bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Hidden Burden of Adolescent Pregnancies in Rural Sri Lanka; Findings of The Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort
Authors: Agampodi Thilini Chanchala , Wickramasinghe Nuwan Darshana , Jayakodi Hemali Gayathri , Amarasinghe Gayani Shashikala , Warnasekara Janith Niwanthaka , Hettiarachchi Ayesh Umeshana , Jayasinghe Imasha Upulini , Koralegedara Iresha Sandamali , Somasiri Dulani Kanchana , Agampodi Suneth Buddhika
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAdolescent fertility is a main indicator of the Sustainable Developmental Goal (SGD) three. Although Sri Lanka is exemplary in maternal health the utilization of Sexual and Reproductive Health services (SRH) by adolescents is less documented. We describe the hidden burden, associated biological and psychosocial factors and utilization patterns of pre-conceptional services among pregnant adolescents in rural Sri Lanka. MethodsThe study is based on the baseline assessment of the Rajarata Pregnancy Cohort (RaPCo) in Anuradhapura. Pregnant women newly registered from July to September 2019 were recruited to the study. The period of gestation was confirmed during the second follow-up visit (around 25-28 weeks of gestation) using ultra sound scan data. A history, clinical examination, anthropometric measurements, blood investigations were conducted. Mental health status was assessed using the Edinburgh Postpartum Depression Scale (EPDS). ResultsBaseline data on gestation was completed by 3,367 pregnant women. Of them, 253 (7.5%) were adolescent pregnancies. Among the primiparous mothers (n=1037), 22.4% (n=232) were adolescent pregnancies. Maternal and paternal low education level, being unmarried, and less time since marriage were statistically significant factors associated with adolescent pregnancies (p<0.05). Contraceptive usage before pregnancy, utilization of pre-conceptional health care services, planning pregnancy and consuming folic acid was significantly low among adolescents (p<0.001). They also had low body mass index (p<0.001) and low hemoglobin levels (p<0.03). Adolescent mothers were less happy of being pregnant (p<0.006) and had significantly higher levels of anxiety (p<0.009).ConclusionOne fifth of women in their first pregnancy in this study population are adolescents. Primi-parous adolescents exert poor social stability and compromised physical and mental health effects. The underutilization and/or unavailability of SRH services is clearly associated with adolescent pregnancies.
Pre-graduation Grade Inflation in Medical Training in Turkey: A Longitudinal Study From 2005 to 2020
Authors: KARADAG ENGİN
Published: February 2021

Background: Grade inflation in higher education institutions, that is the increase in students’ grades, has been observed since the 1960s. There are comprehensive proofs that document the allegations, prevalence and severity of grade inflation in higher education especially in American universities for the past 10 years. This study analyzes the change in the ratio of those graduated with a “very good (>2.99)” degree from medical education in Turkey within a 15-year-long period, the grade inflation (when all other factors are constant), and factors that affect the course grade. Methods: The analyses were carried out using the grade point average (GPA) of 9.618 students graduated from the medical faculty of 25 universities in Turkey, and 288.540 student grade for 7.597 courses. The study used the “real” university random effects estimator modeling considering the differences in universities with correlation, ANOVA, t-test and ANCOVA analyses. Results and Conclusion: The results revealed that there was a marginal increase in grades in medical training before graduation after checking the effects of factors that might affect the graduation grades. The 29% grade inflation detected is in line with the literature and is one of the highest values that have been reported so far. It was also detected that the ratio of graduates with a “very good (>2.99)” degree was 17% in 2005 and it increased to 46% in 2020. Additionally, the class size, academic degree of the tutor, grade, content of the course, types of the universities (public & non-profit private), accreditation of the program, and the age of the faculty are important determinants of course grades. According to these results, it is clear that both the uncontrolled expansion of medical faculties in Turkey and the decrease in quality cause an increase in grades. One of the most important results obtained is that accreditation slows down the grade inflation. Both the course grades following the accreditation process and the inflation in the graduation grades (grade inflation) slowed down significantly in the accredited faculties. This finding is an important example of the necessity of accreditation, which is referred to as the “golden standard” to improve the quality of medical education.
Surface Wave Reflection From A Metasurface Termination
Authors: Berry S J , Hibbins A P , Sambles J R
Published: February 2021

The reflection coefficient of a microwave surface wave incident at the termination of a metasurface is explored. Two different surface types are examined. One is a square array of square metallic patches on a dielectric-coated metallic ground plane, the other a Sievenpiper ‘mushroom’ array. In the latter the surface wave fields are more confined within the structure. Comparison of the measured surface-wave reflection spectra is made with that obtained from analytic theory and numerical modelling. The reflection coefficient is shown to be dependent on both the momentum mismatch between the surface wave and the freely propagating modes as well as the different field distributions of the two modes.
Hospital Pharmacists’ Knowledge About Cardiovascular Disease Risk Factors
Authors: Ukoha-kalu Blessing Onyinye , Adibe Maxwell Ogochukwu , Ukwe Chinwe Victoria
Published: February 2021

