bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluation of Novel Obesity- and Lipid-Related Indices as Predictors of Abnormal Glucose Tolerance in Chinese Women with Polycystic Ovary Syndrome
Authors: Yin Qianqian , Yan Xiaonan , Cao Yijuan , Zheng Jianhua
Published: February 2022

Purpose
We aimed to evaluate the performance of Chinese visceral adiposity index (CVAI), visceral adiposity index (VAI), lipid accumulation product (LAP), triglyceride glucose (TyG) as indices in screening abnormal glucose tolerance (AGT) in Chinese women with polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), using the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT) as a reference test. In addition, we essentially compared the abilities of these indices with body mass index (BMI), waist circumference (WC), fasting plasma glucose (FPG).
Materials and Methods
All 1113 PCOS patients evaluated in this study underwent OGTTs. The 2-h post-oral glucose load (2 h-PG) level was used to categorize subjects into two groups: those having AGT or normal glucose tolerance (NGT) levels.
Results
A statistically significant positive correlation between levels of 2 h-PG and FPG, BMI, WC, LAP, VAI, CVAI, TyG, (P < 0.05), was observed. The strongest correlation was found between the levels of 2 h-PG and CVAI (r = 0.469). The CVAI provided the highest area under the receiver-operating characteristic curve (AUC) for AGT, followed by LAP, BMI, TyG, VAI, WC, and FPG. The CVAI of 32.61 (with AUC: 0.758, sensitivity: 73.4%, specificity: 69.9%) was found to be the cut-off point for AGT in Chinese women with PCOS.
Conclusions
The CVAI may be used as a screening indicator of AGT in Chinese women with PCOS when there is no time or possibility to perform an OGTT.
Conversion of Chirality to Twisting via 1D-to-2D Growth of Graphene Spirals
Authors: Wang Zhu-Jun , Kong Xiao , Huang Yuan , Bao Lihong , Cao Kecheng , Hu Yuxiong , Cai Jun , Wang Lifen , Li Jun , Chen Hui , Pang Fei , Cheng Zhihai , Bábor Petr , Kolibal Miroslav , Liu Zhongkai , Chen Yulin , Zhang Qiang , Cui Yi , Liu Kaihui , Yang Haitao , Bao Xinhe , Gao Hong-Jun , Liu Zhi , Ji Wei , Ding Feng , Willinger Marc
Published: February 2022

The properties of two-dimensional (2D) van der Waals (vdW) materials can be tuned through nanostructuring or controlled layer stacking, where interlayer hybridization induces exotic electronic states and transport phenomena. Here, we describe an assisted self-assembly of twisted layer graphene. The process, which can be implemented in standard chemical vapour deposition (CVD) growth, is best described using the analogy to Origami and Kirigami of paper and involves wrinkle formation, folding, tearing, and re-growth. Inherent to the process is the formation of intertwined graphene spirals and conversion of the chiral angle of one-dimensional (1D) wrinkles into a 2D twist angle of a three-dimensional (3D) superlattice. The approach can be extended to other foldable 2D materials and facilitates the production of miniaturized electronic components, including capacitors, resistors, inductors, and super-conductors.
Dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography derived radiomics signature for detecting Parkinson’s disease
Authors: Shiiba Takuro , Takano Kazuki , Takaki Akihiro , Suwazono Shugo
Published: February 2022

Background: We hypothesised that the radiomics signature, which includes texture information of dopamine transporter single-photon emission computed tomography (DAT-SPECT) images for Parkinson’s disease (PD), may assist semi-quantitative indices. Herein, we constructed a radiomics signature using DAT-SPECT-derived radiomics features that effectively discriminated PD from healthy individuals and evaluated its classification performance.Results: We analysed 291 cases of both normal control (NC, n = 70) and PD (n = 221) groups from the Parkinson’s Progression Markers Initiative database. Data were divided into the training and test sets. DAT-SPECT images were spatially normalised to the Montreal Neurologic Institute space. We calculated 930 radiomics features, including intensity- and texture-based features in the caudate, putamen, and pallidum volumes of interest. The striatum uptake ratios (SURs) of the caudate, putamen, and pallidum were also calculated as conventional semi-quantification indices. The least absolute shrinkage and selection operator was used for feature selection and construction of the radiomics signature. The four classification models were constructed using a radiomics signature and/or semi-quantitative indicator. Furthermore, we compared the classification performance of the semi-quantitative indicator alone and the combination with the radiomics signature for the classification models. The receiver operating characteristics (ROC) analysis was used to evaluate the classification performance. The classification performance of SURputamen was significantly higher than that of other semi-quantitative indicators. The radiomics signature resulted in a slightly increased area under the ROC curve (AUC) compared to SURputamen in the training and test sets. When combined with SURputamen and radiomics signature, all classification models showed slightly higher AUCs than that of SURputamen alone.Conclusion: We constructed a DAT-SPECT image-derived radiomics signature. Performance analysis showed that the current radiomics signature would be helpful for the diagnosis of PD and has the potential to provide new diagnostic value.
A Nomogram Individually Predicts the Overall Survival of Patients with Breast Cancer after Surgery：a Retrospective Study in the SEER Database and China
Authors: Zheng Yufen , Jin Minya , Chen Shiyong , Feng Yijun , Du Juping , Li Jun , Wang Jing
Published: February 2022

