bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Development of high strength self-compacted concrete with supplementary cementitious materials
Authors: Memon Muneeb Ayoub , Memon Noor Ahmed , Memon Bashir Ahmed
Published: March 2022

Self-compacting concrete (SCC) is the type of concrete that can flow under its own weight and completely fills the formwork without using vibration efforts. Since the manufacturing of cement has negative effects on the environment, the construction industry is putting a lot of effort to explore alternative supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs). This study is aimed to produce high-strength SCC with SCMs i.e., silica fume (SF) and fly ash (FA). The laboratory tests were conducted to determine the fresh and hardened properties of newly produced high strength SCC with binary and ternary use of SF and FA as partial replacement of cement. The replacement levels of cement with SF and FA were 5 to 20% and 5 to 30% with 5% increment by weight of cement, respectively. The results have revealed that both the fresh and hardened properties of SCCs depend on the binary and ternary use of SCMs. Furthermore, a substantial increase in the compressive, spilt tensile and flexural strength was observed for all the mixes of SCC with the addition of SCMs. However, the optimum replacement level of cement for producing high strength SCC was found as 10% SF and 15% FA. The resulting green concrete is not only good from strength point of view but also helps to some extent in management of the waste. It also helps in reducing the adverse impacts on environment in general and individuals’ health in particular due to reduced waste and reduced production of the ingredients of concrete.
Applied value of 3D printing technique in surgical treatment of acetabular fractures
Authors: Xia Guofeng , Liu Qi , Sun Peifeng
Published: March 2022

Purposes ：To explore the effect of 3D printing technique for the surgical treatment of acetabular fractures and provide reference for improving clinical curative effect.Methods ：94 acetabular fracture patients from 2006 to 2016 were cl assified into conditional group, according to the Judet-Letournel classification were divided into simple fracture group 43 cases and complex fracture group 51 cases. 46 acetabular fracture patients were classified into 3D group since 2017, according to Letournel classification were divided into 25 cases of simple fracture group and complex fracture group of 21 cases. Operation time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative blood transfusion, time of intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative drainage, surgical imaging results analysis, postoperative functional recovery of hip, postoperative complications were compared between traditional and 3D group respectively in simple and complicated fracture. Results：In simple fracture, there were no significantly difference in the operation time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative blood transfusion, time of intraoperative fluoroscopy and postoperative drainage, surgical imaging results analysis, postoperative functional recovery of hip, postoperative complications between traditional and 3D group(P>0.05)In complicated fracture, there were significantly difference in operation time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative blood transfusion, times of intraoperative fluoroscopy, surgical imaging results, functional recovery of the hip, incidence of incision infection between conditional and 3D group(P<0.05). There were no significantly difference in postoperative drainage, the incidences of postoperative iatrogenic neurological symptoms, traumatic arthritis and heterotopic ossification between conditional and 3D group. (P<0.05)Conclusion ：The 3D printing technique of assisted surgical treatment of simple acetabular fractures had no significant effect on operation time, intraoperative blood loss, perioperative blood transfusion, intraoperative perspective and postoperative drainage; and 3D printing technology for patients with complicated acetabular fractures auxiliary Surgical treatment can significantly shorten the operation time, reduce intraoperative blood loss and perioperative blood transfusion, and reduce the number of intraoperative fluoroscopy; 3D printing technology can reduce the risk of postoperative wound infection, regardless of the use of complicated surgical treatment of acetabular fractures.
Effect of Motion Correction for CCTA in Quantifying the Pericoronary Adipose Tissue
Authors: Guo Youbiao , Fu Hongchao , Yin Xiaohua , Han Dan , Liang Shengxiang , Liang Kaiyi
Published: March 2022

Objective
To explore the effect of the motion correction in quantifying the pericoronary adipose tissue (PCAT) of coronary CT angiography (CCTA).
Methods
Forty patients who underwent CCTA were retrospectively enrolled in this study. Two CCTA series were reconstructed without motion correction (MC) and with motion correction. The image qualities were evaluated using a five-point Likert scale rating system. The right coronary artery (RCA) and PCAT were segmented. Volume of RCA, volume of PCAT and the fat attenuation index (FAI) were calculated and compared using paired sample t-test between two series. Pearson’s correlation analyses were performed to access the correlations between the image quality change and 3 parameters changes, respectively. The radiomics features of PCAT were also extracted and compared.
Results
The image qualities were significantly improved (without MC vs with MC, the percent of image quality score > 3, 52% vs 84%, p < 0.001). The volume of RCA was significantly increased after motion correction (p < 0.05), while FAI and the volume of PCAT were not. Besides, the changes of the volume of RCA and the volume of PCAT had significantly positive correlation with image quality change due to motion correction, while FAI change was not. Meanwhile, 521 of 1218 radiomics features of PCAT were significantly affected by motion correction.
Conclusion
Reconstruction with MC algorithm could improve the CCTA image quality, and had a significant impact on the quantization of PCAT.
New Heterogeneous Nano-Catalyst: Synthesis and Catalytic Effect on the Green Synthesis of 1-Substituted and 5-Substituted 1H-Tetrazole Derivatives
Authors: Mashhoori Mahboobeh-Sadat , Sandaroos Reza
Published: March 2022