Background: Pharmacists can play an important role in hypertension treatment by helping patients improve their chances of reaching therapeutic and lifestyle goals. This study aimed to assess hospital pharmacists’ knowledge of cardiovascular disease (CVD) risk factors and their practice of primary prevention of CVD. This was a prospective cross sectional survey of all the Hospital pharmacists in Federal Medical Centre Lokoja (FMCL), and Kogi State Specialist Hospital (KSSH) both in Lokoja L.G.A of Kogi State Nigeria. A Questionnaire on diagnostic cut-off for common cardiovascular diseases (CVD) and practice of primary prevention of CVD was used for the study. The Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS for windows, Version 16.0. SPSS Inc. 2007.Chicago, USA) software was used for data analysis. Continuous data were presented as mean± standard deviation while categorical data were presented as percentages and frequencies. Results: About half, 20(46.5) of the hospital pharmacist were less than 40 years with a mean age of 43.44 years. The hospital pharmacist had poor knowledge of diagnostic cut-off for common cardiovascular disease risk factors. Also, the hospital pharmacists had poor practice of primary prevention of cardiovascular diseases. Age, gender and years of practice were associated with knowledge of CVD risk factors while age alone was associated with practice of primary prevention of CVD. Conclusion: Hospital pharmacists in Kogi state have a poor knowledge of CVD risk factors and also a poor practice of primary prevention of CVD.
High dielectric 3D scaffold to suppress Li-dendrites and increase the reversibility of anode-less Li-metal anodes
Authors: Wang Chao , Liu Ming , Thijs Michel , Ooms Frans , Ganapathy Swapna , Wagemaker Marnix
Published: February 2021

The lithium metal anode is intensively investigated because it considerably increases Li-battery energy density. However, the formation of dendritic/mossy Li-metal microstructures amplifies electrolyte decomposition and Li deactivation. Here we investigate the impact of a high-dielectric porous scaffold, aiming to eliminate the fundamental driver for dendritic/mossy Li-metal growth, the large electrical field gradients at inhomogeneities at the anode surface. In an anode-less (Li-metal free) high-dielectric porous scaffold, this promotes dense plating as observed by operando solid-state NMR. Even in a simple carbonate electrolyte, 1M LiPF6 in EC/DMC, the high-dielectric scaffold improves the plating/stripping efficiency up to 99.82%, extending the cycle life, indicating that electrolyte decomposition is minimized by the induced compact Li-metal plating. The large porosity of the scaffolds, non-optimized and easy to prepare, enables a specific capacity beyond 2000 mA h g-1, presenting a facile approach to promote compact Li-metal plating to improve Li-metal anode efficiency and safety.
COVID-19 impacts on energy demand can help reduce long-term mitigation challenge
Authors: Kikstra Jarmo , Vinca Adriano , Lovat Francesco , Boza-Kiss Benigna , Ruijven Bastiaan van , Wilson Charlie , Rogelj Joeri , Zakeri Behnam , Fricko Oliver , Riahi Keywan
Published: February 2021

The COVID-19 pandemic caused radical temporary breaks with past energy use trends. However, how a post-pandemic recovery will impact the longer-term energy transition is unclear. Here, we present a set of global COVID-19 shock-and-recovery scenarios that systematically explore the demand-side effect on final energy and GHG emissions. Our pathways project final energy demand reductions of 12 to 40 EJ/yr by 2025 and cumulative CO2 emissions reductions by 2030 of 28 to 53 GtCO2, depending on the depth and duration of the economic downturn and demand-side changes. Recovering from the pandemic with low energy demand practices - embedded in new patterns of travel, work, consumption, and production – reduces climate mitigation challenges. A low energy demand recovery reduces carbon prices for a 1.5°C consistent pathway by 19%, lowers energy supply investments until 2030 by 2.1 trillion USD, and lessens pressure on the upscaling of renewable energy technologies.
Analysis of Vibration Damping Ability of Deep Cryogenic Treated AISI 4140 Steel Shaft Supported by Rolling Element Bearings
Authors: KAM Menderes , SARUHAN Hamit
Published: February 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Effects of Aerobic Training Progression on Blood Pressure in Individuals With Hypertension: A Systematic Review With Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression
Authors: de Barcelos¹ Guilherme Tadeu , Heberle¹ Isabel , Coneglian¹ Juliana Cavestré , Vieira¹ Bruno Allan , Delevatti¹ Rodrigo Sudatti , Gerage¹ Aline Mendes
Published: February 2021

Objective: To analyze, through a systematic review with meta-analysis, the effects of aerobic training with and without progression on systolic blood pressure (SBP) and diastolic blood pressure (DBP) in hypertensive adults.Method: The search for the studies was carried out in the PubMed, Cochrane Central, SPORTDiscus and LILACS databases. Clinical trials that analyzed the effect of aerobic training, lasting at least six weeks, on blood pressure in hypertensive individuals comparing with a control group without intervention were selected. The selection of studies and data extraction were carried out independently by two pairs of researchers. Results: Of the 13028 studies found, 24 were selected and included in this review. There was a reduction in SBP after aerobic training with progression (-10.67 mmHg; 95% CI -15.421, -5.926; p <0.001) and without progression (-10.17 mmHg; CI -12.213, -8.120; p <0.001). DBP also decreased after aerobic training with progression (-5.49 mmHg; 95% CI -8.663, -2.310; p <0.001) and without progression (-6.51 mmHg; 95% CI -9.147, -3.868; p < 0.001). Conclusion: Aerobic training promotes a reduction in the SBP and DBP levels of adults with hypertension, regardless of whether or not the training variables progression.
Feasibility Study of a Prostate Cancer FLASH Therapy Treatment With Electrons of High Energy
Authors: Sarti Alessio , Maria Patrizia De , Giuseppe Battistoni , Simoni Micol De , Felice Cinzia Di , Dong Yunsheng , Fischetti Marta , Franciosini Gaia , Marafini Michela , Marampon Francesco , Mattei Ilaria , Mirabelli Riccardo , Muraro Silvia , Pacilio Massimiliano , Palumbo Luigi , Rocca Loredana , Rubeca Damiana , Schiavi Angelo , Sciubba Adalberto , Tombolini Vincenzo , Toppi Marco , Traini Giacomo , Trigilio Antonio , Patera Vincenzo
Published: February 2021

