bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inhibition of Kpn β 1 Mediated Nuclear Import Enhances Cisplatin Chemosensitivity in Cervical Cancer.
Authors: Chi Ru-pin Alicia , Watt Pauline van der , Wei Wei , Birrer Michael , Leaner Virna
Published: September 2020

Background: Inhibition of nuclear import via Karyopherin beta 1 (Kpnβ1) shows potential as an anti-cancer approach. This study investigated the use of nuclear import inhibitor, INI-43, in combination with cisplatin. Methods: Cervical cancer cells were pre-treated with INI-43 before treatment with cisplatin, and MTT cell viability and apoptosis assays performed. Activity and localisation of p53 and NFκB was determined after co-treatment of cells.Results: Pre-treatment of cervical cancer cells with INI-43 at sublethal concentrations enhanced cisplatin sensitivity, evident through decreased cell viability and enhanced apoptosis. Kpnβ1 knock-down cells similarly displayed increased sensitivity to cisplatin. Combination index determination using the Chou-Talalay method revealed that INI-43 and cisplatin engaged in synergistic interactions. p53 was found to be involved in the cell death response to combination treatment as its inhibition abolished the enhanced cell death observed. INI-43 pre-treatment resulted in moderately stabilized p53 and induced p53 reporter activity, which translated to increased p21 and decreased Mcl-1 upon cisplatin combination treatment. Furthermore, cisplatin treatment led to nuclear import of NFκB, which was diminished upon pre-treatment with INI-43. NFκB reporter activity and expression of NFκB transcriptional targets, cyclin D1, c-Myc and XIAP, showed decreased levels after combination treatment compared to single cisplatin treatment and this associated with enhanced DNA damage. Conclusions: Taken together, this study shows that INI-43 pre-treatment significantly enhances cisplatin sensitivity in cervical cancer cells, mediated through stabilization of p53 and decreased nuclear import of NFκB. Hence this study suggests the possible synergistic use of nuclear import inhibition and cisplatin to treat cervical cancer.
Incorporating Support Vector Machine With Sequential Minimal Optimization to Identify Anticancer Peptides
Authors: Wan Yu , Wang Zhuo , Lee Tzong-Yi
Published: September 2020

BackgroundCancer is a major cause of death worldwide. To treat cancer, the use of anticancer peptides (ACPs) has received increasing attention in recent years. ACPs are a unique group of small molecules that can target and kill cancer cells fast and directly. However, identifying ACPs by wet-lab experiments is time-consuming and labor-intensive. Therefore, it is significant to develop computational tools for ACPs prediction.ResultsThis study chose amino acid composition (AAC), N5C5, k-space, position-specific scoring matrix (PSSM) as features, and analyzed them by machine learning methods, including support vector machine (SVM) and sequential minimal optimization (SMO) to build a model (model 2) distinguishing ACPs from non-ACPs. Since a growing number of studies have shown that some antimicrobial peptides (AMPs) exhibit anticancer function, a model (model 1) to distinguish ACPs from AMPs is also been developed. Comparing to previous models, models developed in this research show better performance (accuracy: 82.5% for model 1 and 93.5% for model 2).ConclusionsThis work utilizes a new feature, PSSM, which contributes to better performance than other features. In addition to SVM, SMO is used in this research for optimizing SVM and the SMO-models show better performance than unoptimized models. Last but not least, this work provides two different functions, including distinguishing ACPs from AMPs and distinguishing ACPs from all peptides. The second SMO-optimized model, which utilizes PSSM as feature, performs better than all other existing tools.
Effect of Duration of Symptoms on the Clinical and Functional Outcomes of Lumbar Microdiscectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hamawandi Sherwan
Published: September 2020

Background Microdiscectomy is the gold standard surgical procedure for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. The aim of this study is to determine whether the preoperative duration of symptoms can affect the postoperative clinical and functional outcomes after microdiscectomy for symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. Method A single blind, randomized controlled trial was performed by single spine surgeon on patients with symptomatic lumbar disc herniation. 122 patients, who had eligibility criteria, were divided randomly by computer system into 3 groups (A, B and C) who were operated at six weeks, three months and six months from the onset of symptoms respectively. 97 patients were analyzed at the end of this study for outcome measures. Primary outcome measures are Oswestry disability index, Roland-Morris Questionnaire and Visual analogue scale for back pain and leg pain. Secondary outcome measures are post-operative complications, length of hospital stay and time of return to daily activities.Results Better results among study’s groups were in sequence of group A, group B then group C. There was significant difference in Oswestry disability index score until three years of follow up (P-value <0.001). Improvement in Roland-Morris Questionnaire among the groups was significant at three months post-operatively (P-value <0.001). Visual analogue scale for back pain was better significantly at 2 weeks post-operatively (P-value=0.002) while Visual analogue scale for leg pain was better significantly at 3 months postoperatively (P-value=0.003). There was no significant difference among study’s groups regarding other outcome measures.Conclusion Preoperative duration of symptoms in patients with lumbar disc herniation can affect the clinical and functional outcomes after microdiscectomy. The shorter duration of symptoms the better postoperative outcomes are. This effect of duration of symptoms on postoperative outcomes is more significant in early postoperative period.Trial registration NCT, NCT04538027. Registered 1 September 2020 -Retrospectively registered, https://www.clinicaltrials.gov/NCT04538027
Atezolizumab Plus Chemotherapy Vs Chemotherapy Alone for Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: A Meta-analysis of Different PD-L1-expression Levels
Authors: Hong Zhang , Xiaoyu Zhong , Zhaowei Liu , Feifei Miao , Changgeng Zhang
Published: September 2020

