bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical evaluation of rare copy number variations identified by chromosomal microarray in a Hungarian neurodevelopmental disorder patient cohort
Authors: Lengyel Anna , Pinti Éva , Pikó Henriett , Árvai Kristóf , Abonyi Tünde , Némethi Zaránd , Fekete György , Haltrich Irén
Published: April 2022

Background: Neurodevelopmental disorders are genetically heterogeneous pediatric conditions. The first tier diagnostic method for uncovering copy number variations (CNVs), one of the most common genetic etiologies in affected individuals, is chromosomal microarray (CMA). However, this methodology is not yet a routine molecular cytogenetic test in many parts of the world, including Hungary. Here we report clinical and genetic data of the first, relatively large Hungarian cohort of patients whose genetic testing included CMA. Methods: Clinical data were retrospectively collected for 89 children who were analyzed using various CMA platforms. Phenotypes of patients with disease-causing variants were compared to patients with negative results using the chi squared/Fisher exact tests. Results: A total of 41 pathogenic CNVs were identified in 36 patients (40.4%). Abnormal height (p=0.0050), short stature (p=0.0250), brain imaging abnormalities (p=0.0277), complicated perinatal adaptation (p=0.0346), postnatal growth delay (0.0387), abnormal weight (p=0.0865), global developmental delay (p=0.0918) and pectus excavatum (p=0.0968) were more likely to be associated with disease-causing CNVs. Conclusions: Our results allow phenotypic expansion of 14q11.2 microdeletions encompassing SUPT16H and CHD8 genes. Variants of unknown significance (n=32) were found in 22 patients. We provide detailed phenotypic and genetic data of these individuals to facilitate future classification efforts, and spotlight two patients with novel potentially pathogenic alterations. Our results contribute to unraveling the diagnostic value of rare CNVs.
Meal replacement as a weight loss strategy for night shift workers with obesity: a protocol for a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Sooriyaarachchi Piumika , Jayawardena Ranil , Pavey Toby , King Neil
Published: April 2022

Background: Shift work is considered a risk factor for a number of chronic health conditions including obesity. Weight reduction in obese patients lowers the risk for cardiovascular disease, diabetes, certain cancers, and mortality. Achieving a negative energy balance by providing low-calorie meal replacements is widely used for weight management. This study aims to evaluate the impact of a low calorie “meal-replacement” on weight and metabolic parameters of shift workers with obesity. Methods: This trial will be conducted in parallel, randomized controlled design for a period of 8 weeks. A total of 44 shift workers with Body Mass Index over 25 kg/m2 will be recruited after assessing eligibility. Participants will be randomly assigned to the test and control groups on a 1:1 ratio. The intervention group (N=22) will be provided with a low calorie (~200 kcal) meal replacement shake as a dinner, and the control group (N=22) will continue their habitual diets. The visits and the evaluations will be done as follows: screening (visit 0), 4 weeks (visit 1), and 8 weeks (visit 2). Anthropometric measurements will be taken at 0, 4 and 8 weeks. Body composition, biochemical parameters, dietary intake and physical activity will be assessed during the first and the last visit. Outcomes: The primary outcome will be body weight loss, and the proportion of participants that had a 5% body weight loss from baseline. The secondary outcomes will be post intervention changes in the other metabolic parameters. Discussion: To our knowledge this is one of the first randomized controlled trials evaluating the effects of a meal replacement as the night meal for weight loss in shift worker with obesity. Moreover, improvement of metabolic parameters in shift-workers will be an added benefit to this high risk group. Trial registration: Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ANZCTR): ACTRN12622000231741. Registered on 09 February 2022. https://www.anzctr.org.au/ACTRN12622000231741.aspx
Patient Adherence to Oral Anticancer Agents
Authors: KAZAZ SEHER NAZLI , YILDIRIM ATİLA
Published: April 2022

Purpose: The aim of the study was to measure the adherence to oral anticancer treatments in cancer patients using the Modified Morisky Scale (Modified Medication Adherence Scale-6, MMAS-6) which has been shown to be valid and reliable in Turkish.Methods: This study was an observational, single-center study involving 300 cancer patients using various oral anticancer agents admitted to our outpatient clinic. Motivation and knowledge scores were calculated according to the MMAS-6.Results: 71.3% of the patients had high motivation level, 28.7% had low motivation level, 68.7% had high knowledge level and 31.3% of the patients had low level of knowledge. The motivation and knowledge levels of the population under 65 years of age were found to be significantly higher than the geriatric population (≥ 65 years old) (p< 0.003 and p<0.001, respectively). It was observed that the patients with higher education levels had significantly higher motivation and knowledge levels (p<0.0001 for both). There was no correlation between the motivation and knowledge levels of the patients with gender, marital status, living status and stage of the disease (p>0.05). In addition, the duration of drug use >12 months and the cyclical use of drugs were also found to be significantly associated with increased motivation and knowledge levels.Conclusion: Identifying adherence and related factors, informing patients in detail about the efficacy and toxicity of treatments are the simplest and most basic methods. Particular attention should be paid to patients aged >65 years, patients with a low level of education and patients in the earlier stages of their treatments.
Where is my footprint located? Estimating the geographical variance of Hybrid-LCA footprints
Authors: Jakobs Arthur , Schulte Simon , Pauliuk Stefan
Published: April 2022

