bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spectroscopic constants and anharmonic force field of dithioformic acid and its isomers: a theoretical study
Authors: Pang Weixiu , Song Xiaomin , Sun Yunbin , Wang Meishan
Published: December 2021

The potential astronomical interest dithioformic acid (trans-HC(=S)SH) exists five isomers and has received considerable attention of astronomical observation in recent years. The different positions of H atoms of five isomers lead to diverse point groups, dipole moments, and spectroscopic constants. The anharmonic force field and spectroscopic constants of them are calculated using CCSD(T) and B3LYP employing correlation consistent basis sets. Molecular structures, dipole moments, rotational constants, and fundamental frequencies of trans-HC(=S)SH are compared with the available experimental data. The B3LYP/Gen=5 and CCSD(T)/Gen=Q results can reproduce them well. Molecular structures, dipole moments, relative energies, spectroscopic constants of cis-HC(=S)SH and dithiohydroxy carbene (DTHC) are also calculated. The new data obtained in this study are expected to guide the future high resolution experimental work and to assist astronomical search for CH2S2.
The Safeness of Ramadan Fasting Among Patients Who Have Undergone Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention: a Cross-sectional Descriptive Study
Authors: Amen Shwan O. , Rasool Banan Q. , Rashid Alaa , Shakir Sara S. , Qadr Parez M. , Shawkat Asia L. , Abdulkarem Rangen T. , Yousif Salah Hassan , III Don Eliseo Lucero Prisno
Published: December 2021

Background: The rise of Primary Percutaneous Coronary Intervention (PPCI) procedure as an option for treating Coronary Artery Diseases demands addressing a variety of concerns in the recovery period and afterward including fasting the Ramadan month in the countries with the prevailing Muslim population. Therefore this study aims to assess the ability and the safety of fasting among patients who underwent PPCI within two specified periods.Method: This study was a prospective observational study with a sample size of 200 consecutive patients that have been divided into two groups based on the duration of their last PCI for an attack of Acute Myocardial Infarction (AMI). The patients were admitted to the Causality Department of the Surgical Specialty Hospital-Cardiac Center, Erbil/Iraq. The studied data have been analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Science version 25 (SPSS), and a P-value of ≤0.05 was considered statistically significant.Results: The proportion of fasting and non-fasting patients showed a significant association with the duration of their last PCI procedure with a P-value of 0.001 as 14% in Group I (patients with less than 6 weeks duration post-PCI) successfully fasted the month while it was 54% in Group II (Patients with more than 6 weeks duration post PCI). Among our findings, there were significant associations with P-values of 0.001 between post-PCI symptoms and Ramadan fasting. In regards to NYHA classifications assessment, Group I had a higher proportion of patients classified as Class III and Class IV compared to Group II with a significant P-value of 0.001 with proportions of class III classification in Group I of 14.3% among fasting, 17.1% among non-fasting, and 58.3% among those who could not continue their fasting while in Group II, the proportions showed 3.7% among fasting, 6.7% among non-fasting, and 0% among those who could not continue their fasting.Conclusion: We discourage fasting among patients who have undergone Percutaneous Coronary Intervention within the first 6 weeks, as well as patients who have NYHA class III and above as they are highly liable for deterioration and can not continue their fasting.
Cytokine changes in the aqueous humor in rubella-related Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis
Authors: ou Shangkun , Mao Yi , Lin Sijie , Zhu Chengfang , Liu Xiaodong , Wu Huping
Published: December 2021

This retrospective study aimed to ﻿determine the correlation between cytokine levels and virus status in the aqueous humor of 38 patients with Fuchs heterochromic iridocyclitis (FHI) with/without viral presence between May 2017 and January 2020. The levels of cytokines were analyzed in the groups with and without virus-related FHI. Among the patients, 50% had rubella virus, 5.26% had cytomegalovirus, and 2.63% had herpes simplex virus infections. The expression of interleukin-6 (IL-6) and IL-8 was significantly higher and that of basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) was significantly lower in the virus-positive group than in the virus-negative group (P = 0.015, P = 0.001, and P = 0.001, ﻿respectively). Although there was no﻿ significant difference in the mean expression of vascular cell adhesion protein 1 (VCAM-1), IL-10, and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), those of VCAM-1 and IL-10 were higher (M = 1338, M = 1390, respectively; M = 6.225 and 10.600, respectively) and that of VEGF was lower (M = 134.5, M = 38.70﻿, respectively) in the virus-positive group than in the virus-negative group. Similar findings were observed for the expressions of IL-6, IL-8, and bFGF in the rubella-positive and -negative groups. Viral presence was highly related to FHI, especially that of the rubella virus. High levels of inflammatory cytokines and low levels of neovascularization-related factors are involved in rubella-related FHI. These study findings could be helpful in the diagnosis and treatment of FHI.
Increasing Intestinal Soy Protein Hydrolysate Levels Promotes Colon Inflammation By Affecting Microbial Metabolism and Increases the Protein Expression of Colonic Tight Junction Proteins
Authors: Li Zhongxin , Ding Liren , Zhu Weiyun , Hang Suqin
Published: December 2021

Background

Increasing intestinal protein levels change the colonic microbial community and metabolic profile of pigs, but the effect of this on colonic inflammation and barrier function in growing pigs remains unclear.
Results

