bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Multidimensional Fatigue in Chinese Meningioma Patients Newly Diagnosed : Prevalence, Severity and Risk Factors
Authors: Zhang Dandan , Wu Qian , Gu Xixi , Gu Zhifeng , Dong Chen , Li Rong , Zong Zhiying , Zhang Xiaomei , Li Liren
Published: July 2021

Purpose

Few studies have assessed fatigue of meningioma patients. The purpose of this study was to explore the prevalence, severity, and risk factors of multidimensional fatigue, as well as the impact on health-related quality of life (HRQoL) in Chinese meningioma patients newly diagnosed.
Methods

This cross-sectional study included 120 Chinese meningioma patients recruited from Affiliated Hospital of Nantong University from January 2020 to February 2021. Data were collected before surgery, including demographic, clinical and psychological characteristics, as well as fatigue scores, based on completion of the Multidimensional Fatigue Inventory (MFI-20). Spearman correlation and multiple linear regression were used to analyze the data.
Results

The results demonstrated that a high prevalence of severe fatigue for each dimension: general fatigue (33.3%), physical fatigue (27.5%), reduced activity (28.3%), reduced motivation (12.5%), mental fatigue (11.7%), and total fatigue (23.3%). Headache and anxiety were predictors of general fatigue. Depression was an independent predictor of physical fatigue. Karnofsky Performance Status (KPS) score and depression independently predicted reduced activity. Depression and Epworth Sleepiness Scale (ESS) score were risk factors predicting reduced motivation, while KPS score and anxiety predicted mental fatigue. Importantly, comorbidity, KPS score, headache, depression, sleep disturbances, and ESS score could predict total fatigue. Furthermore, MFI-20 scores in all dimensions were negatively correlated with Short Form 36 Health Survey (SF-36) scores in all dimensions.
Conclusion

Our findings indicate that meningioma patients newly diagnosed are frequently affected by fatigue, potentially contributing to impair HRQoL. For patients with risk factors of fatigue, targeted interventions are advised in order to decrease fatigue and improve HRQoL.
Comparison of Success Rate and Complications of Open Inguinal and Subinguinal Varicocelectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Mehrabi Sadrollah , shojaeizadeh Fataneh , Manzouri Leila , Mehrabi Amir
Published: July 2021

Background: Varicocele is the most common surgically correctable cause of infertility in men. The aim of this study was comparing the success rate and complications of open inguinal and subinguinal varicocelectomy.Methods: This randomized clinical trial was conducted from March 2017 to 2018. Sixty six patients that met inclusion criteria for varicocelectomy (persistent pain or impaired spermogram) were sequentially randomly allocated to inguinal and subinguinal varicocelectomy. Sperm analysis was performed in all patients before surgery. One week, one and three months after the operation patients were visited and evaluated for pain intensity (using visual analog scale) and complications( recurrence, hematoma, scrotal swelling, infection, hydrocele formation and numbness). Follow- up spermogram was done three months after varicocelectomy to evaluate the success of operation. Results: Mean time of operation was17.33±2.18 and 22.48± 4.45 minutes in the subinguinal and inguinal varicocelectomy method, respectively (p=0.001, CI95%=3.41-6.89). Semen analysis three months after surgery showed that there was no significant differences between semen volume (p=0.85), sperm count (p=0.09), sperm density (p=0.13), normal morphology (p=0.07) and motility (p=0.47) in both groups. There was no significant difference in pain density one week (p=0.51), one (p=0.29) and three months (p=0.67) after surgery between two groups. There wasn't any significant difference between two groups regarding recurrence of varicocele (p=0.67). Conclusions: In this study subinguinal varicocelectomy was superior to inguinal method due to less time of operation. However, there was no significant difference in postoperative complications and improvement of spermogram. Further studies with longer period of follow-up are recommended to compare fertility rate in inguinal and subinguinal varicocelectomy.Trial registration: IRCT, IRCT201710131323N12, Registered 20 October 2017, Retrospectively registered, https://www.irct.ir/trial/581
Lactoferrin Supplementation For Taste And Smell Abnormalities Among Patients Receiving Cancer Chemotherapy
Authors: Lesser Glenn J , Irby Megan Bennett , Taylor Richard , Snavely Anna , Case Douglas , Wang Aili , Dietrich Andrea , Duncan Susan
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Taste and smell abnormalities (TSA) are common in patients receiving chemotherapy and may lead to altered nutritional intake, treatment withdrawal, and impaired quality of life. Lipid peroxidation in the oral cavity is one cause of TSA. Lactoferrin (LFN), an iron-binding salivary protein, reduces production of lipid oxidation byproducts and has been shown to reduce perception of unpleasant flavors. To assess the feasibility of LFN as a treatment for TSA, we conducted pilot investigations among patients with cancer who self-reported TSA following onset of chemotherapy. The primary objective was to assess change in subjective taste and smell perception from baseline to completion of 30-days of LFN supplementation.Methods: Patients were treated with 750mg LFN daily for 30 days and followed for an additional 30 days without LFN. TSA was measured via the taste and smell questionnaire (TSQ) including taste (score 0-10), smell (score 0-6), and composite scores (0-16, 0=no TSA) at baseline, day 30, and day 60.Results: 26 patients enrolled; 19 remained on study at day 30 and 17 at day 60. Baseline mean TSQ scores were 6.5 (taste), 3.1 (smell) and 9.6 (composite). By day 30, mean composite TSQ score improved by 1.7 (p=0.018); taste and smell improved by 0.6 (p=.062) and 1.1 (p=.042) respectively. From baseline to day 60, mean composite TSQ score improved by 3.8 (p<.0001); taste and smell improved by 1.9 (p=.001) and 1.8 (p=.003). Conclusions: Further evaluation of LFN is warranted to determine its value for improving self-reported TSA among patients receiving chemotherapy.
Hybrid versus Total Sublaminar Wires in Patients With Spinal Muscular Atrophy Undergoing Scoliosis Surgery
Authors: Chou Shih-Hsiang , Li Wen-Wei , Lu Cheng-Chang , Lin Kun-Ling , Lin Sung-Yen , Shen Po-Chih , Tien Yin-Chun , Huang Hsuan-Ti
Published: July 2021

