bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validation and Clinical Application of the Chinese Version of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory(MDASI-C) in Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Chen Renwang , Wang Qiong , Hu Ting , Wang Jue , Xie Yu-xiu , Chang Hai-yan , Cheng Jing
Published: June 2021

Purpose To validate and use the Chinese Version of the M. D. Anderson Symptom Inventory (MDASI-C) to assess the symptom burden of breast cancer patients of China. And to reveal the features of the symptoms and provide a basis for improving their quality of life.Methods A total of 342 breast cancer patients participated in the study. All patients had pathological diagnosis. They were investigated and evaluated from November 2020 to February 2021 with MDASI-C. The reliability and validity were evaluated respectively. Cluster analysis and correlation analysis were carried out.Results The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the symptom and interference items was 0.827 and 0.880, respectively, which meant good reliability. Construct validity revealed a four-factor structure. The Kaiser- Meyer-Olkin (KMO) value was 0.760, which meant good construct validity. The patient's KPS, treatment phase and cancer stage were grouped, and the differences of scores within the groups were significant. The patient's employment status, education level and age had a significant correlation with symptoms. The top three symptoms were disturbed sleep (3.10 ± 2.52), diffificulty remembering (2.54 ± 2.30) and fatigue (2.24 ± 2.13). The higher the patient's education, the lower their symptoms. Patients' Body Mass Index (BMI), hemoglobin (Hb), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), neutral granulocyte lymphocyte ratio (N/L), and serum albumin globulin ratio (A/G) also had an effect on some of the symptoms of patients. Conclusions MDASI-C is a reliable and effective assessment tool when evaluating patients with breast cancer of China. The symptoms were related to many clinical, biochemical indicators.
The Association Between Overweight or Obesity and Prognosis of Kidney Cancer: A Study Protocol of An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Le SiYu , Fu XiaoYi , Jiang HuiNan , Liu Yi , Ruan BinYe , Liu YuPeng , Wang ShuRan
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Kidney cancer is among the 10 most common cancers in both men and women. As we know, obesity and overweight is one of the confirmed risk factors. However, several studies found that overweight or obese patients with kidney cancer had a better prognosis than normal weight patients, as known as the “obesity paradox”. Therefore, in this study, we aimed to conduct a systematic meta- analysis of peer- reviewed literature to investigate the association between obesity or overweight and kidney cancer outcomes.Methods and analysis: Our review will assess case-control or cohort studies on prognosis of kidney cancer patients who are classified as obese, overweight or normal weight before 1 August 2020. Databases to be searched include PubMed/MEDLINE, Scopus, Web of Science and Embase. Two authors will independently conduct eligible studies selection process, perform data extraction and appraise the quality of included studies. Original case-control or cohort studies published in English will be considered for inclusion. The outcomes of interest will be progression-free survival, cancer- specific survival and overall survival. Meta-analyses will be performed to calculate pooled estimates. Ethics and dissemination: Our study will be based on published data, and thus there is no requirement for ethics approval. The results will be shared through publication in a peer- reviewed journal and presentations at academic conferences. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021223347
Exosomal miR-331 from Chemoresistant Osteosarcoma Cells Induced Chemoresistance Through Autophagy
Authors: Zhao Aiqing , Zhao Yan bin , Liu Wanlin , Feng Wei , Xing Wenhua , Zhao Zhenqun , Cui Shuxia , Bai Rui , Meng Chenyang
Published: June 2021

Background

Osteosarcoma (OS) is a highly malignant tumor. Improving chemotherapeutic resistance is very important to improve the survival rate of OS. Exosomes and microRNAs (MiRNA) play important roles in the mechanism of chemotherapeutic resistance transmission. More and more researches focus the mechanism of miRNAs carried by exosomes in the transmission of chemotherapeutic resistance of OS. This study focused on exploring the mechanism of exosomal miR-331 in the transmission of chemoresistance in OS.
Methods

We cultured OS drug-resistant cells and extracted exosomes of these cells. The secretion and uptake of exosomes in OS drug-resistant cells and OS cells (OSCs) were confirmed by fluorescence tracking assay and transwell experiments. The differential expression of microRNA-331 (miR-331) in exosomes of OS resistant and OS cells was investigated by RT-PCR. The effects of drug-resistant exosomes on proliferation and migration of OS cells were determined by MTT assay and scratches assay. MDC staining, RT-PCR, and Western blot were used to detect the role of autophagy which regulated by drug-resistant cell-derived exosom-miR-331.
Results

We found that the expression difference of miR-331 between drug-resistant cells of MG63 and HOS cell lines and tumor cells was the most significant. Drug resistant OSCs secreted exosomes and were ingested by OSCs, which then promoted OSCs to acquire drug resistance. In addition, exosomes secreted by drug-resistant OSCs promote drug resistance by carrying miRNAs. Interestingly, inhibition of miRNA resulted in reduced drug resistance transmission of exosomes. Finally, we found that the exosomes secreted by drug-resistant OSCs could induce autophagy of OSCs by carrying miR-331, thus making OSCs acquire drug resistance. Inhibition of miR-331 can effectively improve drug resistance of OSCs.
Conclusions

