bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Correlation Between Thyroid Autoantibodies and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Stages 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Xu Weicheng , Liang Shiyi , qian Ge , Li Chijian , Huang Yuxiang , Zhang Yunfang , Li Yongqiang
Published: March 2021

Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) interacts with thyroid disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our research aimed to analyze the correlation between echocardiographic parameters E / A, E / E ', E' / A ', LVEF and thyroid autoantibodies, and evaluate the role of thyroid autoimmunity in the development of CVD in patients with stages 3-5 CKD.Methods: The patients who were diagnosed as stages 3-5 CKD in our department from January 2015 to May 2019 were recruited. We collected the routine medical history, general clinical data, and laboratory test index of patients. Echocardiography is performed by a trained echocardiographer to measure mitral valve blood flow velocity (E) in early diastole and Mitral valve flow velocity (A), E / A ratio, mitral annulus velocity (E ') in early diastole, mitral annulus velocity (A') in end-diastole, E / E 'ratio, and E' / A ' ratio. The SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 1164 patients with stages 3-5 CKD were included. Thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.287, P <0.05). Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) was significantly positively correlated with CRP (r = 0.206, P <0.001). The titers of TPOAb and TGAb in male diabetic patients were higher (r = 0.137, P = 0.023; r = 0.159, P = 0.011). In female patients, both TPOAb and TGAb are significantly negatively correlated with HGB (r = -0.213, P = 0.018; r = -0.188, P = 0.019). The E / E’ of patients with TPOAb positive was higher (r = 0.181, P ＜ 0.001). The LVEF in patients with TPOAb positive were higher (r = 0.159, P = 0.007). In addition, LVEF was significantly negatively correlated with TRAb (r = -0.112, P = 0.026).Conclusion: The prevalence of AITD in stages 3-5 CKD gradually increases with the decline of renal function, and the titers of TPOAb and TGAb also gradually increase. In patients with stages 3-5 CKD, AITD may accelerate the incidence of CVD in CKD patients by affecting TG levels, accelerating the occurrence of anemia, and promoting the micro-inflammation. Female patients with high titers of TPOAb and TGAb should be paid more attention. The average E/E' of patients with stage 5 CKD was 16. Women with low FT3 and TPOAb positive maybe more likely to develop diastolic heart failure.
Clinically Localized Seizure Focus Maybe Not Exactly the Position of Abating Seizures: A Computational Evidence
Authors: Fan Denggui , Yang Zecheng , Yang Chuanzuo , Wang Qingyun , Luan Guoming
Published: March 2021

Seizure focus localization is the key to control seizures. However, in this paper, we show that the clinically localized seizure focus may be not exactly the positions to abate seizures. Firstly, the reliability of a previously proposed methodology employed to estimate the synchronicity and directionality of information flows over time between EEG signals, is numerically assessed with a coupled mass neural model. Then 10 channels' EEG signals from a patient with focal epilepsy are used to reconstruct the dynamical complex network of pathological seizure. This may facilitate to identify the evolution paths of information flows and localize the potential seizure foci. What's more, based on the controllability and observability principles of complex systems, we can focus on the key nodes which is effective to control the network seizure behaviors and the key ones that can allow us to estimate the state of all other variables. Results show that to fully control the epileptic network may not just be related to the focus zone, it may also involves in other non-focus nodes. In addition, we use the spatiotemporal neural network model connected by our modeled dynamical adjacent matrix to successfully reproduce the original EEG signals which can be effectively abated by applying the normal distribution noise stimulation with cathodic phase pulses (cNDNs) on the identified key nodes or resecting them. Our results enrich the clinical results and provide new insights into the seizure resection and electronic stimulation therapies.
Fabrication of Integrated Ni-Ti Alloys Possessing Both Super-elastic and Shape Memory Properties by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Lv Jianran , Shen Hongyao , Fu Jianzhong
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Integrated Ni-Ti alloys possessing both super-elastic (SE) properties and shape memory effects (SMEs) greatly increase the flexibility of designing complex systems and have broad application prospects. However, existing research mainly focuses on connecting ready-made SE parts and SME parts though welding. Method: In this paper, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was used to fabricate integrated Ni-Ti alloys. First, SE parts with high relative density were fabricated with a Ni-rich powder. Then, different process parameters were used to fabricate the SME parts with a Ti-rich powder based on the SE parts. The integrated component with the best mechanical properties herein was selected. Metallographic analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and micro-hardness analyses were carried out for this sample. Findings: The results show that the integrated component possessed both SE and SME properties at room temperature. Moreover, at the junction of the two materials, the grains were continuous and complete, which indicates that the joint had good quality. Originality: Our work confirms that LPBF is a feasible method to fabricate integrated Ni-Ti alloys possessing both SE and SME properties.
ZNF224 is a Mediator of TGF-β Pro-oncogenic Function in Melanoma
Authors: Cesaro Elena , Pastore Arianna , Polverino Alessia , Manna Lorenzo , Divisato Giuseppina , Quintavalle Cristina , Sanzo Maddalena Di , Faniello Maria Concetta , Grosso Michela , Costanzo Paola
Published: March 2021