Background Atezolizumab was effective and well tolerated in pretreated non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC). This meta-analysis assessed that the efficacy and safety of atezolizumab plus chemotherapy combination, compared to chemotherapy alone.Methods This meta-analysis included double-blind randomized controlled trials (RCTs) comparing atezolizumab plus chemotherapy combination with chemotherapy alone for NSCLC. The subgroups were the high expression of PD-L1（PD-L1-high）, the low expression of PD-L1 （PD-L1-low） and the negative expression of PD-L1 (PD-L1-negative). The hazard ratios (HRs) and odds ratios (ORs) with 95% confidence interval (CI) were calculated. The outcome parameters were overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR) and adverse events Grade 3-5（AEs G3-5）.Results A total of 6 articles were included in this meta-analysis. The results indicated that atezolizumab plus chemotherapy combination had better efficacy than chemotherapy alone for PFS (HR=0.64, 95% CI=0.60 to 0.70,P<0.001), PFS（PD-L1-high）(HR=0.41, 95% CI=0.34 to 0.51,P<0.001), PFS（PD-L1-low）(HR=0.63,95% CI 0.55 to 0.72,P<0.001) and PFS（PD-L1-negative）(HR=0.71, 95% CI=0.61 to 0.83,P<0.001). There were statistically significant improvements in terms of OS (HR = 0.79, 95% CI = 0.73 to 0.86,P<0.001) 、OS (PD-L1-high) (HR = 0.65, 95% CI = 0.48 to 0.88,P<0.01) and OS (PD-L1-negative) (HR = 0.84, 95% CI = 0.72 to 0.98,P<0.05). Significant benefits were observed in ORR (OR=1.81,95% CI=1.58 to 2.08, P<0.001), ORR（PD-L1-high）(OR=2.24,95% CI=1.24 to 4.06,P<0.01), ORR（PD-L1-low）(OR=1.51,95% CI=1.03 to 2.21,P<0.05) and ORR（PD-L1-negative）(OR=1.54,95% CI=1.05 to 2.27,P<0.05). Meanwhile, atezolizumab was well tolerated and the incidence of AEs G3-5 (OR = 1.32, 95% CI = 1.06 to 1.64,P=0.01). Conclusion The atezolizumab plus chemotherapy combination had excellent efficacy and great safety than chemotherapy alone for NSCLC. Furthermore, these benefits had nothing to do with the state of PD-L1 expression.
Predicting COVID-19 in very large countries: the case of Brazil
Authors: Parro Vanderlei , Lafetá Marcelo , Ipolito Felipe , Toporcov Tatiana
Published: September 2020

The existence of asymptomatic individuals with mild symptoms represents an additional challenge for the control of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic. This challenge puts pressure on public management officials involved in the design of infrastructure for service provision as well as isolation procedures. The challenge is even greater in a country such as Brazil, which has large physical dimensions with the assumption of free movement. Considering this scenario, this work presents a new proposal for estimating health system use for COVID-19 cases, as well as a methodology for using the model in the real world. The estimate was obtained by modifying the dynamic model known as Susceptible, Infected, Removed and Dead (SIRD), including a parameter to model not all cases but only the health system dynamics. The model was tuned from the data available for each state and updated day-by-day, establishing a figure of merit to assess the quality of the model and determining the free parameters that best fit the model to the data. The proposed model and the respective tuned parameters were validated considering the data available for the 26 Brazilian states, demonstrating strong adherence in most cases and allowing the estimation of an epidemic model for the whole of Brazil, which was obtained via the linear combination of the models for each state. In addition to the effective use of the health system, the incidence rate and removal rate were analysed, as was the reproduction rate: baseline R0 and effective Rt. In the specific case of Brazil, the states that make up the federation have autonomy in decision making, which increases the complexity of the analysis of the evolution of the pandemic. With the proposed global model, the method used to tune the parameters and the available results, there was heterogeneity in the dynamics observed for each state, which is compatible with some characteristics of the real-world scenario.
Perceived Consequences of Healthcare Service Decentralization on Access, Affordability and Quality of Care in Khartoum Locality, Sudan
Authors: Noory Bandar , Hassanein Sara , Edwards Jeffrey , Lindskog Benedikte Victoria
Published: September 2020

Background: Decentralization of healthcare services have been widely utilized, especially in developing countries, to improve the performance of healthcare systems by increasing the access and efficiency of service delivery. Experiences have been variable secondary to disparities in financial and human resources, system capacity and community engagement. Sudan is no exception and understanding the perceived effect of decentralization on access, affordability, and quality of care among stakeholders is crucial.Methods: This was a mixed method, cross-sectional, explorative study that involved 418 household members among catchment areas and 40 healthcare providers of Ibrahim Malik Hospital (IBMH) and Khartoum Teaching Hospital (KTH). Data were collected through a structured survey and in-depth interviews from July-December 2015.Results: Access, affordability and quality of healthcare services were all perceived as worse, compared to before decentralization was implemented. Reported affordability was found to be 53% and 55% before decentralization compared to 24% to 16% after decentralization, within KTH and IBMH catchment areas respectively, (p= 0.01). The quality of healthcare services were reported to have declined from 47% and 38% before decentralization to 38% and 28% after, in KTH and IBMH respectively (p=0.02). Accessibility was found to be more limited, with services being accessible before decentralization approximately 59% and 52% of the time, compared to 41% and 30% after, in KTH and IBMH catchment areas respectively, (p=0.01).Accessibility to healthcare was reported to have decreased secondary to facility closures, reverse transference of services, and low capacity of devolved facilities. Lastly, privatized services were reported as strengthened in response to this decentralization of healthcare. Conclusions: The deterioration of access, affordability and quality of health services was experienced as the predominant perception among stakeholders after decentralization implementation. Our study results suggest there is an urgent need for a review of the current healthcare policies, structure and management within Sudan in order to provide evidence and insights regarding the impact of decentralization.
Forming an “Impossible” 85 solar mass Black Hole
Authors: Vink Jorick , Higgins Erin , Sander Andreas , Sabhahit Gautham
Published: September 2020