Background: Patients with breast cancer have a poor prognosis. We want to construct a more elaborative and validate nomograms for predicting overall survival in patients with breast cancer.Methods: A total of 68363 breast cancer patients who underwent surgery between 2011 and 2015 were recruited from the Surveillance Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. After eliminating lacking clinical information, 60445 eligible breast cancer patients were randomly divided into the training corhort(n=42327) and the internal validation corhort(n=18118) in a ratio of 7:3. The endpoint of this study was overall survival(OS). Multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression models was performed to identify independent risk factors of OS in the training corhort, and then the nomogram was constructed. The nomogram predictive performance was evaluated by the Harrell’s concordance index (C-index), the time-dependent receiver operating characteristics (ROC) curve (AUC), calibration curve, decision curve analysis(DCA) and clinical impact curve. Moreover, the nomogram was verified by the internal validation corhort and external validation corhort.Results: Age, gender, grade, 7th AJCC stage, ER status, PR status, Her-2 Status, breast subtype were found to be independent risk factor of OS(P<0.05). The nomogram integrating these eight factors was constructed and proved excellent discrimination capability in the training corhort(C-index, 0.724 (95%CI, 0.716-0.732))，which was demonstrated in the internal validation corhort(C-index, 0.717 (95% CI, 0.705-0.729) and external validation corhort(C-index, 0.793 (95% CI, 0.724-0.862)). Calibration curve for the probability of 1-, 3- and 5-year OS demonstated good concordance between nomogram prediction and actual observed results in both the training and validation corhort. Besides, the DCA and clinical impact curve indicated the clinical usefulness of our constructed nomogram.Conclusions: We developed a nomogram that integrate clinicopathological variables, which can precisely predict the 1-, 3- and 5-year OS of breast cancer patients after surgery. Validation uncovered preeminent discrimination power for the nomogram, indicating that it presents satisfactory clinical application. Therefore, the nomogram can help clinicians in formulating the suitable therapy strategies for individual patients.
Reachable Set Analysis of Practical Trans-Lunar Orbit via a Retrograde Semi-Analytic Model
Authors: He Bo-yong , Wu Sheng-gang , Li Heng-nian
Published: February 2022

Different from the Apollo flight mode, a safer trans-lunar flight mode for the crews is preferred. The previous-arrived lunar module rendezvous with the crew exploration vehicle on the low lunar destination orbit, and then the crews ride the lunar module for descending the lunar surface destination. The lunar module, which includes the descent and ascent stages, flies from low Earth orbit to the low lunar destination orbit with two tangential impulses. The low lunar destination orbital reachable-set of its practical trans-lunar orbit limits the crew’s lunar surface reachable area. Therefore, the low lunar destination orbital reachable-set of the practical trans-lunar orbit is analyzed in this paper. A retrograde semi-analytic model is proposed for rapidly computing the practical two-impulse trans-lunar orbit firstly, which refers the ephemeris table twice for more precision perilune orbital elements. Then, the envelope of the reachable-set, which is generated using the multiple-level traversal searching approach with the retrograde semi-analytic model, is re-checked by the continuation theory with the high-precision orbital model. Besides, some factors that affect the reachable-set are also measured. The results show that neither the Earth-Moon distance nor the trans-lunar duration affects the reachable-set. However, if the trans-lunar injection inclination is smaller than the inclination of the moon’s path, the reachable-set becomes smaller or even reduces into an empty set. In brief, the proposed retrograde semi-analytic model for computing the reachable-set provides a helpful and fast tool for selecting an applicable lunar surface landing site for the manned lunar mission overall design.
Survival, Growth, and Productivity of Rhizophora Racemosa Transplanted in Natural Ecosystems: Implications for Mangrove Restoration
Authors: Sinsin Laurenda Corine Bitossessi , Salako Kolawolé Valère , Tohoun Roméo Jesukpégo , Kakaï Romain Glèlè
Published: February 2022

Mangroves are coastal wetland ecosystems of tropical and subtropical regions. Their development and trajectories are mainly driven by water and substrate salinities. Therefore, understanding how main mangrove species respond to salinity gradient when transplanted in natural environment is essential for their restoration. This study assessed the survival, growth, and productivity of Rhizophora racemosa seedlings in response to gradient of salinity. Seedlings were grown in nursery under low (3-5 psu) and medium (15-17 psu) water salinities for thirty days and transplanted to three mangrove sites with various salinities (4.6, 11.41, and 18.27 psu). Seedling survival and growth were monitored monthly for 6 months. At the end of month 6, total biomass was harvested and partitioned. Results showed that growth, survival, and productivity of R. racemosa were mainly influenced not by the salinity under which the propagules were raised in nursery but rather by site. Survival was higher (88.33%) at the site with the highest salinity. Total plant biomass was similar across sites, but root biomass and root weight ratio were higher on sites with higher salinity. Biomass was disproportionately higher in stems (45–54%) than in roots (28–37%), and leaves (15–18%). We suggest that restoration is done in appropriate period, ideally one month before the start of rainy season not only to allow seedlings to well establish their rooting system in the substrate before rains start but also to favour seedling growth, because of substrate salinity dilution by fresh water from rains and flows from uplands.
Simulation Analysis and Experiment of Instantaneous Temperature Field for Grinding Face Gear with A Grinding Worm
Authors: Guo Hui , Wang Xuyang , Zhao Ning , Fu Bibo , Liu Li
Published: February 2022