Chemoresistant OSCs-derived exosomes promote the transmission of drug resistance by carrying miR-331 and inducing autophagy. Inhibition of miR-331 could effectively alleviate drug resistance of OSCs.
The Sea Urchin Centrostephanus Tenuispinus (Clark, 1914) is an Important Bio-Eroder on a High Latitude (32o S) Coral Reef.
Authors: Thilakarathna RMGN , Keulen Mike van , Keesing John K.
Published: June 2021

Sea urchins are keystone herbivores in many marine benthic habitats. They can significantly influence coral-algae phase shifts and impact on reef carbonate budgets through grazing. Hall Bank reef in Western Australia is unique among other reefs in the region being high latitude with a high hermatypic coral cover but lacking macroalgae and soft corals. Since the reef status is thought to result from high densities of the urchin Centrostephanus tenuispinus limiting the growth of macroalgae, the present study was focused on evaluating their role as bio-eroders. Monthly samples of 26 urchins were collected from 2014–2016 and gut composition was analyzed. Gut evacuation rates were calculated using 50 urchins dissected at time intervals (0, 4, 8, 16, 24, 36, 48, 60, 72 and 96 h). Reworked calcium carbonate was calculated using 30 urchins maintained in five cages in a seagrass bed adjacent to the reef site. Mean percentages for organic component, calcium carbonate and other siliceous components were 86.29 ± 3.23%, 10.32 ± 2.76% and 3.39 ± 1.52% respectively. Gut evacuation rates for autumn, winter, spring and summer were 0.70, 0.24, 0.48 and 0.72 (day− 1). Bio-erosion rates were significantly higher in Summer-16 (3.52 g CaCO3 m− 2 day− 1) and lower in winter (1.32 g CaCO3 m− 2 day− 1) (F = 101.580, p < 0.000). High erosion rates were recorded for large urchins (F = 37.789, P < 0.001. Annual urchin bio-erosion was 1017.69 g CaCO3 m− 2 a− 1. Differences in food ingestion rates in response to seawater temperature changes are thought to be the main cause for the significant differences in seasonal bio-erosion rates.
Antibiotic Prescription Rationality And Associated In-Patient Treatment Outcomes In Children Under-Five With Severe Pneumonia At Bwizibwera Health Center IV, Mbarara District, South-Western Uganda
Authors: Abeja Christine Joy , Niozima Valence , Byagamy John Paul , Obua Celestino
Published: June 2021

Background: Pneumonia is a major cause of morbidity and mortality in children under five. Antibiotic treatment must be started immediately in children with pneumonia. The irrational use of antibiotics may increase morbidity and mortality in children with pneumonia. Pneumonia accounted for approximately 16 % of the 5.6 million under-five deaths word wide in 2016. In Uganda, it kills approximately 2,400 children per year. Early diagnosis and appropriate case management with rational use of antibiotics remain the most effective intervention to reduce pneumonia-related mortality. This study aimed at determining antibiotic prescription rationality and associated in-patient treatment outcomes in children aged 2-59 months with severe community-acquired pneumonia at Bwizibwera Health Centre IV from 1st May 2018 to 30th April 2019. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort design; data were collected from in-patient records of all children aged 2-59 months with severe community-acquired pneumonia who met the eligibility criteria for a period of one year. Data abstraction template was used for data collection. Health care records of children aged 2-59 months who had other co-morbidities and were on medication that could influence or impact on in-patient treatment outcomes from 1st May 2018 to 30th April 2019 were excluded. Data was entered and analyzed using Epi-info v 7.2 and STATA v 13.0 respectively, Descriptive statistics were reported and Chi-square test was used to compare the proportions.Results: Of the total records of children retrieved and screened (N = 847), 229 prescription records of children fulfilled inclusion criteria, 57 (24.9 %) had rational prescriptions with good outcomes and 172 (75.1 %) had irrational prescriptions with 10 (4.4 %) having unfavorable outcomes. The majority (73.7 %) of those who received rational prescription were on treatment with a combination of benzyl penicillin plus gentamycin while (26.3 %) were on ampicillin plus gentamycin. The majority (32.4 %) of patients with good treatment outcomes were aged 6 – 11 months. This age category also doubled as the group that experienced the highest percentage (40.0 %) of unfavorable outcomes.Conclusion: The majority of children 172 (75.1%) had received irrational antibiotic prescriptions. There were no statistically significant associations between patient characteristics and treatment outcomes.
Spatial Correction Improves Accuracy of Catheter Positioning During Ablation of Premature Ventricular Contractions: Differences Between Ventricular Outflow Tracts And Other Localizations.
Authors: Nies Moritz , Schleberger Ruben , Dinshaw Leon , Klatt Niklas , Muenkler Paula , Jungen Christiane , Rottner Laura , Lemoine Marc D , Reißmann Bruno , Rillig Andreas , Metzner Andreas , Kirchhof Paulus , Meyer Christian
Published: June 2021

