bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Enteric Reabsorption: Influence on Drug Pharmacokinetics Depending on The Underlying Mechanism
Authors: Ibarra Manuel , Trocóniz Iñaki , Fagiolino Pietro
Published: December 2020

Enteric reabsorption occurs when a drug is secreted into the intestinal lumen and reabsorbed into the systemic circulation. This distribution process is evidenced by multiple peaks in pharmacokinetic profiles. Commonly, hepatobiliary drug secretion is assumed to be the underlying mechanism (enterohepatic reabsorption, EHR), neglecting other possible mechanisms such as gastric secretion (enterogastric reabsorption, EGR). In addition, the impact of drug reabsorption on systemic clearance, volume of distribution and bioavailability has been a subject of long-standing discussions. In this work, we propose semi-mechanistic pharmacokinetic models to reflect EHR and EGR and compare their respective impact on primary pharmacokinetic parameters. A simulation-based analysis was carried out considering three drug types with the potential for reabsorption, classified according to their primary route of elimination and their hepatic extraction: A)hepatic metabolism – low extraction; B)hepatic metabolism – intermediate/high extraction; C)renal excretion. Results show that an increase in EHR can significantly reduce the clearance of drugs A and B, increase bioavailability of B drugs, and increase the volume of distribution for all drugs. Conversely, EGR had negligible impact in all pharmacokinetic parameters. Findings provide background to explain and forecast the role that this process can play in pharmacokinetic variability, including drug-drug interactions and disease states.
Triboelectrification induced self-powered microbial disinfection using nanowire-enhanced localized electric field
Authors: Huo Zheng-Yang , Kim Young Jun , Suh In-Yong , Lee Dong-Min , Lee Jeong Hwan , Du Ye , Wang Si , Yoon Hong-Joon , Kim Sang-Woo
Published: December 2020

Air-transmitted pathogens may lead to severe epidemics (e.g., COVID-19) showing huge threats to public health. Inactivation of the pathogenic microbes in the air is an essential process, whereas the feasibility of existing air disinfection technologies has encountered obstacles including only achieving physical separation but no inactivation, obvious pressure drops, and energy intensiveness. Here we report a rapid disinfection method for inactivating air-transmitted bacteria and viruses using the nanowire-enhanced localized electric field to damage the outer structures of microbes. This air disinfection system is driven by a triboelectric nanogenerator that converts mechanical vibration to electricity effectively and achieves self-powered. Assisted by a rational design for the accelerated charging and trapping of microbes, this self-powered air disinfection system promotes the microbial transport and achieves high performance: >99.99% microbial inactivation within 0.025s in a fast airflow (2 m/s) while only causing low pressure drops (<24 Pa). This rapid, self-powered air disinfection method may fill the urgent need for the air-transmitted microbial inactivation to protect public health.
Hyperglycemic Hyperosmolar State (HHS) with New-onset Diabetes Mellitus in a Patient with SARS CoV-2 Infection.
Authors: Al-Naami Awaji Q. , Khan Liaqat A. , Zaidan Faisal I. , Al-Neami Ibrahim A. , Awad Akram S. , Hobani Abdulwahab I. , Sheikh Ali H. , Ahmadini Mousa A.
Published: December 2020

New-onset DM or unmasking existing one, with or without metabolic complications, has been reported in SARS CoV-2 infection. New-onset DM in association with HHS alone or combination with DKA is uncommon but a possible manifestation of SARS CoV-2 infection that poses management challenges where the outcome may be worst.
Spatial Variation in Risk Factors of Lymphatic Filariasis in Hotspot Zones in Ghana
Authors: Kwarteng Efiba Vidda , Andam-Akorful Samuel Ato , Kwarteng Alexander , Asare Da-Costa Boakye Mensah , Quaye-Ballard Jonathan Arthur , Osei Frank Babu , Duker Alfred Allan
Published: December 2020

Lymphatic Filariasis (LF), a parasitic nematode infection, often resulting in disability poses huge economic burden to affected countries. To meet eradication deadlines in line with the global Neglected Tropical Diseases elimination and health system strengthening goals, novel strategies are needed to complement existing approaches. LF endemicity is localized and prevalence, spatially heterogeneous. Species distribution models (SDMs) can help identify subtle differences in risk factors that influences the transmission of LF in geographically distinct regions. Thus in this contribution, presence absence records of microfilaria (m)f in Ghana were stratified into Northern and Southern Zones and used to run SDMs, whilst climate, socioeconomic and land coverage variables provided explanation information. GLM (Generalized Linear model), GBM (Generalized Boosted Model), ANN (Artificial Neural Network), SRE (Surface Range Envelope), MARS (Multivariate Adaptive Regression Splines) and RF (Random Forests) algorithms were run for both study zones and also for the entire country for the purpose of comparison. Best model quality was obtained with RF and GBM algorithms with highest AUC between 0.98 and 0.95, respectively. The models predicted high suitable environments for LF transmission in the short grass savanna areas in the northern and along the coastal southern parts of Ghana. Mainly, land cover and socioeconomic variables such as, proximity to inland waterbodies and population density uniquely influenced LF transmission in the South while poor housing was a distinctive risk factors in the North. Precipitation, temperature, slope and poverty were common risk factors but with subtle variations in response values, which was confirmed by the countrywide model. This study has demonstrated that, an understanding of the geographic distinctness in risk factors is required to inform the development of area-specific transmission control systems towards LF elimination in Ghana and internationally.
Upregulation of Human Endogenous Retroviruses in Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid of COVID-19 Patients
Authors: Kitsou Konstantina , Kotanidou Anastasia , Paraskevis Dimitrios , Karamitros Timokratis , Katzourakis Aris , Tedder Richard , Hurst Tara , Sapounas Spyros , Kotsinas Athanassios , Gorgoulis Vassilis , Spoulou Vana , Tsiodras Sotirios , Lagiou Pagona , Magiorkinis Gkikas
Published: December 2020