Background: The zinc finger protein ZNF224 plays a dual role in human cancers, operating as both tumour suppressor and oncogenic factor depending on the cellular context and molecular partners. In this research, we investigated the role played by ZNF224 in the TGF-β signalling in malignant melanoma. Methods: Real-time qPCR, western blot, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to examine the molecular mechanisms of ZNF224 in TGF-β signalling in melanoma. ZNF224-induced cell anchorage, independent growth, migration, and invasion were assessed by the colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays.Results: Our findings showed that ZNF224, whose expression increased in melanoma cell lines after TGF-b stimulation, potentiated the activation induced by TGF-β on its target genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accordingly, overexpression of ZNF224 improved the tumourigenic properties of melanoma cells, promoting cell proliferation and invasiveness, while ZNF224 knockdown had the opposite effect. Moreover, ZNF224 promoted the transcriptional activation of TGF-β itself and its type 1 and 2 receptors (TβR1 and TβR2), thus highlighting a possible mechanism by which ZNF224 could enhance the endogenous TGFβ/Smad signalling. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence for the involvement of ZNF224 in TGF-β signalling as a mediator of TGF-β pro-oncogenic function and unveil a positive regulatory loop between TGF-β and ZNF224 to promote EMT, consequently increasing the tumour metastatic potential.
Chlorine and Chromium Elements, Proteins of Oxidative Stress and Dna Repair Pathways Are Related to Tumor Aggressiveness and Prognosis of Patients With Oral Cancer
Authors: Assis Arícia L. E. M. , Archanjo Anderson B. , Maranhão Raul C. , Mendes Suzanny O. , Souza Rafael P. de , Cicco Rafael de , Oliveira Mayara M. de , Borçoi Aline R. , Maia Lucas de L. , Nunes Fabio D. , Santos Marcelo dos , Trivilin Leonardo O. , Pinheiro Christiano J.G. , Álvares-da-Silva Adriana M. , Nogueira Breno Valentim
Published: March 2021

BackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), the most frequent cancer of the oral cavity, is extremely aggressive, the response to treatment is poor and markers for prognosis of disease are scarce. The comparison of chemical and histopathological data obtained from the analysis of excised tumor fragments with the demographic and clinical evolution data is an effective strategy scarcely explored in OCSCC studies. The aim was to analyse OCSCC tissues for trace elements and protein expression of enzymes related with oxidative stress and DNA repair that can be candidates as markers of tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. MethodsSeventy-eight tumor fragments from 78 OCSCC patients that had undergone ablative surgery were qualitatively analyzed by synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) for trace elements. Protein expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and thioredoxin (Trx) and DNA repair-related purinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease/redox factor-1 (Ref-1) and 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1/2) was performed by immunohistochemistry. Sociodemographic, clinical and hystopathological data were obtained from 4-year follow-up records. ResultsDisease relapse was higher in patients with chlorine and chromium presence and in those with tumors with strong OGG1/2 expression. Strong expression of SOD-1, Trx and Ref-1 was determinant of larger tumor. As expected, perineural, vascular invasions and alcohol consumption were markers of greater worse prognosis. ConclusionPresence of trace elements can be markers of disease prognosis. Strong expression of enzymes related with oxidative stress or DNA repair can be either harmful by stimulating tumor growth or beneficial by diminishing relapse rates. Interference on these players may bring novel strategies for the therapeutic management of OCSCC patients.
Multichannel and Super-flexible SiZrOC Ultrafine Fibers for High Temperature Thermal Insulation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Tian Qiong , Wang Bing , Wu Nan , Han Cheng , Long Xin , wang yingde
Published: March 2021

Light but robust porous ceramic fibers with combined properties of super flexibility, excellent thermal stability and thermal insulation performance are attractive for use in extreme conditions, especially in the field of aerospace. However, the practical application of traditional porous ceramic fibers are usually limited by their brittle nature and poor mechanical properties. Herein, we designed a multichannel SiZrOC ultrafine fiber (MSUF) composed of ZrO2, SiOxCy and free carbon phases by electrospinning technique. The resulting fibers exhibited integrated properties of excellent fire resistance, high temperature stability, thermal shock resistance and temperature-invariant flexibility. More importantly, the fancy multichannel structure and components of the fiber provides it with outstanding thermal insulation performance with low thermal conductivity (0.041 W m-1·K-1 at 25 ºC and 0.141 W m-1·K-1 at 1000 ºC). The successful fabrication of such flexible porous MSUFs may provide a new approach to design high performance thermal insulators for high temperature thermal insulation.
Cost Analysis and Rational Use of Anti Glaucoma Therapy in A Tertiary Hospital in Ghana
Authors: OFEI-PALM CHARLES NII KWADE , Tagoe NAA Naamuah , ANKRAH DANIEL NII AMOO , Jatoe Dong , Agyare Angela
Published: March 2021

IntroductionGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In Ghana, 19.4% of all blindness recorded is due to glaucoma. Reducing intraocular pressure medically (using eye drops) is the evidence-based therapeutic optionObjectives To determine the rational use and undertake cost analysis of anti-glaucoma drugs among patients attending clinic at the Lions International Eye Centre, Korle bu Teaching Hospital (LIEC).MethodsIn this cross sectional study, we reviewed all prescriptions presented to the pharmacy unit from 01/12/015 to 31/03/2016. The dispensed drops were classified and all anti-glaucoma drugs were identified. This was followed by cost analysis.ResultsA total of 588 prescriptions were captured, 27.3% (161/588) contained an anti-glaucoma medication. The mean number of anti-glaucoma medications was1.71 of which 52.7% was prescribed to females.Prostaglandin analogues were the most prescribed (37% (102/276)), followed by beta blockers (25.4% (70/276)), carbonic anhydrase group of medicines (16.3% (45/276)), combined beta blockers (11.2% (31/276)), alpha agonists (8.7% (24/276)) and miotics (1.4% (4/276)). The median (IQR) average cost of anti-glaucoma therapy per prescription per month was GHC 65.00 (GHC38.5-GHC140). Azopt (Brimonidine) was the most expensive with daily treatment cost of GHC 5.8 (about US$ 1.45), whilst the least expensive drug with a daily treatment cost of GHC 0.14 (about US$ 0.035) was timolol eye drops. ConclusionsProstaglandins analogues remain the most preferred treatment for managing glaucoma at the Korle-Bu Eye Centre in Ghana but are also the most costly. This may adversely affect treatment among the poor since prostaglandins are currently not reimbursed.
Association Between Vitamin D and Glycaemic Parameters in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort of Postmenopausal Women with Type-2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharazy Shatha , Alissa Eman , Lanham-New Susan , Naseer Muhammad Imran , Chaudhary Adeel G. , Robertson Margaret Denise
Published: March 2021