Hybrid- Life Cycle Assessments (LCA) mostly fails to fully exploit valuable information from Multi-Regional Input-Output (MRIO) models by aggregating regional supply chains to the lower geographical resolution of process LCA databases. We propose a method for sampling the various individual regions within the aggregated regional scope of LCA processes. This sampling not only maximises the information content of the hybrid LCA footprint results by preserving the regional variance, it also allows for using regional price distributions form BACI/UN-COMTRADE international trade statistics to simultaneously improve the accuracy of the hybrid model. In this work we analyse the impact of regional variance and the use of regional price distributions on the uncertainty of the hybrid footprint results for both the carbon (GWP100) and land use footprint and compare this to the variance resulting from price variance only and regional variance only. We find that the median process footprint intensity increases by 7 +18 − 3 % for the GWP100 due to hybridisation, and 90 +143 − 23 % for the Land Use footprint. Our results also show that the magnitude of the footprint uncertainty strongly depends on the product sector of the LCA process and environmental impact considered. Additionally, we illustrate the effect of regional variance and price distributions on a consumption footprint using a case study of Swiss household consumption. Here the truncation error estimates are 8 . 4 +9 . 2 − 2 . 7 % for the GWP100 and 36 +64-14 % for the land use footprint. The relative uncertainties of the truncation error correction are very high (110-178% for the upper limits) moreover the have a strong positive skew. Our results highlight the importance of regionalisation of process LCA databases, as it has the potential to significantly improve both the precision and accuracy of hybrid LCA models.
Long-term Physical Activity Decreased the Risk of New-onset Hypertension in Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus Patients with Pre-hypertension: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Zhou Jianmei , Lv Xiaoling , Zhou Rongfang , Wang Bozhong , Wu Qing
Published: April 2022

Background Numerous studies were demonstrated the inverse relationship between all kinds of physical activity (PA) and cardiovascular diseases (CVDs), few of them focus on the new-onset hypertension. Therefore, this study was aimed to determine the impact of long-term PA on the risk of new-onset hypertension in type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM) patients with pre-hypertension.Methods A total of 268 T2DM patients with pre-hypertension were recruited between January and December 2015, and followed them up until December 2020. All patients were took PA self-assessment. Demographic, clinical, laboratory, radiologic, treatments, complications, lifestyle and clinical outcomes data were extracted from electronic medical records or collected through a structured interview.Results During 5 year follow-up, the incidence of new-onset hypertension was significantly lower in PA group (15.5% vs 35.4%, p<0.01) when compared to the physical inactivity (PIA) group. Logistic regression analysis showed that PA (OR 0.337, 95%CI 0.168 to 0.677, p<0.01), body mass index (BMI) (OR 1.138, 95%CI 1.019 to 1.272, p<0.05) and glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1C) (OR 1.206, 95%CI 1.006 to 1.446, p<0.05) were associated to the incidence of new-onset hypertension in pre-hypertensive T2DM patients. Subgroup analysis found that for those overweight and poorly controlled pre-hypertensive T2DM patients, long-term PA were less likely to develop hypertension (overweight: OR 0.187, 95%CI 0.063 to 0.558, p<0.01; glycaemic glucose poor controlled: OR 0.349, 95%CI 0.138 to 0.880, p<0.05).Conclusion These results suggested that long-term PA might be an important protective factor for new-onset hypertension in overweight and poor blood glycaemic controlled pre-hypertensive T2DM patients.
Gender-specific effects of prenatal mixed exposure to multiple serum phthalates on neurodevelopment of children aged 2-3 years ： the Guangxi Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Xiao Bo , Zheng Yuan , Li Longman , Cheng Hong , Huang Shengzhu , Feng Xiuming , Huang Lulu , Wei Luyun , Cao Dehao , Wang Sida , Tian Long , Tang Weijun , He Caitong , Shen Chunhua , Luo Bangzhu , Zhu Maoling , Liang Tao , Pang Baohong , Li Mujun , Liu Chaoqun , Chen Xing , Wang Fei , Mo Zengnan
Published: April 2022

Phthalates have been shown to have adverse effects on neurodevelopment, which may be gender-specific. However, the association between prenatal mixed exposure to phthalates and children's neurodevelopment remain limited. We measured prenatal phthalate levels and children's neurodevelopment. Logistic regression was fitted to examine the association. Among boys, mono-2-ethyl-5-hydroxyhexyl phthalate (MEHHP) has adverse effects on gross motor (OR: 7.39, 95% CI:1.42, 38.5). For gross motor in boys, joint effect was discovered between mono-2-ethylhexyl phthalate (MEHP) and MEHHP. Moreover, synergistic effects were found for MEHP with vanadium and cadmium, and antagonistic effects for MEHP with magnesium, calcium, titanium, iron, copper, selenium, rubidium and strontium. We did not find statistically significant relationships in girls. In the 1st trimester, adverse effects were identified between mono-2-ethyl-5-oxoyhexyl phthalate (MEOHP) and adaptation ( P = 0.024), and monomethyl phthalate (MMP) with social area ( P = 0.016). In the 2nd trimester, the risk of social development increased with MEHHP. In summary, we found boys may be more vulnerable to the neurotoxicity than girls in gross motor, and the 1st and 2nd trimester might be more sensitive in terms of phthalates on children. To some extent, supplementation of the appropriate metals in the 1st trimester may reduce or inhibit the absorption of phthalates by the foetus, especially in males, so as to prevent neurodevelopmental impairment.
The effect of time regime in noise exposure on the auditory system and behavioural stress in the zebrafish
Authors: WONG Man Ieng , LAU Ieng Hou , GORDILLO-MARTINEZ Flora , VASCONCELOS Raquel O.
Published: April 2022

