bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Effect of Antiglaucoma Procedures (Trabeculectomy vs. Ex-PRESS Glaucoma Drainage Implant) on the Corneal Biomechanical Properties
Authors: Konstantinidis Aristeidis , Panagiotopoulou Eirini - Kanella , Panos Georgios , Sideroudi Haris , Mehmet Aysel , Kozobolis Vasillios , Labiris Georgios
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study is to investigate the effect of two antiglaucoma procedures, namely trabeculectomy and Ex-PRESS mini-shunt insertion on the biomechanical properties of the cornea. This is a prospective study. Thirty patients (30 eyes) were included in the study. Nineteen eyes had an Ex-PRESS shunt inserted (Group 1) and 11 had trabeculectomy (Group 2). The examination time points for both groups were 1 to 3 weeks preoperatively and at month 1, 6 and 12 postoperatively. Corneal biomechanical properties [corneal hysteresis (CH) corneal resistance factor (CRF)] were measured with the Ocular Response Analyzer. In group 1, CH was significantly increased at 6 and 12 months compared to baseline values. Corneal hysteresis was also higher at 1 month postoperatively but this increase did not reach statistical significance. In group 2, the CH was significantly increased at all time points compared to the preoperative values. CRF decreased at all time points postoperatively compared to the preoperative values in both groups. The difference (preoperative values to postoperative values at all time points) of the CH and CRF between the two groups was also compared and no significant differences were detected between the two surgical techniques. Trabeculectomy and the EX-PRESS mini-shunt insertion alter significantly the corneal biomechanical properties as a result of the surgical trauma and the presence of the shunt in the corneal periphery. When compared between them they affect the corneal biomechanical properties in a similar way.
Leveraging Machine-Learning for D2D Communications in 5G/Beyond 5G Networks
Authors: Hashima Sherief , Elhalwany Basem , Hatano Kohei , Wu Kaishun , Mahmoud Mohammed Ehab
Published: January 2021

Device-to-device (D2D) communication is a promising paradigm for the fifth generation 2 (5G) and beyond 5G (B5G) networks. Although D2D communication provides several benefits, 3 including limited interference, energy efficiency, reduced delay, and network overhead, it faces a lot 4 of technical challenges such as network architecture, and neighbor discovery, etc. The complexity 5 of configuring D2D links and managing their interference, especially when using millimeter-wave 6 (mmWave), inspire researchers to leverage different machine-learning (ML) techniques to address 7 these problems towards boosting the performance of D2D networks. In this paper, a comprehensive 8 survey about recent research activities on D2D networks will be explored with putting more 9 emphasis on utilizing mmWave and ML methods. After exploring existing D2D research directions 10 accompanied with their existing conventional solutions, we will show how different ML techniques 11 can be applied to enhance the D2D networks performance over using conventional ways. Then, still 12 open research directions in ML applications on D2D networks will be investigated including their 13 essential needs. A case study of applying multi-armed bandit (MAB) as an efficient online ML tool 14 to enhance the performance of neighbor discovery and selection (NDS) in mmWave D2D networks 15 will be presented. This case study will put emphasis on the high potency of using ML solutions 16 over using the conventional non-ML based methods for highly improving the average throughput 17 performance of mmWave NDS.
Community Detection Problem Based on Polarization Measures. An application to Twitter: the COVID-19 case in Spain
Authors: Gutiérrez García-Pardo Inmaculada , Guevara Gil Juan Antonio , Gómez González Daniel , Castro Cantalejo Javier , Espínola Vílchez Rosa
Published: January 2021

In this paper we address one of the most important topics in the field of Social Networks Analysis: the community detection problem with additional information. That additional information is modeled by a fuzzy measure that represents the possibility of polarization. Particularly, we are interested in dealing with the problem of taking into account the Polarization of nodes in the community detection problem. Adding this type of information to the community detection problem makes it more realistic, as a community is more probably to be defined if the corresponding elements are willing to maintain a peaceful dialogue. The polarization capacity is modeled by a fuzzy measure based on the JDJpol measure of polarization related to two poles. We also present an efficient algorithm for finding groups whose elements are no polarized. Hereafter, we work in a real case. It is a network obtained from Twitter, concerning the political position against the Spanish government taken by several influential users. We analyze how the partitions obtained change when some additional information related to how polarized that society is, is added to the problem.
Early Tooth Loss after Periodontal Diagnosis: Development and Validation of a Clinical Decision Model
Authors: Santos Francisco , Beato Frederico , Machado Vanessa , Proença Luís , Mendes José João , Botelho João
Published: January 2021

The aim of this study was to develop and validate a predictive early tooth loss multivariable model for periodontitis patients before periodontal treatment. A total of 544 patients seeking periodontal care at a university dental hospital were enrolled in the study. Teeth extracted after periodontal diagnosis and due to periodontal reasons were recorded. Clinical and sociodemographic variables were analyzed, considering the risk of short-term tooth loss. This study followed the Transparent Reporting of a multivariable prediction model for Individual Prognosis Or Diagnosis (TRIPOD) guidelines for development and validation, with two cohorts considered as follows: 455 patients in the development phase and 99 in the validation phase. As a result, it was possible to compute a predictive model based on tooth type and clinical attachment loss. The model explained 25.3% of the total variability and correctly ranked 98.9% of the cases. The final reduced model area under the curve (AUC) was 0.809 (95% Confidence Interval (95% CI): 0.629 - 0.989) for the validation sample and 0.920 (95% CI: 0.891 - 0.950) for the development cohort. The established model presented adequate prediction potential of early tooth loss due to periodontitis. This model may have clinical and epidemiologic relevance towards the prediction of tooth loss burden.
Efektivitas Nanoemulsi Minyak Serai Wangi Terhadap Phytophthora palmivora Butl. Patogen Busuk Buah Kakao
Authors: Harni Rita , Khaerati Khaerati , Noveriza Rita , Yuliani Sri
Published: January 2021

