bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Spatial fungal community diversity profiles in pit mud samples from fermentation cellars used to manufacture Chinese Strong-flavour liquor
Authors: Pu Shunchang , Shi Cuie , Zhang Yu , Lu Ning , Yan Shoubao
Published: October 2021

Background

Few studies to date have sought to characterize the spatial profiles of pit mud microbial communities in fermentation cellars from Chinese strong-flavour liquor distilleries. This study was thus designed to evaluate these eukaryotic communities in pit mud samples via a multidimensional DGGE approach and by assessing associated sample physicochemical properties.
Results

Penicillium fuscoglaucum, Penicillium glandicola, Aotearoamyces nothofagi, Malassezia restricta, Penicillium lanosocoeruleum, Penicillium crustosum, and Aspergillus tonophilus were detected only in pit mud from the upper cellar wall, while Alternaria alstroemeriae, Trichosporon insectorum, Fusarium equiseti, Calonectria pseudoreteaudii, Penicillium clavigerum, Penicillium compactum, Ascochyta phacae, Metarhizium frigidum, Alternaria burnsii, Fusarium nurragi, and Didymella keratinophila were present only in the middle cellar wall layer. Alternaria zantedeschiae and Ilyonectria cyclaminicola were only present in pit mud samples from the lower cellar wall, while Leptobacillium leptobactrum, Calonectria queenslandica, Aspergillus appendiculatus, and Candida pseudolambica were only detected in pit mud from the cellar bottom. Moisture, pH, PO43−, acetic acid, humus, K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, acetic acid, butyric acid, and caproic acid levels in these different pit mud positions exhibited a rising incremental pattern from the upper wall layer to the bottom layer, whereas lactic acid levels were significantly lower in the bottom pit mud layer relative to other layers.
Conclusions

A clear relationship between fungal community structure and physicochemical variables in different spatial pit mud samples, especially moisture, pH, and NH4+-N were identified as the three most significant factors associated with fungal community through a redundancy analysis.
Research on Pressure Loss and Filling Ability of Semi-Solid Rheological Behavior in Squeeze Casting
Authors: Wang Ying , Ao Xiaohui
Published: October 2021

The filling ability of alloy fluid under pressure is of great significance to improve the dimensional integrity and mechanical properties of thin-walled and slender rods formed by squeeze casting. Insight into the rheological behavior of squeeze casting is beneficial to improve the formability of complex structural parts by optimizing the squeeze casting process. In this work, the Archimedes spiral sample prepared by indirect squeeze casting was applied to investigate the variation of filling length with squeeze pressure and filling speed during the rheological process in squeeze casting. According to the temperature distribution characteristic during the alloy melt filling process, the alloy fluid state was discussed and the spiral filling was confirmed as a semi-solid rheological behavior. The calculation models of pressure loss and filling length were established respectively based on steady-state rheological behavior. Pressure loss is mainly affected by the melt viscosity which is determined by temperature distribution and filling speed of alloy melt in the channel. According to the agreement between the theoretical calculations and the experimental results, the pressure loss and filling length models have been confirmed to be used to quantitatively characterize the filling ability of the aluminum alloy melt in the squeeze casting process.
The Impact of COVID-19 Vaccine on Rate of Hospitalization and Outcome of COVID- 19 Infection in a Single Center in the Eastern Province of Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alkhafaji Dania M. , Argan Reem J. Al , Alwaheed Abrar J. , Alqatari Safi Ghazi , Alelq Abdulmohsen , Albaker Waleed , Bukhari Huda , Alwezzah Marwan , Alwarthan Sarah , AlSulaiman Amal S. , AlSulaiman Reem S. , Almadan Hussain M. , Alhammad Ali A.
Published: October 2021

Background: Coronavirus 2019 (COVID-19) is an emerging and quickly disseminating disease that causes deleterious complications. Vaccines have the potential to improve population immunity and avoid serious disease and deaths.Methodology: A retrospective cohort study was conducted on 331 hospitalized patients with Covid 19 infections between April 2021 and July 2021 at King Fahad University Hospital. Data was collected from the medical records stored in the electronic health system of the hospital.Results: 27.7% of the participants required ICU admission, and 10.5% required mechanical ventilation. The mortality rate was around 7.23% of the infected cases. Two thirds of the study participants (64.05%) did not receive any vaccine, and it can be noted that only 16.8% had received 2 doses. The results suggest that the status of receiving a vaccine has significantly influenced the length of hospital stay, decreasing it by 19.7%. In addition, the date of receiving the vaccine was statistically significant in decreasing the incidence of ICU admission, as those who have received a vaccine for longer than 14 days needed ICU admission 82% less compared with their counterparts. The type of vaccine did not impact on any of the reported outcomes in the form of hospitalization rate, ICU admission and death.Conclusion: The majority of the study participants didn’t receive any vaccines before their admission with COVID 19, which in turn prolonged their hospital stay. This necessitates that the public require more awareness regarding the importance of receiving the vaccine.
Acupuncture Treatment to Reduce the Risk of Dementia in Patients With Migraine: A Propensity Score–Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Huang Cheng-Hao , Lin Mei-Chen , Chou I-Ching , Hsieh Ching-Liang
Published: October 2021