Anthropogenic noise of variable temporal patterns is increasing in aquatic ecosystems, causing auditory impairment and physiological stress with consequences for species sensory adaptation and survival. However, scarce information exists on exposure effects to continuous and intermittent acoustic disturbances, which is critical for noise management. We tested the effects of different noise temporal regimes on the auditory system and behavioural stress in the zebrafish (Danio rerio).Adult zebrafish were exposed for 24 h to either white noise treatments (150 ± 10 dB re 1μPa) or silent control conditions. Acoustic playbacks varied in temporal patterns: continuous, fast and slow regular intermittent, and irregular intermittent. Auditory sensitivity was assessed with Auditory Evoked Potential recordings, revealing hearing loss and increased response latency in all noise-treated groups but higher threshold shifts in continuous and fast regular intermittent treatments. Inner ear saccule analysis did not reveal significant hair cell loss but a decrease in presynaptic activity with the continuous noise. Specimens were further tested using the Novel Tank Diving assay, which revealed noise-induced behavioral stress in all noise treatments.We provide first data on how different noise time regimes impact the auditory system of a fish, suggesting that overall acoustic energy is more important than regularity when predicting noise effects. Moreover, we show that exposure to moderate noise levels causes anxiety-related behavior in a reference species.
The Use of Phosphorescence Oxygen Analyzer to Measure Cellular Respiration in Thymic Fragments from Mice
Authors: Alshamsi Mariam , Hassane Maya , Almarzooqi Farida , Souid Abdul-Kader
Published: April 2022

Background. This report aims to detail the use of phosphorescence oxygen analyzer for in vitro investigation of the thymic response to pharmaceutical agents, in particular immunosuppressants and immunomodulators. Sirolimus (a highly specific inhibitor of the ‘molecular target of rapamycin’, mTOR) and ozanimod (an agonist of the sphingosine 1-phosphate receptor, a recently approved drug for treatment of multiple sclerosis and ulcerative colitis) were investigated for this purpose. The detection method in this prescribed analytical instrument is based on the principle that oxygen quenches the phosphorescence of Pd(II) meso-tetra (sulfophenyl) tetrabenzoporphyrin. Methods. Thymic fragments from mice were placed in vials containing 2.0 mL phosphate-buffered saline, 0.5% fat-free bovine albumin, and 3 µM Pd phosphor (with or without added glucose). The vials were then sealed from air and their dissolved oxygen concentration was monitored at 25oC as a function of time. Results. The kinetics of oxygen consumption was zero-order; thus, its rate (in µM O2 min-1) was the negative of d[O2]/dt. The addition of cyanide inhibited respiration, confirming oxygen was consumed in cytochrome oxidase of the mitochondrial respiratory chain. In age-matched mice, the rate of thymocyte (cellular) respiration (mean ± SD, in µM O2 min-1 mg-1) was 0.046 ± 0.011 (median = 0.043, range = 0.028 to 0.062, n = 10). In thymic fragments from littermates, this rate was inhibited in the presence of sirolimus (16% lower) or ozanimod (29% lower). Conclusions. Respiration can serve as a surrogate biomarker for studying the mode-of-action and cytotoxicity of immunotoxins and immunosuppressants in thymic fragments collected from mice.
Morphological analysis and measurement of ulnar nerve sulcus: a study by 3D CT reconstruction
Authors: Li Ming-bo , Yu Ze-yun , Zhang Jian-hao , Xu Da-hong , Zheng Hai-xia
Published: April 2022

Objective: To observe the anatomical structure of ulnar nerve sulcus of the normal adult elbow joint by 3D computerized tomography (CT) reconstruction technique, and to provide reference for clinical assessment of the risk of ulnar nerve entrapment, treatment of Cubital tunnel syndrome (CuTS) and surgical operation of the elbow canal according to the type, Methods: 308 cases of normal adult elbow joint were reconstructed by CT, and classified according to the anatomical shape of ulnar nerve sulcus, the relevant anatomical structures of the ulnar nerve were measured,AB, AC, BC, AD, AE, AF, AG and cross-sectional area were measured, and the measurement results were analyzed and recorded. Results: (1) the ulnar nerve sulcus can be divided into three morphologic types: hook-type (18.19%), L-type (37.66%) and arc-type (44.15%), L- type and arc- type are the most common. Comparing the three types: Hook-type was the narrowest (13.42±2.09mm) and deepest (6.04±1.01mm), which was prone to make ulnar nerve entrapment; and arc-type was relatively wider (16.61±1.95mm) and shallower (4.58±0.72mm), which may be prone to make ulnar nerve dislocation. (2) There were no significant differences in AB, AC, AD, BC, AE, AF, AG and cross-sectional area between the left and right elbow joint. (3) AC, BC, AE, AF, AG and cross-sectional area data of male were significantly higher than that of female, but AB and AD had no significant difference. Conclusion: The measurement of the morphological and anatomical features of ulnar nerve sulcus by 3D CT reconstruction imaging is helpful for evaluating the risk of ulnar nerve entrapment and provides anatomical guidance for clinical cubital canal surgery.
What are Good Urban System Structures in Sparsely Populated Areas —Case Study of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau in China
Authors: Shao Xuanxuan , Yao Yongling
Published: April 2022