Black pod disease caused by Phytophthora palmivora is a significant disease on cocoa crops worldwide. Citronella and geraniol are two dominant substances of citronella oil that have fungicidal activity, which is potentially used to control black pod disease. However, those two substances are relatively unstable form volatile. To improve stability can be done using nanotechnology. The study aimed to analyze the effectiveness of citronella-oil-nanoemulsions formulas on the growth of P. palmivora in vitro and on cocoa pods.  Eight nano formulas were prepared at the Postharvest Center in Bogor; however, the effectiveness was conducted at the Indonesian Industrial and Beverage Crops Research Institute in Sukabumi. The nano formula was prepared following spontaneous, simultaneous, and inversion methods.  The experiments were designed in a completely randomized design, with five replications.  Eight treatments were evaluated, i.e., the inversion formulas (F1, F2, F5 & F7), spontaneous (F3, F6 & F8), and simultaneous (F4). Two concentration levels of the formula were tested, i.e., 0.5% for in vitro and 1.0% in cacao pods. The variables observed were the inhibition rate of formula, bioassay, concentration, and inhibition rate on cacao pods. The nanoemulsion formulas of citronella oil could inhibit 23.13%–77.78% of the growth of P. palmivora. Formula F5 was the best, which inhibited 77.78% growth in vitro and 31.60% in cacao pods. The nanoemulsions of citronella oil affected the growth rate, fresh weight, and dry weight of P. palmivora. For better effectiveness of the formula on cocoa pods, the concentration should be increased.
Prediction of future Alzheimer’s disease dementia using plasma phospho-tau combined with other accessible measures
Authors: Palmqvist Sebastian , Tideman Pontus , Cullen Nicholas , Zetterberg Henrik , Blennow Kaj , Dage Jeffrey , Stomrud Erik , Janelidze Shorena , Mattsson-Carlgren Niklas , Hansson Oskar
Published: January 2021

A combination of plasma phospho-tau (P-tau) and other accessible biomarkers may provide accurate prediction about the risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease (AD) dementia. We examined this in patients with subjective cognitive decline (SCD) and mild cognitive impairment (MCI) who were consecutively recruited in the BioFINDER study (n=340). The results were validated in SCD/MCI participants in the ADNI study (n=543). Plasma P-tau, plasma Aβ42/Aβ40, plasma neurofilament light, APOE genotype, brief cognitive tests and MRI (cortical thickness in AD-specific regions) were examined as predictors of progression to AD dementia primarily within 4 years. The accuracy was determined using the area under the ROC curve (AUC) from logistic regression models. Within 4 years, plasma P-tau217 predicted AD dementia accurately (AUC 0.83) in BioFINDER. A model of plasma P-tau217, memory, executive function, and APOE had higher accuracy (AUC 0.91, p<0.001). In ADNI, this model produced a similar AUC (0.90) using plasma P-tau181 instead of P-tau217. A cross-validated version of this model was implemented online for prediction of the individual probability of progressing to AD dementia. Within 2 and 6 years, parsimonious models performed similar in both cohorts (AUCs 0.90-0.91). Using cerebrospinal fluid P-tau, Aβ42/Aβ40 and neurofilament light instead of plasma biomarkers did not improve the accuracy. The clinical prediction by memory clinic physicians had significantly lower accuracy than all models (4-year AUC 0.71). In summary, plasma P-tau in combination with brief cognitive tests and APOE genotyping may greatly improve the diagnostic prediction of AD dementia and facilitate recruitment for AD trials.
Evaluation of the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease by the analysis of serum exosomal miRNA expression
Authors: Gim Jeong-An , Bang Soo Min , Lee Young-Sun , Lee Yoonseok , Yim Sun Young , Jung Young Kul , Kim Ji Hoon , Seo Yeon Seok , Yim Hyung Joon , Yeon Jong Eun , Um Soon Ho , Byun Kwan Soo
Published: January 2021

Noninvasive modalities exhibit limited diagnostic performance for evaluating the severity of nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD). MicroRNAs (miRNAs) serve as useful biomarkers for diagnosing and monitoring disease progression and treatment response. Here, we evaluated whether serum exosomal miRNAs can be used to clinically predict the severity of NAFLD. Exosomal miRNAs were isolated from the sera of 41 NAFLD patients (diagnosed using biopsy) for array profiling. To compare differentially expressed miRNAs, the degree of severity was determined using inflammation, steatosis, ballooning, and NAFLD activity score (NAS). The correlation of miRNAs with clinical and biochemical parameters was analyzed. The correlation between miRNA and mRNA expression was analyzed by comparing our miRNA expression data with publicly available mRNA expression data. Twenty-five, eleven, thirteen, and fourteen miRNAs correlated with inflammation score, steatosis score, ballooning score, and NAS, respectively. Thirty-three significant correlations were observed between twenty-seven miRNAs and six clinical variables (age, ALP, AST, ALT, GGT, and NAS). In fibrosis, 52 and 30 interactions corresponding to high miRNA-low mRNA and low miRNA-high mRNA expression, respectively, were observed. We demonstrated that serum exosomal miRNAs can be used to evaluate NAFLD severity and also delineate potential targets for NAFLD treatment.
Patterns of Rapid Weight Loss in Elite Sambo Athletes
Authors: Drid Patrik , Figlioli Flavia , Lakicevic Nemanja , Gentile Ambra , Stajer Valdemar , Raskovic Bojan , Vojvodic Nina , Roklicer Roberto , Trivic Tatjana , Tabakov Sergey , Eliseev Sergey , Bianco Antonino
Published: January 2021