1.1. PurposeHybrid activation mapping is a novel tool to correct for spatial displacement of the mapping catheter due to asymmetrical contraction of myocardium during premature ventricular contractions (PVC). The aim of this study is to describe the extent and cause of spatial displacement during PVC mapping and options for correction using hybrid activation mapping. 1.2. Methods and ResultsWe analyzed 5798 hybrid mapping points in 40 acquired hybrid maps of 22 consecutive patients (age 63±16 years, 45% female) treated for premature ventricular contractions (PVCs). Median PVC-coupling interval was 552 ms (IQR 83 ms). Spatial displacement was determined by measuring the dislocation of the catheter tip during PVC compared to the preceding sinus beat. Mean spatial displacement was 3.8±1.5 mm for all maps. The displacement was 1.3±0.4 mm larger for PVCs with non-outflow-tract origin compared to PVCs originating from the ventricular outflow tracts (RVOT/LVOT; p=0.028). Demographic parameters, PVC-coupling-interval and chamber of origin had no significant influence on the extent of spatial displacement. 1.3. ConclusionEctopic activation of the ventricular myocardium during PVCs results in spatial displacement of mapping points that is significantly larger for PVCs with non-outflow-tract origin. The correction for spatial displacement may improve accuracy of radiofrequency current (RFC)-application in catheter ablation of PVCs.
Gastrointestinal Symptoms in Diabetes Occur Long Before Diabetic Complications
Authors: Jung Hwanseok , Rhee Eun-Jung , Lee Mi Yeon , Park Jung Ho , Park Dong Il , Jeon Woo Kyu , Sohn Chong Il
Published: June 2021

Background: Gastrointestinal (GI) manifestations are common in patients with diabetes complications such as autonomic neuropathy. However, the prevalence of GI symptoms before the development of diabetes complications remains unclear.Method: We performed an interview survey of functional gastrointestinal disorders in diabetes patients who visited the endocrinology clinic of a general hospital using the ROME III criteria. The investigation consisted of various questions on functional dyspepsia, irritable bowel syndrome, and functional constipation including functional defecation disorder.Results: A total of 509 patients were included in this analysis. The patients were analyzed in three groups, prediabetes patients (n = 115), diabetes patients without neuropathy (n = 275), and diabetes patients with neuropathy (n = 119). The prevalence of gastrointestinal symptoms in prediabetes patients, diabetes patients without neuropathy, and diabetes patients with neuropathy was estimated at 16.52%, 27.27%, and 23.53% for functional dyspepsia; 8.7%, 11.68%, and 16.81% for irritable bowel syndrome; and 8.85%, 11.85%, and 15.25% for functional constipation. In the subgroup analysis, postprandial distress syndrome symptoms such as postprandial fullness and early satiation were more prevalent than epigastric pain symptoms. In the constipation group, pelvic outlet obstruction symptoms such as the sensation of anorectal obstruction or blockage and manual maneuvers to facilitate defecation were more frequently observed than slow transit constipation symptomsConclusions: The prevalence of functional gastrointestinal disorders increased with diabetes severity. Diabetes-related GI symptoms appeared long before the diabetes complications
Antiproliferative Effects of AAV-Delivered CRISPR/Cas9-Based Degradation of the HPV18-E6 Gene in HeLa Cells
Authors: Noroozi Zahra , Shamsara Mehdi , Valipour Elahe , Esfandyari Sahar , Ehghaghi Alireza , Azizi Zahra , Motevaseli Elahe , Modarressi Mohammad Hossein
Published: June 2021

Human papillomavirus infections are associated with most cervical cancers, which are the fourth most common cancer in women. HPV-E6 protein binds to protein p53 and inhibits its function, leading to the switching of normal cells toward cancer cells. Here, we disrupted the HPV-E6 gene and investigated its effects on the proliferation and apoptosis of HeLa cells. The HPV18-E6 gene was targeted with two designed sgRNAs cloned into an AAV-CRISPR-based plasmid. The AAV-E6-CRISPR/Cas9 virions were prepared and titrated in HEK293t cells. The cleavage created in the HPV-E6 gene was detected using the T7E1 assay. Cell cycle profiling, MTT assay, and annexin V/PI staining were performed. Also, the p53 protein level was measured by Western blotting. Our data showed that disruption of the HPV-E6 gene led to increased cell apoptosis and decreased cell proliferation. A significant accumulation of infected cells in sub-G1 phase was observed in the cell profiling assay. Also, HPV-E6 gene disruption resulted in a significant increase in the level of P53 protein. Our findings indicated that AAV-mediated delivery of CRISPR/Cas9 can effectively target the HPV-E6 gene in HeLa cells, and its antiproliferative effects may provide therapeutic benefits of local administration of this gene-editing system for HPV-related cervical cancers.
Clusterin in Alzheimer’s Disease: An Amyloidogenic Inhibitor of Amyloid Formation
Authors: Spatharas Panagiotis M. , Nasi Georgia I. , Tsiolaki Paraskevi L. , Theodoropoulou Marilena K. , Papandreou Nikos C. , Hoenger Andreas , Trougakos Ioannis P. , Iconomidou Vassiliki A.
Published: June 2021