In this paper, a transient temperature calculation model for simulating grinding face gear with a grinding worm is proposed. Firstly, according to the principle of differential geometry, the equations for determining contact arc length and contact width of the instantaneous grinding area between the worm grinding wheel and the face gear are deduced. Based on the method for the single abrasive particle cutting force and grinding heat, a mathematical model for the grinding force and grinding heat of the face gear is established, and the theoretical calculation formula of the instantaneous maximum temperature for grinding teeth of the face gear is obtained. Secondly, a finite element model of temperature field for face gear grinding with moving heat load of grinding worm wheel is established, and the influence law of grinding process parameters on tooth surface temperature is studied. Finally, the validity of the temperature field simulation model is verified by multi-group temperature testing experiments for face gear grinding.
The Effect of Work Setting and Demographic Factors on Nurses’ Caring Behaviour in Sabah, Malaysia
Authors: Arsat Norkiah , Lah Nik Amin Sahid Nik , Thomas Deena , Soong Sui Fun , Chong Li Tsu , Sawatan Waidah , Dasan Norsimah , Wider Walton
Published: February 2022

Background: The uniqueness of nursing profession contributes to the development in knowledge, and experience along with increasing age, education, economy, and position as well as forming a unique gender role throughout the life of this profession. Thus, the development and advancement of the demographic characteristics of nurses developed while in this profession exerts a very large influence on the caring behaviour of nurses. The aim of this study was to identify the effect of work setting and demographic factors on nurses’ caring behaviour and to identify the differences in nurses’ caring behaviors based on demographic factors between nurses in public hospitals and in public health services in Sabah, Malaysia.Methods: This research is a cross-sectional study using the survey method. Data were collected from 3,532 nurses in public hospitals and public health services within Sabah, Malaysia. Data were analysed using two-way ANOVA.Results: The findings reveal that age, education, economy, position, and experience had a significant effect on caring behaviour. Additionally, there are differences in nurses’ caring behaviors based on demographics factors between nurses working in public hospitals and public health services.Conclusion: The present research has provided convergent evidence on the effect of demographic factors on nurses caring behavior and the differences in caring behavior based on demographic factors among nurses in public hospitals and public health services in Sabah, Malaysia.
Interactive effects of silicon and arbuscular mycorrhiza on root growth, uptake of several soil elements, antioxidant potential, and secondary metabolites of Licorice (Glycyrrhiza glabra L.) under water-deficit condition
Authors: Haghighi Tahereh Movahhed , Saharkhiz Mohammad , Zarei Mehdi
Published: February 2022

AimsWater deficit affect agricultural systems negatively globally. This research objective was to mitigate drought detrimental effects on Licorice growth, utilizing biofertilizer and mineral nutrition. Exogenous application of silicon (Si) and arbuscular mycorrhizal fungi (AMF) may help licorice plant cope with drought stress. MethodsAn experiment was designed with two Si solute levels in irrigation water (i.e. 0 (Si0) and 300 mg/L (Si1)), two levels of AMF inoculation (i.e. inoculation with Claroiedoglomus etunicatum (F1) and without inoculation (F0)), and five soil moisture regimes (i.e. 100, 80, 60, 40 and 20% of field capacity (FC). The impacts of Si and AMF were assessed on licorice yield, mineral uptake, antioxidant potential, and secondary metabolites under water-deficit stress. After two months, the plants were harvested and their morphological traits were measured. Root extracts were utilized for secondary metabolites and nutrient determination. ResultsUnder water deficit conditions, there were significant decreases in root length, diameter, and dry weight (DW) (p<0.05), compared to the control. Si and AMF could significantly (p<0.05) enhance root area (47.75-150.64 cm2) under all irrigation levels. Also, Si significantly (p<0.05) increased the level of root colonization in licorice. The maximum glycyrrhizic acid (GA) (26.62 mg/g DW) was achieved by the interaction between Si and AMF in response to 40% FC. A reduction in total flavonoids and phenolics of licorice was observed under severe drought levels; however, the Si and AMF acted to increase sinapic acid (16.46 mg/g DW), and trans ferulic acid (1.11 mg/g DW) in roots. The results indicated that the interaction between Si and AMF positively affected nitrogen (N) and phosphorous (P) concentrations in roots (53.51 and 74.07 %, respectively). At low irrigation levels, the concentrations of P and Si elements increased significantly in the roots. Also, there was an increase in potassium concentration (K) in response to 100, 80, and 40% FC among Si-treated plants (38.5-44.7%). ConclusionsThe exogenous application of Si and AMF showed a synergistic impact on the ability to mitigate the adverse effects of drought stress by improving plant growth and enhancing metabolite accumulation in licorice. These findings bring prospective insight into world water deficit crisis conquering.
Ultrasound Evaluation of Endothelial Dysfunction in Immunoglobulin-Resistant Children with Acute Kawasaki Disease
Authors: Wen Yizhou , Yang Yanfeng , Wen Yang , Xi Jimei , Chen Tingting , Lu Yaheng , Liu Yiling , Si Feifei
Published: February 2022