At the end of its life, a very massive star is expected to collapse into a black hole. The masses of these black holes are pivotal for our understanding of the evolution and fate of these stars, as well as for galaxy evolution and the build-up of black hole masses through Cosmic time. The recent detection of an 85 solar mass black hole from the gravitational wave event GW 190521 appears to present a fundamental problem as to how such heavy black holes exist above the approximately 50 solar mass pair-instability limit where stars are expected to be blown to pieces with no remnant left. Here we show that for stellar models at reduced heavy element content, 90-100 solar mass stars can produce core masses sufficiently small to remain below the fundamental pair-instability limit, yet at the same time lose an amount of mass small enough to end up in an 85 solar mass black hole. A key point is that the amount of mass-loss scales with the host galaxy heavy element fraction, and not with the total amount of element enrichment that occurs naturally during the life of massive stars. Our study shows how our Universe is capable of producing heavy black holes, which are important seeds for the production of supermassive black holes that regulate the evolution of galaxies. Our evolutionary channel to the formation of an 85 solar mass black hole is of fundamental relevance for the manner in which metals are released in the outflows and explosions of the most massive stars, which is shown to be a strong function of Cosmic time.
Clinical Outcome and Pathologic Correlation of Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy as a Bridge to Transplantation for Advanced Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Wang Ying-Fu , Dai Yang-Hong , Lin Chun-Shu , Chang Hao-Chih , Shen Po-Chien , Yang Jen-Fu , Hsiang Chih-Weim , Lo Cheng-Hsiang , Huang Wen-Yen
Published: September 2020

Background: Stereotactic body radiotherapy (SBRT) is an emerging modality for hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). However, there is scant information about its safety and effectiveness in the neoadjuvant setting prior to liver transplantation (LT). We present the clinical outcome and pathologic assessment of SBRT followed by LT for patients with advanced HCC.Methods: This retrospective study included HCC patients treated with neoadjuvant SBRT prior to LT between 2009 and 2018. Radiographic response and adverse effects, including radiation-induced liver disease (RILD), were evaluated. Pathologic response was assessed by the percentage of tumor necrosis relative to the total tumor volume. Overall survival (OS) and recurrence-free survival (RFS) were calculated using the Kaplan–Meier method.Results: Fourteen patients underwent SBRT for a total of 25 HCC lesions, followed by LT. The median tumor size was 4.45 cm in diameter, and the median prescribed dose was 45 Gy in 5 fractions. SBRT provided significant AFP reduction, 100% infield control, and a 62.5% response rate. The maximum detected toxicity included grade 3 thrombocytopenia and two grade 3–4 hyperbilirubinemia. One patient developed non-classic RILD. Patients were bridged to LT with a median time of 8.4 months after SBRT, and 23.1% of them achieved a complete pathologic response. The median OS and RFS were 37.8 and 18.3 months from the time of LT, respectively.Conclusions: SBRT provides favorable tumor control and acceptable adverse effects for patients awaiting LT. Further prospective studies to test SBRT as a bridging therapy for LT are feasible.
Motion-Compensated FDG PET/CT for Oesophageal Cancer
Authors: Voncken Francine E.M. , Vegt Erik , Sandick Johana W. van , Dieren Jolanda M. van , Grootscholten Cecile , Bartels-Rutten Annemarieke , Takken Steven L. , Sonke Jan-Jakob , de Kamer Jeroen B. van , Aleman Berthe M.P.
Published: September 2020

PurposeRespiratory-induced motion of oesophageal tumours and lymph nodes can influence positron emission tomography/computed tomography (PET/CT). The aim was to compare standard three-dimensional (3D) and motion-compensated PET/CT regarding standardized uptake value (SUV), metabolic tumour volume (MTV) and detection of lymph node metastases. MethodsThis prospective observational study (NCT02424864) included thirty-seven newly diagnosed oesophageal cancer patients. Diagnostic PET/CT was reconstructed in 3D and motion-compensated PET/CT. MTVs of the primary tumour were calculated using an automated region-growing algorithm with SUV thresholds of 2.5 (MTV2.5) and ≥50% of SUVmax (MTV50%). Blinded for reconstruction method, a nuclear medicine physician assessed all lymph nodes showing 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose uptake for their degree of suspicion. ResultsThe mean (95% CI) SUVmax of the primary tumour was 13.1(10.6-15.5) versus 13.0(10.4-15.6) for 3D and motion-compensated PET/CT, respectively. MTVs were also similar between the two techniques. Bland-Altman analysis showed mean differences between both measurements (95% limits of agreement) of 0.08(-3.60 - 3.75), -0.26(-2.34 – 1.82), 4.66(-29.61 – 38.92)cm3 and -0.95(-19.9 – 18.0)cm3 for tumour SUVmax, lymph node SUVmax, for MTV2.5 and MTV50%, respectively. Lymph nodes were classified as highly suspicious (30/34 nodes), suspicious (20/22) and dubious (66/59) for metastases on 3D/motion-compensated PET/CT. No additional lymph node metastases were found on motion-compensated PET/CT. SUVmax of the most intense lymph nodes was similar for both scans: mean (95% CI) 6.6(4.3-8.8) and 6.8(4.5-9.1) for 3D and motion-compensated, respectively.ConclusionsSUVmax of the primary oesophageal tumour and lymph nodes was comparable on 3D and motion-compensated PET/CT. The use of motion-compensated PET/CT did not improve lymph node detection. Trial registration(www.clinicaltrials.gov: NCT02424864)
Met Mutation is a Potential Therapeutic Target for Advanced Endometrial Cancer 
Authors: Yeh Yu-Min , Wu Pei-Ying , Lin Peng-Chan , Su Pei-Fang , Hsu Ya-Ting , Chang Jang-Yang , Hsu Keng-Fu , Shen Meng-Ru
Published: September 2020

