bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Improving the Fracture Toughness of Multi-Layered Commercial Pure Aluminum via Warm Accumulative Roll Bonding
Authors: Attar Ali Akhavan , Nia Ali Alavi , Mazaheri Yousef , Ghassemali Ehsan
Published: March 2021

In this study, the fracture toughness of the multi-layered commercial pure aluminum samples (AA1050) prepared by warm accumulative roll bonding (WARB) was investigated for the first time. Based on the ASTM E561 standard, the R-curve method was utilized to measure the plane stress fracture toughness. Compact tension (CT) samples were prepared from the sheets that were processed by different ARB cycles. Mechanical properties, microstructure, and fracture surfaces of the CT samples were studied by uniaxial tensile test, electron backscatter diffraction (EBSD), and scanning electron microscopy (SEM), respectively. By increasing the number of WARB cycles, fracture toughness increased; after five cycles, 78% enhancement was observed compared to the pre-processed state. A correlation was seen between the fracture toughness variations and ultimate tensile strength (UTS). WARB enhanced UTS up to 95%, while the grain size showed a reduction from 35 to 1.8 µm. Measured fracture toughness values were compared with the room temperature ARB outcomes, and the effective parameters were analyzed. Fractography results indicated that the presence of tiny cliffs and furrows and hollow under fatigue loading zones and shear ductile rupture in the Quasi-static tensile loading zone.
Nivolumab vesus Regorafenib in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma after Sorafenib failure
Authors: Kuo Yuan-Hung , Yen Yi-Hao , Chen Yen-Yang , Kee Kwong-Ming , Hung Chao-Hung , Lu Sheng-Nan , Hu Tsung-Hui , Chen Chien-Hung , Wang Jing-Houng
Published: March 2021

Nivolumab and regorafenib are approved second-line therapies for patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) after sorafenib failure. This study compared the effectiveness of nivolumab and regorafenib following sorafenib. We retrospectively enrolled HCC patients who had undergone nivolumab or regorafenib after sorafenib failure. Treatment response, treatment related adverse events (TRAE) and clinical outcomes of study patients were recorded and analyzed. A total of 90 patients (Male/Female: 67/23, mean age: 63 year) were enrolled, including 32 patients in the Nivolumab group and 58 patients in the Regorafenib group. The Nivolumab group had better objective response rates (16% vs 6.4%) and disease control rates (44% vs 31.9%) than the Regorafenib group, but there was no statistical difference. The comparison of time to progression (3.0 months vs 2.6 months, p=0.786) and overall survival (OS) (14 months vs 11 months, p=0.763) between Nivolumab and Regorafenib groups were also insignificant. Regarding TRAE incidence, the Nivolumab group was significantly lower than the Regorafenib group (37.5% vs 68%, p=0.006). After cession of nivolumab / regorafenib, 34 patients (37.8%) (Nivolumab group/ Regorafenib group: 11/23) could afford the following therapies. Concerning sequential systemic therapies, 17 patients (18.9%) received third-line therapy, whereas 6 patients (6.7%) could move to four-line therapy. In multivariable analysis, patients who achieved disease control were associated with improved OS (Hazard ratio, 0.18; 95% Confidence Interval, 0.07–0.46; p<0.001) after adjusting Child-Pugh class and Post-treatment. After sorafenib failure, using nivolumab had lower TRAE incidence and a trend of better treatment response than using regorafenib.
Reduced Listener-speaker Neural Coupling Underlies Speech Understanding Difficulty in Older Adults
Authors: liu lanfang , Ding Xiaowei , Li Hehui , Zhou Qi , Gao Dingguo , Lu Chunming , Ding Guosheng
Published: March 2021

An increasing number of studies have highlighted the importance of listener-speaker neural coupling in successful verbal communication. Whether the brain-to-brain coupling changes with healthy aging and the possible role of this change in the speech comprehension of older adults remain unexplored. In this study, we scanned with fMRI a young and an older speaker telling real-life stories, and then played the audio recordings to a group of young (N = 28, aged 19-27y) and a group of older adults during scanning (N = 27, aged 53-75y), respectively. The older listeners understood the speech less well than did the young listeners, and the age of the older listeners was negatively correlated with their level of speech understanding. Compared to the young listener-speaker dyads, the older dyads exhibited reduced neural couplings in both linguistic and extra-linguistic areas. Moreover, within the older group, the listener’s age was negatively correlated with the overall strength of interbrain coupling, which in turn was associated with reduced speech understanding. These results reveal the deficits of older adults in achieving neural alignment with other brains, which may underlie the age-related decline in speech understanding.
Novel Silica Functionalized Monosodium Glutamate/PVA Cross-linked Membranes for Alkali Recovery by Diffusion Dialysis
Authors: Ashraf Muhammad Adnan , Islam Atif , Butt Muhammad Arif
Published: March 2021

