bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Economic Burden of Acute Myeloid Leukemia in Iran
Authors: Alipour Vahid , Rad Soroush , Mezginejad Fateme , Dolatshahi Zeinab , Jahangiri Reza , nargesi shahin , Mousavi Seyed Asadollah , Meshkani Zahra
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCancer imposes a significant economic burden on the health system and society. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) is the third deadliest leukemia and is one of the leading health problems worldwide. The present study aims to estimate the economic burden of AML in Iran for 2020.MethodsIn this study, we estimated a prevalence-based on the cost-of-illness of the AML in Iran. A societal perspective was considered, in which the direct costs and productivity losses with the adoption of the human capital approach in the AML cases were estimated for 2020. Moreover, in the present study, several resources including national cancer registry reports, hospital records, occupational data, and interviews with experts were cited.ResultApproximately 98% of patients with AML received induction therapy. The AML economic burden was $ 33243107.39. Indirect costs accounted for 60% of this amount, and direct medical costs made up for 19% of this estimated economic burden.ConclusionThe economic burden of AML in Iran is very significant and due to the increasing prevalence of this disease, it is expected to increase more gradually. Awareness of the costs associated with this disease provides a great opportunity for policymakers and managers of the health systems to improve resource allocation efficiently.
GABAergic-like dopamine synapses in the brain
Authors: Kim Jae-Ick , Kim Hyun-Jin , Hwang Byungjae , Reva Maria , Lee Jieun , Lee Byeong Eun , Lee Youngeun , Myung Kyungjae , Baik Ja-Hyun , Park Jung-Hoon
Published: March 2021

Dopaminergic axons originate in the midbrain and establish widely spread synapses throughout the brain. Synaptic transmission at these synapses plays a crucial role for volitional movement and reward-related behaviors, while dysfunction of dopamine (DA) synapses causes various psychiatric and neurological disorders. Despite this significance, the true nature of brain-wide spatial and functional features of DA synapses remains poorly understood due to difficulties defining functional DA synapses at the molecular and physiological levels. Here we show that DA synapses are structured and function like GABAergic synapses in the mouse brain with marked regional heterogeneity. DA transmission is strongly correlated with GABA co-transmission at DA synapses across the brain areas. In addition, functional DA synapses possess GABAergic postsynaptic markers and are unevenly distributed throughout the brain with distinct spatial clustering. In the dorsal striatum, GABAergic-like DA synapses are uniquely clustered on the dendrites and GABA transmission at DA synapses has disparate physiological properties. Remarkably, the attenuation of GABA co-transmission precedes deficits in dopaminergic transmission in animal model of Parkinsonism. Our findings unravel distinct spatial and functional nature of GABAergic-like DA synapses in health and disease. Furthermore, the broader implication of our results is that GABAergic-like features of DA synapses can be utilized to better understand the real complexity of synaptic actions at DA synapses in regulating neural circuits.
Knowledge and Expectations of Perinatal Care Among Pregnant Women During the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Lim Caleb Chun Wei , Goh Marlene Samantha Sze Minn , Chua Ka-Hee , Seet Meei Jiun , Tay Siew Guek , Mathur Manisha , Kong Juin Yee , Yeo Kee Thai
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aimed to investigate the knowledge and expectations of pregnant women on perinatal and neonatal care during the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic in Singapore. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was administered to pregnant women attending antenatal clinics between August and September 2020 via a secure online platform. Participants aged ≥21 years without a history of confirmed COVID-19 were included. The survey consisted of 10 questions which evaluated the knowledge and expectations on perinatal and neonatal care during the current pandemic. Results: A total of 313 pregnant women completed the survey. The mean age of the participants was 30 years (SD 4; range 22-43 years). The median gestational age was 25 weeks (range 4-40 weeks). The participants were predominantly multiparous (54%) and almost all (98%) had completed secondary level education. Majority of participants were aware of the spread of COVID-19 by respiratory secretions and contact (90%), and the importance of prevention strategies (94%). Up to 72% agreed or strongly agreed that in-utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2 was possible. Most were unsure of the optimal mode of delivery (77%) and only 22% believed that breastfeeding was safe in a pregnant woman with active COVID-19. There was no significant association between the sociodemographic factors evaluated and maternal agreement with the possibility of in-utero SARS-CoV-2 transmission and the risk associated with vaginal delivery in women with COVID-19. Although 46% of participants were concerned about the increased risk of contracting COVID-19 during routine clinic appointments, only 37% of the cohort were agreeable with teleconferencing of clinic appointments. More than half (56%) of the participants reported that their postnatal confinement plans were affected by the current pandemic. Conclusions: Our survey revealed that majority of participants were aware of modes of transmission, prevention strategies and in utero transmission of SARS-CoV-2. Significant gaps were identified in their knowledge related to method of delivery and safety of breastfeeding, along with significant variability to the agreement with alterations to the perinatal care. For best practice we recommend provision of evidence-based information early to expectant mothers by the healthcare professionals to reduce misinformation and anxiety amongst pregnant women.
Elucidating the Photoluminescence Quenching in Ensulizole: An Artificial Water Soluble Sunscreen
Authors: Mubeen Muhammad , Khalid Muhammad Adnan , Mukhtar Maria , Shahrum Saba , Zahra Shanila , Shabbir Saima , Iqbal Azhar
Published: March 2021