Background: Clusterin is a heterodimeric glycoprotein (α- and β-chain), which has been described as an extracellular molecular chaperone. In humans, clusterin is an amyloid associated protein, co-localizing with fibrillar deposits in Alzheimer’s disease. To clarify its implication in the disease, we provide evidence that clusterin has intrinsic amyloidogenic properties, which are intertwined with its inhibitory effect on amyloid-β fibril formation.Methods: Aggregation-prone regions of human clusterin were predicted by AMYLPRED. Synthetic peptide-analogues of each region underwent in vitro aggregation assays, namely, examination with transmission electron microscopy, X-Ray diffraction from oriented fibers, ATR FT-IR spectroscopy, and Congo Red birefringence assays. The same peptide-analogues were co-incubated with amyloid-β and their potential as inhibitors was tested with thioflavin T fluorescence emission measurements and transmission electron microscopy. Molecular dynamics simulations were performed to gain insight into the interaction between amyloid-β and the peptide-analogues.Results: Clusterin peptide-analogues form amyloid-like fibrils, as revealed by transmission electron microscopy. They can form fibers that give cross-β X-ray diffraction patterns and ATR FT-IR spectroscopy confirms the dominance of β-strand secondary structure. They also exhibit apple-green birefringence, when stained with Congo Red and examined between crossed polars of a polarizing light microscope. Furthermore, when amyloid-β is co-incubated with clusterin’s peptide analogues, it shows decreased thioflavin T fluorescence emission over time, while the formation of amyloid-β amyloid fibrils is diminished, as confirmed by transmission electron microscopy. The inhibitory effect of clusterin-peptide analogues on amyloid-β fibril formation was ascertained though molecular dynamics simulations. Conclusions: Clusterin has multiple aggregation-prone regions in its α-chain and these regions have a functional role in the inhibition of amyloid-β fibril formation.
Use of Sickness Benefits by Patients With Metastatic Breast Cancer – A Swedish Cohort Study
Authors: Altena Renske , Gernaat Sofie A.M. , Wilking Ulla , Kiani Narsis A. , Johnsson Aina , Hedayati Elham
Published: June 2021

Background
Advances in the treatment of metastatic breast cancer (mBC) have led to improved life expectancy. Many cancer survivors desire to return to paid work to enhance their sense of well-being. For patients with mBC, little is known about how the diagnosis impacts ability to work or the factors that increase the need for sickness benefits.
Patients and methods
Data were collected from two Swedish national registers, for females ages 18 to 63 years in the Stockholm-Gotland healthcare region with a new diagnosis of mBC from 1997 through 2011. Type of first-line palliative treatment was identified in medical records of a subset of the study population. Use of sickness absence (SA) and disability pension (DP) by these patients during the year before and one and two years after mBC diagnosis was determined from a third register. Regression analysis was performed to ascertain which covariate factors were associated with long-term (> 30 days) SA.
Results
A total of 1,240 patients were evaluated the year before and the first year after mBC diagnosis; only 805 patients were still alive and evaluated the second year after diagnosis. The proportions of patients having SA and DP were 56.0% and 24.8% the year before, 69.9% and 28.9% the first year after, and 64.0% and 34.7% the second year after diagnosis, respectively. Adjusted odds of having long-term SA were significantly higher at 1 and 2 years after diagnosis for patients with age < 45 years (AOR = 3.43 and AOR = 1.70, respectively), early calendar year of diagnosis (AOR = 1.72 and AOR = 1.79, respectively), metachronous mBC (AOR = 4.85 and AOR = 4.52, respectively), and SA ≥ 90 days the year before diagnosis (AOR = 3.44 and AOR = 1.98, respectively). Odds were also significantly higher the second after diagnosis for patients treated with chemotherapy (AOR = 1.81) or radiotherapy (AOR = 2.23), compared to those treated with hormonal therapy,
Conclusions
Rates of SA and DP increase after a diagnosis of mBC. Women who are younger, develop metachronous mBC, use SA heavily before mBC, and receive chemotherapy or radiotherapy have a greater need for sickness benefits after an mBC diagnosis.
Isolation and Identification of Lactobacillus plantarum C010 and Growth Kinetics of its Batch Fermentation
Authors: Dai Jinyue , fang Limin , Zhang Manmin , Deng Huaili , Cheng Xin , Yao Mingyin , Huang Lin
Published: June 2021

Chilled pork is pursuit by people due to its delicious and delicate taste, but it is still susceptible to microbial contamination even under refrigerated conditions. Consequently, to explore microbial preservatives for chilled pork, in this study, the specific spoilage organism Pseudomonas koreensis PS1 from spoiled chilled pork as the indicator was used to isolate the bacteriocin-producing lactic acid bacteria from the soils and fresh cow dungs. Among six bacteriocin-producing bacteria from 182 isolates, the strain C010 with higher-yielding, broad-spectrum, subculture stability and protease (pepsin, trypsin and proteinase K) sensitive was selected and identified as Lactobacillus plantarum based on morphological, biochemical and 16S rDNA gene sequence analysis. Simultaneously, the crude bacteriocin of L. plantarum C010 was stable under high temperature and ultraviolet conditions. The kinetics of bacterial growth and bacteriocin production of L. plantarum C010 were analyzed in batch fermentation. Bacteriocin was produced throughout the logarithmic growth phase and the Leudeking-piret model could characterize the synthesis of bacteriocin well. This present study indicates that bacteriocin-producing L. plantarum C010 has promising potentials to control the specific spoilage organism and can be used as the bio-preservative in food.
CBCT Evaluation in a Growing Patient With Mandibular Asymmetry Treated With Rapid Palatal Expander and Frankel-III. Case Report.
Authors: Macrì Monica , Rendina Fabiola , Perrella Giada , Festa Felice
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThis study aims to evaluate the development and the compensation mechanisms of the mandibular asymmetry in a growing patient, using Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT). In this case, the menton was deviated on the right, an extremely rare condition, which may be the consequence of a disorder in the mandibular growth. Case presentationThe patient was treated with Rapid Palatal Expander (RPE) and Fränkel Functional Regulator III (FR-3). The initial CBCT was acquired at the beginning of therapy, when patient was 8 years old (y.o), the final CBCT was acquired at the end of the treatment, when patient was 12 y.o. Patient’s CBCT was performed with the head oriented according to the Natural Head Position (NHP); the NHP is a physiological and reproducible posture defined for morphological analysis.The 3D image of the cranium was oriented in the Dolphin software according to NHP posture; the cephalometric measurements were performed in frontal, laterolateral right and left, posteroanterior and submentovertex views in the aforementioned software. The therapy lasted 3.8 years and ended with a significant regression of the mandibular asymmetry from moderate grade (4.2 mm) to slight grade (1.3 mm). Conclusion The left hemi-mandible has grown more than right side, in accordance with the literature, which affirm that in case of deviation of the menton greater than 4 mm, the bone volume increases on the nondeviated side.
Hydrophilic Quaternary Trimethyl Chitosan Stabilized Silver Nanoparticles: Synthesis, Characterization and Antimicrobial Activity.
Authors: Alli Yakubu Adekunle , Adewuyi Sheriff , Amolegbe Saliu Alao , Thomas Sabu
Published: June 2021