Urbanization in sparsely populated areas is critical for sustainability. The Qinghai-Tibet Plateau is a typical example of an ecologically fragile region that plays a crucial role in China’s ecological safety and water resource protection. We use a social network analysis to illustrate the structure of the urban system on the plateau and find that the agglomeration and diffusion capabilities of the core nodes are weak, which presents an obstacle to the sustainable development of the urban system. Nevertheless, we find that the intermediate nodes—which serve multiple integration functions for the various cultures, ethnic groups, and religions in the region—are core nodes that divide the dispersed cities and towns into four subgroups that function as small worlds (There are closed relations between cities and towns within subgroups just like their own small worlds, also called cohesive subgroups in Social Network Analysis). Based on this finding, we suggest implementing a ‘double-layer’ urban system to promote the sustainable urban development of the Qinghai-Tibet Plateau. This ‘double-layer’ system breaks the usual urbanization trend, in which cities grow in size and their distribution becomes more concentrated; instead it provides a feasible way to maintain urban sustainability in a sparsely populated area.
The Effects of Torsion on Horizontal Fusion and Stereopsis
Authors: Feng Tongzhu , Li Yueping , Zhang Wei
Published: April 2022

Objective: To investigate the effects of the ocular torsion on horizontal fusion and stereopsis in normal adults and to probe the effects of the torsion on peripheral fusion, macular fusion and foveal fusion.Methods: Twenty-five normal adults aged 30-38 years were enrolled in this study. Using synoptophore test, the break points (BP) and recovery points (RP) of convergent fusion (CF) and divergent fusion (DF) and random-dots stereopsis (RDS) were measured and analyzed at objective intorsion and extorsion 3 °\5 °\ 7 °\9 °. According to the different sizes of the retinal areas simulated by the synoptophore slides, the fusional functions are divided into three categories: peripheral fusion (p-F), macular fusion (m-F) and foveal fusion (f-F). The p-F, m-F and f-F were analyzed and compared at the same torsional angle. Results: For p-F, BPCF, RPCF, BPDF and RPDF decreased at objective extorsion and intorsion 5 °, 7 ° and 9 °, compared with those without objective torsion (P < 0.05). For m-F, the BPCF, RPCF, and BPDF at intorsion and extorsion 7 ° and RPDF at intorsion and extorsiont 9 ° decreased significantly, compared with those without objective rotation (P<0.05). For f-F, the BPCF and RPCF at extorsion 7 ° and 9 ° decreased significantly (P<0.05). Comparing among p-F, m-F and f-F, there were significant differences in BPCF at intorsion 3 °, extorsion3 ° and no torsion and in RPCF at extorsion 3 °. RDS was gradually damaged with increasing torsion (Spearman correlation, P = 0.018). Conclusions: The ocular torsion in the normal range of cyclofusion affects the horizontal fusion and stereopsis. Torsion≥5 ° could decrease peripheral fusion and torsion≥7 ° could decrease macular fusion and foveal fusion.
Circuit implementation of the globally optimized HHL algorithm and experiments on qiskit
Authors: Zhang Meng , Dong Lihua , Zeng Yong , Cao Ning
Published: April 2022

In 2019, Yonghae Lee et al. combined the circuit implementation of the HHL quantum algorithm with a classical computer, and designed a hybrid HHL quantum circuit optimization algorithm to reduce experimental errors caused by decoherence and so on. However, the optimization is achieved only in the auxiliary quantum coding phase, and no quantum resource reduction is done on the quantum phase estimation and inverse quantum phase estimation stages. At the same time, the circuit optimization illustration on the 2th-order linear equation system just has the result and no specific process. In this paper, based on the idea of the hybrid HHL algorithm and the general quantum circuit implementation framework of HHL, a global optimization HHL algorithm is proposed. The feasibility of the global optimization HHL algorithm is verified by IBM's qiskit. The detail circuit optimization illustrations on the 4th-order linear equations show that the global optimization HHL algorithm can effectively reduce quantum resources without losing the fidelity of the results. Thus the global optimization HHL algorithm can further avoid some result errors than the existing implementation methods.
Semantic and syntactic information processing during auditory language comprehension: A spectral stereo-EEG approach
Authors: Tiali Samuel El Bouzaïdi , Vidal Juan R. , Cousin Emilie , Kahane Philippe , Minotti Lorella , Lachaux Jean-Philippe , Perrone-Bertolotti Marcela
Published: April 2022