Sixteen pigs (35.2 ± 0.3 kg) were infused with sterile saline (control) or soy protein hydrolysate (SPH) (70 g/day) through a duodenal fistula twice daily during a 15-day experimental period. The SPH treatment did not affect their average daily feed intake and daily weight gain (P > 0.05), but reduced colon index and length (P < 0.05). Illumina MiSeq sequencing revealed that species richness was increased following SPH intervention (P < 0.05). Furthermore, SPH reduced the abundance of butyrate- and propionate-producing bacteria—such as Lachnospiraceae NK4A136 group, Lachnospiraceae_uncultured, Coprococcus 3 Lachnospiraceae UCG-002, and Anaerovibrio—and increased the abundance of potentially pathogenic bacteria and protein-fermenting bacteria, such as Escherichia-Shigella, Dialister, Veillonella, Prevotella, Candidatus Saccharimonas, Erysipelotrichaceae UCG-006, Prevotellaceae_uncultured, and Prevotellaceae UCG-003 (P < 0.05). In addition, a lower content of total short-chain fatty acids, propionate, and butyrate and a higher concentration of cadaverine, putrescine, total biogenic amines, ammonia, and isovalerate were observed following SPH infusion (P < 0.05). Further analysis revealed that SPH increased the concentration of tumour necrosis factor-α, interleukin (IL)-1β, IL-6, and IL-8 in the colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Interestingly, SPH intervention increased the expression of occluding, zonula occludens (ZO)-1, and claudin-1 in colonic mucosa (P < 0.05). Correlation analysis showed that different genera were significantly related to the production of metabolites and the concentrations of pro-inflammatory cytokines.
Conclusion

Overall, increasing intestinal soy protein levels altered the colonic microbial composition and metabolic profile, which may lead to colon inflammation and may also strengthen the colon barrier function.
Comparison of Canola and Soybean Oils on Serum Lipid and Glucose Profiles and Anthropometric Parameters in Overweight and Obese Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients: A Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Shahraki Mansour , Rahati Sara , Keykhaei Mahmood Ali , Niknejad Nasim
Published: December 2021

Background

No earlier human study compared influences of canola and soybean oils on patients with type 2 diabetes (T2D). Current study aimed to investigate effects of canola and soya oils on blood and anthropometric parameters in overweight and obese Iranian diabetic (II) patients.
Methods

A total of sixty-six T2D subjects were randomly allocated to three groups. Canola oil (CO; n 23, received 30g canola oil); Soya oil (SO; n 19, received 30g soya oil) and control group (n 24, their usual intake of dietary oils) for 8 weeks. Lipid and glycemic profiles as well as anthropometric indicators were evaluated before and after the intervention. Repeated-measures ANOVA was used to evaluate time×group interactions for the outcome variables followed by a t test (significance level, p < 0.05).
Results

After 8 weeks, serum total cholesterol (-21.3 and -36.4v. -2.2 mg/dl; P=0·007), low density lipoprotein (-6.6 and -15.9v. +3.0 mg/dl; P=0·013), fasting blood sugar (-39.6 and -30.5v. +11.7 mg/dl; P<0.001) significantly decreased and high density lipoprotein (+3.0 and +3.5v. +2.4 mg/dl; P=0.038) significantly increased in CO and SO groups compared with controls. Changes in lipid profiles were more considerable in the soybean oil group than the canola oil group. The mean changes of waist circumference (WC; −4.1 v. -1.4 and -1.3 cm; P=0·031) and weight (−3.1 v. -0.3 and +0.5 kg; P=0·048) significantly decreased in canola group comparing to the two other groups.
Conclusions

Current study showed that daily consumption of canola and soybean oil for 8 weeks improved serum levels of fasting blood sugar, total cholesterol, low density lipoprotein and high density lipoprotein in T2D patients. Changes were more considerable in those consumed soybean oil. Canola oil decreased central obesity indices (waist circumference and weight) in T2D patients. Further studies are needed to shed light on this issue.
Trial registration:

The trial registration number at irct.ir is IRCT2012062510110N1. Registered 23 July 2012. Retrospectively registered. https://fa.irct.ir/search/result?query=IRCT2012062510110N1
Free vibration analysis of laminated composite conical, cylindrical shell and annular plate with variable thickness and general boundary conditions
Authors: Kim Kwang Hun , Kwak Songhun , An Kwangil , Pang Kyongjin , Kim Pyol
Published: December 2021

This paper presents a unified solution method to investigate the free vibration behaviors of laminated composite conical shell, cylindrical shell and annular plate with variable thickness and arbitrary boundary conditions using the Haar wavelet discretization method (HWDM). Theoretical formulation is established based on the first order shear deformation theory(FSDT) and displacement components are extended Haar wavelet series in the axis direction and trigonometric series in the circumferential direction. The constants generating by the integrating process are disposed by boundary conditions, and thus the equations of motion of total system including the boundary condition are transformed into an algebraic equations. Then natural frequencies of the laminated composite structures are directly obtained by solving these algebraic equations. Stability and accuracy of the present method are verified through convergence and validation studies. Effects of some material properties and geometric parameters on the free vibration of laminated composite shells are discussed and some related mode shapes are given. Some new results for laminated composite conical shell, cylindrical shell and annular plate with variable thickness and arbitrary boundary conditions are presented, which may serve as benchmark solutions.
Field Investigation of Straw Length, Stubble Height and Rotary Speed Effect on the Dispersion and Burying of Residue
Authors: Xu Gaoming , Xie Yixuan , He Ruiyin , Ding Qishuo
Published: December 2021