Background: The relationship between Vitamin D (VitD) with insulin sensitivity and secretion in Type-2 diabetes (T2D) has shown to be different amongst different ethnic populations. In Saudi Arabia, where both T2D and VitD deficiency are highly prevalent health concerns, little is known about the relationship between VitD, insulin sensitivity, resistance and the relative importance of ethnicity. Our aim in this study is to investigate influence of ethnicity on VitD association with glycaemic profile primarily and to measures of obesity secondarily, among multiethnic postmenopausal women with T2DM in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Postmenopausal females (n = 173, age ≥ 50 years) with T2D were randomly selected in this study. Anthropometric measures and fasting blood samples were obtained for all study participants. Several biochemical parameters were measured including 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, glucose and c-peptide. Surrogate markers for insulin resistance were calculated using Homeostasis Model Assessment 2 for insulin resistance and beta cell activity (HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-β).Results: Overall, 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting glucose (r=-0.165, P=0.037), insulin (r=-0.184, P=0.02), C-peptide (r=-0.19, P=0.015) and HOMA2- IR C-peptide (r=-0.23,P=0.004). Additionally, serum 25 (OH)D showed an overall a negative correlation with body weight (r=-0.173 P=0.028), waist and hip circumferences (r=-0.167, P=0.033; r=-0.22, P=0.004 respectively) but not with body mass index (BMI) or waist hip ration (WHR). In the white ethnic group but not in black or Asian population groups, 25(OH)D level was associated with only serum fasting C-peptide and HOMA2-IR C-peptide and BMI (P<0.05). Conclusions: Insulin resistance and obesity are associated with VitD status in T2D in this cohort. Our findings also suggest that these VitD associations in women from white ethnic background are different than in those from black/Asian ethnic backgrounds. Whether VitD supplements are able to improve degree of obesity and insulin sensitivity should be further investigated in different ethnic population groups.
Attitude and its Associated Factors Among Adults Towards Traditional Eye Medicine in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Munaw minychil Bantihun , anbesse Dereje hayilu , assefa natnael lakachew
Published: March 2021

Background

Traditional medicines are commonly practiced in Africa. It is believed to be alternative health care used in the developing world. It is a more widely available and affordable alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. In Africa, about 13.2–82.3% of the population utilizes traditional eye medicine. This study aimed to assess attitude and its associated factors among adults towards traditional eye medicine in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia.
Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 study participants using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 computer software. Association and strength between the outcome variable and independent variables were determined using the odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval.
Results

A total of 633 subjects were included in the study with a 95 % response rate. From the total study subjects, 292 (48.7 %) (95% CI: 44.7–52.7%)) had a good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Variables like being male (AOR = 2.00(95% CI: 1.23–2.68)), family history of traditional eye medicine use (AOR = 3.31(95% CI: 2.01–5.47)), availability of traditional healer (AOR = 1.81(95% CI: 1.12–2.95)) and absence of health insurance (AOR = 1.63(95% CI: 1.14–2.55)) were variables significantly associated with good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use.
Conclusion

The result of this study shows that attitude towards traditional eye medicine use for the treatment of eye disease was fairly good. It indicates that almost half of the study participants had a good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Even though the attitude is fairly good, still it needs improvement. Male sex, family history of traditional eye medicine use, availability of traditional healers, and absence of health insurance had a statistically significant relationship with good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Community awareness creation through the joint up effort by the health ministry of Ethiopia and traditional healers about traditional eye medicine use can help to build the right perception and reduce the risk of complications.
Optimal Solution of the Fractional Order Breast Cancer Competition Model
Authors: Hassani H. , Machado J. A. Tenreiro , Avazzadeh Zakieh , Safari Elaheh , Mehrabi S.
Published: March 2021

This paper discusses the fractional order breast cancer competition model (F-BCCM), which considers population dynamics among cancer stem, tumor and healthy cells, as well as the effects of excess estrogen and the body’s natural immune response on the cell populations. Generalized shifted Legendre polynomials and their operational matrices are presented in the scope of a general procedure for the solution of the F-BCCM. The application of the Lagrange multipliers method transforms the F-BCCM into a system of algebraic equations. Additionally, the convergence analysis of the method and two illustrative numerical examples complement the study.Mathematics Subject Classification: 97M60; 41A58; 92C42.
Research on a China 6b Heavy-duty Diesel Vehicle Real-world Engine out NOx Emission Deterioration and NOx Correction for Humidity and Temperature using On-board Sensors and Big Data Approach
Authors: Li Peng , Lü Lin
Published: March 2021