A novel heterogeneous catalyst containing Schiff base coordinated Cu(II) covalently attached to Fe3O4@SiO2 nanoparticles through imidazolium linker [Fe3O4@SiO2-Im(Br)-SB-Cu (II)] was synthesized and characterized by using various techniques. The catalytic efficiency of this nano-catalyst was tested in the synthesis of tetrazole derivatives. The investigation revealed that i) The catalyst is very efficient in the synthesis of tetrazole derivatives with high yield (97%) in aqueous medium; ii) The catalytic effectiveness is due the synergy between the metallic center and the imidazolium ion and iii) The reuse advantage of the catalyst without contamination or significant loss (12% of loss range) in the catalytic activity.
Construction of Novel Yeast Strains from Candida tropicalis KBKTI 10.5.1 and Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBY1 to Improve the Performance of Ethanol Production Using Lignocellulosic Hydrolyzate
Authors: Jamaluddin Jamaluddin , Riyanti Eny Ida , Mubarik Nisa Rachmania , Listanto Edy
Published: March 2022

Increased consumption of xylose-glucose and yeast tolerance to lignocellulosic hydrolyzate are the keys to the success of second-generation bioethanol production. Candida tropicalis KBKTI 10.5.1 is a new isolated strain that has the ability to ferment xylose. In contrast to Saccharomyces cerevisiae DBY1 which only can produce ethanol from glucose fermentation. The research objective is the application of the genome sufling method to increase the performance of ethanol production using lignocellulosic hydrolyzate. Mutants were selected on xylose and glucose substrates separately and using RAPD analysis. The ethanol production using lignocellulosic hydrolyzate by parents and mutants was evaluated using a batch fermentation system. Concentrations of ethanol, residual sugars, and by-products such as glycerol, lactate, and acetate were measured using HPLC machine uquiped with Hi-plex H for Carbohydrate column and a Refraction Index Detector (RID) detector. Ethanol produced by Fcs1 and Fcs4 mutants on acid hydrolyzate increased by 26.58% and 24.17% from parent DBY1, by 14.94% and 21.84% from parent KBKTI 10.5.1. In contrast to the increase in ethanol production on alkaline hydrolyzate, Fcs1 and Fcs4 mutants only experienced an increase in ethanol production by 1.35% from the parent KBKTI 10.5.1. Ethanol productivity by Fcs1 and Fcs4 mutants on acid hydrolyzate reached 0.042 g/L/h and 0.044 g/L/h. The recombination of the genomes of different yeast species resulted in novel yeast strains that improved resistance performance and ethanol production on lignocellulosic hydrolysates.
Dietary 7-Ketocholesterol Exacerbates Myocardial Ischemia–Reperfusion Injury in Mice through Monocyte/Macrophage-Mediated Inflammation
Authors: Uchikawa Tomoki , Matoba Tetsuya , Kawahara Takuro , Baba Isashi , Katsuki Shunsuke , Koga Jun-ichiro , Hashimoto Yu , Yamasaki Ryo , Ichi Ikuyo , Akita Hidetaka , Tsutsui Hiroyuki
Published: March 2022

Background: Emerging evidence suggests that 7-ketocholesterol (7-KC), one of the most abundant dietary oxysterols, causes inflammation and cardiovascular diseases. Here we show the deteriorating effects of dietary 7-KC on myocardial ischemia–reperfusion (IR) injury and detailed the molecular mechanisms.Methods and Results: A high-fat high-cholesterol diet containing 7-KC (7KWD) for 3 weeks increased the plasma 7-KC level compared with high-fat high-cholesterol diet in mice. In wild-type mice but not in CCR2-/- mice, dietary 7-KC increased the myocardial infarct size after IR. Flow cytometry revealed that the ratio of Ly-6Chigh inflammatory monocytes to total monocytes was increased in the 7KWD group. Unbiased RNA sequencing using murine primary macrophages revealed that 7-KC regulated the expression of transcripts related to inflammation and cholesterol biosynthesis. We further validated that in vitro, 7-KC induced endoplasmic reticulum stress, mitochondrial reactive oxygen species production, and nuclear factor-kappa B activation, which are associated with increased mRNA levels of proinflammatory cytokines. Administration of N-acetyl-L-cysteine or siRNA-mediated knockdown of PKR-like endoplasmic reticulum kinase or endoplasmic reticulum oxidase 1α suppressed the levels of 7-KC-induced inflammation.Conclusion: Dietary 7-KC exacerbates myocardial IR injury through monocyte/macrophage-mediated inflammation. Endoplasmic reticulum stress and oxidative stress are involved in the 7-KC-induced proinflammatory response in macrophages.
The Antibacterial and Qualitative studies of Ajmalicine and Serpentine extracted from Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don leaves
Authors: SUVALKA Chetana
Published: March 2022

Catharanthus roseus (L.) G. Don is an important medicinal plant through the tropical region. The present work focuses on multiple solvent extraction method for extraction of Serpentine and Ajmalicine.The purified bioactive compounds from Catharanthus roseus plant leaves have been taken up for antimicrobial activity. Increasing polarity based separation is used for compound separation of bioactive compounds in column chromatography and identification has been done through spectroscopic analysis. The purified compounds were further taken for antibacterial assay. The maximum Zone of Inhibition was evoluted by ajmalicine against Enterococcus which was 1.7 cm and minnimum was by serpentine 0.35cm against Escherichia coli. Multiple extraction method is better approach for ajmalicine and serpentine separation using TLC and column chromatography which can be used as a potential drug against pathogenic bacteria.
Semi Supervised Grading Model Using Syntactic Level Feature Selection Technique
Authors: R Krithiga , p Geetha
Published: March 2022

