bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
FLT3 Inhibitors as Maintenance Therapy Post Hematopoietic Cell Transplantation for Acute Myeloid Leukemia (AML): A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Zheng Xinhui , Li Xiangjun , Jiang Er-Lie , Lv Liwei
Published: December 2021

The purpose of this paper is to systematically analyze the outcome of FLT3 inhibitors maintenance treatment following hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT) for patients suffering from FLT3-ITD-mutated acute myeloid leukemia (AML). Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases were retrieved before November 2021. Fifteen studies were included eventually containing six without control and nine with control. Thirteen studies evaluated sorafenib, and two assessed quizartinib and midostaurin, separately. Via survival analysis, the main outcomes in the FLT3 inhibitors group were improved greatly with the hazard ratio(HR) of overall survival of 0.38 (95% confidence interval [CI], 0.29-0.49; P < 0.001), HR of leukemia-free survival of 0.35 (95%CI, 0.27-0.47; P < 0.001) and HR of cumulative incidence of relapse of 0.32 (95%CI, 0.23-0.45; P < 0.001). Moreover, the TKI use didn’t seem to increase the incidence of graft-versus-host disease (GVHD) and adverse effects in statistics. Through subgroup analysis, MRD-positive patients before and after HCT, and MRD-negative patients before HCT might benefit a lot from sorafenib maintenance.
Impact of Intradialytic Fiber Clotting on Dialyzer Extraction and Solute Removal: A Randomized Cross-Over Study
Authors: Vanommeslaeghe Floris , Josipovic Iván , Boone Matthieu , Biesen Wim Van , Eloot Sunny
Published: December 2021

Previous studies revealed the importance of biocompatibility, anticoagulation strategy, and dialysis mode and duration on fiber blocking at the end of a hemodialysis session. The present study was set up in ten hemodialysis patients to relate fiber patency to dialyzer extraction and removal of small and middle molecules. With only 1/4th of the regular anticoagulation dose, and using a Solacea™ 19H and FX800 CorDiax dialyzer, fiber patency was quantified using 3D micro-CT scanning for different dialysis durations (i.e. 60, 120 and 240min). While Solacea™ showed good performance in all test sessions, fiber blocking in the FX800 CorDiax did not follow a linear process during dialysis, but was rather accelerated near the end of dialysis. Dialyzer extraction ratios were correlated with the percentages of open fibers. While the fiber blocking process affected extraction ratios (i.e. for phosphorus and myoglobin in the FX800 CorDiax), it had only minor impact on the removal of toxins up to at least 12kDa.
Cultural Adaptation and Validation of the Chinese Version of the Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Activity Questionnaire in a Cohort of Chinese Patients with Lupus
Authors: Pan Lei , Zhang Chenyu , Huang Yan , Xi Huiqin
Published: December 2021

Objectives:To examine the responsiveness, reliability, and validity of Chinese version of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus Questionnaire (SLAQ). Methods:A cross-sectional observational study was designed for this research. The principal attributes evaluated were linguistic and cultural adaption, reliability, and validity.Standardized response means and acceptability were calculated to estimate the responsiveness of the SLAQ. Cronbach’s alpha was used to evaluate its reliability. The Spearman correlation coefficient was used to assess the criterion validity by calculating the association with measurement of other lupus disease activity.ResultsThe response rate for the pilot study was 99.9%. The mean time to complete the questionnaire was 6.7±2.8 min. The Chinese version of SLAQ had good reliability, with a Cronbach’s alpha of 0.857. Cronbach’s alpha for the test-retest reliability was 0.878. For validity, the SLAQ was correlated with SLAM, SLEDAI-2000 and SLEDAI-no lab. The correlation was good at 0.832, 0.506 and 0.668 respectively.Conclusion:The Chinese version of the SLAQ questionnaire has adequate responsiveness, reliability, and validity in our cohort, and it is a helpful and meaningful tool for assessing disease activity in lupus patients without laboratory results.
Gonadal Hormone Trigger Traf6-mediated Dynamic Microglial Alterations That Correlate With Depressive Symptomatology
Authors: Peng Rui , Dai Wen , Li Di , Li Yan
Published: December 2021

Backgrounds: Gonadal hormone deficiency is associated with the development of depression, but what mediates this association is unclear. To test the possibility that it reflects neuroimmune and neuroinflammatory processes, we analyzed how gonadal hormone deficiency and replacement affect microglial activation and inflammatory response during the development of depressive symptomatology in gonadectomized male mice. Methods: Adult male ICR mice received gonadectomy. Gonadal hormone levels, neuroinflammation, mciroglial activation and depressive behaviors were evaluated 7 days, 14 days, and 30 days later. Furthermore, the neuroprotective mechanism of treatment with testosterone and estradiol on depressive symptomatology were also observed.Results: Testosterone level and the ratio of testosterone to estradiol in the serum and brain tissue of mice exposed to 3-35 days of chronic unpredictable stress were much lower than in control animals. Gonadal hormone sustained deficiency in gonadectomized mice and subsequent led to acute inflammation at day 7 following castration. Activating microglia in mice exposed to 7 days of castration subsequently suppressed the proliferation of microglia, such that their numbers in hippocampus and cortex were lower than the numbers in sham-operated mice after 30 days of castration. Here, we showed that gonadal hormone deficiency induces Traf6-mediated microglia activation, a type of inflammatory mediator. Microglia treated in this way for long time showed down-regulation of activation markers, abnormal morphology and depressive-like behaviors. Restoration and maintenance of a fixed ratio of testosterone to estradiol significantly suppressed microglial activation, neuronal necroptosis, dramatically inducing hippocampal neurogenesis and reducing depressive behaviors via the suppression of Traf6/TAK1 pathway. Conclusions: These findings suggest that activated or immunoreactive microglia contribute to gonadal hormone deficiency-induced depression, as well as testosterone and estradiol exert synergistic anti-depressant effects via suppressing microglial activaton in gonadectomized male mice, possibly through Traf6 signaling.
Horizontal Grid Spacing Comparison Among Random Forest Algorithms to Nowcast Cloud-to-Ground Lightning Occurrence
Authors: FATA ALICE LA , Amato Federico , Bernardi Marina , D'Andrea Mirko , Procopio Renato , Fiori Elisabetta
Published: December 2021