Background﻿Early versions of spinal muscular atrophy (SMA) scoliosis correction surgeries often involved sublaminar devices. Recently the utilization of pedicle screw is gaining much popularity. Pedicle screw generally believed to provide additional deformity correction, but pedicle size and rotational deformity limit the application of pedicle screw in the thoracic spine, resulting in a hybrid construct of the pedicle screw and sublaminar wire. Studies of the efficacy of hybrid instrumentation in SMA scoliosis is often limited by the scarcity of the disease itself. In this study, we aimed to compare the surgical outcome of using hybrid constructs of the pedicle screw and sublaminar wire and that of sublaminar wire alone in patients with SMA scoliosis.MethodsWe retrospectively reviewed the clinical records and radiographic assessments of patients with SMA scoliosis who underwent corrective surgery between 1993 and 2015. The radiographic assessments included the deformity correction and the progressive change of major curve angle, pelvic tilt (PT) and coronal balance (CB). The correction of deformities was observed postoperatively and at the patient’s 2-year follow-up to test the efficacy of each type of constructs.ResultsThirty-three patients were included in this study. There were 14 and 19 patients in the wiring and the hybrid construct groups, respectively. The hybrid construct demonstrated a higher major curve angle correction (50.5° ± 11.2° vs. 36.4° ± 8.4°, p < 0.001), a higher apical vertebral rotation correction (10.6° ± 3.9° vs. 4.8° ± 2.6°, p < 0.001), and reduced the progression of major curve angle after the 2-year follow-up (5.1° ± 2.9° vs. 8.7° ± 4.8°, p < 0.001). A moderate correlation was observed between the magnitude of correction of apical vertebral rotation angle and major curve (r = 0.528, p = 0.002).ConclusionThis study demonstrated that hybrid instrumentation can provide a greater magnitude of correction in major curve and apical rotation, as well as less major curve progression in comparison with sublaminar wire in patients with SMA scoliosis.Level of evidence III
Influenza Vaccination in Coronavirus Times: Intention to Be Vaccinated by Primary Care Professionals in Central Catalonia (VAGCOVID)
Authors: Muñoz-Miralles Raquel , Bonet-Esteve Anna , Cebollero Anna Rufas , Cruz Xavier Pelegrin , Alaball Josep Vidal
Published: July 2021

BackgroundInfluenza vaccination is the main measure of prevention against the epidemic flu, which annually produces a significant increase in the pressure on healthcare systems, in addition to influencing the absenteeism of health workers. Although it is recommended that health professionals be vaccinated, their vaccination coverage is low. The lack of knowledge about the evolution of influenza in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus pandemic led to the continued recommendation of influenza vaccination to people at risk and to professionals. The aim of the study is to determine the intention to vaccinate against seasonal flu of health professionals in the 2020-21 campaign in the context of the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, and to analyse the factors that influence it.MethodsCross-sectional study through a structured online survey aimed at Primary Care professionals in the region of central Catalonia.ResultsA total of 610 participants responded to the survey, 65.7% of whom intended to be vaccinated against the flu in this campaign and 11.1% did not yet know or did not answer. The intention to be vaccinated against flu is associated with the professional category, the years of professional practice, the fact of making face-to-face guards, and the perception of the risk of suffering from flu. It is also related to a history of influenza vaccination in the previous year and to having been vaccinated on another occasion. The profile of professionals who intend to be vaccinated against flu includes professionals with a history of vaccination, who were on duty and perceived that their staff were at risk of becoming ill with flu.ConclusionsDuring the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic, many professionals show a clear intention to get vaccinated against the flu, but there are still some who doubt it. In order to improve influenza vaccination coverage among health professionals, it is necessary to design strategies aimed at professionals who are hesitant or reluctant to vaccination.
The Timing for Initiating Estrogen Stimulation in Artificial Cycle for Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer can be Flexible
Authors: Ying Ying , Wu Yixuan , Liu Shuang , Huang Qing , Liu Haiying
Published: July 2021

Background: There remains a lack of evidence to demonstrate whether the initiation time of estrogen stimulation is flexible in the proliferative endometrial phase during the artificial cycle for frozen-thawed embryo transfer (AC-FET).Methods: FET records were retrospectively reviewed from a large university-affiliated reproductive medicine center. Only the patients who were undergoing their first embryo transfer with a single blastocyst in the AC-FET cycles were included: thereby 660 cycles were recruited, and the patients were grouped according to their day of estrogen usage initiation as early initiation group (estrogen stimulation initiated during days 2–5 of menses, n = 128) and the late initiation group (estrogen stimulation initiated on or after the sixth day of menses, n = 532). The primary outcome was the ongoing pregnancy rates (OPR). Results: The rates of biochemical and clinical pregnancies were significantly higher in the late initiation group relative to those in the early initiation group, however, no significant differences were noted between the 2 groups for OPR. Furthermore, after adjusting for the results of the potential confounders, no impact was observed in the initiation time of estrogen stimulation on the OPR.Conclusions: This study provides evidence that initiating the estrogen stimulation on after days 2–5 of menses do not exert adverse effects on the OPR in AC-FETs. Thus, FET can be scheduled in a flexible manner, according to the ovulatory and endometrial statuses and patient and/or clinic preference, without compromising on the clinical outcomes.
Unconventional reconciliation path for quantum mechanics and general relativity
Authors: Yuguru Samuel
Published: July 2021