High-yielding agriculture leads to plenty of residues left in the field after harvest, which not only makes seeding operations difficult, but also decreases residue decomposition rate. Thus, it is necessary to incorporate some residue into the soil by tillage operations. Providing the relation between tillage operations and residue incorporation, and establishing a mathematical model plays an important role in residue management and the design of tillage machinery. In order to obtain detailed data on the interaction between crop residue and tillage operations, an electric and multi-functional field testing bench with precise parameter control was developed to perform residue incorporation characteristics of rotary tillage, and investigated straw length, rotary speed and stubble height effect on the dispersion and burying of residue. Three experimental factors affecting residue incorporation performance were studied, i.e. six lengths of straw (30-150 mm), four heights of stubble (50-200 mm), and three rotary speeds (240-320 rpm). Chopped straw and stubble with certain sizes were prepared for the test, and measure the dispersion uniformity and burying rate of residue after rotary tillage. The results indicated that straw length, stubble height, and rotary speed all impact residue incorporation quality. The dispersion uniformity and burying rate of residue decreased with the increase of straw length and stubble height; Lower rotary speed parameter buried lesser residue and dispersed worse uniformity than higher one; It is suggested that farmers determine the straw length and stubble height at the stage of harvest according to the burying rate and dispersion uniformity of residue.
Morphology of the Pattern of Branching of the Aortic Arch in Syrian Hamsters (Mesocricetus Auratus)
Authors: Nourinezhad Jamal , Ranjbar Reza , Rostamizadeh Vahid , Tabrizinejad Marzieh Norouzi , Hallak Abdulaziz , Janeczek Maciej
Published: December 2021

The branching patterns of the aortic arches of 28 adult male and female Syrian hamsters (SH) were thoroughly examined under a stereomicroscope for the first time by using latex injection and corrosion casting to determine their general arrangements and morphological variations as well as their differences and similarities to other rodents and rabbits. Three major arteries, namely, the brachiocephalic trunk (BC), left common carotid artery (CC) and left subclavian artery (SA), originating from the aortic arch (AR), were uniformly noted in SH. The BC was consistently divided into the right SA and the right CA. SA in SH normally releases the internal thoracic, deep cervical, dorsal scapular, vertebral, superficial cervical and supreme intercostal arteries. The costocervical trunk typically consisted of supreme intercostal and internal thoracic arteries and a common trunk for dorsal scapular and deep cervical arteries. To comprehend the comparative morphology of the pattern of branching of AR more completely, our results were compared with previous studies in rodents and rabbits. (1) The general morphology of the great arteries from AR in SH was similar to that in mole rats, rats, mice, porcupines, and gerbils but was essentially different from that in rabbits, guinea pigs, red squirrels, ground squirrels, pacas and chinchillas. (2) The typical pattern of the branching of the subclavian arteries in SH was similar to that in guinea pigs, rats, and rabbits but was different from that of the reported rodents regardless of the origins of the bronchoesophageal and internal thoracic arteries and the composition of the costocervical trunk.
Evaluation of Antimicrobial Activity of A Fast-Setting Bioceramic Endodontic Material
Authors: Ji Mengzhen , Chi Yaqi , Wang Ye , Xiong Kaixin , Chen Xuan , Zou Ling
Published: December 2021

Background: To evaluate the antimicrobial activity of the fast-setting bioceramic iRoot Fast Set Root Repair Material (iRoot FS) and two other calcium silicate cements. Methods: The antimicrobial activity of iRoot FS, ProRoot MTA and Biodentine against E. faecalis and P. gingivalis were evaluated in this study. The materials were freshly mixed or set for 1 and 7 days on 5mm diameter sterile filter papers. The agar diffusion test, direct contact test and carry-over effect test were conducted, and the pH values (using a digital pH meter) were also evaluated. The data were analyzed by an analysis of variance and two-way ANOVA (α=0.05).Results: In the agar diffusion experiment, no obvious inhibition zone was observed for iRoot FS, ProRootMTA or Biodentine at any time interval. In the direct contact test, all three materials showed good antibacterial activity after setting for 20 minutes. The antibacterial properties of the three materials decreased with the increase of setting time. None of the three materials showed carry-over antibacterial effect. The pH measurement showed that the suspension of all the three materials showed high pH values (11-12). With the extension of setting time, the pH of iRoot FS and Biodentine slightly decreased.Conclusions: Fresh iRoot FS, Biodentine, and MTA killed E. faecalis and P. gingivalis effectively, and the antimicrobial effect of all the three materials decreased over 1 and 7 days after mixing. All three materials showed a tendency of alkalinity which last for at least 7 days after setting.
Effect of Inseminator on Reproductive Performance in Dairy Cattle
Authors: SAHIN Ozcan , Boztepe Saim , Keskin İsmail , Aytekin İbrahim , Ülkü Mustafa
Published: December 2021