This paper discusses the use of Random Forest (RF), a popular Machine Learning (ML) algorithm, to perform spatially explicit nowcasting of cloud-to-ground lightning occurrence. An application to the Italian territory and the surrounding seas is presented. Specifically, 1-hour ahead lightning occurrences over the months of August, September and October from 2017 to 2019 have been modelled using a dataset including geo-environmental features. Results obtained with three different spatial resolutions have been compared, for nowcasting both positive and negative strokes. The features’ importance resulting from the best RF models showed how datadriven models are able to identify the relationships between meteorological variables, in agreement with previous physically based knowledge of the phenomenon. The encouraging results obtained in terms of forecasting accuracy support the idea to use ML-based algorithms in early warning procedures for disaster risk management.
Cutaneous Nerve Fibers Participate in the Progression of Psoriasis by Linking Epidermal Keratinocytes and Immunocytes
Authors: Chen Si-Qi , Chen Xue-Yan , Cui Ying-Zhe , Yan Bing-Xi , Zhou Yuan , Wang Zhao-Yuan , Xu Fan , Huang Yan-Zhou , Zheng Yu-Xin , Man Xiao-Yong
Published: December 2021

Recent studies have illustrated that psoriatic lesions are innervated by dense sensory nerve fibers. Psoriatic plaques appeared to improve after central or peripheral nerve injury. Therefore, the nervous system may play a vital role in psoriasis. We aimed to clarify the expression of nerve fibers in psoriasis and their relationship with immune cells and keratinocytes, and to explore the effect of skin nerve impairment. Our results illustrated that nerve fibers in psoriatic lesions increased and were closely innervated around immune cells and keratinocytes. RNA-seq analysis showed that peripheral sensory nerve-related genes were disrupted in psoriasis. In spinal cord hemi-section mice, sensory impairment improved psoriasiform dermatitis and inhibited the abnormal proliferation of keratinocytes. Botulinum toxin A alleviated psoriasiform dermatitis by inhibiting the secretion of calcitonin gene-related peptide. Collectively, cutaneous nerve fibers participate in the progression of psoriasis by linking epidermal keratinocytes and immunocytes. Neurological intervention may be a new treatment strategy for psoriasis.
Global Core Indicators for Measuring WHO’s Paediatric Quality- of-care Standards in Health Facilities: Development and Expert Consensus
Authors: Muzigaba Moise , Chitashvili Tamar , Choudhury Allysha , Were Wilson M , Diaz Theresa , Strong Kathleen L , Jackson Debra , Requejo Jennifer , Detjen Anne , Sacks Emma
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThere are currently no global recommendations on a parsimonious and robust set of indicators that can be measured routinely or periodically to monitor quality of hospital care for children and young adolescents. We describe a systematic methodology used to prioritize and define a core set of such indicators and their metadata for progress tracking, accountability, learning and improvement, at facility, (sub) national, national, and global levels.MethodsWe used a deductive methodology which involved the use of the World Health Organization Standards for improving the quality-of-care for children and young adolescents in health facilities as the organizing framework for indicator development. The entire process involved 9 complementary steps which included: a rapid literature review of available evidence, the application of a peer-reviewed systematic algorithm for indicator systematization and prioritization, and multiple iterative expert consultations to establish consensus on the proposed indicators and their metadata. ResultsWe derived a robust set of 25 core indicators and their metadata, representing all 8 World Health Organization quality standards, 40 quality statements and 520 quality measures. Most of these indicators are process-related (64%) and 20% are outcome/impact indicators. A large proportion (84%) of indicators were proposed for measurement at both outpatient and inpatient levels. By virtue of being a parsimonious set and given the stringent criteria for prioritizing indicators with “quality measurement” attributes, the recommended set is not evenly distributed across the 8 quality standards. ConclusionsTo support ongoing global and national initiatives around paediatric quality-of-care programming at country level, the recommended indicators can be adopted using a tiered approach that considers indicator measurability in the short-, medium-, and long-terms, within the context of the country’s health information system readiness and maturity. However, there is a need for further research to assess the feasibility of implementing these indicators across contexts, and the need for their validation for global common reporting.
Recommend-Response and Complications Comparing Radiofrequency Ablation Versus Parathyroidectomy for Secondary Hyperparathyroidism in Dialysis Patients
Authors: Ren Mian , Zheng Danna , Wu Juan , Liu Yueming , Peng Chengzhong , Shen Wei , Lin Bo
Published: December 2021

Introduction

: To compare the efficacy and safety of ultrasound(US)-guided radiofrequency ablation (RFA) and parathyroidectomy (PTX) in the treatment of secondary hyperparathyroidism (SHPT).
Methods

