bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Sex-Dependent Influence of Maternal Predictors on Fetal Anthropometry in Pregnancies With Gestational Diabetes Mellitus.
Authors: Antoniou Maria-Christina , Gilbert Leah , Gross Justine , Rossel Jean-Benoît , Fumeaux Céline Julie Fischer , Vial Yvan , Puder Jardena Jacqueline
Published: January 2022

Background: Third trimester fetal anthropometric parameters are known to predict neonatal complications. A better understanding of predictors of adverse fetal parameters might help to personalize the use and frequency of fetal ultrasound. The objectives of this study were: (a) to evaluate the utility of maternal sociodemographic, anthropometric and metabolic predictors to predict 3rd trimester fetal anthropometric parameters in women with gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM), (b) to assess whether the impact of these maternal predictors is fetal sex-dependent, and (c) to provide a risk stratification for markers of fetal overgrowth (based on fetal weight centile (FWC) fetal abdominal circumference centile (FACC) according to prepregnancy BMI and gestational weight gain (GWG) until the 1st GDM visit.Methods: This prospective study included 189 women with GDM. Maternal predictors were age, ethnicity, prepregnancy BMI, GWG and excessive weight gain until the 1st GDM visit, fasting, 1-hour and 2-hour blood glucose oral glucose tolerance test values, HbA1c at the 1st visit and medical treatment requirement. Fetal outcomes included FWC, FWC >90% and <10%, FACC, FACC >90% and <10%, at 29 0/7 to 35 6/7 weeks of gestational age. We performed univariate and multivariate regression and probability analyses.Results: In multivariate analyses, prepregnancy BMI was associated with FWC, FWC > 90% and FACC. GWG until the 1st GDM visit was associated with FWC, FACC and FACC > 90% (all p ≤ 0.045). Other maternal parameters were not significantly associated with fetal anthropometry in multivariate analyses (all p ≥ 0.054). In female fetuses, only GWG was associated with FACC (p= 0.044). However, in male fetuses, prepregnancy BMI was associated with FWC, FWC > 90% and FACC and GWG with FWC in multivariate analyses (all p ≤ 0.030). In women with a prepregnancy BMI of ≥ 25 kg/m2 and a GWG until the 1st GDM visit ≥ 10.3 kg (mean GWG), the risk for FWC > 90% and FACC > 90% was 5.3 and 4 times higher than in their counterparts. Conclusions: A personalized fetal ultrasound surveillance guided by fetal sex, prepregnancy BMI and GWG may be beneficial in reducing adverse fetal and neonatal outcomes.
Understanding Perinatal Women’s Health Preferences and Patient-Provider Relationships to Prevent Congenital Syphilis in California and Louisiana
Authors: Wagman Jennifer Ann , Park Eunhee , Giarratano Gloria P. , Buekens Pierre M. , Harville Emily W
Published: January 2022

Background

Congenital syphilis (CS) has reemerged as a global maternal and child health crisis. Kern County, California and East Baton Rouge Parish, Louisiana are among the highest CS morbidity regions in the United States. We previously reported on social-ecological and structural barriers to prenatal care and maternal syphilis testing and treatment in these two regions. The aim of this study was to examine perinatal women’s health preferences and perceptions of patient-provider relationships in the prenatal care clinic setting.
Methods

Between May 2018 and January 2019 we conducted 20 in-depth qualitative interviews with prenatal providers and 8 focus group discussions with pregnant and postpartum women in Kern County and East Baton Rouge Parish. We applied an adapted health services framework to analyze participants’ understanding of health disparities and vulnerable populations; perinatal women’s health and prenatal care preferences; and participants’ perspectives of clinical encounters in the context of prenatal care and maternal syphilis testing and treatment.
Results

Site-specific determinants of syphilis infection emerged but participants from both locations felt CS prevention efforts should be prioritized among youth, racial/ethnic minority populations, people experiencing socioeconomic limitations and people with other commonly occurring health conditions. Although perinatal patients expressed clear health preferences, they reported inconsistent receipt of respectful, patient-centered care. Inconsistencies were connected with limited ethnic and cultural competence among providers, and implicit, negative attitudes toward patients using substances, experiencing homelessness, or engaging in sex work. Providers clearly aimed to offer high quality prenatal care. However, some clinic and health systems level factors were thought to reduce positive and communicative patient-provider relationships, contributing to gaps in use of prenatal care and syphilis testing and treatment.
Conclusions

Our findings suggest that interventions tailored to address setting-specific determinants (including clinic and health system factors) of disparities in CS risk could improve pregnant women’s access to prenatal care and ensure they and their sex partners receive timely syphilis screening and treatment. We recommend all prenatal care providers receive training on how to identify and mitigate implicit biases and provide competent and compassionate patient-centered care.
Determination of content analysis of Achillea arabica Kotschy. plant flower ethanolic extract by LC-MS/MS and NMR and revealing the curative effects of the extract in diabetic rats
Authors: Hanalp Hanife Ceren , Dogan Abdulahad , Saygi Tuba Kusman
Published: January 2022

