bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors Predicting Failure of Internal Fixations of Fractures of the Lower Limbs: a Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Prediger Barbara , Tjardes Thorsten , Probst Christian , Parvaresch Anahieta , Glatt Angelina , Anjos Dominique Rodil , Bouillon Bertil , Mathes Tim
Published: May 2021

BackgroundWe assessed predictive factors of patients with fractures of the lower extremities caused by trauma. We examined which factors might increase failure rates. Furthermore, the predictive factors were set into context with other long-term outcomes, concrete pain and physical functioning.MethodsWe performed a prospective cohort study at a single level I trauma center. We enrolled patients with traumatic fractures of the lower extremities treated with internal fixation from April 2017 to July 2018. We evaluated the following predictive factors: age, gender, diabetes, smoking status, obesity, open fractures and peripheral arterial diseases. The primary outcome was time to failure (nonunion, implant failure or reposition), secondary outcomes were pain and physical functioning measured at follow up 6 months after initial surgery. For the analysis of the primary outcome we used a multivariate stratified (according fracture location) Cox proportional hazard regression model.Results We included 204 patients. Overall, we observed a failure in 33 patients (16.2%). Most of the failures occurred within the first 3 months. Obesity and open fractures increased the risk of failure and decreased physical functioning. None of the predictors had an impact on pain. Age, female gender and smoking of more than ≥ 10 package years increased failure risk numerically but statistical uncertainty was high.Conclusion We found that obesity and open fractures strongly increased the risk of failure. These seem promising candidates to be included in a risk prediction model and can be considered as a good start for clinical decision making across different types of fractures in the lower limb. However, large heterogeneity in the other analyzed factors suggest that for a precise personalized risk estimation, computer-based models incorporating a variety of detailed information (e.g. pattern of injury, x-ray and clinical data) and their interrelation might be needed to increase precision of prediction significantly.Trial registrationNCT03091114
Do Health Sector Measures of Violence against Women at Different Levels of Severity Correlate? Evidence from Brazil
Authors: Reynolds Sarah Anne
Published: May 2021

OBJECTIVE To evaluate if characteristics of reports of violence against women at different levels of severity are similar and to test if their prevalence is correlated at the municipal level. METHODS I use data from women ages 15-49 who were killed by homicide in Brazil’s national death registry (N=14,373), were hospitalized for aggression (N=14,701), or were included in the medical mandatory reports of incidents of violence against women (N=42,134) between 2011 and 2016 in select municipalities. I provide national level descriptive statistics from 2016 contrasting distributions of victims (age, education, and race) and distributions of the characteristics of the incidents (location and time of day). Then, for 63 municipalities with a high number of violent incidents, I calculate the correlation coefficients between measures of violence against women using quarterly data from 2011-2016. I use multiple regression of municipal characteristics at baseline to examine which factors (poverty, spending, health, and civic engagement) predict the correlation. RESULTS Victim characteristics and incident characteristics are similar across the measures of violence at the national level. Despite these aggregate similarities, correlations at the municipal level are quite varied, ranging from -0.69-0.83. I find no municipal characteristics that consistently predict these correlation coefficients.CONCLUSIONS Despite some similarities at an aggregate level, these measures of violence against women do not have consistent patterns of correlation at the municipality level. Measures of severe levels of violence against women are not good proxies for incidence of violence at less severe physical levels. Lack of correlations could be due to differences in reporting, but may also be due to differences in underlying processes that share similar victims and event characteristics.
Peace of Mind Program (PMP): Impact of the Dissemination and Implementation of an Evidence-based Intervention (EBI) to Improve Mammography Appointment Adherence in Safety Net Clinics
Authors: Holcomb Jennifer , Rajan Suja S , Ferguson Gayla M , Sun Jiali , Walton Gretchen H , Highfield Linda
Published: May 2021

Backgroundhe Peace of Mind Program – an adapted evidence-based intervention to improve mammography appointment adherence in underserved women – was expanded to safety net clinics. This study assessed effectiveness of the intervention in improving mammography appointment adherence and implementation of the intervention. MethodsThe intervention was implemented through a non-randomized stepped wedge cluster design with 19 Federally Qualified Health Centers and charity care clinics in the Greater Houston area. Clinics were their own control during the baseline period and conducted at least three mammography drives during the baseline and intervention period. A multivariable generalized estimating equation logistic regression was conducted to examine mammography appointment adherence. To examine adoption and implementation of the intervention, two surveys assessing Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs were conducted with clinic leadership and staff. One-sided t-tests were conducted to analyze mean score changes between the adoption and implementation survey. Results total of 4402 women (baseline period = 2078; intervention period = 2324) were included in the final analysis. Women in the intervention period were more likely to attend or reschedule their mammography appointment (OR = 1.30; p < 0.01). Similarly, for those in the intervention period, women who completed the intervention were more likely to attend or reschedule their mammography appointment than those who did not complete the intervention (OR = 1.62; p < 0.01). The mammography appointment no-show rates for those in the baseline period, in the intervention period, and who completed the intervention were, respectively, 22%, 19%, and 15%. In terms of the adoption and implementation survey, a statistically significant mean score decrease was observed in Inner Setting overall and in two Inner Setting constructs, Culture – Effort and Implementation Climate. Conclusions﻿This study provided a pragmatic approach to translating an evidence-based mammography intervention into practice in safety net clinics. While the intervention improved mammography appointment adherence, there our opportunities to further integrate Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research constructs in future implementation of the intervention. Future research on the effects of implementation moderators particularly Inner Setting constructs would be of value to implementation practitioners.
Municipal Solid Waste Characteristics: Recycling Potential and Waste Diversion Rate in Bali Province, Indonesia
Authors: Widyarsana I Made Wahyu , Tambunan Suci Ameliya , Mulyadi Aurilia Ayuanda
Published: May 2021

