bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Factors associated with advanced-stage oral and oropharyngeal squamous cell carcinoma in a Brazilian population
Authors: Pedra Rebeca Cardoso , Silva Clarice Lima Álvares da , Bernardes Ismênia Edwirges , Verner Francielle Silvestre , Andrade Karla Machado , De Sousa Santos Rafael , Aquino Sibele Nascimento de
Published: June 2021

Diagnosis of oral and oropharyngeal cancer in advanced stages may be associated with social nature factors, access to health care, education, occupation, and behavioral/ cultural factors. Aim: To determine the factors related to high clinical-staging in patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma in the oral and oropharyngeal region in a Cancer Center in Brazil between 2009 and 2015. Methods: It is an epidemiological, retrospective, and exploratory study. Patients diagnosed with squamous cell carcinoma had their medical records analyzed. The variables considered were sociodemographic, lifestyle, and disease characteristics. Descriptive and exploratory tests (Pearson’s, chi-square test and, Student’s t-test) were realized. Results: We analyzed 365 patient records, among which 289 (79.17%) were male, and 73 (20.0%) were female. Age ranged from 16 to 101 years, with a mean of 61.13. Regarding education, 157 (43.01%) studied < 8 years, 103 (28.21%) were illiterate and 102 (27.94%) studied > 8 years. 305 (83.56%) patients live in urban areas. There was an association between high clinical-staging and low educational level. For high clinical-staging, symptomatology, tobacco, and alcohol intake as well. Conclusion: Patients with low educational levels tend to report the disease later, and their diagnostics occurred in advanced stages. Thus, specific public health policies for this population, including access to dental care to recognize the clinical signs and early diagnosis, are necessary.
Comparison of microleakage of an alkasite restorative material, a composite resin and a resin-modified glass ionomer
Authors: Motevasselian Fariba , Kermanshah Hamid , Rasoulkhani Ebrahim , Özcan Mutlu
Published: June 2021

Aim: To compare the microleakage of Cention N, a subgroup of composite resins with a resin-modified glass ionomer (RMGI) and a composite resin. Methods: Class V cavities were prepared on the buccal and lingual surfaces of 46 extracted human molars. The teeth were randomly assigned to four groups. Group A: Tetric N-Bond etch-and-rinse adhesive and Tetric N-Ceram nanohybrid composite resin, group B: Cention N without adhesive, group C: Cention N with adhesive, and group D: Fuji II LC RMGI. The teeth were thermocycled between 5°-55°C (×10,000). The teeth were coated with two layers of nail vanish except for 1 mm around the restoration margins, and immersed in 2% methylene blue (37°C, 24 h) before buccolingual sectioning to evaluate dye penetration under a stereomicroscope (×20). The data were analyzed by the Kruskal-Wallis and Wilcoxon tests (α=0.05). Results: Type of material and restoration margin had significant effects on the microleakage (p<0.05). Dentin margins showed a higher leakage score in all groups. Cention N and RMGI groups showed significant differences at the enamel margin (p=0.025, p=0.011), and for the latter group the scores were higher. No significant difference was found at the dentin margins between the materials except between Cention N with adhesive and RMGI (p=0.031). Conclusion: Microleakage was evident in all three restorative materials. Cention N groups showed similar microleakage scores to the composite resin and displayed lower microleakage scores compared with RMGI.
Marginal misfit of heat-pressed milled wax-pattern and CAD/CAM crowns and its effect on stress distribution in implant-supported rehabilitations
Authors: Ribeiro Michele Costa de Oliveira , Marcello-Machado Raissa Micaella , Bordin Dimorvan , Bergamo Edmara Tatiele Pedroso , Gomes Rafael Soares
Published: June 2021

Aim: To compare the marginal fit of lithium disilicate CAD/CAM crowns and heat-pressed crowns fabricated using milled wax patterns, and evaluate its effect on stress distribution in implantsupported rehabilitation. Methods: A CAD model of a mandibular first molar was designed, and 16 lithium disilicate crowns (8/group) were obtained. The crown-prosthetic abutment set was evaluated in a scanning electron microscopy. The mean misfit for each group was recorded and evaluated using Student’s t-test. For in silico analysis, a virtual cement thickness was designed for the two misfit values found previously, and the CAD model was assembled on an implant-abutment set. A load of 100 N was applied at 30° on the central fossa, and the equivalent stress was calculated for the crown, titanium components, bone, and resin cement layer. Results: The CAD/CAM group presented a significantly (p=0.0068) higher misfit (64.99±18.73 μm) than the heat-pressed group (37.64±15.66 μm). In silico results showed that the heat-pressed group presented a decrease in stress concentration of 61% in the crown and 21% in the cement. In addition, a decrease of 14.5% and an increase of 7.8% in the stress for the prosthetic abutment and implant, respectively, was recorded. For the cortical and cancellous bone, a slight increase in stress occurred with an increase in the cement layer thickness of 5.9% and 5.7%, respectively. Conclusion: The milling of wax patterns for subsequent inclusion and obtaining heat-pressed crowns is an option to obtain restorations with an excellent marginal fit and better stress distribution throughout the implant-abutment set.
Meningkatkan Hasil Belajar Sosiologi Melalui Kardi Pinter
Authors: Noeryanti Hanna Ari Tri
Published: June 2021