Prostate cancer is among the most common cancers in men and one of the leading causes of death worldwide. Different therapies are adopted for its treatment and generally radiotherapy with photons (RT) is the preferred solution in almost all cases. Up to now, in addition to photons, only protons have been implemented as alternative radiotherapy. The use of Very High Energy Electron (VHEE) beams (100-200 MeV) has been suggested in literature but the needed accelerators are more demanding, as far as space and cost are concerned, with respect to standard photon devices, with only limited advantages when compared to protons or other heavy ions. In this contribution we investigate how recent developments in electron beam therapy could reshape the landscape of prostate treatments. The VHEE Treatment Planning System obtained combining an accurate Monte Carlo (MC) simulation with a simple modelling of the FLASH effect (healthy tissues sparing at very high dose rates) is compared with conventional RT. The results demonstrate that FLASH therapy with VHEE beams of 70-130 MeV could represent a valid alternative to standard RT allowing a better sparing of the healthy tissues surrounding the tumour, in the framework of an affordable technological development.
Muscle Atrophy and Artery Shrinkage of Residual Limb After Trans-Femoral Amputation: A Morphological Study
Authors: DONG RUI-QI , BAI TAO-PING , LIU YANG
Published: February 2021

Aim: After limb amputation, patients will face many complex postoperative problems. The pathogeny of these problems usually involves blood circulation disorders, vascular lesions and other angioneurotic issues. The correlation between blood flow/vessels and those residual limb problems like the most prevalent muscle atrophy is very importent. Method: Through the case study of eight unilateral trans-femoral amputees, this research performed the morphological index analysis of residual limb muscle atrophy, arterial shrinkage and their potential correlations. Results: The atrophy level of muscles and the shrinkage level of arteries were different. Overall, Different muscles have different atrophy. Compared with the prosthesis users, those cases without using prosthesis exhibited more severe muscle atrophy and arterial shrinkage in their residual limbs. For the correlation between muscle atrophy and arterial shrinkage on the basis of blood supply relationship, there was a positive correlation expressed only in the cases using prosthesis. Conclusion: Using a prosthesis could not only effectively achieve the functional compensation for residual limb, but also promote a joint adaptation of the muscular and arterial physiological state of both the sound and amputated limbs to the new gait pattern and body balance, as well as rehabilitation process.
Differences in Morphology, Mitochondrial Genomes, and Reproductive Compatibility Between Two Clades of Aphelinus Mali in China
Authors: Min Su , Lingjun Du , Ali Muhammad Yasir , Jianing Yu , Mengyu Chi , Ziwen Teng , Yinjun Fan , Xiumei Tan , Hongxu Zhou
Published: February 2021

Aphelinus mali (Haldeman) (Hymenoptera: Aphelinidae) in China is comprised of two clades (Shandong and Liaoning). In order to clarify the genetic relationship of them, we compared and analyzed the morphological characteristics and the mitochondrial genome of each, and ran a hybridization experiment between these clades. Morphological results showed that both males and females of the Liaoning clade were larger than Shandong clade, in terms of whole body, abdominal lengths and antennal lengths, but there were no significant differences between clades for total lengths of the middle and hind foot of females. The arrangement of the mitochondrial genomes was same in both clades, and each contained 31 genes, including 13 protein-encoded genes, 16 tRNA genes, and 2 rRNA genes. The highest AT levels among the 13 protein-coding genes for the two clades were the same gene (atp8) (Shandong clade, 91.52%; Liaoning clade, 90.91%). By hybridization and backcrossing, we found there was no cross incompatibility between these two clades of A. mali. Our results indicate that the historic geographical isolation between these two A. mali clades has not yet caused reproductive isolation of these two geographically separated populations, and they belong to the same species.
Red Mud-Based Polyaluminum Ferric Chloride Flocculant: Preparation, Characterization and Flocculation Performance
Authors: Cheng Yong , Xu Longjun , Liu Chenglun , Jiang Zao , Zhang Qiyuan , Zou Yi , Chen Yan , Li Jingya , Liu Xiuzhu
Published: February 2021

In this work, red mud was used as raw material to extract Al and Fe with hydrochloric acid. The high-efficiency polyaluminum iron chloride (PAFC) flocculant was prepared via adjusting the pH of the leaching solution, the molar ratio of aluminum and iron, and the polymerization temperature. The effect of synthesis and flocculation conditions on the flocculation performance of aged landfill leachate was investigated. The results confirmed that the PAFC prepared at the polymerization pH of 2.5, the Al/Fe molar ratio of 8, and the polymerization temperature of 70 °C had the optimum flocculation effect. The flocculation consequences of PAFC and commercial polyaluminum iron chloride flocculant (CPAFC) under different flocculation conditions were compared. The chemical oxygen demand (COD), UV254, chroma and settlement height of PAFC at flocculant concentration of 60 g/L and solution pH of 6 were 72.2%, 79.2%, 82.9% and 9.5 cm (within 90 min), respectively. PAFC has excellent flocculation performance and can be used as a simple, potentially low-cost wastewater treatment agent in industrial applications.
Prognostic Nutritional Index Is a Better Predictor of Perioperative Adverse Outcomes in Patients With Femoral Fractures: a Retrospective Study
Authors: He Miao , Fan Qinghong , Zhu Yuhang , Liu Dexing , Liu Xingxing , Xu Shan , Peng Jiachen , Zhu Zhaoqiong
Published: February 2021

