of potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the Tunisian electricity sector
Authors: Gardumi Francesco , Mhiri Nesrine , Howells Mark , Bock Franziska , Necibi Thameur , Bouden Chiheb
Published: March 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy of Tunisia, like that of many other countries. With electricity consumption dropping, consumption patterns changing, international fuel prices plummeting and uncertainty raging, the pandemic has affected not least the planning of investments in electricity supply. Although the government seems unlikely to revise the decarbonisation targets downwards, questions arise on whether the investments planned before the pandemic are still relevant in the changed global landscape and what effects they may have on the country’s economy.In this study, we analyse post-pandemic scenarios for the electricity supply system of Tunisia with an energy-economy modelling framework, soft-linking the energy modelling tool OSeMOSYS and an open source Input-Output model. We extract insights on the cost-competitiveness of different – previously planned and new – electricity supply solutions and their impacts on job creation and loss in the entire economy. We find that renewable solutions based on solar photovoltaic remain highly competitive with gas-fired generation under different projections of gas prices and that several low-carbon and energy efficiency solutions have high potential for job creation.
Financial modeling trends for production companies in the context of Industry 4.0
Authors: Kartanaitė Inga , Kovalov Bohdan , Kubatko Oleksandr , Krušinskas Rytis
Published: March 2021

Over the years, technological progress has accelerated highly, and the speed, flexibility, human error reduction, and the ability to manage the process in real time have become more critical and required production companies to adapt production and business models according to the needs. The demand for real-time decision support systems adapted to these raising business needs is continuously growing. Nevertheless, businesses usually face challenges in identifying new indicators, data sources, and appropriate financial modeling methods to analyze them. This paper aims to define and summarize the main financial/economic forecasting methods for production companies in the context of Industry 4.0. Main findings show forecasting accuracy of up to 96% when combining economic and demand information, optimal forecasting period from 10 months to five years, more frequent use of soft indicators in forecasting, the relationship between company’s size and production planning. Four groups of indicators used in financial modeling, such as (I) production-related, (II) customers’ and demand-oriented, (III) industry-specific, and (IV) media information indicators, were separated. The analysis forms a suggestion for decision-makers to pay more attention to the forecasting object identification, indicators’ selection peculiarities, data collection possibilities, and the choice of appropriate methods of financial modeling.
AcknowledgmentThis work was partly supported by Project No. 0121U100470 “Sustainable development and resource security: from disruptive technologies to digital transformation of Ukrainian economy”.
Klein’s Remdesivir-Nucleobase Synthesis Revisited: Chemoselective Cyanation of Pyrrol-2-carboxaldehyde
Authors: dos Santos Juliana , Pereira Vinícius , da Silva Adilson , Amarante Giovanni
Published: March 2021

4-Aminopyrrolo[2,1-f][1,2,4]triazine is a fundamental raw material in the synthesis of remdesivir, which demand has increased due to the tests and potential repositioning of this drug against Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). Here, three chemical steps route for the preparation of remdesivir’s nucleobase is described. Particularly, a highly chemoselective cyanation of Klein’s route and successful application of monochloramine prepared from commercial bleach as an N-amination reagent are presented.
Applicability of 12 PET estimation methods in different climate regions in China
Authors: Zhao Lingling , Xu Fei , Xia Jun , Wu Hai
Published: March 2021

Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a comprehensive factor that characterises climate change, and considering the numerous methods to calculate PET, it is difficult to objectively select a method according to the requirements. In this study, the applicability of 12 commonly used PET estimation methods in China was studied. Based on temperature and humidity, China is divided into 11 temperature zones (TZ) and 5 arid and humid regions (AHRs). The study used the FAO Penman–Monteith (P-M) method as the standard, and the applicability of the 12 methods was analysed using four factors: correlation, annual mean values, seasonal distribution, and parameter characteristics. The results show that the radiation-based methods have the best monthly correlation with the P-M method, the temperature-based methods are second best, and mass-transfer-based methods perform the worst. Among these, the P-T method is the best, and the Hamon method is the worst. The Kharrufa and Abtew methods have the better applicability in higher TZs, whereas the Harg method has the least applicability. The seasonal distribution of radiation-based methods (excluding the Jensen method) in the different AHRs and different TZs is better than that of temperature-based and mass-transfer-based methods. According to the evaluation results of all factors, the Rohwer, P-T, and Mark methods are recommended when the data conditions are not conducive for the P-M method.