bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Two Bifunctional β-Xylosidase /α-L-Arabinofuranosidases From GH43 With Different Structures in the xylan Degradation Strain of Paenibacillus Physcomitrellae XB Displayed the Similar xylo-oligosaccharides Degradation Ability
Authors: Zhang Xiao Jie , Wang Su , Chen Zhi Ling , Li Yan Hong
Published: January 2021

BackgroundThe strain Paenibacillus physcomitrellae XB isolated from moss of Physcomitrella patens was found have the xylan degradation ability, but its degradation characteristics and the related mechanism has not been revealed.ResultsIn this study, Paenibacillus physcomitrellae XB exhibited different xylan degradation ability under the different substrates of corncob xylan (CCX), oat spet xylan (OSX), wheat flour arabinoxylan (AX) and beech wood xylan (BWX). Genomic analysis showed that ~ 38 genes were related to xylan degradation, and quantitative real time RT-PCR showed that two glycoside hydrolase family 43 genes (Pph_0602 and Pph_2344) were up-regulated on 1% CCX and xylose. Substrate-specific experiments with purified proteins Ppxyl43A (Pph_0602) and Ppxyl43B (Pph_2344) revealed that both of them exhibited β-xylosidase activity toward chromogenic substrate p-nitrophenyl–D-xylopyranoside and α-L-arabinofuranosidase activity toward p-nitrophenyl-α-L-arabinofuranoside, indicating at least bifunctionality. Combined their degradation features on the natural substrates of different xylans with the hydrolytic products separated by thin-layer chromatography and high-performance anion exchange chromatography profiles, it was found that both Ppxyl43A and Ppxyl43B were with the similar degradation ability on xylo-oligosaccharides (like CCX, OSX, xylohexaose and xylobiose). Both of them even could hydrolyze xylohexaose and xylobiose completely to xylose, but could not hydrolyze BWX and AX to produce xylooligosaccharides or xylose, suggesting they have no endo-xylanase activity and mainly hydrolyze xylo-oligosaccharides by β-xylosidase activity. Moreover, the kinetic parameters of β-xylosidase and α-L-arabinofuranosidase of both two proteins indicated their affinity with all the detected natural substrate (CCX) and chromogenic substrates were nearly similar. In addition, despite having no signal peptides, both of them might export outside the cell by the nonconventional pathways. However, Ppxy143B exhibited wider temperature and pH ranges, higher pH and thermostability, and was less influenced by metal ions than Ppxyl43A. Given its enzymatic characteristics and predicted structure, it is likely that the C-terminus domain (GH43_C2) of Ppxyl43B enhances the stability of the two enzymes and also restricts the substrates’ or metal ions’ access to the active sites.ConclusionsPpxyl43A and Ppxyl43B were β-xylosidase/α-L-arabinofuranosidase bifunctional enzymes with different structures from Paenibacillus physcomitrellae XB and exhibited similar xylo-oligosaccharides hydrolyse ability, which would be useful in the further lignocellulosic biomass conversion.
Factors Affecting Torque of Beam Type Implant Torque Wrench 
Authors: Sato Yuji , Furuya Junichi , Osawa Tokiko , Isobe Akio , Hayashi Myu , Kitagawa Noboru , Shiba Hiroki
Published: January 2021

Background: Screw breakage and loosening are the most common mechanical complications in implant treatment. One of the causes is the excess or deficiency of the screw tightening torque; thus, the use of a torque wrench is a prerequisite for achieving an accurate tightening torque. Therefore, we focused on the beam-type torque wrenches, which are the main type, to clarify the factors affecting this torque.Results: The torque values of the beam-type torque wrenches for the eight manufacturers were measured using a torque gauge. For investigating the influence of the location of the beam placed on the scale, the measurement was performed with the scale aligned with the upper edge, center, and lower edge of the beam. Additionally, measurements were taken at 90°, 60°, and 30° to examine the effect of the angle at which the examiner read the torque value. Under each condition, a single examiner applied the recommended torque value of each manufacturer's screws five times clockwise. The average measured torque, standard deviation, bias, and coefficient of variation were calculated and compared. Equipment from six manufacturers demonstrated the best accuracy for measurements at the center of the beam (bias within ± 4%). For measurements at 90°, equipment from five manufacturers displayed the highest accuracy (bias within ± 7%), and seven showed the highest repeatability (coefficient of variation 2% or less).Conclusion: It was recommended that the center of the beam should be aligned with the scale and read from 90°, while tightening the torque wrench. The accuracy and repeatability differed according to the manufacturer, scale width, scale line width, and beam width, while the distance between scale and beam center was related to accuracy and repeatability. Based on these results, it was suggested that a torque wrench must be selected after grasping the difference depending on the structure of the model to be used.
Suppression of Non-Selected Meanings Via Hippocampal Inhibition as a Possible Brain Mechanism For Ambiguity Resolution: An fMRI Study Using The Word Fragment Completion Task
Authors: Kireev Maxim , Korotkov Alexander , Masharipov Ruslan , Zheltyakova Maya , Cherednichenko Denis , Gershkovich Valeria , Moroshkina Nadezhda , Slioussar Natalia , Allakhverdov Victor , Chernigovskaya Tatiana
Published: January 2021