Cancer prognosis and the course of treatment chosen are based on the grade of malignancy present as observed in the images. Deep learning approaches have resulted in encouraging outcomes on histopathology images at different levels, such as detection, segmentation, and classification. In this paper, we examine the application of deep learning and image processing techniques to perform automatic breast cancer malignancy grading from histopathology images of Hematoxylin and Eosin (H&E) stains. To determine the grade of malignancy slide, ROI is first extracted from the pre-processed malignant images. From this features were extracted by an intensity level and texture of images, which describe the proportions of nuclei belonging to the various grades, in conjunction with pixel-level feature, and object level feature. In this study we propose a rough set-based syntactic feature selection method (SFSM)-to create an integrated set of image attributes that can potentially differentiate the varies grades of malignancy image features. Finally, cancer grade was determined by reducing feature vector and classified by the individual Xg-boosting model. Thus, the framework can be clinically used for accurate and rapid diagnosis of breast cancer.
Knowledge, attitudes and perceptions of sexual and reproductive health rights among undergraduates in state universities in Sri Lanka
Authors: Perera Upuli , Abeysena Chrishantha
Published: March 2022

Introduction: Sexual and Reproductive Health Rights (SRHR) are universal. The objective was to describe the knowledge and attitudes and explore the perceptions regarding SRHR among undergraduates. Methods: A cross sectional study was conducted among 1575 undergraduates using stratified cluster sampling of the selected universities. A pre-tested self-administered questionnaire was administered to assess knowledge and attitudes on SRHR. In addition, focus group discussions were conducted to explore perceptions and attitudes regarding SRHR. Three hundred and eighty-five (24.4%, n = 385) undergraduates had good knowledge, 604 (38.3%) had satisfactory knowledge and 586 (37.2%) had poor knowledge on SRHR. Males and undergraduates who had studied in bioscience stream had better knowledge than the other categories (p < 0.001). Majority of undergraduates (93.4%, n = 1463) agreed with the statement aimed at equal say among both men and women in sexual relationships, 1234 (78.8%) agreed that a woman has a right to refuse sex with her male partner anytime she wants and 511(32.7%) said women should be submissive to men. Only a very few (3.1%, n = 48) thought that the child-care would-be women’s sole response. School education, law, media and culture were identified as being related to the protection and violations of rights. Suggestions were made for the improvement of SRRs including strengthening of education and proper implementation of law. Conclusion: Undergraduates’ knowledge on SRHR was not in an acceptable level, however their attitudes were positive. Effective educational program should be implemented.
Impact of HTM on Lead-free Perovskite Solar Cell with High Efficiency
Authors: Das ALOKE kumar , Mandal R. , Mandal D. K.
Published: March 2022

The Scaps-1d simulator was used to simulate a lead-free perovskite CH3NH3SnI3 based solar cell devices fabricated from different hole transport materials (HTM). This research looks at two organic and two inorganic HTM layers. The cell structure used in this study is FTO/TiO2/ CH3NH3SnI3/HTM(variable)/Au(variable). Spiro-OMeTAD, PEDOT:PSS, CuO and Cu2O are the HTM materials used. The results show that utilizing CuO as an HTM produces better outcomes than other HTMs, with an efficiency of 28.45%. The thickness, acceptor concentration (NA), and defect density (Nt) of the perovskite layer on optoelectronic properties of the solar cell are focus of simulation studies. According to this study, an perovskite layer thickness of 1000 nm is suitable for a decent photovoltaic cell. Furthermore, by adjusting the HTM thickness and the defect density of HTM and absorber layer, promising findings of Jsc of 34.38 mAcm− 2, Voc of 1.011 V, FF of 80.85% and PCE of 28.10% were obtained for Spiro-OMeTAD based PSC. Finally, in order to improve the device's performance, an anode material with high work function is required. Our findings reveal that using a thin absorber layer results in low photo generated charge carriers due to less absorption, but high carrier extraction. Although more carriers are created in the cell due to increased absorption, decreased collection efficiency is related to recombination, which decreases Voc for thick perovskite layers. Device efficiency is improved by increasing the doping density up to 1018 cm− 3 in the perovskite layer due to built-in electric field across the solar cell. Again a very thin or thick HTL is not ideal for high PCE. For low recombination and a high fill factor, an HTM (Spiro-OMeTAD) of 1–100 nm is necessary. The great power conversion efficiency of organic HTM based lead-free PSC brings up the new possibilities for obtaining renewable energy.
Probing the Link Between Cortical Inhibitory and Excitatory Processes and Muscle Fascicle Dynamics
Authors: Lauber Benedikt , Taube Wolfgang
Published: March 2022

During movements, neural signals are translated into shortening of muscle fibers. This study investigated cortical excitatory and inhibitory processes in relation to muscle fascicle dynamics during isometric explosive contractions. Fourteen adults performed submaximal and maximal dorsiflexions. Single and paired pulse transcranial magnetic stimulation of the tibialis anterior (TA) was applied during rest, the activation and deactivation phase of contractions to test for short- (SICI) and long-interval intracortical inhibition (LICI) and intracortical facilitation (ICF). Ultrasound images were taken to measure muscle fascicle dynamics of the superficial (TASF) and deep (TADP) TA compartments. The results show significantly greater maximal shortening velocities (p = 0.003) and greater maximal fascicle shortening (p = 0.003) in TASF than TADP during submaximal dorsiflexions. Significantly lower SICI levels during activation compared to deactivation (p = 0.019) and at rest (p<0.0001) were observed. ICF was significantly greater during activation (p = 0.03) than during rest while LICI did hardly modulate. Maximal TASF but not TADP shortening velocity correlated with SICI levels at activation (p = 0.06) and with the rate of torque development (p = 0.02). The results suggest that SICI influences muscle fascicle behavior and that intracortical inhibition and excitation are phase-dependently modulated.
Two Years of the COVID-19 Pandemic: Estimating the Effects on Essential Health Services Utilization in Uganda and Bangladesh
Authors: Angeles Gustavo , Silverstein Hannah , Ahsan Karar Zunaid , Kibria Mohammad Golam , Rakib Nibras Ar , Escudero Gabriela , Sing Kavita , Mpiima Jamiru , Simmons Elizabeth , Weiss William
Published: March 2022