Background: Surgery is usually the best treatment for patients with femoral fractures. However, the incidence of perioperative adverse outcomes in such cases is quite high. Nutrition has a major influence on fracture healing, and malnutrition is associated with higher complication rates, higher mortality rates, and longer hospitalisation periods. In this study, we aimed to identify independent risk factors and assess the predictive value of the prognostic nutritional index (PNI) for perioperative adverse outcomes in patients with femoral fractures. Methods: This retrospective observational study included 343 patients who underwent surgery for a single femur fracture at the Affiliated Hospital of Zunyi Medical University in 2018. Binary logistic regression analysis was applied to identify significant independent risk factors. The discriminatory ability of independent predictors was assessed using the receiver operating characteristic curve analysis, and DeLong's test was used to compare the area under the curve (AUC). Results: In total, 159 patients (46.4%) had perioperative adverse outcomes. PNI (OR: 0.819, 95% CI: 0.754–0.889, P < 0.001), age (OR: 1.042, 95% CI: 1.020–1.066, P < 0.001), time to admission (OR: 1.404, 95% CI: 1.117–1.765, P = 0.004), hypertension (OR: 1.912, 95% CI: 1.049–3.488, P = 0.034), combined injures (OR: 2.739, 95% CI: 1.338–5.607, P = 0.006), and operation types (OR: 3.696, 95% CI: 1.913–7.138, P < 0.001) were independent factors for perioperative adverse outcomes. Based on the AUC (PNI: 0.772, 95% CI: 0.723–0.821, P < 0.001; age: 0.678, 95% CI: 0.622–0.734, P < 0.001; time to admission: 0.585, 95% CI: 0.525–0.646, P = 0.006), the PNI had the optimal discrimination ability, indicating its superiority over other independent predictors (age vs. PNI, P = 0.002; time to admission vs. PNI, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This study showed that the PNI was a better and effective independent predictor of perioperative adverse outcomes in patients with femoral fractures. Our findings suggest that nutritional assessment at admission and appropriate intervention strategies are necessary for patients with femoral fractures.
Hypothyroidism Alleviates Cerebral Infarction but Exacerbates Blood-brain Barrier Disruption Following Transient Ischemic Stroke in Rats
Authors: keshavarz somaye , Dehghani Gholam Abbas
Published: February 2021

Hypothyroidism is both a risk factor for stroke by disrupting fat metabolism and increasing atherosclerosis also a potential protective factor against its injuries. Hypothyroidism can influence the function of cerebral vessels such that BBB disruption is a reported complication of untreated hypothyroidism. The effects of hypothyroidism on cerebral vascular function in normal condition and following the ischemia-reperfusion is investigated in this study. Two groups of control euthyroid (CN) and hypothyroid (HPO) rats were studied. Hypothyroidism was induced by feeding methazole dissolved in drinking water (0.025 g/100 ml) for 4 weeks. After ensuring the hypothyroidism induction, cerebral ischemia-reperfusion was induced by MCAO. Following the reperfusion period, neuromotor dysfunction were evaluated and after removal of the brain, the volume of the infarct area was studied by the TTC staining and the BBB destruction was evaluated by the Evans Blue (EB) extravasation technique. Treatment with methimazole significantly reduced the levels of thyroid hormones (T3:198±4 vs.73±3µg/dl and T4: 3.08±0.07 vs.1.03±0.04µg/dl) in HPO. Furthermore, many clinical signs of hypothyroidism were developed in this group of animals. Hypothyroidism was associated with increased cerebral vascular permeability under non-ischemic conditions and exacerbation of BBB destruction after ischemia. However, neuromotor disorders and infarct volume were lower in hypothyroid animals than in euthyroid animals. Hypothyroidism has dual effects on ischemia-induced cerebrovascular damages. Aggravation of BBB destruction and alleviation of neuronal death following the cerebral ischemia-reperfusion are two converse effects of hypothyroidism. To clarify the exact mechanisms by which hypothyroidism causes these effects more investigations is required.
Noise Evaluation in oil and gas Fields and associated risk assessment
Authors: Alzmzam Wahid Salem , Alfaghi Walid Bashir
Published: February 2021

This work investigates the level of noise in oil and gas fields and its impact on the health of the operators, visitors, and trainees, as well as controlling noise within acceptable levels in the workplace by proper measurement. Risk assessment is done to identify the associated hazards of particular activities or tasks in the fields. Sulfur recovery unit (SRU) at a gas processing complex is the case study which consists of three production plants.Many master points were randomly selected, where workers are present. Therefore, in order to sufficiently measure the level of noise, the measurement of the noise level was performed in different periods of time within the years 2014-2017 and was compared with OSHA limits. Results show that most of the gathered noise field data were beyond the permissive limits of OSHA (85 dB). Ishikawa Diagram depicts the analysis of cause and effect of over limits readings which are rotating machines, maintenance activities, steam leakages, fluid flow, and gas flaring.Finally, the risk assessment presents that such workplaces may present a high noise risk score that could harm the workers.
Characterization of Genotype–Phenotype Correlation With MORC2 Mutated Axonal Charcot–Marie–Tooth Disease in a Cohort of Chinese Patients
Authors: Duan Xiaohui , Liu Xiaoxuan , Wang Guochun , Gu Weihong , Xu Min , Hao Ying , Dong Mingrui , Sun Qing , Sun Shaojie , Chen Yuanyuan , Wang Wei , Li Jing , Zhang Yuting , Cao Zhenhua , Fan Dongsheng , Wang Renbin , Da Yuwei
Published: February 2021