Background Achillea arabica is a perennial aromatic herb widely used in folk medicine for the treatment of the stomachache and abdominal pain, wound healing, gout, cancer, diabetes and such. The aim of this study was to determine the photochemical content of the ethanolic lyophilized extract of A. arabica flower by LC-MS/MS and NMR and to reveal the antidiabetic and antioxidant effects of this extract against streptozotosine (STZ)-induced in diabetic rats.Methods and Results After toxicity test, 35 female rats were divided into 5 groups. Control, Diabetes mellitus (DM), A.arabica (400 mg/kg) extract, DM +A.arabica (400 mg/kg) extract and DM+Glibenclamide (2 mg/kg). According to LC–MS/MS results of A. arabica flower extract, quinic acid (2439.9 μg/g), cyranoside (858.4 μg/g), chlorogenic acid (698.7 μg/g) and cosmosin (347.8 μg/g) were determined as major compounds, respectively. In addition, two new compounds were determined in this plant according to NMR analyzes and these compounds were named edremitine and achillosine, respectively. It was determined that while diabetic rats fed A. arabica plant extract significantly decreased blood glucose level, serum glucose, HbA1c, liver and kidney damage biomarker levels, and malondialdehyde (MDA) content compared to the DM group, it caused fluctuations in antioxidant enzyme levels.Conclusion We conclude that A. arabica flower plant extract may be a good addition to the well established pharmacological approach of DM by contributing to the reduction of overall oxidative load.
Biochemical Characteristics of Point Mutated Goat Lysosome Α- Mannosidase
Authors: wang yan , Zhang Jiangye , Xiong Haofei , Li Qinfan
Published: January 2022

Background Locoweeds are widely distributed all over the world. Goats and other herbivores often get poisoning if they eat a large number of locoweeds by mistake. Swainsonine (SW), the main toxin in locoweeds, can inhibit lysosomes α-Mannosidase (LAM) competitively in animal cells. The insufficient activity of lysosomes α-Mannosidase can lead to abnormal metabolism of animals, forming alpha mannosidosis. However，the details of interaction between SW and LAM are not clear yet. Methods In this study, molecular docking was used to predict the interaction points between SW and LAM. The effect of putative points was investigated by constructing mutated LAM (LAMM) and analyzing its biochemical characteristics. Results The results showed that the Trp at the 28th position and Tyr at the 599th position of the LAM were the candidates of interaction points. Both tryptophan at position 28 of A peptide residue and tyrosine at position 599 of D peptide residue of goat LAM were mutated into glycine, and goat lysosomes were obtained α- The mutant sequence of mannosidase; The recombinant yeast GS115 / pPIC9K LAMM was successfully constructed; After SW induction, the sensitivity of goat LAMM to SW decreased significantly, and the enzyme activity decreased about 3 times compared with wild-type LAM; The optimum temperature of LAMM decreased from 55 °C to 50 °C, and the optimum pH value increased from 4.5 to 5.0; All the trivalent metal ions (Fe3+, Al3+, Cr3+) had significant activation (P < 0.05), and EDTA had inhibitory effect on goat LAM before and after mutation. Conclusions These results indicated that the sensitivity of goat LAMM to SW was significantly reduced, but other characteristics changed little, which was consistent with the molecular docking results of goat LAMM. This study provides help for the study of interaction mechanism between SW and goat LAM, and also provides a new idea for the development of animal locoweed disease control technology.
Relationship Between Sedentary Behavior And Sleep Indicators In Patients With Chronic Schizophrenia
Authors: Takenouchi Rei , Shibata Masashi , Kishida Ikuko , Ishii Chie , Ishii Norio , Kawada Miwa , Buyo Momoko
Published: January 2022

Background: To investigate the relationship between daytime sedentary behavior and physical activity and sleep in patients with chronic schizophrenia, particularly focusing on insomnia symptoms, a hallmark of insomnia in patients with schizophrenia.Method: The subjects were 20 patients with chronic schizophrenia more than 1 year after onset (12 men and 8 women with a mean age of 59.0 ± 9.8 years), of whom 4 were outpatients and 16 were inpatients. Sedentary behavior performance and physical activity index (Total sedentary behavior time and sedentary behavior bout number, low-intensity physical activity, MVPA, and steps) were assessed by wearing a triaxial accelerometer (GT3X-BT). Total bed time (TIB), total sleep time (TST), sleep latency (SIL), wake after sleep (WASO), and sleep efficiency (SE) were calculated using a small body dynamometer as an objective sleep index. Both the triaxial accelerometer and the small body dynamometer were worn for 1 week, and the average value of each index was calculated.Results: Total sedentary behavior time was significantly positively associated with TIB and SL (r =. 499, p <. 05; r =. 543, p <. 05). Sedentary behavior bout number was negatively significantly associated with SE (r = -. 592, p <. 01) and positively associated with WASO (r =. 503, p <. 01). MVPA was significantly positively associated with SE (r =. 536, p <. 05) and negatively associated with WASO (r = -. 58, p <. 01).Conclusion: Daytime sedentary behavior in patients with chronic schizophrenia was associated with insomnia symptoms. It was suggested that decreasing their sedentary behavior time and increasing moderate-to-vigorous intensity activities may improve their sleep quality.In this study, though the relation has not been recognized in CP conversion value and sedentary behavior position action index, the relation between antipsychotic dose and total sedentary behavioral time needs further investigation.
WITHDRAWN: A Digital Dial Recognition Method Based on Lightweight ResNet
Authors: Zheng Gongming , Wang Zhiwei
Published: January 2022

This paper proposes a lightweight residual network for highly accurate recognition of the numbers of wheel dials. The proposed residual network is based on an optimized ResNet-18 network with the depthwise separable convolution and Dropout function. In addition, a case study on automatic water meter readings based on captured images is presented. Compared to existing methods, the results demonstrate improved recognition accuracy as high as 99.8% and increased computation speed with reduced model parameter size.
Development of An Intraoperative Breast Cancer Margin Assessment Method Using Quantitative Fluorescence Measurements
Authors: Ueo Hiroki , Minoura Itsushi , Ueo Hiroaki , Gamachi Ayako , Kai Yuichiro , Kubota Yoko , Doi Takako , Yamaguchi Miki , Yamashita Toshinari , Tsuda Hitoshi , Moriya Takuya , Yamaguchi Rin , Kozuka Yuji , Sasaki Takeshi , Masuda Takaaki , Urano Yasuteru , Mori Masaki , Mimori Koshi
Published: January 2022