BackgroundAn optimal therapeutic regimen for endometrial cancer with extra-uterine metastasis is unavailable. This study aimed to improve our understanding about the genomic landscape of advanced endometrial cancer and identify potential therapeutic targets.MethodsThe clinical and genomic profiles of 81 patients with stage III or IV endometrial cancer were integrated. The genomic landscape was compared with that of The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) cohort. To identify genomic aberrations associated with clinical outcome, Cox proportional hazard regression was used. The impacts of the genomic aberrations were validated in vitro and in vivo. ResultsA discrepancy in major genetic aberrations that contributed to the genomic functions was observed between the present study and TCGA cohorts. The mutation status of MET, U2AF1, BCL9, PPP2R1A, IDH2, CBL, BTK, and CHEK2 were positively correlated with poor clinical outcomes. MET mutations occurred in 30% of the patients who presented with poor overall survival (hazard ratio, 2.606; 95% confidence interval, 1.167~5.819; adjusted p-value, 0.067). Concurrent MET and KRAS mutations presented with the worst outcomes. MET mutations in HGF-binding (58.1%) or kinase (16.2%) domains resulted in differential HGF-induced c-MET phosphorylation. Different types of MET mutations differentially affected tumor growth and displayed different sensitivities to cisplatin and tyrosine kinase inhibitors. MET N375S mutation is a germline variant with a high incidence in Eastern Asia and causes chemoresistance to cisplatin.ConclusionsThis study highlights the ethnic differences in the biology of the disease, which can influence the treatment recommendations and the genome-guided clinical trials of advanced endometrial cancer.
The Role of Atherosclerotic Cardiovascular Risk Enhancers in the Prediction of Cardiovascular Events: Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study
Authors: Hadaegh Farzad , Asgari Samaneh , Moosaie Fatemeh , Orangi Meysam , Sarvghadi Farzaneh , Khalili Davood , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: September 2020

Background: To assess the effect of the atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease risk enhancing factors (ASCVD-REFs) on incident cardiovascular disease (CVD) events among non-diabetic individuals with borderline and intermediate ACC/AHA score during 10 and 15-year follow-up. Moreover, the added value of these ASCVD-REFs on the predictive power of the pooled cohort equations (PCE) was examined. Methods: A total of 1204 adults aged 40-75 years, free from CVD at baseline with low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) between 70-189 mg/dl, were included. Unadjusted Cox regression analysis was used. The predictive ability of each significant ASCVD-REFs was estimated using the cut-point-free integrated discrimination improvement (IDI).Results: During 10-year follow up, 181 CVD events (including 73 hard CVD) occurred. For hard CVD events, the high blood pressure (BP) component (i.e. ≥130/85 mmHg) of metabolic syndrome (Mets) (Hazard ratio: HR (95% CI; 1.67(1.03-2.70)) and positive history of preeclampsia (5.06(1.17-22.0)) were significant ASCVD-REFs. During the longer follow-up, Mets and its components of high waist circumference (WC) and high BP significantly increased the risk. As for CVD events, the Mets and its high BP and high WC components significantly increased the risk. However, in the ACC/AHA adjusted score, these covariates did not significantly improve the predictive power of the CVD or hard CVD. Conclusions: The high BP was the most consistent and independent ASCVD-REFs in the prediction of all CVD and hard CVD, among the population with borderline/intermediate risk. Hence, considering pharmacologic therapies for patients with high BP and high LDL-C might be beneficial for preventive initiatives.
Stimulating the Expression of Sphingosine Kinase 1 (SphK1) is Beneficial to Reduce Acrylamide-Induced Nerve Cell Damage
Authors: Wu Yong-Hui , Wang Sheng-Yuan , Wang Xiao-Li , Xin Rui , Xin Ye , Wang Rui , Ma Kun , Yu Cui-Ping , Zhang Dan , Zhou Xiao-Rong , Ma Wei-Wei , Wang Chao
Published: September 2020