In this work, two types of silica functionalized monosodium glutamate (GMSG and VMSG)/ poly(vinyl alcohol) (PVA) were cross-linked by sol-gel process to prepare novel hybrid cation exchange membranes (CEMs). The prepared membranes were systematically characterized by FTIR, ion exchange capacity (IEC), TGA, water uptake, water swelling, mechanical strength and diffusion dialysis (DD) performance for alkali separation using NaOH/Na2WO4 solution. The FTIR peaks around 1260-1350 cm−1 confirmed the secondary C−N linkages. The cross-linking between GMSG/VMSG and PVA was verified by the presence of stretching peaks of Si−O−C, Si−O−Si, C−O−C, and −C(=O)−O−C groups between 1080-1120 cm−1. TGA results indicated that GMSG membranes showed relatively high thermal stability as compared to VMSG membranes. Water uptake and degree of swelling decreased while IEC values increased with the increase of GMSG/VMSG content in membrane matrix. The mechanical properties of the membranes improved up to 40% GMSG/VMSG content. The NaOH dialysis coefficient (UOH) values improved while values of separation factor (S) declined with the increase of GMSG/VMSG content. Finally, the effect of temperature was studied and it was found that increase in temperature from 25 to 45 °C resulted in increase of diffusion coefficient and decrease of separation factor for both GMSG/VMSG crossed-linked with PVA membranes.
Serjania marginata Casar. hydroalcoholic extract reduced cytokine and inflammatory parameters in experimental models of inflammation and infection in mice
Authors: Leitão Maicon Matos , Radai Joyce Alencar Santos , Macorini Luis Fernando Benitez , Fraga Thiago Leite , Vieira Silvia Cristina Heredia , Cardoso Claudia Andrea Lima , Kassuya Candida Aparecida Leite
Published: March 2021

This study investigated the antimycobacterial, anti-inflammatory and antihyperalgesic effects of EESM in in vitro and in vivo models. EESM (0.98–1000 µg/ml) was evaluated in in vitro against Mycobacterium tuberculosis, M. bovis, Klebsiella pneumoniae, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Staphylococcus epidermidis. The EESM oral administration (p.o.) (30, 100 and 300 mg/kg) and dexamethasone subcutaneous injection (s.c.) (1 mg/kg) were tested against the carrageenan-induced inflammatory paw edema and pleurisy in Swiss mice. The EESM (30 and 100 mg/kg, p.o.) and dexamethasone (1 mg/kg, s.c.) were tested against the CFA-induced paw inflammation and M. bovis (bacillus Calmette-Guerin - BCG)-induced pleurisy in C57bL6 mice. The minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of EESM in the presence of M. tuberculosis was 62.4 µg/ml. The values of MIC of EESM in the presence S. epidermidis, K. pneumoniae were 1000 µg/mL while EESM did not interfere with against P. aeruginosa growth. EESM significantly inhibited paw edema/mechanical hyperalgesia in carrageenan induced paw inflammation and leukocytes migration/proteins exudation in carrageenan-induced pleurisy model. In the BCG-induced pleurisy model, the daily treatment for 7 days, with EESM inhibited the levels of IL-1β in blood and in pleural exudate. The EESM did not alter the mycobacterial growth in the cell culture from pleural lavage, spleen and liver samples collected from BCG-treated animals. The EESM significantly inhibited the persistent edema and mechanical hyperalgesia induced by CFA. This study confirms the EESM anti-inflammatory property and showed that EESM has high potency in inducing inhibition of mycobaterial growth and low potency or no effects in relation to other microorganisms.
Parasporin A13-2 of Bacillus thuringiensis isolate from Papaloapan region, induce a cytotoxic effect by late apoptosis against breast cancer cells
Authors: Borin Diego Becker , Castrejón-Arroyo Karen , Cruz-Nolasco Alain , Peña-Rico Miguel Angel , Rorato Michelle Sagrillo , Santos Roberto C.V. , Baco Lucas Silva de , Pérez-Picaso Lemuel , Camacho Luz , Navarro-Mtz Ana K.
Published: March 2021

The protein A13-2 was obtained from Bacillus thuringiensis strains isolated from the Papaloapan watershed region (Oaxaca, Mexico). The cytotoxic activity of parasporal inclusions was studied against breast cancer cell line (MCF-7) and normal cell (human peripheral blood mononuclear cells). The MTT, the formation of reactive species, nitric oxide, free cell DNA, and the type of death cellular were assessed. The protein A13-2 shows the highest cytotoxic activity against MCF-7 (13% at 6 µg/mL), the extracellular DNA increases, and it shows no stress for reactive species or nitric oxide. Besides, the A13-2 parasporin shows no toxicity to peripheral blood mononuclear cells, and it does not generate changes in nitric oxide levels or free cell DNA. According to microscopy and flow cytometry, A13-2 leads to the death of MCF-7 cell by late apoptosis. Due to that, the cytotoxic effect of A13-2 was specific for MCF-7, and it does not affect peripheral blood mononuclear cells (normal cells). When analyzed together, our results show for the first time that the A13-2 protein isolated from Mexican strains of B. thuringiensis has a high selectivity against the MCF- 7 cell line, thus representing a promising alternative for the treatment of cancer breast.
Novel Empirical Correlation Between the Optical Refractive Index and Energy Bandgap in Semiconductors: Comparative Study
Authors: Gomaa Hosam Mohamed , Yahia I.S. , Zahran H.Y.
Published: March 2021

This work is an attempt to review some of the most famous and important studies to correlate the optical-linear refractive index of a substance to its energy band-gap.The refractive index of different types of materials, like semiconductors, insulators, oxides, thin-films, and oxide glasses, has been reported in a large number of publications in attempts to the estimation of how it can be correlated to the optical band-gap. The present work can be considered as a comparative study between the most successful relations in correlating the refractive index to the energy gap. The careful reviewing of the previous studies to correlate the optical refractive index and energy gap led to concluded that Reddy and Ahmmed approximation was selected to develop a new realized form that can give a good fit to the experimental data and, hence, be used directly as an accurate formula in the theoretical studies. The obtained formula correlates the optical refractive index to the energy gap and the oxygen atom's electronegativity. Such relation has been used to calculate the refractive indices for more than 96 materials (elements/compounds) with a high agreement with the experimental data.
Effects of large-scale atmospheric circulation on the Baltic Sea wave climate: application of EOF method on multi-mission satellite altimetry data
Authors: Najafzadeh Fatemeh , Kudryavtseva Nadezhda , Soomere Tarmo
Published: March 2021