Objective Charcot –Marie–Tooth (CMT) disease is an exciting field of study, with a growing number of causal genes and an expanding phenotypic spectrum. The microrchidia family CW-type zinc finger 2 gene (MORC2) was newly identified as a causative gene of CMT2Z in 2016. We aimed to describe the phenotypic-genetic spectrum of MORC2-related diseases in the Chinese population. Methods With the use of Sanger sequencing and Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technologies, we screened a cohort of 284 unrelated Chinese CMT2 families. Pathogenicity assessments of MORC2 variants were interpreted according to the ACMG guidelines. Potential pathogenic variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. Results We identified 4 different heterozygous MORC2 mutations in four unrelated families, accounting for 1.4% (4/284). A novel mutation c.1397A>G p. D466G was detected in family 1, all affected patients presented with later onset axonal CMT with hyperCKemia. The patient in family 2 showed a spinal muscular atrophy (SMA)-like disease with cerebellar hypoplasia and mental retardation, with a hot spot de novo mutation c.260C>T p. S87L. The twin sisters in family 3 were identified with the most common mutation c.754C>T p. R252W, suffered from axonal motor neuropathy with high variability in disease severity and duration. The patient in family 4 developed an early onset axonal motor and sensory neuropathy, with a reported mutation c.1220G>A p.C407Y. All identified mutations associated with MORC2-related neuropathies are localized in the N-terminal ATPase module.Conclusions Our study confirmed that MORC2-related neuropathies exist in the Chinese population, as a relatively high mutation rate. We revealed a complex genotype-phenotype correlation with MORC2 mutations. This report adds a new piece to the puzzle of the genetics of CMT and contributes to a better understanding of the disease mechanisms.
Prediction of Accuracy and Screw Size by Pedicle Anatomic Parameters and Screws in Idiopathic Scoliosis With Freehand Screw Placement Based on Machine Learning
Authors: Dong Qiyuan , Huang Zhou , Sun Yidan , Zeng Yan , Chen Zhongqiang
Published: February 2021

Study Design: A retrospective study.Objective: To investigate a machine learning algorithm to explore the influence of pedicle morphological parameters and pedicle screw size on safe screw placement in the treatment of idiopathic scoliosis with freehand. And a model was built to guide the selection of screwMethods: We analyzed 52 patients with idiopathic scoliosis who underwent correction surgery in our hospital from June 2012 to December 2019, including 17 males and 35 females aged 10-20 years. All pedicle screws were placed by freehand. Preoperative and postoperative X-ray and CT scans of whole spine were performed to measure Cobb Angle and pedicle morphological parameters, including transverse diameter of the pedicle, sagittal diameter of the pedicle, length of the pedicle channel, rotation angle of vertebrae, angle of the sagittal plane of pedicle and angle of the horizontal plane of pedicle. Screw penetration grading was also evaluated. Random forest were used to build a machine learning model to help the decision making of choosing an appropriate screw based on pedicle parameters and screw size.Results: A total of 888 screws and pedicles were included. The satisfactory rate of screw placement was 88.5%. The pedicle screw size was analyzed and predicted based on screw penetration and pedicle morphological parameters. The AUROC of random forest classification model achieved 0.712. The goodness of fit(R2) was 0.546.Conclusion: Our model could provide guidance for the doctor to choose the length of the screw before surgery, and the classification model could also give a preliminary prediction of whether there would be anterior screw penetration based on the pedicle parameters.
RNF125 Modulates Tumor Immunity by Promoting Ubiquitination of PD-L1
Authors: Peng Yumeng , Yang Huan , Li Zihui , Li Huilong , Qiu Xiaolin , Wei Meng , Chen Zhiwei , Tang Zhihong , Wei Tao , Wang Xiaobo , Bai Tao , Wei Congwen , Wu Feixiang
Published: February 2021

In recent years, the incidence of tumors has been increasing, and the overall cure rate by traditional treatment methods does not exceed 20%. One of the most effective and promising strategies for comprehensive treatment of tumors is immunotherapy, such as treatment with the PD-1/PD-L1 antibody. Here, we showed that ring finger protein 125 (RNF125), an E3 ligase in the RING domain family, could interact with PD-L1 to reduce the stability of PD-L1 protein. In addition, RNF125 downregulated the expression of PD-L1 by promoting its ubiquitination at K48, whereas a mutation in the RING domain of RNF125 disrupted this function. A significant positive correlation between RNF125 and genes involved with tumor immunity was determined in cancer samples, as determined using data from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA). Furthermore, we elucidated the effects of RNF125 on the occurrence and development of tumors in mice. Analyses of wild-type and RNF125 knockout mice transplanted with MC-38 cells revealed enhanced MC-38 tumor growth in KO mice. These data indicated that RNF125 could participate in tumor immunity by promoting the K48-linked ubiquitination of PD-L1 to affect the occurrence and development of tumors, providing a potential target for enhancing therapeutic efficacy for human cancer treatment.
Trends in Childhood Viable Pregnancy and Risk of Stillbirth in the United States
Authors: Ibrahimi Sahra , Dongarwar Deepa , Yusuf Korede K. , Maiyegun Sitratullah Olawunmi , Salihu Hamisu M.
Published: February 2021

