bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Synthesis and Characterization of Lanthanum doped Co-Zn Spinel Ferrites Nanoparticles by Sol-Gel Auto Combustion Method
Authors: Gilani Zaheer Abbas , Farooq Amir , Asghar Hafiz Muhammad Noor ul Huda Khan , Khalid Muhammad , Shaikh Furhaj Ahmad , Islam Siraj ul , Tariq Muhammad Waqas , Nawaz Muhammad Kamran , Yasmeen Saira
Published: September 2021

Spinel ferrites nanoparticles play a significant role in our everyday lives. In the current work, La3+ doped Co-Zn ferrites with chemical formula Co0.5Zn0.5LaxFe2−xO4 (x = 0.00 to x = 0.2 with step size 0.04) was effectively prepared by sol gel technique. The formation of FCC spinel structure was confirmed by X-Ray diffraction (XRD) analysis. The average crystallite size were calculated to be in the 8 nm to 13 nm range. The lattice parameters were found to be decreased with the doping of lanthanum (La3+) contents. X- Ray density is analyzed to increase as the concentration of (La3+) doping increases, this is due to the fact that La3+ ion has a higher molar weight than Fe3+ ion. The spinel phase structure was affirmed by using FTIR.The two main absorption bands ν1 and ν2 are referred to tetrahedral stretching band and octahedral stretching band respectively, is found to be in the range of at around 400–530 cm− 1. Spinel ferrites, such as Co-Zn spinel ferrites, have dielectric features that make them ideal for use in high-frequency applications. With new potential applications being investigated all the time. Physical properties, synthesis method, as well as sintering temperature and time, are all important factors in regulating the properties of dielectric materials. The dielectric features were measured in the frequency of 1 MHz to 3 GHz range. Lowered dielectric parameters studied across a higher frequency range recommend that such nano crystalline ferrites could be used to fabricate the equipment needed to perform at GHz frequencies.
Opportunities and Challenges for Family-Centered Postpartum Care During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study of Nurse Perspectives
Authors: Buek Katharine W. , O’Neil Molly , Mandell Dorothy J.
Published: September 2021

Background The global COVID-19 pandemic has forced the health care sector to make wide-ranging changes to protect patients as well as providers from the risk of infection. Many of these changes are likely to have greatest impact in contexts of care that employ family-centered models, including perinatal and maternity care. Research conducted in prenatal, childbirth and postpartum settings during the pandemic has shown that some of these restrictions have negatively impacted health care practice and outcomes, while others have been beneficial to both providers and patients. The present qualitative study aimed to understand what changes have occurred in postpartum nursing practice during the pandemic, and how these changes have affected nurses, women and families during their stay in the hospital following a new birth.MethodsStructured interviews were completed with 20 postpartum nurses from five hospitals across Texas. The interview protocol was designed to elicit information about changes to hospital policies in postpartum units during the pandemic, nurses’ attitudes about these changes, perceived benefits and challenges for performance of their duties, and perceived effects on patients and their families. Nurses were recruited for the study using a purposive sampling approach. Interviews were conducted by telephone and lasted approximately 30 to 45 minutes. Data were analyzed using a qualitative descriptive approach. ResultsParticipants reported that their hospitals placed restrictions on the number and mobility of support persons allowed to stay with the mother in the unit and prohibited all other visitation. Some challenges of these policies included reduced opportunities for hands-on learning and an increased number of patients opting for early discharge. Perceived benefits for nursing practice as well as patient outcomes included improved frequency and effectiveness of nurse-family communication, increased father involvement, and greater opportunities for maternal rest, breastfeeding, skin-to-skin care and family bonding.ConclusionsStudy findings suggests that some limitations on postpartum hospital visitation may achieve important, family-centered goals. Protected time for family-bonding, maternal rest, breastfeeding, father involvement and individualized education are critical to quality FCC. Research must examine which visitation policies maximize these benefits while preserving patient access to family and social support.
The Analysis and Probabilistic Health Risk Assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons in Cereal Products: with the Chemometric Approch
Authors: Khalili Fariba , Shariatifar Nabi , Dehghani Mohammad Hadi , Yaghmaeian Kamyar , Nodehi Ramin Nabizadeh , Yaseri Mehdi , Arabameri Majid
Published: September 2021

The analysis and probabilistic health risk assessment of Polycyclic Aromatic Hydrocarbons (PAHs) in cereal products were done by using magnetic solid-phase extraction (MSPE) method and gas chromatography/mass spectrometric (GC/MS). The level of sum sixteen PAHs in cereal products ranged from 98.2 (in Barbari bread) to 248.3 µg/kg (in rice cooked). Further, the correlation between the type and amount of 16 PAHs with cereal products samples evaluated with multivariate principal component analysis and heat map visualization. Estimation of incremental lifetime cancer risk in cereals ranged from 7.80E-6 to 2.35E-7. In conclusion, the PAHs content in the tested products were in low health risk ranges (1 × 10 − 6 < ILCR < 1 × 10 − 4), and all of the cereal products sold in Tehran are considered safe for consumers. Therefore, cereal products should be regularly evaluated and monitored by regulatory agencies to reduce contaminants in these high-consumption products.
Validation of The 2018 FIGO Staging System for Predicting The Prognosis of Patients With Stage IIIC Cervical Cancer
Authors: Long Xingtao , Zhou Qi , Zou Dongling , Wang Dong , Liu Jingshu , Chen Yuemei
Published: September 2021