Breast-conserving surgery has become the preferred treatment method for breast cancer. Surgical margin assessment is performed during surgery, as it can reduce local recurrence in the preserved breast. Development of reliable and lower-cost ex vivo cancer detection methods would offer several benefits for patient care. Here, a practical and quantitative evaluation method for the ex vivo fluorescent diagnosis of breast lesions was developed and confirmed through a three-step clinical study. Gamma-glutamyl-hydroxymethyl rhodamine green (gGlu-HMRG) has been reported to generate fluorescence in breast lesions. Using this probe, we constructed a reliable and reproducible procedure for the quantitative evaluation of fluorescence levels. We evaluated the reliability of the method by considering reproducibility, temperature sensitivity, and the effects of other clinicopathological factors. The results suggest that the fluorescence increase of gGlu-HMRG is a good indicator of the malignancy of breast lesions. However, the distributions overlapped. A 5 min reaction with this probe could be used to distinguish at least part of the normal breast tissue. This method did not affect the final pathological examination. In summary, our results indicate that the methods developed in this study may serve as a feasible intraoperative negative-margin assessment tool during breast-conserving surgery.
Individual and Community-level determinants of maternal health services utilization in Northwest Ethiopia: Multilevel Analysis
Authors: Amentie Muluwas
Published: January 2022

Objective

Utilization of maternal health services is a direct and indirect indicator of perinatal death, and socio-economic development. Evidence on individual and community level determinants of maternal health services in Ethiopia, particularly in the study region was not found. Hence, this study fills this gap.
Results

Among 2,198 study subjects, proportion of pregnant women who visited antenatal care (ANC4+), received skilled delivery care, and postnatal care (PNC) were 66.1%, 58.3%, and 58.6% respectively. Besides these, community and different individual-level factors for the three indicators were detected. For ANC 4th visits: place of resident (AOR=3.82), information on MHS (AOR=2.13), history of pregnancy-related problems (AOR=1.83) and women's decision-making (AOR=1.74). For skilled delivery were belonged in 3rd quintile household wealth (AOR=2.23), women's education (AOR=1.71), attended ANC visit 4th (AOR=2.29), delay initiation of ANC visit between 4–6 months (AOR=0.66). Finally, for PNC services: partner education (AOR=3.67), attending recommended ANC visits (AOR=10.8), iron folic acid supplementation (AOR=1.96) and skilled delivery (AOR=1.63). Hence, community based interventions are strongly recommended to improve utilization of maternal health services.
Comparison of on-treatment Noninvasive Markers of Liver Fibrosis Among Patients with HBV and HBV/HIV Coinfection in Ethiopia
Authors: Sultan Amir , Amogne Wondwossen
Published: January 2022

Background: Noninvasive markers of liver fibrosis have gained central importance in the assessment of patients with liver diseases. Among patients with Hepatitis B and HIV coinfection, the role of these noninvasive serum markers has not been well studied in the Ethiopian setup. Methodology: A hospital-based cross-sectional study was conducted at Tikur Anbessa Hospital ART clinic. Patients with HIV and HBV coinfection were recruited from the clinic, and a second comparison group with HBV mono-infection was recruited from the liver clinic. All patients were on tenofovir-based treatment of hepatitis B. Baseline demographic and laboratory values comparison between the two groups were conducted. For APRI, a cutoff of 0.5 and 1.5 was used to assess fibrosis; and for FIB4, cutoffs of 1.45 and 3.25 were used as the lower and higher cutoff, respectively. Result: A total of 74 patients were included, of which 24 patients were with HBV/HIV coinfection and 50 were with HBV mono-infection. The median age of participants was 37, and the majority were from Addis Ababa. Prevalence of diabetes and alcohol use was comparable in both groups. The median platelet count among patients with coinfection was 220,000 ( IQR 159000 - 277000), while among the monoinfected patients, it was 166000 ( 87750-227500). The APRI score among the coinfected patients was 0.4 ( 0.23 – 0.59) while it was 0.57 (0.4-1.4) ( p= 0.01). The FIB4 was 1.1 ( 0.69 – 2.03 ) among coinfected patients, while it was 1.7 (1 - 2.9) among monoinfected patients ( p=0.01). Using a lower and higher APRI and FIB4 cutoffs, both groups had a statistically nonsignificant difference. However, the platelet count using a cutoff of 1500000 was significantly lower among patients with HBV mono-infection. Conclusion; Our data indicate that patients with HIV/HBV coinfection on treatment had comparable noninvasive liver fibrosis marker profiles compared to patients with HBV mono-infection on therapy. On the majority of the parameters, there was a trend towards a better profile among patients with coinfection, which might be explained by early initiation of tenofovir therapy as part of HIV treatment.
Regional Homogeneity And Homotopic Connectivity Changes In Breast Cancer Survivors With Fear of Cancer Recurrence: A Resting State FMRI Study
Authors: Peng Li , Hu Xiaofei , Xu Chen , Yang Ying , Liu Ju , Chen Jiannan , Qi Aiping , Xue Yuan , Zhong Lin , Li Min
Published: January 2022