The objective of this study was to assess trends in childhood viable pregnancy over the previous three decades as well as the risk of stillbirth in these highly vulnerable child mothers. We conducted a population-based retrospective cohort study that used Birth datasets, Fetal Death datasets, and the US population census data: 1982-2017. To assess the association between various socio-demographic and maternal comorbidities and stillbirth, we generated adjusted hazard ratios (AHR) from Cox Proportional Hazards Regression models. Overall, there were declines in the stillbirth rates in both teens (15-19 years old) and child mothers aged ≤ 14 years, but the rate remained consistently higher among child mothers. Compared to teen mothers, childhood pregnancy was modestly associated with elevated risk for stillbirth. Childhood pregnancy is a risk factor for stillbirth. These findings further underscore the need for sustained efforts and policies to prevent pregnancies in the early years of reproductive development.
Genome-Wide Association Study Reveals Genetic Architecture of Septoria Tritici Blotch Resistance in a Historic Landrace Collection
Authors: Dutta Anik , Croll Daniel , McDonald Bruce A. , Krattinger Simon G.
Published: February 2021

Septoria tritici blotch (STB), caused by the fungus Zymoseptoria tritici, is a major constraint in global wheat production. The lack of genetic diversity in modern elite wheat cultivars largely hinders the improvement of STB resistance. Wheat landraces are reservoirs of untapped genetic diversity, which can be exploited to find novel STB resistance genes or alleles. Here, we characterized 188 Swiss wheat landraces for resistance to STB using four Swiss Z. tritici isolates. We used a genome-wide association study (GWAS) to identify genetic variants associated with the amount of lesion and pycnidia production by the fungus. The majority of the landraces were highly resistant for both traits to the isolate 1E4, indicating a gene-for-gene relationship, while higher phenotypic variability was observed against other isolates. GWAS detected a significant SNP on chromosome 3A that was associated with both traits in the isolate 1E4. The resistance response against 1E4 was likely controlled by the Stb6 gene. Sanger sequencing revealed that the majority of these ~100-year-old landraces carry the Stb6 resistance allele. This indicates the importance of this gene in Switzerland during the early 1900s for disease control in the field. Our study demonstrates the importance of characterizing historic landrace collections for STB resistance to provide valuable information on resistance variability and contributing alleles. This will help breeders in the future to make decisions on integrating such germplasms in STB resistance breeding.
Interleukin 1 Beta Is Associated With Depression in Multiple Sclerosis Patients
Authors: Aguilar-Talamantes Hugo , Islas-Hernandez Azul , Rodriguez-Castañeda Aleida , Bertado-Cortes Brenda , Corlay-Noriega Irma , Garcia-delaTorre Paola
Published: February 2021

Depressive and anxiety symptoms occur more frequently in chronic encephalomyelitis. Inflammatory diseases are highly associated with psychiatric comorbidities, which has been well established in Multiple Sclerosis. However, no biomarkers have been found with the capacity to discern between MS and depression. Thirty-six individuals with a diagnosis of MS according to the revised McDonald criteria, were recruited from an outpatient Neurology and Psychiatry from the medical unit of high specialty in Mexico. We measured the association between BDNF, IL-1β, and TNFα in serum with the presence of depression and anxiety using the semi-structured psychiatric interview, the Beck Depression Inventory (IDB), and Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS). This was a cross-sectional study. The Logistic Regression was used for the multivariate analysis adjusted by the Multiple Sclerosis Severity Score (MSSS). With a power of 0.75 in the final model, patients with multiple sclerosis, depression, and anxiety obtained the highest values of IL-1 β in our study.
Spirometry Alteration Due to Exposure to Atmospheric Pollutants in Rural Homes in Bogotá, Colombia
Authors: Piracón John Alexander Benavides , Vallejo Leonel Alexander Martínez , Cortés Mónica Alejandra Quintana , Vasquez Yenny Alejandra , Achury Nancy Jeanet Molina , Cerón Luis Carlos Belalcázar , Hernández Mario Andrés
Published: February 2021

This study was aimed to determine the association between the concentrations of particulate matter less than 2.5 microns (PM2.5), carbon monoxide (CO) and black carbon (BC) within the home and alterations in respiratory function in a population living in rural dwellings in the districts of Usme and Sumapaz in Bogotá, Colombia. Cross-sectional study that recruited people from the rural area of Bogotá. In total, 68 participants were recruited by non-random sampling. Indoor air monitoring of PM2.5, BC and CO were carried out. Additionally, a pulmonary function evaluation was performed using spirometry. Pulmonary function variables were included in a multiple linear regression by successive steps, adjusted in terms of the main variables described as modifiers of the values in spirometry, these are: age, height, sex and history of tobacco use. Assumptions of multicollinearity and randomization of variances in the residuals were evaluated. Negative associations were found between spirometry parameters and the concentration of indoor air pollutants. For FEV1 / FVC and theoretical FEV1 there was a statistically significant association with the concentration of carbon monoxide (p = 0.003 and 0.019). Environmental concentrations were higher in homes where biomass is used for cooking these differences were only statistically significant for BC and CO (p = 0.008 and 0.03 respectively). Carbon monoxide concentrations in rural homes caused alterations in respiratory function.
BuyangHuanwu Decoction Inhibits LPS-induced Inflammation in BV2 Microglial Cells by NF-κB/NLRP3 Pathway BYHWD Inhibits LPS-induced Inflammation in BV2 Cells
Authors: PENG Zhuang , PENG Sha , SHI Zhe , Luo Lin
Published: February 2021