BackgroundSevere COVID-19 pneumonia has been associated with the development of intense inflammatory responses during the course of infections with SARS-CoV-2. Given that Human Endogenous Retroviruses (HERVs) are known to be activated during and participate in inflammatory processes, we examined whether HERV dysregulation signatures are present in COVID-19 patients. ResultsBy comparing transcriptomes of Peripheral Blood Monocytes (PBMCs) and Bronchoalveolar Lavage Fluid (BALF) from patients and normal controls we have shown that HERVs are intensely dysregulated in BALF, but not in PBMCs. In particular, upregulation in the expression of multiple HERV families was detected in BALF samples of COVID-19 patients, with HERV-H being the most highly upregulated family among the families analysed. In addition, we compared the expression of HERVs in Human Bronchial Epithelial Cells (HBECs) without and after senescence induction in an oncogene-induced senescence model, in order to quantitatively measure changes in the expression of HERVs in bronchial cells during the processes of cellular senescence.ConclusionsThis apparent difference of HERV dysregulation between PBMCs and BALF warrants further studies in involvement of HERVs in inflammatory pathogenetic mechanisms as well as exploration of HERVs as potential biomarkers for disease progression. Furthermore, the increase in the expression of HERVs in senescent HBECs in comparison to non-induced HBECs provides a potential link for increased COVID-19 severity and mortality in aged populations.
WITHDRAWN: Packed Bed Column Adsorption of Phenol Onto Corn Cob Activated Carbon: Linear and Nonlinear Kinetics Modeling
Authors: Obi Christopher Chiedozie , Iheanacho Chamberlain Ositadinma , Nwabanne Joseph Tagbo , Onu Chijioke Elijah
Published: December 2020

In the present study, linear and nonlinear regression analysis for packed bed column adsorption of phenol onto corn cob activated carbon was investigated. The activation of the corn cob provided the activated carbon with enhanced surface area and micropore volume of 903.7m2/g and 0.389 cm3/g respectively. The analysis of the physical properties of the corn cob activated carbon (CCAC) revealed that it contained 33.47% of fixed carbon. SEM images indicated the presence of interspatial pores within the matrix of the adsorbent, while the FTIR analysis revealed that the major functional groups in CCAC were alkanol, alkanes, alkyls, carboxylic acids, ethers, esters, and nitro compounds. The effect of the process parameters influencing the dynamic adsorption process was investigated at flow rates (9 – 18mg/min), initial phenol concentration (100-300mg/l), bed height (5 – 10cm), and particle size (300-800µm). Breakthrough time and adsorption capacity increased with an increase in bed height but decreased with an increase in flow rate, initial phenol concentration, and particle size. At 9mg/min flow rate, 100mg/l initial phenol concentration, 10 cm bed height, and 300µm, the breakthrough and saturation points adsorption capacities were 2.143 and 8.570 mg/g respectively, the volume of effluent treated at saturation point was 12.96L, the length of mass transfer zone (MTZ) was 7.50cm, while 66.13% phenol removal efficiency was achieved. The linear and nonlinear regression analysis of the dynamic column adsorption models viz. Thomas, Adam Bohart, and Wolborska fitted better with the experimental data as compared to Yoon–Nelson. Generally, the nonlinear regression analysis proved to be a better tool for dynamic adsorption model analysis because the model parameters it predicted are in higher proximity to the experimental data when compared to those obtained via linear regression analysis. Conclusively, this study has shown that CCAC can successfully be used for the removal of phenol from aqueous solutions. It also provided experimental evidence that for a more accurate analysis of dynamic adsorption models nonlinear regression tool should be considered.
Specifically Designed Amine Functional Group Doped Sludge Biochar for Inorganic and Organic Arsenic Removal
Authors: Chen Chih-Kuei , Nguyen Nhat-Thien , Le Thuy-Trang , Duong Cong-Chinh , Duong Thi-Thanh
Published: December 2020