Purpose We aimed to validate the prognostic performance of the 2018 International Federation of Gynecology and Obstetrics(FIGO) IIIC staging system for patients with cervical cancer. Methods We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients with stage III cervical cancer according to the 2018 FIGO staging system who received standardized treatment from January 2011 to December 2014. Results Multivariable analysis revealed that stage IIIC1 was not significantly associated with increased risk of death compared with stages IIIA (hazard ratio [HR] = 1.432; 95% confidence interval [CI]: 0.867 to 2.366; P = 0.161) and IIIB (HR = 1.261; 95% CI: 0.871 to 1.827; P = 0.219). Stage IIIC2 was an independent indicator of increased risk of mortality compared with stages IIIA (HR = 2.958; 95% CI :1.757 to 4.983; P < 0.001) and IIIB (HR = 2.606; 95% CI: 1.752 to 3.877; P < 0.001). We stratified patients with stage IIIC1 according to T stage and compared survival outcomes. Stage IIIC1 (T1) was associated with longer 5-year overall survival (OS) compared with stages IIIA (P = 0.004) or IIIB (P < 0.001). An optimal cut-off value (= 2) was established for predicting the prognosis of stage IIIC1p(T1/T2a), which was associated with the number of pelvic lymph nodes metastases (PLNMs). Patients with stage IIIC1pN1-2 experienced longer 5-year OS compared those with stages IIIA (P = 0.01) or IIIB (P < 0.001). Conclusion Patients with stage IIIC1 cervical cancer exhibited heterogeneous clinical characteristics reflecting their variable prognoses, depending on T-stage and the extent of PLNMs
SNMP for Cloud Environment Energy Efficiency
Authors: Chinnici Marta , Iqbal Asif , kor ah lian , pattinson colin , rondeau eric
Published: September 2021

Cloud computing has seen rapid growth and environments are now providing multiple physical servers with several virtual machines running on those servers. Networks have grown larger and have become more powerful in recent years. A vital problem related to this advancement is that it has become increasingly complex to manage networks. SNMP is one standard which is applied as a solution to this management of networks problem. This work utilizes SNMP to explore the capabilities of SNMP protocol and its features for monitoring, control and automation of virtual machines and hypervisors. For this target, a stage-wise solution has been formed that obtains results of experiments from the first stage uses SNMPv3 and feed to the second stage for further processing and advancement. The target of the controlling experiments is to explore the extent of SNMP capability in the control of virtual machines running in a hypervisor, also in terms of energy efficiency. The core contribution based on real experiments is conducted to provide empirical evidence for the relation between power consumption and virtual machines.
Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping of Stem oBrix Content and Stem Diameter in Sorghum Recombinant Inbred Lines Using Genotype-By-Sequencing
Authors: Deressa Abera Takele , Feyisa Tileye , Disasa Tesfaye
Published: September 2021

Sweet sorghum has the ability to store sugar in its stem. Many sugar content genes have been discovered and through breeding worldwide. However, some of these genes are unstable. This study aimed to detect and validate QTL for stem oBrix content from sorghum RILs. In two seasons, QTL linked with stem brix content and related traits were examined using 139 F8RILs from a grain and sweet sorghum. A genetic linkage map with 128 SNP markers was created and several QTLs were identified. Phenotypic variation between 6.33 and 14% was identified for a given trait. Over two seasons, four QTLs for stem brix content (qBrix2-1, qBrix4-1, qBrix4-2, and qBrix10-1) and three QTLs for stem diameter (qSD1-1, qSD8-1 and qSD9-1) were detected. The detected QTL could be useful for improving stem brix content in different growing season. Furthermore, it makes a significant contribution to marker-assisted brix selection and sorghum biofuel improvement.
Investigation on Ultra-compact 2DPC Coarse Wavelength Division Demultiplexer
Authors: Kannaiyan Venkatachalam , D Sriram Kumar , S Robinson
Published: September 2021

A two dimensional Photonic Crystal (2DPC) based eight channel wavelength division demultiplexer is proposed and designed for Coarse Wavelength Division Multiplexing (CWDM) applications. The circular ring resonator, channel selector, circulator rod, L bend waveguide and linear bus waveguide are essential parts of the proposed system. The system’s functional parameters such as Transmission efficiency, resonant wavelength, spectral width, channel spacing, Quality factor and crosstalk are investigated in this paper. The eight different wavelengths of channels are filtered out by altering the size of channel selector rod, setting the radius of the circle shaped cavity and relative refractive index of circulator rod. Initially the Photonic Band gap (PBG) is manipulated by applying Plane Wave Expansion (PWE) method of the 2DPC structure. The functional parameters are analysed by Finite Difference Time Domain (FDTD) method in periodic and non-periodic structure of the proposed system to arrive normalized transmission spectrum. The resonant wavelengths of designed eight paths of the device are varying from 1420nm to 1460nm with average spectral width and channel spacing are 5.8nm, 5.6nm respectively. The footprint of the device is 286.84µm2. Hence this small device can be implemented for CWDM systems in Photonic Integrated Circuits (PIC).
Bovine Cerebral Theileriosis: First Molecular Confirmed Report in Cross Bred Cattle Calf in India
Authors: Agrawal Vivek , Das G. , Singla L. D. , Shukla S. , Maharana B. R. , Jayraw A. K. , Shakya M. , Jatav G. P.
Published: September 2021