BackgroundMigraine is a recurrent headache disease that has been identified as a risk factor for subsequent dementia. In Taiwan, some patients with migraine receive acupuncture treatment for other illnesses. Therefore, the association between the effects of acupuncture treatment and the risk of dementia in patients with migraine warrants investigation. The present study collected data from Taiwan’s National Health Insurance Research Database (NHIRD) to investigate the incidence of dementia in patients with migraine who did and did not concurrently receive acupuncture treatment.MethodsWe conducted a retrospective matched-cohort study that included 37,266 patients, selected from the NHIRD, who were newly diagnosed with migraine at some time between 2000 and 2012. The follow-up period ranged from the index date (the date when patients first received acupuncture after their migraine diagnosis) to dementia diagnosis, withdrawal from the insurance program, or December 31, 2013. A 1:1 propensity score method was used to match an equal number of patients (N = 11,280) in the acupuncture and nonacupuncture cohorts based on sex, age, migraine diagnosis year, index year, insurance amount, urbanization level, baseline comorbidities, and medication usage. We employed Cox proportional hazards models to evaluate the risk of dementia. The cumulative incidence of dementia in both cohorts was estimated using the Kaplan–Meier method, and the difference was assessed through a log-rank test.ResultsPatients with migraine who received acupuncture treatment were found to have a lower risk of dementia (adjusted hazard ratio [aHR] = 0.48, 95% CI = 0.40–0.57) than those who did not undergo acupuncture treatment, after adjusting for age, sex, insurance amount, urbanization level, baseline comorbidities, and medication usage. The cumulative incidence of dementia was significantly lower in the acupuncture cohort than in the nonacupuncture cohort (log-rank test, p < 0.001).ConclusionsThis propensity score–matched cohort study demonstrated an association between acupuncture treatment and dementia development in patients with migraine in Taiwan. The results suggest that acupuncture treatment significantly reduced the development of dementia in patients with migraine. However, future study is required to provide more empirical evidence.
Cross-species Transcriptomes Reveal Species-specific and Shared Molecular Adaptations for Plants Development on Iron-rich Rocky Outcrops Soils
Authors: Dias Mariana Costa , Caldeira Cecílio , Gastauer Markus , Ramos Silvio , Oliveira Guilherme
Published: October 2021

BackgroundCanga is the Brazilian term for the savanna-like vegetation harboring several endemic species on iron-rich rocky outcrops, usually considered for mining activities. Parkia platycephala Benth. and Stryphnodendron pulcherrimum (Willd.) Hochr. naturally occur in the cangas of Serra dos Carajás (eastern Amazonia, Brazil) and the surrounding forest, indicating high phenotypic plasticity. The morphological and physiological mechanisms of the plants’ establishment in the canga environment are well studied, but the molecular adaptative responses are still unknown. We aimed to identify molecular mechanisms that allow the establishment of these plants in the canga environment.ResultsPlants were grown in canga and forest substrates collected in the Carajás Mineral Province. RNA was extracted from pooled leaf tissue, and RNA-seq paired-end reads were assembled into representative transcriptomes for P. platycephala and S. pulcherrimum containing 31,728 and 31,311 primary transcripts, respectively. We identified both species-specific and core molecular responses in plants grown in the canga substrate using differential expression analyses. In the species-specific analysis, we identified 1,112 and 838 differentially expressed genes for P. platycephala and S. pulcherrimum, respectively. Enrichment analyses showed unique biological processes and metabolic pathways affected for each species. Comparative differential expression analysis was based on shared single-copy orthologs. The overall pattern of ortholog expression was species-specific. Even so, almost 300 altered genes were identified between plants in canga and forest substrates, responding the same way in both species. The genes were functionally associated with the response to light stimulus and the circadian rhythm pathway.ConclusionsPlants possess species-specific adaptative responses to cope with the substrates. Our results also suggest that plants adapted to both canga and forest environments can adjust the circadian rhythm in a substrate-dependent manner. The circadian clock gene modulation might be a central mechanism regulating the plants’ development in the canga substrate in the studied legume species. The mechanism may be shared as a common mechanism to abiotic stress compensation in other native species.
Barriers To Sexual And Reproductive Care Among Cisgender, Heterosexual And LGBTQIA+ Adolescents In The Border Region: Provider And Adolescent Perspectives.
Authors: Hubach Randolph D. , Zipfel Rebecca , Muñoz Fatima A , Brongiel Ilana , Narvarte Annabella , Servin Argentina E
Published: October 2021

Introduction: The United States (U.S.) has higher rates of sexually transmitted infections (STIs) and adolescent pregnancy than most other industrialized countries. Furthermore, health disparities persist among racial and ethnic minority adolescents (e.g., African American and Latinx) and in counties located along the U.S.–Mexico border region – they demonstrate the highest rates of STIs and unintended pregnancy among adolescents.Methods: Qualitative data were collected as part of formative research for the development of a mobile app that provides gender-inclusive sexual education to adolescents living in the U.S. – Mexico border region. From August 2019 to March 2020, in-depth interviews and focus groups were conducted with healthcare providers (n=11) and cisgender, heterosexual, and SGM adolescents ages 15-18 (n=3; 20 participants).Results: Providers and adolescents reported similar barriers to accessing SRH in this region such as transportation, lack of insurance and cost of services or accessing services without their parent’s knowledge. However, providers shared that some adolescents in this region face extreme poverty, family separation (i.e., parent has been deported), have a mixed family legal status or are binational and have to travel every day from Mexico to the U.S. for school. These challenges further limit their ability to access SRH.Conclusions: Adolescents in the U.S.-Mexico border region face unique economic and social challenges that further limit their access to SRH care, making them uniquely vulnerable to STIs and unintended pregnancy. Our findings provide further evidence for the need for interventions and service delivery, programs tailored for residents in the border region.
Upper Body of Dynamic Sweat Distributions in Young Males Wearing Fully Encapsulating Chemical Protective Ensembles
Authors: Chen Ying , Zhang Chuankun , Lu Lin , Zheng Xiaohui , Chang Suqin
Published: October 2021