The reproductive efficiency of dairy cattle is critical to the economic success and sustainability of the enterprise. Due to its many advantages, artificial insemination has inevitably taken its place in herd management today and different artificial insemination methods have been developed until today. At the same time, artificial insemination is carried out by commercial artificial insemination operators or do-it-yourself operators in cattle farms. One of the factors affecting the success of artificial insemination is inseminators. The aim of this study is to determine the effect of inseminators on conception rates in reproductive challenges and to reveal the differences between the success rates of inseminators. A total of 227297 artificial insemination acts carried out by 35 inseminators for four years belonging to the Konya Cattle Breeders' Association in Turkey were assessed for this purpose. In the study, the insemination success rate was determined as 41.36%. In addition, the percentage of inseminators with a total insemination success rate of more than 50% is very low, such as 2.9% and the percentage of those who achieved 35.9% and below was 9.3%. As a result, it can be stated that the inseminators having a lower success rate than the overall should be retrained to avoid some costs or losses in farms.
Safety and Efficacy of a Low-Level Radiofrequency Thermal Treatment in an Animal Model of Obstructive Meibomian Gland Dysfunction
Authors: Han Jung Yeob , Park So Young , Sunwoo Jeong Hye , LEE HUN , Kim Jae Yong , Tchah Hungwon
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the safety and efficacy of a low-level radiofrequency thermal treatment in obstructive MGD rabbit model.Materials and Methods: Meibomian gland orifices of central two-thirds of upper and lower eyelid margins were coagulated 2 times at 2-week intervals using a 5-MHz high-frequency electrosurgical unit. Sixteen eyes of 8 rabbits were treated with 1 session of radiofrequency thermal treatment (radiofrequency group) and 8 eyes of 4 rabbits were followed up without treatment (Control group). We evaluated lid margin abnormality and corneal staining scores, histologic examination of eyelids and meibomian gland, and meibography images before meibomian gland orifice closure, 4 weeks after meibomian gland orifice closure, and 4 weeks after radiofrequency thermal treatment.Results: There were significant improvements in lid margin abnormality score for upper and lower eyelids after radiofrequency thermal treatment (P<0.001 for upper and lower eyelids). Corneal staining score remained unchanged in radiofrequency group. However, it increased at the final follow-up in control group. Mean area of secretory acini showed a significant improvement, almost to the baseline levels, in radiofrequency group (P=0.004). On meibography, an improvement was seen in meibomian gland loss rate in radiofrequency group.Conclusions: Low-level of radiofrequency thermal treatment for heating the inner and outer eyelid surfaces is safe and effective for the treatment of obstructive MGD in a rabbit animal model of MGD.
Embodied Word Production of Persons with Parkinson’s Disease in Distinct Motor Conditions
Authors: Klostermann Fabian , Boll Moritz , Ehlen Felicitas , Tiedt Hannes Ole
Published: December 2021

Embodied cognition theories posit direct interactions between sensorimotor and mental processing. Various clinical observations have been interpreted in this controversial framework, amongst others, low verb generation in word production tasks performed by persons with Parkinson’s disease (PD). If this were a sequel of reduced motor simulation of prevalent action semantics in this word class, reduced PD pathophysiology should result in increased verb production and a general shift of lexical contents towards particular movement-related meanings. 17 persons with PD and bilateral Deep Brain Stimulation (DBS) of the subhtalamic nucleus (STN) and 17 healthy control persons engaged in a semantically unconstrained, phonemic verbal fluency task, the former in both DBS-off and DBS-on states. The analysis referred to the number of words produced, verb use, and the occurrence of different dimensions of movement-related semantics in the lexical output. Persons with PD produced fewer words than controls. In the DBS-off, but not in the DBS-on condition, the proportion of verbs within this reduced output was lower than in controls. Lowered verb production went in parallel with a semantic shift. In persons with PD in the DBS-off, but not the DBS-on condition, the relatedness of produced words to own body-movement was lower than in controls. In persons with PD, DBS induced-changes of the motor condition appear to go along with formal and semantic shifts in word production. The results support the idea of a direct connection between the motor system and lexical processing.
A Novel Application of Cellulose Aerogel Composites From Pineapple Leaf Fibers And Cotton Waste: Removal of Dyes and Oil In Wastewater
Authors: Vu Phu V. , Doan Trung D. , Tu Giang C. , Do Nga H.N. , Le Kien A. , Le Phung K.
Published: December 2021

In a world where demands for freshwater are ever-growing, wastewater remediation becomes a global concern. Especially, water, which is contaminated by oil, dyes, poses challenges to the management of water resources. The development of innovative processes for wastewater treatment is still a major obstacle. With regard to its fast removal rate and environmental compatibility, cellulose aerogel composites are recently considered as a potential contributor for water remediation. In this study, cellulose aerogel composites are fabricated using the sol-gel method from two-agroindustrial wastes: pineapple leaf fibers and cotton waste fibers in alkali-urea solution followed by freeze-drying. The prepared cellulose aerogel composites are extremely lightweight with a low density (0.053−0.069 g.cm−3) and high porosity of nearly 95%. It is worth noting that the mechanical strength of the cellulose aerogel composites is remarkably improved with their Young’s modulus increasing by 5-9 times compared to that of the previous aerogel composites using polyvinyl alcohol as a binder. The as-synthesized aerogel composites are directly applied to adsorb cationic methylene blue and exhibit a maximum adsorption uptake of 34.01 g.g-1. The methyltrimethoxysilane-coated cellulose aerogel composites also show their ability to deal with oil pollution with a maximum oil adsorption capacity of 15.8 g.g−1 within only 20 sec. Besides the oil removal, our developed cellulose aerogel composites have demonstrated their capability in treating dye-contaminated wastewater for the first time based on their evidenced ability to eliminate methylene blue.
Exploring biomarkers and therapeutic targets for ischemic stroke through integrated microarray data analysis
Authors: Lv Miao , He Wanting , Liang Tian , Yang Jialei , Huang Xiaolan , Liu Shengying , Liang Xueying , Long Jianxiong , Su Li
Published: December 2021