Employing natural or artificial sunscreens is essential to protect the skin from ultraviolet radiations that cause premature aging and develop melanoma and other forms of skin cancer. The 2-Phenylbenzimidazole-5-sulfonic acid, commonly known as ensulizole is a water-soluble artificial sunscreen that absorbs mostly UV-B (280 nm − 315 nm) radiations and protects the skin against the harmful effects of these radiations. Steady-state absorption indicates a strong absorption feature at 303 nm and a weak at 316 nm that have been identified as π → π* and n → π* transitions, respectively. The photoluminescence (PL) spectra indicate that the PL of ensulizole is less Stokes-shifted in polar solvents and more Stokes-shifted in non-polar solvents. The average PL lifetime of ensulizole is longer in non-polar solvents as compared to polar solvents and it exhibits the shortest PL lifetime in aqueous medium that signifies its efficiency in water. This suggests in non-polar solvents intersystem crossing is the dominant mode of relaxation of the excited ππ* state. Furthermore, an increase of pH of ensulizole solution decreases the PL intensity and the lifetime. Stern-Volmer equation is employed to evaluate bimolecular quenching rate constant kq that suggests the diffusional dynamic mode of PL quenching is operative.
The Sakaguchi-Kuramoto Model in Presence of Asymmetric Interactions That Break Rotational Symmetry.
Authors: M Manoranjani , Gupta Shamik , K Chandrasekar V
Published: March 2021

The celebrated Kuramoto model provides an analytically tractable framework to study spontaneous collective synchronization, and comprises globally coupled limit-cycle oscillators interacting symmetrically with one another. The Sakaguchi-Kuramoto model is a generalization of the basic model that considers the presence of a phase-lag parameter in the interaction, thereby making it asymmetric between oscillator pairs. Here, we consider a further generalization, by adding an interaction that breaks the rotational symmetry of the model. The highlight of our study is the unveiling of a very rich phase diagram comprising both oscillatory and non-oscillatory synchronized phases as well as an incoherent phase: There are regions of two-phase as well as an interesting and hitherto unexplored three-phase coexistence arising from asymmetric interactions in our model.
P2X7 on mast cells participates in peripheral pain and serves as a potential target for salicylic acid and aspirin analgesia
Authors: Jiang Yucui , Ye Fan , Du Ying , Tang Zongxiang
Published: March 2021

Background Extracellular ATP signaling through excitatory and calcium-permeable P2X receptor channels is considered as a critical player in pain generation and maintenance. P2X7 has attracted much attention over the past decade because of its prominent role in driving inflammatory processes. The role of P2X7 in mast cells in peripheral pain remains unclear.Methods P2X expression in mouse peritoneal mast cells was detected by RT-PCR. The subtypes of P2X receptors in mouse peritoneal mast cells were determined with a series of blockers by using calcium imaging and electrophysiology. The regulation of inflammatory factors mediated by different P2X subtypes were detected by ELISA and real-time PCR. The role of mast cells and P2X7 receptor in peripheral pain was explored by behavioral assays, pathological analysis and real-time PCR. Several anti-inflammatory small molecules were screened based on P2X7 in mast cells by using calcium imaging, electrophysiology and molecular docking.Results We found that ATP was significantly increased in inflammatory pain. Mouse peritoneal mast cells expressed P2X1, P2X3, P2X4 and P2X7 and could be activated by different concentrations of extracellular ATP, which could be blocked by specific ion channel antagonists. In particularly, high concentration of ATP could induce mast cells to release inflammatory mediators such as histamine, IL-1β and CCL3 through P2X7 receptor. Furthermore, peripheral pain induced by high concentration of ATP could be alleviated by P2X7 blockers or mast cell defects. Interestingly, salicylic acid and aspirin could attenuate the inward current, the release of inflammatory factors and peripheral pain induced by ATP with high concentration. Furthermore, salicylic acid and aspirin also inhibited the inward current evoked by P2X7 agonist BZATP. Molecular docking results showed that salicylic acid and aspirin had affinity to the cytoplasmic GDP-binding region of P2X7.Conclusions We concluded that P2X7 on mast cells involved in peripheral pain. Salicylic acid and aspirin could inhibit the activity of P2X7 via interacting with the GDP binding region. P2X7 receptor was a potential target for salicylic acid and aspirin analgesia.
Laser isotope separation of 176Lu through off-the-shelf lasers
Authors: Suryanarayana Mv , Sankari Manda
Published: March 2021

We propose a novel and simple method for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu a precursor for the production of177Lu medical isotope. The physics of the laser-atom interaction has been studied through the dynamics of the atomic level populations using the density matrix formalism. It has been shown that a combination of cw excitation lasers and pulsed ionization laser can be used for the laser isotope separation of 176Lu. The optimum conditions for the efficient and selective separation of 176Lu have been derived by studying the time evolution of level population under laser excitation. It has also been shown that, it is possible to produce ~100% enriched 176Lu isotope at a rate of 5 mg / hour, which is higher than all previously reported methods so far. The isotope separation process proposed can be easily adopted using off-the-shelf lasers, for similar atomic systems.
Prioritising Interventions for Preventing Mental Health Problems for Children Experiencing Adversity: a Modified Nominal Group Technique Australian Consensus Study
Authors: Hall Teresa , Honisett Suzy , Paton Kate , Loftus Hayley , Constable Leanne , Hiscock Harriet
Published: March 2021