Wave heights in the Baltic Sea in 1992–2015 have predominantly increased in the sea's western parts. The linear trends in the winter wave heights exhibit a prominent meridional pattern. Using the technique of Empirical Orthogonal Functions (EOF) applied to the multi-mission satellite altimetry data, we link a large part of this increase in the wave heights with the climatic indices of the Scandinavian mode, North Atlantic Oscillation, and Arctic Oscillation. The winter trends show a statistically significant negative correlation (correlation coefficient –0.47±0.19) with the Scandinavian pattern and a positive correlation with the North Atlantic Oscillation (0.31±0.22) and Arctic Oscillation (0.42±0.20). The meridional pattern is associated with more predominant north-westerly and westerly winds driven by the Scandinavian and North Atlantic Oscillation, respectively. All three climatic indices show a statistically significant time-variable correlation with Baltic Sea wave climate during the winter season. When the Scandinavian pattern's influence is strong, North Atlantic and Arctic Oscillations' effect is low and vice versa. The results are backed up by simulations using synthetic data that demonstrate that the percentage of variance retrieved using EOF analysis from the satellite-derived wave measurements is directly related to the percentage of noise in the data and the retrieved spatial patterns are insensitive to the level of noise.
Effect of Ultrasound-Assisted on Sequential Peracetic Acid and Alkaline Peroxide Pretreatment to The Enzymatic Hydrolysis of Oil Palm Empty Fruit Bunch
Authors: Putri Dwini Normayulisa , Perdani Meka Saima , Yohda Masafumi , Utami Tania Surya , Sahlan Muhamad , Hermansyah Heri
Published: March 2021

Enzymatic hydrolysis of oil palm empty fruit bunch (OPEFB) that has been pretreated by modified pretreatment has been investigated in this study. The OPEFB used was pretreated by using sequential peracetic acid – alkaline peroxide solution. As the modification method, the assistance of pretreatment by ultrasound was conducted, in order to increase the enzyme accessibility. Therefore, it enhances the production of reducing sugar on the hydrolysis process. Prior to hydrolysis process, OPEFB was initially treated by using peracetic acid solution, comprise of CH3COOH (> 99%) and H2O2 (30% w/w), assisted by ultrasound for 3 hours at 35oC. Afterwards, OPEFB was treated by using alkaline peroxide solution, comprise of NaOH (40% w/w) and H2O2 (35% w/w), assisted by ultrasound for 10 hours at 35oC. OPEFB that has been pretreated was then subjected to enzymatic hydrolysis process using cellulase enzyme, in order to convert cellulose content into reducing sugar. Enzymatic hydrolysis was carried out at 50oC in a shaker incubator with 150 rpm for 48 hours. In this study, the effect of different enzyme concentration and hydrolysis time towards the sugar concentration in modified-pretreated OPEFB was observed and analyzed. Three different concentrations of enzyme were used, including 1.25, 2.5, and 5 g/L, and reducing sugar concentrations were analyzed at 30 and 45 minutes, and 1, 2, 4, 6, 24, 30, and 48 hours. Based on results, enzyme concentration has a significant effect to the production of reducing sugar. The reducing sugar concentrations obtained at the end of the hydrolysis process were 8.48, 11.06, 19.16 g/L, at the enzyme concentrations of 1.25, 2.5, and 5 g/L, respectively. At any hydrolysis time, the highest sugar concentration has been achieved on the highest enzyme concentration of 5 g/L. Moreover, the effective hydrolysis time were achieved at 6 hours, at all concentration of enzyme, since the production of reducing sugar were insignificant after 6 hours. This study showed an increase in reducing sugar production by 8.25% in the hydrolysis process using OPEFB pretreated by modified pretreatment compared to the non-modified pretreatment.
Multifocal Intraocular Lens Exchange in Patients with Ocular Comorbidities: Indications and Outcomes
Authors: Armstrong Brian Kenny , Goldsmith Jason , John Terrence Lee St , Navon Samuel
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To investigate all cases of multifocal intraocular lens (MFIOL) exchange, with specific focus on indications for exchange and evaluation of postoperative outcomes, in a tertiary care, multi-specialty ophthalmology practice.Setting/Venue: Academic Referral Center/Cleveland Clinic Abu Dhabi – Abu Dhabi, United Arab EmiratesMethods: This retrospective case series identified all patients that presented to a large academic practice over a 4-year period that were intolerant to MFIOL technology and thus required intraocular lens (IOL) exchange. All patients reported poor vision despite correction of reversible ocular comorbidities, including dry eye and residual refractive error. Outcomes reviewed include subjective visual complaints, IOL-type, visual acuity, refractive error, ocular comorbidities, and surgical outcomes. Endpoints examined include mean uncorrected distance visual acuity (UDVA), mean corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA), mean refractive spherical equivalent (MRSE), and residual refractive astigmatism. Results: Six eyes of five patients required MFIOL exchange. All IOL’s exchanged were trifocal IOL’s. IOL exchange occurred between 6 to 72 months following primary phacoemulsification. Each patient had multiple ocular comorbidities, ranging from keratoconjunctivitis sicca to longstanding intermediate uveitis and macular pathology. Postoperatively, subjective visual complaints resolved in all patients. Objective mean changes in UDVA, CDVA, MRSE and residual astigmatism were not statistically significant. Conclusion: Thorough preoperative evaluation is required prior to MFIOL placement in order to rule out ocular comorbidities that may impair visual quality. In patients with MFIOL intolerance due to irreversible ocular comorbidities, IOL exchange to a monofocal IOL is safe, effective, and results in subjective improvement in vision.
Development of PCR-Based Marker for Resistance to Fusarium wilt Race 2 in Lettuce (Lactuca Sativa L.)
Authors: seki kousuke , komatsu kenji , hiraga masahiro , tanaka keisuke , uno yuichi , matsumura hideo
Published: March 2021