The pupose of this action research is help students to achive higher score and develop their character and ability to adapt and solve the problems. Kardi Pinter stands for cards, discussion and guided inqury. The teacher explain the material so that students can guess the material explained by teacher to have a correct understanding in terms that are introduced. Project assigment begin by looking at enviromental potential and create new innovations. Student projects assigments to obtain an analysis enhanced through joint project in a group by using RRA method : transect, social mapping, problem three analysis, foccused group discussion. Kardi Pinter learning outcomes generate enthusiasm in caring for environment and learning achievement significantly.Kardi Pinter has been able to improved students achievement to have complrtion value by 65%.There fore replication of Kardi Pinter model learning is feasible to be done as a solution to improve student learning with the same conditions as class XII C.
Association Between Knee Alignment and Meniscal Tear in Pediatric Patients with Anterior Cruciate Ligament Injury
Authors: Kawashima Itaru , Kawai Ryosuke , Ishizuka Shinya , Hiraiwa Hideki , Tsukahara Takashi , Imagama Shiro
Published: June 2021

Background:

The present study aimed to evaluate the association between elapsed time from anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) injury to surgical treatment and the incidence of meniscal tears in a cohort of patients ≤16 years old with varus-aligned and non-varus-aligned knees.

Methods:

The study cohort included 123 patients ≤16 years old who underwent primary ACL reconstruction between January 2016 and March 2020. Knee alignment was expressed as the hip-knee-ankle angle (HKAA), as measured preoperatively on an anteroposterior view of 3-dimensional computed tomography of the full length of the lower limb. Varus alignment was defined as an HKAA ≥181.0°, and non-varus alignment was defined as an HKAA <181.0°. Patients were divided into groups according to knee alignment and the elapsed time from injury to surgical treatment: early-treatment group (<60 days) and delayed-treatment group (≥60 days).

Results:

A total of 64 varus-aligned and 59 non-varus-aligned knees were identified. Among patients with varus-aligned knees, those in the delayed-treatment group showed a significantly lower rate of lateral meniscal tears (6 of 30, 20%) compared with those in the early-treatment group (17 of 34, 50%; p = 0.015). Among patients with non-varus-aligned knees, there was no significant difference in meniscal tears of any type between the early and delayed-treatment groups. Among patients without medial meniscal injury identified on initial magnetic resonance imaging, those with varus-aligned knees in the delayed-treatment group showed a significantly higher rate of medial meniscal tears at the time of the surgical procedure (8 of 20, 40%) compared with those with non-varus-aligned knees (1 of 18, 6%; p = 0.015).

Conclusions:

Delayed ACL reconstruction in patients ≤16 years old with varus-aligned knees might be associated with an increased incidence of secondary medial meniscal tears. Accordingly, earlier ACL reconstruction in patients with varus-aligned knees should be considered.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Strategies for Effective Implementation of Patient-Reported Outcome Measures in Arthroplasty Practice
Authors: Franklin Patricia D. , Bond Christina P. , Rothrock Nan E. , Cella David
Published: June 2021

Patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs) will be an important component of real-world evidence, but best practices for capture and integration are not yet defined. While digital tools support patients, clinicians, and researchers to collect PROMs, PROM capture in clinical care remains challenging. We synthesized PROM implementation strategies that are successfully used by hundreds of arthroplasty surgeons and early PROM-adopter clinical systems. This information can guide health systems that are preparing to implement PROMs to inform clinical care, drive quality-improvement activities, and support reporting for payer-sponsored incentives. Specific information is included to guide each step in the implementation process, including selecting PROMs, redesigning office procedures, programming of information technology, and informing interpretation and clinical use. While no one solution exists for successful PROM implementation in total hip and total knee replacement, referred to as total joint replacement, these guidelines can inform optimal PROM deployment and the capture of complete PROM data. In addition, we outline future research that is needed to define methods for optimal patient engagement, technology infrastructure, and operational systems to seamlessly integrate PROM collection in clinical care.
Effects of Turbulent Atmosphere on the Propagation Properties of Vortex Hermite-cosine-hyperbolic-Gaussian Beams
Authors: Hricha Zoubir , Lazrek Mohammed , Yaalou Mohammed , Belafhal Abdelmajid
Published: June 2021

The propagation properties of a vortex Hermite-cosh-Gaussian beam (vHChGB) in atmospheric turbulence are investigated based on the extended Huygens–Fresnel diffraction integral and Rytov method. The analytical formula for the average intensity of a vHChGB propagating in turbulent atmosphere is derived in detail. The influence of the turbulence strength on the intensity distribution under the change of beam parameters conditions is illustrated numerically and discussed. Results show the profile of the initial vHChGB remains unchanged within small propagation distance range, and at certain propagation distance a central peak intensity appears, and finally the beam evolves into Gaussian profile–like in far-field. The rising speed of the central peak intensity is faster when the turbulence strength is larger or the beam parameters such as the beam order, the vortex charge and the Gaussian waist width are smaller. With a small decentered parameter b, the beam profile changes faster as the wavelength is larger, whereas the reverse behavior occurs when b is large. The obtained results may be useful for the practical applications of vHChGB in optical communications and remote sensing.
In vitro Silencing of Acetyl-CoA Carboxylase beta (ACACB) Gene Reduces Cholesterol Synthesis in Knockdown Chicken Myoblast Cells
Authors: Sushma G. , Laxmi P. Jaya , Rao S.T. Viroji , Prasad R.M.V. , Kanakachari M. , Prasad Ch. Shiva , Prasad A. Rajendra , Divya D. , Bhattacharya Tarun Kumar
Published: June 2021