Bovine tropical theileriosis caused by Theileria annulata, is a serious constraint to Indian dairy industry with more fatal infections in exotic cattle and substantial losses to cross-bred and indigenous zebu cattle. The present communication is to place on record the first report of molecular based confirmed case of cerebral theileriosis caused by T. annulata coupled with its morphological detection, clinical manifestations, haematological alterations and therapeutic management in a cross bred cattle calf from India. After preparation of peripheral thin blood smear from cross bred cattle calf at the site of collection and fixation with methanol, blood sample brought to Department of Veterinary Parasitology, College of Veterinary Science and A.H, Jabalpur and stained by standard protocol for Giemsa staining. Genomic DNA was isolated from the collected blood sample using QIAamp® DNA blood mini kit following the manufacturer’s recommendations and PCR was performed. The cross bred cow calf revealed high rise in temperature (105.5°F), increased heart rate, labored breathing with seromucous nasal discharge, enlargement of prescapular lymph node and animal exhibited tonic clonic convulsions in response to any sudden noise. Giemsa stained thin blood smear revealed intraerythrocytic piroplasm and Koch blue bodies of T. annulata within the cytoplasm of lymphocytes. The species of Theileria was confirmed by molecular amplification of genomic DNA as T. annulata.
Down-Regulation of lncRNA XIST Ameliorates Lipoprotein(a) Induced Endothelial Progenitor Cell Damage via Modulating miR-126/PLK2 Axis
Authors: Zhang Xiaolei , Xu Guoying , Wang Shizhen , Chen Pei , Chen Shanshan
Published: September 2021

Background

Recent studies have discovered that lncRNAs regulate lipoprotein (LP) (a)-mediated endothelial progenitor cells (EPCs) damage through sponging miRNAs. However, the role of XIST in EPC remains unknown.
Method:

Firstly, LP(a)(100 ng/mL) was used to treat EPCs for 6 hours. Then, the apoptosis, proliferation, migration, adhesion, angiogenesis of EPCs were detected. Moreover, overexpression of XIST or miR-126 on EPCs were built. Mechanistically, bioinformatics database, dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP were used to found the binding relationships between XIST and miR-126, miR-126 and PLK2.
Results

Presently, we found LP(a) treatment significantly induced apoptosis, attenuated the proliferation, migration, adhesion, angiogenesis of EPCs. While knocking down XIST or overexpression miR-126 significantly reversed LP(a) induced damage on EPCs. Moreover, forced overexpression of XIST partially offset the protective effects of overexpressing miR-126 on EPC. Mechanistically, through bioinformatics database (http://starbase.sysu.edu.cn/index.php), we found potential binding relationships between XIST and miR-126, miR-126 and PLK2. Furthermore, the dual-luciferase reporter assay and RIP experiment confirmed the targeted binding between them.
Conclusion

Collectively, the above results confirmed that down-regulating XIST improved LP(a)-induced EPC damage by regulating the miR-126/PLK2 axis, and the XIST/miR-126/PLK2 axis exerted an essential role in regulating EPC function.
Estimation of Optimum Alum Doses of Mountain Water for Water Supply Treatment in Hill Tribe Villages in Chiang Rai Province, Thailand
Authors: Sudsandee Suntorn , Patthanacheroen Natthathida
Published: September 2021

Hill tribe villages are located in mountainous and remote areas. Primary water supply and drinking water sources are mountain water from a small weir on the mountain. Most mountain waters found turbidity higher than 1 NTU, and water quality was unclean to use and drink. This research applied different concentrations of alum doses to observe turbidity reduction. Optimum alum does apply to reduce turbidity for mountain water samples from Hmong, Karen, Lahu, and Lisu for three seasons. The optimum alum dose is between 20 - 40 mg/l in rainy seasons and 10 – 40 mg/l in summer. The cold season was low optimum alum dose at 10 mg/l for all hill tribe villages. Therefore, alum coagulants can be used to treat the mountain water supply and drinking that can implement the main problem of mountain water in hill tribe village.
Visual Analysis of Carbon Emissions in Steel Industry Based on CiteSpace
Authors: Xu Desheng , Yang Ke , Duan Wei
Published: September 2021

This paper analyzes the research characteristics and development context of carbon emissions in the steel industry, which will provide reference for future carbon emissions research and practice in the steel industry in China. Based on the “Web of Science Core Collection” (hereinafter referred to as SCIE) database, this paper used CiteSpace software to make a bibliometric analysis of the literatures related to carbon emissions in the steel industry from 1991 to 2020 in terms of countries and regions, major publishing institutions, high-yield authors, keywords and time zone views. The results show that: 1) Scholars and research institutions in different countries and regions form a close cooperation network according to their geographical location;2) The research forces with China, the United States, the United Kingdom and Japan as the core have provided key research support and contributed major research results to the carbon emission field of the steel industry;3) Climate change, production technology and future scenario analysis are the three main research topics;4) In the future research stage, the comprehensive application of various disciplines such as technical and economic analysis, scenario analysis and environmental climatology will become the forefront of the research on carbon emissions in the steel industry.
Secondary Traumatic Stress in Iranian Midwives: Stimuli Factors, Outcomes and Risk Management
Authors: Hajiesmaello Maryam , Hajian Sepideh , Riazi Hedyeh , Majd Hamid Alavi , Yavarian⁵ Roya
Published: September 2021