Resistance to multiple races of Fusarium wilt is considered a critical trait for lettuce (Lactuca sativa L.) cultivars, as it is directly related to grower profitability in Japan. We analyzed F2 individuals obtained from a cross between ‘VI185’ (resistance to race 2) and ‘ShinanoGreen’ (susceptible to race 2), and applied a bioassay to the F3 population using the race 2 pathogen. ddRAD-seq analysis showed that a single semi-dominant locus on LG1 (qFOL1.2) controls resistance, and that the genotype of a RAD-marker designated as LG1_v8_117.181Mbp showed complete co-segregation with the resistance phenotype based on the F2 population. Fine mapping by PCR-based markers further revealed that qFOL1.2 were located in the position of 116.468-117.974Mbp. The 42 cultivars were evaluated for the genotypes and phenotypes using the PCR-based makers designed at this region. As a result of genotyping, all of the susceptible cultivars had the same genotype in this region, but the resistant cultivars had the diversity in the genotype. Notably, the genotype of the PCR-based marker designated as LG1_v8_116.506Mbp was consistent across the 25 resistant cultivars. Thus, we reasoned that LG1_v8_116.506Mbp was a broadly useful marker for selection of race 2-resistance. Our results provide additional breeding technique for resistance to race 2, and can accelerate pyramiding of resistance loci to multiple races of fusarium wilt.
Obsessive beliefs and subtypes of obsessive-compulsive symptoms amongst immigrant children and early adolescents
Authors: Pozza Andrea , Coluccia Anna , Casale Silvia , Marazziti Donatella , Mucci Federico , Gualtieri Giacomo , Lorenzi Lore , Ferretti Fabio , Dèttore Davide
Published: March 2021

Background. Vulnerability factors for obsessive-compulsive (OC) features in immigrant youth are under-studied. The migration process can have a highly stressful impact on the psychological wellbeing of the individual and it may represent a precipitating factor for different forms of psychopathology. Little is known about the occurrence of OC traits. Unlike other European countries, immigration to Italy is a recent phenomenon. In community children/early adolescents, this study compared OC general symptoms/subtypes and vulnerability cognitive factors amongst Italian natives, first- and second-generation immigrants, and examined whether such vulnerability factors moderate the relation between immigrant status and OC symptoms/subtypes, beyond socio-demographic/clinical variables. Methods. Two hundred sixty-eight children/early adolescents (99 natives, 82 and 87 first- and second-generation immigrants respectively) completed the Obsessive Belief Questionnaire-Child Version, Obsessive Compulsive Inventory-Child Version, Spence’s Children Anxiety Scale, Children’s Depression Inventory.Results. As compared with the other groups, first-generation immigrants had the highest levels of perfectionism and threat overestimation. Both first- and second-generation immigrants had higher doubting – checking traits than natives. First-generation immigrants with higher threat overestimation showed lower obsessing traits. Conclusions. Community screening programs for OC features should consider immigrant youth as a vulnerable group and, potentially, the target of an early intervention.
Differentially expressed IGF2BP2 in ovarian disorders: strongly associates with alternative splicing regulation in human granulosa cells
Authors: Zhao Feiyan , Wang Qin , Chen Tong , Zhao Xuehan , Xin Zhimin , Yang Xiaokui
Published: March 2021

Genome-wide interactions between RNA-binding proteins (RBPs) and RNA targets account for an important portion of post-transcriptional regulation. IGF2BP2 is associated with type 2 diabetes (T2D) and obesity and reportedly functions as an RBP that regulates a series of target genes by binding RNA transcripts. In this study, we detected the differential expression of IGF2BP2 in granulosa cells from women with ovarian disorders and performed RNA-seq and RIP-seq experiments in immortalized human granulosa cells (KGN cells) to evaluate global transcript levels and alternative splicing on KGN cells overexpressing IGF2BP2 versus controls. Our results show that IGF2BP2 preferentially binds to the 3’and 5’UTRs of mRNAs and enriches target gene expression in KGN cells. Notably, besides the conventional GGAC motif, we found a significant enrichment of a new GAAG motif within IGF2BP2-binding regions. We demonstrate that IGF2BP2 is involved in transcription regulation and alternative splicing in genes associated with follicular development. Furthermore, IGF2BP2 partly influences the expression levels of some of these alternatively spliced genes, including MBD3 and FN1, which may lead to ovarian endocrine disorders. In conclusion, we provide a transcriptome-wide analysis that demonstrates the role played by IGF2BP2 in the regulation of gene expression, transcription and alternative splicing of a number of genes involved in the pathogenesis of ovarian endocrine diseases.
A Path Generation Method for Wire and Arc Additive Remanufacturing of Complex Hot-forging Dies 
Authors: Shen Yonghua , Wei Yanhong , Liu Renpei
Published: March 2021