China VI standard proposed higher requirements for durability of heavy-duty diesel vehicles emissions. Previous research which took advantages of both on-board sensors and big data approach to get the NOx deterioration factor was rather scarce. This paper used big data approach to study the deterioration of engine out NOx emission based on 254,622 km operation data getting from the on-board sensors or ECUs. Meanwhile, a formula for on-board NOx correction for ambient humidity and temperature had been fitted. The analyses revealed that engine out NOx would not be deteriorated during the useful life or even longer (deterioration factor was 1.014 @700,000km). For a steady working condition, the engine out NOx mass flow (g/h) is negatively linearly correlated with absolute humidity (R2 = 0.997). If Ha was lower than 12g/kg, Ha almost had no effect on engine out NOx concentration (ppm). Otherwise, there was also a negatively linear relationship between them (R2 = 0.978). It is hoped that the methods and conclusions of this paper could provide some enlightenment for future NOx emission deterioration research.
Acceptance Towards COVID-19 Vaccination Among the Lebanese Population: A Cross-Sectional study
Authors: Alhaffar MHD Bahaa Aldin , Alhaffar Molham , Kreid Joanna , Massoud Elissa
Published: March 2021

Introduction:

the emergence of the covid-19 pandemic has created major health risks to humanity as a whole, in turn, the world have been waiting for a solution to end this pandemic. This research aims to study the acceptance towards the covid-19 vaccine among the Lebanese population and investigate the factors affecting the descision towards the vaccine.
Methods

In order to obtain a clear insight about the propensity of the Lebanese population to take the vaccine, a cross-sectional study was conducted, data collected through a questionnaire based on google forms and distributed among the population via social media platforms (Instagram, whatsapp, facebook, etc). the survey consisted of different types of questions and 1157 participants of different age groups respomnded to the survey.
Results

The findings of this study reveals that the majority of the population (ovr 95%) know soemone who caught the corona virus. In addition (86.3%) of the population believe that the pandemic poses major health risks to the society in Lebanon. Moreover the respondants consider the source of the vaccine as a major determinant to whether or not they will take the vaccine, in fact (73.3%) trust the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine. However, 77.1% of the sample worry that the vaccine will have side effects. in addition over 90% of the population was observed to be following the restrictions and measures implemnented to stop the spread of the virus.
Conclusion

Within the limitations of this study, we can conclude that this study is the earliest attempt to assess the acceptance toward COVID-19 vaccination among the Lebanese population. The Lebanese population showed a moderately high acceptance rate for the vaccination, however, there is a notable percentage that needs to be directly addressed with any future awareness campaign which are the youth, and the people with low socioeconomic status.
Land Utilization in Indian Cities and The Role of Development Control Regulation: A Case Study of Ahmedabad
Authors: Singh Renuka
Published: March 2021

India’s urban population is expected to grow from 410 million in 2014 to 814 million by 2050, as per the TERI document. If urban growth continues to grow at this rate, to accommodate new urban population, large amount of urban land will be required. With the fact that, the land is an important and limited resource, the need to ﬁnd the way to use it efﬁciently and smartly is essential. For that, ﬁrst step is to understand the existing urban morphology and its impact on land utilization in the current scenario. This will help to understand how efﬁciently is the urban land utilized in Indian cities, if we compare the study with other world cities. The main concern of the research is – 1. How efﬁciently is the urban land utilized in India’s cities? 2. What is the role of Development Control Regulations (DCRs) in the efﬁciency of land utilization? 3. How utilization of urban land can be improved with respect to DCRs? For the study, urban land is classiﬁed in three parts public realm, building footprints and private open space. To understand the existing urban land, quantitative and qualitative study of it has been taken out for the thirteen squares in Ahmedabad city. From the study it has been found that the majority of land area in our cities falls under the category of private open space, which is primarily divided in small pieces. A further study of private open spaces reveals the existing condition of it utilized or under-utilized. The study questions, why do we need private open spaces in such large amount around the buildings? To understand the argument, a similar study has been under taken to understand how urban land is used in other world cities. Following this, the study takes a new turn to ﬁnd why we need private open space around the buildings in Indian cities? Is it out of people’s choice or they are forced to do so? Does, the development control regulations play an important role in making large amount of private open space? The research elaborates all the arguments with the existing scenario of Indian city (Ahmedabad as a case) and suggests how we can improve the land utilization through some changes in development control regulations.
MGIDI and WAASB indices: The useful approaches for selection of salt-tolerant barley genotype at the early growth and maturity stages
Authors: Pour-Aboughadareh Alireza , Sanjani Sara , Chaman-Abad Hamidreza Nikkhah , Mehrvar Mohammad Reza , Asadi Ameneh , Amini Ashkboos
Published: March 2021