Physics in general is successfully governed by quantum mechanics at the microscale and principles of relativity at the macroscale. Any attempts to unify them using conventional methods have somewhat remained elusive for nearly a century up to the present stage. Here in this study, a classical gedanken experiment of electron-wave diffraction of a single slit is intuitively examined for its quantized states. A unidirectional monopole (MP) field as quanta of the electric field is pictorially conceptualized into 4D space-time. Its application towards quantum mechanics and general relativity in accordance with existing knowledge in physics paves an alternative path towards their reconciliation process. This assumes a multiverse at a hierarchy of scales with Einstein’s gravity defined to be of circular acceleration in time reversal mode within an MP field precessing into forward time for a rotating body into space. Such descriptions also provide an approximate intuitive tool to examine physics in general from alternative perspectives using conventional methods and this warrants further investigations.
Air Pollution, Road Proximity, Greenspace, Indoor Air Pollution and Reduced Lung Function Incidence in Children : A Case-control Study
Authors: Zhang Jingwei , Wang Yuming , Feng Lihong , Hou Changchun , Gu Qing
Published: July 2021

Objectives

Reduced lung function during childhood could substantially influence the health states of the respiratory system in adults, so, the relationships between air pollution, road proximity, greenspace, indoor air pollution and reduced lung function incidence in children were investigated in this study.
Methods

The lung function of children was tested every year from 2015 to 2018 and the method of case-control study was applied. Propensity score matching (PSM) was performed to minimize confounding bias and the conditional logistic regression model was carried out to evaluate the effects of indoor and outdoor environmental risk factors on reduced lung function of children.
Results

Each-one quartile increment in the mixture of the six air pollutants at lag1, lag2 and lag3 periods were related to 46.2%, 9.57% and 8.28% increased risk levels of getting the unhealthy outcome. The protective effect of greenness at lag2 period (Odds ratios (OR) = 0.01 (95% confidence interval (CI): 0–0.02)) was stronger than that at lag1 period (OR = 0.03 (95% CI: 0.01–0.05)).
Conclusions

Separate and combined effects of most air pollutants at different lag periods represented the hazard effects to the lung function of students. And the distance band of 101–200 m between the home address of each student and the major road could be detrimental to the health of the lung of children significantly. Exposure levels of greenness had protective effects on lung health for students. Only the indoor factor of secondhand smoke exposure was significantly associated with an elevated risk of having reduced lung function.
Epidemiology of HIV-negative Rifampicin Resistance /Multidrug-Resistant Extrapulmonary Tuberculosis: 5 Years-experience From a National Tuberculosis Clinical Research Center in China
Authors: Ma Jun , Fan Lin , Liu Hongcheng , Li Wenting , Sun Wenwen
Published: July 2021

Background: China is a region with a high global burden of Rifampicin Resistance ／Multidrug-Resistant tuberculosis (RR/MDR-TB) and low HIV incidence. Our aim was to assess the epidemiological and clinical characteristics of RR/MDR-extrapulmonary tuberculosis (EPTB) over the past five years in China to inform national TB control programmes.Methods: We investigated the epidemiological and clinical datas of all MDR/RR-EPTB cases in a TB specialized hospitals in China over a five-year period and compared cases with a cohort of MDR/RR-PTB patients over the same period.Results: Of the 1,700 RR/MDR-TB patients enrolled, 17.76% were EPTB. The incidence of RR／MDR-EPTB were increasing.The most common anatomical site was pleura/chest wall (20.20%). Compared with RR／MDR-Pulmonary tuberculosis (PTB），RR/MDR-EPTB were were predominately female (50.66%, P< 0.01) 、more prone to delay (P<0.01) in RR/ MDR-EPTB detection with the median time of 145（14 ,341）days since first visit、more less likely to develop diabetes (22.85 %, P<0.01) 、more likely to be newly diagnosed ( 56.95%, P<0.01) 、lower successful treatment outcome（69.56%，p <0.01）、more dependent on Xpert (93.71%) for resistance detection、lower culture positive rate (56.95% , P< 0.01). RR/ MDR-EPTB also showed a significantly higher rate of pre-XDR/XDR (32.45%, P <0.01) . Conclusion: RR/MDR-EPTB is different from RR-MDR/PTB in both epidemiology and clinical. Clinicians should recommend Xpert in early stage and use fluoroquinolones cautiously in cases suspected TB.
Lactic Acid Bacterial Bacteriocins and Their Bioactive Properties Against Food Associated Antibiotic Resistant Bacteria
Authors: Imade Emmanuel Edoghogho , Omonigho Solomon Esharegoma
Published: July 2021