This research was conducted to evaluate waste management in Bali Province through the waste recycling potential and waste diversion rate. These values describe how much waste can be recycled and diverted from landfills. Based on observations and data analysis, Bali’s total waste amounts to 2,253,542.03 kg d-1 or equivalent to 822,542.84 tonnes yr-1 from 9 (nine) cities/regencies with a population of 4,183,072 in 2019. Bali Province’s waste at the source is dominated by organic waste with 65% wet weight (ww) of the total waste generated, consisting of food waste and wood/leaf waste. It is also dominated by plastic waste with 15.70% ww and paper waste with 8.92% ww. The material flow analysis results in 53.02% ww of waste, or equivalent to 436,137.41 tonnes yr-1, which ended up in the landfill. Meanwhile, 13.36% ww or equivalent to 109,896.80 tonnes yr-1 is sold outside Bali, while 26.94% or equivalent to 221,583.37 tonnes yr-1 is unmanaged. Waste reduction by recycling in Bali’s landfill only reaches 20.38% of its potential; in comparison, the waste that can be diverted from landfills only reached 11.79% ww of the total generated waste. The reality is still very far from the 2025 government target of 30% reduction waste target and its diversion rate potential of 77.35% ww of the total waste generation.
Exposure to Aflatoxins Above Permissible Limits in Maize (Zea Mays) Meant for Consumption and Their Health Risk Estimations in the Volta Region of Ghana
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Annan Theophilus , Dzikunoo John
Published: May 2021

Aflatoxin contamination in foods is a vital health challenge for low and middle-income countries in subtropical regions. Maize (Zea mays L.), a staple food most widely grown in Africa including Ghana, and extensively consumed as much as three times per day is a source of aflatoxin contamination owing to its susceptibility to fungal attack. This study aimed at evaluating aflatoxin levels above international (European Food Safety Authority, EFSA) and local (Ghana Standards Authority, GSA) standards and health risks associated with maize sampled from the Volta Region (Hohoe, Ho, Battor Dugame, and Keta) of Ghana. Total aflatoxins (AFTotal) and the constituent aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) were measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC). Risk assessments were also conducted using models prescribed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Additives (JECFA). The degree of occurrence of aflatoxins was observed to be in decreasing order of AFG2< AFG1< AFB2<AFB1 and were within the ranges of 0.78±0.04-234.73±3.8 µg/kg, 0.47±0.03-21.6±0.33 µg/kg, 1.01±0.05-13.75±1.2 µg/kg and 0.66±0.06-5.51±0.26 µg/kg respectively. Out of the 100 samples analyzed for total aflatoxins (AFTotal), 68% exceeded the limits of EFSA and were of range 4.98±0.6-444.01±8.9 µg/kg whereas 58% and ranged between 12.12±1.4-444.01±8.9 µg/kg exceeded for GSA limits. Risk assessments of total aflatoxins (AFTotal) for infants, children, and adolescents, and adults ranged between 0.0083-0.3427 μg/Kg.bw/day, 0.116-4.8192, 0-0.0396 ng Aflatoxins kg−1bwday−1 and 3.2868x10-4 -0.0136 for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Average Potency, and Population Risks respectively. It was inferred that the consumption of maize posed adverse health effects on all age categories studied because all calculated MOE values were greater than 0.04 ngkg−1bwday−1.
Providing laypeople with results from dynamic infectious disease modelling studies affects their allocation preference for scarce medical resources—a factorial experiment
Authors: Rübsamen Nicole , Voges Benno Garcia , Castell Stefanie , Klett-Tammen Carolina Judith , Oppliger Jérôme , Krütli Pius , Smieszek Timo , Mikolajczyk Rafael , Karch André
Published: May 2021

BackgroundAllocation of scarce medical resources can be based on different principles. It has not yet been investigated which allocation schemes are preferred by medical laypeople in a particular situation of medical scarcity like an emerging infectious disease and how the choices are affected by providing information about expected population-level effects of the allocation scheme based on modelling studies.MethodsIn a two-way factorial experiment (n = 878 participants), we investigated if prognosis of the disease or information about expected effects on mortality at population-level (based on dynamic infectious disease modelling studies) influenced the choice of preferred allocation schemes for prevention and treatment of an unspecified sexually transmitted infection. A qualitative analysis of the reasons for choosing specific allocation schemes supplements our results.ResultsPresence of the factor “information about the population-level effects of the allocation scheme” substantially increased the probability of choosing a resource allocation system that minimized overall harm among the population, while prognosis did not affect allocation choices. The main reasons for choosing an allocation scheme differed among schemes, but did not differ among those who received additional model-based information on expected population-level effects and those who did not.ConclusionsProviding information on the expected population-level effects from dynamic infectious disease modelling studies resulted in a substantially different choice of allocation schemes. This finding supports the importance of incorporating model-based information in decision-making processes and communication strategies.
The Norwegian Forest Resource Map SR16: Mapping Forest Attributes Using Heterogeneous Sets of Airborne Laser Scanning and National Forest Inventory Data
Authors: Hauglin Marius , Rahlf Johannes , Schumacher Johannes , Astrup Rasmus , Breidenbach Johannes
Published: May 2021