Wire and arc additive remanufacturing (WAAR) technology has become a new solution for hot-forging dies repair and remanufacturing. In this study, a path generation method is proposed for WAAR of hot-forging dies. At first, a WAAR process of the hot-forging die is presented, and considering the characteristics of large welding heat input and complex 3D digital model, the hybrid path planning strategy is confirmed as an appropriate strategy for WAAR. The developed hybrid path generation method for WAAR consists of three main steps: determinate the direction of the scan line; divide and fill the internal area; and connect the sub-paths. the relatively optimal scanning direction is determined by calculating the length and inclination angle of each line segment in the contour lines, which reduces the possibility of sharp angles. The internal region is divided based on the location of the selected extreme points, and the path space is adjusted to avoid the occurrence of the underfilled phenomenon. At the stage of sub-paths connection, some criteria are proposed to reduce the number of sub-paths. At last, a planar deposition experiment and the WAAR process of four damaged hot-forging dies are carried out to validate the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed method.
Loss of CLDN5 in podocytes deregulates WIF1 to activate WNT signaling and contributes to kidney disease
Authors: Yan Jie , Li Hui , Sun Hui , Guo Haotian , Liu Jieying , Wang Mingxia , Lin Ninghua , Wang Xiangdong , Wang Xin , Li Li , Gong Yongfeng
Published: March 2021

Although mature podocytes lack tight junctions (TJs) and form slit diaphragms between opposing foot processes, TJ integral membrane protein CLDN5 is predominantly expressed throughout the plasma membrane of podocytes under normal conditions. Here using podocyte specific Cldn5 knockout mice as a model, we identify CLDN5 as a crucial regulator of podocyte function and reveal Cldn5 deletion exacerbates podocyte injury and proteinuria in diabetic nephropathy (DN) mouse model. Mechanistically, CLDN5 absence reduces ZO1 expression and induces the nuclear translocation of ZONAB, followed by transcriptional downregulation of WIF1, which leads to activation of WNT signaling pathway. Knockout Wif1 in podocytes result in the development of proteinuria and typical glomerular ultrastructure change occurring in Cldn5 knockout mice, while targeted delivery of Wif1 to podocytes prevents the development of glomerular nephropathy in Cldn5 knockout diabetic mice. Podocyte-derived WIF1 also plays a paracrine role on tubular epithelial cells, evidenced by animals with podocyte deletion of Cldn5 or Wif1 have worse kidney fibrosis after unilateral ureteral obstruction when compared with littermate controls with intact podocyte WIF1 expression. These findings establish a novel function of podocyte CLDN5 in restricting WNT activity in the kidney.
Effect of Repetitive Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation on Depression and Cognition in Individuals With Traumatic Brain Injury: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Tsai Ping-Yen , Chen Yang-Ching , Wang Jia-Yi , Chung Kuo-Hsuan , Lai Chien-Hung
Published: March 2021

Repetitive transcranial magnetic stimulation (rTMS) is an FDA-approved therapy in major depressive disorder. However, its treatment efficacy on depression after traumatic brain injury (TBI) remains inconclusive. We conducted a meta-analysis to assess the effectiveness of executing rTMS over dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) on depression, cognitive impairment and post-concussion syndrome in individuals with traumatic brain injury. This study contained seven randomized controlled trials that published before April 5, 2020 in PubMed, Embase, Scopus, Cochrane, and Web of Science databases. The rTMS had significant anti-depressant effect (SMD = 1.03), but the effects dissipated at one-month follow-up (SMD = 0.39). In the subgroup analysis, only applying rTMS to left DLPFC area of post-TBI patients showed significant anti-depressant effect (SMD = 0.98). Moreover, current data observed that rTMS on post-TBI patients possessed substantial improvement in visuospatial memory (SMD = 0.39), but wasn’t in processing speed (SMD = -0.18) and selective attention (SMD = 0.21). In addition, the effect of rTMS on postconcussion syndrome was insignificant. In conclusion, the short-term antidepressant effect of left DLPFC rTMS in patients with TBI was significant. Furthermore, the effectiveness of rTMS on cognition and post-concussion syndrome in patients with post-TBI depression was limited.
WITHDRAWN: Association between XRCC3 rs861539(Thr241Met) polymorphism and thyroid cancer risk (a Meta-analysis)
Authors: Wu Yayun , Ren Yun , Cao Zhimin , Zhang Kai , Dong Xiaoqiang , Lv Qinjing , Wang Bowen , Yao Wei
Published: March 2021

Objective To explore the association between single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) in the XRCC3 rs861539(Thr241Met) locus and thyroid cancer risk. Methods Studies investigating the association between SNP in the XRCC3 gene and thyroid cancer susceptibility were retrieved from the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science, CNKI (Chinese National Knowledge Infrastructure), WanFang, and CBM (China Biology Medicine) databases. Eligible studies were screened according to inclusion/exclusion criteria and principles of quality evaluation. Meta-analysis was performed using Stata 14.0 software. Odds ratios with their corresponding 95% confidence intervals were pooled to assess the association between SNP in the XRCC3 gene rs861539 locus and thyroid cancer susceptibility. Results 10 articles(11 studies) were eligible for this meta-analysis. Meta-analysis results were shown as follows: No significant association was found between XRCC3 rs861539 polymorphism and thyroid cancer risk in Dominant and Overdominant models〔Dominant model: CT+TT vs CC, OR=1.231, 95% CI(0.998, 1.474); Overdominant model: CT vs TT+CC, OR=1.05, 95% CI(0.94, 1.18)〕. Significant associations were found in Recessive and Allelic models〔Recessive model: TT vs CC+CT, OR=1.632, 95% CI(1.349, 1.974); Allelic model: T vs C: OR=1.263, 95% CI(1.091, 1.462)〕. Conclusion The results of this study suggest that the XRCC3 rs861539(Thr241Met) polymorphism may be associated with an increased thyroid cancer risk in overall population, and a tendency for significantly increased thyroid cancer risk in TT(Met/Met) genotype population.
2D-wavelet Based Micro and Macro Texture Analysis for Asphalt Pavement Under Snow or Ice Condition
Authors: Li Feng , Ablat Gulnigar , Zhou Siqi , Liu Yixin , Weng Zihang , Du Yuchuan
Published: March 2021