Fully encapsulating chemical protective ensembles (FCPE) has characteristic of impermeability, which may affect people’s sweat, accordingly influences clothing thermal-wet comfort. This study investigated upper-body dynamic sweat distribution in young males wearing FCPE, and evaluating changes in sweat rates both intra-region and inter-time. Participants were 10 healthy young male college students, aged 23.1\(\pm\)0.8 years. In a climatic chamber (environment temperature 35 ℃, relative humidity 60%), participants exercised on a treadmill at 4 km/h, 5%. A set of absorbent pads with 35 pads was used to collect sweat. Participants change a new set of absorbent pads every 5 minutes until trial stopped. Seven sets of pads were obtained. Average sweat rate of every 5 minutes is 389, 631, 920, 1137, 1100, 1211 and 1105 g.m−2.h−1, respectively. The top five high sweat rates were observed at the medial upper back, lateral lower back, medial upper chest, medial mid back and lateral top back, with average values 1406,1278,1198,1181 and 1139 g·m−2·h−1, respectively. The lower sweat rates were observed at waist (with average values 557, 370, 596 and 332 g·m−2·h−1, respectively) and bottom zones (with average values 373, 398, 661 and 849 g·m−2·h−1, respectively). Wearing FCPE greatly promoted body profuse sweating. Based on the distribution result, upper body can be divided into three levels of sweat rate zones, which could be used to improve clothing comfort. The present study provides basic physiological data and guidance for personal protective clothing design.
Is the urinary iodine/Creatinine ratio applicable to assess individual iodine status in Chinese adults? Comparison of iodine estimates from 24-hour urine and timed-spot urine samples in different periods of the day
Authors: Liu Zhuan , Lin Yixuan , Wu Jiani , Chen Diqun , Wu Xiaoyan , Lan Ying , Chen Zhihui
Published: October 2021

Background: Urinary iodine concentration (UIC) is routinely used to evaluate the population iodine status while the uniform method for the individual level assessment is uncertain. Objectives : To explore the 24-hour urinary iodine excretion (UIE) in five different periods of the day and the corresponding prediction equations respect by the use of creatinine-corrected UIC. Methods: We collected 24-hour, spot and fasting urine in five periods of the day to estimate 24-hour UIE by the six different prediction equations. We compared the estimated creatinine-corrected UIC to the collected 24-hour UIE and identified the most suitable equations in each period of the day. Results: Among the six different prediction equations, the equation of Kawasaki T was the best to estimate the 24-hour UIE by fasting urine among Chinese adults. Among the five periods of time, the equation of Knudsen N was the best to estimate the 24-hour UIE except the morning period. Conclusion: Urinary iodine status at the individual level could be estimated by different creatinine-based equations at different periods of the day.
Circulating micro-RNAs Differentially Expressed in Korean Alzheimer’s Patients with Brain Aβ Accumulation Activate Amyloidogenesis
Authors: Mankhong Sakulrat , Kim Sujin , Moon Sohee , Choi Seong-Hye , Kwak Hyo-Bum , Park Dong-Ho , Shah Pratik , Lee Phil Hyu , Yang Seong Wook , Kang Ju-Hee
Published: October 2021

BACKGROUNDA role for extracellular vesicles (EVs) enriched with micro-RNAs (miRNAs) has been proposed in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) pathogenesis, leading to the discovery of blood miRNAs as biomarkers of AD. However, the diagnostic utility of specific miRNAs is not consistent. This study aimed to discover blood miRNAs that are differentially expressed in Korean AD patients, evaluate their clinical performance in plasma or plasma EVs, and investigate their role in amyloidogenesis. METHODSBlood from 15 (7 cognitively normal [CN] and 8 AD) out of 262 subjects (59 CN, 105 mild cognitive impairment [MCI], 98 AD) and 8 Parkinson’s disease (PD) patients was used to discover miRNAs differentially expressed in AD. We evaluated the clinical performance of these miRNAs in plasma of a subgroup of 100 subjects (51 CN, 22 MCI, 27 AD) and in plasma EVs isolated from the total cohort in a cross-sectional design. The effects of miRNAs on amyloid b (Ab) production and expression of their target genes were investigated in neuronal culture systems. RESULTSAmong 17 upregulated, and one downregulated miRNAs in AD (>2-fold), three upregulated miRNAs (miR-122-5p, miR-210-3p, and miR-590-5p) that were differentially expressed in AD compared with CN or PD were selected. Diagnostic utility for discrimination of AD or MCI from CN of the selected miRNAs in plasma or plasma EV was not high. Nevertheless, the levels of three miRNAs in plasma or plasma EVs of subjects who were Ab positive on positron emission tomography (PET) were significantly higher than those from subjects who were Ab-PET negative. Furthermore, the selected miRNAs induced Ab production through activation of b-cleavage of amyloid precursor protein and downregulated their target genes. Pathway enrichment and protein interaction network analysis of target genes of the miRNAs further supported the roles of the selected miRNAs in amyloidogenesis. CONCLUSIONThe diagnostic utility of circulating miR-122-5p, miR-210-3p, and miR-590-5p to discriminate AD from CN was modest. However, these miRNAs were highly expressed in patients with amyloid accumulation, which was supported by in vitro analysis of amyloidogenesis. Our results suggest that blood-based miRNA biomarkers may play a role in amyloidogenesis during AD onset and progression.
ILDR1 Is a Prognostic Biomarker and Associated With Immune Inﬁltration in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Ma Yanling , Qi WenBo , Gu BaoHong , Li XueMei , Yin ZhenYu , Liu Qian , Chen Hao , Wang Chen
Published: October 2021