Background: The present qualitative study was conducted to explain the experiences of secondary traumatic stress (STS) and its related factors in midwives working in maternity wards.Methods: Data were collected using semi-structured interviews with 11 midwives working in the maternity wards of hospitals in Urmia, Iran, through in-depth interviews with open-ended questions. Data were analyzed using the conventional content analysis approach.Results:The results of data analysis led to the extraction of three themes, seven main categories, and 18 subcategories. The first theme was “STS stimuli,” with the two categories of “Discriminatory approach to midwifery” and “The nature of the midwifery profession”. The second theme was “Traumatic outcomes”, which included the subcategories of “Psychological-emotional trauma”, “physical trauma” and “social trauma”. The third theme was “Risk management”, which had the two subcategories of “Reactive approach” and “Proactive approach”.Conclusions:The results showed that, in addition to the traumatic nature of events that midwives experience during work as the secondhand victims, factors such as governance-organizational structure, unbalanced distribution of power, and poor supportive laws undermine their professional role and provide conditions conducive to STS. Therefore, avoiding traumatic situations and scientific and skill self-empowerment were the most important strategies adopted by the midwives in this study to prevent risky situations and cope with the consequences of STS. The participation of midwifery stakeholders in policy-making and adopting supportive legislation in redefining the position and role of midwives can play a major role in reducing STS and sustaining their role and position in maternal care.
Production Risk and the Early Adoption of Alternatives to Antibiotics: Evidence From Poultry Farmers in China
Authors: Li Lingzhi , Zhou Li
Published: September 2021

Excessive or unreasonable use of agricultural chemicals has caused a wide range of negative effects on the environment and residents' health. It is urgent to promote the reduction of the use of agricultural chemicals. Taking the use of veterinary antibiotics (hereafter antibiotics) in broiler breeding as an example, based on the data of 380 contract farmers, this paper first investigated the effects of production risk on farmers' decision-making on the use of alternatives to antibiotics and the amount of antibiotics in the initial stage of alternatives entering into the market. The results show that: (1) the fluctuation of mortality in the lag period has no significant influence on the adoption of alternatives, and farmers are concerned about the absolute or average level of mortality in the lag period. (2) The mortality rate lagged three phases had a significant positive impact on the adoption of alternatives. On average, the mortality rate lagged three phases increased by 0.01, and the likelihood of farmers adopting substitutes in the early stage increased by 0.670%. (3) The production risk plays an important role in regulating the effects of alternatives. When using alternatives, the mortality rate of lagging three phases is higher, the higher the dosage of antibiotics and the lower the mortality rate in the early stage, suggesting that higher production risk would result in using alternatives for the purpose of reducing the production risk rather than reducing the use of antibiotics. Thus, to realize the effect of alternatives in reducing agricultural chemicals, the prerequisite is to improve the production risk management ability of farmers.
Under-five Mortality and Associated Factors among Children Born from 15-49 Years Old Mothers in Haramaya Town, Eastern Ethiopia
Authors: Ahmed Mohammed , Demena Melake , Teklemariam Zelalem , Desalew Assefa , Assefa Nega
Published: September 2021

Background: The global under-five mortality rate has dropped from almost 90 deaths per 1,000 live births in 1990 to 43 in 2015. The Ethiopian Mini Demographic Health Survey, 2019 shows 55 under-five deaths per 1,000 live births. In the eastern part of Ethiopia, evidence from the Kersa Health and Demographic Surveillance System in Kersa district of East Hararghe Zone, Oromia Region suggested the decline of under-five mortality rate from 131.8 per 1000 live births in 2008 to 77.4 per 1000 live births in 2013. The death rates still remain far from the Sustainable Development Goals’ target reduction to 25 or less per 1000 live births by 2030. However, the magnitude and determinants of under-five mortality is not studied in Haramaya town. Objective: To assess the under-five mortality rate and associated factors among children born during August 07, 2015- August 06, 2020 in Haramaya town, east Ethiopia by August 07–31/2020. Methodology: Quantitative cross-sectional population-based study was conducted on 391 pairs of 15-49 years old mothers and their live-born under-five children selected using systematic random sampling technique from Haramaya town to cmpare mortality between <=24 and >=25 mother’s age groups. Data were collected using interview-based questionnaire; double entered into EpiData 3.1; and then exported to statistical package for social sciences program version 20.0 for analysis. Binary logistic regression analysis (p-value <0.20) was performed to examine crude association of predictors with under-five mortality, and then multiple logistic regression analysis (p-value <0.05) to measure the statistical association. Results: The death of 28 out of 372 live births gave an under-five mortality rate of 75 per 1000 live births. Children born in households with less than 6 members had 7. 98 times higher odds of dying than those born in households with at least 6 members (AOR =7.98, 95% CI =1.59-40.17). Those children who did not feed colostrum were associated with 17.45 times increased risk of under-five deaths compared to colostrum-fed ones (AOR =17.45, 95% CI =6.54-46.55). Conclusion: The study suggests that 75 per 1000 live births die before celebrating their fifth birth day. Household size and colostrum feeding are the significantly associated factors.Recommendation: All concerned should inform the mothers the role of identified factors like household size and colostrum feeding in child survival.
Giant Solitary Fibrous Tumor of the Pancreas: A Case Report and Review of the Literature
Authors: peng junqiang , Liu Yanmin , Peng Qian , Dou Tingting , Fang Xiaochang , Yang Tiecheng , Wang Huaqiao , Yang Lijie , Li Xuanfei , Feng Maohui
Published: September 2021