Salinity stress is one of the major limiting abiotic stresses that decrease crop production worldwide. To recommend genotypes for cultivation under saline stress conditions, comprehensive understanding of genetic basis and plant responses to this stress is need. In the present study, a total of 20 barley genotypes were investigated to isolate potential salt-tolerant genotypes at the early growth stage using hydroponic system, and adult plant under field conditions. Different growth and physiological traits including root fresh and dry weights (RFW and RDW), shoot fresh and dry weights (SFW and SDW), relative water content (RWC), membrane stability index (MSI), relative chlorophyll content (SPAD index), root and shoot Na+ (RN and SN), root and shoot K+ (RK and SK), root and shoot K+:Na+ ratios (RKN and SKN), root-to-shoot Na+ translocation (RTSN), root-to-shoot K+ translocation (RTSK), stomatal conductance (GS), transpiration rate (TE), and photosynthesis rate (PN) were measured. Barley seedling were treated with two salinity levels (0 mM NaCl (as control conditions) and 200 mM NaCl (as stress conditions)) for 30 days. Moreover, the yield performance and stability of investigated barley genotypes were evaluated across five environments during the 2018–2020 cropping seasons. Salinity stress significantly decreased growth and physiological traits in all seedling plants; however, some salt-tolerant genotypes showed the lowest reduction in measured traits. Multivariate analysis grouped measured traits and tested genotypes into different clusters. The multi-trait genotype–ideotype distance index (MGIDI) selected genotypes G12, G14, G6, G7, and G16 as the salt-tolerant barley genotypes. Considering the results of the AMMI analysis showed that grain yields of tested barley genotypes were influenced by environment (E), genotype (G) and GE interaction effects. Based on the weighted average of absolute scores of the genotype index (WAASB) and other stability statistics, G7, G8, G14, and G16 were selected as superior genotypes. Considering the outputs of MGIDI and WAASB indices revealed that three genotypes G7, G14 and G16 can be recommended as new genetic resources for improving and stabilizing grain yield in barley programs for the moderate climate and saline regions of Iran. In conclusion, our results suggest that the using MGIDI index in the early growth stage can accelerate screening nurseries in barley breeding programs.
Augmenting Osteointegration of Proximal Femoral Endoprosthesis Using Porous Titanium Bridging Endosteal Collars: preliminary medium-term results
Authors: Rajasekaran Raja Bhaskara , Hamilton Thomas William , Whitwell Duncan , Kendrick Ben , Taylor Adrian , Gibbons Christopher L.M.H , Cosker Thomas Daniel Arthur , Blunn Gordon
Published: March 2021

Background

Aseptic loosening remains a major cause for failure of proximal femoral replacements (PFR). To reduce the incidence of aseptic loosening a PFR was developed with a selective laser sintered, porous titanium-bridging collar and endosteal component. This study reports the short-term outcomes of this implant in a consecutive series of patients.
Methods

Between October 2017 and August 2019, 24 patients, mean age 69 years (50–84) were managed using this PFE for a variety of aetiologies (10 oncological, 10 revision of aseptic loosening, 3 fracture non-union, and 1 for prior infected joint replacement). Patients were followed up at a mean of 24 months (16–34) with a clinical and radiographic assessment.
Results

Twenty-three patients were available for follow-up with one death in the early postoperative period. One patient died 18 months post-surgery due to causes unrelated to surgery, two cases of superficial infection were managed with antibiotics and two cases of deep infection managed with debridement, antibiotics, and implant retention (DAIR). At the last follow up the mean Harris Hip Score was 78 (68–86) and the mean Musculoskeletal Tumour Society Score was 20 (16–24). The radiographic assessment did not reveal any evidence of loosening with the integration of the endosteal collar observed in all cases.
Conclusions

Our medium-term results demonstrate good functional outcomes with no evidence of radiographic loosening and osteointegration of the endosteal collar in a consecutive series of patients. Further studies are required to assess the mid to long-term outcomes seen with this implant.
Level of Evidence:
Level IV – Retrospective Case Series
Short term effects of synchronized vs. non-synchronized NIPPV in preterm infants: study protocol for an unmasked randomized crossover trial.
Authors: Cresi Francesco , Chiale Federica , Maggiora Elena , Borgione Silvia Maria , Ferroglio Mattia , Runfola Federica , Maiocco Giulia , Peila Chiara , Bertino Enrico , Coscia Alessandra
Published: March 2021

Background: Non-invasive ventilation (NIV) has been recommended as the best respiratory support for preterm infants with respiratory distress syndrome (RDS). However, the best NIV technique to be used as first intention in RDS management is not yet established. Nasal intermittent positive pressure ventilation (NIPPV) may be synchronized (SNIPPV) or non-synchronized to the infant’s breathing efforts. The aim of the study is to evaluate short-term effects of SNIPPV vs NIPPV on cardiorespiratory events, trying to identify the best ventilation modality for preterm infants at their first approach to NIV ventilation support. Methods: An unmasked randomized crossover study with two treatment phases was designed. All newborn infants < 32 weeks of gestational age with RDS needing NIV ventilation as first intention or after extubation will be consecutively enrolled in the study and randomized to the NIPPV or SNIPPV arm. After stabilization, enrolled patients will be alternatively ventilated with two different techniques for two time frame of 4 hours each. NIPPV and SNIPPV will be administered with the same ventilator and the same interface, maintaining a continuous assisted ventilation without patient’s discomfort. During the whole study duration, patient cardiorespiratory data and data from the ventilator will be simultaneously recorded using a polygraph connected to a computer. The primary outcome is the frequency of episodes of oxygen desaturation. Secondary outcomes are number of cardiorespiratory events, FiO2 necessity, newborn pain score evaluation, synchronization index and thoracoabdominal asynchrony. The sample size was calculated at 30 patients. Discussion: It is known that NIPPV produces a percentage of ineffective acts due to asynchronies between ventilator and infant’s breaths. On the other hand, an ineffective synchronization could increase work of breathing. Our hypothesis is that an efficient synchronization could reduce the respiratory work and increase the volume per minute exchanged without interfering with the natural respiratory rhythm of the patient with RDS. The results of this study will allow us to evaluate the effectiveness of the synchronization, demonstrating whether SNIPPV is the most effective non-invasive ventilation mode in preterm infants with RDS at their first approach to NIV ventilation. Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT03289936. Registered on 09/21/2017. Keywords: Non-invasive ventilation, NIPPV, SNIPPV, Synchronization, Cardiorespiratory events, Preterm infants, RDS
Utility of p63 and AMACR in Differentiating Benign and Malignant Prostatic Lesions
Authors: Koshy Ashily , Bavikar Rupali
Published: March 2021

Background: Prostate cancer is the sixth most common cancer in the world. Since treatment options and prognosis of prostatic adenocarcinomas and benign lesions differ significantly, so, the current study using p63and AMACR was carried out with aim to evaluate the utility of immunohistochemistry in resolving ambiguous lesions of prostate.