Dealing with ambiguity, one usually selects one meaning unconsciously and remains unaware of the alternative meanings. The brain systems dealing with multiple meanings of ambiguous stimuli are relatively well studied, while the brain processing of their non-selected meanings is relatively less investigated. The current functional MRI event-related study used a modified version of the word fragment completion task to reveal possible brain mechanisms involved in processing the non-selected meaning of ambiguous stimuli. Some noun stimuli were ambiguous, and the others were not. Adjectives created contexts strongly biasing the choice of the noun meaning in one or the other way. All ambiguous and unambiguous noun stimuli were presented twice during the experiment. It was revealed that ambiguity resolution was associated with a decrement in the BOLD signal within the right and left hippocampi. This finding supported one of the tested hypotheses assumed that non-selected meanings are actively suppressed. The similarity between this result and BOLD signal changes observed for suppression-induced forgetting for purging unwanted memories from awareness allows suggesting the general neurophysiological basis for voluntary and automatic inhibitory awareness control.
Efficacy and Safety of Combined Phacoemulsification, Intraocular Lens Implantation, Goniosynechialysis, and Trabectome in Patients With Primary Angle-Closure Glaucoma
Authors: Wang Yu , Liang Zhiqiao , Zhang Yu , Lauren Hennein , Han Ying , Wu Huijuan
Published: January 2021

We evaluated the efficacy and safety of combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, goniosynechialysis (GSL), and trabectome in patients with primary angle-closure glaucoma (PACG). In this prospective interventional study, twenty patients (22 eyes) of PACG treated with combined phacoemulsification, intraocular lens implantation, GSL, and trabectome between September 2017 to September 2020 were recruited. The intraocular pressure (IOP), the number of glaucoma medications, and best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) were recorded at baseline, 1, 3, 6, 12, and 24 months after operation. IOP was decreased significantly from 20.69±6.90 mmHg at baseline to 15.83±2.79mmHg at 24 months’ follow-up (P=0.043). The number of glaucoma medications reduced from 2.76±1.14 preoperatively to 0.73±0.77 at 24 months’ follow-up (P=0.026). The qualified success rate was 86.8% at 2 years. The reduction of IOP showed a positive correlation with baseline IOP (p<0.001) and the reduction of the number of glaucoma medications was positively correlated with baseline number of glaucoma medications (p<0.001). There was no vision-threatening complication during and after operation. The combined procedure of phacoemulsification, IOL implantation, GSL, and trabectome was effective and safe for PACG patients. It may provide a new method for PACG patients especially those with long term and extensive goniosynechia.
Identification of Key Genes and Pathways Associated With Pathogenesis of Intervertebral Disc Degeneration by Integrated miRNA-mRNA Network Analysis
Authors: Lan Tao , Li Ning-dao , Shen Zhe , Chen Xiao-sheng , Hu Shi-yu , Yan Bin
Published: January 2021

Background: Intervertebral disc degeneration (IDD) is one of the most common cause of low back pain. Previous studies have suggested that miRNAs are associated with the pathogenesis of IDD. However, the underlying mechanisms remain unclear based on inconsistent results of available literatures. In addition, integrated miRNA-mRNA comprehensive analysis is limited. Material/Methods: In this study, we investigated the profiles of differentially expressed miRNAs (DEMIs) and mRNAs (DEGs) and constructed a miRNA-mRNA regulatory network. First, transcription factors and target genes of DEMIs were predicted. Then, an intersection between DEMIs predicted genes and DEGs were performed to screen out the most significant differential expressed common genes. Results: A total of 65 DEMIs and 61 common target genes were identified from datasets. Functional enrichment analysis showed that most genes were mainly involved in extracellular matrix organization and extracellular structure organization. Furthermore, DEGs were primarily enriched in PI3K−Akt signaling pathway, ECM−receptor interaction, focal adhesion and p53 signaling pathway, indicating that these pathways may be the critical pathways.Conclusions: In summary, several important miRNAs, as well as their related target genes and transcription factors in the pathogenesis of IDD were identified from our bioinformatic analysis, which may provide insights into underlying mechanisms and offer potential target genes for the treatment of IDD.
Anatomical Sites (Takasaki’s Segmentation) Predicts the Recurrence-free Survival of Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Qin Wei , Hu Beiyuan , Tian Huan , Xiao Cuicui , Luo Huanxian , Yang Yang
Published: January 2021

Background: Until now, several classification staging system and treatment algorithm for hepatocelluar carcinoma (HCC) has been presented. However, anatomical location is not taken into account in these staging systems. The aim of this study is to investigate whether anatomical sites could predict the postoperative recurrence of HCC patients.Methods: 294 HCC patients were enrolled in this retrospective study. A novel score classification based on anatomical sites was established by a Cox regression model and validated in the internal validation cohort. Results: HCC patients were stratified according to the novel score classification into three groups (score 0, score 1-3 and score 4-6). The predictive accuracy of the novel recurrence score for HCC patients as determined by the area under the receiver operating characteristic curves (AUCs) at 1, 3, and 5 years (AUCs 0.703, 0.706, and 0.605) was greater than the other representative classification systems. These findings were supported by the internal validation cohort. For patients with BCLC 0 and A stage, our data demonstrated that there was no significant difference of RFS between patients with score 0 and liver transplantation recipients. Additionally, we introduced this novel classification system to guide anatomical liver resection for centrally located liver tumors.Conclusion: The novel score classification may provide a reliable and objective model to predict the recurrence-free survival (RFS) of HCC after hepatic resection.
The Significance of Follow-Up Serum Uric Acid Levels in Predicting All-Cause Mortality and Cardiovascular Mortality in Peritoneal Dialysis Patients
Authors: Ren Pingping , Zhang Qilong , Pan Yixuan , Liu Yi , Li Chenglin , Fan Zhenzhen , Zhang Xiaohui , Xie Xishao , Xiang Shilong , Chen Jianghua , Han Fei
Published: January 2021