Objective: To investigate the association between ILDR1 and prognosis and immune infiltration in gastric cancer. Methods: We analyzed the RNA sequencing data of 9736 tumor tissues and 8587 normal tissues in the TCGA and GTEx databases through the GEPIA2 platform. The expression of ILDR1 in gastric cancer and normal gastric mucosa tissues with GEPIA and TIMER. Clinical subgroup analysis was made through Kaplan-Meier analysis. Analyzed the correlation between ILDR1 and VEGFA expression in gastric cancer, through the gene sequencing data of gastric cancer in TCGA. Explored the relationship between ILDR1 methylation and the prognosis of gastric cancer patients through the MethSurv database. The correlation between ILDR1 and immune cells and the correlation of copy number variation were explored through the TIMER database. Results: ILDR1-high GC patients had a lower PFS and OS. High ILDR1 expression was significantly correlated with tumor grade. There was a negative correlation between the ILDR1 expression and the abundances of CD8+ T, Macrophages and DC and etc. The methylation level of ILDR1 is associated with a good prognosis of gastric cancer. ILDR1 copy number variation was correlated with immune cells, IDLR1 arm-loss was associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils, and dendritic cells, and arm-duplication was associated with the infiltration of B cells, CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, macrophages, neutrophils and dendritic cells. Conclusion: The increased expression of ILDR1 is associated with poor prognosis in patients with gastric cancer. ILDR1 can be used as a novel predictive biomarker to provide a new therapeutic target for gastric cancer patients.
Loss of Heterozygosity on the Distal Long Arm of Chromosome 15: An Allusion for Prader-willi Syndromes?
Authors: Dai Yang-Li , Huang Ke , Zhu Ming-Qiang , Zhong Mian-Ling , Dong Guan-Ping , Zou Chao-Chun
Published: October 2021

BackgroundPrader-Willi syndrome (PWS) is a rare neurodevelopmental disorder that is partially caused by maternal uniparental disomy (UPD) of chromosome 15. Copy-neutral loss of heterozygosity (CN-LOH) observed on the distal long arm of chromosome 15 may be an indicator of UPD and may require additional genetic testing as chromosome 15 is known to harbor imprinted genes.MethodsChromosome microarray (CMA) was performed for two children with developmental disabilities or congenital anomalies. The results showed CN-LOH on the distal long arm of chromosome 15. Thereafter, methylation-specific PCR (MS-PCR) or methylation-specific multiplex ligation-dependent probe amplification (MS-MLPA) was performed to confirm the diagnosis of PWS.ResultsMS-PCR did not detect an unmethylated allele for the SNRPN gene or MS-MLPA hypermethylation in 15q11.2-q13.1 region, supporting the diagnosis of PWS.ConclusionsThese data suggested that LOH on chromosome 15, and even the critical region of 15q11.2q13.1 was not involved, perhaps due to partial heterodisomy and partial isodisomy UPD15. Hence, other genetic tests are warranted for the diagnosis of PWS.
Study on the Effect of Different Extraction Methods in Four Pharmacopoeia on the Content and Structural Transformation of Ginsenoside and the Optimization of Extraction Process
Authors: Sun Kai , Jiang Hua , Li Pingya , Xu Lei , Deng Yaling , Xu Jing , Zhao Yuqing
Published: October 2021

Background: In recent years, ginseng products are widely used in various fields. More and more people pay attention to the extraction methods and quality evaluation of ginseng. At present, China, the United States, Europe, Japan and Korea have the quality standards and content determination methods of ginseng. However, due to the different treatment methods adopted before the determination of ginseng samples, the content limits of the index components, such as ginsenoside Rb1, Rg1 and Re are also different. There have been literature analyzed the similarities and differences of ginseng content detection methods in pharmacopoeias of different countries, but the comparison of the effects of different methods on ginsenoside content and structural transformation has not been reported.Methods: In this paper, ginsenosides in ginseng were extracted according to four national Pharmacopoeia, and analyzed quantitatively and qualitatively by UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS and HPLC-UV. Finally, a simple and feasible extraction method was optimized by response surface method. Results: Twelve kinds of ginsenosides in ginseng were quantitatively analyzed by using the methods of four national pharmacopoeia. Among them, the contents of Rg1, Re and Rd were high, and they were the highest by using unheated J/KP (Japan/Korea Pharmacopoeia) method. Ten kinds of ginsenosides were determined by heated CP (China Pharmacopoeia), USP (the United States Pharmacopoeia) and EP (European Pharmacopoeia) method, and seven kinds of ginsenosides were determined by unheated J/KP method. In the following UPLC-Q-Exactive-MS study, 34, 36, 21 and 19 ginsenosides were identified by CP, USP, EP and J/KP method, respectively. In the optimization of ginsenoside extraction process, an efficient extraction method was selected from the solvent, extraction time, solid-liquid ratio and other factors. In conclusion, through the qualitative and quantitative comparison of CP, USP and EP samples after heating, it can be seen that ginsenoside heating will increase the content of rare saponins, and the heating time is directly proportional to the content of rare saponins. Conclusion: The pretreatment method has a significant effect on the content determination of ginseng. The analysis of the preparation method and process optimization of the four Pharmacopoeia can provide important reference for the revision of ginseng standard.
Psychometric Assessment of Scales for Measuring Loneliness and Social Isolation: An Analysis of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) Survey
Authors: Manera Karine , Smith Ben , Owen Katherine , Phongsavan Philayrath , Lim Michelle
Published: October 2021