Background: Rapid weight loss (RWL) is commonly practiced in combat sports. Both magnitude and methods used to induce RWL are largely similar between the combat sports, but currently there is no data on RWL methodology used by sambo athletes. Therefore, the aim of this study was to determine RWL procedures sambo athletes apply to lose weight rapidly.Methods: The sample consisted of 199 participants, of which 132 males and 67 females who participated in the World Sambo Championship 2020 held in Novi Sad, Serbia. Each participant received RWL questionnaire that was available in multiple languages, and each participant was instructed how to fill it out.Results: Almost 87% of sambo participants declared to have intentionally cut their weight prior to the competition, whereby 5.27 kg (SD: ±7.57) was lost. Gradual dieting, sauna use and skipping meals were the most dominant methods used to reduce weight prior to competition while more extreme methods of RWL such as the use of laxatives, diuretics, diet pills and vomiting were also implemented but by much smaller fragment of the participants involved.Conclusions: Findings from our study largely match with previously conducted RWL studies in terms of prevalence, magnitude and methods used by combat sport athletes, especially in judo and wrestling. Knowing the hazardous consequences of RWL, alternative methods of sustainable weight loss should be considered.
Construction of transplantable artificial vascular tissue based on adipose tissue-derived mesenchymal stromal cells by a cell coating and cryopreservation technique
Authors: Asano Yoshiya , Okano Daisuke , Matsusaki Michiya , Watabe Tetsuro , Yoshimatsu Yasuhiro , Akashi Mitsuru , Shimoda Hiroshi
Published: January 2021

Prevascularized artificial three-dimensional (3D) tissues are effective biomaterials for regenerative medicine. We have previously established a scaffold-free 3D artificial vascular tissue from normal human dermal fibroblasts (NHDFs) and umbilical vein-derived endothelial cells (HUVECs) by layer-by-layer cell coating technique. In this study, we constructed an artificial vascular tissue constructed by human adipose tissue-derived stromal cells (hASCs) and HUVECs (ASCVT) by a modified technique with cryopreservation. ASCVT showed a higher thickness with more dense vascular networks than the 3D tissue based on NHDFs. Correspondingly, 3D-cultured ASCs showed higher expression of several angiogenesis-related factors, including vascular endothelial growth factor-A and hepatic growth factor, compared to that of NHDFs. Moreover, perivascular cells in ASCVT were detected by pericyte markers, suggesting the differentiation of hASCs into pericyte-like cells. Subcutaneous transplantation of ASCVTs to nude mice resulted in an engraftment with anastomosis of host’s vascular structures at two weeks after operation. In the engrafted tissue, the vascular network was surrounded by mural-like structure-forming hASCs, in which some parts developed to form vein-like structures at four weeks, suggesting the generation of functional vessel networks. These results demonstrated that cryopreserved human cells, including hASCs, could be used directly to construct the artificial transplantable tissue for regenerative medicine.
Cistanche Tubulosa Phenylethanoid Glycosides Induce Apoptosis of Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells by Mitochondria-Dependent and MAPK Pathways and Enhance Antitumor Effect Through Combination With Cisplatin
Authors: Yuan Pengfei , Fu Changshuang , Yang Yi , Adila Aipire , Zhou Fangfang , Wei Xianxian , Wang Weilan , Lv Jie , Li Yijie , Xia Lijie , Li Jinyao
Published: January 2021

BackgroundPrevious studies have been demonstrated that Cistanche tubulosa phenylethanoid glycosides (CTPG) exhibit antitumor effects on a variety of tumor cells. However, the antitumor effects of CTPG on HepG2 and BEL-7404 hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) cells are still elusive.ResultsOur study showed that CTPG significantly inhibited the growth of HepG2 and BEL-7404 cells through the induction of cell cycle arrest and apoptosis, which was associated with the activation of MAPK pathways characterized by the up-regulated phosphorylation of p38, JNK, and ERK1/2 and mitochondria-dependent pathway characterized by the reduction of mitochondrial membrane potential. The release of cytochrome c and the cleavage of caspase-3, -7, -9 and PARP were subsequently increased by CTPG treatment. Moreover, CTPG significantly suppressed the migration of HepG2 through reducing the levels of matrix metalloproteinase-2 and vascular endothelial growth factor. Interestingly, CTPG not only enhanced the proliferation of splenocytes but also reduced the apoptosis of splenocytes induced by cisplatin. In H22 tumor mouse model, CTPG combined with cisplatin further inhibited the growth of H22 cells and reduced the side effects of cisplatin.ConclusionTaken together, CTPG inhibited the growth of HCC through direct antitumor effect and indirect immunoenhancement effect, improved the antitumor efficacy of cisplatin.
The Prevalence and Correlates of Fissured Tongue Among Outpatients in A Regional Area of Afghanistan
Authors: Hamrah Mohammad Hassan , Baghalian Ali , Ghadimi sara , Mokhtari saeedeh , Kargar Mojgan , Khosrozadeh Maryam , Hamrah Mohammad Hussain , Dahi Toba , charkazi Abdurrahman , Hamrah Mohammad Shoaib
Published: January 2021