Methods: The study was conducted on 130 prostatic specimens which included prostate biopsy, TURP and prostatectomy specimens. Routine hematoxylin and eosin staining and immunohistochemical staining using AMACR, p63 monoclonal antibody marker were performed.

Results: Total of 130 cases of prostate samples were studied out of which benign lesions were seen in 102 cases (78.5%) and malignant carcinoma in 28 cases (21.5%). This study showed p63 had a sensitivity of 92.86% and specificity of 100% whereas AMACR has a sensitivity of 96.4% and specificity of 95%. BPH with prostatitis was a common finding in majority of benign lesions. All cases of LGPIN 15 cases (11.5%) were histologically associated with BPH, showing complete positivity in 12 cases (80%) and partial positivity in 3 cases (20%) with p63 immunostaining. HGPIN (1.5%) were associated with prostatic adenocarcinoma showing focal positivity whereas adenocarcinoma showed complete negativity of p63 expression (100%) and positive cytoplasmic staining with AMACR. Comparative study done between DRE, PSA, final histopathological diagnosis, expression of p63 and AMACR immunostaining gives highly significant p value of 0.001(<0.05).

Conclusion: p63 and AMACR are reliable markers which can be used in morphologically difficult cases.
Immunohistochemical Analysis of Expression of GATA3 in Carcinoma Breast and its Correlation with Prognostic Parameters
Authors: Suri Tanvi , Ahluwalia Charanjeet
Published: March 2021

Background: GATA3 plays an essential role in the normal development and function of the mammary gland where it promotes the luminal transcriptional program. Its loss is implicated in the pathogenesis of breast cancer. We proposed to study the expression of GATA3 in carcinoma breast by immunohistochemistry and determine its correlation with prognostic parameters.

Methods: The expression pattern of GATA3 was evaluated by immunohistochemistry in 30 cases of invasive breast carcinoma. GATA3 scoring was done and a score of ≥ 1+ was considered positive. Patient characteristics, including age, tumour laterality, tumour size, lymph node status, tumour grade, histological type, molecular subtypes were collected. The relationships between protein expression and clinicopathological variables were analysed. Statistical significance was determined by Pearson’s chi-square test and Mann Whitney U test (for age).

Result: 46.7% of cases (14/30) scored positive for GATA3 expression in tumour cells including 63% of luminal subtypes, 14% of Her-2 neu enriched carcinomas and 20% of triple negative carcinomas. Most positive cases (35.7%) demonstrated 3+ staining. GATA3 expression showed an inverse association with histological grade (P = 0.012) and HER-2 overexpression (P = 0.038), and a direct association with ER expression (P =0.017) and PR expression (P =0.009).

Conclusion: GATA3 is luminal marker as it shows strong association with ER and PR in breast cancers. High GATA3 expression is also correlated good prognostic parameters like low tumour grade. Our findings advocate for GATA3 as a promising new breast-specific immunomarker.
Возникновение усилий на клине при взаимодействии скользящего разряда со сверхзвуковым потоком
Authors: Бочарников В.М. , Голуб В.В. , Савельев А.С.
Published: March 2021

It was investigated generation of forces on the wedge during the interaction of a sliding discharge in the supersonic flow. Sliding discharge was generated in a supersonic atmospheric-vacuum wind tunnel with a flow Mach number M = 2, Reynolds number of about 106, and static pressure in the flow p = 0.15 bar. It was found that the impact of the discharge is not limited by the appearance of a shock wave, and also significantly changes the properties of the flow around the wedge due to pulse heat generation. As the discharge energy increases, the force from its impact on the wedge also increases. Force produced by the sliding discharge in the supersonic flow is several times greater than in the quiescent air regardless of its pressure: 0.15 bar or 1 bar.
Use of Machine Learning Algorithms to Predict the Understandability of Health Education Materials: Development and Evaluation Study (Preprint)
Authors: Ji Meng , Liu Yanmeng , Zhao Mengdan , Lyu Ziqing , Zhang Boren , Luo Xin , Li Yanlin , Zhong Yin
Published: March 2021

BACKGROUND

Improving the understandability of health information can significantly increase the cost-effectiveness and efficiency of health education programs for vulnerable populations. There is a pressing need to develop clinically informed computerized tools to enable rapid, reliable assessment of the linguistic understandability of specialized health and medical education resources. This paper fills a critical gap in current patient-oriented health resource development, which requires reliable and accurate evaluation instruments to increase the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of health education resource evaluation.

OBJECTIVE

We aimed to translate internationally endorsed clinical guidelines to machine learning algorithms to facilitate the evaluation of the understandability of health resources for international students at Australian universities.