Purpose: Incidence of food borne diseases and growing resistance of pathogens to classical antibiotics is a major concern in the food industry. Consequently, there is increasing demand for safe foods with less chemical additives but natural products which are not harmful to the consumers. Bacteriocins produced by lactic acid bacteria (LAB), is of interest because they are active in a nanomolar range, do not have toxic effects and are readily available in fermented food products.Methods: In this research, LAB were isolated from fufu, gari, kunu, nono and ogi using De Mann, Rogosa and Sharpe agar. Result: A total of 162 isolates were obtained from the food samples. Antimicrobial sensitivity test yielded positive result for 45 LAB isolates against Staphylococcus aureus ATCC 25923 while 52 LAB isolates inhibited the growth of Escherichia coli ATCC 25922. On confirmation of the bacteriocinogenic nature of the inhibitory substance, 4 of the LAB isolates displayed a remarkable degree of inhibition to Leuconostoc mesenteroides, Salmonella typhimurium and Bacillus cereus. Agar well diffusion assay was also performed using the cell-free supernatant (CFS) obtained from Lactobacillus fermentum strain NBRC15885, Lactobacillus fermentum strain CIP102980, Lactobacillus plantarum strain JCM1149 and Lactobacillus natensis strain LP33. The (CFS) was able to inhibit the growth of B. subtilis, Klebsiella pneumonia, S. typhimurium, S. aureus and E. coli which are foodborne pathogens.Conclusion: It therefore portends that the bacteriocins produced by the LAB isolated from these food products could act as probiotics for effective inhibition of the growth of antibiotic resistant foodborne pathogens.
Antioxidant Activities of Artemisia Absinthium and Citrus Paradisi Extracts Repress Viability of Aggressive Liver Cancer Cell Line
Authors: Ali Muhammad , Iqbal Rida , Safdar Muhammad , Murtaza Sehrish , Mustafa Ghulam , Sajjad Muhammad , Bukhari Shazia Anwer , Huma Tayyaba
Published: July 2021

Numerous reports show that herbal medicines can be utilized in the treatment of different liver disorders. In this study, antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities of individual as well as combined ethanolic extracts of Artemisia absinthium leaves and Citrus paradisi peels were investigated. Values of total phenolic contents (TPC), total flavonoid contents (TFC), DPPH-radical scavenging activity, and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) were measured to explore the antioxidant capacity. To assess antibacterial activity, four bacterial strains were used. For evaluation of anticancer activity Huh-7 (liver cancer) and Vero (non-cancerous) cell lines were utilized. FRAP activity of combined plants extract was higher as compared to their individual effect; the trend did not hold in case of DPPH-radical scavenging activity. Disk diffusion method revealed that only combined extract of plants express antibacterial activity against one strain (E. coli). MTT results indicated that both plants have cytotoxic effect on Huh-7 cell line and did not show any effect on Vero cell line. Our data showed a strong negative correlation between the amount of TPC, TFC, & DPPH radicals-scavenging activity and cell viability of cancerous cell line. Whereas, no effect was shown on non-cancerous cell line. Hence, these plants can be used in treatment of liver cancer because of their antioxidant, antibacterial, and anticancer activities.
Antidepressant Like Effect of Sodium Orthovanadate in A Mouse Model of Chronic Unpredictable Mild Stress.
Authors: Joshi Angel , Akhtar Ansab , Saroj Priyanka , Kuhad Anurag , Sah Sangeeta Pilkhwal
Published: July 2021

Depression is a psychiatric disorder characterized by low esteem, anhedonia, social deficit, and lack of interest. Decreased BDNF and impaired TrKB signaling be associated with depression. In our study, depressive-like behavior was induced in mice by chronic unpredictable mild stress (CUMS) model. Various behavioral tests like tail suspension test (TST), open field test (OFT), and sucrose preference test (SPT); biochemical analyses for corticosterone, reduced glutathione (GSH), lipid peroxidation (LPO), superoxide dismutase (SOD), nitric oxide (NO) and ELISA for BDNF were performed. Body weight was measured every week. Depressive-like behavior was associated with increased oxidative stress in the brain and subsequent reduction of BDNF. Further, sodium orthovanadate (SOV), a protein tyrosine phosphatase inhibitor was used as a test drug as it is reported to stimulate BDNF levels. Sodium orthovanadate (SOV-5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg) and fluoxetine (10 mg/kg) was given to mice orally for 21 days before 30 minutes of stress induction. The behavioral tests reflected depressive-like behavior in CUMS, which was attenuated by both SOV and fluoxetine. SOV at 10 mg/kg has demonstrated significant results in our study by decreasing malondialdehyde levels (MDA/LPO), NO levels, and increasing GSH and SOD in both the cortex and hippocampus. Besides, ELISA revealed the elevation of BDNF levels in the treatment groups (SOV-5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and FLX-10 mg/kg) as compared with the disease group (CUMS). Therefore, the treatment with SOV appeared to reverse both oxidative and nitrosative stress. Decreased serum corticosterone levels (SOV-5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg); FLX (10 mg/kg) + SOV (5 mg/kg); FLX-10 mg/kg and per-se) and elevated BDNF level (SOV-5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg and FLX-10 mg/kg) were associated with attenuation of depressive-like behavior. The findings of this preliminary study indicate that SOV has the potential to restore antidepressant-like effect or prevention of stress-induced anhedonia and so further molecular mechanisms will be warranted for clinical translation.
‘Triple Clear’: A Systematic and Up-to-Date Surgical Process for Giant Cell Tumor of Bone Graded Companacci II and III with or without Pathological Fracture and Joint Invasion
Authors: Wang Yushan , Tian Qiaoqiao , Li Haoze , Li Jian , Ren Peng , Feng Yi
Published: July 2021