Background: Sphingosine kinase 1 (SphK1) is the main rate-limiting enzyme that catalyzes the production of sphingosine 1-phosophate (S1P) from sphingosine (Sph). It has a certain role in the protection of nerve damage. However, the role of acrylamide (ACR) in nerve damage is currently unclear. Methods: In our current research, liquid chromatography triple quadrupole tandem mass spectrometer (LC-MS/MS) and reverse transcription-PCR (RT-qPCR) were used to detect S1P content in serum and SphK1 content in whole blood in the ACR contact and non-contact groups. In vitro experiments, SphK1 in human neuroblastoma cell (SH-SY5Y) was activated by adding SphK1 specific activator phorbol 12-myristate 13-acetate (PMA). Our research adopted cell viability assay, flow cytometry, western blot, RT-qPCR and related protein detection at mitogen activated protein kinases (MAPK) signaling pathway. The results of the population study showed that the contents of SphK1 and S1P in the ACR contact group were lower than those in the non-contact group. Results: The results of in vitro experiments showed that the expression of SphK1 decreased with the increase of ACR concentration. Activating SphK1 can improve the survival rate of SH-SY5Y cells and decrease the apoptosis rate. Activating SphK1 in SH-SY5Y cells can regulate MAPK signaling, including enhancing the phosphorylation of extracellular signal-regulated protein kinases (ERK) and inhibiting the phosphorylation of c-Jun N-terminal kinases (JNK) and p38. Conclusion: These results suggest that activating SphK1 can protect the nerve cell damage caused by ACR. This study will provide new ideas for the prevention of neurological damage caused by ACR.
The Economic Burden of Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19): Evidence from Iran
Authors: Darab Mohsen Ghaffari , Keshavarz Khosro , Sadeghi Elnaz , Shahmohamadi Javad , Kavosi Zahra
Published: September 2020

This study aimed to estimate both direct medical and indirect costs of treating the Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) from a societal perspective in the patients at a referral hospital in Fars province as well as the economic burden of COVID-19 in Iran in 2020.Methods:This study is a partial economic evaluation and a cross-sectional cost-description study conducted descriptively-analytically and based on the data of the COVID-19 patients referred to a referral university hospital in Fars province between March and July 2020. The data were collected by examining the patients' records and accounting information systems. The subjects included all the inpatients with COVID-19 (477 individuals) who admitted to the medical centre during the four months. Bottom-up costing, incidence-based and income-based human capital approaches were used as the main methodological features of this study.Results: The mean direct medical costs were estimated 28,240,025,968 Rials ($ 1,791,172) in total and 59,203,409 Rials ($ 3,755) per person, a significant part of which (41 %) was that of intensive and general care beds (11,596,217,487 Rials equal to $ 735,510. (The second to which were the costs of medicines and medical consumables (28 %). The mean indirect costs, including income loss due to premature death, economic production loss due to hospitalization and job absenteeism during recovery course were estimated 129,870,974 Rials ($ 11634) per person. Furthermore, the economic burden of the disease in the country for inpatient cases with the definitive diagnosis was 22,688,925,933,095 Rial equal to $ 1,439,083,784.Conclusion: The results of this study showed that the severe status of the disease would bring about the extremely high cost of illness in this case. It is estimated that the high prevalence rate of COVID-19 has been imposing a heavy economic burden on the country and health system directly that may result in rationing or painful cost-control approaches.
Sea ice-air interactions amplify multidecadal variability in the North Atlantic and Arctic region
Authors: Dai Aiguo , Deng Jiechun
Published: September 2020

Winter surface air temperature (Tas) over the Barents-Kara Seas (BKS) and other Arctic regions has experienced rapid warming since the late 1990 that has been linked to the concurring cooling over Eurasia1-3. However, the cause of this accelerated BKS warming is not well understood, and whether and how internal variability may have contributed to this warming is unclear. Through analyses of observations and model simulations, we show that two-way interactions between sea ice and air amplify multidecadal variability in Arctic sea-ice cover (SIC) and sea surface temperatures (SST) from the North Atlantic to BKS, and produce large multidecadal variations in Tas over the BKS, Greenland-Norwegian Seas and Baffin Bay. Advection of SST anomalies from the North Atlantic to the Arctic causes SIC to change, which produces large anomalies in surface energy fluxes and Tas. However, the sea ice-air interactions also amplify the variations in SIC and SST, and the Atlantic Meridional Overturning Circulation (AMOC) mainly through local surface fluxes. When sea ice is fixed or melts away under increasing CO2, not only Arctic Tas multidecadal variations disappear, but also the SIC, SST and AMOC variations are greatly reduced. The results suggest that sea ice-air interactions are vital for multidecadal climate variability not only in the Arctic but also in the North Atlantic, similar to air-sea interactions for tropical climate. As Arctic sea ice is projected to melt away4,5, these interactions and thus multidecadal variability from the North Atlantic to the Arctic will likely weaken in the coming decades.
Ganglion Cell-Inner Plexiform Layer Thickness is Associated with Persistently Cognitive Decline -The Rugao Longevity and Aging Study
Authors: Zhang Hui , Shen Hangqi , Jiang Xiaoyan , Yao Sun , Zhang Na , Gong Wei , Sun Xuehui , Wang Jiucun , Jin Li , Xu Xun , Luo Dawei , Wang Xiaofeng
Published: September 2020