Background: Fissured tongue is a common manifestation of the tongue, marked by the presence of multiple prominent grooves or fissures on the dorsal surface of the tongue. However, there is a lack of studies focusing on the prevalence and factors associated with fissured tongue among patients attending an outpatient clinic living in regional areas of Afghanistan. Aims: The purpose of the current study was to determine the prevalence and factors associated with fissured tongue among adult outpatients in Afghanistan in regional areas of Afghanistan. Methods: The cross-sectional survey was conducted among outpatient populations in Andkhoy, Afghanistan, between September 2019 and December 2019. Socio-economic status, smoking, nass use (smokeless tobacco use) and medical data were also assessed. We used the logistic regression models to identify factors associated with fissured tongue. Results: The studied population consisted of 1182 participants, of whom 573 (48.5%) were male and 609 (51.5%) female. The prevalence of fissured tongue was 27.2% (95% CI: 24.7-29.9%) with male having significantly higher prevalence than female (47.5%, 95% CI: 43.3-51.6% versus 8.2%, 95% CI: 6.2-10.7%, p<0.001). Male participants (OR=7.1, 95% CI: 4.8-10.3), Diabetes mellitus (OR 1.6, 95% CI: 1.1-2.3) and smokeless tobacco use (OR, 12.0 95% CI: 8.1-17.6) were the only variables independently associated with fissured tongue. Conclusions: This study suggested that there was a high rate of fissured tongue among an outpatient clinic in Andkhoy, Afghanistan. Male gender, diabetes mellitus, and nass consumption were associated with fissured tongue. Therefore, these factors might usefully be targeted in local health promotion, prevention and early intervention programs.
Prevalence and Risk Factors of Asthma among People aged 45 and Older in Mainland China: A Cross-sectional Study from CHARLS in 2018
Authors: Wan Jingxuan , Zhang Qing , Li Chunxiao , Lin Jiangtao
Published: January 2021

Background: Asthma is one of the most prevalent chronic respiratory disease worldwide. The survey aims to describe the updated prevalence and risk factors of asthma among individuals aged 45 and older in mainland China. Methods: The data for this study come from the fourth wave of China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study (CHARLS) conducted by the National School of Development of Peking University in 2018. CHARLS is a nationally representative survey targeting populations aged 45 and over from 28 provinces/cities in mainland China. A representative sample of 19816 participants were recruited for the study using a multi-stage stratified sampling method. The prevalence of asthma was described across different characteristics. The potentially risk factors were examined by multivariable logistic regressions. Results: A total of 18504 participants (8759 men and 9745 women) were eligible for the final data analysis. The estimated prevalence of asthma among Chinese people age≥ 45 years in 2018 was 2.16% (95%CI 1.96-2.38). The prevalence of asthma significantly differs according to race (P=0.002), with an overall rate of 2.06% (95% CI 1.86-2.29) in Han and 3.28% (95%CI 2.47-4.34) in minorities. Furthermore, the minorities (OR=1.54 [95% CI 1.114-2.122], P=0.009), elderly people (60-69 years group: OR= 2.65 [95% CI 1.230-5.702], P=0.013; ≥ 70 years group: OR=3.38 [95% CI 1.741-8.036], P=0.001), middle-school education and below (middle-school education: OR=1.91[95%CI: 0.678-1.193], P=0.009; primary education: OR=2.59 [95% CI 0.675- 1.199], P< 0.001; literate: OR=2.60 [95% Cl 0.480- 0.928; illiterate: OR=2.89 [95% CI 0.220-0.572]), smokers (OR=1.36 [95% CI 1.109-1.677], P=0.003), North (OR=1.51[95% CI 1.02-2.078], P=0.01) or Northwest China residence (OR=1.70 [95% CI 1.170-2.472], P=0.005) were associated with prevalent asthma. Conclusions: Asthma is prevalent but underappreciated among middle-aged and elderly people in China. A number of risk factors were identified. These results can help to formulate correct prevention and treatment measures for asthma.
Visual Gamma Oscillations Predict Sensory Sensitivity in Females as they do in Males
Authors: Manyukhina Viktoriya , Rostovtseva Ekaterina , Prokofyev Andrey , Obukhova Tatiana , Schneiderman Justin , Stroganova Tatiana , Orekhova Elena
Published: January 2021

Gamma oscillations are driven by local cortical excitatory (E) - inhibitory (I) loops and may help to characterize neural processing involving excitatory-inhibitory interactions. In the visual cortex reliable gamma oscillations can be recorded with magnetoencephalography (MEG) in the majority of individuals, which makes visual gamma an attractive candidate for biomarkers of brain disorders associated with E/I imbalance. Little is known, however, about if/how these oscillations reflect individual differences in neural excitability and associated sensory/perceptual phenomena. The power of visual gamma response (GR) changes nonlinearly with increasing stimulation intensity: it increases with transition from static to slowly drifting high-contrast grating and then attenuates with further increase in the drift rate. In a recent MEG study we found that the GR attenuation predicted sensitivity to sensory stimuli in everyday life in neurotypical adult men and in men with autism spectrum disorders. Here, we replicated these results in neurotypical female participants. The GR enhancement with transition from static to slowly drifting grating did not correlate significantly with the sensory sensitivity measures. These findings suggest that weak velocity-related attenuation of the GR is a reliable neural concomitant of visual hypersensitivity and that the degree of GR attenuation may provide useful information about E/I balance in the visual cortex.
Recurrent independent emergence and transmission of SARS-CoV-2 Spike amino acid H69/V70 deletions
Authors: Gupta Ravindra , Kemp Steven , Harvey William , Lytras Spyros , Carabelli Alessandro , Robertson David
Published: January 2021