The poultry industry provides cost-effective, healthy, and protein-enriched food for the growing population and achieving the nutritional security to the country. Excessive abdominal and subcutaneous fat deposition is one of the major setbacks to the poultry industry that reduces carcass yield and feed efficiency. In chicken abdominal fat constitutes 20% of total body fat which make up 2–3% of live weight of the bird. In fatty acid metabolism, acetyl-CoA Carboxylase (ACC) is one of the key enzymes with two isoforms i.e. ACACA and ACACB each of which plays a different role. In chicken, ACACB is involved in the β-oxidation of fatty acids and thereby potentially regulating the quality of meat and egg. The RNAi strategy is widely used for silencing the target gene expression. In this study, we designed five shRNA constructs and identified the most efficient shRNA molecule for silencing the ACACB gene under in vitro chicken embryo myoblast (CEM) primary cell culture system. After knocking down the ACACB gene, for understanding how fatty acid metabolism is regulated, we tracked the expression of key fatty acid metabolism genes like ACACA, FASN, SCD, ELOVL2, and CPT1. Also, checked the expression of immune response genes like IFNA, IFNB, and BLB1 in control as well as ACACB knockdown myoblast cells and observed no significant difference. We observed the down-regulation of key fatty acid metabolism genes along with ACACB, which may leads to the less fat accumulation in CEM cells. We also estimated the cholesterol and triglycerides in control and ACACB knockdown myoblast cells and found a significant difference between control and the knockdown cells. In vitro knockdown of the ACACB gene in a cell culture system by a short hairpin RNA (shRNA) expressing construct would help to produce a knockdown chicken with reduced fat deposition.
Influences Of Heider Balance On Knowledge, Attitude, Practice And Life Quality In Permanent Urostomy Patients
Authors: Zou Hao-yu , Zhang Liu-yi , Qin Yue-lan , Li Ping , Zhang Li , Yang Ke
Published: June 2021

Objective: To explore the influences of out-hospital intervention based on Heider balance on knowledge, attitude, practice (KAP) and life quality in permanent urostomy patients.Methods: Totally 124 patients underwent permanent urostomy in our hospital from January 2016 to December 2019 were included into this study. These patients were divided into the observation group (62 cases) and the control group (62 cases) according to the method of out-hospital intervention. The control group received routine out-hospital intervention, meanwhile the observation group received out-hospital intervention based on Heider balance. The standard-reaching rate of KAP, the score of WHO quality of life-100 (WHOQOL-100) and the complications of urostomy before discharge and at 6 months after discharge were compared in the two groups.Results: Before discharge, there were no significant differences of standard-reaching rate of KAP and WHOQOL-100 score between the two groups (P>0.05). At 6 months after discharge, the standard-reaching rates of the 16 items of KAP (including procedure of pouch replacement, methods of connecting and shutting of pouch, dealing with pouch leakage, skin care of stoma, purchase and storage of pouch, etc.) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group; The scores of more than 10 items of WHOQOL-100 (including energy and fatigue, sleep and rest, positive feelings, thinking, learning, memory and concentration, self-esteem, etc.) in the observation group were significantly higher than those in the control group. The rate of complications in the observation group was significantly lower than that in the control group, all these above differences were statistically significant (P<0.05).Conclusion: The out-hospital intervention based on Heider balance can reduce the rate of ostomy complications, improve KAP of urostomy and life quality. These merits make the Heider balance to be an attractive approach in guidance of out-hospital intervention for urostomy patients.
Methodological Comparisons of Absorptive and Transport Fine Root Production, Mortality and Decomposition in A Loblolly Pine Plantation Forest
Authors: Li Xuefeng , Zheng Xingbo , Zhou Quanlai , Gavazzi Michael , Shan Yanlong , McNulty Steve , King John S.
Published: June 2021

Background and aims Fine roots can be functionally classified into an absorptive fine root pool (AFR) and a transport fine root pool (TFR) and their production, mortality and decomposition play a critical role in forest soil carbon (C) cycling. Different methods give significant estimates. However, how methodological difference affects AFT and TFR production, mortality, and decomposition estimates remains unclear, impeding us to accurately construct soil C budgets. Methods We used dynamic-flow model, a model combining measurements of litterbags and soil cores, and balanced-hybrid model, a model combining measurements of minirhizotrons and soil cores, to quantify these fine root estimates in a managed loblolly pine forest. Results Temporal changes in production, mortality or decomposition estimates using both models were not different for both AFRs and TFRs. Annual production, mortality, and decomposition were comparable between AFRs and TFRs when measured using the dynamic-flow model but significantly higher for AFRs than for TFRs when measured using the balanced-hybrid model. Annual production, mortality and decomposition estimates using the balanced-hybrid model were 75%, 71% and 69% higher than those using the dynamic-flow model (P < 0.05 for all), respectively, for AFRs, but 12%, 6% and 5% higher than those using the dynamic-flow model (P > 0.05 for all), respectively, for TFRs. Model test showed that the balanced-hybrid model had greater estimation accuracy than the dynamic-flow model. Lower AFR estimates using the dynamic-flow model appeared to result from the underestimated AFR mass loss rate induced by the litterbag method. Conclusions Methodological difference had a more significant impact on AFR estimates than on TFR estimates. These results have important implications for better quantifying the most dynamic fraction of fine root system and understanding soil C cycling.
Self-Excited Air Flow Passage Changing Device for Periodic Pressurization of Soft Robot
Authors: Takayama Toshio , Sumi Yusuke
Published: June 2021