Usages of hospital sludge as a biochar adsorbent for wastewater treatment plants were investigated. Microwave carbonization was used to carbonize the sludge and then chemically activated with ZnCl 2 to increase surface area and porosity. A newly designed amine functional group’s (DETA) doped sludge biochar carbon (SBC) presents effective inorganic arsenic (As(III), As 2 O 3 ) and organic arsenic (p-ASA, C 2 H 7 AsO 2 ) adsorption in water. The pore volume, pore size distribution and specific surface area were determined by performing nitrogen adsorption-desorption measurements (BET). The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) of the SBC was recorded to study the functional groups at room temperature. The composition of SBC was further determined by X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). In order to understand the effect of amine functional complexes on arsenic adsorption, the adsorption mechanism of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surfaces modified with amine functional complexes was studied using density functional theory (DFT). Results showed that both physical and chemical adsorption of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surfaces occurred. The participation of amine functional complexes greatly promoted the surface activity of SBC surface and its adsorption capacity on arsenic. The physical adsorption energies of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surface with amine functional complexes were -38.4 and -32.8 KJ mol -1 , respectively. Other hand, the chemical adsorption energies of As 2 O 3 and p-ASA on SBC surface with amine functional complexes were -92.9 KJ mol -1 and -98.5 KJ mol -1 , respectively.
Prevalence and Socioeconomic Burden of Diabetes Mellitus in South Korean Adults: A Population-Based Study using Administrative Data
Authors: Oh Sung-Hee , Ku Hyemin , Park KangSeo
Published: December 2020

Background: Diabetes leads to severe complications and imposes health and financial burdens on the society. However, currently existing domestic public health studies of diabetes in South Korea mainly focus on prevalence, and data on the nationwide burden of diabetes in South Korea are lacking. The study aimed to estimate the prevalence and economic burden of diabetes imposed on the South Korean society.Methods: A prevalence-based cost-of-illness study was conducted using the Korean national claims database. Adult diabetic patients were defined as those aged ≥20 years with claim records containing diagnostic codes for diabetes (E10-E14) during at least two outpatient visits or one hospitalization. Direct costs included medical costs for the diagnosis and treatment of diabetes and transportation costs. Indirect costs include productivity loss costs due to morbidity and premature death and caregivers’ costs. Subgroup analyses were conducted according to the type of diabetes, age (<65 vs. ≥65), diabetes medication, experience of hospitalization, and presence of diabetic complications or related comorbidities.Results: A total of 4,472,133 patients were diagnosed with diabetes in Korea in 2017. The average annual prevalence of diabetes was estimated at 10.7%. The diabetes-related economic burden was USD 18,293 million, with an average per capita cost of USD 4,090 in 2019. Medical costs accounted for the biggest portion of the total cost (69.5%), followed by productivity loss costs (17.9%), caregivers’ costs (10.2%), and transportation costs (2.4%). According to subgroup analyses, type 2 diabetes, presence of diabetic complications or related comorbidities, diabetes medication, and hospitalization represented the biggest portion of the economic burden for diabetes. As the number of complications increased from one to three or more, the per capita cost increased from USD 3,991 to USD 11,965. In inpatient settings, the per capita cost was ~10.8 times that of outpatient settings.Conclusions: South Korea exist a slightly higher prevalence and economic burden of diabetes. These findings highlight the need for effective strategies to manage diabetic patients and suggest that policy makers allocate more health care resources to diabetes. This is the first study on this topic, conducted using a nationally representative claims database in South Korea.
Prevalence of Treponema species in the Gut Microbiome is Linked to Bifidobacterium sp. and Bacteroides sp.
Authors: BELKACEMI Souad , ALOU MARYAM TIDJANI , MILLION Matthieu , LEVASSEUR Anthony , KHELAIFIA Saber , RAOULT Didier
Published: December 2020

BackgroundTreponema species as commensals of the human microbiome have a prevalence and function depending on the studied niche. In the oral cavity, treponemes are ubiquitous while they have been strictly linked to rural and ancestral populations in the gastro-intestinal tract and are undetected in urban populations. In this study, an in silico analysis of 1481 metagenomes, selected based on the previous detection of treponemes in such sample types, was conducted to predict putative bacterial antagonists of treponemes, i.e. bacteria present when treponemes are lacking and vice versa. Predicted antagonists were subsequently tested in-vitro against Treponema denticola CSUR P7640.ResultsMost frequent predicted antagonists included members of the Bifidobacteriaceae family (23.3%) among which Bifidobacterium longum was the most significant (63.3% in T- group, p <0.0000001) as well as members of the Bacteroides (6.7%) and Streptococcus (13.3%) genera. The relative abundance of the aforementioned taxa was also anticorrelated with that of the Treponema genus in the metagenomes analyzed in this study. B. longum CSUR P7400, Bifidobacterium bifidum CSUR P1194, Bifidobacterium breve CSUR P7882, Bacteroides ovatus CSUR P4577, Bacteroides uniformis CSUR P2248 and Bacteroides thetaiotaomicron CSUR P7324 were able to inhibit the growth of T. denticola with B. longum being the most efficient.ConclusionsThese results highlight an antagonism between Bifidobacterium species, known probiotics and bio-preservatives, and Treponema spp. This may help to explain the variation of Treponema prevalence in high-income countries and middle- and low-income countries which might linked to the differential consumption of fermented dairy foodstuff and processed food and therefore to the phenomenon of nutrition transition.
Estimating an Achievable Target Price to Regenerate Bio-Oils Post Hydrogen Sulfide Removal
Authors: Brace Emma C. , Engelberth Abigail S.
Published: December 2020