Background: Loneliness and social isolation are increasingly recognised as global public health threats, meaning that reliable and valid measures are needed to monitor these conditions at a population level. We aimed to determine if robust and practical scales could be derived for conditions such as loneliness and social isolation using items from a national survey.Methods: We conducted psychometric analyses of ten items in two waves of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia Survey, which included over 15,000 participants. We used the Hull method, exploratory structural equation modelling, and multidimensional item response theory analysis in a calibration sample to determine the number of factors and items within each factor. We cross-validated the factor structure using confirmatory factor analysis in a validation sample. We assessed construct validity by comparing the resulting sub-scales with measures for psychological distress and mental well-being.Results: Calibration and cross-validation consistently revealed a three-factor model, with sub-scales reflecting constructs of loneliness and social isolation. Sub-scales showed high reliability and measurement invariance across waves, gender, and age. Construct validity was supported by significant correlations between the sub-scales and measures of psychological distress and mental health. Individuals who met threshold criteria for loneliness and social isolation had consistently greater odds of being psychologically distressed and having poor mental health than those who did not. Conclusions: These derived scales provide robust and practical measures of loneliness and social isolation for population-based research.
Food Security of the Pregnant Population Cared for in Bosques De María in Barranquilla, Colombia in 2020
Authors: Prieto Paula Andrea Castro , Guevara Paola Rueda , Valencia Omaira
Published: October 2021

Background: According to observations of maternal and child health and nutritional indicators and the levels of food insecurity in the Atlantic region, the need to characterize the components of food access, intake and nutritional status of the population of interest in the city of Barranquilla was identified. The aim of this research was to characterize the food and nutritional security of the pregnant population served in Camino Bosques de María Health Service in Barranquilla during their last trimester in 2020.Methods: This was a cross-sectional descriptive study that assessed the dimensions of food security situation to determine the approximation of access to food, consumption practices, health knowledge, and nutritional status of pregnant women who were cared for by the Camino Bosques de Maria Health Service, located in southwestern Barranquilla, one of the most vulnerable zones in the city.Results: With regard to household members, information was collected from 331 households, which consisted of an average of 4.6 members; only 10.1% of pregnant women were in the contributory scheme, while 54.9% were in the subsidised scheme, and 35.1% did not have any type of affiliation. The foods with the highest weekly average reported intake were cereals such as rice and pasta (6.3 days per week). In relation to their nutritional status according to anthropometry, 41.4% had an adequate body mass index, 23% were overweight, 19.3% were underweight, and 13.9% were obese for gestational age. A total of 2.4% did not have gestational age information for this calculation.Conclusions: Improving food security and nutrition during pregnancy is vitally important, as it promotes maternal and child health. In a territory such as Barranquilla, this characterization allows health decision-makers to link programs that promote not only health at the intrahospital level but also at the community level, as described in resolution 3280 of 2018, the ten-year public health plan—currently under evaluation and construction—and the ten-year breastfeeding plan.
Predictive Factors of Surgical Site Infection in Prosthetic Joint Surgery. A Prospective Study on 760 Arthroplasties.
Authors: Maritati Martina , Trentini Alessandro , Chemello Davide , Mazzoni Elisa , Zanoli Gustavo , Contini Carlo , De Rito Giuseppe
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Surgical site infection (SSI) is a debilitating complication of total joint arthroplasty (TJA) with significant morbidity and increased costs. Aim of our study was to identify potential risk factors for SSIs in a population of patients undergoing TJA. Methods: TJA were prospectively recruited at Santa Maria Maddalena Hospital from February 2019 to April 2020. Age, sex, major comorbidities, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) class, length of surgery, type of surgical suture, total hospital length of stay and clinical laboratory data were collected. The study population was then divided into two groups: Group A, normal post-operative course, and Group B, patients who developed SSI at follow-up (17-25 days).Results: 25/760 (3.3%) patients developed SSIs at follow-up. Clinical and demographic parameters were not different between the two groups. Total leucocyte and neutrophil values at discharge resulted to be significatively higher in Group B compared to Group A (p=0.025 and p=0.016, respectively). Values of 7860/mL for total leucocyte, and 5185/mL for neutrophil count at discharge significantly predicted the future development of SSI (AUC 0.623 and AUC 0.641, respectively; p<0.05) independently from confounding factors (total leukocytes: O.R.=3,69 [95% C.I. 1,63-8,32]; neutrophils: O.R.=3,98 [95% C.I. 1,76-8,97. Deep SSIs has been diagnosed significantly before superficial SSIs (p=0,008), with a median advance of 9 days. Conclusion: Total leukocytes and neutrophils at discharge seem useful to identify a population at risk for the development of SSIs following TJA. Further studies on larger populations are needed to develop a predictive SSIs risk score that should include those variables.
A retrospective cohort study on European Reference Network for Rare Vascular Diseases 5 outcome measures for Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia in Denmark
Authors: Hvelplund Troels , Lange Bibi , Bird Susanne Djernes , Korsholm Malene , Kjeldsen Anette
Published: October 2021