Background: Studies on the correlation between serum uric acid (SUA) and all-cause mortality in peritoneal dialysis (PD) patients were mainly based on the results of baseline SUA. We aimed to analyze the change of SUA level post PD, and the correlation between follow-up SUA and prognosis in PD patients. Methods: All patients who received PD catheterization and maintaining PD in our center from March 2, 2001 to March 8, 2017 were screened. Kaplan-Meier and Cox proportional-hazards regression models were used to analyze the effect of SUA levels on the risks of death. We graded SUA levels at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months post PD by mean of SUA plus or minus a standard deviation as cut-off values, and compared all-cause and cardiovascular mortality among patients with different SUA grades. Results: A total of 1402 patients were included, 763 males (54.42%) and 639 females (45.58%). Their average age at PD start was 49.50±14.20 years. The SUA levels were 7.97±1.79mg/dl at baseline, 7.12±1.48mg/dl at 6 months, 7.05±1.33mg/dl at 12 months, 7.01±1.30mg/dl at 18 months, and 6.93±1.26mg/dl at 24 months. During median follow-up time of 31 (18, 49) months, 173 (12.34%) all-cause deaths occurred, including 68 (4.85%) cardiovascular deaths. There were no significant differences on all-cause mortality among groups with graded SUA levels at baseline, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months during follow-up or on cardiovascular mortality among groups with graded SUA levels at baseline, 6 months, 12 months, 18 months and 24 months during follow-up. At 6 months post PD，Kaplan Meier analysis showed there was significant difference on all-cause mortality among graded SUA levels (c2=11.315, P=0.010), and the all-cause mortality was lowest in grade of 5.65mg/dl≤SUA<7.13mg/dl. Conclusion: SUA level decreased during follow up post PD. At 6 months post PD, a grade of 5.65mg/dl≤SUA<7.13mg/dl was appropriate for better patients’ survival.
Dual Energy Imaging for Optimisation of P/V Ratios in VP SPECT
Authors: Doruyter Alexander , Holness Jennifer
Published: January 2021

PurposeVentilation-perfusion single photon emission computed tomography (VP SPECT) plays an important role in pulmonary embolism diagnosis. Rapid results may be obtained using same-day ventilation followed by perfusion imaging, but generally requires careful attention to achieving an optimal count rate ratio (P/V ratio) of ~3:1. This study investigated whether the ratio of counts simultaneously acquired in adjacent primary and Compton-scatter energy windows (E_ratio) on V SPECT was predictive of final normalised perfusion count rate (PCRnorm) on P SPECT using [99mTc]Tc-macroaggregated albumin (MAA), allowing optimisation of P/V ratio. MethodsSame-day VP SPECT studies acquired using standard protocols in adult patients during a 2-year period were assessed. Studies were included provided they were acquired with correct imaging parameters, and injection site imaging and laboratory records were available for quality control and normalised count rate corrections. Extraction of DICOM information, and linear regression were performed using custom Python and R scripts. A predictive tool was developed in Microsoft Excel.ResultsOf 643 studies performed, the scans of 343 participants (median age 30.4 years, 318 female) met inclusion criteria. A single outlier with high influence was excluded after an obvious cause was identified. Final analysis of the remaining 342 scans yielded a significant regression equation (F(1,340) = 1057.3, p <.000), with an adjusted R2 of .756 and MSE of 0.001089. A prediction tool designed for routine clinic use was developed for predicting final P/V ratio.ConclusionThe ratio of simultaneously acquired counts in adjacent energy windows on V SPECT is linearly related to perfusion count rate after administration of a known activity of [99mTc]Tc- MAA. A predictive tool based on this work may assist in optimising the dose and timing of [99mTc]Tc-MAA administration in same-day studies to the benefit of patients and workflows.
Sialadenoma Papilliferum: With Clinicopathologic, Immunohistochemical, Molecular Analysis, and Review of the Literature
Authors: Chen Shuai , Peng Jie , Yuan Chuantao , Sun Lin , Zhang Renya , Sun Yan
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSialadenoma papilliferum (SP) is an extremely rare benign neoplasm of salivary glands. To explore and define the clinicopathological features of SP, we retrospectively analyzed 65 cases previously reported and five new cases.Materials and methodsThe clinical features, histopathology, immunohistochemistry and molecular analysis of our cases were further performed and the related literatures were reviewed and analyzed. ResultsCombining 65 cases from the literature with our cases, the hard palate was the most common locations for SP. However, two of our cases were rarely located in the esophageal mucosa. Among all cases, the male gender was more affected, with the average age and median age of 58 and 59 years, respectively. Conventional histomorphologically, SP was characterized by complex papillary structures with a biphasic growth pattern of exophytic squamous component and endophytic glandular component. The glandular structures were lined by a double layer epithelium composed of flattened or cuboidal basal cells and a cuboidal or columnar luminal cells formed papillary infoldings into the ductal lumina. Immunohistochemically, the luminal epithelial configurations showed strong expression of CK7 along the luminal cell membrane, while the basal myoepithelia displayed strong nuclear p63 expression. In both the glandular and squamous tumor components showed BRAF V600E-positive immunostaining and BRAF V600E mutation. ConclusionFor the first time, we have comprehensively aggregated and analyzed 66 cases sialadenoma papilliferum from almost all previous publications, and further explored the clinicopathological features of SP; concordantly, this study demonstrated that SP shows a papillomatous growth pattern with exophytic and endophytic proliferation of ductal epithelium composed of double-layered cells harboring BRAF V600E mutation. Additionly, adequate treatment for SP is surgical excision, with a favorable prognosis in patients.
Outcomes of Salvage Fractionated Reirradiation Combined With Bevacizumab for Recurrent High-grade Gliomas That Progressed After Treatment With Bevacizumab
Authors: Yonezawa Hajime , Ohno Makoto , Igaki Hiroshi , Miyakita Yasuji , Takahashi Masamichi , Tamura Yukie , Shima Satoshi , Matsushita Yuko , Ichimura Koichi , Narita Yoshitaka
Published: January 2021