Stroke was the third leading cause of global disability-adjusted life years and its treatment drugs were limited. Researchers still need to find reliable diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. This study aimed to explore hub genes associated with ischemic stroke (IS) through bioinformatics analysis and identify its potential diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic targets. The microarray data sets of GSE58294 and GSE16561 related to IS were downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Weighted co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) and differential expression analysis were integrated to find overlapping genes, and then hub genes were screened by Least absolute shrinkage and selection operator (LASSO) regression. NetworkAnalyst database was used to construct the TF-gene network and miRNA-TF regulatory network of the hub genes. DGIdb and CMap databases were used to predict targeted drugs and small molecule compounds. Through the Comprehensive analysis of GSE58294 and GSE16561, 10 hub genes were screened by LASSO regression, namely ARG1, LY96, ABCA1, SLC22A4, CD163, TPM2, SLC25A42, ID3, FAM102A and CD79B. NetworkAnalyst database analysis showed that ABCA1 was the hub gene most regulated by miRNA and TF. TRRUST and NetworkAnalyst databases showed that SP1 (P=0.0246) was a key transcription factor for hub genes. Finally, DGIdb database analysis identified 7 therapeutic drugs targeted with ABCA1 and SLC22A4, and 4 small molecule compounds targeted with ID3 and SLC22A4 were obtained from CMap database. We identified IS-related diagnostic biomarkers and therapeutic drugs, which can provide new insights for the diagnosis and treatment of IS.
Relationship Between Clinician-Level Attributes and Implementation Outcomes From The Pathways To Comorbidity Care Training Program
Authors: Louie Eva , Giannopoulos Vicki , Baillie Andrew , Uribe Gabriela , Wood Katie , Teesson Maree , Haber Paul S. , Morley Kirsten C.
Published: December 2021

Background

A more nuanced understanding of the interrelationships between clinician-level factors and implementation outcomes may enhance the utility of evidence-based practice implementation strategies. The Pathways to Comorbidity Care (PCC) training program [1] aimed to facilitate integrated management of comorbid drug and alcohol and mental disorders amongst drug and alcohol clinicians. We hypothesised that implementation outcomes would be associated with clinician-level: (i) demographics (gender, education, experience), (ii) attitudes (evidence-based practice, therapist manuals, counselling self-efficacy), and (iii) organisational readiness to change.
Methods

Twenty clinicians participated in the 9-month PCC training program. Attitudes towards evidence-based practices and psychotherapist manuals, self-efficacy, and organisational readiness to change, along with demographics, were measured at baseline. At follow-up, change in Comorbidity Practice (CoP) scores related to integrated comorbidity management were obtained using a file audit checklist and categorised into high (at least 60% increase in CoP), medium or low (a decrease of -20% or less in CoP). Clinician-level characteristics were examined across the implementation categories.
Results

There were no significant differences found between implementation groups on sociodemographic variables (p’s > 0.30), attitudes to evidence-based practices, attitudes to therapist manuals, and self-efficacy (p’s > 0.52). The high implementation group demonstrated significantly higher scores on leadership practices aspect of organisational readiness to change relative to the low and medium implementation group ((F(2, 16) = 3.63, p = 0.05; Cohen’s d = .31) but not on the other subscales (p’s > 0.07).
Conclusions

Confidence that leadership will play a positive role in the implementation process may improve effectiveness of comorbidity training programs for drug and alcohol clinicians. On the other hand, contrary to our hypothesis, counselling self-efficacy, evidence-based practice attitudes, attitudes towards therapist manuals, gender, education and experience were not distinguishing factors.
Combined Detection of Free Fatty Acid (FFA) and High-Density Lipoprotein Cholesterol (HDL-C) is a Promising Pretreatment Biomarker for Predicting the Overall Prognosis (OS) of Neuroendocrine Tumours (NETs) in the Colorectum: A Case-Control Study.
Authors: Zhu Bin , Wu Dan , Yang Yuanyuan , Yu Pingli , Huang Haobo , Cai Haiyan , Cao Yingping
Published: December 2021

Purpose

The aim of the study was to evaluate the prognostic value of free fatty acid (FFA) and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C) in predicting colorectal neuroendocrine tumours (NETs).
Methods

One hundred patients with pathologically diagnosed colorectal NETs in 2011-2017 were enrolled, and the levels of FFA, HDL-C, low-density lipoproteincholesterol (LDL-C), triglycerides (TGs), cholesterol (CHOL), apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) and apolipoprotein B (ApoB) between colorectal NET patients and healthy controls matched by age and sex were compared. In addition, the association of clinicopathological characteristics and follow-up data with FFA and HDL-C was analysed.
Results

FFA was overexpressed (0.55±0.23 vs. 0.48±0.11, P= 0.006) and HDL-C was underexpressed (1.31±0.41 vs. 1.41±0.29, P=0.046) in colorectal NETs. FFA ≥0.52 mmol/L predicted lymph node metastasis (LNM) (χ2 = 5.964, P=0.015), and HDL-C ≤1.0 mmol/L predicted tumour size ≥2 cm (χ2 = 5.647, P=0.017). No significant association was found between FFA and tumour size (P=0.142) or HDL-C and LNM (P=0.443). FFA ≥0.52 mmol/L (χ2 = 6.016, P=0.014) and HDL-C ≤1.0 mmol/L predicted worse overall survival (OS) (χ2 = 5.488, P=0.019). FFA ≥0.52 mmol/L in combination with HDL-C ≤1.0 mmol/L predicted an even worse prognosis in terms of OS (χ2 = 4.818, P=0.028).
Conclusion

