bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Training for Transformation: Opportunities and Challenges for Health Workforce Sustainability in Developing a Remote Clinical Training Platform
Authors: Muller Jana , Reardon Cameron , Hanekom Susan , Bester Juanita , Coetzee Francois , Dube Kopano , du Plessis Elmarize , Couper Ian
Published: April 2021

Background: In 2018, Stellenbosch University's Ukwanda Centre for Rural Health led a faculty initiative to expand undergraduate health professions training to a new site, 9 hours drive from the health sciences campus in the sparsely populated Northern Cape Province of South Africa in the town of Upington. This is part of a faculty strategy to extend undergraduate health sciences training into an under-resourced part of the country, where there is no medical school. During 2019, the first year of implementation, four final year medical students undertook a longitudinal integrated clerkship at this site, while final year students from other programmes undertook short 5-week rotations, with plans for extending rotations and including more disciplines in 2020. The aim of this study was to understand stakeholder perceptions regarding the development of Upington as a rural clinical training site and how this influenced existing services, workforce sustainability and health professions education.

Methods: An iterative thematic analysis of qualitative data collected from 55 participants between January and November 2019 was conducted as part of the case study. A constructivist approach to data collection was utilized to explore participants' perceptions, experiences and understanding of the new training site. Triangulation of data collection and reflexive thematic analysis contributed to the trustworthiness of the data and credibility of the findings.

Findings: The perceptions of three key groups of stakeholders are reported: (1) Dr. Harry Surtie Hospital and Academic Programme Managers; (2) Supervising and non-supervising clinical staff and (3) Students from three undergraduate programs of the Faculty. Five themes emerged regarding the development of the site. The themes include the process of development; the influence on the health service; workforce sustainability; a change in perspective and equipping a future workforce.

Discussion: This case study provides data to support the value of establishing a rural clinical training platform in a resource constrained environment. The influence of the expansion initiative on the current workforce speaks to the potential for improved capacity and competence in patient management with an impact on encouraging a rural oriented workforce. Using this case study to explore how the establishment of a new rural clinical training site is perceived to influence rural workforce sustainability and pathways, may have relevance to other institutions in similar settings. The degree of sustainability of the clinical training initiative is explored.
To the Operating Room! Positive Effects of a Healthcare Clown Intervention on Children Undergoing Surgery
Authors: Markova Gabriela , Houdek Lukas , Kocabova Zuzana
Published: April 2021

In the present study we examined the positive effects of a healthcare clown intervention on children undergoing surgeries, and the role parent-child relationships may play in their effectiveness. Children between 5 and 12 years, who were scheduled to undergo elective surgical procedures in a large university hospital, were randomly assigned to an intervention group (IG;n= 35) that was visited by a healthcare clown, and a control group (CG;n= 27) that received treatment as usual (i.e., company of parents before the surgery). Children in both groups were videotaped and the videos were later used to rate their activity, arousal, emotional expressivity, and vocalizations. Additionally, children and parents rated their mood and perceived quality of life at several points during the procedure, and parents reported their perceptions of the relationship with their children. Results showed that children in the IG showed more positive emotions and vocalizations than children in the CG. Parents of children in the IG also reported more positive mood than parents of children in the CG. In contrast, children in the CG reported higher quality of life than children in the IG. Importantly, analyses showed considerable effects of the parent-child relationship on all outcome measures. Results of the present study demonstrate that a healthcare clown intervention had some positive effects on behaviors and mood of hospitalized children and their parents. Importantly, our findings also suggest that we need to consider the pre-existing “relationship microcosmos” that the clowns enter when assessing their effectiveness in the hospital.
Hydrologic Assessment of Check Dam Performances in Semi-Arid Areas: A Case Study From Gujarat, India
Authors: Mozzi Gloria , Pavelic Paul , Alam Mohammad F. , Stefan Catalin , Villholth Karen G.
Published: April 2021

In semi-arid India, managed aquifer recharge (MAR) is often used to enhance aquifer storage, and by implication, water security, and climate resilience, by capturing surface runoff, mainly through check dams implemented at the community level. Despite their extensive use, the design of these structures typically does not follow a systematic method to maximize performance. To aid in the improvement of check dam design parameters and location siting, we develop a dynamic tool, which integrates the daily water balance of a check dam with analytical infiltration equations to assess check dam performance measured as temporal dynamics of storage, infiltration, and evaporation. The tool is implemented in R environment and requires meteorological and hydrogeological data, as well as check dam geometry and nearby well-abstractions, if any. The tool is applied to a case study in Saurashtra in Gujarat, where field visits were conducted. Simulations show that typical check dams in the area are able to store a volume between three and seven times their storage capacity annually. Infiltration volumes highly depend on hydroclimatic and hydrogeological conditions, as well as the formation of a clogging layer, highlighting the importance of site selection and periodic maintenance. The tool is validated with data from a previous study in Rajasthan, where daily water balance parameters were monitored. Validation results show an average R2 of 0.93 between the simulated and measured water levels. The results are adequate to suggest that the tool is able to assist in check dam planning in semi-arid environments.
Effects of IV Fluids in Dogs and Cats With Kidney Failure
Authors: Langston Cathy , Gordon Daniel
Published: April 2021

