bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Establishing a Genomic Database for the Traditional Medicinal Plants in the Brazilian Pharmacopoeia
Authors: ZHOU GUANRU , Liao Baosheng , Li Qiushi , Xu Jiang , Chen Shilin
Published: June 2021

BackgroundBrazil is exceptionally abundant in traditional medicinal plant resources and has a rich ethnopharmacological history. Brazilian Pharmacopoeia (BP) acts as a national standard regulating drugs’ quality and has six published editions. Recent genomic approaches have led to a resurgence of interest in herbal drugs. Plants’ genomic data have been used for pharmaceutical applications, protecting natural resources, and efficiently regulating the market. However, there are few genomic databases specifically on medicinal plants, and establishing one focusing on the herbs of BP is urgently needed. MethodsThe BP editions’ medicinal plant species were analyzed to understand the evolution of the herbal drugs in Brazil. A new database, BPGD (Brazilian Pharmacopoeia Genomic Database), was constructed based on a typical web server architecture. A BLAST server for species identification and sequence searching with internal transcribed spacer 2 (ITS2), intergenic region (psbA-trnH), and chloroplast genome (cp-G) of Brazilian traditional medicinal plants was also embedded in BPGD. Data of 82 plants in BP were collected and categorized into four parts: DNA barcodes, super-barcodes, genomes, and sequencing data. Further, the cp-Gs of Aloe genus in the database were analyzed as an illustration.ResultsBPGD (V1.0) has been tested and opened for public users. The database provides a comprehensive set of data, including the description and identification criteria of medicinal plants, and allows sequence-based search using BLAST. The database has 753 ITS2 of 76 species, 553 psbA-trnH and 190 genomes (whole genome and chloroplast genome) of 57 species, and 37 genome sequence data sets of 24 species and 616 transcriptome sequence data sets of 34 species. The data includes 187 cp-Gs representing 57 medicinal species in BP. Analysis of the six cp-Gs of three Aloe species identified the variable regions in cp-Gs, which could be used to identify species and understand the intraspecific relationship. ConclusionsThis study presents the first genomic database for traditional medicinal plants listed in the latest BP. It serves as an efficient platform to obtain genomic data, specifically on medical plants listed in the BP (http://bpgenome.com/).
Effectiveness of Sarolaner in the Clinical Management of Furuncular Myiasis in Dogs Naturally Infested with Dermatobia Hominis (Diptera: Cuterebridae)
Authors: Andriotti Paula A. , Souza Clarissa P. , de Oliveira Priscila Cardim , Melo Rodrigo C. , Verocai Guilherme G. , Fernandes Julio I.
Published: June 2021

Background – The human botfly, Dermatobia hominis is a common cause of furuncular myiasis in dogs in Latin America. Lesions can be single or multiple, each harboring an individual larva, presented as an erythematous nodule that causes pruritus and pain. Typical treatment consists of sedation for removal of larvae by surgical incision or manual pressure. Medications to kill the larva before its extraction can reduce inflammation and discomfort, and provide a less traumatic larval removal. Isoxazolines are broad-spectrum ectoparasiticides with larvicidal activity previously reported in the treatment of screwworm myiasis in companion animals. The aim of this study was evaluate the effectiveness of sarolaner as part of the clinical management of furuncular myiasis in dogs caused by D. hominis larvae. Methods and materials – Ten short-haired mixed breed dogs naturally infested. Clinical diagnosis was achieved by observation of skin nodules and visualization of larval motility through the lesion orifice. Sarolaner was administered at manufacturer recommended dose for fleas and ticks. Lesions were reexamined 24 hours post-treatment and assessed for viability of larvae. Larvae were removed by digital compression and identified as D. hominis.Results – Seventy-five D. hominis larvae were retrieved from 10 dogs. No live larvae were observed, demonstrating 100% larvicidal efficacy of sarolaner. Skin lesions were healed 30 days post-treatment and new lesions were not observed.Conclusions – Sarolaner seems to be effective as larvicidal treatment for dogs with furuncular myiasis, reducing discomfort caused by the presence of the larva in the skin and facilitating its safe removal.
Thirty-eight-year Follow-up of the First Patient of Mandibular Reconstruction with Free Vascularized Fibula Flap
Authors: Puricelli Edela , Chem Roberto Correa
Published: June 2021