Purpose Clinically, some children with Kawasaki disease (KD) who do not respond to the first application of gamma globulin therapy have a longer course of disease and a higher risk of coronary artery damage. The characteristics of vascular endothelial dysfunction in intravenous immune globulin (IVIG)-resistant patients during the acute phase are not well described. We aimed to determine whether indicators that detect the situation of the endothelium are useful parameters that can accurately reflect subclinical dysfunction in resistant patients and may assist in differentiating patients with KD at a higher risk of IVIG resistance.Methods Fifty IVIG-resistant KD children, 120 IVIG-responsive KD children, 70 febrile children with acute upper respiratory infection and 100 healthy controls were recruited, and indicators reflecting endothelial inflammation, including flow-mediated dilation (FMD), were measured. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis was utilized to determine the threshold values of these parameters associated with IVIG resistance. Multiple logistic regression analysis was performed to determine whether FMD was an independent predictor of IVIG-resistant patients.Results Compared with normal children, febrile children and IVIG-sensitive KD patients, IVIG-resistant patients had lower FMD (P<0.05) and higher carotid artery intima-media (CIMT) (P<0.05). Laboratory data demonstrated that the percentage of neutrophils (N %) and the levels of N-terminal pro-brain natriuretic peptide (NT-proBNP) and serum procalcitonin (PCT) were significantly higher in the IVIG-resistant group than in the IVIG-responsive group, while the levels of albumin (ALB) and serum sodium were significantly lower (P< 0.05). PCT, Na+ and FMD exhibited AUCs of 0.727, 0.653 and 0.698, respectively, in predicting IVIG resistance in KD through ROC analysis. PCT > 1.69 ng/ml, Na+ <133.2 mmol/l and FMD <5.79% were independent predictors of IVIG resistance in KD (OR, 95% CI, P< 0.05).Conclusion More severe endothelial dysfunction, especially lower FMD, was present in IVIG-resistant patients than in IVIG-responsive patients. It is a helpful diagnostic tool that provides supportive criteria to detect KD patients at a higher risk of IVIG resistance when FMD<5.79% in children.
Real-world utilization of PD-1/PD-L1 inhibitors with palliative radiotherapy in patients with metastatic non-small-cell lung cancer
Authors: zhou zichao , Chen Kaiyan , Li Na , Xie Mingying , Sheng Jiamin , Fan Yun , Huang Zhiyu
Published: February 2022

Background
Programmed cell death protein 1 (PD-1) blockade combined with radiotherapy may be a promising strategy to improve the prognosis of patients with advanced non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, the optimum radiotherapy scheme, timing, and location have not been fully determined.
Methods
We conducted a retrospective study of 57 patients receiving PD-1/PD-ligand 1 (PD-L1) inhibitors with radiotherapy for metastatic NSCLC in Zhejiang Cancer Hospital between June 2017 and December 2019. Data on overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), treatment response and adverse events were collected. Comparisons based on type of radiation, timing of radiotherapy and number of irradiated lesions were performed.
Results
The median OS was 25.9 (95% CI: 18.4-33.4) months, and the median PFS was 10.3 (95% CI: 8.9-11.8) months. The in-field and out-of-field overall response rates were 45.2% and 32.1%, respectively. Multisite radiotherapy was associated with longer PFS than single-site radiotherapy (19.50 vs. 9.10 months, P = 0.017). Furthermore, immunotherapy with concurrent radiotherapy tended to have superior outcomes compared with immunotherapy with sequential radiotherapy (OS: NR vs. 20.87 months, P = 0.079; PFS: 11.4 vs. 9.0 months, P = 0.153), as did immunotherapy with stereotactic radiotherapy compared with traditional radiotherapy (OS: 30.6 vs. 25.9 months, P = 0.840; PFS: 11.1 vs. 9.9 months, P = 0.803). The incidence of treatment-related adverse events (AEs) was 61.4%, but only 5.3% of patients experienced grade 3 AEs.
Conclusions
The combination of immunotherapy and radiotherapy demonstrated favourable survival and good tolerability in Chinese patients with advanced NSCLC.
Comparison of somatostatin receptor expression in patients with neuroendocrine tumours with and without somatostatin analogue treatment imaged with [18F]SiTATE
Authors: Eschbach Ralf , Hofmann Markus , Späth Lukas , Unterrainer Lena M. , Sheihk Gabriel T , Delker Astrid , Lindner Simon , Jurkschat Klaus , Wängler Carmen , Wängler Björn , Schirrmacher Ralf , Tiling Reinhold , Brendel Matthias , Wenter Vera , Dekorsy Franziska J. , Zacherl Mathias J , Todica Andrei , Ilhan Harun , Grawe Freba , Cyran Clemens C. , Unterrainer Marcus , Rübenthaler Johannes , Knösel Thomas , Paul Tanja , Boeck Stefan , Westphalen C. Benedikt , Spitzweg Christine , Auernhammer Christoph J. , Bartenstein Peter , Beyer Leonie
Published: February 2022

Purpose
Somatostatin analogues (SSA) are frequently used in the treatment of neuroendocrine tumours. Recently, [18F]SiTATE entered the field of somatostatin receptor (SSR) positron emission tomography (PET)/ computed tomography (CT) imaging. The purpose of this study was to compare the SSR-expression of differentiated gastroentero-pancreatic neuroendocrine tumours (GEP-NET) measured by [18F]SiTATE-PET/CT in patients with and without previous treatment with long-acting SSAs to evaluate if SSA treatment needs to be paused prior to [18F]SiTATE-PET/CT.
Methods
77 patients were examined with standardised [18F]SiTATE-PET/CT within clinical routine: 40 patients with long-acting SSAs up to 28 days prior to PET/CT examination and 37 patients without pre-treatment with SSAs. Maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean) of tumours and metastases (liver, lymphnode, mesenteric/peritoneal and bones) as well as representative background tissues (liver, spleen, adrenal gland, blood pool, small intestine, lung, bone) were measured, SUV ratios (SUVR) were calculated between tumours/metastases and liver, likewise between tumours/metastases and corresponding specific background, and compared between the two groups.
Results
SUVmean of liver (5.4 ± 1.5 vs. 6.8 ± 1.8) and spleen (17.5 ± 6.8 vs. 36.7 ± 10.3) were significantly lower (p < 0.001) and SUVmean of blood pool (1.7 ± 0.6 vs. 1.3 ± 0.3) was significantly higher (p < 0.001) in patients with SSA pre-treatment compared to patients without. No significant differences between tumour-to-liver and specific tumour-to-background SUVRs were observed between both groups (all p > 0.05).
Conclusion
In patients previously treated with SSAs, a significantly lower SSR expression ([18F]SiTATE uptake) in normal liver and spleen tissue was observed, as previously reported for 68Ga-labelled SSAs, without significant reduction of tumour-to-background contrast. Therefore, there is no evidence that SSA treatment needs to be paused prior to [18F]SiTATE-PET/CT.
Association of Plantar Fasciitis with Lipid Profile and Glucose Level: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Hosseinian Sayyed Hadi Sayyed , Bagheri Farshid , Sistanian Fatemeh , Mousavian Alireza , Ebrahimzadeh Mohammad-Hosein , Kachooei Amir Reza , B.O Mahla Daliri
Published: February 2022