Intravenous fluid therapy has long been the mainstay of treatment of kidney disease, including acute kidney injury and uremic crisis associated with chronic kidney disease. Careful management of fluid dose is critical, as animals with kidney disease may have marked derangements in their ability to regulate fluid homeostasis and acid-base status. Understanding of the physiology of renal fluid handling is necessary, along with repeated attention to parameters of fluid status, electrolytes, and acid-base balance, to achieve optimal hydration status and avoid further damage or decrease in function from dehydration or overhydration.
Connecting Bio-Priming Approach with Integrated Nutrient Management for Improved Nutrient Use Efficiency in Crop Species
Authors: Sarkar Deepranjan , Rakshit Amitava , Al-Turki Ahmad I. , Sayyed R. Z. , Datta Rahul
Published: April 2021

The increasing demand for qualitative and varietal foods by the consumer society is a big concern for energy production, and utilization of that energy in a judicious manner for sustainable management of resources is a big challenge in the eminent future. Existing resources (land, water, fertilizer, etc.) and their socioeconomic aspects warrant the farming community to adopt alternative strategies aimed at enhancing the use efficiency of inputs and improve the environmental quality. The adaptability of microbes to thrive in different environments has prompted scientists to introduce microbial intervention in the agricultural processes. Bio-priming has the potential to fulfill many objectives of the modern production system with the use of beneficial microorganisms in an eco-friendly manner. Interestingly, it also plays a crucial role in enhancing the nutrient use efficiency of crops. There is rising evidence of a paradigm shift from the use of a single microbe to a consortium approach for efficient rhizosphere engineering in the context of sustainable agriculture. Our understanding of different signaling cascades, rhizosphere chemistry, and other mechanisms of plant–microbial interactions will frame suitable strategies to harness the best ecosystem services including improved resource use efficiency.
Hazard of Contamination with Heavy Metals in Thymus serpyllum L. Herbs from Rural Areas
Authors: Figas Anna , Tomaszewska-Sowa Magdalena , Kobierski Mirosław , Sawilska Anna Katarzyna , Klimkowska Katarzyna
Published: April 2021

The aim of the research has been to assay the contents of Zn, Cu, Mn, Fe, and Pb in soil and in the organs of wild Thymus serpyllum L. acquired from three natural habitats from the Kuyavia-Pomerania Province (Poland) not exposed to contamination with metals. As compared with the contents of the geochemical background of the soils in the region and the value of enrichment factor (EF), there was noted a considerable content of Pb in the soil from two locations. The Pb content in plant tissues in one of the three locations was higher than the admissible content specified by the World Health Organization WHO (above 10 mg kg−1 d.w.). As for the Zn content, only the plants from the locations with the relatively youngest phytocenosis met the conditions for herbs to be used for phytotherapy. The Zn content in the dry weight of the plants collected from the other two locations exceeded 50 mg kg−1. The risk of an elevated content of Zn and Pb in the plants makes it necessary to monitor the soil environment and to limit the collection of the plants from natural habitats, as well as to encourage the collection from controlled habitats.
Dentinogenic Ghost Cell Tumor in a Sumatran Rhinoceros
Authors: Salleh Annas , Zainuddin Zainal Z. , Tarmizi Reza M. M. , Yap Chee K. , Jeng Chian-Ren , Zamri-Saad Mohd
Published: April 2021

An adult female Sumatran rhinoceros was observed with a swelling in the left infraorbital region in March 2017. The swelling rapidly grew into a mass. A radiograph revealed a cystic radiolucent area in the left maxilla. In June 2017, the rhinoceros was euthanized. At necropsy, the infraorbital mass measured 21 cm × 30 cm. Samples of the infraorbital mass, left parotid gland, and left masseter muscle were collected for histopathology (Hematoxylin & Eosin, Von Kossa, Masson’s trichrome, cytokeratin AE1/AE3, EMA, p53, and S-100). Numerous neoplastic epithelial cells showing pleomorphism and infiltration were observed. Islands of dentinoid material containing ghost cells and keratin pearls were observed with the aid of the two special histochemistry stains. Mitotic figures were rarely observed. All the neoplastic odontogenic cells and keratin pearls showed an intense positive stain for cytokeratin AE1/AE3, while some keratin pearls showed mild positive stains for S-100. All samples were negative for p53 and S-100 immunodetection. The mass was diagnosed as a dentinogenic ghost cell tumor.
Welfare Health and Productivity in Commercial Pig Herds
Authors: Racewicz Przemysław , Ludwiczak Agnieszka , Skrzypczak Ewa , Składanowska-Baryza Joanna , Biesiada Hanna , Nowak Tomasz , Nowaczewski Sebastian , Zaborowicz Maciej , Stanisz Marek , Ślósarz Piotr
Published: April 2021