Background Hereditary Haemorrhagic Telangiectasia (HHT) is an autosomal dominant disorder characterized by several clinical symptoms including epistaxis, arteriovenous malformations (AVM), and telangiectasia. In 2018, European Reference Network for Rare Vascular Diseases (VASCERN) recommended five outcome measures for HHT-patients to guide health care providers, some with limited experience in treating HHT, and thereby maximizing the number of HHT-patients receiving good care. The outcome measures cover the following aspects: 1) 90% of the patients should receive a pulmonary AVM (PAVM) screening; 2) 90% of the patients should receive written advice on nosebleed; 3) 70% should be assessed for iron deficiency; 4) 100% of the patients should receive written advice on antibiotic (AB) prophylaxis prior to dental and surgical procedures, and; 5) 100% of relevant patients should receive written advice on pregnancy. We have introduced the outcome measures as Benchmarks in our HHT-centre and wanted to evaluate the extend of implementation we have achieved. We constantly struggle to secure the best possible treatment of our HHT-patients.Methods The study was a non-interventional retrospective study. All data was collected from medical journals and from the Danish HHT-database. Results A total of 180 HHT-patients were included, all diagnosed in the period from January 1st 2016 to December 31st 2020. All patients were screened for PAVM. We could confirm that 66% of patients who had epistaxis received thoroughly advice. Assessment for iron deficiency was performed in 80 % of the adult patients. Thoroughly advice on antibiotic prophylaxis was documented in 75%. Thoroughly advice on pregnancy was documented in 80% of female patients 15-45 years of age. There were no significant differences over time for any of the outcome measures. Conclusions The Danish HHT-centre reached the target threshold for outcome measures 1 and 3. We could not document reaching the target thresholds for outcome measures 2, 4, and 5. As information and education is a very important part of HHT care, we will focus on and document that all patients receive the relevant advice and as part of our care, we will in the near future implement an electronic solution with advice for HHT patients.
Effect of Mirogabalin on Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy Caused by Gemcitabine Plus Nab-Paclitaxel Therapy in Pancreatic Cancer Patients: A Pilot Study
Authors: Takasaki Yusuke , Fujisawa Toshio , Ushio Mako , Takahashi Sho , Yamagata Wataru , Suzuki Akinori , Ito Koichi , Ochiai Kazushige , Tomishima Ko , Ishi Shigeto , Isayama Hiroyuki
Published: October 2021

Purpose: Gemcitabine/nab-paclitaxel (GnP) therapy is widely used to treat pancreatic cancer (PC), but chemotherapy-induced peripheral neuropathy (CIPN) is common. Mirogabalin is a novel drug for treating peripheral neuropathy. We investigated the effects of mirogabalin on CIPN due to GnP therapy in PC patients.Methods: This was a single-center retrospective pilot study. Patients who had previously received or were currently receiving GnP for PC and had taken mirogabalin for at least 2 weeks for CIPN, were included. Patients completed a questionnaire about their symptoms before and after taking mirogabalin. The primary outcome was the change in numbness and tingling scores on the patient-reported outcomes version of the Common Terminology Criteria for Adverse Events (PRO-CTCAE). Secondary outcomes were the European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) Quality of Life Questionnaire–Chemotherapy-Induced Peripheral Neuropathy (QLQ-CIPN20) (Japanese version) score, numerical rating scale (NRS) pain score, and adverse events (AEs).Results: Increased numbness and tingling severity (1.84 vs. 1.76; P=0.63) and interference with daily life (1.42 vs. 1.44; P=0.80) were not seen in any of the 25 enrolled patients. The scores on the sensory subscale of the QLQ-CIPN improved significantly after treatment (17.5 vs. 15.7; P=0.02). AEs occurred in 22 patients (88%), but there were no serious AEs (≥ grade 3).Conclusions: Mirogabalin may control the progression of CIPN caused by GnP therapy in PC patients, and improved sensory neuropathy significantly in our patients. However, since the incidence of AEs is high, mirogabalin should be used with caution.
Immune Infiltration Characteristics of Related Receptor Signaling Pathways in Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome
Authors: Wu Lingling , Ling Huayun , Wang Hong , Qiu Lijuan , Zhou Ying , Xue Yu , Wang Tingrui , Chen Huijuan , Ye Dongqing , Wang Bin
Published: October 2021