Background: Despite the well-established link between childhood adversity and mental health problems, there is a dearth of evidence to inform decision making about the most acceptable and feasible interventions for preventing mental health problems for children experiencing adversity. Expert consensus is an important input into evidence-informed policy and practice but is often employed at the national level which misses important local contextual factors shaping decision making. This study aimed to: (1) reach consensus on local priority interventions for preventing mental health problems for children living with adversity in Wyndham, Victoria; and (2) understand the enabling factors and barriers to implementing these interventions. Methods: This study employed six online modified nominal group technique (NGT) workshops with 19 stakeholders; intersectoral service providers from health, social and education sectors and caregivers of children aged 0-8 years. Results: Three interventions reached consensus among the mixed stakeholder groups as being a high or very high priority for implementation in Wyndham: nurse home visiting, parenting programs and community-wide programs. Key rationales were the ability for these interventions to act as a gateway for families to increase their knowledge about topics immediately relevant to them (i.e. parenting), increase their knowledge about available supports and build relationships with service providers.Conclusions: Local priorities for preventing mental health problems for children living with adversity emphasized relational approaches to service provision and were shaped by the availability of existing interventions and supports in the locality. The NGT was found to be an effective method for prioritising evidence-based practice interventions in health settings, engaging local stakeholders, and identifying enablers and barriers to implementation.
Effects of Environmental Aging on The Durability of Wood-Flour Filled Recycled PET/PA6 Wood Plastic Composites
Authors: Chiang Chin-Lung , Li Yi-Luen , Shen Ming-Yuan
Published: March 2021

Outdoor building materials made of wood require preservatives containing chromated copper arsenate and other carcinogenic substances but still are subject to decay, hence they need to be replaced every few years. Wood plastic composite (WPC) is a novel environmental-friendly composite of wood flour/fiber reinforced thermoplastic polymers (i.e. plastic). As WPC is made of plastic to evenly cover the wood flour, it has a lower moisture content than wood. In this study, maleic anhydride grafted polyolefin (POE-g-ma) and methyl metharylate-butadiene-styrene copolymer (MBS) were used as impact modifiers to prepare recycled WPCs (rWPCs) from recycled polyethylene terephthalate (rPET) and recycled polyamide 6 (rPA6) blends (PET/PA6). The thermal properties of the WPCs with different mixing ratio polymer blends of rPET to rPA6 (E60/A40, E50/A50, and E40/A60) were investigated, as well as their mechanical properties after accelerated weathering. Furthermore, the creep property of rWPC was also investigated under different applied loading and environmental aging conditions. The higher PET content resulted in lower flowability and a higher initial decomposition temperature, with the E60/A40 rWPC having better mechanical properties. During the 10-hour creep test, the rWPC strain changed significantly with environmental aging and higher loadings. In conclusion, the rWPC composed of 60:40 PET to PA6 is more suitable for outdoor building applications.
Delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance simulation imaging for prone radiotherapy after breast-conserving surgery: Assessing its application in lumpectomy cavity delineation based on deformable image registration
Authors: Zhao changhui , Li Jianbin , Wang Wei , Gong Guanzhong , Xu Liang , Zhang Yingjie , Li Fengxiang , Shao Qian , Wang Jinzhi , Liu Xijun , Xu Min
Published: March 2021

Background

The application of delayed-enhancement magnetic resonance (DE-MR) simulation imaging in lumpectomy cavity (LC) delineation for prone radiotherapy in patients with an invisible seroma or a low seroma clarity score (SCS) after breast-conserving surgery (BCS) based on deformable image registration (DIR) was assessed.
Methods

Twenty-six patients who were suitable for radiotherapy in prone positions after BCS were enrolled, and both computed tomography (CT) and DE-MR simulation scans were acquired. The LC delineated based on titanium surgical clips on CT images was denoted as LCCT. The LC delineated based on the signal of cavity boundaries on fat-suppressed T2-weighted imaging (T2WI) and multiphase delayed-enhancement T1-weighted imaging (DE-T1WI), which was performed at 2 min, 5 min and 10 min postinjection, were denoted as LCT2, LC2T1, LC5T1 and LC10T1, respectively. Afterwards, DIR was performed to compare the volumes and locations of the LCs with MIM software. The generalized conformity index (CIgen) of inter (intra) observer (Inter-CIgen and Intra-CIgen) was also used to explore the inter(intra) observer variation for LC delineation on each image modality.
Results

LCCT-LC10T1 provided the best conformal index (CI) and degree of inclusion (DI), increasing by 2.08% and 4.48% compared to LCCT-LCT2, 11.36% and 2.94% for LCCT-LC2T1, and 8.89% and 7.69% for LC5T1-LCCT, respectively. The center of mass (COM) of LCCT-LC10T1 decreased by 17.86%, 6.12% and 13.21% compared with that of LCCT-LCT2, LCCT-LC2T1 and LCCT-LC5T1, respectively. The agreement of LC delineation was strongest for 10th min DE-TIWI (coefficient of variation, COV = 2.30%, Inter-CIgen = 87.06%, Intra-CIgen = 92.64%).
Conclusion