Background: Solitary fibrous tumors (SFTs) originating from the pancreas are rare, only 23 cases have been reported so far. Here, we report the largest one, which has its unique treatment characteristics.Case report: A 42-year-old woman was admitted to the hospital with abdominal pain and abdominal mass, and the preoperative diagnosis was unclear. As the mass was rich in blood vessels, she underwent partial pancreatectomy after embolizing part of the blood vessels by preoperative intervention, which, at final pathology, showed spindle and oval cell proliferation and featured the presence of hemangiopericytoma-like blood. Immunohistochemistry showed cytoplasmic expression of CD34 and nuclear expression of STAT6, and mitotic activity was lower than 4 mitoses/10 high-power fields (HPFs). At the end, she was diagnosed with pancreatic SFT. The postoperative recovery was uneventful and she was alive and free of disease after 8 months.Conclusion: The diagnosis of SFT of the pancreas needs to be done very cautiously. Surgical treatment and postoperative follow-up are more reasonable methods at the moment.
CENPF Promotes Proliferation of Renal Cell Carcinoma In Vitro
Authors: Zhang Ji , Yuan Shushu , Zhu Hua , Chen Zhan , Liu Zhenmin , Ji Yuhang , Zheng Bing
Published: September 2021

Background: Metastasis and drug resistance are the main causes of renal cell carcinoma (RCC) mortality. Currently, there are still limited number of targeted therapies against advanced RCC. It is critical to develop new effective clinical biomarkers and drug targets in RCC. Several studies have shown that Centromere protein F (CENPF), a microtubule binding protein, promotes cancer progression in various types of cancer. The purpose of this study is to explore the role of CENPF in RCC.Materials and methods: Peripheral blood and corresponding tissue samples of 23 RCC patients and 23 normal physical examination patients who were treated in our hospital from 2018 to 2020 were collected, and the CENPF expression was detected by qRT-PCR, Western-blot and immunohistochemical methods. Down-regulate the expression of CENPF by siRNA transfection, and detect the proliferation of the corresponding RCC cells and the corresponding cell cycle.Results: According to TCGA data analysis, CENPF is highly expressed in RCC, and its expression level is significantly related to the overall survival and recurrence-free survival of RCC. In addition, high expression of CENPF was found in the tissues of RCC patients in our hospital. Knockdown of CENPF can significantly reduce the proliferation of RCC cells in in vitro experiments, and knockdown of CENPF can regulate the cell cycle by inhibiting the expression of cyclins such as CDK4, CDK6 and CyclinD1. Conclusion: CENPF can be used as an independent prognostic factor of RCC and regulate the proliferation ability and cell cycle of RCC cells. CENPF is a potential oncogene and prognostic marker in RCC.
Dynamic Changes in Prostate-Specific Antigen After Androgen Deprivation Therapy for Prostate Cancer are Strongly Associated with Biochemical Progression-Free Survival: A Multicenter Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Hu Mingqiu , Mao Yifeng , Zhang Kaizhong , Guan Chao , Wu Aiming
Published: September 2021

Objectives: The risk factors for prostate cancer to progress to castration-resistant prostate cancer after androgen deprivation treatment (ADT) are still not to be well defined. We conducted this investigation in an attempt to determine factors that predicted the prognosis in a series of patients with prostate cancer after ADT. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed the database of patients treated with androgen deprivation prostate cancer who were hospitalized in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Bengbu Medical College and Maoming People's Hospital from 2015.1.1 to 2020.12.30. PSA dynamic changes, including nadir PSA (nPSA), time to nadir PSA (TTN), were examined regularly. Cox risk proportional regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analysis; Kaplan-Meier survival curve and Log-rank test were used to compare and analyze differences in biochemical progression-free survival (bPFS) between groups. Results: During the follow-up with a median time of 43.5 months, a total of 163 men were included in the study. The median bPFS of the two groups with nPSA lower than 0.2ng/ml and ≥0.2ng/ml were 27.6 months and 13.5, respectively, with significant differences between the groups (Log-rank p<0.001); The median bPFS of the two groups with TTN ≥9 months and less than 9 were 27.8 months and 13.5 months, respectively, with significant differences between the groups (Log rank p<0.001). Conclusions: PSA dynamic changes after androgen deprivation treatment of prostate cancer can be used as prognostic indicators for bPFS. The lower the nadir PSA value and the longer the time to nadir, the longer the bPFS of patients with prostatic cancer after androgen deprivation treatment.
Assessment of Salivary Zink Level and its impact on Periodontal Health among Children and Adolescence with Sickle Cell Anemia
Authors: Hassan Rogyia Eltayeb , Kaddam Lamis AbdelGadir
Published: September 2021

Background: Sickle cell anemia (SCA) is the most common inherited disorder around the world. It affects red blood cells resulting in severe hemolysis and painful crisis with multi-organ damage. Sickle cell anemia patients showed an impaired antioxidant status due to a reduced antioxidant defense mechanism that depends indirectly on zinc micronutrient. Several studies revealed a low level of serum zinc among sickle patients. However, none of them investigates the impact of SCA on salivary zinc level. This study aims to measure zinc level in saliva and its influence on the periodontal health of Sudanese children with SCA in Khartoum state. Up to our knowledge, this the first study conducted to measure salivary Zink level and its impact on periodontal health among sickle patients Subjects and Methods: Cross-sectional study was conducted among children and adolescents aged 5-18 years old. Sixty individuals were involved, 30 with SCA compared to 30 healthy controls groups. An Atomic Absorption spectrophotometer quantified the salivary level of zinc. Periodontal examinations were assessed in SCA children using the periodontal community index.Results: The mean ages in the sickle cell anemic group were 10.37 ± 4.13 years old, while the mean ages of subjects in the control group were 9.37 ± 3.6 years (P.Value: 0.169). Salivary zinc level was significantly lower among SCA patients (P.Value <0.001) than in the healthy control group. None of the participants were diagnosed with periodontitis. The less salivary zinc level was significantly higher in SCA with standard pocket depth and no clinical attachment loss than patients diagnosed with gingivitis ( P. Value:0.025).Conclusions: Sickle patients have a low level of zinc in saliva, which may contribute to some manifestations of sickle cell disease and may make them more susceptible to periodontal disease in the future. We recommend conducting more research on oral and periodontal health among children affected with SCA to improve their quality of life.
Factors Influencing The Mutual-Support Willingness and Needs Among The Rural Elderly in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Yao Ke-ru , Yin Xin-hong , Qin Luo , Tang Xi , Tan Xiu-zhu
Published: September 2021