Background
Since March 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic has been a major shock to health systems across the world. We examined national usage patterns for selected basic, essential health services, before and during the COVID-19 pandemic, to determine whether COVID-19 affected reporting of service utilization and the use of health services.
Methods
We used routine health information system data since January 2017 to analyze reporting and service utilization patterns for a variety of health services. Using time series models to replicate pre-COVID-19 trajectories over time we estimated what levels would have been observed if COVID-19 had not occurred during the pandemic months, starting in March 2020. The difference between the observed and predicted levels is the COVID effect on health services.
Findings:
The time trends models for Uganda and Bangladesh closely replicated the levels and trajectories of service utilization during the 38 months prior to the COVID-19 pandemic. Our results indicate that COVID-19 had severe effects across all services, particularly during the first months of the pandemic, but COVID-19 impacts on health services and subsequent recovery varied by service type. In general, recovery to expected levels was slow and incomplete across the most affected services.
Conclusion
Our analytical approach based on national information system data could be very useful as a form of surveillance for health services disruptions from any cause leading to rapid responses from health service managers and policymakers.
Personalising pain management in advanced cancer: is KCNJ6 A1032G associated with methadone response?
Authors: Haupt Larisa , Ozberk Deniz , Haywood Alison , Sutherland Heidi , Yu Chieh , Albury Cassie , Zunk Matthew , George Rani , Good Phillip , Griffiths Lyn , Hardy Janet
Published: March 2022

Opioids are the therapeutic agents of choice to manage moderate to severe pain in patients with advanced cancer, however the unpredictable inter-individual response to opioid therapy remains a challenge for clinicians. While studies are few, the KCNJ6 gene is a promising target for investigating genetic factors that contribute to pain and analgesia response. This is the first association study on polymorphisms in KCNJ6 and response to methadone for pain management in advanced cancer. Fifty-four adult patients with advanced cancer were recruited across two study sites in a prospective, open label, dose individualisation study. No associations were shown for rs2070995 and methadone dose or pain score, consistent with other studies conducted in patients receiving opioids for pain in advanced cancer. Significant associations have been shown for rs2070995 and opioid response in opioid substitution therapy for heroin addiction and studies in chronic pain, with mixed results seen in postoperative pain. There are many challenges in conducting studies in advanced cancer with significant attrition and small sample sizes, however it is hoped that the results of our study will contribute to the evidence base and allow for continued development of gene-drug dosing guidelines for clinicians.
Lightweight single image deraining algorithm incorporating visual saliency
Authors: hu mingdi , Yang Jingbing
Published: March 2022

Deep learning (DL) methods have achieved excellent performance in the task of single image rain removal, however, there are still some challenges, such as artifact remnant, background over-smooth, and more and more complex and heavy-weight network architecture. Due to too heavy-weight network to suit outdoor detection devices or mobile devices, therefore, we propose a light-weight single image deraining algorithm incorporating visual attention saliency mechanisms (LDVS). The network consists of dilation convolution module, the convolutional block attention module (CBAM), and gated recursive unit module. Specifically, rain steaks feature maps are extracted by the combinations of dilated convolution with CBAM, which also facilitates accurate localisation of rain steak location, and then the three gated recursive units is cascaded to remove steaks stage by stage. The dilated convolution module and CBAM are used to reduce network’s weight size and retain the rain removal result, thus our LDVS method belongs to the lightweight with only 50703 parameters. Extensive experiments on synthetic and real-world datasets have demonstrated that our method outperforms the baseline both under qualitative and quantitative analysis. Under the same rain removal result, our method is less time cost and less burden.
Optineurin Gene Polymorpshism and Its Association With Glaucoma Onset
Authors: Batool Andleeb , Noureen Aqsa , Mukhtar Maryam , Parveen Asia , Malkani Naila , Hanif Atif
Published: March 2022

Glaucoma is a polygenic trait, and an irreversible visual impairment disorder caused by elevation of IOP (Intraocular Pressure), apoptotic death of the retinal Ganglion cells, excavation of optic nerve and ultimately vision loss if remain untreated. It is inherited in next generation in carrier families. In this study we aimed to identify the genetic polymorphism in OPTN gene and its association with glaucoma. Three SNPs (rs11258194, rs75654767, rs2234968) of OPTN gene were evaluated with their restriction enzymes StuI, AciI and HpyChIV respectively for their genetic association. For this purpose, blood samples were carried out from 100 patients and 100 controls with their clinical characteristics. Genotyping was done by DNA sequencing and PCR-RFLP. Overall the genotypic frequencies of two SNPs rs11258194 “TA” and rs75654767 “AA” were (0.21) and (0.42) in patients respectively while these genotypes were absent in controls. So rs75654767 (AA) and rs11258194 were significantly associated (p < 0.05) with Glaucoma in our population. No association was detected with rs2234968. Haplotype analysis indicated that TGG, AAG, and TAG were strongly associated (p < 0.05) with the disease onset while the haplotype AGG was significant in controls and has a protective role against disease development. Moreover, no linkage disequilibrium was seen between the rs2234968 and rs2234968 except the rs11258194 (D/= 0.75). In conclusion, the polymorphism in OPTN was significantly associated with the glaucoma. A large scale genetic screening of families is required for the evaluation of their role in disease development and early diagnosis.
Iris Fluttering Detected by Anterior Segment Optical Coherence Tomography in Eyes with Intrascleral Fixation of Intraocular Lens
Authors: Inoue Makoto , Koto Takashi , Hirakata Akito
Published: March 2022