In recent years, there have been very dynamic changes in both pork production and pig breeding technology around the world. The general trend of increasing the efficiency of pig production, with reduced employment, requires optimisation and a comprehensive approach to herd management. One of the most important elements on the way to achieving this goal is to maintain animal welfare and health. The health of the pigs on the farm is also a key aspect in production economics. The need to maintain a high health status of pig herds by eliminating the frequency of different disease units and reducing the need for antimicrobial substances is part of a broadly understood high potential herd management strategy. Thanks to the use of sensors (cameras, microphones, accelerometers, or radio-frequency identification transponders), the images, sounds, movements, and vital signs of animals are combined through algorithms and analysed for non-invasive monitoring of animals, which allows for early detection of diseases, improves their welfare, and increases the productivity of breeding. Automated, innovative early warning systems based on continuous monitoring of specific physiological (e.g., body temperature) and behavioural parameters can provide an alternative to direct diagnosis and visual assessment by the veterinarian or the herd keeper.
Game-Changing Approaches in Sperm Sex-Sorting: Microfluidics and Nanotechnology
Authors: Neculai-Valeanu Andra-Sabina , Ariton Adina Mirela
Published: April 2021

The utilization of sex-sorted sperm for artificial insemination and in-vitro fertilization is considered a valuable tool for improving production efficiency and optimizing reproductive management in farm animals, subsequently ensuring sufficient food resource for the growing human population. Despite the fact that sperm sex-sorting is one of the most intense studied technologies and notable progress have been made in the past three decades to optimize it, the conception rates when using sex-sorted semen are still under expectations. Assisted reproduction programs may benefit from the use of emergent nano and microfluidic-based technologies. This article addresses the currently used methods for sperm sex-sorting, as well as the emerging ones, based on nanotechnology and microfluidics emphasizing on their practical and economic applicability.
Evaluation of the Proliferative Activity of Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL) in Dogs with Respect to Patient Eligibility for Anthracycline-Based Chemotherapy
Authors: Klimiuk Paweł , Łopuszyński Wojciech , Bulak Kamila , Brzana Adam
Published: April 2021

Different types of canine lymphoma respond differently to chemotherapy and have different prognoses. Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is the most common lymphoma in dogs. Topoisomerase II alpha (TOPIIα) protein has been shown to be a proliferation marker associated with prognostic significance. The aim of the study was to determine the relationship between TOPIIα expression, mitotic count (MC), and Ki67 antigen index in DLBCL in dogs, taking into account the applicability of these parameters to select the chemotherapy protocol with emphasis on the use of anthracycline drugs. Samples of formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded lymph nodes from 34 dogs with DLBCL were immunohistochemically labelled with anti-TOPIIα and Ki67. The number of positive cells and the intensity of the reaction were taken into account in order to assess TOPIIα expression. MC was estimated in the hematoxylin and eosin-stained slides in the area of 2.37 mm2. Positive association between TOPIIα and MC, but no association between TOPIIα and Ki67 was found. It can be concluded that the immunohistochemical determination of TOPIIα as a molecular target for drugs from the anthracycline group may be used in association with MC to establish a diagnostic-clinical protocol for selecting dogs with DLBCL for treatment with anthracycline drugs.
Associations between Exposure to Industrial Air Pollution and Prevalence of Asthma and Atopic Diseases in Haifa Bay Area
Authors: Raz Raanan , Yuval  , Lev Bar-Or Ruth , Kark Jeremy D. , Sinnreich Ronit , Broday David M. , Harari-Kremer Ruthie , Bentur Lea , Gileles-Hillel Alex , Keinan-Boker Lital , Lyubarsky Andrey , Tsur Dorit , Afek Arnon , Levin Noam , Derazne Estela , Twig Gilad
Published: April 2021

Haifa Bay Area (HBA) contains Israel’s principal industrial area, and there are substantial public concerns about health effects from its emissions. We aimed to examine associations between exposure to air pollution from HBA industrial area with prevalent asthma and other atopic diseases at age 17. This is a cross-sectional study. The study population included all adolescents born in Israel and whose medical status was evaluated for mandatory military recruitment by the Israeli medical corps during 1967–2017. We analyzed prevalent asthma, allergic rhinitis, atopic dermatitis, and rhinoconjunctivitis. We estimated exposure to industrial air pollution by a kriging interpolation of historical SO2 observations and adjusted the associations to the year of birth, SES, school orientation, and traffic pollution. The study population included n = 2,523,745 adolescents, among which 5.9% had prevalent asthma and 4.6% had allergic rhinitis. Residency in HBA was associated with a higher adjusted risk of asthma, compared with non-HBA residency. Still, this association was limited to the three lowest exposure categories, while the highest exposure group had the lowest adjusted risk. Sensitivity analyses and other atopic diseases presented similar results. These results do not provide support for causal relationships between HBA industry-related emissions and prevalent atopic diseases.
Study of Urban Heat Islands Using Different Urban Canopy Models and Identification Methods
Authors: Silva Rui , Carvalho Ana Cristina , Carvalho David , Rocha Alfredo
Published: April 2021