Recently pneumatic-driven soft robots have been widely developed. Usually, the operating principle of this robot is the inflation and deflation of elastic inflatable chambers by air pressure. Some soft robots need rapid and periodic inflation and deflation of their air chambers to generate continuous motion such as progress motion or rotational motion. However, if the soft robot needs to operate far from the air pressure source, long air tubes are required to supply air pressure to its air chambers. As a result, there is a large delay in supplying air pressure to the air chamber, and the motion of the robot slow down. In this paper, we propose a compact device that changes its airflow passages by self-excited motion generated by a supply of continuous airflow. The diameter and the length of the device are 20 and 50 mm, respectively, and can be driven in a small pipe. Our proposed in-pipe mobile robot is connected to the device and can move in a small pipe by dragging the device into it. To apply the device widely to other soft robots, we also discuss a method of adjusting the output pressure and motion frequency.
Parents’ Perspectives Towards Novel Paediatric Medication Formulations: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Jeon Andy , Han Ellen , Lee Kenneth , Sommerfield Aine , Lim Lee Yong , Sommerfield David , von Ungern-Sternberg Britta S
Published: June 2021

Background: The availability of age-appropriate, taste-masked oral medications for the paediatric population is currently inadequate. We have developed a novel chocolate-based drug delivery platform to taste mask bitter drugs commonly utilised in the hospital setting, but there is limited evidence regarding parent’s perspectives on these medications. Aim: To identify key themes regarding parents’ perspectives on taste-masked medications that look like confectionary. Additionally, to explore and identify the various barriers and facilitators to using oral medication among the paediatric population. Methods: Qualitative descriptive study (July to August 2020) at a single tertiary paediatric hospital (Perth Children’s Hospital - PCH). Parents with at least one child (2 – 18 years) that underwent any elective operation at PCH were included in the study. Ethics approval: CAHS - RGS0000003680. Results: The two primary themes that underpinned parent’s perspectives on taste-masked medications that look like confectionary were medication safety and taste. Majority of parents supported the use of the proposed medication on the basis that the favourable taste profile will facilitate oral consumption, as opposed to their previous experiences with conventional paediatric medications that do not taste mask the bitter flavour. However, medication safety, in the forms of patient education and appropriate packaging, must be considered to minimise harmful misuse of the proposed medication. Conclusion: Participants unanimously support the short-term use of taste-masked medications that look like confectionary, particularly in the hospital setting. However, patient education is highly sought after by parents regarding the role of these medications, to ensure medication safety with their children.
The Associations Of Healthy Lifestyle Index With Breast Cancer Incidence And Mortality In A Population-Based Study
Authors: Li Qian , Lesseur Corina , Neugut Alfred I. , Santella Regina M. , Parada Humberto , Teitelbaum Susan , Chen Jia
Published: June 2021

Purpose: To investigate how a healthy lifestyle index (HLI) is associated with breast cancer risk and survival in a population-based breast cancer study.Methods: The study included 1,319 breast cancer cases and 1,310 controls from the population-based Long Island Breast Cancer Study Project, and its follow-up study of mortality. We determined vital status using the National Death Index (521 deaths, 210 from breast cancer; median follow-up 214.5 months). A healthy lifestyle index (HLI) score, was generated from information on body fatness, physical activity, intake of plant and animal foods, alcohol consumption, breastfeeding and smoking, with higher values representing engagement in healthier behaviors. Multivariable logistic and Cox regression were used to estimate breast cancer odds ratios (ORs) mortality hazards ratios (HRs), respectively.Results: Compared to women in the low HLI tertile, women in the intermediate (OR=0.78, 95%CI=0.65-0.94) and high (OR=0.68, 95%CI=0.56-0.83) tertiles had a decreased odds of breast cancer, and a one-point increase in HLI score was associated a reduction in breast cancer risk (OR=0.85, 95%CI=0.79–0.92). Women in the intermediate (HR=0.75, 95%CI=0.61-0.91) and high (HR=0.74, 95%CI=0.60-0.92) tertiles had a decreased rate of all-cause mortality, and a one-point increase in HLI score was associated with a reduction in all-cause mortality (HR=0.83, 95%CI =0.76-0.91). These associations were significant among postmenopausal.Conclusion: A healthy lifestyle may be beneficial in reducing breast cancer risk and improving overall survival after breast cancer diagnosis, especially among postmenopausal women.
Effects of Vitamin D Supplementation on the Functional Outcome in Patients With Osteoporotic Vertebral Compression Fracture and Vitamin D Deficiency
Authors: Ko Sangbong , Jun ChungMu , Nam Junho
Published: June 2021