Background: This study evaluated the outcomes of reirradiation combined with bevacizumab (Bev) for patients with recurrent high-grade gliomas that progressed after treatment with Bev.Methods: Between January 2015 and September 2019, 14 patients who experienced progression after Bev treatment were treated with reirradiation consisting of 25 Gy in five fractions combined with Bev (ReRT/Bev). The isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH) 1/2 mutation status was analysed by pyrosequencing. Results: The diagnoses of 14 patients at the time of reirradiation included six cases of glioblastoma (GBM) with IDH-wildtype, four cases of GBM with IDH-mutant, one case of anaplastic astrocytoma (AA) with IDH-wildtype, one case of AA with IDH-mutant, and one case of GBM not otherwise specified (NOS), and one case of radiologically diagnosed brainstem glioma. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) times with ReRT/Bev were 6.1 months and 3.8 months, respectively. The 6-month OS and PFS rates were 54.5% and 15.7%, respectively. The median OS and PFS did not differ significantly between patients with IDH-wildtype (N=7) and IDH-mutant (N=5) (OS: 7.3 [wildtype] vs 6.0 [mutant] months, p = 0.64; PFS: 3.8 [wildtype] vs 3.7 [mutant] months, p = 0.56). The median OS and PFS did not differ significantly between patients with a diagnosis of GBM (N=6) and those with a diagnosis of non-GBM (N=7) (OS: 9.3 [GBM] vs 6.0 [non-GBM] months, p = 0.19; PFS: 4.0 [GBM] vs 3.8 [non-GBM] months, p = 0.31). Four patients (28.6%) achieved a complete or partial radiological response and three patients (21.4%) experienced improvement after ReRT/Bev. Tumor recurrences were observed in 12 patients, including 3 (21.4%) in-field recurrence; 5 (35.7%) marginal recurrence, 3 (21.4%) out-field recurrence, and 1 (7.1%) had in-field and out-field recurrence. Grade 3/4 toxicities included leukopenia in four patients (28.6%), hypertension in three (21.4%), proteinuria in one (7.1%), and gastrointestinal haemorrhage in one (7.1%) with ReRT/Bev. Conclusions: ReRT/Bev for patients with high-grade glioma who experienced progression after Bev was effective and involved acceptable toxicities.
WHO vaccination protocol can be improved to save more lives
Authors: Moret Marcelo , Filho Tarcisio Rocha , Mendes José , Murari Thiago , Filho Aloísio Nascimento , Cordeiro Antônio , Ramalho Walter , Scorza Fulvio , Almeida Antonio-Carlos
Published: January 2021

Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic, a virus infection caused by the severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) virus, has impacted all countries of the world, and the main 2021’s challenge is clearly vaccinating the greater number of persons, in the shortest time span, for a maximal reduction in the number of deaths and in the significant economic impacts. Large-scale vaccination aimed to achieve herd immunity poses many logistic and social difficulties [1], with different vaccine candidates and designs [2,3], and vaccination priorities will determine the evolution of the current COVID-19 pandemic. In this paper we explicitly propose an alternative vaccination protocol that can be more effective than those already being deployed, as the ones in the European Union [4] and in the United States [5]. We report strong evidence based on an epidemiological model for the importance of contact hubs (or superspreaders), having a much larger average number of contacts than in the rest of the population [6-11], on the effectiveness of the vaccination strategy. We show that carefully choosing who will be in the first group to be vaccinated can significantly impact on both health services demand and total death toll, by increasing the overall numbers of lives saved and of hospitalizations. We argue that the approach here considered, which does not coincide with current proposals, and given the current conditions with a lack of basic resources for proper vaccination in several countries, and with a significant reduction in mobility and social isolation restrictions, should be considered by all authorities participating in the design of COVID-19 vaccination with the intent of maximising the number of human lives saved.
Patterns of Periodontal Destruction among Smokeless Tobacco Users in a Central Indian Population
Authors: Anand Pradeep , Mishra Supriya , Nagle Deepti , Kamath Namitha , Kamath Kavitha , Anil Sukumaran
Published: January 2021