Bio-oils offer valuable use as bio-solvents for removing hydrogen sulfide (H2S) from natural gas. Preceding bench-scale studies indicate that greater than 90% of H2S can be removed from a gas stream; economic analysis of such a process is necessary to determine solvent regenerative power required and price limits on a to-be-determined solvent regeneration scheme. With a processing goal 1000 kmol/h of sour gas and removing 99.9% of H2S from gas streams at variable feed concentration, design of an absorption unit to process natural gas using bio-oils was carried out through equilibrium stage analysis. Comparison to conventional amine gas treating was used as a cost threshold for gas treatment. The economic viability of using bio-oils as gas sweetening agents depends on capability of regenerating and recycling more than 98% of the soybean oil bio-solvent to compete with amine gas treating, the most popular industrial method.
Elevated 4R-tau in Astrocytes From Asymptomatic Carriers of the MAPT 10+16 Mutation
Authors: Seto-Salvia Nuria , Esteras Noemi , de Silva Rohan , de Pablo-Fernandez Eduardo , Arber Charles , Toomey Christina E , Polke James M , Morris Huw R , Rohrer Jonathan D , Patani Rickie , Wray Selina , Warner Thomas T
Published: December 2020

The MAPT 10+16 intronic mutation causes frontotemporal lobar degeneration (FTLD) by increasing expression of four-repeat (4R)-tau isoforms. We investigated the potential role for astrocytes in the pathogenesis of FTLD by studying the expression of 4R-tau. We derived astrocytes and neurons from induced pluripotent stem cells from two asymptomatic 10+16 carriers and, compared to controls, showed persistently increased 4R:3R-tau transcript and protein ratios in both cell types. However, beyond 300 days culture, 10+16 neurons showed less marked increase of this 4R:3R-tau transcript ratio compared to astrocytes. Interestingly, throughout maturation, both 10+16 carriers consistently displayed different 4R:3R-tau ratios at transcript and protein levels. Our study shows elevated levels of 4R-tau in astrocytes implicating glial cells in the pathogenic process and also suggests a cell-type-specific regulation and may inform and help on treatment of preclinical tauopathies.
Risk of Mycoplasma Pneumoniae-Related Hepatitis in MP Pneumonia Pediatric Patients: A Predictive Model Construction and Assessment
Authors: Bi Yuna , Ma Yan , Zhuo Jinhua , Zhang Lili , Yin Liyan , Sheng Hongling , Luan Jie , Li Tao
Published: December 2020

BackgroundA predictive model for risk of Mycoplasma pneumoniae (MP)-related hepatitis in MP pneumonia pediatric patients can improve treatment selection and therapeutic effect. However, currently, no predictive model is available. Methods374 pneumoniae pediatric patients with/without serologically-confirmed MP infection and 93 health controls were enrolled. Logistic regressions were performed to identify the determinant variables and develop predictive model. Predictive performance and optimal diagnostic threshold were evaluated using area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC). Stratification analysis by age and MP-IgM titer was used to optimize model’s clinical utility. An external validation set, including 84 MP pneumoniae pediatric patients, was used to verify the predictive efficiency. After univariate analysis to screen significant variables, monocyte count (MO), erythrocyte distribution width (RDW) and platelet count (PLT) were identified as independent predictors in multivariate analysis. ResultsWe constructed MRP model: MO[^109/L]×4+RDW[%]-PLT[^109/L]×0.01. MRP achieved an AUROC of 0.754 and the sensitivity and specificity at cut-off value 10.44 were 71.72% and 61.00%, respectively in predicting MP-related hepatitis from MP pneumonia. These results were verified by the external validation set, whereas it merely achieved an AUROC of 0.540 in pneumonia without MP infection. The AUROC of MRP was 0.812 and 0.787 in infants and toddlers (0-36 months) and low MP-IgM titer subgroup (1:160-1:320), respectively. It can achieve an AUROC of 0.804 in infants and toddler with low MP-IgM titer subgroup. ConclusionsMRP is an effective predictive model for risk of MP-related hepatitis in MP pneumonia pediatric patients, especially infants and toddlers with low MP-IgMtiter.
A Positive Feedback Loop of lncRNA-RMRP/ZNRF3 axis and Wnt/β-catenin Signaling Regulates Temozolomide Resistance in Glioma
Authors: Liu Tie , Hu Jie , Han Bo , Tan Shishan , Jia Wenqing , Xin Yu
Published: December 2020

Background: Drug resistance strikingly limits the therapeutic effect of temozolomide (TMZ) (a common drug for glioma). Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) RMRP was found to be implicated in glioma progression. However, the effects of RMRP on TMZ resistance along with related molecular mechanisms are poor defined in glioma. Methods: RMRP, ZNRF3, and IGF2BP3 were screened out by bioinformatics analysis. The expression levels of lncRNAs and mRNAs were measured by RT-qPCR assay. Protein levels of genes were detected by western blot and immunofluorescence assays. ZNRF3 mRNA stability was analyzed using Actinomycin D assay. Cell proliferative ability and survival rate were determined by CCK-8 assay. Cell apoptotic patterns were estimated by flow cytometry. The effects of RMRP knockdown on the growth of TMZ-treated glioma xenograft tumors were explored in vivo. The relationships among IGF2BP3, RMRP and ZNRF3 were explored by bioinformatics prediction analysis, RNA immunoprecipitation and RNA pull-down assays. Results: RMRP was highly expressed in glioma. RMRP knockdown curbed cell proliferation, facilitated cell apoptosis and reduced TMZ resistance in glioma cells and hindered the growth of TMZ-treated glioma xenograft tumors. RMRP exerted its functions by down-regulating ZNRF3 in glioma cells. IGF2BP3 interacted with RMRP and ZNRF3 mRNA. RMRP reduced ZNRF3 expression and mRNA stability by IGF2BP3. RMRP knockdown inhibited β-catenin expression by up-regulating ZNRF3 and β-catenin promoted RMRP expression in glioma cells. Conclusion: RMRP/ZNRF3 axis and Wnt/β-catenin signaling formed a positive feedback loop to regulate TMZ resistance in glioma. The sustained activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling by RMRP contributes the better management of cancers.
Dose Estimates of Occupational Radiation Exposure During Radioguided Surgery of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-labeled Lymph Nodes in Recurrent Prostate Cancer
Authors: Schmidt Daniel , Grosse Jirka , Moosbauer Jutta , Mayr Roman , Burger Maximilian , Hellwig Dirk
Published: December 2020