In this retrospective study, we divided patients into PTX (n=53) and RFA (n=47) groups. The primary outcomes were the proportion of patients achieved the target range of iPTH concentrations(124-558pg/mL) and the long-term prognosis. The secondary outcomes were the differences in the changes of iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus over time and the incidence of adverse events.
Results

There was rarely difference in baseline characteristics between the two groups. Primary outcomes: The iPTH concentrations of 25.8% of patients in the PTX group and 51.3% of the RFA group were within the recommended range at the endpoint (P=0.031). Survival analysis revealed that the difference in all-cause mortality and cumulative response rate between the two groups was not statistically significant (P=0.902, P=0.141, respectively). Secondary outcomes: The iPTH concentrations in PTX group and RFA group dropped sharply after treatment and were 82.30±163.21pg/mL and 279.96±306.57pg/mL (P<0.001). There was no difference in the trend of iPTH, calcium, and phosphorus levels between the two groups over time(P>0.05). In addition, the incidence of infection and the hospital stay in the RFA group were significantly less. And preoperative bone-specific alkaline phosphatase concentration was a risk factor for postoperative hypocalcemia.
Conclusion

US-guided RFA was minimally invasive and no less than PTX in terms of cumulative response rate and complications in the treatment of severe SHPT in maintenance dialysis patients and may be used as an alternative technique to PTX, which need further studies to confirm.
On Outage Analysis in Overlay CCRN With RF Energy Harvesting and Co-Channel Interference
Authors: GHOSH SUTANU , Maity Santi P. , Acharya Tamaghna
Published: December 2021

This paper explores the impact of co-channel interference (CCI) on the link outage and radio frequency (RF) energy harvesting (EH). For analysis, co-operative cognitive radio network (CCRN) architecture is considered as system model that supports one-way primary user (PU) and two-way secondary user (SU) communications, using an overlay mode of spectrum sharing. Closed form outage expressions are derived for both PU and SU network in presence of multiple antennas at PUs and CCI at SUs. The effect of CCI on the system performance is studied with respect to interference-to-noise-ratio (INR), transmission power, number of antennas and number of CCI sources. Performance gains are found to achieve ~ 20% and ~ 15% for PU and SU outage in two antenna system over a single antenna one.
Longitudinal Multi-omic Phenotyping Reveals Host-microbe Responses to Bariatric Surgery, Glycaemic Control and Obesity
Authors: Penney Nicholas , Yeung Derek , Garcia-Perez Isabel , POSMA Joram , Kopytek Aleksandra , Garratt Bethany , Ashrafian Hutan , Frost Gary , Marchesi Julian , Purkayastha Sanjay , Hoyles Lesley , Darzi Ara , Holmes Elaine
Published: December 2021

Resolution of type-2 diabetes (T2D) is common following bariatric surgery, particularly Roux-en-Y gastric bypass (RYGB). However, the underlying mechanisms have not been fully elucidated. To address this we compared the integrated serum, urine and faecal metabolic profiles of obese participants with and without T2D (n=81, T2D=42) with participants who underwent RYGB or sleeve gastrectomy (pre and 3-months post-surgery; n=27), taking diet into account. We co-modelled these data with shotgun metagenomic profiles of the gut microbiota to provide a comprehensive atlas of host-gut microbe responses to bariatric surgery, weight-loss and glycaemic control at the systems level. Bariatric surgery reversed a number of disrupted pathways characteristic of T2D. The differential metabolite set representative of bariatric surgery overlapped with both diabetes (19.3% commonality) and BMI (18.6% commonality). However, the percentage overlap between diabetes and BMI was minimal (4.0% commonality), consistent with weight-independent mechanisms of T2D resolution. The gut microbiota was more strongly correlated to BMI than T2D, although we identified some pathways such as amino acid metabolism that correlated with changes to the gut microbiota and which influence glycaemic control. Improved understanding of GM-host co-metabolism may lead to novel therapies for weight-loss or diabetes.
Reverse Transcription Recombinase-aided Amplification Assay for H5 Subtype avian Influenza Virus
Authors: Wang Suchun , Li Yang , zhang fuyou , Jiang Nan , Zhuang Qingye , Hou Guangyu , Jiang Lijian , Yu Jianmin , Yu Xiaohui , Liu Hualei , Zhao Chenglong , Yuan Liping , Huang Baoxu , Wang Kaicheng
Published: December 2021

Background: The H5 subtype avian influenza virus (AIV) has caused huge economic losses to the poultry industry and is a threat to human health. A rapid and simple test is needed to confirm infection in suspected cases during disease outbreaks. Methods: In this study, we developed a reverse transcription recombinase-aided amplification (RT-RAA) assay for the detection of H5 subtype AIV. Assays were performed at a single temperature (39°C), and the results were obtained within 20 min. Results: The assay showed no cross-detection with Newcastle disease virus or infectious bronchitis virus. The analytical sensitivity was 103 RNA copies/μL at a 95% confidence interval according to probit regression analysis, with 100% specificity. Compared with published reverse transcription quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction assays, the κ value of the RT-RAA assay in 420 avian clinical samples was 0.983 (p < 0.001). The sensitivity for avian clinical sample detection was 97.26% (95% CI, 89.56–99.52%), and the specificity was 100% (95% CI, 98.64–100%). Conclusions: These results indicated that our RT-RAA assay may be a valuable tool for detecting H5 subtype AIV.
Quercetin and Luteolin Are Single-digit Micromolar Inhibitors of the SARS-CoV-2 RNA-dependent RNA Polymerase
Authors: Munafò Federico , Donati Elisa , Brindani Nicoletta , Ottonello Giuliano , Armirotti Andrea , De Vivo Marco
Published: December 2021

Severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) has rapidly become a global health pandemic. Among the viral proteins, RNA-dependent RNA polymerase (RdRp) is responsible for viral genome replication and has emerged as one of the most promising targets for pharmacological intervention against SARS-CoV-2. To this end, we experimentally tested luteolin and quercetin for their ability to inhibit the RdRp enzyme. These two compounds are ancestors of flavonoid natural compounds known for a variety of basal pharmacological activities. Luteolin and quercetin returned a single-digit IC50 of 4.6 µM and 6.9 µM, respectively. Then, through dynamic docking simulations, we identified possible binding modes of these compounds to a recently published cryo-EM structure of RdRp. Collectively, these data indicate that these two compounds are a valid starting point for further optimization and development of a new class of RdRp inhibitors to treat SARS-CoV-2 and potentially other viral infections.
Material Priority Engineered Metal-Polyphenol Networks: Mechanism And Platform For Multifunctionalities
Authors: Cheng Xinxiu , Zhu Yaxin , Lu Ruofei , Zhang Xiaoqiang , Li Na , Zan Xingjie
Published: December 2021

Engineering the surface of materials with desired multifunctionalities is an effective way to fight against multiple adverse factors during the tissue repair process. Recently, metal-polyphenol networks (MPNs) have gained increasing attention because of their rapid and simple deposition process onto various substrates (silicon, quartz, gold and polypropylene sheets, etc.). However, the coating mechanism has not been clarified, and multifunctionalized MPNs remain unexplored. Herein, the flavonoid polyphenol procyanidin (PC) was selected to form PC-MPN coatings with Fe3+, and assembly parameters, including pH, molar ratio between PC and Fe3+, and material priority during coating formation, were thoroughly evaluated. We found that the material priority (addition sequence of PC and Fe3+) had a great influence on the thickness of the formed PC-MPNs. Various surface techniques (e.g., ultraviolet-visible spectrophotometry, quartz crystal microbalance, X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy, atomic force microscopy, and scanning electron microscopy) were used to investigate the formation mechanism of PC-MPNs, and PC-MPNs were further engineered for multifunctionalities (fastening cellular attachment in the early stage, promoting long-term cellular proliferation, antioxidation and antibacterial activity). We believe that these findings could further reveal the coating formation mechanism of MPNs and guide the future design of MPN coatings with multifunctionalities, thereby greatly broadening their application prospects, such as in sensors, environments, drug delivery, and tissue engineering.
Urinary MicroRNA Expression Analysis of miR-1, miR-215, miR-335, Let-7ain Childhood Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Priya C.D.Mohana , Venkatesan Vettriselvi , charmine P.Pricilla , Geminiganesan G.Sangeetha , Ekambaram Sudha
Published: December 2021

Background Recently, urinary exosomal miRNAs are gaining increasing attention as their expression profiles are often associated with specific diseases and they exhibit great potential as noninvasive biomarkers for the diagnosis of various diseases. The present study was aimed to evaluate the expression status of selected miRNAs (miR-1, miR-215-5p, miR-335-5p and let-7a-5p) in urine samples from children with NS [steroid sensitive (SSNS)] and [steroid resistant (SRNS)] along with healthy control group.Methods MicroRNA isolation was carried out in urine samples collected from SSNS (100 nos), SRNS (100 nos), and healthy controls (50 nos) using MiRNeasy Mini Kit, followed by cDNA conversion for all the four selected miRNAs using Taqman advanced miRNA cDNA synthesis kit and their expression was quantified by Taqman Advanced miRNA assay kits using Real Time PCR Machine and Rotogen-Q in SSNS and SRNS patients and healthy control subjects.ResultsQuantification of all the four miRNAs (miR-1, mir-215, miR-335, let 7a) were found to be upregulated in both SSNS and SRNS as compared to control group. Further, the comparison of microRNAs within the case groups revealed significant downregulation of three microRNAs - miR-1, miR-215, miR- 335 and upregulation of let-7a in SRNS group as compared to SSNS. The t-test performed for all the four miRNAs was found to be statistically significant. ConclusionsThe aberrant expression of all the four microRNAs in both SSNS and SRNS as compared to healthy subjects may serve as novel biomarkers to distinguish between NS and healthy controls. The differential expression of microRNA let-7a is useful to discriminate SSNS and SRNS.
Longitudinal Relationship of Liver Injury with Inflammation Biomarkers in Covid-19 Hospitalized Patients Using a Joint Modeling Approach
Authors: Diaz Carla , Barrera Lucia , Lopez-Rodriguez Maria , Casar Clara , Vazquez-Agra Nestor , Pernas Hadrian , Marques Ana Teresa , Vidal Martin , Montoya Jonathan , Andrade Ariadna , Fernandez-Castro Ivan , Varela Pablo , Gonzalez-Quintela Arturo , Otero Esteban , Gude Francisco , Cadarso-Suarez Carmen , Tome Santiago
Published: December 2021