Background
Hyperlipidemia is associated with tendon disorders and biomechanical changes through tissue deposition. In the present study, we seek the relation of plantar fasciitis (PF) with lipid profile parameters and fasting blood sugar (FBS) levels.
Methods
In a case-control study, we enrolled 68 patients with a clinical diagnosis of PF in the case group and 136 individuals without PF in the control group. Patients’ height, weight, body mass index (BMI), FBS, lipid profile including low-density lipoprotein (LDL), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), total cholesterol, and triglyceride (TG) laboratory tests were also checked as the main study variables to be compared between the two groups. The mean difference of each variable between the two case and control groups was tested using an independent t-test. Correlation coefficient analyses were used to calculate the correlation of patients’ BMI with lipid profile and FBS levels to evaluate the BMI variable as a confounder.
Results
Patients with PF had higher levels of total cholesterol (p=0.001), LDL (P= 0.004), and TG (P=0.02). HDL (P=0.13) and FBS (P=0.24) levels did not differ between two groups. Odds ratio calculation showed that patients with serum levels of LDL >130 mg/dl and total cholesterol > 200 mg/dl were 3.7 and 1.8 times more likely to develop PF, respectively. We found no association between lipid profile parameters and BMI in either of the two groups.
Conclusions
Our findings show higher levels of serum lipid profile parameters in patients with PF. Thus, it supports the modification of LDL, TC, TG, and glucose levels when managing PF.
Trial Registration:
The study does not include intervention.
One in Twenty-five Patients is suffering from Deep Vein Thrombosis in Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital Bahir Dar, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Mengesha Workineh , Fentahun Netsanet , Mosisa Teshome , Woretaw Habtamu
Published: February 2022

Background: Trauma leads to significant physiologic changes that result in patients at elevated risk for thromboembolism. Deep vein thrombosis is a serious condition with an incidence of 10% to 30% of people dying within 1 month. To date, there is a paucity of evidence regarding deep vein thrombosis after musculoskeletal trauma in Ethiopia. Objective: To assess the prevalence of deep vein thrombosis and its associated factors in lower extremity trauma patients in Tibebe Ghion Specialized Hospital, Bahir Dar, Ethiopia.Methods: Institutional-based cross-sectional study design was conducted on 196 lower extremity trauma patients from April 1, 2021, to July 30, 2021. Data were collected by using an interview administered questionnaire and Doppler ultrasound examination was used to detect the presence of deep vein thrombosis. Data analysis was done using SPSS Windows Version 26. Binary logistic regression was used to identify factors associated with deep vein thrombosis. A P-value < 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Result: The prevalence of deep vein thrombosis was 4.1%. The age of the patient greater than 60 years (AOR= 16.32; 95% CI: 1.02, 260.06); injury severity scores greater than or equal to 15 (AOR= 33.08; 95% CI: 3.60, 303.65); any comorbidity (AOR= 8.62; 95% CI: 1.10, 67.50), and length of hospital stay greater than 20 days (AOR= 8.77; 95% CI: 1.20, 64.44) were associated factors of deep vein thrombosis occurrence.Conclusion: The prevalence of deep vein thrombosis was lower in the study area compared to other studies. Age, injury severity score, any comorbidity, and length of hospital stay were independent risk factors. Attention should be given to patients with Age, injury severity score, any comorbidity, and length of hospital stay to prevent deep vein thrombosis occurrence.
Ceropegia wallichii Wight (Apocynaceae Juss.): A New Elevation Record with Conservation Status
Authors: Sharma Ishwar Prakash
Published: February 2022

The genus Ceropegia L. is a highly diversified genus of the family Apocynaceae whose most of the species are facing threats. The species Ceropegia wallichii Wight is categorized under Data Deficient (DD) which is found between 2500 to 2900 m altitudes since till date according to available literature while this article first time mentioned its elevation in 1735 m altitude. Hence, in this scenario, its new elevation should be changed from 1700 to 2900 m. Owing to its poor abundance of sheets in Indian herbaria, this species also needs to be protected.
Peripheral sympathectomy alters neuroinflammatory responses and microglial activity in response to sleep fragmentation in female mice
Authors: Ashley Noah T. , Mishra Ila , Pullum Keelee B. , Eads Kristen N. , Strunjas Anna R.
Published: February 2022