There is no consensus regarding clear-cut brain functional dissociations of semantic and syntactic information processing networks. Recent studies proposed a functional dissociation at the spectral level in which semantic and syntactic processes were associated with neural network activity at different frequency intervals. This study aimed at investigating this functional dissociation for semantic and syntactic information during auditory language comprehension. For this purpose, we collaborated with 11 drug-resistant epilepsy patients undergoing deep electrode implantation brain recordings. Patients were instructed to listen to four different types of auditory stimuli (in which semantic and syntactic information were manipulated): sentences, jabberwockys, word lists, and pseudoword lists. Results showed no clear dissociation between semantic and syntactic processing in the left language canonical network. In the temporo-parietal regions two distinct subnetworks, each with its own spectral signature, were observed. Semantic information processing appeared to elicit stronger high frequency activity in the temporal pole, while syntactic information processing elicited low frequency activity increases in the middle temporal as well as the supramarginal gyri. Interestingly, a specific spectral functional dissociation in the pars triangularis was observed suggesting that a single region could support both functional processes within distinct neural frequency intervals.
Visualizing RNA conformational and architectural heterogeneity in solution
Authors: Ding Jienyu , Lee Yun-Tzai , Bhandari Y , Fan Lixin , Schwieters Charles , Yu Ping , Tarasov Sergey , Stagno Jason , Ma Buyong , Nussinov Ruth , Rein Alan , Zhang Jinwei , Wang Yun-Xing
Published: April 2022

RNA flexibility is reflected in its heterogeneous conformation. Existing techniques, such as NMR, crystallography, or cryo-EM, are not suited for studying highly heterogeneous conformation. Through direct visualization using atomic force microscopy (AFM) and the adenosylcobalamin riboswitch aptamer domain as an example, we show that a single RNA sequence folds into conformationally and architecturally heterogeneous structures under near-physiological solution conditions. Recapitulated 3D topological structures from AFM molecular surfaces reveal that all conformers share the same secondary structural elements. Only a population-weighted cohort, not any single conformer, including the crystal structure, can account for the ensemble behaviors. All conformers, except for one, are functionally active in terms of ligand binding. Our findings provide direct visual evidence that the sequence-structure relationship of RNA under physiologically relevant solution conditions is more complex than the one-to-one relationship for well-structured proteins. The direct visualization of conformational and architectural ensembles in solution may prompt a revision to our current views and approaches to RNA structural analyses.
Risk Characterization of Microplastics in San Francisco Bay, California
Authors: Coffin Scott , Weisberg Stephen B. , Rochman Chelsea , Kooi Merel , Koelmans Albert A.
Published: April 2022

Assessing microplastics risk to aquatic ecosystems has been limited by lack of holistic exposure data and poor understanding of biological response thresholds. Here we take advantage of two recent advances, a toxicological meta-analysis that produced biotic response thresholds and a method to quantitatively correct exposure data for sampling methodology biases, to assess microplastic exposure risk in San Francisco Bay, California, USA. Using compartment-specific particle size abundance data, we rescaled empirical surface water monitoring data obtained from manta trawls (> 333 µm) to a broader size (1 to 5,000 µm) range, corrected for biases in fiber undercounting and spectroscopic subsampling, and assessed the introduced uncertainty using probabilistic methods. We then compared these rescaled concentrations to four risk thresholds developed to inform risk management for California for each of two effect categories/mechanisms - tissue translocation-mediated effects and food dilution - each aligned to ecologically relevant dose metrics of surface area and volume, respectively. More than three-quarters of samples exceeded the most conservative food dilution threshold, which rose to 85% when considering just the Central Bay. Within the Central Bay, 38% of the samples exceeded a higher threshold associated with management planning, which was statistically significant at the 95% confidence interval. For tissue translocation-mediated effects, no samples exceeded any threshold with statistical significance. The risk associated with food dilution is higher than that found in other systems, which likely reflects this study having been conducted for an enclosed water body. A sensitivity analysis indicated that the largest contributor to assessment variability was associated with estimation of ambient concentration exposure due to correcting for fiber undercounting. Even after compensating for biases associated with fibers and other small particles, concentrations from the trawl samples were still significantly lower than the 1-L grab samples taken at the same time, suggesting our SFB risk estimates are an underestimate. We chose to rely on the trawl data because the 1-L grab sample volume was too small to provide accurate spatial representation, but future risk characterization studies would be improved by using in-line filtration pumps that sample larger volumes while capturing a fuller range of particle size than a towed net.
Serum YKL-40 as a biomarker related to white matter fiber damage and cognitive impairment in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Zhang Wei , Li Mingxu , Zhou Xia , Zhao Wenming , Zhang Cun , Huang Chaojuan , Yuan Xin , Yin Wenwen , Wan Ke , You Mengzhe , Yu Xianfeng , Zhu Xiaoqun , Sun Zhongwu
Published: April 2022