Background: The simple, convenient and well-validated biomarkers are imperative for detection of cognitive decline (CD). The powerful evidence is lacked for verifying the reliability and clinical utility of retinal biomarkers for detection of CD with repeated assessments. To investigate the association of retinal thickness with CD using repeated assessments. Methods: This study included 446 older adults with three-time repeated assessments of cognitive function during 5-years follow-up. Retinal thickness measured on spectral-domain optical coherence tomography. Logistic regression models were conducted to analyze the association of retinal thickness with cognitive function. Results: According to cognitive status in three assessments, individuals were categorized into consistently normal cognition groups (N = 159), persistently CD groups (N = 134), progressed to CD groups (N = 70), and reverting or fluctuating CD groups (N = 83). Thinner ganglion cell-inner plexiform layer (GC-IPL) was associated with persistently CD (odds ratio [OR] per 1-μm decrease: 1.09, 95% confidence interval [CI], 1.02-1.18; per standard deviation [SD] decrease: 1.78, 95%CI, 1.04-3.19) rather than progressed to CD, reverting or fluctuating CD. No significant relationship was found between retinal nerve fiber layer and any CD subgroups (p > 0.05). Conclusions: Thinner GC-IPL was associated with persistently CD, suggesting retinal neurodegeneration may be a promising biomarker for persistently CD. Further studies, including both longitudinal and repeated measurements of retinal layer thickness and cognitive function, are needed to assess the possibility of retinal thickness as a biomarker for persistent CD.
Impact of Replacing Powdered Gloves With Powder-free Gloves on Hand-hygiene Compliance Among Healthcare Workers of an Intensive Care Unit: a Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Menegueti Mayra Gonçalves , Bellissimo-Rodrigues Fernando , Ciol Marcia A. , Auxiliadora-Martins Maria , Basile-Filho Anibal , Canini Silvia Rita Marin da Silva , Gir Elucir , Laus Ana Maria
Published: September 2020

Background/Objective. After wearing powdered gloves, healthcare workers (HCW) are supposed to wash their hands instead of using alcohol-based hand-rub (ABHR). Washing hands takes longer than using ABHR, and the use of powdered gloves may be an obstacle to hand-hygiene compliance. This study aimed to evaluate the impact of replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves on hand-hygiene compliance among HCW of an intensive care unit (ICU). Methods. A quasi-experimental study was conducted in a general ICU of a tertiary care university hospital in Brazil. From June 1st to July 15th, 2017, all HCW were provided with powdered latex gloves only for all clinical procedures. From July 15th to August 31st, 2017, HCW were provided with nitrile powder-free gloves only. Hand-hygiene compliance was assessed through direct observation, and evaluated according to the World Health Organization (WHO) Hand Hygiene guidelines. We calculated that a sample size of 544 hand hygiene opportunities needed to be observed per period. Data analysis were performed using the STATA SE® version 14, and we compared the individual’s percentage of compliance using the t test for paired data before and after the intervention.Results. Overall, 40 HCW were assessed before and after the introduction of nitrile powder-free gloves, with 1114 and 1139 observations of hand hygiene opportunities, respectively. The proportion of compliance with hand hygiene was 55% (95% Confidence Interval [CI]: 51-59%) using powdered latex gloves and 60% (95% CI: 57-63%) using powder-free gloves. The difference in proportions between the two types of gloves was 5.1% (95% CI: 2.5-7.6%, p<0.001).Conclusion. Our data indicate that replacing powdered gloves with powder-free gloves positively influenced hand-hygiene compliance by HCW in an ICU setting.
A prospective feasibility study of a 1-mm bolus for postmastectomy radiotherapy
Authors: Kawamoto Terufumi , Shikama Naoto , Kurokawa Chie , Hara Naoya , Oshima Masaki , Sasai Keisuke
Published: September 2020

BackgroundThere remains wide variation in the use of chest wall boluses for postmastectomy radiotherapy (PMRT). Therefore, we aimed to prospectively evaluate the use of a 1-mm-thick daily tissue-equivalent bolus in patients who received PMRT using thermoluminescent dosimeters (TLDs) and skin toxicity assessment.Materials and MethodsWe collected data from patients with a 1-mm-thick daily bolus during PMRT at The Juntendo University Hospital. The surface dose was measured in vivo under the 1-mm-thick bolus on the chest wall. We assessed the acute skin toxicity weekly during PMRT, and 1, 2, 4, and 12 weeks after the completion of PMRT.ResultsA total of 19 patients aged 32 − 79 years old received PMRT from July 2019 to January 2020. All patients completed the protocol treatment without interruptions, and the median follow-up was 32 weeks. In vivo dosimetry analysis revealed surface doses between 77% and 113% of the prescribed dose, with a mean of 92% of the prescribed radiation dose, and a standard deviation of 7% being delivered. Grade 2 dermatitis was found in 10 patients (53%), and Grade 3 dermatitis was found in one patient (5%). All cases of Grade 2 and 3 dermatitis were improved 4 weeks after PMRT. There were no cases of Grade 4 dermatitis and no chest wall recurrences during the treatment or follow-up period.ConclusionsThe 1-mm-thick daily bolus is a feasible regimen for PMRT, with appropriate dose buildup and acceptable skin toxicity without treatment interruptions.Trial registrationThe University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry, UMIN000035773. Registered 1 July 2019, https://upload.umin.ac.jp/cgi-open-bin/ctr/ctr_view.cgi?recptno=R000040622
Desynchronized Liquid Crystalline Network Actuators with Deformation Reversal Capability
Authors: Xiao Yao-Yu , Jiang Zhi-Chao , Hou Junbo , Zhao Yue
Published: September 2020