The iris fluttering after eye movements was quantified by anterior segment optical coherence tomography (AS-OCT) in 29 eyes that had undergone pars plana vitrectomy (PPV) and intrascleral fixation of an intraocular lens (IOL, ISF group) and 15 eyes with PPV and an IOL implantation into lens capsule (control group). The iris fluttering was recorded every 0.2 seconds by AS-OCT after the eye had moved from a temporal to the primary position (time 0). The iris height from the iris plane (line between the anterior chamber angles) were compared between the groups. The height of the nasal sector in the ISF group decreased to -0.68 ± 0.43 mm at 0 sec (P < 0.0001) and returned to -0.06 ± 0.23 mm at 0.2 sec (P = 0.14). The height of the nasal sector at 0 sec was significantly lower than that of control (-0.05 ± 0.09 mm, P < 0.0001). The height of the temporal sector increased to 0.45 ± 0.31 mm at 0 sec (P < 0.0001) and returned to -0.06 ± 0.18 mm at 0.2 sec (P = 0.15). The height of the temporal sector at 0 sec was significantly higher than that of the control (0.03 ± 0.06 mm, P < 0.0001). Large amplitude iris fluttering leading to reverse pupillary block can be detected and quantified by consecutive AS-OCT images.
Patient-centered research: how do women tolerate nipple fluid aspiration as a potential screening tool for breast cancer?
Authors: Patuleia Susana I.S. , Moelans Cathy B. , Koopman Jasmijn , Steenhoven Julia E.C. van , Dalen Thijs van , Pol Carmen C. van der , Jager Agnes , Ausems Margreet G.E.M. , Diest Paul J. van , Wall Elsken van der , Suijkerbuijk Karijn P.M.
Published: March 2022

Background: Nipple fluid aspiration (NFA) is a technique to acquire nipple aspirate fluid (NAF), which is considered a rich source of breast-specific biomarkers. Originating directly from the mammary ducts, this liquid biopsy can offer insight into the process of carcinogenesis at its earliest stage and therefore could be of added value to the current imaging-based breast cancer screening tools. With that in mind, it is necessary to know how well NFA is tolerated.Aim: To evaluate the participants’ tolerability of NFA compared to breast imaging screening methods and blood draws.Materials and methods: Three cohorts of women underwent NFA: healthy women (n=190), women diagnosed with breast cancer (n=137) and women at high risk of developing breast cancer (n=48). A 0-10 discomfort score of NFA, mammography, breast MRI and blood draws, was filled in at the study visits, which took place once or annually.Results: The median discomfort rate of NFA was 1, which was significantly lower than the median discomfort of mammography and breast MRI (5 and 3, respectively, p<0.001), but significantly higher than median discomfort for blood draws (0, p<0.001). The great majority of women would undergo the procedure again (98%) and recommend it to others (97%).Conclusion: This study shows that NFA was well tolerated by healthy women, women diagnosed with breast cancer and high-risk women. This makes NFA a feasible method to pursue as a potential future breast cancer early detection tool, based on resident biomarkers.Trial registration: NL41845.041.12, NL57343.041.16 and NL11690.041.06 in trialregister.nl
Challenges toward management of CARD9-deficient patients with phaeohyphomycosis: a case report and case series study
Authors: Zhang Lu , Zhang Yi , Ma Yubo , Wang Zijuan , Wan Zhe , Song Yinggai , Wang Xiaowen , Li Ruoyu
Published: March 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
A pan-cancer analysis of the role of hexokinase II (HK2) in human tumors
Authors: Li Ruiqi , Mei Shuchong , Ding Qiang , Wang Qingming , Yu Li , Zi Fuming
Published: March 2022

Background:In view of the complexity of tumorigenesis, it is very important to conduct a pan-cancer expression analysis and assess its correlation with clinical prognosis and potential molecular mechanisms of gene interested. More and more evidences show that HK2 is closely related to tumors. But no pan-cancer analysis is available. The aim of this paper was to explore the potential roles of HK2 across thirty-three tumors based on the datasets of TCGA (The Cancer Genome Atlas) and GEO (Gene Expression Omnibus). Results:HK2 is highly expressed in most tumors and related to the progression of some tumors. HK2 expression were associated with the infiltration of T follicular helper cells (Tfh) for the TCGA tumors of UVM, BRCA, BRCA-LumA, HNSC, HNSC-HPV+, and cancer-associated fibroblasts for the tumors of LGG and STAD. Conclusion:Our first pan-cancer analyses of HK2 indicated statistical correlations of HK2 expression with clinical prognosis and immune cell infiltration across multiple tumors, which help to understand the role of HK2 in tumorigenesis from the perspective of clinical tumor samples.
Relationship Between Attachment Site of Tibialis Anterior Muscle and Shape of Tibia: Anatomical Study of Cadavers
Authors: Kimata Kentaro , Otsuka Shun , Yokota Hiroki , Shan Xiyao , Hatayama Naoyuki , Naito Munekazu
Published: March 2022