Background: The mechanisms underlying liver disease in patients with COVID-19 are not entirely known.Aim: To investigate, by means of novel statistical techniques, the changes over time in the relationship between inflammation markers and liver damage markers in relation to survival in COVID-19.Methods: The study included 221 consecutive patients admitted to the hospital during the first COVID-19 wave in Spain. Generalized additive mixed models were used to investigate the influence of time and inflammation markers on liver damage markers in relation to survival. Joint modeling regression was used to evaluate the temporal correlations between inflammation markers (serum C-reactive protein [CRP], interleukin-6, plasma D-dimer, and blood lymphocyte count) and liver damage markers, after adjusting for age, sex, and therapy.Results: The patients who died showed a significant elevation in serum aspartate transaminase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase levels over time. Conversely, a decrease in serum AST levels was observed in the survivors, who showed a negative correlation between inflammation markers and liver damage markers (CRP with serum AST, alanine transaminase [ALT], and gamma-glutamyl transferase [GGT]; and D-dimer with AST and ALT) after a week of hospitalization. Conversely, most correlations were positive in the patients who died, except lymphocyte count, which was negatively correlated with AST, GGT, and alkaline phosphatase. These correlations were attenuated with age. Conclusion: The patients who died during COVID-19 infection displayed a significant elevation of liver damage markers, which is correlated with inflammation markers over time. These results are consistent with the role of systemic inflammation in liver damage during COVID-19.
Targeted Therapy of Atherosclerosis Vulnerable Plaque By ROS-Scavenging Nanoparticles And MR/Fluorescence Dual-Modality Imaging Tracing
Authors: Dai Yue , Sha Xuan , Song Xiaoxi , Zhang Xiuli , Xing Mengyuan , Liu Siwen , Xu Kai , Li Jingjing
Published: December 2021

Background: Cardiovascular diseases are currently the leading cause of death and disability worldwide, and the key pathological basis is atherosclerosis (AS). Especially, the rupture of vulnerable plaques is the main cause of acute cardiovascular and cerebrovascular events such as myocardial infarction and stroke. Thus, the early identifying and therapy of vulnerable plaques are necessary. Results: In this study, we developed a novel multimodal imaging platform (GPRD) based on Gd doped Prussian blue (GPB) and rhodamine (Rd) to specifically target and identify the vulnerable plaques with the help of dextran sulfate (DS), one of the excellent ligands of scavenger receptor class A (SR-A). It is more important that the nano-enzyme capacity of GPRD NPs realized the elimination of the excessive production of ROS in cells, and the following reduction of ROS-induced oxidative stress, inflammation, apoptosis, and the formation of macrophage-derived foam cells, presenting an inhibition of plaque progress eventually. Conclusions: The ROS-scavenging multimodal imaging nanoprobe provided a new avenue for the diagnosis and treatment of AS vulnerable plaques.
Distribution and Drug Sensitivity of Pathogenic Bacteria in Diabetic Foot Ulcer Patients With Necrotizing Fasciitis at a Diabetic Foot Center in China
Authors: Li Xuemei , Du Zhipeng , Tang Ziwei , Wen Qin , Cheng Qingfeng , Cui Yunhua
Published: December 2021

Background: When a diabetic foot ulcer (DFU) is complicated by necrotizing fasciitis (DNF), this may increase the risk for amputation and mortality, making DNF treatment more complicated, and may eventually lead to amputation and mortality. DNF treatment must include the appropriate antibiotic intervention. However, studies on the distribution and drug sensitivity of pathogenic bacteria in DNF patients remain lacking. This study investigated the distribution and susceptibility of pathogenic bacteria in DNF patients, and provides empirical antibacterial guidance for the clinic.Methods: In a single diabetic foot center, the results from microbial cultures and drug susceptibility tests of patients with DNF from October 2013 to December 2020 were collected and analyzed.Results: A total of 101 DNF patients were included in this study, of whom 94 had positive culture test results. A total of 124 pathogens were cultured, including 76 Gram-positive bacterial strains, 42 Gram-negative bacterial strains, and six fungal strains. Polymicrobial infections accounted for 26.7% and monomicrobial infections accounted for 66.3%. Staphylococcus aureus was the most common bacterium isolated, followed by Enterococcus faecalis and Streptococcus agalactiae. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, and Proteus mirabilis were the most common Gram-negative bacteria. Thirty-five strains of multi-drug resistant (MDR) bacteria were isolated, representing 28.2% of the total isolates. Gram-positive bacteria were more sensitive to levofloxacin, moxifloxacin, vancomycin, teicoplanin, tigecycline, and linezolid, while Gram-negative bacteria were more sensitive to amikacin, piperacillin/tazobactam, cefoperazone/sulbactam, ceftazidime, cefepime, imipenem, and meropenem. Conclusions: Gram-positive bacteria were the main bacteria isolated from DNF patients. The bacterial composition, the proportion of MDR bacteria among the pathogens, and high risk for amputation should be fully considered in the initial empirical medication, and broad-spectrum antibacterials are recommended.
Cutter Head Approximation Machining Method of Line Contact Spiral Bevel Gear Pairs Based On Controlling Topological Deviations
Authors: Wang Mingyang , Sun Yuehai
Published: December 2021