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) endangers the effective management of an increasing range of bacterial and fungal infections, alternative antimicrobial drugs are thus, expedient. In this study, Quaternary Trimethyl Chitosan (QTMC) was prepared by improved two step reductive methylation of Chitosan (CTS) employed as a capping agent for the synthesis of silver nanoparticles (QTMC-AgNPs). The hydrophilic QTMC and QTMC-AgNPs were characterized using various analytical and spectroscopic techniques. The Proton Nuclear Magnetic Resonance ( 1 HNMR) was used to determine the degree of quaternization (DQ) and degree of dimethylation (DT) of QTMC as 63.33 and 11.75 % respectively. The Ultraviolet-Visible (Uv-Vis), Attenuated Total Reflection Fourier Transform Infrared (ATR-FTIR), X-ray Diffraction (XRD), Energy Dispersive X-ray (EDS) and X-ray Photoelectron (XPS) Spectroscopic results evidently indicated high degree of quaternization of CTS and configured QTMC-AgNPs. Thermogravimetric Analysis/Derivative Thermogravimetry (TGA/DTG) were used to study the decomposition process of QTMC and QTMC-AgNPs. The surface morphological difference of QTMC and QTMC-AgNPs was explored via Scanning Electron and High-Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopies (SEM and HR-TEM) whereas particle size distribution was analyzed using Dynamic Light Scattering. Furthermore, HR-TEM indicated QTMC stabilized AgNPs with average nanoparticulate size of 10 nm while DLS revealed 12.5 nm. This well-tailored QTMC-AgNPs exhibited strong antibacterial and antifungal activities against the tested bacteria and fungi infections.
A Discrete Choice Experiment on Factors Influencing Attrition and Motivation of Frontline Health Workers in Remote and Rural Areas in Nigeria
Authors: Okoroafor Sunny C , Nwachukwu Chukwuemeka , Osubor Martin
Published: June 2021

Background The current policy thrust in Nigeria is to ensure that there exists qualified, skilled, and adequate health workforce for the achievement of universal health coverage. To achieve this, evidence combination of strategies/interventions on factors influencing attraction, retention, and motivation of the health workforce is needed to ensure the equitable distribution of the health workforce across the country.Methods We conducted a discrete choice experiment study to determine the combinations of incentives that may increase the retention of frontline health workers in rural and remote areas in Nigeria. The study was undertaken across rural and urban locations in Bauchi State between August and October 2018 amongst 145 students and practicing health workers. Results Health workers are 14.6 and 14.4 times more likely to take up a rural posting or continue to stay in their present rural posts if there was basic housing and improvement of the quality of the facilities respectively. The preference for rural job location increased by 6.17 times if good schools for children's education were provided. The highest willingness-to-pay was for the provision of basic housing or housing allowance with a high utility of 0.609 followed by improved quality of facility with sufficient staff number and type, equipment, drugs, and medical supplies with a utility value of 0.607. Conclusion Improving the working conditions of health workers will support retention in rural health posts. Based on the findings, we recommend the introduction of housing incentives in rural and remote areas to support the retention of health workers. This should be accompanied by deliberate interventions to improve the quality of the health facilities ensuring adequate and functional equipment and uninterrupted supplies.
101 Filtering Face Mask Batches – A Comprehensive Study on Particle Passage
Authors: Hirschwald Lukas Tobias , Herrmann Stefan , Felder Daniel , Kalde Anna Maria , Stockmeier Felix , Wypysek Denis , Alders Michael , Tepper Maik , Rubner Jens , Brand Peter , Kraus Thomas , Wessling Matthias , Linkhorst John
Published: June 2021