SARS-CoV-2 Spike amino acid replacements in the receptor binding domain (RBD) occur relatively frequently and some have a consequence for immune recognition. Here we report recurrent emergence and significant onward transmission of a six-nucleotide deletion in the S gene, which results in loss of two amino acids: H69 and V70. Of particular note this deletion, 𝚫H69/V70, often co-occurs with the receptor binding motif amino acid replacements N501Y, N439K and Y453F. One of the 𝚫H69/V70+ N501Y lineages, B.1.1.7, is comprised of over 4000 SARS-CoV-2 genome sequences from the UK and includes eight other S gene mutations: RBD (N501Y and A570D), S1 (𝚫H69/V70 and 𝚫144/145) and S2 (P681H, T716I, S982A and D1118H). Some of these mutations have presumably arisen as a result of the virus evolving from immune selection pressure in infected individuals and at least one, lineage B.1.1.7, potentially from a chronic infection. Given our recent evidence that 𝚫H69/V70 enhances viral infectivity (Kemp et al. 2020), its effect on virus fitness appears to be independent to the RBD changes. Enhanced surveillance for the 𝚫H69/V70 deletion with and without RBD mutations should be considered as a priority. Permissive mutations such as 𝚫H69/V70 have the potential to enhance the ability of SARS-CoV-2 to generate new variants, including vaccine escape variants, that would have otherwise significantly reduced viral fitness.
Breastfeeding History and the Risk of Overweight and Obesity in Middle-aged Women
Authors: Cieśla Elżbieta , Stochmal Ewa , Głuszek Stanisław , Suliga Edyta
Published: January 2021

Background: Breastfeeding is considered to be a factor that stimulates fat reserves accumulated during pregnancy to produce milk. The aim of the study was to assess the association between breastfeeding duration and fatness indices in middle-aged women. Methods: The analysis was carried out in a group of 7,500 parous women aged 55.5±5.3. Body mass index, percentage of body fat and waist-to-height ratio were included in the analysis. The likelihood of overweight and obesity depending on the total breastfeeding time was assessed using multivariate logistic regression analyzes. Results: An analysis of adjusted odds ratios did not show significant associations between breastfeeding duration and the risk of overweight and obesity in premenopausal women. After menopause, women who gave birth to 2 children and breastfed 1-6 and >12 months had a lower risk of abdominal obesity (OR=0.70; 95% CI=0.50-0.99; p=0.042; and OR=0.68 ; 95% CI=0.47-0.98; p=0.039), and in those women who gave birth to 3 or more children and breastfed for 1-6 months, also showed a lower risk of overweight (OR=0.52; 95% CI=0.27-0.99; p=0.047), compared to those ones that have never breastfed. There was no relationship found between the duration of lactation and the risk of excessive body fat.Conclusion: Breastfeeding may have some beneficial, long-term effect on the risk of overweight and abdominal obesity in women.
Acute Effect of Particulate Matter Pollution on Hospital Admissions for Stroke among Patients with type 2 Diabetes in Beijing, China, from 2014 to 2018
Authors: Liu Xiangtong , Li Zhiwei , Guo Moning , Zhang Jie , Tao Lixin , Xu Xiaolin , Deginet Aklilu , Lu Feng , Luo Yanxia , Liu Mengmeng , Liu Mengyang , Sun Yue , Li Haibin , Guo Xiuhua
Published: January 2021

Background: The health effect of particulate matter pollution on stroke has been widely examined; however, the effect among patients with comorbid type 2 diabetes (T2D) in developing countries has remained largely unknown.Methods: A time-series study was conducted to investigate the short-term effect of fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and inhalable particulate matter (PM10) on hospital admissions for stroke among patients with T2D in Beijing, China, from 2014 to 2018. An over-dispersed Poisson generalized additive model was employed to adjust for important covariates, such as weather conditions and long-term and seasonal trends. Results: A total of 159,298 (58% male) hospital admissions for stroke were reported. Linear exposure-response curves were observed for PM2.5 and PM10 in relation to stroke admissions among T2D patients. A 10 μg/m3 increase in the four-day moving average of PM2.5 and PM10 was associated with 0.14% (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.05%-0.23%) and 0.14% (95% CI: 0.06%-0.22%) incremental increases in stroke admissions among T2D patients, respectively. A 10 μg/m3 increase in PM2.5 in the two-day moving average corresponded to a 0.72% (95% CI: 0.02%-1.42%) incremental increase in hemorrhagic stroke, and a 10 μg/m3 increase in PM10 in the four-day moving average corresponded to a 0.14% (95% CI: 0.06%-0.22%) incremental increase in ischemic stroke. Conclusions: High particulate matter might be a risk factor for stroke among patients with T2D. PM2.5 and PM10 have a linear exposure-response relationship with stroke among T2D patients. The study provided evidence of the risk of comorbid T2D and stroke due to particulate matter pollution.
Assessment of Essential Elements Accumulation in Red Swamp Crayfish Revealing the High Efficient Enrichment of Se in Freshwater Animal
Authors: Peng Guohui , Sun Junxiao , Xiong Lijing , Peng Bo , Tan Yunfei , Wu Yinglin , Bai Xufeng
Published: January 2021