Objectives: 1) To describe a systematic process for giant cell tumours of bone (GCTB). 2) To compare the clinical effects of ‘triple clear’ (TC) and segmental resection (SR), bone grafts and bone cement.Method: Patients with primary GCTB graded Companacci II and III who were treated with either SR (n = 39) or TC (n = 41) were included. The pain level was determined by the Visual Analogue Scale. Limb function was determined by the Musculoskeletal Tumour Society (MSTS) score.Result: The operating time was 135.7±38.4 min in the TC group and 174.2±43.0 min in the SR group (P<0.05). The recurrence rates were 7.3% and 10.0%, respectively (P = 0.37). The MSTS scores at three months after surgery were 19.8±1.5 in the TC group and 18.8±1.5 in the SR group. The MSTS scores at two years were 26.3±0.7 and 24.2±1.6, respectively (P＜0.05).Conclusion: TC is recommended for GCTB graded Companacci II-III and GCTB accompanied by pathological fracture or joint invasion. Bone grafts may be more suitable than bone cement in the long term.
Intramyocardial Injection of Human Adipose-Derived Stem Cells Ameliorates Cognitive Deficit By Regulating Oxidative Stress-Mediated Hippocampal Damage After Myocardial Infarction
Authors: Lee Tsung-Ming , LEE Cheng-Che , HARN Horng-Jyh , CHIOU Tzyy-Wen , CHUANG Ming-Hsi , CHEN Chun-Hung , CHUANG Chi-Hsuan , LIN Po-Cheng , LIN Shinn-Zong
Published: July 2021

Cognitive impairment is a serious side effect of post-myocardial infarction (MI) course. We have recently demonstrated that human adipose-derived stem cells (hADSCs) ameliorated myocardial injury after MI by attenuating reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels. Here, we studied whether the beneficial effects of intramyocardial hADSC transplantation can extend to the brain and how they may attenuate cognitive dysfunction via modulating ROS after MI. After coronary ligation, male Wistar rats were randomized via an intramyocardial route to receive either vehicle, hADSC transplantation (1x106 cells), or the combination of hADSCs and 3-Morpholinosydnonimine (SIN-1, a peroxynitrite donor). Whether hADSCs migrated into the hippocampus was assessed by using human-specific primers in qPCR reactions. Passive avoidance test was used to assess cognitive performance. Postinfarction was associated with increased oxidative stress in myocardium, circulation and hippocampus. This was coupled with decreased numbers of dendritic spines as well as a significant downregulation of synaptic plasticity consisting of synaptophysin and PSD95. Step through latency during passive avoidance test was impaired in vehicle-treated rats after MI. Intramyocardial hADSC injection exerted therapeutic benefits in improving cardiac function and cognitive impairment. None of hADSCs were detected in rat’s hippocampus at the 3th day after intramyocardial injection. The beneficial effects of hADSCs on MI-induced histological and cognitive changes were abolished after adding SIN-1. MI-induced ROS attacked the hippocampus to induce neurodegeneration, resulting in cognitive deficit. The remotely intramyocardial administration of hADSCs, has the capacity of improved synaptic neuroplasticity in hippocampus mediated by ROS, not the cell engraftment, after MI.
Bleaching Flax Roving With Poly(Acrylic Acid) Magnesium Salt As Oxygen Bleaching Stabilizer For Hydrogen Peroxide
Authors: Liu Jie , Jiang Wenqi , Sun Ling , Lv Chun
Published: July 2021

Alkali-oxygen one-bath scouring and bleaching process of the flax roving was studied by using a new type of synthesized non-silicon oxygen bleaching stabilizer Poly(acrylic acid) magnesium instead of sodium silicate. Based on the analysis of the effects of single factors such as sodium hydroxide concentration, hydrogen peroxide concentration, temperature, time and the amount of the synthesized non-silicon oxygen bleaching stabilizer poly(acrylic acid) magnesium salt on the performance of the bleached flax roving, including the whiteness, the breaking tenacity, the capillary effect and the weight loss ratio. The optimal process for the application of the stabilizer was determined by orthogonal test, namely, hydrogen peroxide concentration 8.5 g/L, sodium hydroxide concentration 5 g/L, sodium bisulfite 3 g/L, sodium carbonate 3 g/L, the synthesized non-silicon oxygen bleaching stabilizer poly(acrylic acid) magnesium 5.5 g/L, scoured and bleached at 90 ℃ for 60 min, and the bath ratio was 25:1. Compared with the traditional oxygen bleaching stabilizer sodium silicate, it not only has good ability to inhibit the rapid decomposition of hydrogen peroxide, but also has the advantages of higher whiteness, higher capillary effect, good feel and breaking tenacity, and can effectively solve the "silicon scale" problem and improve the quality of flax products.
Study of Cadmium Desorption Kinetics from Riverine Sediments
Authors: Nasrabadi Mohsen , Omid Mohammad Hossein , Mazdeh Ali Mahdavi
Published: July 2021

In natural streams, the majority of heavy metal ions are generally associated ‎with ‎sediment particles. Under some environmental conditions, these metal ions may release from ‎the ‎sediment particles.‎ In such conditions, the desorption rate of heavy metals is very important for decision-makers of ‎water quality assessment. In this study, the effect of cadmium desorption ‎from the river bed ‎sediments has been ‎experimentally investigated. Artificially contaminated sediments were used ‎for performing batch desorption ‎experiments. The experiments were conducted by adding 1 gr of contaminated ‎sediment (D50 = 0.53 mm) with a known concentration and shaking until observing a ‎roughly ‎constant cadmium concentration in the solution. It was concluded that the cadmium ions were strongly bond to the river bed sediment; meanwhile, at the ‎equilibrium time, up to about 7 to 29 percent of cadmium ions were ‎released from the‎ artificially contaminated sediments. The experiments were followed by ‎two agitation rates of 100 and 200 rpm. It was revealed that by increasing the flow turbulence, the amount ‎of desorbed cadmium is slightly increased. Besides, the desorption kinetics was evaluated using eight models of Zero-, first-, second-, third-order, ‎parabolic diffusion, double parabolic diffusion, two constant rate, and simple Elovich. The results of the evaluation showed that simple Elovich (with R2 = 0.991), double parabolic diffusion (with R2 = 0.9882), two constant rate (with R2 = 0.983) and parabolic diffusion models (with R2 = 0.846) have respectively the best performance in calculation of Cd desorption rate from the sediments.
Socio-Territorial Inequities in the French National Breast Cancer Screening Programme – A Cross-Sectional Multilevel Study
Authors: Rollet Quentin , Guillaume Élodie , Launay Ludivine , Launoy Guy
Published: July 2021