Liquid crystalline network (LCN) actuator normally deforms upon thermally or optically induced order-disorder phase transition, switching once between two shapes (shape-1 in LC phase and shape-2 in isotropic state) for each stimulation on/off cycle. Herein, we report a novel type of LCN actuator that deforms from shape-1 to shape-2 and then reverses the deformation direction back to shape-1 or to a new shape-3 on heating or under light only, meaning that the actuator can complete the shape switch twice for one stimulation on/off cycle. The deformation reversal capability is obtained with a monolithic LCN actuator whose two sides are made to start deforming at different temperatures and exerting different reversible strains, which can be realized through asymmetrical crosslinking and/or asymmetrical stretching of the two sides in preparing the LCN actuator. This desynchronized actuation strategy offers new possibilities in developing light-fueled LCN soft robots. In particular, the multi-stage bidirectional shape change can be used to achieve multimodal, light-driven locomotion with different moving speeds from the same LCN actuator by simply varying the light on/off times to confine shape switch in a specific sub-stage.
Human pathogenic Mycobacterium kansasii (former subtype I) with zoonotic potential isolated from a diseased indoor pet cat, Japan
Authors: Fukano Hanako , Terazono Tsukasa , Hirabayashi Aki , Yoshida Mitsunori , Suzuki Masato , Wada Shinpei , Ishii Norihisa , Hoshino Yoshihiko
Published: September 2020

Mycobacterium kansasii is one of the most prevalent and pathogenic nontuberculous mycobacteria in the world. Herein, we report the first case of M. kansasii infection in an indoor domestic cat in Japan. Complete genome sequence analysis of the isolate showed this pathogen is genetically identical to human pathogenic M. kansasii.
War on Diabetes in Singapore: A Policy Analysis
Authors: Yong Lai Meng Ow , Koe Ling Wan Pearline
Published: September 2020

Background: In April 2016, the Singapore Ministry of Health (MOH) declared War on Diabetes (WoD) to rally a whole-of-nation effort to reduce diabetes burden in the population. This study aimed to explore how this policy has been positioned to bring about changes to address the growing prevalence of diabetes, and to analyse the policy response and the associated challenges involved. Methods: This qualitative study, using the policy triangle framework of Walt and Gilson, comprised analysis of 171 organisational documents on the War on Diabetes, including government press releases, organisational archives, YouTube videos, newspaper reports and opinion editorials. It also involved interviews with 31 policy actors, including policy elites and societal policy actors.Results: Findings showed that the WoD policy generated a sense of unity and purpose across most policy actors. Policy actors were cognizant of the thrusts of the policy and began to make shifts to align their interests with the government policy. Addressing those with diabetes directly would be essential to understanding their needs. Being clear on who the intended targets are and articulating how the policy seeks to support the identified groups would be imperative. Issues of fake news, unclear messaging, and lack of regulation of uncertified health providers were other identified problem areas. High innovation, production and marketing costs were major concerns among food and beverage enterprises. Conclusion: While there was greater public awareness on the need to combat diabetes, continuing dialogues with the various clusters of policy actors on the above issues would be necessary. A shared global diabetes policy, particularly to enhance access to healthier food and beverage would be critical.
Processing of Nano Carbon Containing Low Carbon MgO-C Refractory : Effect of Mixing Route
Authors: Behera Satyananda , Sarkar Ritwik
Published: September 2020

Nano carbon, being finer in size, is difficult to mix uniformly in a refractory composition to achieve the advantages of nano-metric size and its associated properties. Development of N220 nano carbon containing MgO-C refractory has been studied by using three different mixing and processing routes. The developed products of different processing routes are compared by evaluation of the developed properties against the conventional 16 wt% graphite containing commercial MgO-C refractory composition. Nano carbon containing composition with optimized processing route is further characterized for phase analysis; microstructural studies; elemental distribution of carbon; thermal shock resistance, and pore size distribution and also compared against the conventional composition. batch prepared by the optimum processing route were further studied for measured by oil bath quenching method and thermal cycle method.
Structural evolution of plasma sprayed amorphous Li4Ti5O12 electrode and ceramic/polymer composite electrolyte during electrochemical cycle of quasi-solid-state lithium battery
Authors: Wu Xi , Liang Xinghua , Zhang XiaoFeng , Lan Lingxiao , Li Suo , Gai Qixin
Published: September 2020

Solid-state batteries are one of the effective way to solve the safety of traditional power and energy storage batteries with flammable liquid electrolyte. This time, a quasi-solid-state lithium battery is assembled by plasma sprayed amorphous Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 (LTO) electrode and ceramic/polymer composite electrolyte with a little liquid electrolyte (10 μl/cm 2 ) to provide the outstanding electrochemical stability and better than normal interface contact. SEM, STEM, TEM and EDS were used to analyze the structure evolution and performance of plasma sprayed amorphous LTO electrode and ceramic/polymer composite electrolyte before and after electrochemical experiments. By comparing the electrochemical performance of the amorphous LTO electrode and the traditional LTO electrode, the electrochemical behavior of different electrodes is studied. The results show that plasma spraying can prepare an amorphous Li 4 Ti 5 O 12 electrode coating of about 8 μm. After 200 electrochemical cycles, the structure of the electrode evolved, and the inside of the electrode fractured and cracks expanded, because of recrystallization at the interface between the rich fluorine compounds and the amorphous LTO electrode. Similarly, the ceramic/polymer composite electrolyte has undergone structural evolution after 200 cycles test. The electrochemical cycle results show that the cycle stability, capacity retention rate, coulomb efficiency, and internal impedance of amorphous LTO electrodes are better than traditional LTO electrode. This innovative and facile quasi-solid-state strategy is aimed to promote the intrinsic safety and stability of working lithium battery, shedding light on the development of next-generation high-performance solid-state lithium batteries.
The Influence of the Polymorphism and Dispersity of Titanium Dioxide on the Solubility in Acid and Alkaline Media.
Authors: Школьников Е.В.
Published: September 2020

Дана термодинамическая характеристика истинной растворимости при 25 °С аморфной и кристаллических наноразмерных модификаций TiO2 в зависимости от рН водной среды в интервале 0–14,7 с учетом образования гидроксокомплексов Ti(1V) и дисперсности твердой фазы. Средний эффективный радиус твердых частиц (r ? 25 нм для TiO2) следует учитывать в качестве термодинамического параметра при определении растворимости диоксида титана в наносостоянии.