For patients with a low SCS (SCS ≤ 2) after BCS, it is feasible to contour the LC based on prone DE-MR simulation images. Furthermore, the LC derived from prone DE-T1WI at 10 min was found to be most similar to that derived from prone CT simulation scans using titanium surgical clips regardless of the volume and location of the LC. Inter(intra)variability was minimal for the delineation of the LC based on 10th min DE-TIWI.
Manifestation of propagation traits for polymer square lattice micro-structured optical fiber in THz regime: a simplified model
Authors: Singh Hukam , Sharma Dinesh Kumar , Tripathi Saurabh Mani
Published: March 2021

To sustain the pace with immense prominence, interest in low-loss terahertz (THz) waveguides increases due to their particular applications in the multidisciplinary arena. This paper narrates a novel solid-core polymer-based square lattice micro-structured optical fiber (SL-MOF) with circular air-holes for efficient propagation of THz waves. The anticipated model’s guiding attributes are described by employing the numerically efficient finite-element method (FEM) in conjunction with an auxiliary Ring Model. Numerical analysis of the model exhibits confinement loss of about ~ 10 -7 dB/cm and low effective material loss of ~ 0.19 cm -1 at the applied frequency of 1.0 THz. It is also demonstrated that the considered geometry furnishes low bending loss over the extended range of THz frequency. The relative sensitivity coefficient is evaluated in context for the targeted design parameters to enable the said model’s practical utility. Other nameworthy propagation characteristics, such as effective mode-index, power fraction, effective mode-area, numerical aperture, spot-size, and the beam divergence are also investigated. The improved outcomes are anticipated that the proposed configuration will be opened a new epoch in the THz waveband.
Computational Design of New N-Heterocyclic Silyl Pincer Fullerenes
Authors: anafcheh maryam , Zahedi Mansour
Published: March 2021

A density functional study was performed to design a new N‑heterocyclic silyl pincer fullerenes based on the reactions of diaminofullerene with chlorosilanes SiHRCl2. Reaction energies of the formation of pincer fullerene ligands increased through the substitution of flanking arms with CH3 and phenyl groups. However, substituting hydrogen of SiH2 with methyl slightly increased the corresponding reaction energies, replacing of hydrogen with phenyl groups decreased the reaction energies of the considered pincer fullerenes. While the calculated electrophilicity values of the pincer fullerenes are larger than the electrophilicity values obtained for the fullerene derivatives, the substitution of hydrogen atoms of central SiH2 and PH2 did not have a noticeable impact on the electrophilicity values of the pincer fullerenes. The only exception was SiHPh(NCH2PH2)2C60. Natural bonding orbital analysis showed that the delocalization of electrons from the lone pairs of flanking arms phosphorous atoms to the n* orbital of transition metal atoms was a key factor for stabilizing the considered complexes. The strongest interaction was due to the delocalization of electrons from lone pairs of phosphorous atoms in the flanking arms to the LP* of transition metals, which was follow by the delocalization of electrons of the Si-H σ* orbitals to the LP* of transition metals.
Carbon Nano-Sphere Derived From Crop Residues by Acidic Lithium Bromide Treatment and as an Excellent Adsorbent to Both Heavy Ions and Methyl Orange
Authors: Chen Jian , Lu Xianqin , Li Bingbing , Dong Cuihua , Zhu Wenyuan
Published: March 2021

Carbon spheres, as a widely used carbon material, has attracted extensive attentions. The hydrothermal carbonization (HTC) method was a promising candidate for production of carbon-sphere. But the raw lignocellulose was natural resistant and hardly transformed into the carbon-spheres during HTC. Herein, acidic lithium bromide (LiBr) was supplied in the HTC process to break the resistance of lignocellulose and promoted the nano-carbon spheres forming in mild conditions: 140°C for 150 min. The carbon spheres from raw corn stover showed decent morphology properties and abundant functional groups, which was better than that from pine and poplar wood. It led to the high removal efficiency of the biochar-corn stover to both heavy ions and methyl orange in the waste water. Meanwhile, the filtrate under the optimal reaction was already reused. After five runs, the recycling showed slight effect on the morphology properties and the adsorption capability of biochar. These results verified the practical production of biochar spheres from lignocellulose in mild conditions, which provided more potential for the synthesis of novel biomass-based materials for wide applications.
Target-Based Drug Discovery, ADMET Profiling and Bioactivity Studies of Antibiotics as Potential Inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 Main Protease (Mpro)
Authors: Abdul-Hammed Misbaudeen , Adedotun Ibrahim Olaide , Falade Victoria Adeola , Adepoju Adewusi John , Olasupo Sabitu Babatunde , Akinboade Modinat Wuraola
Published: March 2021