Background and objective[99mTc]Tc-PSMA-based radioguided surgery (TPRS) represents a curative approach for localized relapse of prostate cancer. For its simplified regulatory permission, the radiation protection authorities require a 99mTc activity below the exemption limit of 10 MBq at the time of surgery. Our aim was to determine the optimal amount of radioactivity (OAR) to comply with that limit and to estimate the maximum number of TPRS procedures per year and surgeon without triggering the full monitoring obligations.MethodsIn this retrospective study, a dose rate meter was calibrated using measurements on phantoms and from recently injected (1 min p.i.) patients to determine the activity in the patient from measured dose rates. The effective half-life of [99mTc]Tc-PSMA-I&S in patients was determined from repeated dose rate measurements up to 27 h p.i. to estimate dose parameters of relevance for radiation protection. External exposures of the surgeons were measured with personal dosimeters calibrated in Hp(10). ResultsFrom the first 6 subsequent patients, an effective half-life of 4.15 h was observed. Assuming an operation time 24 h p.i., the OAR was 550 MBq. Operations lasting in average 2 h in a distance of 0.25 m to the patient imply a body dose for surgeons of 4,16 µSv per procedure. Based on these estimates, the surgeon’s Hp(10) is less than 1 mSv per year with up to 241 operations per year. The effective dose for surgeons during the procedure determined with an electronic dosimeter is 4±1 µSv. SummaryAll radiation protection regulations are met with adherence to OAR recommended here without triggering the full monitoring obligations from radiation protection regulations.
The Awareness and Perceptions of Dentists Regarding Medication-related Osteonecrosis of the Jaw and its Prevention: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Han A lum
Published: December 2020

Background: The accurate documentation of a patient’s prior medication use by dentists, and their knowledge of the side effects associated with anti-osteoporotic agents can prevent medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws. This study investigated the awareness of dentists regarding medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws, with the aim of determining the need for targeted educational interventions for this medical condition within the dental profession.Methods: An online questionnaire survey was conducted among 1000 dentists registered in an online community in Korea. Results: Dentists who documented the use of anti-osteoporotic medications by patients were more likely to have no prior experience of encountering previous cases of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws; this was evident among dentists who documented the names of these medications (97.5% having no experience versus 95.6% having experience; P = 0.116), and those who recorded both medication names and duration of use (67.5% having no experience versus 59.0% having experience; P = 0.007). In terms of dentists who advised drug holidays for ≥6 months, the proportion with no prior experience of medication-related osteonecrosis of the jaws was also higher than the proportion with prior experience (42.1% versus 32.8%, respectively; P < 0.001).Conclusions: These results suggest that dentists do not respond consistently to the patient's drug history prior to performing dental procedures. This implies the need for mutual cooperation between dentists and physicians, and the development of targeted educational interventions for the dental profession.Trial registration: Not applicable.
The OHIP-EDENT B&H Questionnaire: Translation and Psychometric Properties in Treatment of Acrylic Complete Denture Wearers
Authors: Postic Srdjan Dusan , Kučević Esad , Halilović-Asotić Ajdina , Asotić Amina , Asotić Bakir , Džanan Damir
Published: December 2020

Objectives. The OHIP-EDENT (the OHIP-EDENT B&H) translated from the original English language version was assessed in complete denture wearers before and after new denture manufacture and adjustments.Materials and Methods. A total of 117 acrylic complete denture wearers participated. The convergent validity was assessed by calculating point bi-serial correlations between the OHIP-EDENT Summary scores and the quality old dentures. Responsiveness was assessed by comparison of Summary score before (old dentures) and after adjustments of new dentures. Results. Cronbach alpha coefficient was 0.80 in the patients with their old dentures and 0.76 in same patients after receiving new dentures and all adjustments provided. Convergent validity coefficients varied between 0.491 and 0.548. Responsiveness was confirmed by signiﬁcantly lower scores of the OHIP-EDENT B&H after new denture delivery and adjustments, both for Summary scores (p=0.027), as well as for the domains of functional limitation (p=0.02), psychological discomfort (p=0.01), physical pain (p=0.003), and handicap (p=0.04). Conclusions. The translated version of the OHIP-EDENT B&H showed good psychometric properties. Clinical Relevance. Clinical significance of the application of the OHIP-EDENT B&H questionnaire is in the reflection of the achieved success in the therapy by acrylic complete dentures after corrections of teeth and denture surfaces at recalls.
Blockchain as a Middleware for Iot Sensing and Authentication Within Smart Cities: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Alasbali Nada , Azzuhri Saaidal Razali , Salleh Rosli , Kiah Miss Laiha Mat
Published: December 2020