Background: Findings of studies testing the association between smokeless tobacco (SLT) use and periodontal health have shown varying results in different populations. Considering the high prevalence of SLT use in India, the present study was conducted to understand the pattern of periodontal destruction within different areas of the dentition among SLT users. Methods: Age, gender, oral hygiene habits, the frequency and duration of SLT consumption, the type of SLT product used, and the site of retention of the SLT product in the oral cavity were recorded among 90 SLT users. Mean probing depth (PD), recession (REC), and clinical attachment loss (CAL) at SLT-associated and non SLT-associated teeth of the mandibular arch were compared based on the site of retention of the SLT product, the type of product used, and the duration of the habit. Results: Mean REC and CAL were significantly higher at the SLT-associated zones compared to non SLT-associated zones and at both inter-proximal and mid-buccal sites of SLT-associated teeth. Among individuals who had the habit for >5 years and also among those who had the habit for 5-10 years, mean PD, REC, and CAL were significantly higher at SLT-associated teeth than at non SLT-associated teeth. Significantly greater periodontal destruction was observed at SLT-associated teeth among khaini users and gutkha users. Conclusion: Patterns of periodontal destruction among SLT users varied significantly between SLT-associated and non-SLT-associated sites, and the severity of periodontal destruction at SLT-associated sites differed among individuals depending upon the type of SLT product used, the site of retention of the SLT product, and the duration of the habit.
“It was like nobody cared about what I said?” Iranian women committed self- immolation: A qualitative study
Authors: Aghakhani Nader , Lopez Violeta , Parizad Naser , Baghaei Rahim
Published: January 2021

Background: Suicide-attempts have increased across the world and have become higher among females. There has been a high prevalence of self-immolation in Iran, mostly young married women admitted to the burn centers. This study aimed to explore the factors and experiences of self-immolation in Iranian married women to develop prevention strategies to prevent the personal, social, and economic impacts of suicide and suicide attempts. Methods: A qualitative descriptive approach using open-ended, in-depth, face-to-face interviews was conducted in a purposive sample of 16 married Iranian women aged 16 to 40 years in the burn centers in Urmia city, a place in northwest Iran. Conventional content analysis was used to analyze the data.Results: Three themes emerged from the data, including (1) antecedents of self-immolation, (2) suicidal ideation method, and (3) pathway to recovery. Each of these themes is supported by sub-themes.Conclusions: The study highlights the need for health professionals to help and support self-immolation survivors to continue their normal lives. A comprehensive supportive program based on survivors’ needs to support their pathways to recovery in all its complexities is recommended. Health professionals should also not forget that the family of the survivors also will need help to overcome this trauma. A family counseling program may also be provided.
Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness among older adults
Authors: Fierloos Irene Noëlla , Tan Siok Swan , Williams Greg , Alhambra-Borrás Tamara , Koppelaar Elin , Bilajac Lovorka , Verma Arpana , Markaki Athina , Mattace-Raso Francesco , Vasiljev Vanja , Franse Carmen Betsy , Raat Hein
Published: January 2021

Background: International studies provide an overview of socio-demographic characteristics associated with loneliness among older adults, but few studies distinguished between emotional and social loneliness. This study examined socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness. Methods: Data of 2251 community-dwelling older adults, included at the baseline measure of the Urban Health Centers Europe (UHCE) project, were analysed. Loneliness was measured with the 6-item De Jong-Gierveld Loneliness Scale. Multivariable logistic regression models were used to evaluate associations between age, sex, living situation, educational level, migration background, and loneliness. Results: The mean age of participants was 79.7 years (SD=5.6 years); 60.4% women. Emotional and social loneliness were reported by 29.2% and 26.7% of the participants; 13.6% experienced emotional and social loneliness simultaneously. Older age (OR: 1.16, 95% CI: 1.06-1.28), living without a partner (2.16, 95% CI: 1.73-2.70), and having a low educational level (OR: 1.82, 95% CI: 1.21-2.73), were associated with increased emotional loneliness. Women living with a partner were more prone to emotional loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.78, 95% CI: 1.31-2.40). Older age (OR: 1.11, 95% CI: 1.00-1.22) and having a low educational level (OR: 1.77, 95% CI: 1.14-2.74) were associated with increased social loneliness. Men living without a partner were more prone to social loneliness than men living with a partner (OR: 1.94, 95% CI: 1.35-2.78). Conclusions: Socio-demographic characteristics associated with emotional and social loneliness differed regarding sex and living situation. Researchers, policy makers, and healthcare professionals should be aware that emotional and social loneliness may affect older adults with different socio-demographic characteristics.
Comprehensive assessment of alterations in hand deformities over 11 years in patients with rheumatoid arthritis using cluster analysis and analysis of covariance
Authors: Toyama Shogo , Tokunaga Daisaku , Tsuchida Shinji , Kushida Rie , Oda Ryo , Kawahito Yutaka , Takahashi Kenji
Published: January 2021