This work aims to compare the performance of the single‑(SLUCM) and multilayer (BEP-Building effect parameterization) urban canopy models (UCMs) coupled with the Weather Research and Forecasting model (WRF), along with the application of two urban heat island (UHI) identification methods. The identification methods are: (1) the “classic method”, based on the temperature difference between urban and rural areas; (2) the “local method” based on the temperature difference at each urban location when the model land use is considered urban, and when it is replaced by the dominant rural land use category of the urban surroundings. The study is performed as a case study for the city of Lisbon, Portugal, during the record-breaking August 2003 heatwave event. Two main differences were found in the UHI intensity (UHII) and spatial distribution between the identification methods: a reduction by half in the UHII during nighttime when using the local method; and a dipole signal in the daytime and nighttime UHI spatial pattern when using the classic method, associated with the sheltering effect provided by the high topography in the northern part of the city, that reduces the advective cooling in the lower areas under prevalent northern wind conditions. These results highlight the importance of using the local method in UHI modeling studies to fully isolate urban canopy and regional geographic contributions to the UHII and distribution. Considerable improvements were obtained in the near‑surface temperature representation by coupling WRF with the UCMs but better with SLUCM. The nighttime UHII over the most densely urbanized areas is lower in BEP, which can be linked to its larger nocturnal turbulent kinetic energy (TKE) near the surface and negative sensible heat (SH) fluxes. The latter may be associated with the lower surface skin temperature found in BEP, possibly owing to larger turbulent SH fluxes near the surface. Due to its higher urban TKE, BEP significantly overestimates the planetary boundary layer height compared with SLUCM and observations from soundings. The comparison with a previous study for the city of Lisbon shows that BEP model simulation results heavily rely on the number and distribution of vertical levels within the urban canopy.
A Machine Learning Based Ensemble Forecasting Optimization Algorithm for Preseason Prediction of Atlantic Hurricane Activity
Authors: Sun Xia , Xie Lian , Shah Shahil Umeshkumar , Shen Xipeng
Published: April 2021

In this study, nine different statistical models are constructed using different combinations of predictors, including models with and without projected predictors. Multiple machine learning (ML) techniques are employed to optimize the ensemble predictions by selecting the top performing ensemble members and determining the weights for each ensemble member. The ML-Optimized Ensemble (ML-OE) forecasts are evaluated against the Simple-Averaging Ensemble (SAE) forecasts. The results show that for the response variables that are predicted with significant skill by individual ensemble members and SAE, such as Atlantic tropical cyclone counts, the performance of SAE is comparable to the best ML-OE results. However, for response variables that are poorly modeled by individual ensemble members, such as Atlantic and Gulf of Mexico major hurricane counts, ML-OE predictions often show higher skill score than individual model forecasts and the SAE predictions. However, neither SAE nor ML-OE was able to improve the forecasts of the response variables when all models show consistent bias. The results also show that increasing the number of ensemble members does not necessarily lead to better ensemble forecasts. The best ensemble forecasts are from the optimally combined subset of models.
Behavior Testing in Rodents: Highlighting Potential Confounds Affecting Variability and Reproducibility
Authors: Saré Rachel Michelle , Lemons Abigail , Smith Carolyn Beebe
Published: April 2021

Rodent models of brain disorders including neurodevelopmental, neuropsychiatric, and neurodegenerative diseases are essential for increasing our understanding of underlying pathology and for preclinical testing of potential treatments. Some of the most important outcome measures in such studies are behavioral. Unfortunately, reports from different labs are often conflicting, and preclinical studies in rodent models are not often corroborated in human trials. There are many well-established tests for assessing various behavioral readouts, but subtle aspects can influence measurements. Features such as housing conditions, conditions of testing, and the sex and strain of the animals can all have effects on tests of behavior. In the conduct of behavior testing, it is important to keep these features in mind to ensure the reliability and reproducibility of results. In this review, we highlight factors that we and others have encountered that can influence behavioral measures. Our goal is to increase awareness of factors that can affect behavior in rodents and to emphasize the need for detailed reporting of methods.
The Role of Human Resource Practices for the Development of Operator 4.0 in Industry 4.0 Organisations: A Literature Review and a Research Agenda
Authors: Margherita Emanuele Gabriel , Bua Ilenia
Published: April 2021

In this study, we summarised the human resources practices for the development of Operator 4.0. Operator 4.0 is the worker operating in an Industry 4.0 organisation. Such organisations introduce novel digital technologies—including Big Data, robotics, and the Internet of Things—along the assembly line. Operators 4.0 can manage Industry 4.0 technologies, and Industry 4.0 technologies also support their activities. Some studies illustrate the enabling Industry 4.0 technologies for this role and the various qualitative benefits for Operator 4.0. However, organisations encounter issues to prepare traditional manufacturing workers for this novel role, which implies a drastic change in training and designing jobs, particularly for the qualitative aspects of the work organisation and human-computer interaction. Moreover, traditional manufacturing workers do not possess the proper digital skills to manage complex Industry 4.0 technology. Thus, there is a lack of study that illustrates what organisational practices are used to develop an Operator 4.0. Human resources management is the organisational function devoted to these challenges, such as a lack of a skilled workforce in handling high-tech technologies and employee retention. It provides human resource practices to develop workers for their role. Therefore, we addressed this gap by conducting a systematic literature review to summarise the used human resource practices for the development of an Operator 4.0. The results show six human resource practices for developing an Operator 4.0: staffing, job design, training, performance appraisal system, knowledge management, and compensation. We concluded by proposing a research agenda to advance this research stream.
Surgical Treatment of Pancreatic Ductal Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Wei Kongyuan , Hackert Thilo
Published: April 2021

Pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) represents an aggressive tumor of the digestive system with still low five-year survival of less than 10%. Although there are improvements for multimodal therapy of PDAC, surgery still remains the effective way to treat the disease. Combined with adjuvant and/or neoadjuvant treatment, pancreatic surgery is able to enhance the five-year survival up to around 20%. However, pancreatic resection is always associated with a high risk of complications and regarded as one of the most complex fields in abdominal surgery. This review gives a summary on the surgical treatment for PDAC based on the current literature with a special focus on resection techniques.
Interplay between Metabolism Reprogramming and Epithelial-to-Mesenchymal Transition in Cancer Stem Cells
Authors: Daniel Yoann , Lelou Elise , Aninat Caroline , Corlu Anne , Cabillic Florian
Published: April 2021

Tumor cells display important plasticity potential, which contributes to intratumoral heterogeneity. Notably, tumor cells have the ability to retrodifferentiate toward immature states under the influence of their microenvironment. Importantly, this phenotypical conversion is paralleled by a metabolic rewiring, and according to the metabostemness theory, metabolic reprogramming represents the first step of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) and acquisition of stemness features. Most cancer stem cells (CSC) adopt a glycolytic phenotype even though cells retain functional mitochondria. Such adaptation is suggested to reduce the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), protecting CSC from detrimental effects of ROS. CSC may also rely on glutaminolysis or fatty acid metabolism to sustain their energy needs. Besides pro-inflammatory cytokines that are well-known to initiate the retrodifferentiation process, the release of catecholamines in the microenvironment of the tumor can modulate both EMT and metabolic changes in cancer cells through the activation of EMT transcription factors (ZEB1, Snail, or Slug (SNAI2)). Importantly, the acquisition of stem cell properties favors the resistance to standard care chemotherapies. Hence, a better understanding of this process could pave the way for the development of therapies targeting CSC metabolism, providing new strategies to eradicate the whole tumor mass in cancers with unmet needs.
The Role of Advance Care Planning in Cancer Patient and Caregiver Grief Resolution: Helpful or Harmful?
Authors: Falzarano Francesca , Prigerson Holly G. , Maciejewski Paul K.
Published: April 2021

Cancer patients and their family caregivers experience various losses when patients become terminally ill, yet little is known about the grief experienced by patients and caregivers and factors that influence grief as patients approach death. Additionally, few, if any, studies have explored associations between advance care planning (ACP) and grief resolution among cancer patients and caregivers. To fill this knowledge gap, the current study examined changes in grief over time in patients and their family caregivers and whether changes in patient grief are associated with changes in caregiver grief. We also sought to determine how grief changed following the completion of advance directives. The sample included advanced cancer patients and caregivers (n = 98 dyads) from Coping with Cancer III, a federally funded, multi-site prospective longitudinal study of end-stage cancer care. Participants were interviewed at baseline and at follow-up roughly 2 months later. Results suggest synchrony, whereby changes in patient grief were associated with changes in caregiver grief. We also found that patients who completed a living will (LW) experienced increases in grief, while caregivers of patients who completed a do-not-resuscitate (DNR) order experienced reductions in grief, suggesting that ACP may prompt “grief work” in patients while promoting grief resolution in caregivers.
New Insights into YES-Associated Protein Signaling Pathways in Hematological Malignancies: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Challenges
Authors: Allegra Alessandro , Pioggia Giovanni , Innao Vanessa , Musolino Caterina , Gangemi Sebastiano
Published: April 2021

The Hippo/YES-associated protein (YAP) signaling pathway is a cell survival and proliferation-control system with its main activity that of regulating cell growth and organ volume. YAP operates as a transcriptional coactivator in regulating the onset, progression, and treatment response in numerous human tumors. Moreover, there is evidence suggesting the involvement of YAP in the control of the hematopoietic system, in physiological conditions rather than in hematological diseases. Nevertheless, several reports have proposed that the effects of YAP in tumor cells are cell-dependent and cell-type-determined, even if YAP usually interrelates with extracellular signaling to stimulate the onset and progression of tumors. In the present review, we report the most recent findings in the literature on the relationship between the YAP system and hematological neoplasms. Moreover, we evaluate the possible therapeutic use of the modulation of the YAP system in the treatment of malignancies. Given the effects of the YAP system in immunosurveillance, tumorigenesis, and chemoresistance, further studies on interactions between the YAP system and hematological malignancies will offer very relevant information for the targeting of these diseases employing YAP modifiers alone or in combination with chemotherapy drugs.
Associations of Variability in Metabolic Parameters with Lung Cancer: A Nationwide Population-Based Study
Authors: Cho In Young , Han Kyungdo , Shin Dong Wook , Cho Mi Hee , Yoo Jung Eun , Cho Jong Ho
Published: April 2021