A recent outbreak of a new strain of Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) has become a global health burden, which has resulted in deaths. No proven drug has been found to effectively cure this fast-spreading infection, hence the need to explore old drugs with the known profile in tackling this pandemic. Computer-aided drug design approach involving virtual screening was used to obtain the binding scores and inhibiting efficiencies of previously known antibiotics against SARS-CoV-2 main protease (Mpro). In silico pre-clinical studies which include Drug-likeness, Bioactivity, and ADMET profiling were done using Molinspiration online tool and ADMET SAR2 webserver respectively, and the results were compared with those of drugs currently involved in clinical trials in the ongoing pandemic. Although antibiotics have been speculated to be of no use in the treatment of viral infections, literature has emerged lately to reveal antiviral potential and immune-boosting ability of antibiotics. This study identified Tarivid and Ciprofloxacin with binding affinities of -8.3 and − 8.1 kcal/mol, respectively as significant inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 (Mpro) with better pharmacokinetics, drug-likeness and oral bioavailabity, bioactivity properties, ADMET properties and inhibitory strength compared to Remdesivir (-7.6 kcal/mol) and Azithromycin (-6.3 kcal/mol). These observations will provide insight for further research (clinical trial) in the cure and management of COVID-19.
Replicative history marks transcriptional and functional disparity in the CD8+ T cell memory pool
Authors: Schumacher Ton , Bresser Kaspar , Kok Lianne , Swain Arpit , King Lisa , Jacobs Laura , Weber Tom , Perié Leila , Duffy Ken , Scheeren Ferenc , Boer Rob de
Published: March 2021

Clonal expansion is a core aspect of T cell immunity. However, little is known with respect to the relationship between replicative history and the formation of distinct CD8+ memory T cell subgroups. To address this issue, we developed a genetic-tracing approach, termed the DivisionRecorder, that reports the extent of past proliferation of cell pools in vivo. Using this system to genetically ‘record’ the replicative history of different CD8+ T cell populations throughout a pathogen-specific immune response, we demonstrate that the central memory T cell (TCM) pool is marked by a higher number of prior divisions than the effector memory T cell pool, due to the combination of strong proliferative activity during the acute immune response and selective proliferative activity after pathogen clearance. Furthermore, by combining DivisionRecorder analysis with single cell transcriptomics and functional experiments, we show that replicative history identifies distinct cell pools within the TCM compartment. Specifically, we demonstrate that lowly divided TCM display enriched expression of stem-cell-associated genes, and that such lowly divided cells are superior in eliciting a proliferative recall response. The latter data provide the first evidence that a stem cell like memory T cell pool that reconstitutes the CD8+ T cell effector pool upon reinfection is marked by prior quiescence.
Influenza causes alterations to oligodendrocyte-specific transcripts and the myelin lipidome in the adult mouse central nervous system.
Authors: Louie Allison , Kim Justin , Soto-Diaz Katiria , Dibaeinia Payam , Koito Hisami , Sinha Saurabh , Nowak Romana , Das Aditi , Steelman Andrew
Published: March 2021

The notion that myelin remains static during adulthood has been challenged in recent years. Myelin is not only crucial for proper cognitive function and behavior, but it is vulnerable to alterations from external factors outside the window of development. Here, in the adult mouse CNS, RNA analysis revealed global downregulation and subsequent recovery of oligodendrocyte-specific transcripts in response to peripheral influenza viral infection. Furthermore, shot-gun lipidomic analysis revealed that infection alters the lipid profile in the prefrontal cortex as well as in purified brain myelin. Finally, treatment with the colony stimulating factor receptor (CSFR)1 antagonist GW2580 during infection suppressed glial activation and partially restored oligodendrocyte-specific myelin transcripts to baseline levels. Together, these findings reveal a yet unforeseen consequence of peripheral infection on oligodendrocyte homeostasis in the adult mouse.
Frequency and Factors Associated With Thyroid Dysfunctions: An Analytical Cross-Sectional Study From a Tertiary Care Center in Kabul, Afghanistan
Authors: Naeem Mohammad , Ahmed Sibtain , Haidary Ahmed Maseh , Saadaat Ramin , Gowani Ambreen , Abdul-Ghafar Jamshid
Published: March 2021

Background: Endocrinopathies are a commonly occurring entity, particularly those of the thyroid gland, however there is lack of scientific literature from Afghanistan, a country with very limited health care facilities and resources. This is the first study aimed to describe the frequency of occurrence and factor associated with thyroid dysfunction in Afghan population. The aim of this study is to estimate the frequency and to identify factors associated with thyroid dysfunction among individuals coming to a tertiary care facility in Kabul, Afghanistan.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted from July to Sep 2018 at the Department of Clinical Pathology, French Medical Institute for Mothers and Children (FMIC), Kabul, Afghanistan. Blood samples were obtained, serum TSH levels were analyzed, and the patients were divided into three diagnostic categories according to their serum TSH concentrations: 1) Hypothyroidism 2) Hyperthyroidism 3) normal.Results: A total of 127 individuals were included in the final analysis. Majority study participants (77%) were females. A large number of the participants (92%) did not have family history of thyroid dysfunction. (74%) participants in the study had normal TSH levels classified as normal thyroid function, (14%) had lower TSH levels and (12%) higher TSH levels (Table 1) classified as hyper and hypothyroid respectively.Conclusions: The findings of the current study showed a high frequency of thyroid dysfunctions from a single center. Further large scale studies are needed to find out the prevalence and document this entity for better health outcomes in the country.
Control of Fever in Septic Patients: the Results of a Randomised Controlled Trial
Authors: Kula Roman , Káňová Marcela , Varady Jan , Neiser Jan , Janišová Jarmila , Rusková Klára , Tejkalová Kateřina , Kula Roman , Kalina Jiří , Jarkovský Jiří
Published: March 2021