Previous research in Smart City technologies has been narrow and system-specific in both their orientation and focus. Specificity creates the homogeneity of systems architecture that, while beneficial from an experimental position, is entirely incompatible with the broader needs of a system standard. The current review seeks to examine existing research and their outcomes and summarize research milestones in the intersection of three domains of blockchain technologies, IoT capabilities, and smart city solutions. Based on the inclusion criteria, eighteen studies extracted from 6 academic journals contained some form of experimental or model-oriented solution and offered a distinct advantage over other proprietary research in this field. The SLR has divided the central concepts and structural solutions illuminated in the blockchain-IoT-related, smart city research conducted in the past four years into its core components: a structural solution of issues of security and authentication in the IoT, a tangible application of smart contract technologies for decentralized smart negotiation and a means of permissions-based performative oversight and administration. Heterogeneity and proprietary technologies will revise IoT's scope and capabilities and capabilities. However, this intermediary role of the Blockchain has been proven in many experimental and exploratory works and offers a significant advantage over prior structural limitations.
"You Can Collaborate and Go Together to Do Family Planning”: A Qualitative Endline Evaluation Study of Male Engagement in Promoting Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Services in Rural Kenya.
Authors: Lusambili Adelaide M , Wisofschi Stefania , Shumba Constance , Muriuki Peter , Obure Jerim , Mantel Michaela , Mossman Lindsay , Pell Rachel , Nyaga Lucy , Ngugi Anthony , Orwa James , Luchters Stanley , Mulama Kennedy , Wade Terrance , Temmerman Marleen
Published: December 2020

BackgroundGlobally, male involvement in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) is associated with increased benefits for women, their children, and their communities. Between 2016 and 2020, the Aga Khan University has been implementing the Access to Quality of Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems (AQCESS), project funded by the Government of Canada and Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC). A key component of the project was to encourage greater male engagement in RMNCH in rural Kisii and Kilifi, two predominantly patriarchal communities in Kenya, through a wide range of interventions. Towards the end of the project, we conducted a qualitative evaluation to explore how male engagement strategies influenced access to and utilization of RMNCH services.AIM This paper presents the endline evaluative study findings on how male engagement influenced reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health in rural Kisii and Kilifi.METHODSThe study used complementing qualitative methods in the AQCESS intervention areas. We conducted 10 focus group discussions with the community members across four groups including adult women, adult men, adolescent girls, and adolescent boys. We also conducted 11 key informant interviews with facility health managers,and sub county and county officials who were aware of the AQCESS project.FINDINGSMale engagement activities in Kisii and Kilifi counties were linked to improved knowledge and uptake of family planning, spousal/partner accompaniment to facility care and defeminization of social and gender roles.CONCLUSIONThis study supports the importance of male involvement in RMNCH in facilitating decisions on women and children’s health as well as in improving spousal support for use of family planning methods.
Prognosis of Liver Transplantation: Does Postoperative Ileus Matter ?
Authors: Bai Ruiping , An Rui , Han Kunyu , Shen Xin , Shaohua Zheng
Published: December 2020

Background: Nowadays, liver transplantation has become a main therapy for end-stage liver disease. However, studies show that there are high mortality and severe complications after liver transplantation. Although gastrointestinal dysfunction is a common and major complication among complications, there was rarely relative research. The study aims to elucidate the factors about ileus after liver transplantation and patients’ survival rate. Methods: We collected data (n=318, 2016–2019) from the First Affiliated Hospital of Xi’an Jiaotong University. After excluding cases, a total of 293 patients were included for this study. The subjects were divided into a non-ileus group and an ileus group. We reviewed 38 variables (including preoperative, operative and postoperative relative factors). In addition, other complications after liver transplantation and survival data were compared among groups. Results: Of the 293 patients, 23.2% (n=68) experienced postoperative ileus. Ileus patients were not different with non-ileus patients in preoperative, operative and postoperative factors. HBV-positive patients with ileus had a lower MELD score (P=0.025), and lower postoperative total bilirubin was correlated with ileus (P=0.049). Besides, Child-Pugh score of HCC patients with ileus was low (P=0.029). The complications after liver transplantation and survival rate were all not different among groups. Conclusions: According to our research, compared with non-ileus patients, we didn’t obtain the risk factors for patients with ileus. Ileus-patients didn’t increase complications after liver transplantation and didn’t decrease post-LT survival rates. But the preoperative MELD score and postoperative total bilirubin of HBV-positive patients with ileus were lower, and Child-Pugh score of HCC patients with ileus was also lower.
Nomogram to Predict Cause-specific Mortality of Patients with Rectal Adenocarcinoma Undergoing Surgery: A Competing Risk Analysis.
Authors: Zhang Xu , Xu Fengshuo , Bin Yadi , Liu Tianjie , Li Zhichao , Guo Dan , Li Yarui , Huang Qiao , Lyu Jun , He Shuixiang
Published: December 2020