Background: Fear of cancer recurrence(FCR) has been one of the most commonly endorsed unmet need for breast cancer survivors, but the neuroimaging mechanism underlying fear of cancer recurrence still remains unclear. Methods: we recruited 62 breast cancer survivors (31 in high FCR group and 28 in low FCR group) to explore the inter-group differences in neuroimaging findings. All the participants underwent resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) scan. Regional homogeneity (ReHo) and Voxel-mirrored homotopic connectivity (VMHC) method were applied to analyze the imaging data. Results: Breast cancer survivors with high and low FCR showed significantly different ReHo in the left caudate nucleus and precuneus, and significantly different VMHC in brain regions in the posterior cerebellar lobe, the superior frontal gyrus, the orbital part, the inferior frontal gyrus, the occipital gyrus, the inferior parietal lobule and the frontal middle gyrus. The left caudate nucleus was negatively correlated with FCR (p < 0.05), and the correlation coefficient was -0.501. The right precuneus lobe was positively correlated with FCR scores (p < 0.05), and the correlation coefficient was 0.505. Besides, VMHC in bilateral superior occipital gyrus was positively correlated with the total score of FCR (p < 0.05), and the correlation coefficient was 0.438Conclusion: This study suggested that the left caudate nucleus, right precuneus lobe and bilateral superior occipital gyrus were involved in the neuropathology of FCR. ReHo and VMHC in specific regions could be applied as a biomarker to distinguish breast cancer survivors with high FCR from those with low FCR.
Estimating F-statistics Using Non-independent Samples
Authors: Huang Kang , Yang Bing , Li Yuhang , Ao Jincuo , Dunn Derek W. , Li Baoguo
Published: January 2022

Existing F-statistic estimators fail to account for any genetic correlations among individuals or subpopulations and assume that all samples are independent. This may result in inaccurate F-statistic estimations for natural populations. Here, we derive the expectations of previous F-statistics estimates using extended kinship coefficients. On this basis, we developed a new method for F-statistic estimation that accounts for non-independence of samples, finite sample sizes, and autopolyploidy. As proof of principle, using the same simulated datasets we compared the accuracy of several established F-statistic estimators with our new estimator. We found that our new method outperformed all of the other methods we used and showed almost no bias. Our new method has been added as a new function to our existing software package polygene V1.4, which is freely available at http://github.com/huangkang1987/polygene.
An Early Warning Risk and Control Model for Manpower Capital Investment Using Data Warehousing and Decision Support System
Authors: Chakrabarty Vinky
Published: January 2022

Human capital plays an important role in the development of enterprises. Investing in human capital is the main focus of enterprises to improve personnel quality and enhance their core competitiveness. With the development of market economy, the function of human resources market allocation has been improved, and the mobility of enterprise human resources has been enhanced leading to the increase of investment risk of enterprise human capital. Enterprise human capital investment risk has negative impact for enterprises, reduces the income of enterprise’s human capital investment and affect their growth. Hence, enterprises need to avoid the risk of human capital investment, or minimize the negative impact of risk. Using the data warehouse and decision support system, this paper constructs the early warning and control model for human capital investment risk, analyzes the existing approaches during the recruitment process and training, investment and production, and among enterprises. Finally, this paper proposes the corresponding control method according to the model inspiration.
Prenatal Diagnosis of Isovaleric Acidemia from Amniotic Fluid Using Genetic and Biochemical Approaches
Authors: Ding Si , Liang Lili , Qiu Wenjuan , Zhang Huiwen , Xiao Bing , Dong Liping , Ji Wenjun , Xu Feng , Gong Zhuwen , Gu Xuefan , Wang Lei , Han Lianshu
Published: January 2022

Background：Isovaleric acidemia (IVA) is an inborn error of leucine metabolism and different approaches have been applied to its prenatal diagnosis. However, systemic application of a biochemical strategy is rare. To evaluate its reliability and validity, we conducted a retrospective study of our experience with metabolite measurement together with genetic analysis in IVA prenatal diagnosis at a single center.Methods：A total of eight pregnancies whose probands were diagnosed as IVA were referred to our center for prenatal diagnosis. Prenatal data of genetic analysis and metabolite measurement using tandem mass spectrometry (MS/MS) and gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS) in amniotic fluid (AF) samples were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Genetic and biochemical results were both available in these eight at-risk fetuses. Among them, two fetuses had higher levels of isovalerylcarnitine (C5) and C5/acetylcarnitine (C2) in AF compared with normal reference range and, thus, were determined to be affected, both of whom were found to carry compound heterogeneous mutations according to genetic analysis. The remaining six fetuses were determined to be unaffected based on a normal AF metabolite profile, except one showed slightly elevated C5 and they were found to be carriers according to genetic analysis. However, the level of isovalerylglycine (IVG) could not be detected at all in both groups. The diagnostic sensitivities of C5 and C5/C2 were both 100%, and the specificities were 83.3% and 100%, respectively. Conclusions: The biochemical analysis, as a quick and convenient method, could be an additional reliable option for the prenatal diagnosis of IVA, especially in families with inconclusive genetic results, and can achieve a more precise diagnosis in conjunction with mutation analysis. Among the three tested biochemical markers, C5/C2 appears to be the most credible.
N6-methyladenosine-mediated SH3BP5-AS1 upregulation promotes GEM chemoresistance in pancreatic cancer by competitively sponging miR-139-5p and activating the Wnt signaling pathway
Authors: Lin Chengjie , Wang Yan , Dong Yihong , Lai Shihui , Wang Liang , Zhang Xiang , Weng Shangeng
Published: January 2022

Background

Pancreatic cancer (PC) is highly malignant. Chemotherapy is the main treatment strategy, especially for patients with advanced PC. However, chemoresistance has always been a frequently encountered bottleneck. Hence, there is an urgent need to enhance the sensitivity of PC to gemcitabine (GEM).
Methods