Background: Primary Sjögren’s Syndrome (pSS) is a chronic systemic autoimmune disease characterized by a broad spectrum of clinical features. It is considered to be associated with immune cells and genetic. Since the pathogenesis of pSS has not been studied thoroughly enough, it is significant to explore the relevant mechanisms using bioinformatics methods.Methods: We downloaded the GSE84844, GSE66795 and GSE51092 datasets from the GEO database, and then conducted a comprehensive bioinformatics analysis including differentially expressed genes (DEGs), functional enrichment pathways and immune infiltration characteristics. Results：DEGs analysis identified a total of 89 up-regulated genes and 11 down-regulated genes in the dataset. These DEGs were enriched in NOD-like and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway, which were significantly associated with the expression of immune cells such as neutrophils and activated dendritic cells, respectively.Conclusion: The NOD-like and RIG-I-like receptor signaling pathway and the pathogenesis of pSS may be closely associated. Neutrophils and dendritic cells also play an important role in pSS, and the expression of these two kinds of cells is closely associated with the signaling pathways of NOD-like and RIG-I-like receptors.
Development of a high-throughput method to screen novel antiviral materials
Authors: Nakakido Makoto , Tanaka Naoki , Shimojo Ayako , Miyamae Nobuhiro , Tsumoto Kouhei
Published: October 2021

Respiratory infectious diseases pose a serious threat worldwide, and novel antiviral materials are highly demanded. Photocatalytic nanoparticles have been developed to inhibit indirect transmission of pathogens by acting as surface coating materials. During development of such antiviral materials, researchers use bacteriophages as model viruses due to their safety and experimental efficiency. Screening methods are used to identify potential antiviral materials, and better screening technologies will accelerate the discovery of antiviral treatments. In this study, we constructed a novel platform to evaluate antiviral activity of surface coating materials using the M13 bacteriophage and phagemid system derived from phage display technology. The evaluation results generated by this system for the two tested antiviral materials were comparable to those for the materials tested on the Qβ bacteriophage and influenza virus using traditional screening methods. The experimental system developed in this study provides rapid and effective screening and can be applied to the development of novel antiviral materials.
New Method for Reducing Coal Mine Gas Disasters via Directional Drilling and Hydraulic Jet
Authors: Li Dingqi , Wang Shuren , Chen Yubo , Wang Mingzhong , Chang Xu
Published: October 2021

Gas extraction is an important topic because of poor permeability and high gas seam in coal mines. A new method for reducing stress and improving permeability of coal seam was proposed to reduce the cost of gas extraction and danger of coal and gas outbursts. In this method, the roadway in coal floor was replaced with directional main borehole, directional branch boreholes were used to replace crossing holes, and soft coal was mined along soft sub layers using a directional drilling machine and a directional hydraulic jet. The numerical simulation showed that the porosity and permeability of coal seam significantly improve after soft sub layers being removed by the directional hydraulic jet. The application of the proposed method and its supporting equipment was carried out under the special gas conditions of Hudi Coal Mine. Results show that the soft coal is mined efficiently along the soft sub layer using the main borehole, branch boreholes, and directional hydraulic jet. Compared the hydraulic punching in the borehole with the ordinary drilling machine, the average speed of mining soft sub layers increased from 0.5 t/h to 3.6 t/h, the equivalent diameter of mining soft sub layers increased from 1.2 m to 7.6m, and the average flow of gas extraction increased from 0.41 m3/d to 6.25 m3/d. The conclusions obtained in this study can provide a reference to the similar coal mining methods.
Type 2 Diabetes and its Effects on MicroRNA-155 and MicroRNA-133a Expression in Lung Tissue of Male Rats
Authors: Khezri Maria , Rahbarghazi Reza , Ahmadi Mahdi , Sandoghchian Siamak , Nourazarian Alireza , shademan behrouz , Abdi Meysam , khaki-khatibi Fatemeh
Published: October 2021

Background: The presence of an extensive vascular extent and large amounts of collagen and elastin in lung tissue make the lung parenchyma vulnerable to damage in diabetes. However, there are few studies on the pathophysiological effects of diabetes on lung tissue. In this study, we investigated the effects of type 2 diabetes on lung tissue pathology and the expression of miRNA-155 and miRNA-133a in lung tissue of male rats.Methods: In this study, 14 male rats were divided into a control group and a group with diabetes. The group with diabetes received a high-fat diet and a single dose of streptozotocin for one month. After induction of T2D, the rats received a normal diet for the next four weeks. At week 8, the rats were euthanized, and lung tissue was collected to measure microRNAs and examine tissue changes.Results: When lung tissue sections from diabetic rats were examined, the normal structure of the alveoli and alveolar sacs and bronchioles was disturbed. The thickness of interalveolar septa was increased due to the infiltration of inflammatory cells. The extensive alveolar collapse was the main cause of lung tissue structure disruption, and the accumulation of inflammatory cells and exudate secretions resulted in an interstitial pneumonia-like appearance. The expression of miRNA-155 was increased, and the expression of miRNA-133a was decreased in the lungs of diabetic rats compared with control rats.Conclusion: We found significant changes in the lung tissue of diabetic rats. By studying changes in the expression of microRNAs in diabetes, they can be a diagnostic and therapeutic biomarker in the lungs of patients with diabetes.
Assessing Volcanic Hazard and Exposure at Obscure Volcanic Fields: A Case Study from the Bolaven Volcanic Field, Laos
Authors: Verolino Andrea , Jenkins Susanna F. , Sieh Kerry , Herrin Jason S. , Schonwalder-Angel Dayana , Sihavong Vanpheng , Oh Jee Hon
Published: October 2021