During the first wave of Covid-19 infections in Germany in April 2020, clinics reported a shortage of filtering face masks with aerosol retention > 94% (FFP2 & 3, KN95, N95). Companies all over the world increased their production capacities, but the quality control of once-certified materials and masks came up short. To help identify falsely labeled masks and ensure safe protection equipment, we tested 101 different batches of masks in 993 measurements with a self-made setup based on DIN standards. An aerosol generator provided a NaCl test aerosol which was applied to the mask. A laser aerosol spectrometer measured the aerosol concentration in a range from 90 to 500 nm to quantify the masks' retention. Of 101 tested mask batches, only 31 batches kept what their label promised. Especially in the initial phase of the pandemic in Germany, we observed fluctuating mask qualities. Many batches show very high variability in aerosol retention. In addition, by measuring with a laser aerosol spectrometer, we were able to show that not all masks filter small and large particles equally well. In this study, we demonstrate how important internal and independent quality controls are, especially in times of need and shortage of personal protection equipment.
Effect of Electron Beam Welding Parameters on Temperature and Stress Field of AISI P20 Tool Steel in Vacuum Roll-cladding Process
Authors: mao lanyu , Luo Zongan , Feng Yingying , Zhang Xiaoming
Published: June 2021

Vacuum roll-cladding (VRC) is an effective method to produce high quality ultra-heavy AISI P20 plate steel. In the process of VRC, reasonable welding process of electron beam welding (EBW) can significantly avoid welding cracks and reduce the cost. In this paper, the electron beam welding process of AISI P20 tool steel was simulated by using a combined heat source model based on finite element method, and the temperature field and stress field under different welding parameters were studied respectively . The results showed that welding parameters have a greater effect on weld penetration than that of weld width, which making the aspect ratio increases with the increase of welding current, and decrease with the increase of welding speed. The weld morphologies were consistent with those of the modeling and the measured thermal heat curves were good agreement with those of simulated, which was verified the feasibility and effectiveness of temperature fields. The results of stress fields under different welding parameters indicat ed that lower welding speed and higher welding current resulting in lower residual stress at welded joint, which means lower risk of cracking after EBW. The results of this study have been successfully applied to industrial production.
Tissue-resident M2 Macrophages Directly Contact Primary Sensory Neurons in the Sensory Ganglia after Nerve Injury
Authors: Iwai Haruki , Ataka Koji , Suzuki Hajime , Dhar Ashis , Kuramoto Eriko , Yamanaka Atsushi , Goto Tetsuya
Published: June 2021

Background: Macrophages in the peripheral nervous system are key players in the repair of nerve tissue and the development of neuropathic pain due to peripheral nerve injury. However, there is a lack of information on the origin and morphological features of macrophages in sensory ganglia after peripheral nerve injury, unlike those in the brain and spinal cord. We analyzed the origin and morphological features of sensory ganglionic macrophages after nerve ligation or transection using wild-type mice and mice with bone-marrow cell transplants.Methods: After protecting the head of C57BL/6J mice with lead caps, they were irradiated and transplanted with bone-marrow-derived cells from GFP transgenic mice. The infraorbital nerve of a branch of the trigeminal nerve of wild-type mice was ligated or the infraorbital nerve of GFP-positive bone-marrow-cell-transplanted mice was transected. After immunostaining the trigeminal ganglia, the structures of the ganglionic macrophages, neurons, and satellite glial cells were analyzed using two-dimensional or three-dimensional images.Results: The number of damaged neurons in the trigeminal ganglia increased from day 1 after infraorbital nerve ligation. Ganglionic macrophages proliferated from days 3 to 5. Furthermore, the numbers of macrophages increased from days 3 to 15. Bone-marrow-derived macrophages increased on day 7 after the infraorbital nerve was transected in the trigeminal ganglia of GFP-positive bone-marrow-cell-transplanted mice but most of the ganglionic macrophages were composed of tissue-resident cells. On day 7 after infraorbital nerve ligation, ganglionic macrophages increased in volume, extended their processes between the neurons and satellite glial cells, and contacted these neurons. Most of the ganglionic macrophages showed an M2 phenotype when contact was observed, and little neuronal cell death occurred.Conclusions: Most of the macrophages that appear after a nerve injury are tissue-resident, and these make direct contact with damaged neurons that act in a tissue-protective manner in the M2 phenotype. These results imply that tissue-resident macrophages signal to neurons directly through physical contact.
Expression and Prognostic Significance of NPC1L1 in Colorectal Cancer: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Kwon Ryuk Jun , Son Soo Min , Park Eun Ju , Lee Sang Yeoup , Choi Jungin , Lee Sae Rom , Lee Youngin , Kim Yun Jin , Lee Jeong Gyu , Yi Yu Hyeon , Tak Young Jin , Lee Seung Hun , Kim Gyu Lee , Ra Young Jin , Hwang Chungsu , Kim Choongrak , Cho Young Hye
Published: June 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer (CRC) is a malignant tumor of the large intestine. Studies have shown that the development and prognosis of CRC are associated with altered lipid metabolism. Niemann-Pick C1-Like 1 (NPC1L1), the target of ezetimibe, plays an essential role in the absorption of intestinal cholesterol. However, the role of altered NPC1L1 expression in the development and prognosis of CRC has not yet been determined.Methods: Datasets of patients with CRC were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. To compare the expression of NPC1L1 in normal and CRC tissues, datasets obtained from the GDAC platform were used. To support these results, we also analyzed other datasets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. Student’s t-test and chi-square test were used for the analyses. The log-rank test and multivariate Cox proportional hazards regression analysis were performed to determine whether NPC1L1 is a significant factor affecting the prognosis of CRC.Results: The mRNA expression of NPC1L1 was found to be upregulated in CRC, and was significantly associated with the N- and pathological stages, but not with the histological type, age, and sex. Moreover, an increase in NPC1L1 expression in CRC was associated with poorer survival, based on the Kaplan–Meier and multivariate regression analyses.Conclusions: High expression of NPC1L1 is associated with CRC development, pathological stage, and prognosis. The present study suggests that NPC1L1 represents a potential independent prognostic marker for CRC.
Sequential Pneumonitis with Ground-glass Opacity during Durvalumab Therapy after Chemoradiation for Stage III Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kawamura Mitsue , Araki Norio , Kishi Noriko , Suwa Tatsuya , Daido Sayaka , Hirokawa Yuusuke , Mio Tadashi
Published: June 2021