BackgroundIn osteoporotic vertebral compression fractures, supplementation using vitamin D preparations and maintenance of blood vitamin D level within the normal range are necessary for proper fracture union, enhancement of muscle strength, and maintenance of body balance. The purpose of this study is to investigate the effects of vitamin D supplementation on blood vitamin D level, pain relief, union time, and functional outcome in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and vitamin D deficiency.Methods130 patients who deficient blood vitamin D level and had osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture were divided into a supplementation group and non-supplementation group. At initial, 3 months, 6 months and 12 months after the injury, radiographs were taken to assess fracture union, and questionnaire were evaluated to evaluate the functional outcome and quality of life.ResultsThe mean age of the 130 patients (36 males and 94 females) was 74.75 ± 7.25 years. There were no statistically significant differences in initial severity of low back pain, functional outcome, and quality of life between the insufficient group and deficient group (all p values were >0.05). There was no significant time-by-group interaction between the supplementation group and non-supplementation group (p = 0.194). In terms of SF-36 physical component score, there was no significant time-by-group interaction between the supplementation group and non-supplementation group (p = 0.934).Conclusions﻿Fracture union was achieved in all patients regardless of serum vitamin D level, and there were significant improvements in severity of low back pain, functional outcome, and quality of life over 12 months in patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture. Short-term vitamin D supplementation of patients with osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture and deficiency of vitamin D did not result in significant differences in fracture union status, functional outcome, and quality of life between the supplementation groups and non-supplementation groups of patients
Aerobic Exercise Improves Sepsis via Impairing LPS-induced Lactate and HMGB1 Release in Mice
Authors: Wang xishuai , Wang zhiqing , Tang donghui
Published: June 2021

Purpose: In the present study, we attempted to investigate whether aerobic exercise (AE) could prevent sepsis and its complications and explored the related mechanisms. Methods: Forty ICR mice were divided into four groups: Control (Con), Lipopolysaccharide (LPS), Exercise (Ex), and Exercise + LPS (Ex + LPS) groups. Ex and Ex + LPS mice were performed with low-intensity AE for 4 weeks. LPS and Ex + LPS mice received 5 mg/kg LPS intraperitoneally for induction of sepsis. Histopathological micrographs showed the organ injury. This study examined the effects of AE on LPS-induced changes in systemic inflammation, pulmonary inflammation, lung permeability, oxidative stress-related indicators in the lung, blood glucose levels, plasma lactate levels, and plasma high-mobility group box 1 (HMGB1) levels, and bronchoalveolar lavage fluid (BALF) cell count. Sixty mice were used to perform survival rate analysis. Results: AE improved survival rates, MODS, and aortic injury in mice with sepsis. AE decreased LPS-induced oxidative stress injury in lung tissue. AE reduced the infiltration of neutrophils in the lung, liver, kidney, and heart tissues. AE suppressed CXCL-1, CXCL-8, IL-6, and TNF-α mRNA expression but activated IL-1RN, IL-10, Sirt-1, and Nrf-2 mRNA expression in the lung. AE decreased the serum levels of lactate and HMGB1 but increased blood glucose levels during sepsis. Conclusions: AE improves sepsis-associated lung, liver, kidney, heart, and aortic injury and death. AE modulates the inflammatory-anti-inflammatory and oxidative-antioxidative balance in the lung. AE, which can regulate the Warburg effect and impair LPS-induced lactate and HMGB1 release, is a novel therapeutic strategy for sepsis targeting aerobic glycolysis.
Large Tumour Volume Reduction of Idh Mutated Anaplastic Glioma Involving the Insular Region Following Radiation Therapy: an Alternative to Maximal Surgical Resection
Authors: Metz Gabrielle , Jayamanne Dasantha , Wheeler Helen , Wong Matthew , Cook Raymond , Little Nicholas , Parkinson Jonathon , Kastelan Marina , Brown Chris , Back Michael
Published: June 2021

Background: In IDH-mutated anaplastic glioma (IDHmutAG) of the insular cortex there remains uncertainty of benefit with near-total resection compared to limited surgery with radiation therapy (IMRT). This study aimed to assess tumour volume reduction in patients following IMRT and impact of residual post-surgical volume. Methods and Materials:Patients with IDHmutAG involving insular cortex managed with IMRT from 2008-2019 had baseline patient, tumour and treatment factors recorded. Volumetric assessment of residual disease on MRI was performed at baseline, month+3 and month+12 post-IMRT. Potential prognostic factors were analysed for tumour reduction and relapse-free survival, and assessed by log-rank and Cox regression analyses. Results: 32 patients with IDHmutAG of the insular cortex were managed with median follow-up post-IMRT of 67.2 months. Pathology was anaplastic astrocytoma (AAmut) in 20, and anaplastic oligodendroglioma (AOD) in 12 patients. Median pre-IMRT volume on T1 and T2Flair was 24.3cm3 and 52.2cm3. Twenty-seven patients were alive with 5-year relapse-free survival of 80%. There was a median 67% and 64% reduction from baseline occurring at 3 months post-IMRT for T1 and T2Flair respectively; and subsequent median 78% and 73% at 12 months. At 12 months AOD patients had median 83% T1 volume reduction compared to 63% in AAmut (p<0.01). There was no difference on T2Flair volume (p=0.64). No other pathological factors influenced volume reduction at 12 months. No factors were associated with relapse-free survival including baseline T1 (p=0.52) and T2Flair (p=0.93) volume.Conclusion:IMRT provides large tumour volume reduction in IDHmutAG of the insular cortex with no significant negative impact of residual disease volume on relapse-free survival.
Pooled Sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF Testing: A Cost Effectiveness Diagnostic Tool in Mwanza, Tanzania
Authors: Henerico Shimba , Makapa Richard V. , Okamo Bernard C. , Kidenya Benson R. , Japhet Geoffrey , Gerwing-Adima Lisa , Kasang Christa
Published: June 2021