Chitinase-3-like protein-1 (YKL-40) is recognized as a novel neuroinflammatory biomarker related to neurodegenerative diseases. We aimed to explore whether serum YKL-40 can serve as a potential biomarker in patients with cerebral small vessel disease (CSVD), and possible neural correlates with white matter fiber damage and cognitive impairment. Blood samples were collected from 100 CSVD patients and 80 healthy controls (HCs) to measure serum YKL-40 levels. All subjects underwent diffusion tensor imaging (DTI) scanning and cognitive function assessment, and the CSVD group was classified into CSVD-no cognitive impairment (CSVD-NCI) and CSVD-mild cognitive impairment (CSVD-MCI) two subgroups. Binary logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine the independent risk factors for CSVD and CSVD-MCI. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was performed to assess the diagnostic value of YKL-40. Partial correlation analysis was carried out to explore the associations of DTI indices with YKL-40 and cognition. The serum YKL-40 levels of CSVD were significantly higher than those of the HCs, and the CSVD-MCI was higher than that in HCs and CSVD-NCI. YKL-40 was further identified as an independent risk factor for CSVD and CSVD-MCI, in addition, serum YKL-40 provided high diagnostic accuracy for CSVD and CSVD-MCI. Comparison of DTI indices showed that patients with CSVD accompanied by a significant decrease in white matter fibers integrity. Moreover, the altered DTI indices were significantly correlated with the elevated level of YKL-40 and worse cognitive performance. Our study suggests that YKL-40 may be a biomarker of CSVD and may cause cognitive impairment by disrupting white matter fiber integrity.
Home modifications and carer status are important factors influencing outcomes of Rehabilitation in the Home programs for non-condition specific populations
Authors: Leva Mikaela Di , Thomson Daniel , Coxon Kristy , Carnegie Catherine , Martin Jade , Szymanek Lukasz , Nguyen Tuan-Anh , Tang Clarice
Published: April 2022

Background: Current Rehabilitation in the Home (RITH) programs provide rehabilitation for people with a variety of conditions, yet little evidence is available to guide admission criteria. The primary aim of this cross-sectional study was to profile patients admitted to a non-condition specific RITH program. The secondary aim was to explore factors influencing program outcomes.Methods: This retrospective audit utilised a two-year dataset collected from patients, aged ≥60 years, admitted under a RITH program. Clinical information such as age, sex, hospital utilisation, past medical history, functional and social status were collected to profile the patients. Outcomes such as length of stay, FIM change and hospital representations were used to determine success in the program. A regression analysis was conducted to determined variables that were independently related to the outcome.Results: Among the 202 patients included, patients were on average 78 years of age, living with three comorbid conditions, and have an average stay of 29 days in hospital prior to rehabilitation. The presence of home modifications was found to be an independent factor that correlated with RITH length of stay, FIM change scores and hospital readmissions. In addition, factors such as age, comorbidities, acute hospital length of stay and carer status were shown to correlate with at least two out of three of the outcomes. Conclusions: This study suggest that commonly collected information such as age, acute hospital length of stay, presence of home modifications and carer status may be used to better identify suitable patients for a non-condition specific RITH program. Trial registration: This study was approved through SWSLHD’s Human Research Ethics Committee (approval number: CT06_2019).
Effects of different anesthetic depths monitored by Narcotrend on glandular secretion in patients undergoing laparoscopic total hysterectomy
Authors: Xia Ling-yi , Zhang Qian , Zhuo Ming , Deng Zi-hao , Huang Ke-nv , Zhong Mao-lin
Published: April 2022

Background:
The objective of this study was to find ways to reduce intraoperative glandular secretion in patients by observing the effects of different depths of anesthesia on glandular secretion under Narcotrend monitoring (NT), to reduce the use of unnecessary anticholinergic drugs, and to improve the quality of anesthesia and patient comfort.
Methods:
Ninety patients who underwent total laparoscopic hysterectomy were randomly divided into four groups. Group L: intraoperative maintenance of anesthesia depth D0-D2, group M: intraoperative maintenance of anesthesia depth E0-E1, group H: long tocopherol 0.01 mg/kg was administered intravenously 10 min before surgery without monitoring the depth of anesthesia, and the mean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and adverse effects were compared in each group at six time points. The salivary secretion and respiratory gland secretion were compared among the groups.
Results:
Salivary secretion under general anesthesia decreased in all three groups compared with the basal value (P < 0.05), with the smallest decrease in group L (P < 0.05) and the largest decrease in group H (P < 0.001). The amount of respiratory gland secretion during the whole operation was from more to less in the order of group L, group M and group H. The dry mouth visual analogue scale(VAS)scores were lower in groups L and M than in group H (P < 0.05).
Conclusion:
General anesthesia suppresses the patient's glandular secretion, and the suppression becomes more pronounced as the anesthesia deepens. Maintaining the depth of anesthesia E0-E1 can effectively reduce the patient's glandular secretion, more stable intraoperative vital signs, and more comfortable patient awakening period without increasing the incidence of adverse reactions.
Comparative study on serological, bacteriological, and molecular methods for diagnosis of Brucellosis in the milk of cows with reproductive disorders
Authors: Helmy Nashwa , Zaki Hoda , Saad Aalaa
Published: April 2022