We investigated whether visit-to-visit variability in metabolic parameters is associated with lung cancer risk. We used nationally representative data from the Korean National Health Insurance System, and 8,011,209 lung-cancer-free subjects who underwent over three health examinations from 2005 to 2010 were followed until 2017. Variability of fasting blood glucose, total cholesterol, systolic blood pressure, and body weight were measured by the variability independent of the mean, assessed by quartiles. There were 44,982 lung cancer events. The hazard ratio (HR) and 95% confidence interval (CI) for lung cancer risk was 1.07 (1.04, 1.10) for fasting blood glucose in the highest quartile, 1.08 (1.05, 1.10) for systolic blood pressure, 1.04 (1.01, 1.07) for weight, and 1.11 (1.08, 1.14) for total cholesterol. When comparing ≥3 vs. 0 high-variability metabolic parameters, the HR for lung cancer was 1.18 (95% CI, 1.14, 1.22). However, while ≥3 high-variability parameters showed an increased lung cancer risk in men (HR 1.26, 95% CI 1.21, 1.31), women did not show increased risk (HR 0.99, 95% CI 0.92, 1.06). High variability in each metabolic parameter, and a higher number of high-variability parameters, were associated with increased lung cancer risk.
Fourteen-Day Gemcitabine-Docetaxel Chemotherapy Is Effective and Safer Compared to 21-Day Regimen in Patients with Advanced Soft Tissue and Bone Sarcoma
Authors: Pan Minggui , Trieu Maily K. , Sidhu Manpreet , Yu Jeanette , Seto Tiffany , Ganjoo Kristen
Published: April 2021

Gemcitabine-docetaxel (G-D) combination is an effective chemotherapy for patients with advanced soft tissue and bone sarcoma, first developed with G administered on days 1 and 8, and D on day 8 every 21 days and later modified to be administered every 14 days in 2012. The 14-day regimen has become increasingly adopted. However, its efficacy and toxicities have not been compared. We identified 161 patients with metastatic or locally advanced soft tissue and bone sarcoma treated with either a 14-day or 21-day regimen within Northern California Kaiser Permanente from 1 January 2017 to 30 July 2020 and compared the outcomes and toxicity profiles of patients treated with the either regimen. Seventy-nine (49%) and 82 (51%) patients received the 14-day and the 21-day regimen, respectively, with similar response rate (22.8% and 15.8%, p = 0.26), median progression-free survival (PFS, 4.0 and 3.2 months, p = 0.15), and median overall survival (OS, 12.6 and 14.7 months, p = 0.55). Subset analysis of the untreated patients (approximately 60% of the entire cohort) as well as the patients with leiomyosarcoma only (approximately 50% of the entire cohort) showed that OS was not significantly different between the two regimens. Febrile neutropenia requiring hospitalization occurred in 10 and one patients (p = 0.006) and intolerance leading to discontinuation of chemotherapy occurred in 12 and two patients (p = 0.006) treated with the 21-day and the 14-day regimens, respectively. CDKN2A deletion/mutation or CDK4 amplification was associated with worse median OS (p = 0.06), while a RB1 deletion/mutation was associated with better median PFS (p = 0.05), and these two genomic alterations were mutually exclusive. Our data demonstrate that, compared to the traditional 21-day G-D regimen, the 14-day G-D regimen is equally effective but safer. In addition, CDKN2A and RB1 pathways play significant role on the outcomes of the patients.
PROVE—Pre-Eclampsia Obstetric Adverse Events: Establishment of a Biobank and Database for Pre-Eclampsia
Authors: Bergman Lina , Bergman Karl , Langenegger Eduard , Moodley Ashley , Griffith-Richards Stephanie , Wikström Johan , Hall David , Joubert Lloyd , Herbst Philip , Schell Sonja , van Veen Teelkien , Belfort Michael , Tong Stephen Y. C. , Walker Susan , Hastie Roxanne , Cluver Catherine
Published: April 2021

Pre-eclampsia is a leading cause of maternal and perinatal morbidity and mortality. The burden of disease lies mainly in low-middle income countries. The aim of this project is to establish a pre-eclampsia biobank in South Africa to facilitate research in the field of pre-eclampsia with a focus on phenotyping severe disease.The approach of our biobank is to collect biological specimens, detailed clinical data, tests, and biophysical examinations, including magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the brain, MRI of the heart, transcranial Doppler, echocardiography, and cognitive function tests.Women diagnosed with pre-eclampsia and normotensive controls are enrolled in the biobank at admission to Tygerberg University Hospital (Cape Town, South Africa). Biological samples and clinical data are collected at inclusion/delivery and during the hospital stay. Special investigations as per above are performed in a subset of women. After two months, women are followed up by telephonic interviews. This project aims to establish a biobank and database for severe organ complications of pre-eclampsia in a low-middle income country where the incidence of pre-eclampsia with organ complications is high. The study integrates different methods to investigate pre-eclampsia, focusing on improved understanding of pathophysiology, prediction of organ complications, and potentially future drug evaluation and discovery.
Corrosion of Aluminium and Zinc in Concrete at Simulated Conditions of the Repository of Low Active Waste in Sweden
Authors: Herting Gunilla , Odnevall Inger
Published: April 2021