Background The Norwegian forest resource map SR16 combines national forest inventory (NFI) and airborne laser scanning (ALS) data. While the ALS data were acquired over a time interval of 10 years using various sensors and settings, the NFI data are continuously collected. Aims of this study were to analyze the effects of stratification on models linking remotely sensed and field data, and assess the accuracy overall and at the ALS project level. Material and methods The model dataset consisted of 9203 NFI field plots and data from 367 ALS projects, covering 17 Mha and ⅔ of the productive forest in Norway. Mixed-effects regression models were used to account for differences among ALS projects. Two types of stratification were used to fit models: 1) strata by the three main tree species groups spruce, pine and deciduous resulted in species-specific models that can utilize a satellite-based species map for improving predictions, and 2) a stratification by species and maturity class resulted in stratum-specific models that can be used in forest management inventories where each stand regularly is stratified accordingly. Stratified models were compared to general models that were fit without stratifying the data. Results The species-specific models had relative root-mean-squared errors (RMSEs) of 35, 34, 31, and 12% for volume, aboveground biomass, basal area, and Lorey’s height, respectively. These RMSEs were 2-7 percentage points (pp) smaller than those of general models. When validating using predicted species, RMSEs were 0-4 pp smaller than those of general models. Models stratified by main species and maturity class further improved RMSEs compared to species-specific models by up to 1.8 pp. Using mixed-effects models over ordinary least squares models resulted in a decrease of RMSE for timber volume of 1.0 – 3.9 pp, depending on the main tree species. RSMEs for timber volume ranged between 19 – 59% among individual ALS projects.Conclusions The stratification by tree species considerably improved models of forest structural variables. A further stratification by maturity class improved these models only moderately. The accuracy of the models utilized in SR16 were within the range reported from other ALS-based forest inventories, but local variations are apparent.
Posterior Reversible Encephalopathy Syndrome Following Diabetic Ketoacidosis: A Case Report
Authors: Tsai Meng-Ko , Lai Chao-Hung , Chuang Tsung-Ju
Published: May 2021

Background Posterior reversible encephalopathy syndrome (PRES) following the development of diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) is rare and usually occurs in children. This is the first case of DKA following PRES that we know of that occurred in an adult.Case report We encountered a middle-aged woman with a one-day history of nausea and vomiting who presented with DKA and seizure, along with hallucinations. On presentation, we performed physical examinations and blood biochemistry tests to ascertain the cause of these symptoms. We also performed magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of her brain, which showed typical brain edema in the bilateral occipital and parietal regions, which indicated PRES. We treated the patient’s symptoms by administering adequate hydration and administering an infusion of insulin of 30 U after breakfast and 15 U after dinner to bring her blood sugar levels under control.The brain MRI we performed showed hyperintensity of the bilateral occipital and parietal cortexes on a fluid-attenuated inversion recovery T2 weighted image, after which the patient was diagnosed with PRES. The patient was discharged thirteen days after admission with stable blood sugar and blood pressure levels. Conclusions Physicians should keep this condition in mind as a possible complication of DKA and treat it quickly and efficiently in order to attain a good patient outcome.This is the first report of DKA-induced PRES in an adult, and physicians should keep this condition in mind as a possible complication of DKA, which is treatable and may have a good prognosis.
Remediation of Hydrocarbon Polluted Soil Offsets Methanogenic Microbial Communities and Improves Soil Recovery of Crude Oil-Polluted Site
Authors: Obieze Chinedu Christopher , Chikere Chioma Blaise , Adeleke Rasheed , Selvarajan Ramganesh , Ntushelo Khayalethu , Akaranta Onyewuchi
Published: May 2021

Hydrocarbon pollution amplified by artisanal refining has led to the devastating destruction of farmlands and fishing settlements of subsistence farmers in the Niger Delta. The relatively slow natural attenuation of these polluted sites is the motivation for this study. The natural response and the influence of intermittent tillage and nutrient addition on bacterial community ecological functions were investigated using 16S rRNA metabarcoding. Representative soil samples were drawn from the surface (0 – 15cm) and subsurface (1m and 1.5m depths) of the polluted site pre-remediation and during remediation on Days 0, 14, 49, 70 and 91. Nutrient in the form of poultry droppings was added to the polluted soil while aeration was improved by tillage at 3-weeks interval throughout the duration of remediation. Total petroleum hydrocarbon was reduced from 93,720 mg kg–1 on timepoint zero to 9,029.76 mg kg–1 on day 91. Alpha diversity analysis revealed that the proportionality (evenness) of bacterial species significantly reduced during remediation. The bacterial community structure during remediation was significantly different compared to the structure pre-remediation. Spearman’s rank correlation revealed that soil pH, total phosphorus and total potassium were the chemical factors that influenced diversity. During remediation, the most responsive bacterial phyla were Proteobacteria and Cyanobacteria while Hydrogenedentes and Spirochaetes were among biomarkers pre-remediation. PICRUSt2-based functional prediction revealed that pre-remediation, pathways for methanogenesis and terpenoids biosynthesis were differentially abundant while high energy-yielding TCA cycle and pathways for both fatty acid biosynthesis and the degradation of aromatic hydrocarbons were differentially abundant during remediation. Overall, the addition of poultry droppings and intermittent tillage improved nutrient availability and this subsequently led to a significant change in the bacterial community structure and the rate of hydrocarbon sequestration. The authors concluded that incorporation of poultry droppings by tillage may serve as a suitable remediation method to reduce hydrocarbon in oil-polluted Niger Delta soils.
Role of Prostate Ultrasonography to Predict The Efficacy of Bipolar Prostatectomy in Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia
Authors: Ibrahim Ali , Taha Diaaeldin , Talaat Mona , Nabeeh Hossam , Abdelbaky Tarek
Published: May 2021