Растворимость модификаций TiО2 в водных слабокислых и слабощелочных средах при отсутствии фторид?ионов весьма низкая (10?9?10?5 моль/л) и определяется прочными нейтральными комплексами Ti(ОН)4, преобладающими при рН 3?10. Растворимость в водных средах заметно зависит от структуры кристаллов (рутил < брукит < анатаз), существенно возрастает с уменьшением размера частиц кристаллических нанопорошков и сильно (примерно на 3 порядка) при переходе от стабильного кристаллического рутила ??TiO2 (r >100 нм) к аморфной модификации.

В сильнокислой среде (1 М HClO4) растворимость модификаций диоксида TiО2 на 4?5 порядков выше, чем в воде и определяется в основном комплексом Тi(OH)22+. В сильнощелочной среде (1 М NaOH) растворимость на 2?3 порядка выше, чем в воде и определяется комплексом Ti(ОН)5?.

The thermodynamic characteristic of true solubility at 25 °C for amorphous and crystalline nanosized modifications of TiO2, depending on the pH of an aqueous medium in the range of 0–14.7 and allowing for the formation of Ti(IV) hydroxo complexes and the dispersity of the solid phase, was presented. The average effective radius of solid particles (r ? 25 nm for TiO2) must be considered as a thermodynamic parameter when determining the solubility of titanium dioxide in the nanostate.

The solubility of polymorphic TiO2 modifications in aqueous weakly acid and weakly basic media with no fluoride ions is rather low (10?9–10?5 mol/L) and is determined by the strongly neutral Ti(OH)4 complexes that predominate at pH 3–10. Solubility in aqueous media depends substantially on the structure of the crystals (rutile < brookite < anatase), grows considerably as the particle size of crystalline nanopowders shrinks, and becomes stronger (by approximately three orders of magnitude) upon moving from stable crystalline rutile ?-TiO2 (r > 100 nm) to the amorphous modification.

In a strongly acid medium(1M HClO4), the solubility of dioxide TiO2 modifications is 4–5 orders of magnitude higher than in water and is determined mainly by the Ti(OH)22+ complex. In a strongly alkaline medium (1M NaOH), the solubility is 2–3 orders of magnitude greater than in water, and is determined by the Ti(OH)5? complex.
An Examination of Turkish Students' PISA 2015 Collaborative Problem-Solving Competencies
Authors: YAVUZ Emine , ATAR Hakan Yavuz
Published: September 2020

Technological advancements initially made it possible for individuals with different cultures from different parts of the world to consider working together, and eventually collaboration turned into a necessity. Based on this necessity, OECD measured collaborative problem-solving (CPS) competencies of 15-year-old students from the countries participating in PISA assessment in 2015. The objective of this study is to examine the data on Turkey from PISA 2015 CPS survey through Deterministic-Input, Noisy-Or-Gate (DINO) cognitive diagnostic model and to determine the students’ levels of CPS competencies as well as difficulty levels of these competencies. In this context, primarily, attributes of CPS competency domain were examined and the model with the most appropriate number of attributes, classification accuracy and consistency was determined for the analysis of PISA 2015 CPS data. The sample of this descriptive study consists of 435 students. As a result of the analysis, the Q-matrix of the model data fit was observed to have the best goodness-of-fit when it had three attributes whereas model fit and classification consistency decreased as the number of attributes increased. Furthermore, the easiest competency for Turkish students was determined to be ‘taking appropriate action to solve the problem’ while the most difficult was ‘establishing and maintaining shared understanding’. Finally, latent class distribution exposed that 56% of the students did not have any of the competencies, and 35% had all. Results of this examination indicate that all CPS competencies of Turkish students need improvement.
Preface
Authors: Lima Clovis Ricardo Montenegro de , Lisboa Armando de Melo
Published: September 2020

Preface
An Updated Review of Secondary Metabolites from Marine Fungi
Authors: Shabana Syed , Lakshmi K. Rajya , Satya A. Krishna
Published: September 2020

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Marine fungi are valuable and richest sources of novel natural products for medicinal and pharmaceutical industries. Nutrient depletion, competition or any other type of metabolic stress which limits marine fungal growth promotes the formation and secretion of secondary metabolites. Generally secondary metabolites can be produced by many different metabolic pathways and include antibiotics, cytotoxic and cyto-stimulatory compounds. Marine fungi produce many different types of secondary metabolites that are of commercial importance. This review paper deals with around 187 novel compounds and 212 other known compounds with anticancer and antibacterial activities with a special focus on the period from 2011-2019. Furthermore, this review highlights the sources of organisms, chemical classes and biological activities (anticancer and antibacterial) of metabolites, that were isolated and structurally elucidated from marine fungi to throw a helping hand for novel drug development.