Background: Fever is a defence against infection. However, its benefit might be masked by cardiorespiratory maladaptation to thermal stress. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effect of fever control on the outcomes of septic patients who were presumed to have a sufficient cardiorespiratory reserve.Methods: Septic patients with a presumed sufficient cardiorespiratory reserve and fever (>38.3°C) of infectious etiology were randomised to one of the two study arms. In the aggressive arm, the antipyretic intervention was started immediately when the body temperature rose above 38.3°C, in the conservative arm only when it exceeded 39.5°C. Both pharmacological (ibuprofen) and physical antipyretic methods were used. The total SOFA score on day 7 was selected as the primary endpoint. Non-parametric tests were used for statistics when comparing variables between the study arms.Results: A total of 5998 patients were screened for fever of infectious etiology. 609 patients met inclusion criteria, of whom 154 patients were randomised. A significantly higher body temperature and longer duration of febrile episode was reached in the conservative arm. The SOFA score was significantly lower on day 7 when the conservative approach was applied. In-hospital mortality did not differ between the arms. When analysing a subgroup of patients with ICU stay < 4 days, a significantly lower SOFA score on day 3 and a tendency for lower in-hospital mortality was observed in the aggressive arm. In contrast, among patients with ICU stay ≥ 6 days, a significantly lower SOFA score on day 7 and significantly lower in-hospital mortality was found in the conservative arm.Conclusions: The conservative approach to the treatment of fever in septic patients with sufficient cardiorespiratory reserve was associated with a lower total SOFA score on day 7 compared to the aggressive approach. However, both approaches may positively influence outcome of septic patients: the aggressive approach seems to be beneficial in the early stage of sepsis, and the conservative approach in the stage of sepsis remission.Trial registration: The study was retrospectively registered at http://www.clinicaltrials.gov (Ref. No. NCT04227652).
A Short-Term Outcome on Ligating the Different Levels of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery (IMA). A Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Singh Dujanand , Long He , Yang Lie , Cun wang , Yu Yongyang , zhou zhongguan
Published: March 2021

Background: This study is to analyze the impact on the level of Inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) ligation of Colorectal cancer surgery. The retrieval of lymph nodes (LNs) and anastomotic leakage was the main concern of this study. Methods: In this prospective study, the high and low ligation cases were selected. The retrieved LNs from roots of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) and left colic artery (LCA) was sent for histopathological examination (HPE), irrespective of the method of ligation. The observation of HPE results and Anastomosis leakage were analyzed.Result: In the total numbers of 369 cases, 12 cases were cancer positive LNs at the root of IMA despite 349 harvested LNs. On another hand, just one case showed LCA positive LNs obliviously because just 12 cases were had harvested LNs at the root of LCA. where Two cases of leakage were seen in both groups over a three-month follow-up. Conclusions: This result signifies the importance of IMA root LNs clearance and concern of high ligation. However, the small number of cases demand further well-designed RCTs to make an evidence-based decision.
WITHDRAWN: A BIN2-like1 Protein Confers Dwarf by Interacting with BZR1 of Brassinosteroid Signaling in Allotetraploid Brassica Napus
Authors: Yang Mao , He Jianbo , Wan Shubei , Li Weiyan , Chen Wenjing , Wang Yangming , Jiang Xiaomei , Cheng Pengfei , Chu Pu , Shen Wenbiao , Guan Rongzhan
Published: March 2021

Brassinosteroids (BRs) are steroid hormones that play essential roles in plant growth and development. In this study, we identified a new dwarf mutant in Brassica napus. By map-based cloning, BnaC04.BIL1 (BnaC04g41660D) gene, a BIN2-like1 (BIL1) encoding a GLYCOGEN SYNTHASE KINASE 3 (GSK3-like) protein kinase, was isolated. To date, how BIL1 involves in BR signal transduction remains uncovered. Genetic transformation experiments confirmed that the BnaC04.BIL1 is responsible for the plant dwarf phenotype in the Bndwarf2 mutants. Overexpression of BnaC04.BIL1 not only reduced plant height, but also resulted in compact plant architecture. Using CRISPR/Cas9, two sgRNAs were designed to target BnaC04.BIL1 gene. The gene editing experiments generated mutations of BnaC04.BIL1 sequence, which were stably transmitted to successive generations, and lead to restoration of plant height and plant architecture. The molecular mechanism of Bndwarf2 dwarfing was further verified by Y2H and BiFC assays. Results shown that a Thr187Ser amino acid substitution residing in the conserved region promotes the interaction between BnaC04.BIL1Mut with BnaBZR1, thus enhances the negative regulation of plant growth. The genetic and molecular evidence clarifies first the BnaC04.BIL1 can sharply change plant architecture in natural plant accessions in allotetraploid, and provides new insights into the molecular mechanisms of BR signaling.
Five-axis Tri-NURBS Spline Interpolation Method Considering Nonlinear Error Compensation and Correction of CC Paths
Authors: Chen Liangji , Wei Zisen , Ma Longfei
Published: March 2021