Background: Neuroinflammation has been implicated in the pathogenesis of various neurological and cerebrovascular diseases. Recently, microglia has become a promising target to treat neuroinflammation-related diseases. BuyangHuanwu Decoction (BYHWD), a traditional Chinese medicine recipe, is a representative prescription for the treatment of neuroinflammation, showed great therapeutic potential in neuroinflammation-related cerebrovascular disorders including cerebral ischemia. However, it’s a possible mechanism of action remains unclear. Methods: In the present research, we studied the therapeutic effects of BYHWD on LPS-induced inflammatory response in BV2 microglia cells. The inflammatory cytokines include IL-6、TNF-α、NO were detected by the commercial kit. The inflammatory-related protein was measured by western blot and immunofluorescence.Results: Our findings showed that BYHWD could significantly reverse LPS-induced morphological changes in BV2 microglial and inhibits the local synthesis of proinflammatory cytokines and free radical via directly regulating NF-κB activity and inflammasome assembly. Our data showed that BYHWT inhibits LPS-induced TNF-α, IL-6, and NO production, Also can inhibit iNOS protein expression and the activation of NF-κB according to inhibit NLRP3 activation.Conclusions: In conclusion, our results demonstrated that BYHWD is a potential candidate for treating neuroinflammation-related diseases. Certainly, more comprehensive researches on the precise mechanism of action of BYHWD in cerebrovascular disease is required in future vivo studies.
Improved Permeate Flux and Rejection of Ultrafiltration Membranes Prepared From Polyethylene Terephthalate (PET) Bottle Waste
Authors: Kusumocahyo Samuel P , Ambani Syarifa K. , Marceline Shelly
Published: February 2021

Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) ultrafiltration membranes were prepared using two different sources of polymer material, namely PET bottle waste and PET resin. The membrane prepared from PET bottle waste and that prepared from PET resin showed similar membrane characteristics such as IR spectra, morphology, hydrophilicity and porosity, indicating that instead of using PET resin, PET bottle waste can be utilized as a source of the polymer material to fabricate low-cost membranes. The morphology, hydrophilicity and porosity of the membranes were strongly affected by the additive concentration. The analysis of the membrane morphology using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM) showed that the membranes had an asymmetric structure that consists of a macroporous cross section and a smooth active layer. Increasing the additive concentration of polyethylene glycol (PEG 400) resulted in a smaller pore size, however the hydrophilicity and the porosity of the membranes increased. As a result, the membranes showed an increase in both permeate flux and rejection with increasing concentration of PEG 400 as observed from the results of the ultrafiltration experiments. Using Bovine Serum Albumin as a solute model in the feed, high values of rejection of up to 93.9 % were achieved.
Caecal Microbiota Composition of Experimental Laying Hens Differs According to Genetic Line and Vaccination to IBV
Authors: Borey Marion , Bed'Hom Bertrand , Bruneau Nicolas , Estellé Jordi , Larsen Frederik , Dalgaard Tina , Calenge Fanny
Published: February 2021

BackgroundInteractions between the gut microbiota and the immune system may be involved in the vaccine response. In the present study, we studied the correlations between caecal microbiota composition and the immune response in six experimental laying hen lines harboring different haplotypes at the Major Histocompatibility complex (MHC), 7 weeks after their first vaccination against the infectious bronchitis virus (IBV). Two lines were previously considered as high responders (HR) to IBV vaccination and two other ones as low responders (LR). We explored to what extent the gut microbiota could be related to this variability through the characterization of caecal bacterial communities with a 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing approach, one week after an IBV infectious challenge. ResultsWe observed significant effects of both the vaccination and the genetic line on the microbiota, with lower bacterial richness in vaccinated chickens, especially in the Ruminococcaceae family. We also observed dissimilar caecal communities among the different MHC lines, and among the vaccinated and non-vaccinated animals. The effect of vaccination was similar in all the lines, with a reduced abundance of OTUs from the Ruminococcacea UCG-014 and Faecalibacterium genera, and an increased abundance of OTUs from the Eisenbergiella genus. The main association between the microbiota and the immune phenotypes implied TCRϒδ expression on TCRϒδ+ T cells, which especially shared negative associations with OTUs from the Escherichia-Shigella genus. Finally, opposing the HR and LR groups, we identified 3 OTUs more abundant in the HR group, from the Tyzzeralla family, the Angelakisella genus, and to a lower extent the Flavonifractor family. Conversely, an OTU from the CAG-352 genus was more abundant in the LR group. ConclusionsWe assessed that the caecal microbiota composition is associated with the IBV vaccine response in laying chickens, and that TCRϒδ expression on TCRϒδ+ T cells appears as one of the main components potentially involved in this interaction.
A Transcription Factor Signature Predicts Prognosis of Patients with Adrenocortical Carcinoma
Authors: Zhao Jianyu , Liu Bo , Li Xiaoping
Published: February 2021

Background: Adrenocortical carcinoma (ACC) is a rare endocrine cancer that manifests as abdominal masses and excessive steroid hormone levels. Transcription factors (TFs) deregulation is found to be involved in adrenocortical tumorigenesis and cancer progression. This study aimed to construct a TF-based prognostic signature for prediction of survival of ACC patients.Methods: The gene expression profile for ACC patients were downloaded from TCGA and GEO datasets. The univariate Cox analysis was applied to identify survival-related TFs and the LASSO Cox regression was conducted to construct the TF signature. The multivariate analysis was used to reveal the independent prognostic factors.Results: We identified a 13-TF prognostic signature comprised of CREB3L3, NR0B1, CENPA, FOXM1, E2F2, MYBL2, HOXC11, ZIC2, ZNF282, DNMT1, TCF3, ELK4, and KLF6 using the univariate Cox analysis and LASSO Cox regression. The risk score based on the TF-signature could classify patients into low- and high-risk group. Kaplan-Meier analyses showed that patients in the high-risk group had significantly shorter overall survival compared to the low-risk patients. ROC curves showed that the prognostic signature predicted the overall survival of ACC patients with good sensitivity and specificity. Furthermore, the TF-risk score was an independent prognostic factor.Conclusion: Taken together, we identified a 13-TF prognostic marker to predict overall survival in ACC patients.
‘Non-duality’ and ‘Reliance’ are the ‘regression refined principal components’ that influences ‘spirituality’ in ‘Indian Saints’.
Authors: Mishra Badrinarayan
Published: February 2021