BackgroundRed swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii) is one of the important aquatic foods for human. Trace elements are indispensable for human to maintain health. They could be enriched by crayfish lived in benthic habitat. However, the trace essential element in crayfish was less reported. In this study, we investigated the trace elements of Fe, Mn, Cu, Zn and Se accumulation in red swamp crayfish.MethodsFifteen crayfishes in average, three samples of sediments and water were respectively collected in each location of the fifteen villages located on Hubei and Hunan province of China. Besides, fifteen individuals for red swamp crayfish (Procambarus clarkii), variegated carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and hairy crabs (Eriocheir sinensis) were respectively collected in the village of Zhutong of Hubei province in China. Inductively coupled plasma mass spectrometry (ICP-MS) was used to perform the examination of trace elements. SPSS software and Duncan test were employed to conduct statistical analysis, respectively.ResultsThe concentrations of the five elements were highest in haptopancreas, but two of them (Fe and Mn) were lowest in abdominal muscle. The concentration of Cu, Zn and Se in abdominal muscle was higher than those in exoskeleton. The concentrations of Cu and Se in abdominal muscle of crayfish from Ensi region was highest comparing to the other three regions. There was a highly significant positive correlation for the concentrations of Cu and Se between crayfish and environment. In addition, we found crayfish could specifically enrich Se element. The similar situations were also found in the two investigated freshwater animals variegated carp (Hypophthalmichthys nobilis) and hairy crabs (Eriocheir sinensis).ConclusionThe five essential elements were enriched in the abdominal muscle of crayfish, but no excess threshold of food safety standard. The supplement of selenium for human could be realized by consuming crayfish and other freshwater animals.
Impact of Effective Frequency Jack-knife Stretching on Preadolescent Male Football Players -Prospective Cohort Study-
Authors: Nakase Junsuke , Sasaki Kentaro , Shimozaki Kengo , Asai Kazuki , Muramatsu Ryota , Sengoku Takuya , Morita Yui , Kimura Tsuyoshi , Toyooka Kazu , Yoshimizu Rikuto , Kimura Mitsuhiro , Tsuchiya Hiroyuki
Published: January 2021

Objective: We aimed to investigate the effective frequency of jack-knife stretching in preadolescent male football players. Methods: We enrolled 47 male preadolescent football players (average age: 12.4 ± 0.6 years old). All participants took surveys at baseline and after intervention for 6 months. The survey items were height, weight, body mass index, anteflexion in sitting, and quadriceps and hamstring tightness. The participants were divided into two groups according to the stretching exercise frequency, where group A performed stretching at least once every 3 days and group B performed stretching less than once every 3 days. After exclusion, 17 participants were enrolled in each group.Results: There was a significant increase in anteflexion in the sitting position in group A but not group B; moreover, straight leg raising was significantly larger in Group AConclusions: Performing jack-knife stretching at least once every 3 days’ intervals could improve hamstring flexibility in preadolescent male football players.Level of Evidence Level Ⅱ
In Vivo Assessment of Burn Depth and Wound Healing Using a Handheld Terahertz Hyperspectral Scanner
Authors: Osman Omar , Harris Zachery , Zhou Juin , Khani Mahmoud , Singer Adam , Arbab M.
Published: January 2021

The accuracy of clinical assessment in partial-thickness burn injuries has remained as low as 50-75%. Depending on the depth and environmental factors in the wound, such as reactive oxygen species, inflammation, and autophagy, partial-thickness burns can heal spontaneously or require surgical intervention. In this study, we demonstrate that Terahertz Time-Domain Spectral Imaging (THz-TDSI) is a promising tool for in vivo quantitative assessment of burn injuries. We used a novel handheld THz-TDSI scanner to characterize burn injuries in a porcine scald model with histopathological control. Prior work used THz reflectivity (representation of tissue hydration) as the only source of signal contrast. However, we used the spectral amplitude and the spectral slope of the terahertz electric field to distinguish the different severities of burns, suggesting that the energy loss due to electromagnetic scattering from skin constituents serves an additional metric to quantitatively assess burn injuries. Statistical analysis (n = 40) indicates that THz-TDSI can accurately differentiate between partial-thickness and full-thickness burn injuries (1-way ANOVA, p < 0.05) and monitor the healing process of partial thickness burns. THz-TDSI has the potential to improve burn care outcomes by helping surgeons to make objective decisions for early excision.
The Effect of Rotigotine on Cognitive Function and Sleep Problems in Parkinson's Disease: an Open-Label Pilot Study
Authors: Suzuki Keisuke , Funakoshi Kei , Fujita Hiroaki , Hirata Koichi
Published: January 2021

Background: We hypothesized that rotigotine may have a positive effect on cognitive function in patients with Parkinson’s disease (PD) by improving daytime motor function and nighttime sleep status due to its 24-hour sustained properties.Methods: We evaluated the effect of rotigotine on motor symptoms, cognitive function, daytime sleepiness, sleep disturbances, and motor symptoms in 10 PD patients with sleep disturbances, defined as a PD Sleep Scale (PDSS)-2 score of ≥ 15, in a single-center, 3-month open-label study. Participants received 24 mg/24 h (patch content: 4.5-9 mg) rotigotine for a 3-month period. At baseline and 3 months, patients were evaluated on the Movement Disorder Society Revision of the Unified PD Rating Scale (MDS-UPDRS) parts III and IV and cognitive assessments, such as the Mini-Mental State Examination (MMSE), frontal assessment battery (FAB) and Montreal Cognitive Assessment (MoCA). The Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) and PDSS-2 were administered at baseline and at 1 month, 2 months and 3 months.Results: At 3 months, MDS-UPDRS part III (-10.7, p<0.001) and MDS-UPDRS part IV (-1.0, p=0.023) scores significantly decreased, MoCA scores (1.7, p=0.0095) significantly increased, and off time significantly decreased (-43.0 min; p=0.029) from baseline. PDSS-2 scores significantly decreased from baseline at 2 months (-14.5, p<0.05) and 3 months (-20.0, p<0.001). ESS, MMSE or FAB scores did not significantly change after rotigotine treatment.Conclusion: Our preliminary findings suggest that low-dose rotigotine could improve motor symptoms, sleep disturbance, and cognitive function without worsening daytime sleepiness in patients with PD.
Wide-field Swept-source OCT Analysis of Interocular Symmetry of Choroidal Thickness in Subjects with Uncomplicated Pachychoroid
Authors: Kim Min-Su , Lim Hyung-Bin , Lee Woo-Hyuk , Won Yeo-Kyoung , Nam Gi-Yup , Kim Jung-Yeul
Published: January 2021