Background: Rectal adenocarcinoma is one of major public health problems, severely threatening people’s health and life. Cox proportional hazard models have been applied in previous studies widely to analyze survival data. However, such models ignore competing risks and treat them as censored, resulting in excessive statistical errors. Therefore, a competing-risk model was applied with the aim of decreasing risk of bias and thereby obtaining more-accurate results and establishing a competing-risk nomogram for better guiding clinical practice.Methods: A total of 22,879 rectal adenocarcinoma cases who underwent primary-site surgical resection were collected from the SEER (Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results) database. Death due to rectal adenocarcinoma (DRA) and death due to other causes (DOC) were two competing endpoint events in the competing-risk regression analysis. The cumulative incidence function (CIF) for DRA and DOC at each time point was calculated. Gray’s test was applied in the univariate analysis and Gray’s proportional subdistribution hazard model was adopted in the multivariate analysis to recognize significant differences among groups and obtain significant factors that could affect patients’ prognosis. Next, A competing-risk nomogram was established predicting the cause-specific outcome of rectal adenocarcinoma cases. Finally, we plotted calibration curve and calculated concordance indexes (c-index) to evaluate the model performance.Results: 22,879 patients were included finally. The results showed that age, race, marital status, chemotherapy, AJCC stage, tumor size, and number of metastasis lymph nodes were significant prognostic factors for postoperative rectal adenocarcinoma patients. We further successfully constructed a competing-risk nomogram to predict the 1-year, 3-year, and 5-year cause-specific mortality of rectal adenocarcinoma patients. The calibration curve and C-index indicated that the competing-risk nomogram model had satisfactory prognostic ability.Conclusion: Competing-risk analysis could help us obtain more-accurate results for rectal adenocarcinoma patients who had undergone surgery, which could definitely help clinicians obtain accurate prediction of the prognosis of patients and make better clinical decisions.
Treatment of Canine Cognitive Dysfunction With Novel Butyrylcholinesterase Inhibitor
Authors: Pipan Maja Zakošek , Mihevc Sonja Prpar , Štrbenc Malan , Košak Urban , Ilić Ilija German , Trontelj Jurij , Žakelj Simon , Gobec Stanislav , Pavlin Darja , Majdič Gregor
Published: December 2020

Background: Canine cognitive dysfunction (CCD) is common in aged dogs and has many similarities with Alzheimer’s disease. Unfortunately, like Alzheimer’s disease, CCD cannot be cured. Methods: In the present study, we treated dogs with CCD with our newly developed and characterized butyrylcholinesterase inhibitor (BChEi). Seventeen dogs were randomized into two groups (treated with BChEi and untreated) and followed for 6 months at regular check-ups. The dogs’ cognitive status was determined by a CADES questionnaire and two cognitive tests. Results: In dogs with moderate cognitive impairment, treatment caused significant improvement in the clinical rating of cognitive abilities and the performance-based tests of cognitive functioning when compared to the untreated group (p < 0.001). Dogs treated with BChEi showed markedly improved cognitive function with enhanced quality of life. No side effects were observed in the treated dogs with moderate cognitive impairment. Conclusions: Novel BChE inhibitor is a promising candidate for treating CCD, and might be an interesting canidate drug for the treatment of Alzheimer disease in humans.
Inhibition of DEC2 is Necessary for Exiting Cell Dormancy in Salivary Adenoid Cystic Carcinoma 
Authors: Yang Xiao , Wu Jia-shun , Li Mao , Zhang Wei-long , Gao Xiao-lei , Wang Hao-fan , Yu Xiang-hua , Pang Xin , Zhang Mei , Liang Xin-hua , Tang Ya-ling
Published: December 2020

Background: Patients were prone to have poor prognosis once dormant tumor cells being reactivated. However, the molecular mechanism of tumor cell dormancy remains poorly understood. This study aimed to investigate the function of DEC2 in the dormancy of salivary adenoid cystic carcinoma (SACC) in vitro and vivo. Methods: The function of DEC2 in tumor dormancy of SACC was investigated in nude mice by establishing primary and lung metastasis model. Meanwhile, the interaction between hypoxia and SACC dormancy and the role of DEC2 were demonstrated through CoCl2 induced hypoxia–mimicking microenvironments. Furthermore, the expression of DEC2 was detected by immunohistochemical staining in primary SACC samples with and without recurrence. Results: In the primary SACC, DEC2 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation, increased cell population arrested in G0/G1 phase, and participated in dormancy regulation, which limited tumor growth. Intriguingly, in the model of lung metastasis, the level of DEC2 was reduced significantly and resulted in dormancy exit and growth resumption of SACC cells. Then, we found that DEC2 may associate with hyoxia in contributing to tumor dormancy, which might provide a possible cue to explain the different roles of DEC2 in primary and metastasis lesions. And overexpression of DEC2 induced dormancy and promoted migration and invasion through activating EMT program. Finally, DEC2 positive expression was shown to be significantly correlated with recurrence and dormancy of SACC patients. ﻿Conclusions: These findings provide a novel insight into the role of DEC2 gene in tumor dormancy and metastasis.
A Multi-objective Trajectory Planning Method Based on the Improved Elitist Non-dominated Sorting Genetic Algorithm
Authors: Wang Zesheng , Li Yanbiao , Shuai Kun , Zhu Wentao , Chen Bo , Chen Ke
Published: December 2020