METHODS

Based on international patient health resource assessment guidelines, we developed machine learning algorithms to predict the linguistic understandability of health texts for Australian college students (aged 25-30 years) from non-English speaking backgrounds. We compared extreme gradient boosting, random forest, neural networks, and C5.0 decision tree for automated health information understandability evaluation. The 5 machine learning models achieved statistically better results compared to the baseline logistic regression model. We also evaluated the impact of each linguistic feature on the performance of each of the 5 models.

RESULTS

We found that information evidentness, relevance to educational purposes, and logical sequence were consistently more important than numeracy skills and medical knowledge when assessing the linguistic understandability of health education resources for international tertiary students with adequate English skills (International English Language Testing System mean score 6.5) and high health literacy (mean 16.5 in the Short Assessment of Health Literacy-English test). Our results challenge the traditional views that lack of medical knowledge and numerical skills constituted the barriers to the understanding of health educational materials.

CONCLUSIONS

Machine learning algorithms were developed to predict health information understandability for international college students aged 25-30 years. Thirteen natural language features and 5 evaluation dimensions were identified and compared in terms of their impact on the performance of the models. Health information understandability varies according to the demographic profiles of the target readers, and for international tertiary students, improving health information evidentness, relevance, and logic is critical.
Einführung
Authors: Hofstetter Simon
Published: March 2021

Es freut uns ausserordentlich, Ihnen, geschätzte Leserin, geschätzter Leser, das «Jahrbuch Diakonie Schweiz» präsentieren zu dürfen. Nach längerer Vorbereitungszeit liegt die erste Ausgabe mit 14 diakoniewissenschaftlichen Beiträgen sowie Berichten aus dem diakonischen Wirken von Kirchen, Werken und Ausbildungsinstitutionen vor, die in den Jahren 2015 und 2016 erstellt wurden. Das Jahrbuch trägt zum ersten Mal wichtige diakonische Debatten aus der deutsch- und der französischsprachigen Schweiz zusammen und bündelt diese in der vorliegenden Form, als elektronisch verfügbares Open-Access-Journal.Die Dozentur für Diakoniewissenschaft an der Theologischen Fakultät der Universität Bern als herausgebende Institution ist überzeugt, mit der Veröffentlichung des Jahrbuchs einen bedeutenden Beitrag zur Stimulierung des diakoniewissenschaftlichen Diskurses in der Schweiz zu leisten.In der vorliegenden Einleitung wird begründet, weshalb wir eine Bündelung und Stimulierung der diakoniewissenschaftlichen Debatten in der Schweiz anstreben und für notwendig halten.
Eine kritische Würdigung des Begriffs «Partnerschaft» im Kontext der kirchlichen Entwicklungszusammenarbeit
Authors: Daum Magdalena
Published: March 2021

Magalena Daum hat im Jahr 2015 eine Masterarbeit zum Thema «Mission und Diakonie im Leben von Marie-Claire Barth» verfasst und darin das Verhältnis von Mission und Diakonie im Kontext der ökumenischen Partnerschaft – insbesondere anhand des Wirkens von Marie-Claire Barth – beleuchtet. Die Thematik bearbeitet sie nun in einem diakoniewissenschaftlichen Promotionsprojekt weiter.Der vorliegende Bericht basiert auf den Ergebnissen der Masterarbeit von Magdalena Daum. Auf der Basis einer historischen Rückblende zur Verwendung des Begriffs «Partnerschaft» im Bereich der Entwicklungszusammenarbeit weist sie darin in Streiflichtern auf, welche Herausforderungen oder gar Fallstricke bei der Begriffsverwendung nach wie vor lauern: Zwar bestehe von Seiten der Hilfeleistenden «der Wunsch […], Entwicklungshilfe sollte nicht länger Abhängigkeiten durch einseitige Geldspenden und technische, bildende Hilfeleistungen schaffen», dennoch laufe man mit der Verwendung des Begriffs Gefahr, «Asymmetrien und Machtverhältnisse [zu] verschleiern.»
Diakonie und christliche Unternehmer – Europa früher und China heute
Authors: Stückelberger Christoph
Published: March 2021

Christoph Stückelberger zeichnet in seinem Beitrag «Diakonie und christliche Unternehmer – Europa früher und China heute» nach, wie im christlichen Unternehmertum seit der Zeit der Industrialisierung in Europa «Glaube und Arbeit sowie Glaube und soziale Verantwortung» verbunden wurden. Er unterscheidet ab dem Ende des 19. Jahrhunderts vier Entwicklungsschritte und beschreibt diese wie folgt: Die Phase einer ersten Generation um die Jahrhundertwende bis zur Jahrhundertmitte bestand in der Gründung von regionalen oder nationalen Unternehmerverbänden, wobei die Enzyklika «Rerum Novarum» von 1891 vermutlich entscheidende Impulse hierfür lieferte. Die Phase der unmittelbaren Nachkriegszeit war geprägt vom Beitrag der gegründeten Verbände zum Wiederaufbau Europas und zur Entwicklung der Sozialen Marktwirtschaft. In einer dritten Phase expandierten die Unternehmerorganisationen angesichts des zunehmenden Welthandels in die ehemaligen Kolonien und gründeten dort Zweigniederlassungen. In der vierten, bis heute andauernden Phase stellt Stückelberger auf Seiten der Unternehmer eine Vervielfältigung von ethisch orientierten Initiativen fest, die sich in den Betriebskulturen oder in ihrer Verbandsarbeit manifestieren.Stückelberger vergleicht diesen Werdegang mit der von ihm beobachteten Situation der christlichen Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer in China. Er stellt eine stark steigende Zahl dieser Unternehmerinnen und Unternehmer fest (wobei genaue Statistiken fehlen), die sich in vielfältiger Weise sozial engagieren und in verschiedenen «fellowships» verbunden sind, wo sie sich zum Zweck des Austausches, der Pflege des Glaubenslebens und der Vernetzung treffen. Ihr Engagement ist nicht so sehr auf die Advocacy-Rolle ausgerichtet, sondern dient vielemehr der «gemeinsame[n] Anstrengung der christlichen Gemeinschaft, der Gesellschaft zu dienen».
"Der letzte Herbst ist da!"
Authors: Sigrist Christoph
Published: March 2021