Background: Tibialis anterior (TA) muscle is the largest dorsiflexor of the ankle joint and plays an important role during gait movement. However, descriptions of the TA attachment site are inconsistent even among major anatomy textbooks, and its origin, especially the attachment site for the tibia, has not been reported in detail. This study is the first experimental attempt to investigate the origin of the TA in detail, paying particular attention to the relationship with the shape of the tibia, including sex differences.Methods: Forty legs (20 males, 20 females) from twenty Japanese cadavers were examined. Gross anatomical examination of the TA's attachment site to the tibia and the tibia's shape was performed.Results: The location of the distal end of the TA's attachment on tibia was more distal in males than in females. The anterior border of the tibia had a gentle S-like curve, with a medially convex curve in the proximal region and a laterally convex curve in the distal region in frontal plane. The most protruding point of the distal curve of the anterior border locates more proximal in females than in males.Conclusions: There were sex differences in relationship between the distal end of the attachment site on tibia of the TA and the shape of the tibia. Consequently, in males, the TA was considered to be advantageous for power exertion, while in females it worked efficiently for ankle movements. Sex differences in TA's attachment site and the shape of the tibia may be involved in gait movement as well as frequency of lower leg disorders such as chronic exertional compartment syndrome.
Trends in Avoidable Hospitalizations in A Developed City in Eastern China: 2015 to 2018
Authors: CHEN Siyuan , JIAN Weiyan , FU Hongqiao
Published: March 2022

Objective: This study aimed to measure the avoidable hospitalization rate and the treatment cost per hospitalization time in large cities of eastern China.Methods: In this study, the hospital discharge data of all inpatients in the city from 2015 to 2018 were collected. In accordance with the organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) definition of avoidable hospitalizations, five diseases were selected as the measurement objects, including hypertension, diabetes, asthma, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), as well as congestive heart failure (CHF). The basic characteristics and disease severity of patients were regulated using the linear probability model and the log-linear model, and the trend of avoidable hospitalization rate and treatment cost was examined according to the description of hospitalization rate, average cost per stay and average length of stay per stay.Results: From 2015 to 2018, the absolute number of avoidable hospitalizations in the city increased while fluctuating, which reached 125,372 in 2018. Among the five avoidable hospitalizations, the number of hospitalizations for diabetes increased continuously in the 4-year period. Congestive heart failure showed the most significant increase over the four years. Avoidable hospitalizations in the city have remained at a high level, while avoidable hospitalizations of hypertension and asthma fell to levels lower than those in 2015 in 2017 and 2018 after rising in 2016. The cost per hospitalization and length of stay per hospitalization decreased.Conclusions: Avoidable hospitalizations in the city remain at a high level, and more effective policies should be formulated to guide patients with avoidable hospitalizations, so as to more effectively exploit outpatient services and continuously improve the quality of primary health care services.
The Effect of Fear of Failure on Confidence in, and Comfortableness With, the Delivery of End-of-life Care
Authors: Latham John , Butchard Sarah , Mason Stephen
Published: March 2022

ObjectiveTo investigate whether fear of failure (FOF) influences a clinician’s perception of their confidence and comfortableness with the delivery of end of life (EOL) care, controlling for gender, role, years of experience, and number of EOL conversations. DesignCross-sectional questionnaire study.Setting Two large NHS hospital trusts in the UK, and national UK professional networks.Participants105 doctors and 104 specialist nurses across 20 hospital specialities. Main outcome measuresThe Performance Failure Appraisal Inventory, the Self-Efficacy in Palliative Care scale, the Thanatophobia Scale. Analysis A two-step multiple regression.ResultsThe study validated the use of the PFAI and its subscales within a novel population group of medical professionals. No. of EOL conversations, gender, and role impacted confidence and comfortableness with EOL care. Fearing loss of interest negatively impacted a clinician’s confidence in communicating with patients. Fear of devaluing one’s self-estimate negatively impacted confidence in decision making, working with others, and total self-efficacy.ConclusionThree aspects of FOF negatively impacted both doctors and nurses delivery of EOL care. Practical ImplicationsFurther study should look at how FOF develops, sustaining factors, and other areas of clinical practice that FOF impacts, drawing also from FOF research outside the field of medicine. Techniques developed to manage FOF in other populations can now be investigated with a medical population.
Improve Of Gasless Laparoscopic Single-Site Suspension And Use In Surgery For Endometrial Cancer
Authors: Zhao Bing bing , Lu XIN qiu , Xu Li , li Li , Zhang Jieqing
Published: March 2022