A patient-derived xenograft model was used for screening the hub lncRNAs affecting GEM chemoresistance. Transwell and colony formation assays were used to assess the migration, invasion, and stemness of PC cells. qRT-PCR and western blot analyses were performed to detect the mRNA and protein levels indicated in this study, respectively. The MTT assay was performed to assess the viability of PC cells in vitro. MeRIP-qPCR was used to determine the N6-methyladenosine (m6A) modification level. RIP and pull-down were used to investigate the interaction between SH3BP5-AS1 and miR-139-5p, as well as the interactions among SH3BP5-AS1, ALKBH5, and IGF2BP1. The functional mechanism of SH3BP5-AS1 in PC was identified by gain- and loss-of-function assays and high-throughput sequencing in vitro.
Results

We demonstrated that SH3BP5-AS1 was significantly upregulated in GEM-resistant PC and predicted a poorer prognosis. SH3BP5-AS1 stability was regulated by ALKBH5/IGF2BP1-mediated m6A modification. Loss of SH3BP5-AS1 reduced PC cell migration and invasion and enhanced the sensitivity of PC to GEM, as confirmed by gain- and loss-of-function assays in vitro and in vivo. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that SH3BP5-AS1 acted as a ceRNA against miR-139-5p and directly targeted CTBP1, affecting the biological behavior of PC cells. The mechanistic studies revealed that the upregulation of SH3BP5-AS1 increased CTBP1 expression by directly activating the Wnt signaling pathway, promoting GEM resistance.
Conclusion

This study revealed that SH3BP5-AS1 activated Wnt signaling pathway by sponging miR-139-5p, upregulating CTBP1 expression, and contributing to the sensitivity of PC cells to GEM. SH3BP5-AS1 might be a potential target for PC therapy.
Paracandidimonas lacteus sp. nov., a urea-utilizing bacterium isolated from landfill
Authors: Zhang Chu , Pu Qian , Ying Junjie , Chen Ying , Li Chengze , Wu Hangtao , Wang Binjie , Zhang Yuhan , Zeng Guohong , Li Ou , Hu xiufang , Sun Cong
Published: January 2022

A urea-utilizing bacterium, designated Q2-2T, was isolated from landfill. Cells of strain Q2-2T were Gramstain-negative, aerobic, short-rod bacteria. Strain Q2-2T was observed to grow at a temperature range of 15-37℃ (optimum 30℃), a pH range of 5.5-9.5 (optimum pH 8.0) and 0-4% (w/v) NaCl (optimum 1%). The major respiratory quinone detected was Q-8, and the polar lipids identified were mainly diphosphatidyl glycerol, phosphatidylethanolamine, phosphatidylmethylethanolamine, and phosphatidyl glycerol. Based on the 16S rRNA gene sequence, strain Q2-2T had the highest similarity with Paracandidimonas caeni 24T (97.99%), Pusillimonas soli MJ07T (97.54%), Parapusillimonas granuli Ch07T (97.27%), Pusillimonas ginsengisoli DCY25T (97.09%) and Paracandidimonas soli IMT-305T (96.39%). The ANI values between strain Q2-2T and the above related type strains were 71.02%, 73.52%, 74.32%, 74.59% and 72.29%, respectively. The DNA G + C content of strain Q2-2T was 61.1%. Therefore, strain Q2-2T represents a novel species of the genus Paracandidimonas, for which the name Paracandidimonas lacteus sp. nov. (type strain Q2-2T= CGMCC 1.19179T =JCM 34906T) is proposed.
Association of Next Generation Sequencing and Routine Testing With Clinical Outcomes of Advanced Non-small Cell Lung Cancer Patients in a Real-world Setting
Authors: Song Zhengbo , Wang Wenxian , Si Jinfei , Zhang Xiaoyan , Ma Tonghui , Lou Guangyuan , Shi Zhiyong , Shao Lan , Zhang Yiping
Published: January 2022

Purpose Next generation sequencing (NGS) has been used frequently in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) patients. Here, we investigated the treatment selections and clinical benefits of NGS technologies for patients with advanced lung cancer in a real-world setting.Methods This retrospective study enrolled patients with advanced NSCLC who received genetic testing. Patients received either NGS or routine testing (EGFR and/or ALK and/or ROS1 only). Clinical outcomes were compared between patients received NGS and those undergoing routine testing. Propensity score analysis was used to prevent survival bias associated with patient characteristics. Overall survival (OS) was the primary outcome. Results Of 6,451 patients with advanced NSCLC, 5,666 (87.8%) patients underwent routine testing (RT) and 785 (12.2%) were tested by NGS. The median OS was 22.6 months and the 5-year survival rate was 22.89%. Comparison of OS showed no difference according to propensity score analysis (24.8 months vs 24 months, P=0.533). With uncommon mutations, propensity score analysis showed that 1 and 2-year survival rate was significantly higher in the NGS testing group than in the routine testing group. This could be due to the higher rate of patients receiving targeted therapy (68.0% vs. 53.6%; P=0.042) and off-label drugs (28.10% vs. 11.40%; P=0.002).Conclusion NGS was not independently with a significant benefit comparing with RT in most advanced NSCLC patients. NGS could provide clinical value for rare mutations that were not available in RT, and the future benefits of NGS in immunotherapy need to be further explored.
KCNQ1-deficient and KCNQ1-mutant human embryonic stem cell-derived cardiomyocytes for modeling QT prolongation
Authors: Song Yuanxiu , Guo Tianwei , Jiang Youxu , Zhu Min , Wang Hongyue , Lu Wenjing , Jiang Mengqi , Lan Feng , Cui Ming
Published: January 2022