Background: To investigate the clinical characteristics, radiographic pattern, and clinical course of radiation pneumonitis and programmed death ligand 1 inhibitor-related pneumonitis in patients with stage III non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) after definitive concurrent chemoradiotherapy (CCRT).Methods: We retrospectively reviewed 22 patients who received definitive CCRT and consolidative Durvalumab for NSCLC between February 2018 and December 2019 at our hospital. Chest computed tomography scans were reviewed to assess the incidence, timing, relation to the field of radiotherapy, and radiographic patterns of pneumonitis.Results: Among the 22 patients, six (27.3 %) developed grade 2 radiation pneumonitis. The median time from therapy initiation to pneumonitis was 1.5 months. Three patients had pneumonitis within the radiation treatment field, and the other three had pneumonitis spread outside the field. The radiographic pattern was organizing pneumonia with ground-grass opacity in five patients. All patients received corticosteroid therapy, and no patient experienced progression to grade 5 pneumonitis or recurrent pneumonitis after Durvalumab retreatment.Conclusion: It is essential to understand the mechanism and radiographic pattern of immunotherapy-related pneumonitis and radiation pneumonitis to manage this potentially severe adverse event promptly.
Effects of Laser Acupuncture on Constipation in Patients With Advanced Cancer: Study Protocol for a Double-blinded, Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Chen Jen-Ming , Chen Chao-Tung , Wu Bei-Yu , Chen Yung-Hsiang , Liu Chun-Ting
Published: June 2021

BackgroundConstipation is a common, uncomfortable, and frustrating complication in patients with advanced cancer which in turn affects the patient’s quality of life. The aim of this study is to investigate the effects of laser acupuncture on constipation.MethodsThis is a prospective, single-center, double-blinded, randomized controlled trial study. A sample of 74 participants will be randomly assigned to either the verum or the sham laser acupuncture group in a 1:1 ratio. The participants will receive laser acupuncture or sham laser acupuncture once a day for consecutive six days on eight acupoints (LI4, LI11, PC6, ST36, ST37, ST39, SP4, and SP9). The number of complete spontaneous bowel will be used primarily for the evaluation, and symptoms of constipation, comfort levels during defecation, and colonic motility will be also be measured. Data will be analyzed using the chi-square test or t-test. Analysis of covariance will be used to examine the differences on symptoms of constipation between two groups and adjusted for their respective baseline levels. DiscussionThis trial may provide evidence for improving the short-term benefit for advanced cancer patients by relieving the symptoms caused by constipation. As a result, further reduce the usage of medications, and lower the side effects due to medications.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04318808. Registered on 24 March 2020.
The Lifestyles of Palestinians during Corona Virus Pandemic: A cross sectional Study from Palestinian West Bank
Authors: Natour Nihal , Al-Tell Mariam
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Corona virus pandemic was associated with restriction on movement and perceived danger among the public but changes in the lifestyle and mental-wellbeing aspects were not studied in Palestinian PeopleAims: We aimed to study the changes in lifestyle and mental wellbeing aspects of Palestinian society.Methods: A translated questionnaire was produced through google forms and was administered through social media and university platforms including demographic variables, mental wellbeing issues, and lifestyle aspects. Data was analyzed by SPSS 21.Results: 152 adults participated in the study, they were 25± 9 y, 67% were females, 47% were from villages and 47% were from cities. 82% were with bachelors degree. 13% had COVID, 13% lost dear relative due to COVID, and commitment to restrictions was present in 14%. There was high prevalence of negative feelings including sadness, hopelessness and anxiety. Study participants consumed low amount of fruits and vegetables, had a lot of soft drinks, but they in general were physical active. ConclusionThe corona virus pandemic is associated with negative impact on lifestyle and mental wellbeing
Sources, spatial distribution and abundance of marine debris on Thondi coast, Palk Bay, Southeast coast of India
Authors: Perumal Karthikeyan , Boopathi Vishwanath , Chelladurai Stella , Muthuramalingam Subagunasekar , Raja Prakash
Published: June 2021