Background

This study aimed to assess the influence factors of mutual-support eldercare willingness and identify the eldercare requirements of elderly living in rural areas of Hunan Province, China.
Methods

Using Chi-square test and logistic regression to analyze factors influencing Participants’ eldercare and the needs for mutual-support eldercare.
Results

Factors influencing the mutual-support willingness and needs included individual characteristic, family security and so on. And rural elderly's demand for mutual support at a relatively high level. The total score on the social support for the aged was 36.944 ± 6.487, at a moderate level.
Conclusions

It is necessary to objectively evaluate the factors related to mutual-support eldercare willingness and needs, and take steps to enhance social support and meet elderly the needs of mutual- support eldercare, which is of great significance for improving the happiness of the elderly in their later years and alleviating the crisis of population aging in China.
Clustering of Parkinson Subtypes: Strong Influence of D2 Receptor Polymorphism and Gender
Authors: Pelzer Esther Annegret , Stürmer Sophie , Feis Delia-Lisa , Melzer Corina , Schwartz Frank , Scharge Marcel , Eggers Carsten , Tittgemeyer Marc , Timmermann Lars
Published: September 2021

Next to motor and non-motor symptoms some more basic features are relevant in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease subtype classification influencing basal ganglia circuitry via dopamine receptor polymorphism and gender dimorphism. By kmeans-clustering algorithm we found an influence of D2 receptor polymorphism and gender on treatment response to dopaminergic drugs -reflected by daily levodopa dosage- opening the door for a more personalized individual therapy in idiopathic Parkinson’s disease.
Efficacy of Total Knee Arthroplasty in Elderly Patients With Locomotive Syndrome: a Prospective Longitudinal Study
Authors: Ogata Toru , Yamada Keiko , Miura Hiromasa , Hino Kazunori , Kutsuna Tatsuhiko , Watamori Kunihiko , Kinoshita Tomofumi , Ishibashi Yasuyuki , Yamamoto Yuji , Sasaki Tomoyuki , Matsuda Shuichi , Kuriyama Shinichi , Watanabe Mutsumi , Tomita Tetsuya , Tamaki Masashi , Ishibashi Teruya , Okazaki Ken , Mizu-uchi Hideki , Ishibashi Shojiro , Ma Yuan , Ito Yoichi M. , Nakamura Kozo , Tanaka Sakae
Published: September 2021

Background: To preserve the ability to perform physical activities among the elderly, the concept of locomotive syndrome and its evaluation method, the locomotive syndrome risk test, have been applied in an integrated manner to capture the decline in mobility resulting from musculoskeletal disorders. During treatment, physicians can use the locomotive syndrome risk test to evaluate the impact of each therapy such as total knee arthroplasty for knee osteoarthritis, a common disorder found in locomotive syndrome. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the impact of total knee arthroplasty in the elderly with respect to locomotive syndrome.Methods: A total of 111 patients were registered at six hospitals prior to total knee arthroplasty and postoperatively followed up for 1 year. Three components of the locomotive syndrome risk test (the two-step test, stand-up test, and geriatric locomotive function scale-25) were assessed together with the EuroQol-5 Dimension scores pre- and postoperatively.Results: Post surgery, all three components of the locomotive syndrome　risk test as well as the EuroQol-5 Dimension utility score showed significant improvements from the baseline (two-step test, 1.01±0.25 to 1.12±0.21; stand-up test, 2.02±1.14 to 2.38±1.20; geriatric locomotive function scale-25, 38.3±15.8 to 18.7±16.6, mean ± standard deviation). The ratio of stage 3 locomotive syndrome patients (progressed stage of decrease in mobility, restricting social engagement) reduced from 82.3% to 33.9% postoperatively. There was no significant difference in the degree of change in the three test scores between the younger (60-74 years) and older (≥75 years) age groups. Conclusions: We found that total knee arthroplasty has a major impact in preventing the progression of locomotive syndrome in patients with knee osteoarthritis. The locomotive syndrome risk test is a feasible tool for longitudinal evaluation of patients with musculoskeletal diseases of varying severity and with multiple symptoms.Trial registration: This study was registered as UMIN000023595 (10/08/2016)
Increased Neutrophil-Subset Associated With Severity/Mortality In ARDS And COVID19-ARDS Expresses The Dual Endothelin-1/VEGFsignal-Peptide Receptor (DEspR): An Actionable Therapeutic Target
Authors: Herrera Victoria L. M. , Walkey Allan J. , Nguyen Mai Q. , Gromisch Christopher M. , Mosaddhegi Julie Z. , Gromisch Matthew S. , Jundi Bakr , Lukassen Soeren , Carstensen Saskia , Denis Ridiane , Belkina Anna C. , Baron Rebecca M. , Pinilla-Vera Mayra , Muller Meike , Kimberly W. Taylor , Goldstein Joshua N. , Lehmann Irina , Shih Angela R. , Eils Roland , Levy Bruce D. , Ruiz-Opazo Nelson
Published: September 2021