Background: Tuberculosis (TB) is a global public health problem, with the highest burden occurring in low-income countries, wherein the use of more sensitive diagnostics, such as Xpert MTB/RIF (GeneXpert), is still limited by costs. Testing of pooled samples from various individuals has been thought and thus investigated as a cost saving strategy to diagnose some diseases including TB. Then in cases where a pool is positive, retesting of the individual samples in that pool is done to identify the positive sample. We assessed the utility of a pooled testing strategy to optimize the affordability of GeneXpert for the diagnosis of TB Mwanza Tanzania. Methods: Remainder of samples from presumptive TB patients submitted for routine TB diagnosis were used for pooled samples (5 per pool) testing. The agreement of the results between individual sample testing against pooled samples testing and cost-effectiveness were assessed.Results: A total of 250 individual routinely submitted samples for TB diagnosis were tested using the established protocols. The median age of study participants was 35 [IQR 27 – 40] years and 143 (57.2%) were males. Of the 250 samples, 28 (11.2%) were detected to have MTB whereas 222 (88.8%) samples, were negative. Of the 50 sputum pools made, MTB were detected in 17 (34.0%) pools. Following retesting of these 17 positive pools, all 28 (100%) individual MTB samples were detected with the overall agreement being 100% (With the sensitivity of 100% and specificity of 100%). The number of individual MTB positive ranged from 1 to 3 per pool. Using pooling of sputum samples, the technique saved 115 (46.0%) of the cartridges in running 250 samples. This is equivalent to saving US$ 1147.7. Conclusion: The pooled sputum testing strategy reduced cartridge costs by 46.0%. The use of the pooled testing strategy reduces costs and has the potential to increase the affordability of GeneXpert testing in countries with limited resources. Pooled sputum for Xpert MTB/RIF can be used as an affordable diagnostic and/or screening tool in resource limited settings, such as Tanzania.
Distribution of Polychaetes in Manakkudy Backwater, South West Coast of India
Authors: Balasubramanian S. , Lazarus S. , Babu M. Michael , Citarasu THAVASIMUTHU -
Published: June 2021

Background: Polychaetes are an important component of the estuarine and mangrove ecosystem especially in fisheries perspective. The polychaete fauna of the Manakkudy estuary barmouth and mangrove was examined for species composition and taxonomic classification. A total of 27 species belonging to 16 genera under 12 families were collected. Results: Of these 27 species, 16 are new records to Manakudy estuary. Out of which, those coming under the group Errantia were dominant (9 species) when compared to Sedentaria group (7 species). Among the 12 families identified, the species diversity of Nereidae and Capitellidae were found to be high. Conclusions: Salinity and nature of substrata, two main factors which govern the distribution of polychaetes, are also given along with species description.
Study of MiR-451 in the Treatment of Human Gliomas through Regulating the AMPK Pathway Mediated by Bone Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Zhen Yingwei , Wei Cheng , Zhang Xiaoyang , Gao Peng , Peng Dazhao , Guo Hongbao , Han Lei , Nan Yang , Yan Dongming , Zhong Yue
Published: June 2021

Accumulating evidence has suggested that gene therapy plays critical roles in glioma treatment. Our previous studies demonstrated that miR-451 could be used as a tumor suppressor via targeting CAB39. But the ability for the targeted delivery of miR-451 to glioma was a significant issue. Bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMSCs) have been used for systemic delivery of therapeutic genes to solid tumors. In the present study, hBMSCs were used as gene therapy non-viral vectors of miR-451 to treat glioma cells in vitro and in vivo. First, following the treatment of glioma cells with the culture medium of miR-451-loaded hBMSCs via lentivirus, overexpression of miR-451 in glioma cells suppressed its proliferation, migration and invasion, but enhanced cell apoptosis by targeting CAB39 and the LKB1/AMPK/HIF-1α/VEGF pathways. Secondly, Transwell migration assays further demonstrated the chemotaxis of BMSCs to glioma conditioned media in vitro. Lastly, it was verified that the miR-451-loaded hBMSCs could effectively deliver miR-451 to the tumor region and prolong the survival in xenograft model assays. These results indicated that gene therapy using hBMSCs as vehicles was highly effective in a mice glioma model and therefore hold considerable prospects of clinical transformation.
Al-Si@Al(OH)3 Nanosheets Composite for Enhanced Efficient Strategy to Synthesize Al-Si@Al2O3 Core-shell Structure
Authors: Lin Yuhui , Chen Panyu , Wang Ying , He Wei , Tang Chao , Wang Limin , Li Chengdong
Published: June 2021

Owing to the combined advantages of Al-Si alloy and Al2O3, Al-Si@Al2O3 is widely utilized as a heat storage material, catalyst carrier and what adsorption host. Hence, the preparation of Al-Si@Al2O3 and corresponding precursors is of utmost significance. Herein, Al-Si@Al(OH)3 precursor is investigated and Al(OH)3 nanosheets are in-situ formed on the surface of Al-xSi alloy (x = 10, 20 and 30) in the presence of water. The influence of Si content, diameter of Al-Si particles and heating parameters on morphology and thickness of Al(OH)3 nanosheets is systematically explored using X-ray diffraction, electron microscopy, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy and N2 adsorption/desorption isotherms. The growth mechanism of Al(OH)3 nanosheets is revealed and a pathway to obtain Al-Si@Al2O3 nanosheets with desired structure and thickness is demonstrated.
Self Health Assessments as per Family/Household Health Survey 2017: Exploring new avenues to improve health and health reporting in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Salam Asharaf Abdul
Published: June 2021