Southeast Asia hosts a large number of active and well-studied volcanoes, the majority of which are located in Indonesia and the Philippines. Northern Southeast Asia (Myanmar, Cambodia, Laos, Thailand and Vietnam) also hosts volcanoes that for several reasons (post-World War II conflicts, poor accessibility due to dense vegetation, no known historical activity) have been little studied. Systematic assessments of the threat these volcanoes pose to resident populations do not exist, despite evidence of numerous eruptions through the late Pleistocene and likely even during the Holocene. A recent study that inferred the location of the Australasian meteorite impact (which produced the largest known tektite strewn field on Earth) beneath the Bolaven Volcanic Field in southern Laos provided a wealth of data for that volcanic field, in particular, mapping of vents and flows, and their absolute ages. Building upon this foundation, we used the Bolaven Volcanic Field as a case study for assessing the potential exposure of populations and infrastructure to lava flows during future eruptions there. Our study uses remote sensing of past flows, lava-flow simulations and open-access exposure data, to assess hazards and exposure. Our results show that future vents are most likely to occur in a N-S band atop the Bolaven Plateau, with some flows channelled into canyons that spill down the plateau flanks onto lower plains that support more populated areas such as the provincial centre, Pakse. Our exposure assessment suggests that around 300,000 people could experience socio-economic impacts from future eruptions. The largest impacts would be on two of the main economic sectors in the region, agriculture and hydropower. The potential also exists for life-threatening explosions from interactions between magma and surface waters, which are abundant in the region. We estimate an Average Recurrence Interval of approximately 10,400 years.
The Role of IGF-Pathway Biomarkers in Determining Risks, Screening, and Prognosis in Lung Cancer: A Systematic Review.
Authors: Pohlman Alexander W. , Moudgalya Hita , Jordano Lia , Lobato Gabriela C. , Gerard David , Liptay Michael J. , Seder Christopher W. , BORGIA JEFFREY A
Published: October 2021

Background: Detection rates of early-stage lung cancer are traditionally low, which contributes to inconsistent treatment responses and the highest rates of annual cancer deaths in the U.S. Currently, age and smoking history are the primary factors that qualify patients for low-dose computed tomography (LDCT) screening, which contributes heavily to a high false discovery rate. This limitation to the current screening paradigm has prompted research to identify biomarkers that will help more clearly define eligible patients for LDCT screening, differentiate indeterminate pulmonary nodules, and select individualized cancer therapy. Biomarkers within the Insulin-like Growth Factor (IGF) family have come to the forefront of this research. Methods: Literature available through PubMed and Google Scholar sources was cataloged using keywords: {Lung Cancer} AND {IGF} AND {Risk OR Diagnosis OR Prognosis OR Prognostication OR Treatment}. The results were summarized and provided herein.Results: Multiple biomarkers within the IGF family (or axis) have been investigated, most notably IGF-I and IGF binding protein 3 (IGFBP-3). However, newer studies seek to expand this search to other molecules within the IGF axis. Results have differed, however, due to features such as the pre-disease variable expression of IGF-I and IGFBP-3, likely promoted by factors such as obesity and smoking history. Certain studies have demonstrated these biomarkers are useful as a companion test alongside lung cancer screening, but other findings were not as conclusive, possibly owing to measurement bias from pre-analytical variables and non-standardized assay techniques. Research also has suggested IGF biomarkers may be beneficial in the prognostication and subsequent application of treatment via systemic therapy. Despite these advances, however, additional knowledge as to the intricacies of regulatory mechanisms inherent to this system are necessary to more fully harness the potential clinical utility for diagnostic tests and to identify novel targets for therapeutic intervention. Conclusions: The IGF system likely plays a role in multiple phases of lung cancer; however, there is a surplus of conflicting data, especially prior to development of the disease and during early stages of detection. IGF biomarkers may be valuable in the screening, prognosis, and treatment of lung cancer, though their exact application requires further study.
Should the Small Intestine Be Avoided in Pelvic Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy?
Authors: Huang Rong , Liu Tian , Pang Haowen , Zhang Zhenhua , Du Xiuju , Wu Jingbo , Li Dan , Wen Qinglian
Published: October 2021

Objectives. This study aimed to evaluate changes in small intestine position during whole pelvic intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) for patients with gynecologic malignancies using computed tomographic images during treatment and to investigate whether the small intestine should be avoided for delineation of pelvic lymph nodes in IMRT. Methods. Thirty-one patients with gynecologic malignancies were included for pelvic radiotherapy and divided into two groups: surgical (n=15) and non-surgical (n=16). The 10th, 15th, and 20th fractions of the computed tomographic images were reviewed and changes in the intersection volume of the small intestine in the hot-spot areas compared to the initial planning scan were recorded.Results. During radiotherapy, the proportion of overlapping area of intersecting volume in the hot-spot area, which included the left common iliac nodes, right common iliac nodes, left internal iliac nodes, right internal iliac nodes, left external iliac nodes, right external iliac nodes, left obturator nodes, right obturator nodes, and presacral nodes, was 16.52%, 28.05%, 18.65%, 37.16%, 39.18%, 49.67%, 23.74%, 50.07%, and 42.65%, respectively, for the non-surgical group, and 39.57%, 34.41%, 18.45%, 31.21%, 44.21%, 43.39%, 31.32%, 49.67%, and 27.59%, respectively, for the surgical group.Conclusion. The proportion of the overlapping area of the intersecting volume accounted for 50% or less in patients, regardless of whether they had been operated on. Therefore, it is recommended that the small intestine, regardless of whether they had been operated on or not, does not need to be avoided for delineation of pelvic lymph nodes for gynecological malignancies (Clinical trial registration number: ChiCTR2100043240).