In order to improve the accuracy of tool axis vector position and direction in traditional five-axis NURBS interpolation methods and the controlling accuracy of cutter contacting(CC) paths between cutter and work-piece, a five-axis Tri-NURBS spline interpolation method is presented in this article. Firstly, the spline interpolation instruction format is proposed, which includes three spline curves, such as CC point spline, tool center point spline and tool axis point spline. The next interpolation parameter is calculated based on the tool center point spline combined with the conventional parametric interpolation idea. Different from the traditional spline interpolation using the same interpolation parameter for all spline curves, the idea of equal ratio configuration of parameters is proposed in this paper to obtain the next interpolation parameter of each spline curve. The next interpolation tool center point, tool axis point and CC point on the above three spline curves can be obtained by using different interpolation parameters, so as to improve the accuracy of tool axis vector position and direction. Secondly, the producing mechanism of CC paths’ nonlinear error of the traditional spline interpolation is analyzed and the mathematical calculation model of the nonlinear error is established. And then, the nonlinear error compensation and correction method is also put forward to improve the controlling accuracy of CC paths. In this method, the next CC point on the cutter can be firstly obtained according to the next interpolation tool center point, tool axis point and CC point on the three spline curves. And then, the error compensation vector is determined with the two next CC points. To correct the nonlinear error between the next CC point on the cutter and the CC point spline curve, the cutter is translated so that the two next CC points can be coincided. In the end, the new tool center point and tool axis point after translation can be calculated to obtain the motion control coordinates of each axis of machine tool. The MATLAB software is used as simulation of the real machining data. The results show that the proposed method can effectively reduce the CC paths’ nonlinear error. It has high practical value for five-axis machining in effectively controlling the accuracy of CC paths and im-proving the machining accuracy of complex surfaces.
Comparison of CISNE and MASCC Score in Predicting Complications on Post Chemotherapy Febrile Neutropenia
Authors: Shakinah Sharifah , Nelwan Erni , Lubis Anna , Sinto Robert , Pohan Herdiman
Published: March 2021

Objective Despite the routine use of MASCC score in febrile neutropenia patients, researches showed that serious complications still occur in 15-42% of low-risk patients; therefore, a new scoring system Clinical Index of Stable Febrile Neutropenia (CISNE) is developed to predict the complication better. This retrospective cohort study aimed to assess the role of CISNE score compared to MASCC score as a risk stratification in post-chemotherapy FN in solid and hematologic malignancy. Patients who underwent inpatient treatment with FN between July 2015 and December 2019 were grouped based on both scores, while complications during inpatient was recorded. Both score's areas under the receiver operating characteristics curve were compared using DeLong method. Results CISNE score showed a better performance both in solid malignancy with AUC of CISNE score (0.893; 95% CI 0.829 - 0.95, p = 0.03) compared to AUC of MASCC score (0.77; 95% CI 0.68 – 0,86, p = 0.04) and in hematologic malignancy with AUC of CISNE score (0.91; 95% CI 0.84 - 0.97, p = 0.03) and AUC MASCC score (0.735 ; 95% CI 0.68 - 0.86, p = 0.04). CISNE score showed a better diagnostic performance with cut-off point value of 2.
Various Factors that Interfere with the Accurate Assessment of the Three-rods Test and Modified Three-rods Test to Resolve Monocular Cues
Authors: Takeuchi Atsuya , Kawaguchi Nami , Uesaka Naofumi , Tsujimoto Yukiko
Published: March 2021

Binocular stereopsis is a higher-order visual function and is thought to play an important role in spatial cognition in everyday life and many occupational settings. Various stereotests are used clinically to evaluate binocular stereopsis, and the three-rods test is used to assess stereopsis in various occupations in Japan. It is known that there are factors such as monocular cues in various stereotests that make it difficult to accurately evaluate the stereoscopic function, but the existence of such factors in the three-rods test has not been clarified. Here, we show that practice effect and monocular cues exist in the conventional three-rods test and that we devised a modified three-rods test to address the monocular cues. In the conventional three-rods test, performance improved when multiple tests were performed in a short time under binocular condition, and performance was significantly better in the monocular condition compared to the blind condition, indicating the existence of practice effect and monocular cues, respectively. The modified three-rod test with a wider central rod excluded the effect of monocular cues and maintained binocular cues on test performance. Their results suggest that the three-rod test with the simple modification can be a useful method for testing stereoscopic functions.
Early administration of amatuximab suppresses liver metastasis of mesothelin-expressing pancreatic cancer cells and enhances gemcitabine sensitivity in a xenograft mouse model
Authors: Fujii Yuki , Kamachi Hirofumi , Matsuzawa Fumihiko , Mizukami Tatsuzo , Kobayashi Nozomi , Fukai Moto , Taketomi Akinobu
Published: March 2021

Amatuximab is a promising therapeutic antibody targeting mesothelin, a 40-kDa glycoprotein that is highly expressed in pancreatic cancer. We investigated the effectiveness of early amatuximab treatment, imitating an adjuvant chemotherapy setting, and combination therapy with amatuximab and gemcitabine in liver metastasis of pancreatic cancer. Liver metastasis mouse models were established in 8-week-old male BALB/c nu/nu mice using the hemisplenic injection method. Tridaily amatuximab monotherapy or combination with gemcitabine was administered to the liver metastasis mouse model before metastatic lesions had formed huge masses. Gaussia luciferase-transfected AsPC-1 was used as a mesothelin-overexpressing pancreatic cancer cell line. The amount of liver metastases and the serum luciferase activity were significantly lower in the treatment groups than those in the control IgG group. Notably, the anti-tumor activity of gemcitabine was synergically enhanced by combination therapy with amatuximab. Furthermore, western blotting revealed that the high expression of phosphorylated c-Met and AKT in liver metastatic lesions treated with gemcitabine monotherapy was canceled by its combination with amatuximab. This result indicated that the observed synergic therapeutic effect may have occurred as a result of the inhibitory effect of amatuximab on the phosphorylation of c-Met and AKT, which were promoted by exposure to GEM. In conclusion, our study revealed that early administration of amatuximab alone or in combination with GEM significantly suppressed the liver metastases of mesothelin-expressing pancreatic cancer cells. A phase II clinical trial of amatuximab as part of an adjuvant chemotherapy regimen for resected pancreatic cancer is expected.
Event-Triggered Fixed-time Adaptive Fuzzy Control for State-constrained Stochastic Nonlinear Systems Without Feasibility Conditions
Authors: Yao Yangang , Tan Jieqing , Wu Jian , Zhang Xu
Published: March 2021