Neutrophil-mediated secondary tissue injury underlies acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) and progression to multi-organ-failure (MOF) and death, processes linked to severe COVID19. This ‘innocent bystander’ tissue injury arises in dysregulated hyperinflammatory states from neutrophil functions and neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs) intended to kill pathogens, but injure cells instead, causing MOF. Insufficiency of prior therapeutic approaches suggest need to identify dysregulated neutrophil-subset(s) and induce subset-specific apoptosis critical for neutrophil function-shutdown and clearance. We hypothesized that neutrophils expressing the pro-survival dual endothelin-1/signal peptide receptor, DEspR, are apoptosis-resistant just like DEspR+ cancer cells, hence comprise a consequential pathogenic neutrophil-subset in ARDS and COVID19-ARDS. Here, we report correlation of circulating DEspR+CD11b+ activated neutrophils (DESpR+actNs) and NETosing-neutrophils with severity in ARDS and in COVID19-ARDS, increased DEspR+ neutrophils and monocytes in post-mortem ARDS-patient lung sections, and neutrophil DEspR/ET1 receptor/ligand autocrine loops in severe COVID19. Unlike DEspR[-] neutrophils, ARDS patient DEspR+actNs exhibit apoptosis-resistance, which decreased upon ex vivo treatment with humanized anti-DEspR-IgG4S228P antibody, hu6g8. Ex vivo live-cell imaging of non-human primate DEspR+actNs showed hu6g8 target-engagement, internalization, and induction of apoptosis. Altogether, data differentiate DEspR+actNs as a targetable neutrophil-subset associated with ARDS and COVID19-ARDS severity, and suggest DEspR-inhibition as a potential therapeutic paradigm. 1-sentence summary: Circulating DEspR+CD11b+ neutrophils and NETosing neutrophils are associated with severity and mortality in ARDS and COVID19-ARDS.
LncRNA TCL6 Contributes to CSC-like Properties via Modulating TP53 in HCC
Authors: Luo Lihua , Zhou Yong , Jin Min , Li Bai , Zhang Tao , Zhang Jia-yao , Donghua Xiang , Li Jin-mao
Published: September 2021

BackgroundHepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is the most common malignant tumors, accounting for most of the adult primary liver cancer. Herein, we aimed to analyze the expression of long non-coding RNA-T cell leukemia/lymphoma 6 (lncRNA-TCL6) in HCC and elucidate its mechanism involved in the HCC progression. Methodse performed RNA extraction and quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, spheroid formation assays, flow cytometry and western blot assays to assess the effect of TCL6 on the liver CSCs marker CD133 expression rate, sphere-forming ability of liver stem cells, and the relationship between TCL6 expression and stem cell factor (TP53, P21, CD44, KLF4, OCT4, Nanog, and Sox2). In addition, we used a dual luciferase assay to verify the relationship between miR-106a-5p and TP53.ResultsKnockdown of TCL6 expression significantly improved the CD133 expression rate and the liver stem cells sphere-forming ability in HCC, while TCL6 overexpression in HCC showed the opposite effect. Knockdown of TCL6 upregulated the KLF4mRNA expression, while TCL6 overexpression in HCC inhibited the TP53 and CDKN1A expression. Western blot assays showed that TCL6 expression was positively correlated with TP53 and P21, while negatively correlated with stem cell factor. Dual luciferase assay showed that TP53 was a target of miR-106a-5p.Conclusion﻿Results suggested that reprogramming-related TCL6 may be a novel tumor suppressor gene in HCC, which inhibits the self-renewal of liver CSCs, in part by promoting the TP53 expression.
Genetic Diversity of Toxoplasma Gondii by Serological and Molecular Analyzes in Different Sheep and Goat Tissues in Northeastern Iran
Authors: Firouzeh Nima , Foroughiborj Hamid , ziaali Naser , Kareshk Amir Tavakoli
Published: September 2021

Background: Toxoplasmosis, a parasitic disease caused by compilation protozoan agent Toxoplasma gondiithat led to significant financial and quality-adjusted life-year losses. Consumption of undercooked or raw meat has been regarded as a major route of transmission. The present study was conducted to determine the seroposevitity rate of T.gondii in sheep and goats by serological and molecular tests and also genotyping of obtained isolatesin northeast of Iran.Methods: Blood and tissue samples (diaphragm, heart) of 296 animals (including 168 sheep and 128 goats) were collected from slaughterhouse in Quechan city from august 2016 to April 2017. Serum samples examined by the Modified agglutination test (MAT) and the Nested-PCR method performed to amplify the fragment of the B1 gene to detect parasite DNA on diaphragm and heart tissues of seropositive animals. PCR-RFLP method of GRA6 gene was used to determine the genotype of T. gondii. Also, sequencing analysis was performed to evaluate the Toxoplasma type strains. Results: Serum positive for MAT results were found in 27.4% (46/168) of Sheep and23.4% (30/128) of goats. Positive Nested-PCR of B1 gene results in diaphragm and heart tissues of sheep and goats was 47.8% (22/46) and 26.1% (12/46), 40% (12/30) and 23.3% (7/30), respectively. Nested-PCR of GRA6 gene results were positive in 10 samples (7 sheep and 3 goats) that RFLP technique results with using MseІ enzyme revealed genotype І. Sequencing and Phylogenetic analysis revealed DNA of all samples were closely related to Toxoplasma type І.Conclusions: Concerning to highseropositivityrate of toxoplasmosis in studied region, undertaking an appropriate preventive program for reducing the prevalence of T. gondii infection by raw or undercooked meat consumption of livestock recommended. Our study supports the notion that consumption of raw and undercooked meat of these animals can be a probable source of human toxoplasmosis.
Red Cell Distribution Width: a Novel Predictive Biomarker for Stroke Risk After Transient Ischemic Attack
Authors: Xie Ke-Hang , Liu Ling-Ling , Liang Yun-Ru , Su Chu-Yin , Liu Run-Ni , Li Hua , Chen Qing-Qing , He Jia-Sheng , Ruan Yong-Kun , He Wang-Kai
Published: September 2021