BackgroundBrucellosis is a significant animal disease communicable to humans that affects cattle worldwide. It is spreading disease in many developing countries. Brucellosis in farm animals induces serious economic costs in undeveloped countries and causes serious health hazards to dairy users. Sensitive and accurate diagnostic techniques are necessary for disease surveillance and management. FindingsIn this investigation, the overall prevalence of brucellosis in examined animals was 34.91% by MRT, while i-ELISA showed 33.96% prevalence. the sensitivity and specificity of MRT were 93.55%, and 89.33% and ELISA were 96.77%, 92 % respectively. whereas, the false positive was 10.67% and 8.00% for MRT and ELISA respectively. Brucella microorganism was isolated in 25.47 % milk samples, all Brucella strains were determined as B. melitensis biovar 3. By conventional PCR and real-time PCR, 28.3% of samples were positive. The results showed that the sensitivity of bacteriological culture, Conventional PCR, and Real-time PCR was 87.10%,96.77%, 96.77% respectively while specificity was 100% each, and estimated false positive was zero% each.ConclusionThe milk ELISA had detected high sensitivity and specificity than those of the milk ring test. B. melitensis biovar 3 is the predominant strain isolated in the milk of cows with reproductive disorders. The PCR's high sensitivity and specificity, as well as its speed, and low risk to laboratory workers, make it an extremely useful technique for brucellosis diagnosis. The possibility of contaminated raw milk and raw dairy products has surfaced, providing a serious public health threat.
Correlation between alveolar cleft morphology and the outcome of secondary alveolar bone grafting for unilateral cleft lip and palate
Authors: Yu Xinlei , huang Yiping , Li Weiran
Published: April 2022

Background: Secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) is an integral part of the treatment for cleft lip and alveolus (CLA) and cleft lip and palate (CLP). SABG stabilizes and restores the continuity of the alveolar bone, supports orthodontic tooth movement afterwards. However, the outcome of SABG was not satisfactory as expected, factors that affecting the outcome were still controversial. The aims of this study were to summarize a new method for the classification of alveolar cleft morphology in patients with unilateral cleft lip and alveolus (UCLA) or unilateral cleft lip and palate (UCLP), to evaluate the correlation between the morphology and secondary alveolar bone grafting (SABG) outcomes, to identify factors that might predict the outcomes. Methods: The characteristics of the cleft morphologies of 120 patients who underwent SABG were observed using the preoperative Cone-Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) images. 52 patients who had CBCT scans performed at least 6 months after SABG were included for the evaluation of outcomes. Both categorical and continuous evaluation methods were measured. Correlations between cleft morphology and SABG outcomes were assessed using the Pearson correlation coefficient in SPSS 27.0.0. Results: A new method for the classification of cleft morphology was summarized. Categorical evaluation showed 8 failure, 11 poor, 12 moderate, and 21 good results, while the average bone filling rate was 59.24 ± 30.68%. There was a significant correlation between the cleft morphology and categorical/continuous evaluation outcome (p < 0.05). Conclusion: The new method for the classification of alveolar cleft morphology summarized in this study was comprehensive and convenient for clinical application. Both categorical and continuous methods should be used for radiographic assessments in patients undergoing SABG. The chances of a successful procedure are best when the patient has type I or IV morphology, in which the shape is like a funnel in the relatively palatal or occlusal area towards the vertical dimension. A relatively great amount of bone resorption was observed in most patients. Slow orthodontic movement with strict periodontal control is always suggested. Trial registration: Chinese clinical trial registry; registration number: ChiCTR2100054438
How to measure multidimensional quality of life of persons with disabilities in public policies - a case of Poland
Authors: Antczak Radosław , Grabowska Izabela , Zwierzchowski Jan , Panek Tomasz
Published: April 2022

BackgroundThe aim of this paper is to construct the tool that can be used to measure multidimensional quality of life of persons with disabilities in comparison with population without disabilities for the purpose of monitoring of the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD). MethodsThe Sen’s capability approach was applied to conceptualize the quality of life. We followed guidelines of The Quality of Life Framework developed within the European Statistical System. The QoL scores in each domain (covered by the UNCRPD) were constructed using multiply indicators and multiple causes model (MIMIC). All analysis were based on 2018 EU-SILC data for Poland. We constructed quality of life indicators for population with and without disabilities and compared the differences. ResultsPersons without disability experienced higher QoL as compared to population with disabilities, overall and in various domains. Lower average QoL of persons with disabilities is a result of a lower share of those who experience high QoL. The biggest difference is observed for health and for productive and main activity domains. For material conditions and economic security and physical safety there was a moderate difference recorded. For the leisure and social relations domain there is almost no difference observed. Additionally, we identified diversified impact of particular determinants (such as age, gender, household situation, education, partner status, urbanization, health) on the QoL across domains and analysed populations.ConclusionsThis tool developed in this paper can be calibrated to enable cross-country and in time comparisons between different populations support evidenced-based social policy.
Species specific allometric equations, biomass expansion factor and wood density of native tree species in dry afromontane forest of Ethiopia
Authors: Egeta Dereje , Negash Mesele , Alebachew Mehari , Mulgeta Sinke , Lemi Tamiru
Published: April 2022