Background: Quantifying spirituality is a tough ordeal and pretty intricate considering its multidimensional nature. Religion and culture are its top exponents. An evaluating tool must envisage them as core components. A tool to measure spirituality by incorporating Hindu philosophy was hard to find. Thus, we choose the commonly studied SAI (Spiritual Assessment Inventory) questionnaire and attempted to extract refined components with significant predicting potentials which can pave the path for spiritual assessment among Indian Saints.Results: The legitimate KMO and Bartlett's Test of significance of SAI for 1103 participants were .878 and 0.000; its Cronbach’s α was .810. Extracted Communalities for all 54 items of SAI ranged from .404 to .709. PCA (Principal Component Analysis) analysed 1097 participants that yielded 2 Principal Components (PCs)having a total of 7 variables; 3 for PC 1 and 4 for PC 2. The PCs thus derived explained 59.48% of the total variance of the participant’s spiritual score. The PCA for the two extracted components reported a Cronbach's α value of .69, the KMO and Bartlett's Test of significance of .748 and 0.000, and a linear regression R2 value at .605, F .000 and sig. f change .000. Standardized Beta for extracted component variables ranged from.10 to .28 with a significance value of .000. Both the PCs had corresponding Eigenvalues > 1. The corresponding Monte Carlo PCA test of parallel lines Eigenvalues was calculated to cross-check the PCA Eigen figure for their validity. The PCA Eigen figure was found tenable after cross-checking.Conclusion: PC 1 with its 3 variables was named ‘Reliance’ and PC 2 with 4 variables were ‘Non-duality’ named. These two PCs accounted for to 59.48%of spirituality in Indian saints and demonstrated a strong positive prediction potential concerning spiritual scores (regression R2 .605) in Indian Saints.
Impact of COVID-19 on health behaviours and body weight: A prospective observational study in a cohort of 1.1 million UK and US individuals
Authors: Mazidii Mohsen , Leeming Emily , Merino Jordi , Nguyen Long , Selvachandran Somesh , Maher Tyler , Kadé Kirstin , Murray Benjamin , Graham Mark , Sudre Carole , Wolf Jonathan , Hu Christina , Drew David , Steves Claire , Ourselin Sebastien , Gardner Christopher , Spector Tim , Chan Andrew , Franks Paul , Gibson Rachel , Berry Sarah
Published: February 2021

Evidence regarding the impact of COVID-19 on health behaviours is limited. In this prospective study including 1.1 million UK and US participants we collected diet and lifestyle data ‘pre-’ and ‘peri-’ pandemic, and computed a bi-directional health behaviour disruption index. We show that disruption was higher in the younger, female and socioeconomically deprived (p<0.001). A loss in body weight (-0.57kg) was greater in highly disrupted individuals compared to those with low disruption (0.01kg). There were large inter-individual changes observed in all 46 health and diet behaviors measured peri-pandemic versus pre-pandemic, but no mean change in the total population. Individuals most adherent to unhealthy pre-pandemic health behaviours improved their diet quality (0.93units) and weight (-0.79kg) compared with those reporting healthy pre-pandemic behaviours (0.08units and 0.04kg respectively), irrespective of relative deprivation. For a proportion of the population, the pandemic may have provided an impetus to improve health behaviours.
IL-32 Serum Levels in Coronary Artery Disease Patient and its Relationship with IL-6 and TNF-α Serum Levels
Authors: Mohammad-Rezaei Mina , Ahmadi Reza , Rafiei Ali , Khaledifar Arsalan , Fatahi Shohila , Samiei-Sefat Azadeh , Emami Shohreh , Bagheri Nader
Published: February 2021

Coronary Artery Disease (CAD) is a chronic inflammatory disease caused by atherosclerosis and arteries become clogged due to plaque formation, fat accumulation, and various sorts of immune cells. IL-32 is a new proinflammatory cytokine, which enhances inflammation through inducing different inflammatory cytokines. The purpose of current research was to assess IL-32 serum levels in coronary artery disease subjects and its relationship with serum levels of IL-6 and TNF-α. Forty-two subjects diagnosed with CAD and thirty-nine control subjects were enrolled in the research. Serum levels of IL-6, TNF-α, and IL-32 were measured using the enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). IL-32, TNF-α, and IL-6 serum levels were significantly higher by 2.7, 3.48, and 3.2-fold in the CAD subjects than in control subjects, respectively. Moreover, no significant difference was found in TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-32 serum levels with the clogged arteries number in the CAD group. TNF-α and IL-32 serum levels in the CAD subjects with cardiac arterial stenosis in one major vessel were significantly increased than CAD subjects with cardiac arterial stenosis in more than one major vessels. ROC curve analysis revealed that serum levels of IL-32, TNF-α, and IL-6 showed good abilities in predicting CAD. Also, Multiple logistic regression analyses suggested that TNF-α, IL-6, and IL-32, serum levels of LDL and ox-LDL were independently related to the presence of CAD, while HDL serum levels were not. TNF-α, IL-32, and IL-6 showed an increase in CAD group and serum levels of these cytokines showed good abilities in predicting CAD. Our data suggested the involvement of TNF-α and IL-32 in the early stage of CAD.