A multi-objective trajectory planning approach based on an improved elitist non-dominated sorting genetic algorithm (INSGA-II) is proposed. Trajectory function is planned with a new composite polynomial that by combining of quintic polynomials with cubic Bezier curves. Then, an INSGA-II, by introducing three genetic operators: ranking group selection (RGS), direction-based crossover (DBX) and adaptive precision-contrallable mutation (APCM), is developed to optimize travelling time and torque fluctuation. Inverted generational distance, hypervolume and optimizer overhead are selected to evaluate the convergence, diversity and computational effort of algorithms. The optimal solution is determined via fuzzy comprehensive evaluation to obtain the optimal trajectory. Taking a serial-parallel hybrid manipulator as instance, the velocity and acceleration profiles obtained using this composite polynomial are compared with those obtained using a quintic B-spline method. The effectiveness and practicability of the proposed method are verified by simulation results.
Disease Activity Index Is Associated With Subclinical Atherosclerosis in Childhood-onset Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: Medeiros Priscila Beatriz de Souza , Salomão Roberta G , Teixeira Sara R , Rassi Diane Meyre , Rodrigues Luciana , Aragon Davi Casale , Fassini Priscila Giacomo , Ued Fábio Veiga , Tostes Rita C , Monteiro Jacqueline P , Ferriani Virgínia Paes Leme , De Carvalho Luciana Martins
Published: December 2020

Background: Systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) is an independent risk factor for cardiovascular events. The present study determined the prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis in childhood-onset SLE using the carotid intima-media thickness (CIMT) measurement and investigated associations between traditional and nontraditional risk factors for atherosclerosis, such as medications, SLE Disease Activity Index - SLEDAI-2K and SLICC-ACR damage index and CIMT. Methods: Cross-sectional prospective study between 2017-2018. CIMT was assessed by ultrasonography. Data were collected by chart review, nutritional evaluation and laboratory tests and analyzed by Fisher, Wilcoxon-Mann-Whitney tests, multiple linear and log binomial regression. Results: Twenty-eight patients (mean age 13.9 years, SD 3) were enrolled. The prevalence of subclinical atherosclerosis was 32% (95% CI 14.8, 49.4). The mean CIMT was 0.43 ± 0.035 mm. The most common traditional risk factors observed were dyslipidemia (89.3%), uncontrolled hypertension (66.6%), overweight (32%) and poor diet (78.6%). Uncontrolled hypertension (p=0.04), proteinuria (p=0.02), estimated glomerular filtration rate < 75ml /min/1.73 m2 (p=0.02) and SLEDAI-2K > 5 (P=0.004) were associated with subclinical atherosclerosis. SLEDAI-2K > 5 maintained association with CIMT after adjusting for control variables. Conclusion: Subclinical atherosclerosis is frequently observed in cSLE, mainly in patients with moderate to severe disease activity.
Amino Acid Transporter (AAT) Gene Family In Foxtail Millet (Setaria Italica L.): Widespread Family Expansion, Functional Differentiation, Roles In Quality Formation And Response To Abiotic Stresses
Authors: Yang Yang , Chai Yongmao , Liu Jiayi , Zheng Jie , Zhao Zhangchen , Aduragbemi Amo , Cui Chunge , Lu Qiumei , Chen Liang , Hu Yin-Gang
Published: December 2020

Background: Amino acid transporters (AATs) plays an essential roles in growth and development of plants, including amino acids long-range transport, seed germination, quality formation, responsiveness to pathogenic bacteria and abiotic stress by modulating the transmembrane transfer of amino acids. In this study, we performed a genome-wide screening to analyze the AAT genes in foxtail millet (Setaria italica L.), especially those associated with quality formation and abiotic stresses response.Results: A total number of 94 AAT genes were identified and divided into 12 subfamilies by their sequence characteristics and phylogenetic relationship. A large number (58/94, 62%) of AAT genes in foxtail millet were expanded via gene duplication, involving 13 tandem and 12 segmental duplication events. Tandemly duplicated genes had a significant impact on their functional differentiation via sequence variation, structural variation and expression variation. Further comparison in multiple species showed that in addition to paralogous genes, the expression variations of the orthologous AAT genes also contributed to their functional differentiation. The transcriptomic comparison of two millet cultivars verified the direct contribution of the AAT genes such as SiAAP1, SiAAP8, and SiAUX2 in the formation of grain quality. In addition, the qRT-PCR analysis suggested that several AAT genes continuously responded to diverse abiotic stresses, such as SiATLb1, SiANT1. Finally, combined with the previous studies and analysis on sequence characteristics and expression patterns of AAT genes, the possible functions of the foxtail millet AAT genes were predicted.Conclusion: This study for the first time reported the evolutionary features, functional differentiation, roles in the quality formation and response to abiotic stresses of foxtail millet AAT gene family, thus providing a framework for further functional analysis of SiAAT genes, and also contributing to the applications of AAT genes in improving the quality and resistance to abiotic stresses of foxtail millet, and other cereal crops.