Objective: To investigate the improve in Gasless Laparoscopic single-site suspension and use in surgery for endometrial cancer.And to compare the outcome of different surgical style in endometrial cancer.Method: A tissue retractor is added to the routine step of Gasless Laparoscopic single-site(GLESS) to lift the abdominal wall upward. Lateral umbilical ligament was exposed, and 2-0 buckwheat thread was passed through the umbilical ligament and abdominal wall, then lift the umbilical ligament.Measure the changes of space length or height in different dimensions of improved GLESS. Measure the vertical height from the upper edge of the umbilical hole to the abdominal cavity, the length from the lower edge of the umbilical hole to the right Michaelis point, the height from the bottom of the uterus to the peritoneal cavity of the anterior abdominal wall, and the length from the lateral umbilical ligament to the ipsilateral psoas major muscle.To analyze the differences operations of 177 cases of endometrial carcinoma in operation time, hemoglobin change, number of lymph nodes removed, postoperative exhaust time and postoperative complications of open surgery, multi site laparoscopic surgery, single site laparoscopic surgery and gasless Laparoscopic single-site surgery for endometrial cancer.Result: After improvement, the operation space increased significantly. There was no significant difference in the operation time, hemoglobin change, number of lymph nodes removed, postoperative exhaust time and postoperative complications of endometrial cancer.Conclusion: The improvement of GLESS can exposed to a greater surgen space. At the same time, the way of suspending the umbilical ligament through abdominal silk thread can expose the anatomical structure of obturator position to a greater extent.The application of GLESS in the operation of endometrial cancer is safe and feasible.
GC-MS analysis of important bioactive compounds in bulbs and callus of in vitro produced Urginea maritima.
Authors: El-Naggar Hany , Shahata Ashraf M. , Morsi Mennat-allah
Published: March 2022

Medicinal herbs are the main source of bioactive compounds used in the medicine industry. Urginea maritima is an important medicinal and ornamental plant cultivated in the Mediterranean region. This study reports an efficient protocol for in vitro propagation of Urginea and investigates the most important bioactive compounds present in the bulbs and in vitro-produced callus. The least number of days for callus induction and shoot regeneration was achieved in Murashige and Skoog MS basal media supplemented with (1 mg/L 1-naphthaleneacetic acid NAA + 0.1 mg/L 6-benzylaminopurine, BAP) and (1 mg/L NAA + 0.4 mg/L BAP), respectively, while the highest number of shoots and fresh weight were obtained in media supplemented with 1 mg/L NAA + 0.5 mg/L BAP. Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry GC–MS analysis of Urgenia bulbs methanol extract showed the existence of important bioactive compounds such as palmitic acid (C16H32O2), 9-hexadecenoic acid (C16H30O2), phthalic acid 2-ethylhexyl propyl ester (C19H28O4), tetradecanoic acid (C14H28O2), undecanoic acid (C11H22O2), and oleic acid (C18H34O2), in addition to other important compounds such as 13-heptadecyn-1-ol, 9,12- octadecadienoic acid, 1-monolinoleoylglycerol trimethylsilyl ether, 2-methyl-1-hexadecanol and octadecanoic acid. These compounds possess antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, anti-HIV, antifungal, antiasthma, and antimicrobial properties. Callus methanol extracts showed a reduction in the percentages of most phyto-components compared to bulb extract except for oleic acid, 3-(octadecyloxy) propyl ester and 3-hydroxydodecanoic acid; on the other hand, some compounds were detected only in callus extract possessing anticancer and anti-inflammatory effects, such as farnesol (C15H26O), 7-methyl-Z-tetradecen-1-ol acetate (C17H32O2), ethyl iso-allocholate (C26H44O5), 4-trifluoroacetoxypentadecane (C17H31F3O2) and 2-hydroxyhexadecanoic acid (C16H32O3).
Generation of Multipartite Entanglement Between Spin-1 Particles With Bifurcation-based Quantum Annealing
Authors: Matsuzaki Yuichiro , Imoto Takashi , Susa Yuki
Published: March 2022

Quantum annealing is a way to solve a combinational optimization problem where quantum fluctuation is induced by transverse fields. Recently, a bifurcation-based quantum annealing with spin-1 particles was suggested as another mechanism to implement the quantum annealing. In the bifurcation-based quantum annealing, each spin is initially prepared in |0⟩, let this state evolve by a time-dependent Hamiltonian in an adiabatic way, and we find a state spanned by | ± 1⟩ at the end of the evolution. Here, we propose a scheme to generate multipartite entanglement, namely GHZ states, between spin-1 particles by using the bifurcation-based quantum annealing. We gradually decrease the detuning of the spin-1 particles while we adiabatically change the amplitude of the external driving fields. Due to the dipole-dipole interactions between the spin-1 particles, we can prepare the GHZ state after performing this protocol. We discuss possible implementations of our scheme by using nitrogen vacancy centers in diamond.
Prognostic Utility of LncRNAs (LINC00565 and LINC00641) as Molecular Markers in Glioblastoma Multiforme (GBM)
Authors: Amer Rehab G , Arab Lobna Ezz El , Ghany Dalia Abd El , Saad Amr S , Bahie-Eldin Nermean , Swellam Menha
Published: March 2022

Background and aim.
Glioblastoma multiforme (GBM) are primary brain tumor grade IV characterized by fast cell proliferation, high mortality and morbidity and most lethal gliomas. Molecular approaches underlying its pathogenesis and progression with diagnostic and prognostic value have been an area of interest. Long-non coding RNA (lncRNA) aberrantly expressed in GBM have been recently studied. The aim is to investigate the clinical role of lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 in GBM patients.
Patients and methods.
Blood samples were withdrawn from 35 newly diagnosed GBM cases with 15 healthy individuals, then lncRNA565 and lncRNA641 expression were evaluated using real time-PCR.Their diagnostic efficacy was detected using receiver operating characteristic curve. Progression free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) were studied using Kaplan-Meier curves.
Results.
LncRNAs expression was increased significantly among GBM as compared to control group. Their expression was correlated with clinico-pathological data and survival pattern for the studied GBM patients. Higher levels of both Lnc RNAs were correlated to worse performance status. Expression of lncRNA565 was increased with large tumor size (≥ 5cm).Survival analysis showed that both investigated lncRNA were increased with worse PFS and OS.
Conclusion.
Expression of lncRNA 565 and lncRNA 641 in a liquid biopsy sample can be used as prognostic biomarker for GBM patients.
Comparison Between Two- and Three-dimensional Methods for Offset Measurements After Total Hip Arthroplasty
Authors: Tone Shine , Hasegawa Masahiro , Naito Yohei , Wakabayashi Hiroki , Sudo Akihiro
Published: March 2022