The problem of event-triggered fixed-time control for state-constrained stochastic nonlinear systems is discussed in this article. Different from the Barrier Lyapunov Function (BLF)-based and Integral BLF-based schemes which rely on feasibility conditions (FCs), by introducing nonlinear state-dependent functions , the asymmetric time-varying state constraints are handled without FCs .Combining with the fixed-time stable theory and dynamic surface control technique with fixed-time filter, the fixed-time stability in probability of the closed-loop system is ensured and the problems of “explosion of complexity” and “singularity” are overcome. Furthermore, the novel fixed-time error compensation signals are designed to compensate filtering errors, and event-triggered control technique is used to save network resources. Simulations also illustrate the effectiveness of the proposed method.
Tip60 Might Be a Candidate For The Acetylation of Hepatic Carbonic Anhydrase I and III in Mice
Authors: BALTACI Nurdan GONUL , KOCPINAR Enver Fehim , Budak Harun
Published: March 2021

Carbonic anhydrases (CAs) play an important role in maintaining pH balance by catalyzing the conversion of carbon dioxide to bicarbonate. Since this pH balance is critical to health, all organisms must develop mechanisms to control and regulate it. Although there is a great deal of literature on the biochemical, functional, and structural properties of the CA family, there is no enough knowledge on the regulation of CAs at gene and protein levels, especially their epigenetic regulation. In this study, impact of Tip60, a member of histone acetyltransferases family, on the expression of Ca1 and Ca3 genes in liver tissue was investigated at different zeitgeber time points in control and liver-specific Tip60 knockout mice (mutant) groups. First of all, Tip60 was specifically knocked out in mouse liver the using Cre/loxP system and knockout rate was shown as 83% - 88% by southern blot. Expression profiles of Ca1 and Ca3 genes in both groups were determined by Real-Time PCR at six different time points. While Ca1 showed the highest expression at ZT8 and ZT12, the lowest expression profile was observed at ZT0 and ZT20. Hepatic Ca1 showed a robust circadian expression. While hepatic Ca3 showed almost the same level of expression at different time units. The expression of Ca1 and Ca3 significantly decreased in the absence of Tip60 in mouse liver all time period. In conclusion, it was suggested for the first time that Tip60 may be considered a candidate protein in the regulation of Ca1 and Ca3 genes, possibly by acetylation.
Fasudil Attenuates Adriamycin-Induced Cardiac Damage by Modifying Oxidative Stress and Apoptosis Mediated Cellular Signaling
Authors: Yan Yi , Xiang Chengyu , Zhang Dingguo
Published: March 2021

PURPOSETo explore the protective mechanism of fasudil,a Rho kinase inhibitor, on acute cardiac injury induced by adriamycin(ADR).METHODSIn vitro investigations on H9C2 cell line, as well as an in vivo study in a mouse model of ADR-induced acute cardiomyopathy, were performed. In vitro, H9C2 cells were treated with fasudil for 30mins then incubated with ADR for 24 hours. Cells were collected for immunohistochemistry and western blot study, respectively. In vivo, C57BL6 mice were randomly divided into the following four groups: ①ADR group;②low-dose fasudil ( ADR+L);③high-dose fasudil ( ADR+H); and ④control group(CON). Animals were injected i.p 20 mg/kg ADR once in group①~③. And animals were injected i.p fasudil (2 or 10 mg/kg/day ) daily once for six times in group ②and ③,respectively. Blood samples and heart tissues were collected for assays.RESULTSIn vitro, fasudil treatment ameliorated ADR-induced immunofluorescence reaction of 8-OHdG, decreased the expression of TUNEL cells and protein of Bax、Caspase-3 and p53,and increased the expression of protein of Bcl-2 and SIRT 1. In the mouse model, administration of fasudil significantly ameliorated ADR-induced cardiac damage, suppressed cell apoptosis and senescence, ameliorated redox imbalance and DNA damage.CONCLUSIONFasudil has the protective effect on adriamycin induced acute cardiotoxicity, which partially attributed to its antioxidant, anti-senescence, and anti-apoptotic effects of inhibiting the RhoA/Rho kinase signaling pathway.
Trends and Patterns in the Economic History of the Energy Complex
Authors: Shakhovskaya Larisa S. , Timonina Victoria I.
Published: March 2021

The age-old history of capitalist countries includes the fact that many of these metropolitan countries, which, unlike their colonies, were producers, used various methods to gain global control over energy resources, as they were concentrated in the colonies. Control over strategic resources allows control over the national economy of any country as a whole. The article describes a broad-scale conflict in which resource dependence is directly proportional to the intensity of social production required for the effective functioning of the national economy as a whole.