Background: Public health data for dissemination and discussion in Saudi Arabia are limited but the new initiatives of General Authority of Statistics creates many national surveys. One of the most recent one, the Family/Household Health Survey - 2017 aims to fill the gaps in health information data on many population and health indicators. This research aims at appraising the self-assessed health and to examine age-sex and geographic differentials and the probable interconnections with chronic diseases, injuries and periodic examinations.Data and Methods: The National Family/Household Health Survey conducted in October-December, 2017 covered both Saudi and non-Saudi households from 13 administrative areas through a random sample procedure involving primary sampling units and secondary sampling units. A portion of the published data on self-assessment of health, chronic diseases, injuries, and periodic medical examinations were analyzed.Results: More than half of the persons in the Kingdom, reportedly, are in good health; more so among females than males: their proportions decreased with age up to 40 years and thereafter increased sharply. However, the major regions have lesser proportion of good health people than the others. On the contrary, the prevalence of chronic diseases increases with age, in both general and Saudi population, but with variations across specific diseases – hypertension, diabetes, cancer, and cardiovascular diseases: there are pertinent geographic differentials. On the other hand, there are injuries (from traffic accidents and others) occurred at house, work/school, public place, and other places; pertinent with geographic variations. Moreover, age, sex, and regional differences in periodic health examinations have a contributing effect on health assessments. Moreover, the median age shows a pattern resembling adults assessing good health; chronic diseases after 50s; injuries before 40s; periodic medical examinations in 50s; with females at a lower age, both in general and Saudi population. Discussions and Conclusions: The national health system played an important role not only in health status and health assessments but also in building confidence and trust and thereby enhancing optimism, realism, recognition, self-awareness, and acceptance of physical condition. Thus, age, sex, and regional variations in health assessment are born out of chronic diseases, injuries, and periodic medical examinations and also of expectations and experiences. Generation of such information, effective dissemination, and regular discussions at various levels followed by in-depth analyses raise health and health care.
Safety and Use of Complementary and Alternative Medicine in Norway During the First Wave of the COVID-19 Pandemic Using an Adapted Version of the I-CAM-Q: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Kristoffersen Agnete Egilsdatter , Jong Miek C. , Nordberg Johanna Hök , Werf Esther T. van der , Stub Trine
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe COVID-19 pandemic lockdown has had a profound impact on physical and mental well-being throughout the world. Previous studies have revealed that complementary and alternative medicine (CAM) is frequently used for, and can be potential beneficial for strengthening physical mental resilience. The aim of this study was therefore to determine the prevalence, associations and reasons for use of CAM during the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic among a representative sample of the Norwegian population, and determine possible effects and adverse effects of the treatments. MethodsComputer assisted telephone interviews using a COVID-adapted I-CAM-Q questionnaire were conducted with 1008 randomly selected Norwegians aged 16 and above using multistage sampling during April and May 2020 applying age and sex quotas for each area. Descriptive statistics were carried out using Pearson’s Chi-square test, Fisher exact test, and Independent samples T-tests to identify group differences. ResultsThe study revealed that two thirds of the respondents (67%) had used CAM within the first three months of the COVID-19 pandemic, in particular CAM modalities that did not involve a provider. Most used were natural remedies and dietary supplement (57%, mainly vitamins and minerals), but self-help practices like yoga and meditation were also widely used (24%). Women used CAM modalities significantly more than men (77% vs. 58%). Most of the respondents found the modalities they used beneficial, and 5% reported adverse effects of the treatments.ConclusionsThe first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic has not profoundly changed the overall need of Norwegian citizens to seek care outside the conventional healthcare system, but rather caused a shift in the type of CAM modalities used. The risk profile of these modalities was generally low as only 5 % of the respondents reported adverse effects. Further studies are needed to confirm the change from provider based to self-administered CAM use.
Monitoring Quality of Alcohol-Based Hand Sanitizers Used in Johannesburg Area During the Covid‐19 Pandemic.
Authors: Matatiele Puleng , Southon Bianca , Dabula Boitumelo , Marageni Talulani , Poongavanum Poobalan , Kgarebe Boitumelo
Published: June 2021