BackgroundThe slowly activated delayed-rectifier potassium current (IKs) composed of KCNQ1 is one of the main currents in the process of repolarization. KCNQ1 mutation can lead to the occurrence of long-QT syndrome type 1 (LQT1). IKs does not participate in repolarization in mice; thus, no good model for the mechanism research and drug screening of LQT1 is currently available. In this study, we established a KCNQ1-deficient human cardiomyocyte (CM) model and performed a series of microelectrode array (MEA) detection using KCNQ1-mutant CMs constructed in other studies to explore the pathogenic mechanism of KCNQ1 deletion and mutation, and conduct drug screening.MethodKCNQ1 was knocked out in human embryonic stem cell (hESC) H9 line using the CRISPR/cas9 system. KCNQ1-deficient and KCNQ1-mutant hESCs were differentiated into CMs using a chemically defined differentiation protocol. Subsequently, high-throughput MEA analysis and drug intervention were performed to characterize the electrophysiological characteristics of KCNQ1-deficient and KCNQ1-mutant CMs.ResultsIn high-throughput MEA analysis, the electric field potential and action potential durations in KCNQ1-deficient CMs were significantly longer than those in wild-type CMs. KCNQ1-deficient CMs also showed an irregular rhythm. Furthermore, KCNQ1-deficient and KCNQ1-mutant CMs have different responses to different drug treatments, reflecting the differences in their pathogenic mechanisms.ConclusionWe established a human CM model with KCNQ1 deficiency, which showed prolonged QT interval and irregular heart rhythm. Simultaneously, we used various drugs to treat KCNQ1-deficient and KCNQ1-mutant CMs. The three models showed different responses to drugs. These models can be used as important tools for studying different pathogenic mechanisms of KCNQ1 mutation and the relationship between genotype and phenotype of KCNQ1, facilitating drug development.
Determinants of implanon discontinuation among women who ever used implanon in Shashamane district, West Arsi zone, Southern Ethiopia: Case-control study
Authors: Daba Sintayehu Gabisa , Gemechu Bikila Lencha , Ahmed Junayde Abdurahamen , Gedefa Lalisa Kebebe , Guda Henok Girma , Bankere Assefa Washo
Published: January 2022

Background: Despite tremendous work has been done on demand creation, capacity building and ensuring the logistics of Implanon; Implanon discontinuation rate remained high in Ethiopia. Risk factor of implanon discontinuation varies across different settings according to sociodemographic variations. However, there is a dearth of stronger evidences on those factors in the country and the study area in particular. Therefore, this study was designed to identify the determinants of Implanon discontinuation in Shashamane District, West Arsi Zone, Southern Ethiopia.Methods: A Community based unmatched case-control study was carried out in Shashamane district from April 12 to May 18, 2021 among 88 cases and 176 controls selected using systematic random sampling technique. A pretested, structured questionnaire with face to face interview was used. The collected data were entered using the EPI-INFO7.2.2 and analysed using Statistical Package for the Social Science (SPSS) version 25.0. Bi-variable and multivariable logistic regression analysis was performed and P-value of less than 0.05 was used to declare significance. Crude and adjusted odds ratio with respective confidence interval of 95% was used to show strength of association between variables.Result: The odds of Implanon discontinuation were more among women who can`t read and write [AOR:3.09(1.20- 8.00)], had < 4 living children [AOR:2.47(1.20-5.08)], no history of abortion [AOR:2.84(1.25-6.46)], not ever used contraceptive before Implanon [AOR:2.14(1.02-4.49)], counselled for <15 minutes [AOR:2.47(1.29-4.70)], had no discussion with her partner [AOR:2.88(1.42-5.84)], experiencing side effects after insertion [AOR:0.35(0.17-0.71)] as compared to their counterparts. Conclusion: This study found out that women educational status, number of living children, history of abortion, ever use of any contraceptive, duration of counselling, discussion with partner, and side effects were determinants of Implanon discontinuation. Thus, ensuring counselling before insertion of implanon, managing side effects would improve retention of implanon use. In addition, implanon discontinuation intervention should target partners, new acceptors and those with no formal education.
An Immune Related Gene Signature from Chemokines and Chemokine Receptors to Predict Tumor Prognosis and Immune Microenvironment Alteration in Lower-Grade Glioma (LGG) Based on Large-Scale Transcriptome Profile Analyses
Authors: Qi Chunxiao , Lei Lei , Li Ningning , Ou Shaowu
Published: January 2022

Chemokines and receptors are well known for their roles in mediating immune cell trafficking and lymphoid development; however, whether they can determine prognosis and immune microenvironment alterations in lower-grade glioma (LGG) remains uncertain. In this study, we acquired transcriptomic data from the Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), Chinese Glioma Genome Atlas (CGGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases using a series of bioinformatics methods to estimate the prognostic value and potential biological function of candidate genes. We identified a four-gene (CCR4, CX3CL1, CXCL10 and CXCL11) signature to compose a risk score model. Kaplan-Meier curves and ROC curves verified the performance of risk score model in the TCGA, CGGA and GSE16011 datasets. The prognostic signature showed fair accuracy for 1-, 3- and 5-year overall survival (OS). The TIMER, TIP and CIBERSORT algorithms revealed different immune cell infiltration levels between the high- and low-risk score groups. LGG patients with high-risk scores had more malignant phenotypes and higher immune checkpoints expression as well as presented immunotherapeutic resistance. Therefore, we comprehensively analyzed the important role of chemokines and receptors in LGG patients; created a novel immune risk score model that could effectively reflect the prognosis and immune microenvironment alteration and presented a valuable indicator for immunotherapy in LGG patients.
Remote phosphor-based extended white light source pumped by single blue LED for efficient lighting
Authors: Dubey Atul Kumar , Trivedi Shivam , Kumar Vikas , Chanda Puspita , Mehta Dalip Singh
Published: January 2022