To improve the meshing performance and increase the bearing capacity and service life of spiral gear pairs, the cutter head approximation machining method based on controlling topological deviations was proposed to solve the problem where line contact spiral bevel gears with tapered teeth depth cannot be directly machined by cutter heads. First, the mathematical model of line contact conjugate flanks was established, and meshing equations and conjugate flank equations of bevel gear pairs were derived. Second, the gear tooth flank was set as the datum tooth flank for priority machining, and the pinion theoretical tooth flank which is fully conjugate with the gear tooth flank and the pinion machining tooth flank matching with the gear were solved. Then, the geometric topological deviations model of the comparison between the pinion machining tooth flank and its theoretical tooth flank can be established. Finally, with the pinion machining tooth flank approaching its theoretical tooth flank as the modification, the additional cutting motions and machining compensation parameters of cutter heads were obtained to control the pinion machining tooth flank deviations and reduce them to the allowable deviations of its theoretical tooth flank. The contact simulation analysis and rolling test verified the correctness of the line contact conjugate flank model and feasibility of the cutter head approximation machining method.
Racial differences in genomic features and new trans-ancestry prognosis subtypes in bladder cancer
Authors: Zhang Baifeng , Jia Peilin , Wang Jiayin , Pei Guangsheng , Wang Changxi , Pei Shimei , Li Xiangchun , Ding Shuai , Zhao Zhongming , Yi Xin , Huang Yi
Published: December 2021

The incidence and survival of bladder cancer vary greatly among different populations but the influence of the associated molecular features and evolutionary processes on its clinical treatment and prognostication remains unknown. Here, we analyze the genomic architectures of over 500 bladder cancer patients from Asian/Black/White populations. We identify novel association between AHNAK mutations and APOBEC-a mutational signature whose activities vary substantially across populations. All significantly mutated genes but only half of arm-level somatic copy number alterations (SCNAs) are enriched with clonal events, indicating large-scale SCNAs as rich sources fostering bladder cancer clonal diversities. The prevalence of TP53 and ATM clonal mutations as well as the associated burden of SCNAs is significantly higher in Whites/Blacks than in Asians. We identify a trans-ancestry prognostic subtype of bladder cancer characterized by: enrichment of non-muscle-invasive patients and muscle-invasive patients with good prognosis, increased CREBBP/FGFR3/HRAS/NFE2L2 mutations, decreased intra-tumor heterogeneity and genome instability and activated tumor microenvironment.
Study on the Mechanism of CircDUSP16 Regulating the Proliferation and Apoptosis of Hepatocarcinoma Cells
Authors: Tang Xiaofei , Xiang Yang
Published: December 2021

Purpose: This study aims to explore the expression of circDUSP16 in liver cancer and its effect on the proliferation and apoptosis of liver cancer cells. Methods: Real-timePCR was used to measure the expression of circDUSP16, miR-136-5p, and YAP1 in HCC tissues and cells. MTT, colony analysis, and apoptosis analysis were performed to determine the progress of HCC cells. The relationship between circDUSP16, miR-136-5p, and YAP1 was verified by using the luciferase gene experiment. Results: The expression level of circDUSP16 in HCC tissue samples was significantly increased and can be used as an independent prognostic factor for the survival of HCC patients. Inhibition of circDUSP16 can inhibit HCC cell viability, colony formation, and invasion potential. Furthermore, inhibition of circDUSP16 can regulate the expression of YAP1 in the Hippo/YAP signaling pathway in HCC by targeting miR-136-5p, thereby affecting cell proliferation and apoptosis, and participating in the progression of HCC disease. Conclusion: The ectopic expression of circDUSP16 can regulate the expression of YAP1 by competitively binding to miR-136-5p, therefore participating in the progression of HCC, which can provide a new therapeutic target for the treatment of HCC.
Atmospheric Pressure Change Measurement: An Observational Study
Authors: Oshakbayev Kuat , Bedelbayeva Gulnara , Mustafin Khalit , Sabir Abdul , Tordai Attila
Published: December 2021

Introduction: The aim of the study was to show an atmospheric pressure change by indirect measurement in hermetically closed vessels during four years of follow-up.Methods: Study design: an observational study. In hermetically sealed elastic bottles with different liquids were measured differences in liquid and air volumes from baseline to final follow-up period. The physical law of flotation was used to measure liquid and air volume above liquid in bottles. To measure liquid and air (above liquid) volumes in each bottle was used the physical law of buoyancy. The follow-up period was four years.Results: The volumes of liquid and air in all bottles were decreased after the follow-up period to 14.38±2.40 and 36.25±3.37 ml, respectively. Air volume in comparison to liquid volume decreased more than two times significantly (P=0.0007) after the follow-up period.Conclusions: Thus, atmospheric pressure increased during the last 4-year follow-up period. Further investigations are needed.
The Effect of the Multi-doping Strategy on Stabilization of the Cubic δ-phase in the Bi2O3-based Solid Electrolyte Systems in Terms of the SOFC Applications
Authors: BALCI Murat , Arı Mehmet , Polat Yasin
Published: December 2021