Purpose: To study the bilateral choroidal thickness (CT) symmetry and difference in uncomplicated pachychoroid subjects using wide-field swept-source optical coherence tomography (SS-OCT).Methods: All subjects underwent a wide-field 16-mm 1-line scan using SS-OCT. Bilateral CT was measured at, and compared among, the following 12 points: 3 points at 900-µm intervals from the nasal optic disc margin (nasal peripapillary area), 1 point at the subfovea, 6 points at 900-µm intervals from the fovea to the nasal and temporal areas (macular area), and 2 peripheral points 5,400 and 8,100 µm from the fovea (peripheral area). Associations between interocular CT differences in the various measurement areas and clinical factors were analyzed.Results: There was no statistically significant differences in CT between the right and left eyes in any area (all p > 0.05); they all showed significant positive correlations (all p < 0.01). However, the correlation coefficients (ρ) were smaller for the nasal peripapillary and peripheral areas compared to the macular area. In addition, the interocular axial length differences were significantly associated with interocular CT differences in the macular area, but not in the nasal peripapillary or peripheral area. No other clinical factor was associated with interocular CT differences in any area.Conclusions: The CTs in each region were bilaterally symmetrical in subjects with uncomplicated pachychoroid. However, interocular difference in CT increased from the center to the periphery, indicating that the anatomical variation of the nasal peripapillary and peripheral choroid was greater than that of the macula.
Nursing Care on Improving Postoperative Condition in CIPA Patients Combined with Charcot Spine
Authors: Tong Bingdu , Zhao Zhengye , Tian Ye , Cai Siyi , Zhang Jianguo , Wu Nan , Chen Yaping , Guo Na
Published: January 2021

BackgroundCongenital insensitivity to pain with anhidrosis (CIPA) is a rare, hereditary, sensory autonomic neuropathy. There are few reports on CIPA combined with Charcot spine. Operation is a most effective method for CIPA patients who combine with Charcot spine, but those patients are easy to get hyperthermia and internal fixation failure after operation. Patients’ deficit teeth also make nutrition management difficult. In order to help patients to avoid these problems, we designed a series of preoperative and postoperative nursing means: 1. Rectal temperature monitoring and Temperature control 2. Use new posture management 3. Assess the nutritional status of patients and make a diet plan. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the effect of these nursing means. MethodsWe retrospectively analysed the records of 3 CIPA patients combined with Charcot spine who accepted our nursing means to examine the effect of the nursing means.ResultsRectal thermometry was more accurate than axillary thermometry. Physical cooling prevented hyperthermia for CIPA patients after operation. None of 3 patients had internal fixation failure. The BMI of one patient was only 14.0(malnutrition) before surgery, through nutritional intervention, all 3 patients’ serum albumin levels returned to normal before discharge from the hospital.ConclusionsIn summary, this study has made a lot of suggestions that can improve the prognosis of CIPA patients with Charcot spine.
Multivariate Statistical Analysis Applied to Physical Properties of Soybean Cultivars in The Design and Regulation of Post-Harvest Equipment
Authors: Coradi Paulo , Oliveira Josiane , Teodoro Larissa , Rodrigues Dágila , Teodoro Paulo , Moraes Rosana
Published: January 2021

The present work had as aim to evaluate the similar of soybean cultivars according to physical properties as a guiding parameter for decision making in the design and regulation of post-harvest equipment using multivariate analysis. First, Pearson's correlation coefficients were estimated. Posteriorly, principal component analysis was performed to verify the interrelationship between variables and soybean cultivars. A biplot was built with the first two principal components. Finally, a boxplot was built for each variable considering the grouping presented by the analysis of main components. By principal component analysis, we identified the formation of two clusters (G1 and G2) of cultivars. Unit specific mass was the physical property that most contributed to the formation of G1, while the other physical properties contributed to the formation of G2. Soybean cultivars comprising the G1 are more similar to each other only for unit specific mass, and the cultivars allocated in group G2 are more similar for all the other properties evaluated. These results are recommended by the equipment manufacturing industry and the seed processing units to carry out projects and equipment adjustments to efficiently manage the post-harvest of soybean seeds.
Anlotinib--A “Present” for Treatment of Spinal Epithelioid Hemangioendothelioma: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: han kedong , he zhijiang , wen jian , huang yichao , chen hua
Published: January 2021