Background. France implemented in 2004 the French National Breast Cancer Screening Programme (FNBCSP). Despite national recommendations, this programme coexists with non-negligible opportunistic screening practices.Aim. Analyse socio-territorial inequities in the 2013-2014 FNBCSP campaign in a large sample of the eligible population.Method. Analyses were performed using three-level hierarchical generalized linear model. Level one was a 10% random sample of the eligible population in each département (n = 397 598). For each woman, age and travel time to the nearest accredited radiology centre were computed. These observations were nested within 22 250 IRIS, for which the European Deprivation Index (EDI) is defined. IRIS were nested within 41 départements, for which opportunistic screening rates and gross domestic product based on purchasing power parity were available, deprivation and the number of radiology centres for 100 000 eligible women were computed. Results. Organized screening uptake increased with age (OR1SD = 1.05 [1.04 – 1.06]) and decreased with travel time (OR1SD = 0.94 [0.93 – 0.95]) and EDI (OR1SD = 0.84 [0.83 – 0.85]). Between départements, organized screening uptake decreased with opportunistic screening rate (OR1SD = 0.84 [0.79 – 0.87]) and départements deprivation (OR1SD = 0.91 [0.88 – 0.96]). Association between EDI and organized screening uptake was weaker as opportunistic screening rates and as département deprivation increased. Heterogeneity in FNBCSP participation decreased between IRIS by 36% and between départements by 82%. Conclusion. FNBCSP does not erase socio-territorial inequities. The population the most at risk of dying from BC is thus the less participating. More efforts are needed to improve equity.
Impact of Soil Moisture on Crop Yields in Major Rainfed Growing Regions of Peninsular India
Authors: Bal Santanu Kumar , Shivaramu H. S. , Kumar P. Vijaya , Lingaraj H. , Sandeep V. M. , Rao A. V.M. Subba , Singh V. K. , Manjunatha M. H. , Malleswari S. N. , Tupe Arvind , Sudhakar G. , Dakhore K. K. , Subbulakshmi S.
Published: July 2021

Assessment of soil moisture availability and timely declaration of drought are keys for exemplary relief assistance in water stressed regions. Percent available soil moisture (PASM) is one among several drought declaration indices, needs evaluation with respect to individual crop and cropping system, as the amount of water requirement varies with respect to crop and its growth stage. Analysis of yield variability due to PASM was carried out by employing correlation and linear regression analyses based on long term observations in experiments conducted at different dry farming locations of the peninsular India. The range of available soil moisture in order to obtain at least 50 per cent of optimum yield in cereals (maize: 26 and finger millet: 52.9 PASM), pulses (pigeonpea: 37.2 PASM), oilseeds (soybean: 26.8 to 30.5, groundnut: 53.8 to 61.7 PASM) and commercial crops (cotton: 26.3 PASM) was 26 to 61 per cent. Establishment of these regression models helped in timely drought declaration / precise identification of drought hit areas and assuring feasible relief assistance. The outcomes of the study may be used for amending the existing drought norms (0–50; severe, 50–75; mild and 75–100; no drought) for provision of proportionate compensations to the farmers.
A New Chinese Family of Autosomal Dominantly inherited Cerebral Small Vessel Disease Related to A Heterozygous HTRA1 Mutation
Authors: Zhang Junqin , Zhang Xingyu , Nie Shuke , Li Zongnan , Zhang Zhentao , Xiao Tingting
Published: July 2021

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Magnitude of Anxiety and Associated Factors Among Epileptic Patients Attending Out-patient Department at Primary Public Hospitals in Northern Part of Ethiopia. A Multicenter Cross- Sectional Study
Authors: Nigussie Kabtamu , Sertsu Addisu
Published: July 2021