In ice and snow weather, the surface texture characteristics of asphalt pavement change, which will significantly affect the skid resistance performance of asphalt pavement. In this study, five asphalt mixture types of AC-5, AC-13, AC-16, SMA-13, SMA-16 were prepared under three conditions of the original state, ice and snow. In this paper, a 2D-wavelet transform approach is proposed to characterize the micro and macro texture of pavement. The Normalized Energy (NE) is proposed to describe the pavement texture quantitatively. Compared with the mean texture depth (MTD), NE has the advantages of full coverage, full automation and wide analytical scale. The results show that snow increases the micro-scale texture because of its fluffiness, while the formation of the ice sheets on the surface reduces the micro-scale texture. The filling effect of snow and ice reduces the macro-scale texture of the pavement surface. In a follow-up study, the 2D-wavelet transform approach can be applied to improve the intelligent driving braking system, which can provide pavement texture information for the safe braking strategy of driverless vehicles.
A New Physiologic Based Integrated Algorithm in the Management of Neonatal Hemodynamic Instability
Authors: Elsayed Yasser , Wahab Muzafar Abdul
Published: March 2021

Physiologic based management of hemodynamic instability is proven to guide to logical selection of cardiovascular approach, and shorten time to clinical recovery, compared to empiric approach which is ignoring the heterogeneity of the hemodynamic instability related mechanisms. In this report we classified neonatal hemodynamic instability, circulatory shock, and degree of compensation to 5 physiologic categories, based on blood pressure (BP) different phenotypes, other clinical parameters, echocardiography markers, and oxygen indices. This approach is focused on hemodynamic instability in infants with normal heart structure.
The prediction ability of coping strategies in mental ill-health indicators among frontline workers during coronavirus pandemic
Authors: Al-Ziadat Mariam , Shattal Moutssem Abu
Published: March 2021

Background: Many frontline workers are at high risk of the infection of coronavirus and they might develop mental ill- health indicators particularly fear of coronavirus and Posttraumatic stress disorders. Literature reviews revealed that this depends on their coping strategies which are rarely discussed and investigated within Jordanian context. This study aims at investigating the prediction ability of the coping strategies in mental ill-health indicators among frontline workers during coronavirus pandemic. Participants are 408 volunteer frontline workers; 17.2%females and 82.8%males. Ages ranged between (less than 25 and over than 25) years, work place (Ministry of Health 54.5% and Civil Defense 45.5%), Major (doctors 18.6%, nurses 21.6%, paramedic 33.3%, others 26.5%). Participants are asked to fill out online self-report measures of brief coping, fear of coronavirus and Posttraumatic stress disorders.Results: The results show that coping strategies predicted 28.8% of the variance in fear of coronavirus and 43.6% of the variance in Posttraumatic stress disorders. Moreover, there is a low level of fear of coronavirus and Posttraumatic stress disorders also there are no significant differences in the level of fear of coronavirus in favor to study variables. At the same time, there are significant differences in the level of Posttraumatic stress disorders in favor to males: but not for other study variables. Conclusion: Mental ill-health indicators are predicted by coping strategies that frontline workers use.
Arterial Calcifications and Osteoprotegerin in Chronic Hemodialysis Patients – Impact on 6 Years Survival
Authors: Moldovan Diana , Rusu Crina , Potra Alina , Bondor Cosmina , Ticala Maria , Tirinescu Dacian , Coman Anca , Orasan Olga , Moldovan Ioan , Orasan Remus , Kacso Ina Maria
Published: March 2021

The study goal was to assess the impact of each type of arterial intimal calcifications (AIC) and arterial medial calcifications (AMC) identified on ultrasound, of osteoprotegerin (OPG), mineral metabolism markers and other features on all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in chronic hemodialysis patients. Ultrasound was performed in 87 patients on the carotid and femoral arteries, and the severity of AIC and AMC was assessed calculating a score according to the extension of calcification. The cut-off value for OPG determined using ROC was 4.9 pmol/L for all-cause and cardiovascular mortality. Patients with higher serum OPG levels presented higher mortality rates. Our results revealed that AIC, high OPG, low ankle-arm index, presence of diabetes, smoking status, and lack of arteriovenous fistula are associated with all-cause and cardiovascular mortality in univariate regression analysis. Multivariate analysis identified AIC scoring based on the segmentation method as an independent predictor of all-cause and cardiovascular mortality, along with increased OPG levels. AMC scoring was not a predictor of mortality. Identifying and scoring AIC on ultrasound and measuring OPG levels, as a basis of the HD patient assessment may become valuable tools in clinical work, as these have an impact on death toll.
Multifunctional Nanoplatforms as Cascade-Responsive Drug-Delivery Carriers for Effective Synergistic Chemo-Photodynamic Cancer Treatment
Authors: Li Fan , Liang Yan , Wang Miaochen , Xu Xing , Zhao Fen , Wang Xu , Sun Yong , Chen Wantao
Published: March 2021