In this study, the effects of multi-doping strategy on phase stabilization and electrical conductivity for the doped Bi 2 O 3 system were investigated. All solid mixtures were created by solid state reactions according to a certain stoichiometric ratio in atmospheric conditions. The structural, electrical, thermal and surface characterizations of the created samples were performed by x-ray diffraction method (XRD), four point-probe technique (4-PPT), differential thermal analysis/thermo gravimetric analysis (DTA/TGA) and scanning electron microscope (SEM), respectively. From XRD results, it was seen that the fcc δ-phase could be stabilized by using only 1:1:1:2 or 2:2:2:1 dopant content ratio (in here, “1:” is corresponds to” 5%” mole). The other compounds prepared out of this ratios were mixed phase because of the containing both α-phase peaks and δ-phase peaks on their XRD pattern. When the all samples were compared in terms of electrical conductivity at 750 °C, it was observed that the fcc δ-phase stabilized samples exhibited higher conductivity than that of other compounds as expected. The highest electrical conductivity was for the sample, dopant content ratios of which are 1: 1: 1: 2, with 0.014 S.cm -1 at 750 °C and also it had the lowest activation energy (0.51 eV) among all samples. On the other hand, according to the thermal analysis results, it was concluded that phase transition occurred only on the DTA curve of the sample given with dopant content ratios 1:1:1:1 due to presence of endothermic peak on its DTA curve at 729°C during the heating process. Also, for this sample, it was clearly predicted from the electrical conductivity graphs depending on temperature that the phase transition occurred at just that temperature (729 °C) due to the sudden increase in conductivity by indicating phase transition from the α-phase to the cubic δ-phase. The SEM analysis pointed out that grain size decreased as total dopant ratio increased and also the grain boundary changed sharply with the increase in the total dopant ratio.
Psychometric Properties of Screening Questionnaires To Detect Depression In Primary Healthcare Setting In Rural Ethiopia
Authors: Habtamu Kassahun , Berhane Rahel , Medhin Girmay , Hanlon Charlotte , Fekadu Abebaw
Published: December 2021

Background: Much of the research about the validity of depression screening questionnaires is on criterion validity. Evidence is scarce on the concurrent, convergent and construct validity of these measures, particularly from low-income countries. This study aimed to evaluate the psychometric properties of depression screening questionnaires in primary healthcare (PHC) in rural Ethiopia. Methods: A facility-based cross-sectional study was conducted with 587 participants recruited from patients attending three PHC facilities and two Holy water sites. The psychometric properties of five mental health screening questionnaires were evaluated: the nine item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), the two item version of PHQ-9 (PHQ-2), a version of PHQ-9 with two added items of irritability and noise intolerance (PHQ-11), the Patient Health Questionnaire-15 (PHQ-15), and the World Health Organization-Five Well-being Index (WHO-5). Clinical diagnosis of depression was ascertained by psychiatrists using a semi-structured interview. We analyzed data using exploratory factor analysis, Spearman’s rank order correlation coefficient (Rho), the Mann Whitney test of the equality of medians, univariate logistic regression and Cronbach’s alpha. Results: PHQ-9, PHQ-11 and WHO-5 were found to be unidimensional, with items in each scale highly loading onto one factor (factor loadings ranging from 0.64 to 0.87). The items of each instrument were internally consistent, with Cronbach’s alpha ranging from 0.72 (PHQ-2) to 0.89 (PHQ-11). Scores for all screening scales were moderately or highly correlated with each other (Rho= 0.58 to 0.98) and moderately correlated with anxiety and disability scores. Median scores of all screening scales were significantly higher in those diagnosed with depression. The association of items measuring emotional and cognitive symptoms with the diagnosis of depression was stronger than the association with items measuring somatic symptoms. Irritability and noise intolerance had higher association with depression diagnosis than PHQ-9 items. Conclusion: Emotional and cognitive symptoms are more useful than somatic symptoms to predict the diagnosis of depression. Irritability and noise intolerance are more useful to detect depression. Future research should focus on testing the unidimensionality of PHQ-9, PHQ-11 and WHO-5 using confirmatory factor analysis; establishing the criterion validity of PHQ-11 and WHO-5; and on assessing test-retest reliability of all the measures.
Barriers and Enablers of Weight Management After Breast Cancer: A Thematic Analysis of Free Text Survey Responses Using the COM-B Model
Authors: Ee Carolyn , MacMillan Freya , Boyages John , McBride Kate
Published: December 2021

BackgroundWeight gain is common after breast cancer. The aim of this study was to identify and describe the barriers to and enablers of successful weight management for women with breast cancer. MethodsThis was a combined inductive and deductive framework analysis of free text responses to an anonymous cross-sectional survey on weight after breast cancer. Women were recruited mainly through the Breast Cancer Network Australia Review and Survey Group. We applied deductive thematic analysis to free text responses to questions on barriers, enablers, research priorities, and one open-ended question at the end of the survey using the Capability, Opportunity, Motivation and Behaviour (COM-B) model as a framework. Subthemes that arose from the inductive analysis were mapped onto the COM-B model framework. Findings were used to identify behaviour change intervention functions. Results133 women provided free text responses. Most women were of Caucasian origin and had been diagnosed with non-metastatic breast cancer, with a mean age of 59.1 years. Women's physical capability to adopt and sustain healthy lifestyle habits was significantly affected by treatment effects and physical illness, and some lacked psychological capability to self-regulate the face of stress and other triggers. Limited time and finances, and the social impact of undergoing cancer treatment affected the ability to control their diet. Frustration and futility around weight management were prominent. However, some women were confident in their abilities to self-regulate and self-monitor lifestyle behaviours, described support from friends and health professionals as enablers, and welcomed the physical and psychological benefits of being active in the context of embracing transformation and self-care after cancer. ConclusionWomen need specific advice and support from peers, friends and families and health professionals. There is a gap in provision of supportive care to empower women to adopt and sustain healthy lifestyles. Environmental restructuring (including financial support), incentivization (creating an expectation of looking and feeling better), persuasion and coercion (aiming to prevent recurrence), and equipping women with specific knowledge and skills, would also facilitate optimal lifestyle behaviours and weight management.
Novel Myocutaneous Hemicraniectomy Flap: Technical Note and Cadaveric Dissection Using the “Feng-Huang Technique”
Authors: Zhao Xiaochun , Feng Dongxia , Huang Jason , Zhang Yilu , Dunn Ian F.
Published: December 2021