FFA ≥0.52 mmol/L and HDL-C ≤1.0 mmol/L were promising cut-off values in predicting LNM, tumour size and worse OS in colorectal NETs.
Process Optimization for Post Disaster Reconstruction Project Based on Industrial Design Structure Matrix (DSM)
Authors: Zhong Qingping , Tang Hui , Chen Chuan
Published: December 2021

Post-disaster reconstruction projects face tighter time constraints and are in a more complex environment, making the implementation process of conventional projects unable to meet new requirements. This study decomposes the construction process and then determines the feed-forward and feedback relationship between activities in the post-disaster reconstruction environment. An information relationship diagram is established, and the relationship is transformed into a design structure matrix (DSM). Through DSM manipulation, a partitioned DSM is formed to express the activity process that is more suitable for reconstruction. This research shows that the activities sequence and content need to be changed to adapt to the reconstruction scenario, and some activities may even be canceled. Some suggestions can help construct the project faster, including closer cooperation between design and construction. The bidding scope includes design and construction and the use of more integrated project delivery methods. Finally, a reconstruction case in China illustrates the operability of analyzing and adjusting the implementation process through this framework.
Intensity distribution segmentation in Ultrafast Doppler and correlative Scanning Laser Confocal Microscopy for assessing vascular changes associated with ageing in murine hippocampi
Authors: Fialho Maximiliano Anzibar , Vázquez Lucía , Martínez Mariana , Calero Miguel , Baranger Jerome , Tanter Mickael , Negreira Carlos , Rubido Nicolás , Kun Alejandra , Brum Javier
Published: December 2021

The hippocampus plays an important role in learning and memory, requiring high-neuronal oxygenation. Understanding the relationship between blood flow and vascular structure – and how it changes with ageing – is physiologically and anatomically relevant. Ultrafast Doppler (µDoppler) and Scanning Laser Confocal Microscopy (SLCM) are powerful imaging modalities that can measure in-vivo Cerebral Blood Volume (CBV) and ex-vivo vascular structure, respectively. Here, we apply both imaging modalities to a cross-sectional and longitudinal study of hippocampi vasculature in wild-type mice brains. We introduce a segmentation of CBV distribution obtained from µDoppler and show that this mice-independent and mesoscopic measurement is correlated with the number of vessels and Vessel Volume Fraction (VVF) distributions obtained from SLCM – e.g., high CBV relates to fewer number of vessels but with large VVF. Moreover, we find significant changes in CBV distribution and vasculature due to ageing (5 vs. 21 month-old mice), highlighting the sensitivity of our approach. Overall, we are able to associate CBV with vascular structure – and track its longitudinal changes – at the artery-vein, venules, arteriole, and capillary levels. We believe that this correlative approach can be a powerful tool for studying other acute (e.g., brain injuries), progressive (e.g., neurodegeneration) or induced pathological changes.
Quality of Life and its associated factors amongst Patients with Brain Tumors at a Tertiary Care Hospital in Pakistan: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zahid Nida , Martin Russell Seth , Zahid Wajeeha , Azam Iqbal , Hassan Aneesa , Ahmad Khabir , Bhamani Shireen Shehzad , Jabbar Adnan Abdul , Asas Nargis , Shamim Muhammad Shahzad , Khan Rashid Jooma , Javed Gohar , Bari Ehsan , Enam Syed Ather
Published: December 2021

Introduction

Despite quality of life (QoL) being recognized as an important outcome in neuro-oncology, there is a lack of research from Pakistan where sociocultural differences may influence QoL. This study aimed to measure the QoL in patients with primary brain tumors (PBTs), and assess its association with mental health outcomes, resilience, and social support.
Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted among primary brain tumor patients. QoL was measured using European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality of Life Questionnaire. Resilience was assessed by Wagnild and Young's Resilience Scale, mental health outcomes using Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale, and social support using the Enriched Social Support Instrument.
Results

Our study included a total of 250 patients, with median age of 42 years (range 33-54 years). The mean global QoL of the sample was 75.73 ± 14.9. On multivariable linear regression, global QoL was inversely associated with no or low income, having hypertension (-5.77), currently using a urine catheter (-15.33), having low social support (-28.16) suffering from mild (-9.88) or symptomatic (-17.59) depression, or mild anxiety (-7.11), while resilience (0.28) demonstrated a significant positive association.
Conclusion

The quality of life of patients with primary brain tumors in Pakistan is a function of clinical factors such as comorbid disease and use of a urinary catheter, social factors such a family income and social support, and psychological factors such as mental illness and resilience. Our findings may be of use in the development of QoL-improving interventions within the sociocultural setting of Pakistan.
New Clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza Genotype Detected in Europe in 2021
Authors: Nagy Alexander , Černíková Lenka , Stará Martina
Published: December 2021