We report the development of an LED-based extended white light source containing a small cylindrical acrylic diffuser rod coated with YAG: Ce+3 phosphor and excited by a single 1W blue LED. This design supports remote phosphor coating technique and thermally isolates both LED as well as the phosphor layer. In this work, the blue light generated from GaN based LED chip was waveguided throughout the cylindrical diffuser and properly excited the phosphor layer for photoluminescence uniformity. The gradient diffusing technique was adopted for optimal light distribution of scattering and waveguiding of blue photons. The process dealt with both specular transmittance and bidirectional transmission distribution function (BTDF) of the diffuser so that the waveguided blue photons could propagate longer distance inside the diffuser rod via total internal reflection mechanism with simultaneous scattering due to gradient diffusing surface structure. The blue photons were found nearer to yellow phosphor behaved like an integrated chip-based system in remote phosphor structure. The scattering of blue photons was used in the photoluminescence process which was uniform throughout the diffuser length due to the selective diffusing technique. Because of this arrangement, the backward fluorescence and back-reflection of blue photons to the LED chip from phosphor layer were reduced significantly, resulting in the improvement of the source's luminance properties. The optical properties were properly analyzed, and it was found suitable for the use of general-purpose illumination-based applications.
Evaluation of the predictive Performance of Regional and Global Ground Motion Predictive Models against Greek Recorded Strong Motion Data.
Authors: Sotiriadis Dimitrios , Margaris Basil
Published: January 2022

The aim of the present work is to evaluate the Ground Motion Prediction Models (GMPMs), applicable in active shallow crustal regions of Greece, for peak response parameters (PGA, PGV) and various ordinates of acceleration spectra (5% damping), to be implemented in Probabilistic Seismic Hazard Analyses (PSHA). The evaluation is data-driven, taking into account the most updated strong-motion dataset for Greece. According to the authors’ knowledge and literature review, such an effort has not been attempted before for region of interest, as the selection of GMPMs for PSHA was made based on qualitative criteria. The steps which were followed to fulfill such a goal include: a) pre-selection of regional, pan-European and global GMPMs, suitable for implementation in Greece; b) selection of appropriate data-driven scoring methods; c) scoring of pre-selected GMPMs for both peak response intensity measures and spectral acceleration values; d) final selection of GMPM suites and weighting. The final selection of GMPMs describes adequately the epistemic uncertainty of strong-motion in Greece and provides a useful tool for addressing a major component of PSHA studies, that is GMPM selection.
Evaluation of Post-tracheostomy`s Scars and its Impact on Persons Quality of Life: A Case Control Study
Authors: Shahparonyan Rafik G. , Poghosyan Anna , Minasyan Armen M. , Bablumyan Aren Yu. , Malkhasyan Irina E. , Matosyan Khachatur H. , Sargsyan Ani M. , Tadevosyan Artashes E. , Muradyan Armen A.
Published: January 2022

Background: Tracheostomy is one of the more commonly performed procedures in critically ill patients. Postoperative scarring is one of the bothersome sequelae of tracheostomies. Scars distorted the physical appearance, especially when found on the head and neck, which could cause a negative impact on quality of life. The aim of this study was to evaluate and assess the impact on quality of life of post-tracheostomy`s scars, depending on the method of tracheostomy.Methods: The prospective, single-center observational case-control study was conducted. One hundred and fifty-six persons with more than four months of post-tracheostomy surgical scars presence were observed using the Patient and Observer Scar Assessment Scale and Dermatology Life Quality index questionnaire. Persons were divided on two groups depending on method of performed tracheostomy, and duration of cannulated period was considered in both groups. Statistical analyses were performed by using SPSS ver. 16.0 (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA) and p-values of <0.05 were considered significant.Results: The patients who had a tracheostomic tube cannulation period of less than 15 days had better cosmetic results than those who had tracheostomic tubes for more than 15 days, regardless of the method of tracheostomy 6.64± 0.082 vs. 16.15± 0.096 (p<0.001) in surgical tracheostomy group and 7.26± 0.211 vs.14.17± 0.379 (p<0.05) in percutaneous dilatational group. The Dermatology Life Quality index scores have shown a mean value of 0.6 ±0.01, which means that post-tracheostomy scarring in the presented study, had no effect on the person's quality of life.Conclusions: Aesthetic outcomes of post-tracheostomy`s scars after the open surgical tracheostomy technique, performed using a minimally invasive approach, did not statistically differ from those of the percutaneous dilatational technique. Persons with a long duration of tracheostomic tube ventilation showed worse aesthetic outcomes compared with short-term tracheostomic cannulation, not dependent on the tracheostomy performing technique.The Dermatology Life Quality index have shown that post-tracheostomy`s scarring in the presented study had no effect on the person's quality of life.Trial registration: ISRCTN24668317 (IRB no.YSMU №7/18-19). Date of registration 23/04/2019
Transient Visual Disturbance is Associated With Disability And Suicidal Risk In Patients With Migraine Without Aura
Authors: Tsao Yu- Chien , Wang Yen-Feng , Fuh Jong-Ling , Chen Wei-Ta , Lai Kuan-Lin , Liu Hung-Yu , Wang Shuu-Jiun , Chen Shih-Pin
Published: January 2022