Background: We evaluated the role of prostatic ultrasonography to predict the clinical outcomes of Bipolar Transurethral resection of the prostate. Methods: 109 Patients complaining of lower urinary tract symptoms (LUTs) due to Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) were evaluated preoperatively and postoperatively (at 1, 3, and 6 months) using ultrasonography (pelvi-abdominal and transrectal ), the International Prostate Symptom Score (IPSS), uroflowmetry, post-void residual urine volume (PVR), ejaculatory domain, and the erectile function domain of the International Index of Erectile Function (IIEF-ED). The safety of the procedure was assessed by Modified Clavien classification of complications.Result: There was a close correlation between residual tissue of prostate detected by ultrasonography and clinical outcomes. The prostate volume was significantly decreased postoperatively with a concomitant significant improvement of IPSS, Qmax, and PVR over six months of follow-up (P <0.001 ). 57.8 % of the cases in this study were sexually active, and there was no significant difference in the IIEF-ED score between preoperative and postoperative evaluation.Conclusion: Prostate ultrasonography has a significant predictive value as a single investigating tool to evaluate the clinical outcomes after bipolar transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). The maximum improvement in IPSS and ultrasonographic measurements were detected at six months postoperatively.
Irradiation suppresses STAT3-mediated MCL1 expression to augment CD8+ T cells cytotoxicity against EGFR-positive lung cancer
Authors: Wang Chun-I , Chang Yi-Fang , Sie Zong-Lin , Ho Ai-Sheng , Cheng Chun-Chia
Published: May 2021

Background

Tumor cells progress to evade immunological attacks and prohibit activity of CD8+ T cells. Irradiation damages tumor cells and augments tumor immunotherapy in clinical application. However, the detail mechanism remains elusive. We aimed to uncover the mechanism of irradiation augmenting cytotoxic CD8+ T cells to suppress tumor progression in non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC).
Methods

EGFR-positive NSCLC cell lines were co-cultured with isolated PBMCs from healthy volunteers, cell viability and apoptosis were measured. RNAseq was used to screen the IFNγ-mediated gene expression in A549 cells. Irradiation was used to augment PBMCs-mediated anti-tumor effect and the irradiation effect to IFNγ-mediated gene expression was investigated using qPCR and Western blots.
Results

Co-culture of tumor cells stimulates increase of granzyme B and IFNγ in CD8+ T, but A549 exhibits resistance against CD8+ T cytotoxicity. Irradiation inhibits A549 proliferation and enhances apoptosis, augmenting PBMCs-mediated cytotoxicity against A549. IFNγ simultaneously increased phosphorylation on STAT1 and STAT3 in EGFR-positive lung cancer, resulting in overexpression of PD-L1. In RNAseq analysis, MCL1 was identified and increased by IFNγ-STAT3 axis in A549 cells, we found that irradiation specifically inhibits phosphorylation on STAT1 and STAT3 in IFNr-treated A549, resulting in reductions of PD-L1 and MCL1. Moreover, knockdowns of STAT3 and MCL1 increased PBMCs against irradiated A549 cells.
Conclusion

This study demonstrated that A549 expressed MCL1 against CD8+ T cell-mediated apoptosis. In addition, we found that irradiation suppressed STAT3 phosphorylation and IFNγ-mediated PD-L1 and MCL1 expression, revealing a potential mechanism of irradiation augmenting immune surveillance.
Dipeptidyl Peptidase-4 Inhibitor Sitagliptin Attenuates Arterial Calcification By Downregulating Oxidative Stress-Induced Receptor for Advanced Glycation End Products in Low-Density Lipoprotein Receptor Knockout Mice
Authors: Lin Chih Pei , Huang Po-Hsun , Chen Chi-Yu , Chen Jia-Shiong , Chen Jaw-Wen , Lin Shing-Jong
Published: May 2021