BackgroundSleep loss, either induced by obstructive sleep apnea or other forms of sleep dysfunction, induces an inflammatory response, as commonly measured by increased circulating levels of pro-inflammatory cytokines. Increased catecholamines from sympathetic nervous system (SNS) activation regulates this peripheral inflammation. However, the role that catecholamines play in mediating neuroinflammation from sleep perturbations is undescribed. The aims of this study were to determine (i) the effect of peripheral SNS inhibition upon neuroinflammatory responses to sleep fragmentation (SF) and (ii) whether homeostasis can be restored after 1 week of recovery sleep.MethodsWe measured gene expression levels of pro- and anti-inflammatory cytokines and microglial activity in brain (prefrontal cortex, hippocampus and hypothalamus) of female mice that were subjected to acute SF for 24 hours, chronic SF for 8 weeks, or 7 days of recovery after chronic SF. In each experiment, SF and control mice were peripherally sympathectomized with 6-OHDA (6-hydroxydopamine) or injected with vehicle. ResultsSF elevated cytokine mRNA expression in brain and increased microglial density and cell area in some regions. In addition, chronic SF promoted hyper-ramification in resting microglia upon exposure to chronic, but not acute, SF. Effects of chronic SF were more pronounced than acute SF, and 1 week of recovery was not sufficient to alleviate neuroinflammation. Importantly, 6-OHDA treatment significantly alleviated SF-induced inflammation and microglial responses.ConclusionsThis study provides evidence of SNS regulation of neural inflammation from SF, suggesting a potential role for therapeutics that could mitigate neuroinflammatory responses to sleep dysfunction.
Effect of climate warming on the timing of autumn leaf senescence reverses
at the summer solstice
Authors: Zohner Constantin , Mirzagholi Leila , Renner Susanne , Mo Lidong , Bucher Raymo , Palouš Daniel , Vitasse Yann , Fu Yongshuo , Stocker Benjamin , Crowther Thomas
Published: February 2022

Climate change is causing shifts in the growing seasons of plants1,2, affecting species performance and interactions3,4 as well as global carbon, water and nutrient cycles5,6. How the timing of autumn leaf senescence in extra-tropical forests will change remains unclear because of the complex seasonal interaction of climate warming, earlier and enhanced vegetation activity, and the annual day-length cycle7–10. Here we use experiments, long-term ground observations, and satellite-based vegetation monitoring to show that early-season and late-season warming have opposite effects on the onset and progression of leaf senescence, with a reversal occurring at the year’s longest day (summer solstice). Across ~84% of the northern forest area, increased temperature and vegetation activity before the solstice led to an earlier senescence onset (10% greenness loss) of, on average, –1.6 ± 0.1 days-per-°C, while warmer post-solstice temperatures did not affect senescence onset but reduced its speed (progression to 50% greenness loss) by 0.8 ± 0.1 days-per-°C. Due to the earlier senescence onset, the day at which autumn temperature starts driving senescence progression has been shifting to ever earlier dates, between 1951—2015 at a rate of –0.20 ± 0.07 days per year. These developmental constraints suggest that senescence will start earlier but progress more slowly in the future, revealing Northern Hemisphere-wide compensation effects on trends in growing-season length, caused by enhanced pre-solstice vegetation activity. This new mechanistic insight improves our ability to model carbon uptake by extra-tropical forests under climate change.
Association of BAFF/BAFF-R Single Nuclear Polymorphisms with Renal Graft Function in Kidney Transplant Recipients
Authors: Xu Haiyan , Jia Chenlu , He Xiaozhou , Xu Renfang
Published: February 2022

The BAFF/BAFF-R signal correlates with antibody-mediated rejection and renal function decline after renal transplantation. We investigated the relationship between BAFF/BAFF-R single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) and renal graft function in kidney transplant recipients. Kidney transplant recipients (310) along with randomly selected healthy control individuals (51) were followed from September 2020 to March 2021 in Third Affiliated Hospital of Soochow University. Anticoagulated peripheral blood and serum were collected from all individuals. Five BAFF/BAFF-R SNPs were genotyped by TaqMan quantitative PCR. According to the estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) cut-off value of 90 mL·min-1·1.73 (m2)-1, the recipients were divided into normal and abnormal eGFR groups. Analysis results revealed that BAFF rs9514828 CT genotype carriers had a significantly higher incidence of abnormal graft kidney function than other genotype carriers (OR = 1.597, 95% CI = 1.012–2.519, P < 0.05) and had no significant correlation with serum soluble BAFF level and positive rate of panel reactive antibodies; There was a strong linkage disequilibrium between the BAFF rs16972194, rs9514828, and rs16972197; Recipients woth haploid GCG had a significantly higher incidence of normal graft function (OR = 0.381, 95% CI = 0.156–0.931, P < 0.05). This present results suggest that BAFF rs9514828 CT genotype may be a risk factor for kidney transplant recipients, resulting in reduced graft function, whereas the GCG haploid may play a protective role in normal graft function.
Optimization of empty container allocation for inland freight stations considering stochastic demand
Authors: Chen Kang , Lu Qingyang , Xin Xu , Yang Zhongzhen , Zhu Lequn , Xu Qi
Published: February 2022