Despite their widespread distribution, the clade 2.3.4.4b H5N1 viruses have so far only been known in a single genotype variant in Europe. In the study presented, we report the first detection of a new highly pathogenic avian influenza H5N1 genotype in geese and ducks from a backyard farm in the Czech Republic. Phylogenetic analysis has revealed that the Czech H5N1 virus retained the A/Eurasian_Wigeon/Netherlands/1/2020-like backbone with an altered PB2 segment from co-circulating low pathogenic avian influenza viruses.
Factors Associated With Severity of Falls In Adult Hospital Patients: A Retrospective Audit
Authors: Ghosh Manonita , O’Connell Beverly , Afrifa-Yamoah Eben , Kitchen Sue , Coventry Linda
Published: December 2021

Background: Injurious falls in hospital patients are threat to patient safety which can result in a financial burden on the patient’s family and health care services. Both patient specific and environmental and organisational factors are associated with injurious hospital falls. It is important to continuously analyse the factors associated with the severity of falls which can inform the implementation of any fall preventive strategies. This study aims to identify risk factors associated with the severity of falls in hospitalised adult patients in Western Australia.Methods: This study involved a retrospective analysis of hospital inpatient falls records extracted from the hospital’s Clinical Incident Database. Falls clinical incidents were reviewed and analysed from May 2014 to April 2019.Results: There were 3705 complete reported cases of falls with the average age of the patients was 68.5±17.0 years, with 40.2% identified as female. Gender, activity at time of fall and height of fall were associated with the level of severity of the fall. The risk of falling at a higher level of severity increased by approximately 20% (65-74 years), 29% (75-84 years) and 39% (>84 years) respectively compared with patients age <50 years. Females were 15.1% more likely to fall at higher severity condition compared to males (AOR = 1.151, 95% CI: 1.063, 1.247, p < 0.001). Toileting and showering activities were 14.5% more likely to cause falling in higher level of severity (AOR = 1.145, 95% CI: 1.022, 1.284, p = 0.020) compared with attempting to sit or stand. A fall in a communal area was approximately 26% more likely to resulted in higher level of severity (AOR = 1.257, 95% CI: 1.003, 1.576, p = 0.047).Conclusions: Identification of underlying risk factors associated with the severity of falls provides information which can inform the implementation of fall prevention strategies that mitigate the risk of injurious falls.
Electrophysiological Evaluation of an Anticancer Drug Gemcitabine on Cardiotoxicity Revealing Down-regulation and Modification of the Activation Gating Properties in the Human Rapid Delayed Rectifier Potassium Channel
Authors: Wei Mengyan , Wang Pu , Zhu Xiufang , Liu Yangong , Zheng Mingqi , Liu Gang , Osanai Hiroki , Yoshimura Kenshi , Kume Shinichiro , Kurokawa Tatsuki , Ono Katsushige
Published: December 2021

Gemcitabine is an antineoplastic drug commonly used in the treatment of several types of cancers including pancreatic cancer and non–small cell lung cancer. Although gemcitabine-induced cardiotoxicity is widely recognized, the exact mechanism of cardiac dysfunction causing arrhythmias remains unclear. The objective of this study was to electrophysiologically evaluate the proarrhythmic cardiotoxicity of gemcitabine focusing on the human rapid delayed rectifier potassium channel, hERG channel. In heterologous expression system in HEK293 cells, hERG channel current (IhERG) was reduced by gemcitabine when applied for 24 h but not immediately after the application. Gemcitabine modified the activation gating properties of the hERG channel toward the hyperpolarization direction, while inactivation, deactivation or reactivation gating properties were unaffected by gemcitabine. When gemcitabine was applied to hERG-expressing HEK293 cells in combined with tunicamycin, an inhibitor of N-acetylglucosamine phosphotransferase, gemcitabine was unable to reduce IhERG or shift the activation properties toward the hyperpolarization direction. Our results suggest the possible mechanism of arrhythmias caused by gemcitabine revealing a down-regulation of IhERG through the post-translational glycosylation disruption that alters the electrical excitability of cells.
A 6-Components Mechanistic Model of Cutting Actions in Milling
Authors: Jeulin Maël , Cahuc Olivier , Darnis Philippe , Laheurte Raynald
Published: December 2021

Most of the cutting models developed in the literature attest only to the presence of cutting forces in the balance of mechanical actions resulting from cutting. However, several studies have highlighted the presence of cutting moments during machining, and particularly 3D cutting in milling. The objective of this paper is to characterise phenomena associated with cutting moments by performing experimental mechanistic modelling in 3D cutting. For this purpose, several modelling factors will be investigated, such as the 3D cutting reference frame, the undeformed chip section, the cutting parameters, the cutting zone, etc. The predictive model of this study proves to be relatively efficient for an experimental model and allows a global prediction of cutting moments in milling. Furthermore, beyond the aspect of stress fields in the workpiece caused by cutting moments, this paper gives perspectives from an energetic point of view for which the share of moments in the energy balance could be substantial for monobloc tools.
Phase diagram of solid hints new fundamental constant and sees atomic orbital
Authors: Abdulvagidov Shapiullah Belalovich
Published: December 2021