BackgroundAlthough drug therapy for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) has recently improved, treating patients with established disease, whose hands have three major deformities (thumb deformity, finger deformities, and ulnar drift), remains a challenge. The underlying complex pathophysiology makes understanding these deformities difficult, and comprehensive assessment methods require accumulated skill with long learning curves. We aimed to establish a simpler composite method to understand the pathophysiology of and alterations in the hand deformities of patients with RA.MethodsWe established a rheumatoid hand cohort in 2004 and clinically evaluated 134 hands (67 patients). We repeated the evaluations in 2009 (100 hands of 52 patients) and 2015 (63 hands of 37 patients) after case exclusion. Thumb deformities, finger deformities (swan-neck and boutonnière deformity), and ulnar drift were semi-quantitated and entered as parameters into a two-step cross-sectional cluster analysis for the data in 2004. The parameters in each cluster were plotted at each evaluation point. Two-way analysis of covariance was used to examine whether differences existed between evaluation points and clusters of deformity parameters.ResultsFive clusters most appropriately described hand deformity: (i) cluster 1, minimal deformity; (ii) cluster 2, type 1 thumb deformity; (iii) cluster 3, thumb deformity and severe boutonnière deformity; (iv) cluster 4, type 2 or 3 thumb deformity and severe ulnar drift; and (v) cluster 5, thumb deformity and severe swan-neck deformity. Clusters 1 and 2 had higher function than cluster 5, and cluster 3 had moderate function. Clusters 1–4 had similar disease duration but showed different paths of deformity progression from disease onset. Clusters 1 and 2 represented conservative deformity parameters and clusters 3, 4, and 5 represented progressive deformity parameters. Over time, thumb deformity evolved into other types of deformities and swan-neck deformity worsened significantly.ConclusionsOur comprehensive analysis identified five deformity patterns and a progressive course in the rheumatoid hand. Knowledge of the characteristics of progressive deformity parameters may allow rheumatologists to more easily implement practical interventions and determine functional prognosis.
Disability, Frailty and Depression in the Community-dwelling Older adults with Osteosarcopenia
Authors: Park Ki-Soo , Lee Gyeong-Ye , Seo Young-Mi , Seo Sung-Hyo , Yoo Jun-Il
Published: January 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the prevalence of osteosarcopenia in the over 60-year-old community and to evaluate whether osteosarcopenia is associated with disability, frailty and depression.Methods: This study was performed using the baseline data of Namgaram-2, among the 1010 surveyed subjects, 885 study subjects who were 60 years or older and had all necessary tests performed were selected. The Kaigo-Yobo checklist (frailty), World Health Organization Disability Assessment Schedule (WHODAS) and Geriatric Depression Scale-Short Form-Korean (GDSSF-K) were used. The Asian Working Group for Sarcopenia (AWGS 2019) were applied in this study. Osteopenia was measured using data from dual energy X-ray absorptiometry (DEXA) and osteopenia was diagnosed when the T-score was less than -1.0.The study subjects were divided into four groups: the normal group, in which both sarcopenia and osteopenia were undiagnosed, osteopenia only, sarcopenia only and the osteosarcopenia group, which was diagnosed with both sarcopenia and osteopenia. Results: Of the 885 subjects over 60 years old evaluated, the normal group comprised 34.0%, the only osteopenia group 33.7%, the only sarcopenia group 13.1%, and the osteosarcopenia group 19.2%. WHODAS (17.5, 95% CI: 14.8-20.1), Kaigo-Yobo (3.0, 95% CI: 2.6-3.4), and GDSSF mean score (4.6, 95% CI: 3.9-5.4) were statistically significantly higher in the osteosarcopenia group compared the other groups. Partial eta squared (ηp2) of WHODAS (0.199) and Kaigo-Yobo (0.148) values ​​according to Osteosarcopenia were large, and GDSSF (0.096) was medium.Conclusions: Osteosarcopenia is a relatively common disease group in the older adults community that may cause deterioration of health outcomes. Therefore, when evaluating osteopenia or sarcopenia in the older adults, management of those in both disease groups should occur together.
Lightweight Authentication Protocol in Edge-based Smart Grid Environment
Authors: Chen Chien-Ming , Chen Lili , Huang Yanyu , Kumar Sachin , Wu Jimmy Ming-Tai
Published: January 2021

A smart grid (SG) is an advanced power grid system deployed in a cloud center and smart meters (at the consumer end) that provides higher reliability, better data protection, improved power efficiency, automatic monitoring, and effective management of power consumption. However, an SG also poses certain challenges that need to be addressed. For example, data provided by a smart meter are time-sensitive and cannot handle high latency in an SG. Moreover, a smart meter depends on memory, energy, and other factors. Besides, the security between a cloud center and a smart meter is a critical issue that needs to be resolved. Edge computing, an extension of cloud computing deployed in an edge network between a cloud center and the end devices, is an efficient solution to the aforementioned issues. Therefore, in this study, we propose a secure mutual authentication protocol based on edge computing for use in an SG.
Factors affecting dental self-confidence and satisfaction with dental appearance among adolescents in Saudi Arabia: a cross sectional study.
Authors: Ellakany Passent , Fouda Shaimaa , Alghamdi Maram , Bakhurji Eman
Published: January 2021