To meet the fluctuating demand for empty containers at inland freight stations, liner companies often adopt the method of a combination of self-owned and leased empty containers. Therefore, estimating the amount of self-owned and leased empty containers that need to be allocated to each inland freight station in a specific area becomes a critical issue for liner companies. However, owing to the high degree of unpredictability of the demand and the limited flexibility of empty container relocation, the abovementioned issue has not been fully addressed. This paper provides a model for empty container allocation without knowing the probability distribution function of empty container demand in advance. The abovementioned model can jointly optimize the quantities of self-owned empty containers and leased containers allocated to each inland freight station. To solve the abovementioned model, a largest-debt-first policy is adopted to simplify the complicated model, and a differential evolutionary algorithm is developed to solve the simplified model. Numerical experiments are conducted to validate the model. In comparison to conventional way such as overstock, our method significantly reduces the self-owned empty container storage level, improves the ability of liner companies to deal with fluctuations in empty container demand, and offers necessary decision support for liner companies’ daily container management.
Evolutionary analysis of Japan’s nuclear wastewater discharge events considering the impact of participants’ emotions
Authors: Xin Xu , Liu Miaohui , Wang Xiaoli , Zhang Tao , Chen Kang
Published: February 2022

The Japanese government’s decision on April 13, 2021 to discharge nuclear wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant into the sea has aroused widespread concern around the world. People in Japan, especially fishermen, have expressed strong opposition to this decision. In this paper, we discuss an evolutionary game considering the impact of participants’ emotions to explore the evolutionarily stable strategies of both the Japanese government and Japanese fishermen. The results show the following: i) For the sake of interest, no matter what mood the fishermen are in, the Japanese government will choose to discharge nuclear wastewater. ii) The emotions of players not only affect their own strategy choices but also affect the strategy choices of other players. The emotional changes of Japanese fishermen not only affect the changes of their own strategies but also change the evolutionary trajectory of the Japanese government. iii) When both parties are rational, the impact of each key parameter on the evolution results and trajectories of both parties is closely related to the interests of both parties. When the fishermen are pessimistic, the changes in each parameter will not change their willingness to choose the opposition strategy but will affect the change in the Japanese government’s initial willingness to choose the discharge strategy. When the fishermen are optimistic, the cost of nuclear wastewater treatment and financial subsidies will slow down the evolution speed of the Japanese government to choose to discharge and Japanese fishermen to accept discharge policy. This paper also puts forward policy implications for the Japanese government and suggestions for Japanese fishermen to provide necessary support for the government to formulate pollution control policies and the people to protect their own rights and interests.
The landscape of SARS-CoV-2 genomic mutations
Authors: Lippi Giuseppe , Henry Brandon M.
Published: February 2022

Background: This article is aimed to provide an updated landscape of severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) genomic mutations emerged since its first identification and sequencing.Methods: We downloaded and analyzed all mutations within the SARS-CoV-2 RNA genome submitted up to February 8, 2022 to the website of the National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI), which contains all variants in Sequence Read Archive (SRA) records compared to the prototype SARS-CoV-2 reference sequence NC_045512.2.Results: Our search identified 26,005 different mutations. The largest number of mutations was located within the gene encoding for the Nsp3 protein (20.7%), followed by the gene encoding for the spike protein (14.6%). Overall, 17948/26005 (69.0%) of these mutations interested single nucleotide positions, thus spanning over ~62% of the entire SARS-CoV-2 genome. Of all mutations, 61.5% were non-synonymous, whilst 17.4% of those in the gene encoding for the spike protein involved the sequence of the receptor binding domain, 59.2%, of which were non-synonymous. When the number of mutations was expressed as ratio to the gene size, the highest ratio was found in the sequence encoding for ORF7a (ratio, 2.25), followed by ORF7b (ratio, 1.85), ORF8 (ratio, 1.60) and ORF3a (ratio, 1.48). The gene encoding for RNA-dependent RNA polymerase accounted for only 0.1% of all mutations, with a considerably low ratio with the gene size (i.e., ratio, 0.01).Conclusions: The results of our analysis demonstrate that SARS-CoV-2 has enormously mutated since its first sequence has been identified over 2 years ago.
Sociodemographic Factors and Adoption of Social Media as a Management Tool by Managers and Administrators in Selected Non-Governmental Organizations in Kigali, Rwanda
Authors: Marete Onesmus , Kituyi Alice , Kirabo Joyce
Published: February 2022

Social media use has gained prominence in the public as well as in the work environment as a way of quickly and widely sharing information and its crucial role in management has been elevated even more by the covid-19 pandemic which has severely limited human physical interaction. This study was carried out to explore the sociodemographic factors and adoption of social media as a management tool among managers and administrators in selected Non-Governmental Organizations in Kigali Rwanda. The study focused on the popular social media applications that can be of use in management namely, Facebook, Twitter, WhatsApp, video-conferencing applications, and YouTube. The study employed a descriptive cross-sectional design with an online survey questionnaire administered to a sample size of 217 respondents purposively sampled from six selected NGOs in Kigali Rwanda. Findings indicated that the overall social media adoption was quite high with WhatsApp being the most popular app. Several respondents’ characteristics such as age, education and job level showed statistically significant association with adoption of particular social media applications. Findings, however, revealed no structured approach to social media use in most of the surveyed NGOs. The study concluded that the overall adoption rate of social media was quite high but with a huge disparity in usage rates of specific social media applications and that certain sociodemographic factors such as education level and training appeared as strong predictors of social media adoption. This study recommended therefore, that NGOs should determine the applications that support their business model and provide comprehensive policies and support to encourage the employees to adopt the chosen social media applications in their managerial functions. The policy makers should also promote the modifiable sociodemographic factors that influence social media adoption such as education level and training.
Antioxidant and colorectal anticancer potential of camel whey immunoglobulins
Authors: Abdallah Lubna
Published: February 2022