Background: The Thondi coast is a rich source of valuable natural marine resources, as well as many socioeconomically significant activities like agriculture, aquaculture, and fishing. The area receives an excess of untreated solid and liquid waste as a result of these activities. The study focus on the abundance, distribution, and status of the Clean - Coast Index (CCI) of marine debris from the Thondi coast, Palk Bay, Southeast coast of India. This research was the first to assess the type and quantity of marine debris on the Thondi coast. Results: A total of 1636 marine debris items/m2 and 4.09 density of the items/m2 were determined in the marine debris: plastics (77.49%), cotton swabs (8.62%), cigarette butts (10.15%), and food containers (3.73%). From the result, the CCI is ranged between 4.25 (clean) and 20.4 (extremely dirty) with a mean of 8.92 (moderate) in the Thondi coast assessed. Conclusion: These studies were conducted for the first time in this region. Finally, the high CCI value of 20.4 in the coast indicates that the marine debris pollution levels are high at the time of sampling in the middle part of the Thondi coast (most of the beach is covered with plastic) due to land – based marine debris (62.45%), sea – originated marine debris (21.14%) and unknown sources (16.41%) of the items. Our findings serve as a baseline for potential evaluations of marine environments. Input prevention should be the goal of management efforts, which include proper waste management, plastic recycling, and stringent penalties for illegal waste dumping.
Burden and factors associated with Perceived stress among the general population in Pakistan during the Corona-virus disease 2019
Authors: Lakhdir Maryam Pyar Ali , Peerwani Ghazal , Azam Syed Iqbal , Nathwani Apsara Ali , Iqbal Romaina , Asad Nargis
Published: June 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has paved the way for psychological crises, especially in resource-limited settings where mental health infrastructure is already crippled. This study aims to determine the prevalence and factors associated with perceived stress in the Pakistani population during the Covid-19 pandemic. Methods: A web-based cross-sectional survey was conducted on 1679 Pakistani residents who received the study questionnaire's Google form link. We used a validated tool of perceived-stress scale-10 to screen perceived stress levels. Multiple Ordinal Regression was used to identify the factors associated with perceived stress, and the results are reported as adjusted odds ratios with 95% confidence intervals. Results: The mean score of perceived stress was 19.32 (SD=+6.67). Most of the participants screened positive for moderate (69%) and high levels (14%) of stress, respectively. A significant interaction was seen between generalized-anxiety and the phase of the lockdown. The odds of high-perceived stress among severely anxious participants were 44.67(95% CI: 21.33, 93.53) times than participants with no/minimal generalized anxiety during the complete lockdown. Moreover, the odds of high levels of perceived-stress among moderately anxious respondents were 15.79(95% CI: 10.19-24.28) times compared to participants with no/minimal anxiety during the smart lockdown. Conclusion: This study evidences that the pandemic was highly distressing for the Pakistani population causing the maximum level of perceived-stress in more than half of the population. Adequate and timely interventions are needed before high-stress levels culminate into psychological disorders.
Qmin: A machine learning-based application for mineral chemistry data processing and analysis
Authors: Silva Guilherme Ferreira da , Ferreira Marcos Vinicius , Costa Iago Sousa Lima , Bernardes Renato Borges , Mota Carlos Eduardo Miranda , Jiménez Federico Alberto Cuadros
Published: June 2021

Mineral chemistry analysis is a valuable tool in several phases of mineralogy and mineral prospecting studies. This type of analysis can point out relevant information, such as concentration of the chemical element of interest in the analyzed phase and, thus, the predisposition of an area for a given commodity. Due to this, considerable amount of data has been generated, especially with the use of electron probe micro-analyzers (EPMA), either in research for academic purposes or in a typical prospecting campaign in the mineral industry. We have identified an efficiency gap when manually processing and analyzing mineral chemistry data, and thus, we envisage this research niche could benefit from the versatility brought by machine learning algorithms. In this paper, we present Qmin, an application that assists in increasing the efficiency of mineral chemistry data processing and analysis stages through automated routines. Our code benefits from a hierarchical structure of classifiers and regressors trained by a Random Forest algorithm developed on a filtered training database extracted from the GEOROC (Geochemistry of Rocks of the Oceans and Continents) repository, maintained by the Max Planck Institute for Chemistry. To test the robustness of our application, we applied a blind test with more than 11,000 mineral chemistry analyses compiled for diamond prospecting within the scope of the Diamante Brasil Project of the Geological Survey of Brazil. The blind test yielded a balanced classifier accuracy of ca. 99% for the minerals known by Qmin. Therefore, we highlight the potential of machine learning techniques in assisting the processing and analysis of mineral chemistry data.
TO ASSESS THE LEVEL OF KNOWLEDGE REGARDING CHILD ABUSE AND ITS PREVENTION AMONG PARENTS OF CHILDREN ADMITTED IN GGSMCH FARIDKOT, PUNJAB
Authors:   Nursing Tutor, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., Kaur Ramandeep , Kaur Sharnjit ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., Gill Sheetal ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., a Shivani ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., Kaur Brar Simran ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., Kaur Simarnjeet ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., Kaur Simranjit ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., a Sukhsehaj ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., b Yashika ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203., c Yogita ,   Bsc (N) Students, University College of Nursing,Faridkot-151203.
Published: June 2021

Aim:The aim of the study is to assessthe level of knowledge regarding child abuse and its prevention among parents of children admitted in GGSMCH Faridkot, Punjab. Material and Methods: A descriptive research designis used to conduct this research study. 60 parents of children 0-14 years admitted in GGSMCH Faridkot were selected for this research study. Convenient Sampling Technique was used for data collection and self-structured questionnaire was used to assess the knowledge of mothers regarding child abuse and its prevention. Data was collected by interview schedule and analyzed by descriptive and inferential statistics. Results: The findings of the study revealed that out of 60 parents 75% were having adequate knowledge and 25% were having inadequate knowledge. There was significant association of knowledge of parents with Informant, Age and Occupation.Statistically analyzed by chi square test at 0.05 level of significance. Conclusion: It was concluded that majority of Parents of children admitted in GGSMCH were having adequate knowledge regarding child abuse and its prevention.