Background: The hemicraniectomy is a common technique used in a variety of pathologies including some traumatic brain injury and malignant stroke. A novel technique of performing hemicraniectomies using a retro-auricular incision can avoid transgressing the temporalis muscle and superficial temporal artery while providing adequate hemicranial exposure. Method: This technique was reproduced in a skull base lab using a cadaveric head. The key steps of this approach were illustrated in step-by-step fashion. A post-approach CT scan of the cadaver was performed to evaluate the decompression exposure. Results: This approach is able to provide sufficient middle fossa decompression and area of exposure, while preserving the temporalis along with the superficial temporal artery. Conclusions: The altered retro-auricular flap (the “Feng-Huang” flap) is a novel technique for hemicraniectomy which can provide sufficient middle fossa decompression and exposure while sparing the temporalis muscle and superficial temporal artery during the approach. A step-by-step technical illustration is demonstrated in the present note.
Postoperative Outcomes After Degenerative Lumbar Spine Surgery in Rheumatoid Arthritis Patients -a Propensity Score-matched Analysis
Authors: Kato So , Nakamoto Hideki , Matsubayashi Yoshitaka , Taniguchi Yuki , Doi Toru , Yoshida Yuichi , Higashikawa Akiro , Takeshita Yujiro , Fukushima Masayoshi , Ono Takashi , Hara Nobuhiro , Okazaki Rentaro , Iwai Hiroki , Oshina Masahito , Sugita Shurei , Hirai Shima , Masuda Kazuhiro , Tanaka Sakae , Oshima Yasushi
Published: December 2021

Background. Although treatment options for rheumatoid arthritis (RA) have evolved significantly since the introduction of biologic agents, degenerative lumbar disease in RA patients remains a major challenge. Well-controlled comparisons between RA patients and their non-RA counterparts have not yet been reported. The objective of the present study was to compare postoperative outcomes of lumbar spine surgery between RA and non-RA patients by a retrospective propensity score-matched analysis.Methods. Patients who underwent primary posterior spine surgery for degenerative lumbar disease in our prospective multicenter study group between 2017 and 2020 were enrolled. Demographic data including age, sex, body mass index (BMI), American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) physical status classification, diabetes mellitus, smoking, steroid usage, number of spinal levels involved, and preoperative patient-reported outcome (PRO) scores (numerical rating scale [NRS] for back pain and leg pain, Short Form-12 physical component summary [PCS], EuroQOL 5-dimension [EQ-5D], and Oswestry Disability Index [ODI]) were used to calculate a propensity score for RA diagnosis. One-to-one matching was performed and 1-year postoperative outcomes were compared between groups.Results. Among the 4567 patients included, 90 had RA (2.0%). RA patients in our cohort were more likely to be female, with lower BMI, higher ASA grade and lower current smoking rate than non-RA patients. Preoperative NRS scores for leg pain, PCS, EQ-5D, and ODI were worse in RA patients. Propensity score matching generated 61 pairs of RA and non-RA patients who underwent posterior lumbar surgery. After background adjustment, RA patients reported worse postoperative PCS (28.4 vs. 37.2, p=0.008) and EQ-5D (0.640 vs. 0.738, p=0.03), although these differences were not significant between RA and non-RA patients not on steroids.Conclusions. RA patients showed worse postoperative outcomes after posterior surgery for degenerative lumbar disease, while steroid-independent RA cases showed equivalent outcomes to non-RA patients.
Knowledge, Attitude and Practice of Health Care Professionals towards Covid-19 and Associated Factors at Public Health Facilities of Sidama Region, Ethiopia
Authors: Babulo Sisay Dejene , Molla Ezedin , Geja Ephrem , Tesfaye Emnet , Simachew Yilikal , Ejeso Amanuel , Oltaye Zewdie , Chea Nana , Lejore Ephrem , Tagese Negash , Kibru Seife
Published: December 2021

Background: As the World Health Organization situation report of November 14, 2021, globally there were over 252 million confirmed cases and over 5 million deaths attributable to the COVID-19 pandemic. How COVID-19 is transmitted put health care professionals (HCPs) at higher risk of contracting the disease because of their work conditions. Information regarding knowledge, attitude, and practice (KAP) towards the disease among HCPs are of higher importance to devise interventions that will tackle the pandemic.Methods: A facility based cross-sectional study was conducted from September 29 to October 07, 2020, among randomly selected 422 health care professionals. Epi-data and SPPS software were used for entry and analysis of the data respectively. Frequencies, percentages, and charts were used to describe the KAP of HCPs towards the disease. Binary logistic regression was conducted to identify factors that are associated with the KAP of HCPs. Variables with a p-value less than 0.05 were declared as significantly associated.Results: 406 HCPs have participated in this study. Less than half (45%) HCPs had sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. HCPs aged 30 or more years, working in health centers, and HCPs that received an orientation or training regarding COVID-19 had significantly higher knowledge. About 77% HCPs had a positive attitude towards COVID-19. Educational level and knowledge about COVID-19 were significant predictors of attitude. About three-fifths (59%) of study participants had good practice towards COVID-19. Types of health facilities, work experience, and orientation or training status were significantly associated with the practice.Conclusion: This study found a low proportion of HCPs having sufficient knowledge about COVID-19. About four in ten HCPs had poor practice towards COVID-19. Training, monitoring and supervision, knowledge and skill-sharing activities should be given due emphasis to tackle the pandemic in the region.