Synergistic chemo-photodynamic therapy has attracted increasing attention in the field of cancer treatment. Herein, a pH cascade-responsive micellar nanoplatform with nucleus-targeted ability was fabricated, which could implement effective synergistic chemo-photodynamic cancer treatment. In this micellar nanoplatform, 5-(4-carboxyphenyl)-10,15,20-triphenylporphyrin (Por), a photodynamic therapy (PDT) agent, was utilized to carry the novel anticancer drug GNA002 to construct a hydrophobic core, and cyclic RGD peptide (cRGD)-modified polyethylene glycol (PEG) (cRGD-PEG) connected the cell-penetrating peptide hexaarginine (R6) through a pH-responsive hydrazone bond (cRGD-PEG-N=CH-R6) to serve as a hydrophilic shell for increasing blood circulation time. After passively accumulating in tumor sites, the self-assembled GNA002-loaded nanoparticles were actively internalized into cancer cells via cRGD ligands. Once phagocytosed by lysosomes, the acidity-triggered detachment of the cRGD-PEG shell led to the formation of R6-coated secondary nanoparticles and subsequent R6-mediated nucleus-targeted drug delivery. Combined with GNA002-induced nucleus-specific chemotherapy, reactive oxygen species produced by Por under 532-nm laser irradiation achieved a potent synergistic chemo-photodynamic cancer treatment. Moreover, our in vitro and in vivo anticancer investigations proved this ideal multifunctional nanoplatform showed a high cancer-suppression efficacy and could be a promising candidate for synergistic anticancer therapy.
Comparison of VividTrac®, King Vision® and Macintosh laryngoscopy for normal and difficult airways during simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation among novices
Authors: Keresztes Dóra , Mérei Ákos , Rozanovic Martin , Nagy Edina , Kovács-Ábrahám Zoltán , Oláh János , Maróti Péter , Rendeki Szilárd , Nagy Bálint , Woth Gábor
Published: March 2021

Background: Successful early endotracheal intubation improves neurological outcomes in cardiopulmonary resuscitation. However, endotracheal intubation should not compromise cardiopulmonary resuscitation effectiveness and thus requires experience. The use of videolaryngoscopes might decrease the number of attempts as well as the time needed for intubation, especially among novice users. We sought to compare videolaryngoscopes with direct laryngoscopy in simulated cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenarios in mannequins by novices.Methods: Forty-four medical students were recruited to serve as novice users. Following brief, standardized training, students were asked to execute endotracheal intubation with each of the devices, including the King Vision®, the Macintosh laryngoscope and the VividTrac®, on acardiopulmonary resuscitation trainer (Ambu Man Advanced®) in normal and difficult airway scenarios. We evaluated the time to and the proportion of successful intubation, the best view of the glottis, esophageal intubation, dental trauma and user satisfaction.Results: In the normal airway scenario, significantly shorter intubation times (P < 0.05) were measured by King Vision®than by Macintosh laryngoscope. However, VividTrac® was proven to be similar (P > 0.05) to Macintosh laryngoscope in this regard in the normal airway scenario. In the difficult airway scenarios, we found VividTrac® superior (P < 0.05) to King Vision® and Macintosh laryngoscope regarding laryngoscopy times, but there were no significant differences between devices in intubation times. In both normal and difficult airway cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenarios, we noted no difference (P > 0.05) in first attempt success rates, the best view of the glottis and dental trauma, but esophageal intubation and the use of bougie were more frequent (P < 0.05) withMacintosh laryngoscopethan with videolaryngoscopes. The shortest tube insertion times were related to King Vision® in both scenarios.Conclusion: Based upon our results, King Vision®was superior to Macintosh laryngoscoperegarding intubation time in the normal airway cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenario for novice users. We noted significantly less esophageal intubationwhen using videolaryngoscopes compared to Macintosh laryngoscope in both scenarios; thus,videolaryngoscopes might be recommended for novice users for both cardiopulmonary resuscitation scenarios.
Quality of life measurement in community-based aged care – understanding variation between clients and between care service providers
Authors: Siette Joyce , Jorgensen Mikaela L. , Georgiou Andrew , Dodds Laura , McClean Tom , Westbrook Johanna I.
Published: March 2021

Background Measuring person-centred outcomes and using this information to improve service delivery is a challenge for many care providers. We aimed to identify predictors of QoL among older adults receiving community-based aged care services and examine variation across different community care service outlets.Methods A retrospective sample of 1141 Australians aged ≥ 60 years receiving community-based care services from a large service provider within 19 service outlets. Clients’ QoL was captured using the ICEpop CAPability Index. QoL scores and predictors of QoL (i.e.sociodemographic, social participation and service use) were extracted from clients’ electronic records and examined using multivariable regression.Funnel plots were used to examine variation in risk-adjusted QoL scores across service outlets.Results Mean age was 81.5 years (SD = 8) and 75.5% were women. Clients had a mean QoL score of 0.81 (range 0–1, SD = 0.15). After accounting for other factors, being older (p < 0.01), having lower-level care needs (p < 0.01), receiving services which met needs for assistance with activities of daily living (p < 0.01), and having higher levels of social participation (p < 0.001) were associated with higher QoL scores. Of the 19 service outlets, 21% (n = 4) had lower mean risk-adjusted QoL scores than expected (< 95% control limits) and 16% (n = 3) had higher mean scores than expected.Conclusion Using QoL as an indicator to compare care quality may be feasible, with appropriate risk adjustment. Implementing QoL tools allows providers to measure and monitor their performance and service outcomes, as well as identify clients with poor quality of life who may need extra support.Trial registration: Australian and New Zealand clinical trial registry number: ACTRN12617001212347. Registered 18/08/2017
COVID-19 Outbreak and Dental Health Care Provision in Nigeria – A National Survey
Authors: ALADELUSI Timothy Olukunle , ATIBA Foluso Ayobami , GBADEBO Shakeerah Olaide , ADEYEMO Yewande Isabella , OLUSANYA Adeola Adenike , AKADIRI Oladimeji Adeniyi
Published: March 2021