Background: Dental appearance affects facial beauty, social interaction and psychological well-being particularly among adolescents. The aim of the current study was to determine factors affecting adolescent dental self-confidence and satisfaction with dental appearance in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia among 3500 students attending intermediate and high schools. Data was collected from 2637 students using the translated Arabic version of the psychosocial impact of dental esthetics questionnaire (PIDAQ) in addition to questions about smile esthetics satisfaction and demographic variables including; gender, age, school grade, and parental level of education. Statistical analysis was performed by using logistic regression to assess the effect of demographical variables on PIDAQ and its domains at 5% significance level. Results: About 80% of the participants were satisfied or somewhat satisfied with their smiles. Tooth alignment and tooth color were the most cited reasons for adolescents’ dissatisfaction about their smile, 34% and 33% respectively. Females and participants’ fathers’ university education figured in a statistically significant way regarding higher PIDAQ and aesthetic concerns. Females were 70%, and those with fathers’ university education were 22% more likely to have a negative psychological impact. Females expressed aesthetic concerns nearly two times more than males. Participants whose fathers possessed university education had an aesthetic concern 1.25 times more compared to those whose fathers had no school or limited school education. Females and those with mothers who had university education were less likely to have positive dental self-confidence. Conclusions: Most adolescents exhibited satisfaction with their own smiles. Smile dissatisfaction in the remaining participants was related to teeth alignment, color and shape. Females were more concerned with dental esthetics and smile satisfaction than males. Females and participants whose fathers had a university education exhibited higher psychosocial impact than males and those with or without school education. However, males showed greater self-con­fidence in their dental aesthetics.
Suppression of Arctic sea ice growth by winter clouds and snowfall
Authors: Lim Won-il , Park Hyo-Seok , Stewart Andrew , Seo Kyong-Hwan
Published: January 2021

The ongoing Arctic warming has been pronounced in winter and has been associated with an increase in downward longwave radiation. While previous studies have demonstrated that poleward moisture flux into the Arctic strengthens downward longwave radiation, less attention has been given to the impact of the accompanying increase in snowfall. Here, utilizing state-of-the art sea ice models, we show that typical winter snowfall anomalies of 1.0 cm, accompanied by positive downward longwave radiation anomalies of ~5 W m-2 can decrease sea ice thickness by around 5 cm in the following spring over the Eurasian Seas. This basin-wide ice thinning is followed by a shrinking of summer ice extent in extreme cases. In the winter of 2016–17, anomalously strong warm/moist air transport combined with ~2.5 cm increase in snowfall decreased spring ice thickness by ~10 cm and decreased the following summer sea ice extent by 5–30%. Projected future reductions in the thickness of Arctic sea ice and snow will amplify the impact of anomalous winter snowfall events on winter sea ice growth and seasonal sea ice thickness.
Diaskintest for the diagnosis of bovine tuberculosis
Authors: Naymanov A. Kh. , Gulyukin A. M. , Tolstenko N. G. , Vangeli E. P. , Kalmykov V. M.
Published: January 2021

The objective of the study: to compare the diagnostic value of intracutaneous tests with tuberculin and diaskintest for detection of tuberculosis in cattle.

Subjects and methods. In this study, PPD tuberculin for mammals was used, it was made from M. bovis strain AN-5, manufactured by BIOK, and Diaskintest (recombinant tuberculous allergen, solution forintracutaneous administration) manufactured by ZAO FF Lecco, series 030307.

Laboratory animals (guinea pigs, rabbits, chickens) and farm animals (pigs and cattle) were used in the study.

Results. It has been established on laboratory animals that diaskintest does not cause any adverse events. When assessing sows sensitized with M. avium, it was found that the intracutaneous administration of PPD tuberculin to mammals resulted in up to 8.5% of positive reactions, while diaskintest was negative in all of them. Among cattle sensitized to non-tuberculous mycobacteria, intracutaneous administration of tuberculin for mammals revealed up to 4.6% of positive reactions, and diaskintest – up to 0.6%. In the farm with the unfavorable TB situation where animals infected with M. bovis were previously detected, when examining 177 cows, tuberculin test was positive in 102 (57.6%) of them, and diaskintest in 88 (49.7%). Diaskintest can be used for differential diagnosis of tuberculosis and sensitization by non-tuberculous mycobacteria in pigs and cattle.
Short course treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis patients suffering from multiple drug resistance. The current situation and future perspectives
Authors: Russkikh A. E. , Kutuzova D. M. , Lovacheva O. V. , Samoylova A. G. , Vasilyeva I. A.
Published: January 2021

The article presents a review of 70 publications. It describes relevant data on drugs, timing, indications, efficacy, and safety of short-term treatment regimens for multiple drug resistant tuberculosis.
The state and prospects of TB control service in Russia during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Nechaeva O. B.
Published: January 2021

The objective: to determine the state and prospects of TB control services including the period during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Materials. Data from Federal Statistic Surveillance Forms no. 4, 8, 14, 14-DS, 30, 33, 47, and 61 were analyzed. The number of those died is presented as per the data of Rosstat.

Research methods: epidemiological and statistical analysis, expert assessment, and content analysis of publications and regulations.

Results. In Russia in the second decade of the XXI century, there was a significant improvement of tuberculosis situation. From 2010 to 2019, the reduction of the rates was the following: incidence – from 77.2 to 41.2 per 100,000 population (by 46.6%); prevalence – from 177.5 to 86.4 per 100,000 population (by 51.3%); mortality – from 15.4 to 5.1 per 100,000 population (3-fold reduction).

In recent years, one can anticipate the stabilization of HIV situation. Over 10 years (2006-2015), the average growth rate of indicators was the following: incidence – by 9.8%, prevalence at the end of the year – by 9.4%, mortality – by 26.6%. In 2016-2019, HIV incidence became stable (2019 – 54.6 per 100,000 population). In 2019, for the first time HIV mortality decreased by 2.1% and reached 13.7 per 100,000 population. The number of lethal TB/HIV co-infection cases is going down. People at the age of 15-34 fall ill (2019 – 37.6%) and die (23.6%) less often versus all new cases and those who died of HIV infection. Russia has the highest coverage of the population with HIV tests (28.5%).