Christoph Sigrist legt in seinem Beitrag «Der letzte Herbst ist da!» als Rahmengeschichte eine eigene Seelsorgeerfahrung in der Begleitung einer schwer kranken Person zugrunde. Darauf aufbauend entwickelt er ein Modell von Kirchgemeinden als «sorgenden Gemeinschaften», das auf der soziologischen Beobachtung von sogenannten «Unschärferelationen» bzw. «offenen Sphären» basiert. Diese Unschärfen existieren dadurch, dass «die Kirchgemeinde als geografische Grösse und die Gemeinde als theologische Bestimmung […] angesichts der plural gewordenen Gesellschaft unscharf geworden» sind und Kirchgemeinden entsprechend ihr unterstützendes Handeln stets in «Spannungen zwischen den unterschiedlichen Anbietern und Akteuren auf dem Marktplatz der Diakonie» zu leisten haben. Dabei verflüssigen sich Grenzen und Räume schnell und situativ.

Sigrist übernimmt die Vorstellung der «Unschärferelationen» auch für das sorgende Handeln der Kirchgemeinden und formuliert daraus für Pfarrpersonen sowie Sozialdiakoninnen und –diakone die Aufgabe, die «vielfach diffus wahrgenommene und nicht präzis ausgedrückte Erwartung, ihr Nicht-Verstehen [der Betroffenen] zu verstehen und mit eigenen Ideen zu verbinden». So könne es in seelsorgenden Situationen gelingen, das Resonanzen entstehen, in denen Erfahrungen eines «In-Gottes-Namen-Berührt-Werdens» sowie des «In-Gottes-Namen-Bewegt-Seins» möglich sind.

Diese Resonanzen können nach Sigrist in unterschiedlichen Dimensionen wirksam werden. Eine erste Dimension bezieht sich auf das grosse Netz von kirchlich engagierten Freiwilligen, die gemeinsam eine gemeindliche Kultur der Sorgsamkeit aufzubauen vermögen (horizontale Dimension); eine zweite Dimension bringt die Erfahrung ein, wonach «etwas da ist, etwas gegenwärtig und in ein Ganzes gegenwärtiges So-Sein eingebunden» ist (vertikale Dimension); in einer dritten Dimension geht es sodann darum, die ersten beiden Dimensionen zu verbinden.
Réseaux d'activités communautaires et solidaires des Eglises auprès des seniors
Authors: Rudaz Liliane
Published: March 2021

Der Bericht von Liliane Rudaz mit dem Titel «Réseaux d'activités communautaires et solidaires des Églises auprès des seniors» basiert auf einemAuftrag, der im Jahr 2018 innerhalb der Evangelisch-reformierten Kirche des Kantons Waadt an eine ökumenische Arbeitsgruppe ging und der zum Inhalt hatte, 1. eine Übersicht über die Lage der über 60-jährigen Personen zu erstellen sowie 2. bestehende und mögliche zukünftige Interaktionsformen der Kirchen mit dieser Zielgruppe zu identifizieren.

Im Sinne einer Auftragsklärung konstatiert der Bericht, dass die zu untersuchende Gruppe der über 60-jährigen Personen bereits in begrifflicher Hinsicht schwer zu fassen ist (Unterscheidung «3. und 4. Lebensalter»; erwerbsarbeitsorientierter Begriff «Rentner/in», u.a.m.). Als heuristisches Instrument zur Zielgruppensegmentierung wird sodann eine gängige medizinisch-instrumentelle Kategorisierung verwendet, wonach die betreffenden Personen aufgrund ihres Gesundheitszustands eingeteilt werden in die Phasen der «indépendance» (weitgehende Unabhängigkeit), der «fragilité» (Fragilität mit funktionalen Einschränkungen) sowie der «dépendance» (funktionale Abhängigkeit).

Der Bericht der Arbeitsgruppe von Liliane Rudaz stellt fest, dass kirchliche Angebote zu wesentlichen Teilen von Menschen im genannten Altersspektrum frequentiert werden, allerdings seien es – im Blick auf die vorgenommene Segmentierung – im Wesentlichen die Unabhängigen (oft als Freiwillige) sowie die in fragilen Situationen Befindlichen. Nur selten gelinge es den kirchlichen Angeboten, Menschen in Abhängigkeitssituationen zu erreichen.

Aufgrund dieser Ausgangslage skizziert die Gruppe das Profil eines «aumônier de quartier» (Quartierbegleitung / -seelsorge), d.h. einer kirchlichen Beauftragung, die aufsuchend tätig ist, betroffene Menschen direkt besucht und Beziehungen stiftet zu lokalen Unterstützungsorganisationen sowie zu Kirchgemeinden.

Mit einem solchen Profil der teilhabefördernden Begegnung und Beziehungsstiftung für betagte Menschen sieht sich die Arbeitsgruppe «au coeur de l'Évangile et donc de la mission de nos Églises».