Background: Plasma advanced glycation end products (AGEs) activates the receptor for advanced glycation end products (RAGE) and the activation of RAGE is implicated to be the pathogenesis of type 2 diabetic mellitus patient vascular complications. Attenuating the activation of RAGE may exert a protective effect against the development of cardiovascular disease. Dipeptidyl peptidase-4 (DPP4) inhibitors are a new class of oral hypoglycemic agents for the treatment of type 2 diabetes mellitus. Whether sitagliptin, a DPP-4 inhibitor, has a beneficial effect on vascular calcification remains undetermined. Methods: In the present study, we fed low-density lipoprotein receptor knockout (LDLR-/-) mice a high fat diet to induce diabetic mellitus and studied the effect of orally administered sitagliptin on the high fat diet fed LDLR-/- mice aorta medial calcification, RAGE expression, oxidative stress, aorta calcium content. Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-α combined with S100A12 was used to induce HASMC oxidative stress, activation of NADPH, up-regulation of the bone markers and RAGE expression, and cell calcium deposition. Effect of sitagliptin, siRNA for RAGE and apocynin on blunting TNF-α and S100A12 induced HASMC oxidative stress, calcification and NADPH activation were also investigated. Results: Sitagliptin attenuated the HFD-induced LDLR-/- mice hyperlipidemia, hyperglycemia, increase in serum TNF-α, aorta calcium deposition and the expression of RAGE in the medial layer of the aorta. TNF-α combined with S100A12 stimulated HASMC RAGE expression, calcium deposition, nicotinamide adenine dinucleotide phosphate (NADPH) oxidase (Nox) activation, and up-regulation of bone marker (bone morphogenetic protein-2, Msh homeobox 2, and runt‑related transcription factor 2) expression. Sitagliptin and apocynin (APO), an NADPH oxidase inhibitor, suppressed the TNF-α+S100A12 treatment effects on the activation of NADPH oxidase and Nuclear factor (NF)-κB and the resultant oxidative stress, up-regulation of RAGE and bone markers expression and calcium deposition. Our findings suggest that sitagliptin imparts its protective effect by suppressing NADPH oxidase and NF-κB activation to blunt the up-regulation of RAGE expression.Conclusion: Our findings suggest that sitagliptin may suppress the initiation and progression of artery calcification by inhibiting the activation of NADPH oxidase and NF-κB and the resultant up-regulation of expression of RAGE.
Symptomatic Complete Discoid Medial Meniscus Completely Coalesced With the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: a Case Report
Authors: Jin Guorong , Xin Tong , Weng Zheng , Zhu Yun , Qiu Hao , Liu Dun , Chen Shimou , Dong Jiangtao , Chen Yu
Published: May 2021

Rationale: Complete discoid medial meniscus is an extremely rare abnormality of the knee joint whose meniscus has a discoid shape rather than a normal semilunar one. Several medial meniscus anomalies including anomalous insertion have been reported in the literature. This report presents a rare case of symptomatic complete discoid medial meniscus whose anterolateral (apical) portion was completely coalesced with the ACL. MRI, radiographic and arthroscopic findings in the medial compartment are to be submitted.Patient concerns and diagnoses: A 29-year-old male presented with intermittent pain and swelling of the right knee for 2 years. Based on radiographic, MRI and physical examination findings, he was diagnosed with discoid medial meniscus tears. Interventions and outcomes: Arthroscopic saucerization were performed for the torn discoid medial meniscus of the right knee. Arthroscopic examination revealed a complete discoid medial meniscus and the anterolateral (apical) portion of which was completely coalesced with the ACL. Careful Probing of the meniscal surface revealed there was a longitudinal tear extending from the tibial spine to the midportion of the meniscus. Arthroscopic saucerization of the discoid meniscus were performed After closely cutting the meniscus around the ACL. The patient reported a satisfactory results at the 12-month follow-up.Lessons: Complete discoid medial meniscus is an extremely rare abnormality, and this case presents the third complete discoid medial meniscus whose anterolateral (apical) portion was completely coalesced with the ACL. The current case we present strongly supports the theory that ACL and meniscus were differentiated from the same mesenchyme.
Sustainable and Efficient Processing of Gh4169 Superalloy With Rotating Short Arc Milling Method
Authors: Zhang Jin , Han Fuzhu
Published: May 2021

High processing efficiency and low environmental pollution have been recognized as important goals of sustainable electrical discharge machining (EDM). This paper proposed a sustainable and efficient EDM method called rotating short arc milling. In order to improve the processing efficiency and reduce pollutant emissions, the principles of this method to achieve high material removal rate (MRR), low tool electrode wear rate (TEWR) and environmentally friendly dielectric are described separately. The rotating short arcs generated by the compound field can improve the machining efficiency. The action of the magnetic field and the internal high-pressure dielectric can quickly remove the debris avoiding irregular discharge, thereby improving the machining quality. Due to the attraction effect of the magnetic field on the debris, several debris adhere to the processing end of the tool electrode to form a protective layer and participates in the processing as a part of the tool electrode, which can reduce the tool electrode wear. Tap water is used as the working fluid to reduce pollutants generated during processing. Then, a series of experiments are conducted to study the influence of process parameters on the processing of GH4169 superalloy. The results show that the machining voltage, machining depth and magnetic field strength are the three most important factors that affect the efficiency and sustainability of rotating short arc milling. Furthermore, the optimal process parameters are obtained by using gray relational analysis method to optimize the machining process in terms of high efficiency and environmental protection.
Effect of K2O/ZnO+CaO Ratio on Density, Glass Forming Ability, Crystallization of SiO2- Al2O3- ZnO- K2O- CaO Frites
Authors: faghinia aida , Salami R. , Khakpour Z. , Zakeri M.
Published: May 2021