Background: The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on the world is unprecedented, posing greater threats to vulnerable healthcare systems, especially in developing countries. This study aimed to assess the knowledge of dental healthcare providers in Nigeria about the disease and evaluate their responses to the preventive measures necessitated by the disease.Methods: This was an online self-administered questionnaire-based study conducted among Dentists practicing in Nigeria. A message containing the link to the survey was sent widely via social medial platforms and electronic mails to dentists practicing in Nigeria. The data collection was done between the 2nd of June and 3rd of July, 2020.Results: A total of 314 responses was recorded. Fever was the most commonly specified generalized symptom (97.5%), while the use of masks (100%), hand hygiene (99.7%), social distancing (97.7%) and surface cleaning (99.4%) were the most commonly employed general preventive methods. The main identified risk of transmission in the clinic was aerosol generating procedures (98.7%).Conclusion: The general knowledge of dental personnel in our study population appears to be adequate on the common features of COVID-19 but less adequate regarding the less common features. The COVID-19 pandemic has also modified some aspects of dental service delivery but more needs to be done in this regard.Preventive measures against the transmission of COVID-19 in dental practice settings include proper utilization of teledentistry, clinical triage, preprocedural 1% hydrogen peroxide oral rinses, and the use of appropriate PPEs which should always be encouraged.
The Clinical Significance of Remnant Thyroid Tissue in Thyroidectomized Differentiated Thyroid Cancer Patients on 131I-SPECT/CT
Authors: Wang Feng , Nie Hui , Li Wei , Zhang Rusen , Li Wen
Published: March 2021

BackgroundTo explore the 131I-SPECT/CT characteristics of remnant thyroid tissue (RTT) in differentiated thyroid cancer (DTC), further assess the risk factors and clinical significance. Methods 52 DTC patients after total thyroidectomy had undergone neck 131I-SPECT/CT before 131I ablation. The diagnosis of RTT was based on SPECT/CT and follow-up at least 3 months. The anatomic locations and features of SPECT/CT of RTT were assessed by reviewers. The risk factors of RTT with CT positive were analyzed by the chi-square test. Results A total of 80 lesions of RTT were diagnosed in this study, most of them were mainly located in the regions adjacent to trachea cartilage (37/80) or lamina of thyroid cartilage(17/80). On SPECT/CT of RTT, low, moderate and high uptake were respectively noted in 10, 24 and 46 lesions, definite positive, suspected positive and negative CT findings were respectively noted in 10, 21 and 49. The RTT lesions with definite positive CT findings were mainly located adjacent to lamina of thyroid cartilage (5/10). Primary thyroid tumor (P=0.029) and T stage (P=0.000) were the effective risk factors of CT positive RTT.Conclusion: RTT has certain characteristic distribution and appearances on SPECT/CT. Most of RTT with definite CT abnormalities located adjacent to lamina of thyroid cartilage, which suggest surgeons should strengthen the careful removal in this region, especially primary thyroid tumor involving bilateral and T4 stage. This study can provide a certain value for the improvement of thyroidectomy quality in DTC patients.
Identify glioma recurrence and treatment effects with triple-tracer PET/CT
Authors: Li Cong , Yi Chang , Chen Yingshen , Xi Shaoyan , Guo Chengcheng , Yang Qunying , Wang Jian , Sai Ke , Zhang Ji , Ke Chao , Chen Fanfan , Lv Yanchun , Zhang Xiangsong , Chen Zhong-ping
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Differential diagnosis of tumour recurrence (TuR) from treatment effects (TrE), mostly induced by radiotherapy and chemotherapy, is still difficult by using conventional computed tomography (CT) or magnetic resonance (MR) imaging. We have investigated the diagnostic performance of PET/CT with 3 tracers, 13N-NH3, 18F-FDOPA, and 18F-FDG, to identify TuR and TrE in glioma patients following treatment. Methods: Forty-three patients with MR-suspected recurrent glioma were included. The maximum and mean standardized uptake values (SUVmax and SUVmean) of the lesion and the lesion-to-normal grey-matter cortex uptake (L/G) ratio were obtained from each tracer PET/CT. TuR or TrE was determined by histopathology or clinical MR follow-up for at least 6 months. Results: In this cohort, 34 patients were confirmed to have TuR, and 9 patients met the diagnostic standard of TrE. The SUVmax and SUVmean of 13N-NH3 and 18F-FDOPA PET/CT at TuR lesions were significantly higher compared with normal brain tissue (13N-NH3 0.696±0.558, 0.625±0.507 vs 0.486±0.413; 18F-FDOPA 0.455±0.518, 0.415±0.477 vs 0.194±0.203; both P<0.01), but there was no significant difference in 18F-FDG (6.918±3.190, 6.016±2.807 vs 6.356±3.104, P=0.290 and 0.493). L/G ratios of 13N-NH3 and 18F-FDOPA were significantly higher in TuR than in TrE group (13N-NH3, 1.573±0.099 vs 1.025±0.128, P=0.008; 18F-FDOPA, 2.729±0.131 vs 1.514±0.141, P<0.001). The sensitivity, specificity and AUC (area under the curve) by ROC (receiver operating characteristic) analysis were 57.7%, 100% and 0.803, for 13N-NH3; 84.6%, 100% and 0.938, for 18F-FDOPA; and 80.8%, 100%, and 0.952, for the combination, respectively.Conclusion: Our results suggest that although multiple tracer PET/CT may improve differential diagnosis efficacy, for glioma TuR from TrE, 18F-FDOPA PET-CT is the most reliable. The combination of 18F-FDOPA and 13N-NH3 does not increase the diagnostic efficiency, while 18F-FDG is not worthy for differential diagnosis of glioma TuR and TrE.