Since the outbreak of the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (CoViD-19), the World Health Organization has recommended that, in the absence of soap and water, alcohol-based hand sanitizer can be used to prevent the transmission of coronaviruses. Unfortunately, many media reports indicate that majority of current alcohol-based hand sanitizers are substandard and some contain potentially toxic ingredients. The study aimed to identify sanitizers used in the Johannesburg area that do not contain the WHO-recommended alcohol concentration of at least 70% propanol or 60% ethanol, and contain traces of toxic ingredients. Hand sanitizers were randomly collected from various traders around Johannesburg. The samples were analyzed using Agilent Auto sampler coupled to a gas chromatograph utilizing flame ionisation detection. Of the 94 different hand sanitizers collected, three preparations were found to contain no alcohol, whereas the rest contained either ethanol or 2-propanol or a combination of the two. Of the alcohol-containing sanitizers, 37 (41%) contained less than 60% v/v alcohol. Ethyl acetate, isobutanol and other non-recommended alcohols (methanol, 1-propanol and 3-methyl-butanol) were also identified. Consumers are therefore warned that among the many brands of hand sanitizer found around Johannesburg, there are some substandard preparations and some that contain traces of toxic ingredients.
Establishment of a New Fish Cell Line from the Brain of 1 Humpback Grouper (Chromileptes Altivelis), and its Application in Toxicology and Bacterial Susceptibility
Authors: Liu Yixuan , Wei Caoying , Liu Zhiru , Cao Zhenjie , Sun Yun , Zhou Yongcan , Wang Shifeng , Guo Weiliang
Published: June 2021

Cromileptes altivelis, humpback grouper, belongs to the family Epinephelidae and is one popular farmed fish species because of its high economic value and ornamental value. However, more and more diseases were outbreak with the increasing of C. altivelis breeding, resulting in severe economic losses. Today, a new brain cell line of C. altivelis (CAB) was established and has been subcultured for more than 40 passages until now. Our results showed that the morphology of CAB cells is epithelial-like and suitable for growth at 26 °C in L15 medium supplemented with 15% fetal bovine serum (FBS). The results of 18S rRNA gene sequencing confirmed that CAB cell line was derived from C. altivelis. Moreover, CAB cells were apparently diploid number of chromosomes (2n = 48) by chromosome analysis. In addition, CAB cells could transfect pEGFP-N3 plasmid with high transfection efficiency, indicating that CAB cell line has the potential to investigate the function of exogenous genes in vitro. Furthermore, the bacterial susceptibility results suggested that CAB cells were susceptive to Vibrio harveyi and Edwardsiella tarda. And, heavy metals (Hg, Cd, and Cu) were toxic to the CAB cells and the toxic effect was dose-dependent. In summary, the CAB cell line could be a powerful tool in vitro to study functional genes and has the potential application in bacterial susceptibility and toxicology.
The Cytotoxic Effect of Ethanol Extract of Momordica Charantia, Kuguacin-J and Cisplatin on Healthy MCF-10A and MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 Breast Cancer Cell Lines in Vitro
Authors: Houacine Chahinez , Singh Jaipaul , Singh Raphael , Jeeboo Karishma , Ansari Abdullah Adil , Singh Kamalinder K , Cummings Emanuel
Published: June 2021

Traditional medicines, derived from plants, could present alternative treatment strategy for cancer therapy. One such plant is Momordica charantia (MC) which possesses anti-carcinogenic properties. This study investigated the anticancer effect of an ethanol extract of MC fruit, Kuguacin-J (K-J), an isolated compound from the leaves of MC and cisplatin, either alone or combination on healthy MCF-10A mammary cells and compared with breast cancer MCF-7 and MDAMB-231 cell lines. Cell viability was tested using 8 μg/mL and 80 μg/mL doses of MC extract, K-J and cisplatin individually or combined for 24 and 48 hours. Caspase-3- activity was measured in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells using established methods. The results revealed that MC extract and K-J had no effect on healthy MCF-10A cell viability as compared to cisplatin which induced dose and time-dependent cell death. Similarly, treatment of MCF-7 cells with cisplatin induced cell death at high concentration at both the time points, while MC extract and K-J only induce MCF-7 cell death at high dose after 48 hours only. During combination therapy, both doses of cisplatin enhanced MCF-7 cell death when combined with MC extract or K-J after 24 and 48 hours. In MDAMB-231 cells, the three drugs, either alone or combined, evoked significant cell death at both the doses and time points. All three drugs, at high dose, elicited significant increase in caspase-3- activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cells as compared to untreated cells. The results revealed that either MC extract or K-J alone or combined with cisplatin, can elicit significant increase in cell death and caspase–3-activity in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231cells as compared to untreated cells.
Scalable Estimator of the Diversity for De Novo Molecular Generation Resulting in a More Robust QM Dataset (OD9) and a More Efficient Molecular Optimization.
Authors: Leguy Jules , Glavatskikh Marta , Cauchy Thomas , Mota Benoit Da
Published: June 2021

Chemical diversity is one of the key term when dealing with machine learning and molecular generation. This is particularly true for quantum chemical datasets. The composition of which should be done meticulously since the calculation is highly time demanding. Previously we have seen that the most known quantum chemical dataset QM9 lacks chemical diversity. As a consequence, ML models trained on QM9 showed generalizability shortcomings. In this paper we would like to present (i) a fast and generic method to evaluate chemical diversity, (ii) a new quantum chemical dataset of 435k molecules, OD9, that includes QM9 and new molecules generated with a diversity objective, (iii) an analysis of the diversity impact on unconstrained and goal-directed molecular generation on the example of QED optimization. Our innovative approach makes it possible to individually estimate the impact of a solution to the diversity of a set, allowing for effective incremental evaluation. In the first application, we will see how the diversity constraint allows us to generate more than a million of molecules that would efficiently complete the reference datasets. The compounds were calculated with DFT thanks to a collaborative effort through the QuChemPedIA@home BOINC project. With regard to goal-directed molecular generation, getting a high QED score is not complicated, but adding a little diversity can cut the number of calls to the evaluation function by a factor of ten.