The frites by mole fraction of 2.5 SiO2, 0.20 Al2O3, 0.15 B2O3, 0.15ZnO, 0.17K2O, 0.67CaO systems in three ratios of S including 0.37(denoted by F1frites ),0.31(F2), 0.24(F3) (S=K2O/CaO+ZnO) were studied. ZnO powder with 500 nm (N series) and >1μm sizes (F series) opted from the recycled Zn ingots dusts and commercially ZnO respectively, were used as the raw materials. By decreasing the S ratio, the Molar Volumes of frites were decreased, The glass transition ΔTg(=-154ºC), and the crystallization temperatures ΔTp (=+17ºC) values were decreased and increased respectively. It was shown that the GS (glass stability) values are independent of the Zinc Oxide's powder size, while the Molar Volumes of N series were lower than the F ones. The Zinc Silicate (Willemite) beside Anorthite and Parawollastonite phases were crystallized in the resulted glazes. The hardness values were in 700-850 Hv range, the transparency and whiteness were higher than 80 and 60 respectively.
ApoE-TREM2 axis induces pathogenic senescent-like myeloid cells in prostate cancer
Authors: Calcinotto Arianna , Bancaro Nicolò , Troiani Martina , Arzola Rydell , Elia Angela Rita , Attanasio Giuseppe , Calì Bianca , Crespo Mateus , Gurel Bora , Pereira Rita , Guo Christina , Mosole Simone , d’Ambrosio Mariantonietta , Pasquini Emiliano , Spataro Clarissa , Zagato Elena , Rinaldi Andrea , Lascio Simona Di , Meani Francesco , Mestre Ricardo Pereira , Bolis Marco , Montopoli Monica , De Bono Johann , Alimonti Andrea
Published: May 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Research on Body Positioning Measurement Method of Bolting Robot based on Vision Theory
Authors: Hao Xuedi , Yang Xueqiang , Zhang Jinglin , Ding Yaotian , Wu Miao
Published: May 2021

In view of the intelligent demand of underground roadway support and the precise positioning of underground unmanned fully mechanized face, a method of body positioning measurement of bolting robot based on the principle of monocular vision is proposed. In this paper, a vehicle body positioning model based on image data is established. The data is obtained by camera, and the transformation between image coordinates and world coordinates is completed by coordinate system transformation. The monocular vision positioning system of bolting robot is designed, and the simulation experimental model is built to measure the effective positioning distance of monocular vision positioning system in the simulation experimental conditions. The experimental platform of bolting robot is designed, and the vehicle is measured Real time data of body positioning, analysis of experimental error and demonstration of reliability of the method. In this method, the real-time localization of underground mine is realized by the robot of bolting, and the accuracy and efficiency of localization are improved, which lays the foundation for the localization control of mining face and the automation and unmanned of the robot of bolting.
Factor VII Deficiency and Pregnancy: A Case Report and Review of Literature
Authors: Rohilla Minakshi , Rai Rakhi , Ahluwalia Jasmina , Malhotra Pankaj , Jain Vanita
Published: May 2021

Inherited factor VII deficiency is an autosomal recessive coagulation disorder with broad range of bleeding manifestations. The association between bleeding and absolute factor VII level is poor. Usually, the bleeding is associated with FVII levels of less than 1% of the normal value. Factor VII deficiency is associated with prolongation of prothrombin time only with normal activated partial thromboplastin time. Approximately 66 pregnant women have been reported with factor VII deficiency so far in English literature. We hereby, report 2 cases along with the review of literature of Factor VII deficiency during pregnancy. Our patients were diagnosed to have factor VII deficiency after deranged coagulogram with factor VII level of < 1% and 17.1% respectively, however could be managed by fresh frozen plasma only in first case and fresh frozen plasma & factor VII concentrate in second case successfully. Coagulogram is a simple, easily available, affordable and lifesaving investigation to detect this deficiency in pregnancy.
Management of Fibroids Prior to in Vitro Fertilization. Case Reports
Authors: Gastañaga-Holguera Teresa , González Virginia González , Urrutia Marta Calvo , Gesto Isabel Campo , Lázaro Marta Vidaurreta , García Ignacio Cristóbal
Published: May 2021

BACKGROUND. Uterine fibroids are common benign uterine neoplasms in women in reproductive age and pregnancy desire. Several surgical approaches for symptomatic fibroids are available, such as surgical or pharmacologic treatments. We report three cases of fibroids treatment in women with primary sterility. CASE PRESENTATION. The first case of a successful in vitro fertilization (IVF) after ulipristal acetate (UPA) as an alternative treatment to reduce the fibroids size in a patient with two previous abdominal myomectomies, resulting in an evolutive pregnancy. The second patient underwent several myomectomies (both abdominal and hysteroscopic) in a long period of time. And the third one of a successful IVF after UPA in a patient with a submucous fibroid which induced myoma migration leading to its prolapse.CONCLUSIONS. Myomectomy appears to be the gold standard treatment for fibroids in women with reproductive desires. Nevertheless, more series are essential for establishing the safety of UPA as a treatment of symptomatic fibroids prior to pregnancy.
Bone Marrow Hyperplasia in Elderly Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia Changed From Low Into Hyperactive: a Case Report
Authors: Zhang Bin , Cai Yan-Xia , Wang Xia , Liu Xun-Tao , Fang Sheng-Chun , Zhang Su-Zhen , Zhao Fei , Guo Di-Yuan , Geng Li-Na
Published: May 2021

Background: To retrospectively reported a case of bone marrow hyperplasia in elderly acute lymphoblastic leukemia changed from low into hyperactive, in order to improve the understanding of this disease. Case presentation: We continuously followed up a patient of bone marrow hypoplastic patients by evaluating his clinical results, bone marrow morphology and flow cytometry, and analyzing the results at different locations in two consecutive bone marrow punctures. The patient’s hypoplastic bone marrow suddenly became extremely hyperplasia. Before this change, there was early-stage alterations in morphology, flow cytometry and biopsy of the bone marrow, but there was no significant change in peripheral blood cells.Conclusions: For patients whose hypoplastic bone marrow suddenly became extremely hyperplasia, morphology was not very useful, thus definite diagnosis must be dependent on immunological types and bone marrow biopsy results.
Riedel's Thyroiditis Within an Elderly Patient Revealed by Tracheal Compression: a Case Report
Authors: Traore Zie Cheick ahmed , N'Guiessan Alphonse Aman , Coulibaly Zana Ismael , Koffi Kouadio Donatien , Toure Ibrahiman , Kouyate Mohamed
Published: May 2021