Cold and pressure transform gas into liquid and then into solid. Van der Waals understood the phase diagram of liquefiable gas with the molecular volume and intermolecular attraction, however, was silent on how solid behaved1. Unfortunately, solid-state phase diagram have remained uncomprehended mystery; only its straight boundary2,3 was explained by struggle of order vs. chaos. Here we show that the volume of orbital overlap has its own energy, with the universal density 8.941 eV/Å3 announced as new fundamental atomic constant that determines the transition temperature TC. Furthermore, we devised solid-state tomography, valid to 5 TPa, - imaging orbital through the baric dependencies of TC. Triangle-shaped pattern of the diagram is explained by the only possible way, just as only one plane passes through triangle: -inflation of the intersection volume during the transition determines hysteresis, but its disappearance does triple point; -approaching ions, whose orbitals overlap, curves the line from zero-field-cooling (ZFC) TC to triple point; -the straight line between zero-field-heating (ZFH) TC and triple point is a consequence of straightening tilting angle. Diamond melting point, calculated from volumes of the tetrahedral covalent bonds, excellently agrees with real; furthermore, the points up to 2 TPa agree with experiment4. Our findings open up way to interpret antiferromagnetism and steric effect in mono, binary, and ternary transition-metal oxides and sulfides5-11, and advance in unravelling unconventional superconductivity12,13, ascertaining the roles of s- and p-hybridizations. Thereby, the importance of the solid-state tomography for organic conductors12,13 being high-compressible and interior of stars can scarcely be exaggerated.
Comparison of Clinical and Patient Reported Outcomes of Treatment with Directly Acting Antivirals in Hepatitis C With and Without Cirrhosis: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Amanullah Iram , Amin Fatima , Paudyal Vibhu , Ali Salamat , Abdullah Yaseen , Khan Amer Hayat
Published: December 2021

Background Chronic hepatitis C including liver cirrhosis poses challenges in treatment despite the availability of direct acting antivirals. AimTo compare clinical and patient reported outcomes of routinely used pharmacotherapy in Hepatitis C infection (with or without cirrhosis). MethodsA prospective cohort study was undertaken recruiting outpatients from a large referral tertiary care hospital. Patients who were diagnosed of having Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) infection and presented with or without cirrhosis were included. A standard 12 weeks treatment comprising Sofosbuvir (SOF) 400mg O.D/ Daclatasvir (DCV) 60mg O.D with and without Ribavirin (RBV) 400mg B.D or T.I.D was used. The cure rate in terms of end-of-treatment response at the end of 12 weeks treatment and patient reported outcomes (PROs) in terms of health related quality of life using EQ-5D-3L and work productivity loss were determined. Results The treatment regimen was found to be effective treatment in non-cirrhotic group in terms of cure rate compared to the cirrhotic patients (92.6 % vs 53%; p value<0.05). Cirrhotic patients showed significantly low score of PROs before initiating the treatment. After 12 weeks’ treatment, significantly higher rate of improvement was observed in non-cirrhotic patients’ PROs compared to cirrhotic group (p-value; <0.05). Conclusion DAAs showed higher effectiveness in clinical outcomes and patient reported outcome measures in chronic hepatitis C patients without cirrhosis compared to those with cirrhosis. It is imperative to develop and optimize further effective treatment options for cirrhotic CHC patients.
Retroperitoneal Liposarcoma Presenting as Bilateral Inguinal Hernias
Authors: Lehman DO Haley S. , Qasawa DO Ryan N. , Lim John J.
Published: December 2021

Liposarcoma is one of the most common soft tissue sarcomas and has multiple subtypes, including atypical, well-differentiated, and dedifferentiated liposarcoma1. These tumors most commonly occur in the extremities and the retroperitoneum2, and account for 20% of all retroperitoneal tumors3. Retroperitoneal liposarcoma is very rare overall, occurring in 2.5 per one million people4. Patients will present from symptoms of mass effect due to the uncontrolled growth in the large potential space of the retroperitoneum, with its median size being around 30 cm5. The mainstay of treatment for this type of tumor is resection to a negative margin6. This is a case report describing a retroperitoneal liposarcoma presenting with bilateral inguinal hernias containing intraperitoneal fat from mass effect.
Lymphedema As The Initial Symptom of Lymphoma
Authors: Hao Kun , Xin Jianfeng , Sun Yuguang , Shen Wenbin
Published: December 2021

Background: To investigate the clinical features of lymphoma with lymphedema as the initial manifestation.Methods: We performed a retrospective study of 4676 patients with lymphedema treated at the Department of Lymphatic Surgery, Beijing Shijitan Hospital, Capital Medical University, from May 22, 2007, to December 31, 2018. Clinical manifestations and a series of conventional analyses (laboratory tests, ultrasonography, magnetic resonance imaging, computed tomography, and radionuclide imaging) were used to study these cases. Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy tests were used to support the diagnosis of lymphoma. Eleven patients of lymphoma with lymphedema as the first symptom were selected, and their clinicopathological features were analyzed retrospectively.Results: A total of 11 cases of lymphedema caused or aggravated by lymphoma were found, including 1 case of upper extremity edema, 9 cases of lower extremity edema and 1 case of systemic edema. These patients often accompanied by clinical symptoms such as feeble, emaciation, pain, mass, lymph node enlargement and so on. The proportion of patients with abnormal tumor markers was 66.7% (4/6), the prevalence of anemia among patients with malignant lymphedema was 45.5% (5/11), and the positive rates of ultrasonography, CT and MRI were 100.0% (7/7), 100.0% (8/8) and 100.0% (2/2), respectively. Eleven cases with lymphoma were confirmed by pathological diagnosis. To analyze the clinicopathological features, the main points of diagnosis were summarized.Conclusions: Lymphoma with lymphedema as the first symptom is extremely rare. It has a hidden onset. To avoid delays in the diagnosis and therapy of lymphoma, physicians should actively look for signs or symptoms of lymphedema during the follow-up period and promptly manage patients developing problems.