Background:Epithelioid hemangioendothelioma (EHE) is a rare malignant vascular tumor with vascular and sarcomatous components that can affect the spine. There has been no standard second-line treatment for EHE with first-line chemotherapy.Case description: We report a 30-year-old male patient was admitted to our hospital on August 6, 2018.Complaining of waist and lumbar pain lasting for 1 month. Positron emission tomography-computed tomography (PET-CT) showed osteolytic bone destruction and abnormal glucose metabolism and surgically removing the cancer. Post-operative diagnose was EHE. We gave a four-course chemotherapy combination with concurrent radiotherapy. About 1month later, the patients whose cancers have progressed. A second-line treatment is given anlotinib to prevent the further spread of metastatic cancer. Conclusions:The presence of stable disease after take anlotinib lasted for up to six months and the OS was 16 months. Anlotinib explores therapy in EHE that recoup the defects and shortcomings in rare soft tissue sarcoma. We expect more patients can benefit from this treatment.
Effects of Early Mask Mandates and Other Policy Interventions on COVID-19 Infections
Authors: An Brian , Porcher Simon , Tang Shui Yan , Kim Emily
Published: January 2021

How do different government mandates compare in their short and long-term efficacies in curbing COVID-19 infections? Does a mandate’s early adoption enhance its eventual efficacy? Using worldwide data on the daily evolution of government mandate adoptions and COVID-19 infections from January to July 2020, we found that, compared with five other commonly adopted mandates, early adoption of the mask mandate has the strongest short and long-term effect on curbing infections. Mass gathering bans and school closures have some effect but take more time to manifest their efficacy. Domestic lockdowns and restaurant closures have the least effect. When designing measures for curbing COVID-19 infections, governments must weigh the timing and relative efficacies of alternative policy instruments.
Antheraea proylei J. sericin induces apoptosis in a caspase dependent manner in A549 and HeLa cells and caspase independent manner in PC3 cells
Authors: Devi Potsangbam Jolly , Singh Asem Robinson , Singh Lisam Shanjukumar , Singh Laishram Rupachandra , Devi Sanjenbam Kunjeshwori
Published: January 2021

BackgroundIn spite of much progress in understanding the biology of cancer disease, advancement in technology for early diagnosis, the expanding array of anticancer drugs and treatment modalities, the global cancer burden is still significant and increasing. It is estimated that the new cases of cancer in the year 2040 will be 29.4 million per year globally. Sericin, an adhesive protein of silk cocoons has been shown to be a potential protein in various biomedical applications including cancer therapeutics. The present study evaluates the anticancer property of sericin from cocoons of Antheraea proylei J. (SAP) against human lung cancer (A549), cervical cancer (HeLa), and prostate cancer (PC3) cell lines. This is the first report of anti-cancer activity of the non-mulberry silkworm A. proylei J. Methods SAP was prepared from cocoons of A. proylei J. by the process of degumming method. The amino acid composition of SAP was determined by HPLC. Cytotoxicity activity was assessed by MTT assay and genotoxicity activity was assessed by comet assay. Cleavage of caspase and PARP proteins and phosphorylation of MAPK pathway members were analysed by Western blotting. Cell cycle analysis was done by flow cytometery.ResultsSAP causes cytotoxicity to A549, HeLa and PC3 cell lines with the IC50 values ranging from 3.4-3.9 µg/µl. SAP induces apoptosis in a dose-dependent manner through caspase-3 and p38 and ERK pathways in A549 and HeLa cells respectively whereas in PC3 cells, SAP induces apoptosis independent of caspase through p38 pathway. Moreover, in the case of A549 and HeLa cells SAP induces cell cycle arrest at S phase in a dose dependent manner whereas at G0 phase in the case PC3 cells.ConclusionSAP induces apoptosis in A549, HeLa, and PC3. The difference in the molecular mechanisms of apoptosis induced by SAP in A549 and HeLa and in PC3 may be due to the differences in the genotypes of the cancer cell lines. However, further investigation is warranted. The overall results of the present study envisage the possibility of using SAP as anti-tumorigenic agent.
Combination therapies with thiazolidinediones are associated with a lower risk of acute exacerbations in new-onset COPD patients with advanced diabetic mellitus: a cohort-based case-control study
Authors: Chen Kuan-Yuan , Wu Sheng-Ming , Tseng Chien-Hua , Lee Kang-Yun , Lin Yu-Huei , Liu Hung-Yi , Chien Li-Nien
Published: January 2021

BACKGROUND: The effects of oral antihyperglycemic drugs (OADs) for T2DM on outcomes of co-existing COPD patients have been less concerned. We examined the association of combinational OADs and risk of AECOPD in T2DM patients with co-existing COPDMETHODS: A cohort-based case-control study was conducted using data from the National Health Insurance Research Database of Taiwan. Among new-onset COPD-T2DM patients, 65,370 were prescribed with metformin and 2nd line OADs before the date of COPD onset. Each AECOPD case was matched to 4 randomly selected controls according to the propensity score estimated by patient’s baseline characteristics. Conditional logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the association between AECOPD risk and OADs use. RESULTS: Among COPD-T2DM patients, 3,355 AECOPD cases and 13,420 matched controls were selected. All COPD-T2DM patients with a double combination of oral OADs (n=12,916), AECOPD patients were less likely to be exposed to sulfonylurea (SU) and thiazolidinediones (TZD) compared to the patients received metformin (MET) and SU, with an adjusted odds ratio (OR) of 0.69 (95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.51–0.94, P=0.02). Of the patients with a triple combination of oral OADs (n=3,859), we found that MET, SU and TZD had a lower risk of AECOPD (adjusted OR=0.81 (0.68-0.96, P=0.01) compared to a combination of MET, SU and a-glucosidase inhibitors (AGI) regardless the level of COPD complexity. CONCLUSION: Combination therapies with TZD were associated with reducing risk of AECOPD in advanced T2DM patients with co-existing COPD.