Background : Riedel's thyroiditis (RT) is a rare fibrosclerotic disease that affects the thyroid gland and surrounding tissues. The etiology is unknown, and it rarely affects the elderly.Case Presentation : A 56-year-old man, with no particular medical history, was seen in consultation at the Surgery Department of the Treichville Teaching University Hospital for a painless swelling of the anterior base of the neck. Physical examination showed a patient with inspiratory dyspnea probably due to tracheal compression. The patient underwent a subtotal thyroidectomy because of the clinical symptomatology and the persistence of dyspnea. Macroscopically, the thyroid mass was well-encapsulated, weighed 80g, and measured 10 cm x 5 cm x 2 cm. After section, we observed whitish fibrous nodules associated with pinkish-brownish band. Histologically, the architecture of thyroid tissue was restructured by dense and diffuse collagenous fibrosis in which rare atrophic thyroid vesicles were found. The fibrous areas were infiltrated by inflammatory elements, including lymphocytes, plasmocytes, and eosinophilic polynuclear cells. No malignant cells were found. Masson's trichrome staining confirmed the fibrous nature of the thyroid tissue, which is essential for the certain diagnosis of Riedel's thyroiditis. There was no postoperative complication Conclusion : Riedel's thyroiditis is a rare disease that is difficult to diagnose preoperatively despite advances in imaging and fine needle cytology screening methods. Histological examination of the sample confirms the diagnosis of Riedel's thyroiditis. Thyroidectomy is indicated in patients with compression symptoms. Clinicians should suspect Riedel's thyroiditis in patients with a hard thyroid mass with compressive symptoms, despite its rarity.
Pulmonary Tumor With Notochordal Differentiation: A Case Report and Morphologic, Immunohistochemical and Molecular Study of Benign Notochordal Cell Tumor Originating in the Lung
Authors: Song Kai , Ma Xiaojing , Xu Jinghong , Chen Lirong
Published: May 2021

Background: Extraosseous benign notochordal cell tumor is extremely rare, and there are only five reported cases worldwide. The presented case of pulmonary primary benign notochordal cell tumor is the sixth case, but the first to report the deletion mutation of EGFR gene exon 19. Case presentation: The patient was a 50-year-old asymptomatic woman, who had been followed up for 3 years for a nodule in the right lung. Six months after the wedge resection, the patient is alive without evidence recurrence or metastasis. The tumor was 7 millimeters in diameter and was well demarcated. The tumor was consisted of a sheet of large round vacuolated cells with small and bland nuclei. No connective tissue containing blood vessels or inflammatory cell infiltration was detected in the ﻿stroma. The tumor were positive for CK AE1/AE3, Vimentin, S100 and Brachyury. Deletion mutation of EGFR gene exon 19 was first detected and reported. Conclusions: We firstly reported the EGFR mutation of pulmonary primary benign notochordal cell tumor. Due to the rarity of this tumor, more reports are need to explore pathological characteristics, especially the molecular characteristics, in order to better understand the nature of tumors
Identification of CCNB2 expression in triple-negative breast cancer based on bioinformatics results
Authors: cao jintao , SUN SHUAI , LI RAN , MIN RUI , FAN XINGYU , HAN YUEXING , FENG ZHENZHONG , LI NAN
Published: May 2021

Background

The current epidemiology shows that the incidence of breast cancer is increasing year by year and tends to be younger. Triple-negative breast cancer is the most malignant of breast cancer subtypes. The application of bioinformatics in tumor research is becoming more and more extensive. This study provided research ideas and basis for exploring the potential targets of gene therapy for triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC).
Methods

We analyzed three gene expression profiles (GSE64790、GSE62931、GSE38959) selected from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The GEO2R online analysis tool was used to screen for differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between TNBC and normal tissues. Gene Ontology (GO) function and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichment analysis were applied to identify the pathways and functional annotation of DEGs. Protein–protein interaction network of these DEGs were visualized by the Metascape gene-list analysis tool so that we could find the protein complex containing the core genes. Subsequently, we investigated the transcriptional data of the core genes in patients with breast cancer from the Oncomine database. Moreover, the online Kaplan–Meier plotter survival analysis tool was used to evaluate the prognostic value of core genes expression in TNBC patients. Finally, immunohistochemistry (IHC) was used to evaluated the expression level and subcellular localization of CCNB2 on TNBC tissues.
Results

A total of 66 DEGs were identified, including 33 up-regulated genes and 33 down-regulated genes. Among them, a potential protein complex containing five core genes was screened out. The high expression of these core genes was correlated to the poor prognosis of patients suffering breast cancer, especially the overexpression of CCNB2. CCNB2 protein positively expressed in the cytoplasm, and its expression in triple-negative breast cancer tissues was significantly higher than that in adjacent tissues.
Conclusions

CCNB2 may play a crucial role in the development of TNBC and has the potential as a prognostic biomarker of TNBC.
Primitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy in scrotum: A case report and literature review
Authors: Li Chunsen , Wang Mengqiao , Dang Hongwei , Pan Yan , Liu Yi , Zhao Haiou , Liu Chunxia
Published: May 2021