Introduction: In spite of the fact that anxiety disorders are common among individuals with epilepsy, there are no studies conducted about the prevalence of anxiety disorders among individuals with epilepsy in Ethiopia. Hence, the point of this study was to determine the magnitude and related factors of anxiety among individuals with epilepsy attending an out-patient department at Central Gondar Zone Primary Public Hospitals, Northern Ethiopia.Method: An organizational based cross-sectional study was conducted from June - July, 2020 at central Gondar zone primary public hospitals. A total of 422 participants were chosen by systematic sampling technique. Information was collected by utilizing Amharic interviewer-administered questioners. Anxiety was assessed by using hospital depression anxiety scale. Bivariate logistic regression and multivariate logistic regression analyses were done to recognize variables related with anxiety. Association was described by using adjusted odds ratio (AOR) along with 95% Confidence interval. Finally, P-values < 0.05 in adjusted analysis were taken as a cut off for significant association. Result: Out of 412 participants included in the study, 116 (28.2%; 95% CI: 23.9-32.5) had anxiety. Being single (AOR=1.84, 95% CI: 1.04-3.24), very frequent frequency of seizure (AOR=1.24, 95% CI; 1.55-2.80), depression (AOR=3.62, 95% CI; 1.97- 8.66), perceived stigma (AOR=2.54, 95% CI; 1.83-4.67) and hazardous alcohol use (AOR=1.18, 95% CI, 1.53-3.63), were statically significantly associated with having anxiety. Conclusion: Nearly, one in four people with epilepsy visited out-patient treatment had anxiety. Being single, very frequent frequency of seizure, having depression, presence perceived stigma and hazardous alcohol use were significant associated with anxiety among individuals with epilepsy. Screening, early distinguishing proof and providing appropriate intervention of anxiety among individuals with epilepsy should be great concern for the wellbeing care suppliers.
Prediction of Pasture Intake by Beef Cattle in Tropical Conditions
Authors: Fernandes Geferson Antonio , de Oliveira André Soares , de Araújo Cláudio Vieira , Couto Victor Rezende Moreira , de Moraes Kamila Andreatta Kling , de Moraes Eduardo Henrique Bevitori Kling
Published: July 2021

A meta-analytic study was conducted to develop and evaluate models for the prediction of pasture dry matter intake (DMIpasture) by beef cattle in tropical conditions. 804 individual observations of DMIpasture were used, taken from 23 studies through analysis of mixed models, including the study as a random effect. To evaluate the accuracy and precision of the new models proposed as well as for the models of Azevedo et al., (2016) and Minson and McDonald (1987), an independent databank with 87 means from treatments of 21 experiments (n = 888 animals) was used. Three prediction models were adjusted: Model I (Animal Information), Model II (Animal Information + Supplement) and Model III (Animal Information + Supplement + Pasture). The proposed models presented similarity for the average square root of the prediction error. The inclusion of the predictive variables for supplementation (supplement dry matter intake - DMIsupplement - % of the body weight and crude protein intake through supplement) with the variables for the animal (BW0,75 and average daily gain) and of the pasture (% of crude protein) in Model III improves accuracy and precision and provides higher determination and correlation coefficients, and agreement than the other proposed models. Similarly, it was found to be more accurate and precise than the equations of Azevedo et al., (2016) and Minson and McDonald (1987), which presented lower precision and accuracy than the proposed models. The DMIpasture for beef cattle in tropical conditions is more accurate and precise when the information for the animal, supplement and pasture is included.
Molecular Characterization and Overexpression of CYP51 gene of Difenoconazole Resistance in Lasiodiplodia Theobromae Field Isolates
Authors: Wang Chenguang , Xu Luxi , Liang Xiaoyu , Wang Jing , Xian Xinwei , Zhang Yu , Yang Ye
Published: July 2021

Stem-end rot (SER) caused by Lasiodiplodia theobromae is an important disease of mango in China. Demethylation inhibitor (DMI) fungicide are widely used for diseases control in mango orchards. The baseline sensitivity to difenoconazole of 138 isolates collected in the field in 2019 from mango were established by the mycelial growth rate method. The cross-resistance to six site-specific fungicides with different modes of action were investigated using 20 isolates randomly selected. The possible reasons for L. theobromae resistance to difenoconazole were preliminarily determined through gene sequence alignment and quantitative real-time PCR analysis. The results showed that the EC50 values of 138 L. theobromae isolates to difenoconazole ranged from 0.01 to 13.72 µg/ml. The frequency of difenoconazole sensitivity formed a normal distribution curve when the outliers were excluded. Difenoconazole showed positive cross-resistance only with the DMI tebuconazole, but not with non-DMI carbendazim, pyraclostrobin, fludioxonil, bromothalonil, or iprodione. Some multifungicide-resistant isolates of L. theobromae were found. Two amino acid substitutions (E209k and G207A) were found in CYP51 protein, but they were not likely related to the resistance phenotype. There was no alteration in promoter region of the CYP51 gene. However, difenoconazole significantly increased the expression of the CYP51 gene in the resistant isolates when compared to the susceptible isolates. This study is important references to explore resistance mechanism. These results are vital to make effective mango diseases management strategies in order to avoid the development of further resistance.
Isolation and Screening for Ureolytic Bacteria from Bukilat Cave, Camotes Islands, Cebu
Authors: Nery Virjun Rae , Bureros Kenneth Joseph
Published: July 2021

Microbial-induced calcite precipitation (MICP) is an eco-friendly technique used in creating better soil substrate often for engineering purposes. This is done through the application of the ureolytic pathway of certain bacteria. This study aims to discover whether any of these bacteria can be found in Bukilat Cave, Camotes Islands, Cebu. Samples from the pools of water, drip water, and swabs of the walls of the cave were collected, cultured, and then tested using Christensen’s agar for their ability to undergo the ureolytic pathway. The rate at which they undergo the ureolytic pathway was then measured and compared between different sources and to the positive control, Bacillus megaterium. The results showed that there was no significant difference between the rate at which bacteria from the different sources underwent ureolysis. There was also no significant difference between the rate at which the collected bacteria underwent ureolysis and the rate of the positive control (2.588 mM/min). Finally, the species with the fastest rate of ureolysis was identified to be Bacillus cereus NR 074540 with a rate of 3.033 mM/min. However, it is not ideal for MICP purposes because of its potential pathogenicity.
Temperature and Precipitation Drive Elevational Patterns of Microbial Beta Diversity in Alpine Grasslands
Authors: Yang Xiaoqin , Li Yue , Niu Bin , Chen Qiuyu , Hu Yilun , Yang Yibo , Song Lili , Wang Jianjun , Zhang Gengxin
Published: July 2021