The corrosion performance of Aluminium (Al) and zinc (Zn) is of interest in repositories for radioactive waste as the production of hydrogen gas during their anoxic corrosion may create open pathways for the transport of radioactive ions. Al and Zn rods were embedded in concrete cylinders and immersed in artificial groundwater at anaerobic conditions for 2 weeks and up to 2 years in laboratory conditions. Corrosion rates were determined to enable predictions and estimations of risks for gas evolution and the assessment of the potential impact of corrosion on the structural integrity of concrete in the final repository of low and intermediate level metal-containing waste from dismantled nuclear power plants. Samples were collected after 2, 4, 12, 26, 52 and 104 weeks. The observed corrosion rates were higher for Al compared with Zn, as expected, but both materials revealed comparatively high initial corrosion rates that decreased with time, reaching steady state after 26–52 weeks. Some of the Al containing concrete cylinders were cracked as a result of the corrosion processes after 2 years of exposure, thereby providing free passage between the embedded metal and the surrounding environment. No such effects were observed for Zn. Comparative studies were performed on non-concrete-embedded Al and Zn immersed in artificial groundwater. Observed long-term corrosion rates (1–2 years) were similar to corresponding corrosion rates in concrete. The results indicate that immersion studies in artificial groundwater can be used to estimate the long-term corrosion performance of Zn and Al in concrete.
Effects of Roughness on Stresses in an Oxide Scale Formed on a Superalloy Substrate
Authors: Zhao Yang , Sun Fan , Jiang Peng , Sun Yongle
Published: April 2021

The effects of surface roughness on the stresses in an alumina scale formed on a Fecralloy substrate are investigated. Spherical indenters were used to create indents with different radii and depths to represent surface roughness and then the roughness effect was studied comprehensively. It was found that the residual stresses in the alumina scale formed around the rough surface are almost constant and they are dominated by the curvature rather than the depth of the roughness. Oxidation changes the surface roughness. The edge of the indent was sharpened after oxidation and the residual stress there was released presumably due to cracking. The residual stresses in the alumina scale decrease with increase in oxidation time, while the substrate thickness has little effect, given that the substrate is thicker than the alumina scale. Furthermore, the effect of roughness on the oxide growth stress is analysed. This work indicates that the surface roughness should be considered for evaluation of stresses in coatings.
Influences of Nitrogen Flow Rate on Microstructure, Mechanical and Tribological Properties of WCN Coatings Deposited by HiPIMS
Authors: He Weifeng , Yang Yuhui , Huang Shuqi , Fan Shuyu , Hu Min , Wang Yongchao , Xu Wei , Wang Lei
Published: April 2021

Tungsten carbide (WC) and Tungsten carbonitride (WCN) coatings are deposited by reactive high-power impulse magnetron sputtering (HiPIMS) with various nitrogen gas flow rates. The characteristics of discharge current and plasma optical emission of HiPIMS are recorded by oscilloscope (OSC) and optical emission spectroscopy (OES). The results exhibit that the peak discharge currents and the intensities of optical emission spectra lines are significantly influenced by the addition of nitrogen. The elemental concentration, microstructure, mechanical and tribological properties in ambient temperature and high temperature of deposited coatings are investigated by a wide variety of techniques such as energy dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), X-ray diffraction (XRD), nano-indentation measurement, scanning electron microscope (SEM), atomic force microscopy (AFM), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and ball-on-disk tribometer. The results show that WC/WCN coatings with different microstructures, mechanical properties and tribological properties have been produced by controlling the flow rate of N2. Meanwhile, with the N2 flow rate increasing from 0 sccm to 24 sccm, (101) diffraction peak shifts to low angle. Moreover, (102) and (110) peaks’ intensities and the angle of (101) peak of β-W2C phase of the deposited WCN coatings decrease and disappear, and the average grain size decreases from 8.9 nm to 6.4 nm. XPS results show that the intensities of C=N, W–N, W–C–N, and N–O peaks increase while the intensity of C–W peak decreases. The deposited coatings change from slight columnar type to a typically dense and featureless structure, and the surface roughness decreases from Ra 11.6 nm at 0 sccm to Ra 5.7 nm at 24 sccm. The variation of nitrogen flow also plays a role in the mechanical properties of the coatings. It is found that the maximum hardness and elastic modulus of 35.6 GPa and 476.5 GPa appear at 16 sccm N2 flow rate. The results of wear tests demonstrate the addition of nitrogen slightly deteriorates tribological properties at room temperature (25 °C), but can remarkably improve tribological properties at high temperature (400 °C) of WC/WCN coatings deposited with an appropriate flow rate of nitrogen.
Adhesion between Biocomposites and Different Metallic Structures Additive Manufactured
Authors: Cuc Stanca , Burde Alexandru , Cosma Cosmin , Leordean Dan , Rusu Mircea , Balc Nicolae , Prodan Doina , Moldovan Marioara , Ene Razvan
Published: April 2021