Camel whey considered as a potent source for many different biologically active proteins. According to that, this study was aimed to find out the antioxidant and anticancer activity of the prepared camel whey immunoglobulins. The in vitro effect of the prepared whey immunoglobulins concentrations on colon cells morphology and growth was investigated by tissue culture technique. Results showed that camel whey immunoglobulins reduced colon cell viability. Moreover, the obtained results revealed that these immunoglobulins had high antioxidant activity. In conclusion, this research support the scientific evidence of camel whey proteins beneficial effects in disease therapy.
POR UMA ECONOMIA POPULAR E SOLIDÁRIA NO VETOR PRODUTIVO DE GERAÇÃO DE ENERGIA EÓLICA NO RIO GRANDE DO NORTE
Authors: Hofstaetter Moema , Azevedo Francisco Fransualdo de
Published: February 2022

O artigo problematiza a nova dinâmica espacial em curso no Nordeste do Brasil, em particular no Rio Grande do Norte, a partir da implantação de parques eólicos, que se apresenta comoalternativa à crise energética, mas que carrega importantes contradições. Esta nova dinâmica, nos moldes que se reproduz, marcada pela estrangeirização do território é um fator dedesagregação, de desorganização e de privatização dos bens coletivos. A análise se pauta numa revisão da literatura e pesquisa de campo em municípios representativos do Rio Grande do Norte onde a produção de eletricidade com base na fonte eólica é expressiva. Portanto, pode-se afirmar que a lógica estabelecida por este vetor desconsidera as diversas formas de organização popular, a cultura, os costumes, valores e hábitos locais, assim como os impactos ambientais decorrentes da sua implantação; é importante, sobretudo o crescimento econômico, ignorando iniciativas coletivas, as quais despontam como experiências exitosas rumo a uma transição energética solidária e popular. Destarte, defendemos que a produção, distribuição, comercialização e consumo de eletricidade com base na fonte eólica, seguindo os princípios e valores das economias sociais e solidárias se constituem de fato num modelo alternativo ao que está em curso no Brasil, de modo particular no estado do Rio Grande do Norte.
SLOW TOURISM
Authors: Izcara Carla , Cañada Ernest
Published: February 2022

El presente artículo, de carácter ensayístico, pretende analizar el movimiento slow desde la perspectiva del slow tourism. Esta tendencia toma relevancia en período de pandemia ya que,en su versión más estricta, contribuye a relocalizar en la proximidad la actividad turística y promueve medios de transporte más sostenibles, así como una forma de viajar más pausada.Por un lado, el slow tourism pone en cuestión el modelo turístico actual, que genera dinámicas de despojo y banaliza la experiencia de visitar territorios. Por otro lado, sus límites tienenrelación con el hecho de ser propuestas pensadas desde la demanda y cómo su desarrollo puede derivar en dinámicas de elitización del consumo turístico. Para contextualizar este movimiento, se enumeran varias experiencias gastronómicas y enoturísticas.
Association of Alzheimer’s Disease with Genetic Variants of Apolipoprotein E, Clusterin, TNF-α, and IL-6 Among Elderly Saudis
Authors: Abdi Saba , Alghamdi Amani Ahmed , AlGhunaim Nouf Nasser Abduallah , Almutairi Reem Muteb , Ataya Farid Shokry , Ansari Mohammed Ghouse Ahmed , Hussain Syed Danish , Masoud Mohammad , Alamro Abir , Almutairi Othman T. , Al-Daghri Nasser M. , Muayqil Taim Abdullah
Published: February 2022

Background:

In the wake of the warning by WHO that the prevalence of dementia
may have a rise of 125% in the Middle East by 2050, identification of the genetic risk factors in
Arab populations is urgent.

Objective:

To investigate the association of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) in
apolipoprotein E (ApoE), clusterin (CLU), tumor necrotic factor- α (TNF-α) and interleukin-6
(IL-6) genes, with risk of Alzheimer’s disease (AD) in Saudi Arabian participants.

Method:

A total of 42 Saudi AD patients and 23 age-matched control participants were genotyped
for eight SNPs: rs429358, rs7412 (ApoE); rs11136000, rs1532278 (CLU); rs1800629,
rs1799724 (TNF-α) and rs1800796, rs1800795(IL-6), by RT-PCR using the TaqMan assay. Serum
concentrations of amyloid beta peptide 1–40(Aβ1-40), amyloid beta peptide 1–42(Aβ1-
42), CLU and some other biochemical markers were measured.

Results:

A significant increase (p=0.004) in the serum CLU level was detected in the AD group
(340.4 ± 74.6) compared with control group (265.0 ± 80.9). For rs1532278 (CLU), genotype
GA was significantly higher in AD patients (57.1%) than in the control participants (26.1%),
[p=0.024, OR = 4.00, 95% CI (1.20-13.28)]. For the ApoE SNP rs7412, 40.4% of patients carried
a TT genotype, whereas it was completely absent in the controls [p = 0.020, OR = 30.53,
95% CI (1.73 – 540.05)].For rs429358 (ApoE), patients showed a significantly increased frequency
of the TC genotype [p = 0.006, OR = 9.33, 95% CI (1.89–46.19)] and TT [p = 0.045,
OR = 19.76, 95% CI (1.07–366.0)] genotype than controls. AD patients with CC genotype for
ApoE rs429358 had significantly lower levels of Aβ1-40 (p=0.04) in AD patients than controls.
Carriers of genotype GG for rs1800629 (TNF-α) showed significantly higher levels of serum
IL-6 (p = 0.04) in AD patients.

Conclusion:

Genetic variants in ApoE and CLU may influence susceptibility to AD among
Saudi Arabian participants.