The aim of this study was to compare acetabular offset, femoral offset, and global offset measurements obtained after total hip arthroplasty (THA) between a two-dimensional (2D) method and a three-dimensional (3D) method. The subjects were 89 patients with unilateral osteoarthritis who underwent primary THA at our institution. Acetabular, femoral, and global offsets were measured by each of the 2D and 3D methods in native and implanted hips. In native hips, mean acetabular, femoral, and global offsets were 32.4 ± 3.3, 32.7 ± 4.5, 65.1 ± 5.7 mm, respectively, by the 2D method, and 32.3 ± 3.1, 38.1 ± 4.0, 70.4 ± 4.9 mm, respectively, by the 3D method. In implanted hips, mean acetabular, femoral, and global offsets were 27.6 ± 4.1, 33.8 ± 7.8, 61.4 ± 8.5 mm, respectively, by the 2D method, and 27.6 ± 3.9, 41.8 ± 6.2, 69.4 ± 7.2 mm, respectively, by the 3D method. There was significant difference in femoral and global offsets between the 2D and 3D methods in both native and implanted hips. Comparison of the 2D and 3D methods for evaluation of acetabular, femoral, and global offsets after THA clarified the usefulness and accuracy of the 3D method.
Choline and Parecoxib Sodium Induced Pain Inhibition in Rats After Chronic Constriction Injury of the Sciatic Nerve
Authors: Zhang Na , Li Yang , Feng Zeguo
Published: March 2022

Purpose
We aimed to examine the pain inhibitory effects of systemic administration of choline and parezoxib sodium in a rat model of neuropathic pain induced by a chronic constriction injury (CCI) of the sciatic nerve, and to determine the changes of high mobility protein-1 (HMGB1) and NF-κBp65 expression in the dorsal root ganglion (DRG) after drug treatment.
Methods
Adult rats were randomly divided into 5 groups (N = 8/group). Sham surgery group received an intraperitoneal (i.p.) injection of saline. CCI rats received saline, choline (cho, 6, 12 and 24 mg/kg), parecoxib sodium (pare, 3, 6, 12mg/kg), or a combination of choline and parecoxib sodium with each drug delivered at a sub-effective dose. Mechanical and heat pain thresholds were measured at 30 min after drug treatment at day 3, 5, 7, 10, and 14 after CCI. In a separate study, rats were also divided into 5 groups (N = 6/group) including sham, CCI + saline, CCI + cho-6 mg/kg, CCI + pare-3mg/kg, and CCI + cho-6mg/kg + pare-3mg/kg group. After repeated drug treatment for 7 days, five rats were randomly selected in each group, and the lumbar DRGs (L4-6) were harvested for Western blot study.
Results
Choline significantly attenuated the mechanical and heat hypersensitivities in CCI rats at 12 and 24 mg/kg doses (P < 0.05), but was not effective at 6 mg/kg dose. Parecoxib sodium exerted significant pain inhibitory effects at 6 and 12 mg/kg doses (P < 0.05), but not at 3 mg/kg dose. Combining a low dose of choline (6 mg/kg) and parecoxib sodium (3 mg/kg) produced significant pain inhibition in CCI rats, and also reduced the expression of HMGB1 and NF-κBp65 in L4-6 DRGs.
Conclusion
A combination of choline and parecoxib sodium may effectively relieve neuropathic pain, and the underlying mechanisms may involve an inhibition of HMGB1/TLR4/NF-κB signaling pathway in DRG neurons.
Interactive Online Educational Modules Increase HIV and STI Prevention Competency Among Medical Students
Authors: Grant William , Adan Matthew A. , Samurkas Christina A. , Benitez Jorge , Gray Brett , Carnevale Caroline , Gordon Rachel J. , Zucker Jason , Sobieszczyk Magdalena E.
Published: March 2022

Background: The rate of new HIV diagnoses in the United States continues to slowly decline, yet, men who have sex with men and transgender women remain disproportionately affected. Key to improving quality of prevention services are providers who are comfortable addressing concepts of HIV prevention and sexual health across the spectrum of gender identities and sexual orientations. It is important to begin HIV prevention and sexual health education before providers’ practice habits are established. To address this need, we developed interactive educational modules and tested their impact on HIV prevention knowledge and awareness in future providers. Methods: Sexual health providers at an academic hospital, research clinicians, community engagement professionals, and New York City community members were consulted to develop seven educational modules, which were piloted among medical students. Knowledge of HIV and sexually transmitted infection (STI) prevention and comfort assessing prevention needs of various patients were assessed via online questionnaires administered before and after our educational intervention. Results: Pre- and post-module surveys were completed by 125 and 89 students, respectively, from all four years of training. Before the intervention, the majority of students had heard of HIV pre-exposure prophylaxis ( PrEP) (99.2%) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) (92.7%). About 31% (38/123) of students agreed that they could confidently identify a patient who is a candidate for PrEP or PEP – this increased to 91% (81/89) following intervention. Conclusions: Our findings highlight a need for increased HIV and STI prevention training in medical school curricula to enable future providers to care for diverse, at-risk patient populations. Interactive modules offer an effective way to teach these concepts.