Objectives: To investigate the characteristics and clinical correlates of transient visual disturbances (TVDs) in patients with migraine without aura (MO).Background: Patients with MO frequently report TVD other than typical visual aura, but the clinical significance of the TVDs is not determined.Method: Patients with MO that attended our headache clinics were enrolled. Headache profiles, disability, comorbidities, lifetime suicidal ideation and attempts were acquired with structured questionnaires. A semi-structured visual phenomenon questionnaire was also used to assess the characteristics of TVDs. Headache specialists interviewed with the participants for the ascertainment of diagnosis and verified the questionnaires.Result: MO patients (n = 7,200, female/male = 3.56, mean age: 40.1 ± 13.4 years) were divided into 2 subgroups based on the presence (n=2,488) or absence of TVDs (n= 4,712). Patients with TVD had higher headache-related disability, more psychiatric comorbidities and were more photophobic. Suicidal ideation and attempts were more common in patients with TVD than in those without (ideation: OR = 1.92 [95% CI: 1.71−2.15], p < 0.001; attempt: OR = 2.23 [95% CI: 1.80−2.75], p < 0.001).Conclusion: Presence of transient visual disturbance may suggest a higher migraine-related disability, higher level of photophobia and higher suicidal ideation/attempts in MO patients.
Teratogenic Potential of Solenstemma argel Extract in Wistar Albino Rats
Authors: Mustafa Nazik M.E. , Satti Shahenaz , Osman Nafisa A. , A.Gameel Ahmed , El-hadiyah Tarig M.
Published: January 2022

The majority of people in Africa receive their basic health care through herbal treatments. Herbal medicine may negatively impact fetal development irreparably. This study examined the teratogenic potential of Solenstemma argel extract in pregnant rats. Pregnant rats were treated with Solenstemma argel from 7th to 16th day of gestation. The dosage used was 250 mg/kg, intraperitoneal.Solenstemma argel extract treated group showed fetal abnormalities appeared as body hemorrhage, limbs abnormalities and resorption of fetuses. These appears in 25% of the fetuses (P-value = 0.01) which is significantly differed from control group. Furthermore, histopathological findings of liver sections from fetuses of Solenstemma argel - treated mothers showed loose liver texture and hepatocytes hemorrhage.In this study, we conclude that the use Solenstemma argel extract during the organogenesis period in pregnant rats has the potential to cause teratogenic effects, as well as abnormalities in liver histopathology.
Kooperation von Elternhaus und Schule zum Thema ‹digitale Medien›
Authors: Bonanati Sabrina , Kurock Ricarda , Gruchel Nicole , Buhl Heike M.
Published: January 2022

Die Kooperation zwischen Elternhaus und Schule kann Eltern in ihren Fähigkeiten zur Internetnutzung und -gestaltung sowie in der Wahl passender Medienerziehungsstrategien ihrer Kinder unterstützen. Voraussetzung dafür ist Wissen darüber, welche Kooperationsangebote Eltern von Schulen zum Thema digitale Medien erhalten. Die vorliegende Studie untersuchte anhand einer Befragung von N = 736 Schülerinnen und Schülern der fünften Klassenstufe und N = 426 ihrer Eltern, welche Informations- und Teilhabeangebote letztere erhielten und wie diese Angebote mit elterlichen Fähigkeiten zur Nutzung und Gestaltung des Internets sowie Medienerziehung zusammenhängen. Eltern erhielten nur zum Teil Informations- und Teilhabeangebote zum Thema ‹digitale Medien›. Eltern mit Migrationshintergrund und Eltern mit niedrigeren bis mittleren Bildungsabschlüssen berichteten aber, häufiger Angebote zu erhalten. Je häufiger Eltern Angebote erhielten, bei denen sie digitale Medien mit ihren Kindern zusammen ausprobieren und erproben konnten, umso geringer waren Fähigkeiten zur Internetnutzung. Dies kann mit der Passung der Angebote von Schulen zu den Bedürfnissen von Eltern zusammenhängen, aber auch ein Anzeichen dafür sein, dass gerade Eltern mit geringeren Fähigkeiten auf Kooperationsangebote von Schulen eingehen. Es wurden keine signifikanten Zusammenhänge zwischen Kooperationsangeboten und Medienerziehung gefunden. Ergebnisse können helfen, vermehrte Angebote für Eltern zu schaffen sowie adressatengerecht zu gestalten.
Potential of Date-Seed/Snail Shells as a Carburizer for Enhanced Mechanical Properties of Mild-Steel
Authors: Kolawole M.Y. , Awoyemi E.A. , Abiona O.M.
Published: January 2022

The suitability of date-seed/snail shells as a carburizer for enhanced mechanical properties of mild-steel using the packed carburization technique was investigated in this work. Standard tensile, impact and hardness test samples prepared from mild-steel were subjected to pack-carburization process using mixtures of date-seed and snail shell in the ratio 60:40 respectively at 800, 900, and 1 000 °C for 3 hours. The carburized samples were quenched in water at room temperature and further tempered at 300 °C for 30 minutes for residual stress relief of the quenching effect. The mechanical properties and optical microstructure of carburized specimen were performed. Results indicated an enhanced mechanical property of the carburized mild-steel using date-steel/snail shell as a carburizer compared to un-carburized same steel material. The tensile strength and hardness increased with increasing carburizing temperature, though with an associated decrease in ductility. The peak hardness (32.82 HRB) and tensile strength (521 MPa) with equivalent 31.28 and 51.45 percentage increments respectively were obtained at carburizing temperature of 1 000 °C. Hence, using date-seed/snail shell powder as a carburizer can enhance the mechanical properties of mild-steel.