This study was concerned with the adhesion of resin cement to metal surfaces obtained by selective laser melting process (SLM), and how it could be improved the bond strength at the biocomposite-metal junction. The SLM substrates were manufactured out of pure titanium (Ti), Ti6Al7Nb, and CoCr alloys. The metallic surfaces were covered with 5 types of biocomposites: 2 commercially resin-modified glass-ionomer cements (GC Fuji Plus and KETAC CEM) and 3 types of in-house developed materials. These biocomposites were mechanical characterized under compression and bending trials. The biocomposites-metal adhesion was settled both on as built metallic surfaces and after they were sandblasted with alumina. All the sandblasted SLM surfaces presented higher adhesion strength in comparison with the untreated specimens. The CoCr specimens show the highest bonding value. Additionally, the morphological aspects of joining interfaces were investigated using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The mechanical properties and metal adhesion of these biocomposites were influenced by the liquid powder ratio. It is essential to apply a surface treatment on SLM substrate to achieve a stronger bond. Also, the chemical composition of biocomposite is a major factor which may improve the adhesion of it on different metallic substrates.
Oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI) and Production of Mn(II) by Synthetic Manganese(IV) Oxide
Authors: Chen Kaiyin , Bocknek Lauren , Manning Bruce
Published: April 2021

The heterogeneous oxidation of Cr(III) to Cr(VI), a toxic inorganic anion, by a synthetic birnessite (δ-MnO2) was investigated in batch reactions using a combination of analytical techniques including UV–Vis spectrophotometry, microwave plasma–atomic emission spectrometry, X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), to evaluate both the solution speciation of Cr(III)/Cr(VI) and the surface of the reacted δ-MnO2. The formation of dissolved Mn(II) was determined during the batch reactions to evaluate the extent and stoichiometry of the Cr(III) oxidation reaction. A stoichiometric 3:2 Mn(II):Cr(VI) molar relationship was observed in the reaction products. The reductive dissolution of the δ-MnO2 by Cr(III) resulted in a surface alteration from the conversion of Mn(IV) oxide to reduced Mn(II) and Mn(III) hydroxides. The results of this investigation show that naturally occurring Cr(III) will readily oxidize to Cr(VI) when it comes in contact with MnO2, forming a highly mobile and toxic groundwater contaminant.
Structure-Properties Correlation of Cross-Linked Penicillin G Acylase Crystals
Authors: Kubiak Marta , Mayer Janine , Kampen Ingo , Schilde Carsten , Biedendieck Rebekka
Published: April 2021

In biocatalytic processes, the use of free enzymes is often limited due to the lack of long-term stability and reusability. To counteract this, enzymes can be crystallized and then immobilized, generating cross-linked enzyme crystals (CLECs). As mechanical stability and activity of CLECs are crucial, different penicillin G acylases (PGAs) from Gram-positive organisms have proven to be promising candidates for industrial production of new semisynthetic antibiotics, which can be crystallized and cross-linked to characterize the resulting CLECs regarding their mechanical and catalytic properties. The greatest hardness and Young’s modulus determined by indentation with an atomic force microscope were observed for CLECs of Bacillus species FJAT-PGA CLECs (26 MPa/1450 MPa), followed by BmPGA (Priestia megaterium PGA, 23 MPa/1170 MPa) and BtPGA CLECs (Bacillus thermotolerans PGA, 11 MPa/614 MPa). In addition, FJAT- and BtPGA CLECs showed up to 20-fold higher volumetric activities compared to BmPGA CLECs. Correlation to structural characteristics indicated that a high solvent content and low number of cross-linking residues might lead to reduced stability. Furthermore, activity seems to be restricted by small water channels due to severe diffusion limitations. To the best of our knowledge, we show for the first time in this study that the entire process chain for the characterization of diverse industrially relevant enzymes can be performed at the microliter scale to discover the most important relationships and limitations.
Diabetes Mellitus: Insights from Epidemiology, Biochemistry, Risk Factors, Diagnosis, Complications and Comprehensive Management
Authors: Alam Saruar , Hasan Md. Kamrul , Neaz Sharif , Hussain Nazmul , Hossain Md. Faruk , Rahman Tania
Published: April 2021

Diabetes mellitus has become a serious and chronic metabolic disorder that results from a complex interaction of genetic and environmental factors, principally characterized by hyperglycemia, polyuria, and polyphagia. Uncontrolled high blood sugar can result in a host of diabetic complications. Prolonged diabetes leads to serious complications some of which are life-threatening. The prevalence of diabetes patients is rising at epidemic proportions throughout the world. Every year, a major portion of the annual health budget is spent on diabetes and related illnesses. Multiple risk factors are involved in the etiopathogenesis of the disease and turning the disease into an epidemic. Diabetes, for which there is no cure, apparently can be kept under control by maintaining self-care in daily living, effective diabetes education, with comprehensive improvements in knowledge, attitudes, skills, and management. In this review, we focused on the biochemical aspects of diabetes, risk factors including both environmental and genetic, disease complications, diagnosis, management, and currently available medications for the treatment of diabetes.