Epidemics of tuberculosis and coronavirus infection are developing in the opposite directions. High rates of COVID-19 are observed in regions with low tuberculosis rates, therefore the COVID-19 pandemic will not result in the increase of tuberculosis incidence in the population that is predominantly not infected with tuberculosis. Conversely, in regions with a high level of tuberculosis infection in the population, the number of coronavirus cases is significantly lower.

In Russia, in the near future COVID-19 will not contribute to the increase in incidence and mortality of tuberculosis and HIV infection. The negative effects of the pandemic are partially offset by a sharp reduction in contacts, an increase in lung computed tomography, regular supply of anti-tuberculosis and antiretroviral drugs purchased by the state budgets of different levels, improved patients’ adherence to treatment, and the expansion of hospital-replacing technologies in specialized medical organizations.

Facilities, resources and personnel of medical TB control services make it possible to expand their functions to fulfill the goals and objectives of the RF Healthcare Development Strategy for the period up to 2025 for socially significant infectious diseases that pose a biological threat to the population (tuberculosis, HIV infections, and parenteral viral hepatitis).
Production Management in the Context of Dentistry
Authors: Nery-da-Silva Gabriel , Soares Sena Nery Laiane Aparecida
Published: January 2021

This research aimed to find, gather, and analyze what has been published over the last decade about production management in the context of dental service provision. The study follows a systematic literature review. Searches were conducted in Web of Science™ database with a period constraint of eleven years (2008-2018). A conceptual framework for crossing both disciplines was elaborated to support data analysis. The literature review identified 17 peer-reviewed articles that have addressed the topic. Therefore, little scientific work has been produced in this interdisciplinary field. The findings suggest that patient treatment and dentist’s working time are what demand time the most and influence productivity the most. Productivity is commonly measured per patient seen or treatment delivered. However, there is no consensus among scholars and academics on what type of output measurement is better. In addition, a couple of different types of dental establishments have been identified, and among them, dental centers, dental hospitals, and university dental centers lack studies applying production management tools. The review brings an overview of the intersection of the disciplines consisted of 17 peer-reviewed articles and provides directions for future studies. Practitioners may benefit from information such as the current main ways of measuring productivity. The review shows a picture of the current situation in such an interdisciplinary topic that may contribute to the understanding of it by providing a structured overview that can be useful for academics and practitioners.
CHARACTERIZATION OF CLAYS IN THE ZINDER REGION BY X-RAY DIFFRACTION AND X-RAY FLUORESCENCE METHODS
Authors:   Faculte des Sciences et Techniques (FST), Departement des Sciences Geologiques en Environnementales (SGE), Universite de Zinder (UZ)., Moussa Issaka Abdoulkader , Hassane Bouba ,   Faculte des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Departement de Geologie, Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey (UAM)., Wagani Ibrahim ,   Faculte des Sciences et Techniques, Universite Dan DickoDankoulodo de Maradi (UDDM)., Abdourhamane Toure Amadou ,   Faculte des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Departement de Geologie, Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey (UAM)., Issa Malam Salmanou Souleymane ,   Faculte des Sciences et Techniques (FST), Departement des Sciences Geologiques en Environnementales (SGE), Universite de Zinder (UZ)., Garba Zibo ,   Faculte des Sciences et Techniques (FAST), Departement de Geologie, Universite Abdou Moumouni de Niamey (UAM).
Published: January 2021

In order to characterizeclays of the Zinder region, 20 samples were taken from the quarries of Magaria, Mirriah, Guidimouni and Kolleram and four composite samples were made and representative of the quarries. These samples were subjected to chemical and mineralogical analyzes. Chemical analysis shows that the materials from these four quarries are aluminosilicates, but in varying proportions. The samplesfrom the Magaria and Kolleramquarries, contain proportions of carbonwhichinducethem a blackishcolor and alkaline and alkaline-earthelements (CaO, K2O, MgO. The samplesfromMirriah and Guidimouni,are veryrich in ironoxide (Fe2O3) whichinduces a reddishcolor. The main mineralogical phases detected by X-ray diffraction in the rawsamples and fine fractions from the four quarrieswere kaolinite, a mica structure close to illite and quartz.Thesequarriesthenconstitutekaolinicdeposits, primary and secondary. Those of Magaria and Kolleram are secondary and less favorable to formulations of ceramicproducts and those of Mirriah and Guidimouni are primary and very favorable to formulations of ceramicproductssuch as potteryfromMirriah.
Migración venezolana hacia Colombia respuestas del Estado (2015 -2019)
Authors: Bedoya Bedoya Maria Rocio
Published: January 2021

El propósito de esta ponencia es analizar las políticas migratorias adoptadas por el gobierno colombiano para dar respuesta a los conflictos provocados por las nuevas tendencias migratorias procedente de Venezuela hacia Colombia de 2015 a 2019. Teóricamente, se examinarán la perspectiva de las políticas públicas con los enfoques de derechos, interseccionalidad, género y territorio para analizar las medidas adoptadas por el gobierno como respuesta a los desafíos planteados por los nuevos flujos migratorios. Metodológicamente se combina el enfoque cualitativo con el estudio de caso a través de entrevistas, grupo focal y análisis de bases de datos.
Palabras clave: migración; Venezuela; Colombia; políticas públicas; derechos.