Understanding the mechanisms underlying biodiversity patterns is a central issue in ecology, while how temperature and precipitation jointly control the elevational patterns of microbes is understudied. Here, we studied the effects of temperature, precipitation and their interactions on the alpha and beta diversity of soil archaea and bacteria in alpine grasslands along an elevational gradient of 4,300-5,200 m on the Tibetan Plateau. Alpha diversity was examined on the basis of species richness and evenness, and beta diversity was quantified with the recently developed metric of local contributions to beta diversity (LCBD). Typical alpine steppe and meadow ecosystems were distributed below and above 4,850 m, respectively, which was consistent with the two main constraints of mean annual temperature (MAT) and mean annual precipitation (MAP). Species richness and evenness showed decreasing elevational patterns in archaea and nonsignificant or U-shaped patterns in bacteria. The LCBD of both groups exhibited significant U-shaped elevational patterns, with the lowest values occurring at 4,800 m. For the three diversity metrics, soil pH was the primary explanatory variable in archaea, explaining over 20.1% of the observed variation, whereas vegetation richness, total nitrogen and the K/Al ratio presented the strongest effects on bacteria, with relative importance values of 16.1%, 12.5% and 11.6%, respectively. For the microbial community composition of both archaea and bacteria, the moisture index showed the dominant effect, explaining 17.6% of the observed variation, followed by MAT and MAP. Taken together, temperature and precipitation exerted considerable indirect effects on microbial richness and evenness through local environmental and energy supply-related variables, such as vegetation richness, whereas temperature exerted a larger direct influence on LCBD and the community composition. Our findings highlighted the profound influence of temperature and precipitation interactions on microbial beta diversity in alpine grasslands on the Tibetan Plateau.
Trends in the Incidence and Outcome of Sepsis Using Data from a Japanese Nationwide Medical Claims Database -the Japan Sepsis Alliance (JaSA) Study Group-
Authors: Imaeda Taro , Nakada Taka-aki , Takahashi Nozomi , Yamao Yasuo , Nakagawa Satoshi , Ogura Hiroshi , Shime Nobuaki , Umemura Yutaka , Matsushima Asako , Fushimi Kiyohide
Published: July 2021

Background: Trends in the incidence and outcomes of sepsis using a Japanese nationwide database were investigated.Methods: This was a retrospective cohort study. Adult patients, who had both presumed serious infections and acute organ dysfunction, between 2010 and 2017 were extracted using a combined method of administrative and electronic health record data from the Japanese nationwide medical claim database, which covered 71.5% of all acute care hospitals in 2017. Presumed serious infection was defined using blood culture test records and antibiotic administration. Acute organ dysfunction was defined using records of diagnosis according to the International Statistical Classification of Diseases and Related Health Problems, 10th Revision, and records of organ support. The primary outcome variables were the annual incidence of sepsis and death in sepsis per 1,000 inpatients. The secondary outcome variables were in-hospital mortality rate and length of hospital stay in patients with sepsis. Results: The analyzed dataset included 50,490,128 adult inpatients admitted between 2010 and 2017. Of these, 2,043,073 (4.0%) patients had sepsis. During the 8-year period, the annual proportion of patients with sepsis significantly increased (slope=+0.30%/year, P<0.0001), accounting for 4.9% of the total inpatients in 2017. The annual death rate of sepsis per 1,000 inpatients significantly increased (slope=+1.8/1,000 inpatients year, P=0.0001), accounting for 8.4 deaths per 1,000 inpatients in 2017. The in-hospital mortality rate and mean length of hospital stay significantly decreased (P<0.001) over the study period and were 18.3% and 41.9 days in 2017, respectively.Conclusions: The Japanese nationwide data indicate that the annual incidence of sepsis and death in inpatients with sepsis significantly increased; however, the annual mortality rates and length of hospital stay in patients with sepsis significantly decreased. The increasing incidence of sepsis and death in sepsis appear to be a significant and ongoing issue.
Association Among Abdominal Obesity Induces, Diabetic Retinopathy and Metabolic Syndrome in Community: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Li Xin , Yu Zi-Wei , Yang Chang-Wei , Hao Ming , Gao Xin-Yuan , Kuang Hong-Yu , Yu Yong , Peng Xu
Published: July 2021

Background and aims: Obesity often coexists with diabetes has been recognized as a risk factor for diabetic complications. Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most common microvascular complications of diabetes, and the metabolic syndrome (MetS) is one of the most common symptoms of diabetes. The purpose of this study was to explore the relationship between DR and some induces, including NC, CVAI, PWNC and so on; as well as the relationship between DR and MetS.Methods: From 2018 to 2019, a total of 562 diabetics from the Hulan District of Harbin, Heilongjiang, were selected and completed a questionnaire survey. The questionnaire included basic patient information, anthropometric parameters, blood pressure, biochemical parameters and fundus photography results.Results: In both men and women, a one standard deviation (SD) increase in NC、CVAI and PWNC was not associated with the prevalence of DR (P>0.05). However, in both men and women, a one SD increase in NC、CVAI and PWNC was significantly associated with the prevalence of MetS (P<0.05). These association were all adjusted for potential confounding factors. Moreover, DR was not associated with MetS(P>0.05).Conclusions: NC, CVAI and PWNC are associated with the prevalence of MetS. NC in men and CVAI in women had the largest area under the ROC curve compared to the other induces, which may be convenient and valuable anthropometric measurements for early prevention of MetS. However, these induces had no association with DR and there is no relationship between DR and MetS.