Forest is the second largest store house of carbon released from different sources. However, limited allometric equations are available to determine its contribution for carbon cycle. The objective of study was to develop species specific allometric equations, establish database for Biomass Expansion Factor (BEF) and Wood Density (WD) to five tree species, namely Apodytes dimidiata, Cassiopourea malosana, Celtis africana, Ilex mitis and Myrica salicifolia grown in dry afromontane forest of Ethiopia. The sampled tree diameter at breast height (dbh) and their total height (ht) ranged from 7 to 48 cm and 6.7 to 23.4 m respectively. A total of 62 sample trees harvested from different diameter classes of each species and divided in to different biomass compartments (stem, big branches > 7cm), small branches (2-7cm) and twigs and foliage (< 2cm). To determined WD, total of 186(stem position) and108 sample disks (big branches till 7cm dbh were sampled. Oven dried at temperature of 105oc and 70oc for 72 and 24hrs for wood and foliage respectively. A set of log transformed models relating total above ground biomass to dbh, ht, WD and average crown diameter as independent variables were fitted following R-software version 4.0.1. The best biomass models were found to be having lower AIC, residual standard error and higher adj.coefficient of determination. The BEF and WD of aforementioned tree species were ranged from1.19 to 1.40 and 0.53 to 0.74 gcm− 3 respectively. Species specific allometric equations were better than generalized allometric equation for estimation of above ground biomass of Chilimo dry afromontane forest.
Socio-demographic profiles and obstetrics outcomes of pregnant women with epilepsy in a vulnerability State, Brazil
Authors: Leite Magnúcia de Lima , Toporcov Tatiana Natasha , Pai Janise Dal , Silva José Claúdio da
Published: April 2022

Introduction: The socio-demographic profile of pregnant women in low- and middle- income countries is characterized by low educational attainment and unemployment, leading to social and economic morbidity. characterized by limited opportunities for education, employment, and marriage, which are strongly related to the stigmatization of the disease. The study of the socio- profile and obstetric outcomes of pregnant women with epilepsy in Alagoas, Brazil, may help understand this scenario and facilitate the development of public policy strategies to reduce local morbidity.Objectives: We aimed to describe the sociodemographic profile of pregnant women with epilepsy and obstetric outcomes in Alagoas, Brazil. Methods: This cohort study was based on medical records of pregnant women with epilepsy in Brazilian high-risk maternity hospitals from 2008 to 2020. The following data were collected: age, race, education, marital status, occupation, number of pregnancies, delivery, and abortion. The inclusion criteria were pregnant women with and without epilepsy (control group) aged < 40 years. Results: The prevalence of PWWE was 0.49% (n = 224/44,917). Cesarean delivery was more frequent in PWWE than in pregnant women without epilepsy (adjusted odds ratio [OR] = 22.0; 95% confidence interval [CI] = 14.35– 33.73; p < 0,01). Abortion was associated with PWWE (OR adjusted = 1.72; 95% CI = 1.13– 2.61; p = 0.01). Pregnant women in the countryside were more likely to develop epilepsy than those born in the capital (OR = 1.55; 95% CI = 1.12–2.14; p < 0.01).Conclusion: The PWWE socio-demographic profile of the Alagoas had a predominance of brown- colored skin, single status, homemakers, and illiteracy with a high proportion residing in the interior of the state. The obstetrics data show a higher incidence of cesarean deliveries and miscarriages.
MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) variant is associated with homocysteinemia but not with clinical severity in patients with peripheral arterial occlusive disease
Authors: Silvestre Guilherme Silva , Carrara Iriana Moratto , Flauzino Tamires , Lozovoy Marcell Alysson Batisti , Cecchini Rubens , Reiche Edna Maria Vissoci , Simão Andréa Name Colado
Published: April 2022

Objective: The aim was to evaluate the association between the MTHFR 677C>T (rs1801133) variant with susceptibility and severity of peripheral arterial occlusive disease (PAOD) and levels of homocysteine (Hcy). Subject and Methods: A case-control study enrolled 157 patients with PAOD and unrelated 113 controls. The severity and anatomoradiological categories of the PAOD were assessed by Fontaine classification and Inter-Society Consensus for the Management of Peripheral Arterial Disease (TASC), respectively. The MTHFR 677C>T was genotyped using real-time polymerase chain reaction and Hcy serum levels were determined using chemiluminescence microparticles assay. Results: The PAOD patients showed higher Hcy than controls but the values did not differ according to Fontaine and TASC categories. The MTHFR 677C>T variant was not associated with PAOD, the clinical stage, and the anatomoradiological categories. However, patients carrying the TT genotype (recessive model) or CT+ TT genotypes (dominant model) presented higher levels of Hcy than those carrying other genotypes. In conclusion, the T allele of MTHFR 677C>T variant was associated with hyperhomocysteinemia in PAOD patients, but not in controls. Conclusion: Our data suggested a possible interaction between MTHFR 677C>T variant and the presence of other genetic, epigenetic or environment factors associated with PAOD on modulation of the Hcy metabolism.
Real-time Building Fire Detection and Segmentation in Video using Convolutional Neural Networks with Gaussian threshold approach
Authors: P SRIDHAR , Kumar Senthil , Parameswaran Latha , Oruganti Venkata Ramana Murthy
Published: April 2022

Computer vision-based fire flame detection system has recently begun to replace traditional fire detection systems. The conventional imaging-based system uses color models and temporal analysis algorithms to detect and segment fire in an image or a frame. Color model algorithms could not effectively distinguish between fire and fire-like objects in real-time videos. Besides, temporal analysis between structures has not yielded higher detection accuracies. This work proposes a lightweight convolutional neural network (CNN) combined with Gaussian distribution threshold probability to detect and segment the fire in a frame sequence. The proposed hybrid work extracted the features and automatically classified the frames using simple network architecture, and the Gaussian probability threshold method improves the detection of fire region localization. Experimental performance of the proposed work increases the detection accuracy and better false alarm performance. This paper can predict the severity of the fire, area, and centroid, fire probability. The proposed work using low-resolution frames will surely help the real-time implementation system.