Objective: Predicting the prognosis of transient ischemic attack (TIA) is difficult for many frontline clinicians. The purpose of this study was to determine whether subsequent stroke in TIA patients can be predicted via the red blood cell distribution width(RDW).Material and methods: A total of 309 consecutive age- and sex-matched patients with new onset TIA, in our stroke center, were enrolled over the period studied. The patients were divided into two groups :103 TIA patients and 206 patients who had a stroke within 7 days after TIA. Complete blood count, biochemical parameters and brain imaging were performed in all patients. Results: The mean RDW values of patients with stroke after TIA were significantly higher than patients with TIA (12.84 ±1.19, 13.35 ±1.59, p= 0.001). In a multivariate model, RDW was independently associated with stroke after TIA (OR=2.52, 95% CI 1.46 to 3.35, P= 0.002). We also found that the higher levels of RDW, the earlier the stroke onset (p=0.024). Compared to ABCD2 score, the diagnostic power of RDW in the differentiation of patients with stroke after TIA is better (AUCs:0.613vs0.731, p= 0.015). When an RDW cut-off value of 13.95% is accepted for differentiating patients with stroke after TIA from TIA, the sensitivity and specificity were 73.7% and 74.3%, respectively.Conclusions: The early determination of RDW is a promising, rapid, easy and inexpensive biomarker to predict the subsequent stroke in TIA patients.
Community Pharmacists’ Measurement of Health-related Quality of Life in Outpatients Taking High-risk Drugs
Authors: Ichimura Takenori , Ogawa Chiaki , Murata Hayato , Miyahara Katsuaki , Yuge Satoshi , Tsukioka Ryota , Kado Keisuke , Yoshimura Tomonobu , Suzuki Kenichi , Nomura Hisanaga , Shimizu Hisanori
Published: September 2021

Background: Patients who develop severe side-effects when taking high-risk drugs may have a significantly reduced health-related quality of life (QOL); therefore, it is important to identify changes in health-related QOL in these patients. This study aimed to determine health-related QOL in community pharmacy outpatients taking high-risk drugs.Methods: This prospective observational study was conducted at 29 pharmacies in 12 regions and cities in Japan from October to December 2020. Using descriptive questionnaires of EuroQOL-5-dimensions-5-levels (EQ-5D-5L), community pharmacists obtained health-related QOL data from outpatients taking high-risk drugs.Results: In total, 760 outpatients were enrolled. The mean health-related QOL of all outpatients was 0.869. Health-related QOL decreased with increasing age. Outpatient health -related QOL was 0.700, 0.763, 0.785, and 0.817 when taking antiepileptic, antidepressant, digitalis, and antiarrhythmic drugs, respectively, which was lower than the average health-related QOL of all outpatients. Mobility and pain/discomfort accounted for a large proportion of the decline in health-related QOL with increasing age. No difference was found concerning personal care in relation to age; however, the number of outpatients with mobility, normal activity, and pain challenges decreased with age. In contrast, outpatients aged <65 years with anxiety/depression showed lower than overall average health-related QOL.Conclusion: Community pharmacists determined the health-related QOL of outpatients taking high-risk drugs. We clarified the contributions of the 5-dimensions.Trial registration: UMIN-CTR Study Design: trial Number UMIN 000041942. Registered 30 September 2020, https://www.umin.ac.jp
Debunking Korunomyces
Authors: Ferreira Bruno W. , Alves Janaina L. , Crous Pedro W. , Barreto Robert
Published: September 2021

Korunomyces is a genus including fungi that produce stipitate, profusely branched, multicellular asexual reproductive structures (propagules) on leaves and in culture. Three species have been described in the genus: Korunomyces terminaliae – the type species, K. prostratus and K. zapatensis. No molecular studies have ever been conducted to elucidate the phylogenetic placement of Korunomyces. Recently, DNA sequences were obtained from pure cultures of K. prostratus and K. terminaliae, enabling an elucidation of their taxonomic placement. Isolates of K. prostratus obtained from diseased tissues of Miconia calvescens were observed for the first time to form pycnidial conidiomata in culture. A multi-gene phylogeny, including the large subunit of the nrDNA (nc LSU rDNA), internal transcribed spacer (ITS) region, polymerase II second largest subunit (RPB2) and translation elongation factor 1-α (TEF1), placed K. prostratus and K. terminaliae within Coniella (Schizoparmaceae). As Korunomyces is younger than Coniella, it is reduced to synonymy, and a new name and a new combination are proposed for these two species, namely: Coniella ferreirense nom. nov. and Coniella prostrata comb. nov. An emended description of Coniella to include the occasional formation of distinct and elaborate asexual propagules is also provided.