BackgroundPrimitive myxoid mesenchymal tumor of infancy (PMMTI) is a rare tumor and its molecular mechanism and prognosis remain unclear. We here report a case of PMMTI, and review the reported literature of PMMTI.Case presentationA one-year-old boy found a lump in his right groin. The size of the mass was 1 cm×1 cm. Computed tomography showed a round, slightly dense shadow of 38 mm×32 mm in the right groin. The tumor was removed for pathological examination, and the size of the tumor was 6.0 cm×5.0 cm×3.0 cm. Tumor cells are diffusely distributed, mainly spindle cells. The blood vessels were abundant, many adipocytes can be observed in some areas, and focal lymphocyte infiltration can be seen in a few areas. Immunophenotype was as follows: histone H3 at lysine 27 (H3K27me3), B-cell lymphoma 6 corepressor (BCOR) and Bcl-2 were positive, cluster of differentiation 99 (CD99) showed diffuse reactivity, BCL6 was scattered positive, Ki-67 proliferation index was 20%. Dual-color fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) showed red and green signal nuclei caused by the deletion of ETV6 gene rearrangement. The patient underwent extensive surgical resection during the recurrence period and was in good condition 7 months later.ConclusionsPMMTI is at least a low-grade malignancy. BCOR, BCL2, BCL6, and CD99 can be used as special IHC markers, and most PMMTI cases exhibit BCOR ITD change. H3K27me3 may be used as a new IHC marker for PMMTI.
Knockdown circ_0040414 inhibited inflammatory, apoptosis and promoted proliferation of cardiomyocyte via miR-186/PTEN/AKT pathway in chronic heart failure
Authors: Feng Yanling , Cheng Hongji , Wu Jinlei , Chen Qinxiu , Duan Yuexing , Zhang Peng , Zheng Dong , Lin Guixiong , zhuo yufeng
Published: May 2021

Background

Previous studies have found that the expression of circ_0040414 is elevated in heart failure (HF) patients, but the role and mechanism of circ_0040414 in HF are not yet known. The purpose of this study is to clarify the role of circ_0040414 in chronic HF (CHF) and its potential mechanism for regulating the progression of CHF.
Methods

Peripheral blood samples of patients with chronic heart failure and normal people were collected to detect the expression difference of circ_0040414; ROC curve was made to evaluate the value of circ_0040414 in the diagnosis of CHF; CCK8 method was implemented to detect the speed of cell proliferation; flow cytometry was performed to detect the degree of cell apoptosis; ELISA assay was used to detect the inflammatory cytokines IL-6, TNF-α and IL-β secreted by cells; circinteractome and starbase databases were used to analyze the downstream target molecules of circ_0040414 and miR-186, respectively; RT-qPCR and western blot were implemented to evaluate the expression levels of RNA and protein, respectively.
Results

We found that the expression of circ_00404141 in the peripheral blood of CHF patients is significantly higher than that of normal people, and it has a high diagnostic value for CHF. Circ_00404141 promotes cardiomyocyte apoptosis and inflammation, while inhibiting the proliferation of cardiomyocytes. In terms of mechanism, circ_00404141 promotes the expression of Phosphatase and Tensin Homolog (PTEN) through sponge miR-186 and inhibits AKT signal activity.
Conclusion

We clarified that silencing circ_00404141 promotes cardiomyocyte proliferation through miR-186/PTEN/AKT signal axis, inhibits cell apoptosis and inflammation.
Everolimus Release Mechanism from Magnesium alloy Based Bioabsorbable Nanohybrid Coronary Stent
Authors: Sadeghabadi Asghar , Sadrnezhaad Seyed Khatiboleslam , Asefnejhad Azadeh , Nemati Nahid Hassanzadeh
Published: May 2021

The impact of magnesium degradation on Everolimus release from WE43/PLLA nano-hybrid stent was compared with cobalt-chromium L605 alloy. Effect of Mg degradation on drug release from WE43/PLLA was much higher than from L605/PLLA. SEM, UV-VIS, FTIR, pH measurement, and H₂ evolution tests determined the hybrids’ property-change and drug release rate. Hydrogen evolution caused by magnesium degradation compelled Everolimus out without significant PLLA decomposition during the first 100 days, while formation caused PLLA shape change and cracking. A combined lattice/hole diffusion-dissolution mechanism governed the Everolimus release with the activation energies of 5.409 kJ/mol and 4.936 kJ/mol for the first 24 h and diffusion coefficients 6.06 x 10-10and 3.64 x 10-11 cm2/s for the 50th to 100th days. The prolonged suppression of the hyperplasia within the smooth muscle cells by hybrid stent insertion could bring about restenosis cessation. As a result, implanting magnesium alloy stent in patients suffering from coronary artery problems and COVID19 can be more useful than current stents.
The risk factors of under-five deaths in rural parts of Ethiopia
Authors: Mihret Yenew Alemu
Published: May 2021

Background of the study: Under-five mortality is the likelihood for a child born alive to die between birth and fifth birth day. Mortality under the age of five has been the main problem in public health policies especially in rural parts of Ethiopia.Objective: The objective of this study was to assess the risk factors of under-five mortality in Ethiopia using the 2011 EDHS data. Results: Information from 8,668 women included in the study show that 64.5% of the women never experienced under-five deaths of their children. Among four possible count models considered, the ZINB regression model was selected as the most appropriate model. Conclusion: The study revealed that mother’s age first birth, breastfeeding status, wealth index, whether the mother is currently working, region and mother’s level of education had statistically significant association with the number of under-five deaths in rural parts of Ethiopia.