Background: The mandible is responsible for vital functions of the stomatognathic system, and its loss results in functional and aesthetic impairment. Mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flap is considered the gold standard for mandibular reconstruction.Case presentation: We describe here the 38-year follow-up of the patient who was the first case of mandibular reconstruction with free fibula flap reported in the literature. The original report describes a 27-year-old woman who had undergone extensive mandibulectomy due to an osteosarcoma. A microvascularized fibula flap was used for mandibular reconstruction in 1983. Two years later, a vestibulo-lingual sulcoplasty with skin graft was performed to allow the construction of a total dental prosthesis. Fifteen years after the initial treatment, an autologous iliac crest graft was placed in the fibula flap, aimed at increasing bone thickness and height for rehabilitation with implant supported prosthesis. In 2015, a rib graft was positioned in the mental region, enhancing the support to the soft tissues of the face and improving the oral function. A recent review of the patient shows well-balanced facial morphology and optimal functional results of the procedure. Conclusions: The fibula flap method, described in 1975 and first reported for mandibular reconstruction in 1985, continues to be applied as originally described, especially where soft tissue damage is not extensive. Its use in reconstructive surgery was expanded by advancements in surgery and techniques such as virtual surgical planning. However, there is still a lack of evidence related to the long-term evaluation of outcomes. The present work represents the longest-term follow-up of a patient undergoing mandibular reconstruction with free vascularized fibula flap, presenting results showing that, even after 38 years, the procedure continues to provide excellent results.
The Yield of Neuroimaging in Patients Presenting to the Emergency Department With Isolated Neuro-Ophthalmological Complaints
Authors: Zahran Tharwat El , Hadi Dalia El , Mostafa Hala , Mansour Hana , Hashim Ibrahim , Tahhan Soubhi , Ghannam Alaa Bou
Published: June 2021

Background: Neuro-ophthalmological emergencies require prompt assessment and management to avoid vision or life-threatening sequelae. The decision to perform a neuroimaging procedure is currently based on the clinical judgement of the medical team, without defined indications. This study aims to identify presenting symptoms and physical exam findings associated with relative positive findings on neuroimaging studies,Methods: This study was conducted by reviewing the electronic medical records of patients presenting to the Emergency Department (ED) with isolated neuro-ophthalmologic complaints between January 1st, 2013 and September 30th 2019. We collected data on the clinical presentation, neuroimaging procedures and results, consults, and diagnoses.Results: We reviewed the charts of 211 patients of whom 50.7% were females and had a mean age of 41.2 ±21.4 years. Most presented with unilateral eye complaints (53.6%), and the most common symptoms were blurred vision (77.3%) and headaches (42.2%). A total of 126 imaging procedures were performed of which 74.6% were normal, while 25.4% showed relevant abnormal findings. Complaining of blurry vision (p=0.038) or visual field changes (p=0.014) at presentation were associated with having positive findings on imaging. Physical exam findings of a visual field defect (p=0.016), abnormal pupil reactivity (p=0.028), afferent pupillary defect (p=0.018), or abnormal optic disc exam (p=0.009) were also associated with positive findings on imaging.Conclusion: Neuroimaging is more likely to yield positive findings in patients presenting to the ED with blurred vision or changes in visual field and in those found to have visual field irregularities, afferent pupillary defects or abnormal optic discs on physical exam. These findings - when combined with the proper clinical setting - should lower the threshold to proceed with neuroimaging in the emergency department. Based on our results, larger-scale studies might lead to a well-structured algorithm to be followed by ED physicians in decision making.
Optimization of In-situ Transesterification Process for Biodiesel Production from High Free Fatty Acid Feedstock by Semi-continuous Column Reactor
Authors: Tongcumpou Chantra , Tuntiwiwattanapun Nattapong
Published: June 2021

An in-situ transesterification (in-situ TE) process can reduce the multiple steps of biodiesel production by merging vegetable oil extraction and biodiesel synthesis into a single step. However, high free fatty acid, generally found in waste feedstock, dramatically reduce both yield and quality of biodiesel. In this work the new concept of a semi-continuous column reactor was introduced to mitigate the negative effect of high free fatty acid found in spent coffee grounds (SCGs). The potassium methoxide solution, as reactive solvent, was pumped through the series of column reactors. At the beginning of process free fatty acid in SCGs was promptly extracted in form of soap as a pretreatment fraction. Then, the residual mono-, di- and triglyceride in SCGs matrix were covert to fatty acid methyl ester (FAME) biodiesel and simultaneously extracted. A liquid fraction analysis was conducted to distinguish the pretreatment fraction from biodiesel. A central composited rotatable design was applied to determine optimal process conditions of potassium methoxide concentration and solid retention time at 30°C. Under the optimal conditions, up to 88% FAME yield was observed. The residual triglyceride in defatted SCGs was less than 1.5%mass. Compared to batch reactor type, the semi-continuous column reactor used only half of the required methanol for in-situ TE by recirculating the reagent in the series of reactors. This could dramatically reduce the energy usage and environmental impact of FAME production from high free fatty acid feedstock via in-situ TE.
Label-free Functional and Structural Imaging of Liver Microvascular Complex in Mice by Jones Matrix Optical Coherence Tomography
Authors: Mukherjee Pradipta , Miyazawa Arata , Fukuda Shinichi , Yamashita Toshiharu , Lukmanto Donny , Okada Kosuke , El-Sadek Ibrahim Abd , Zhu Lida , Makita Shuichi , Oshika Tetsuro , Yasuno Yoshiaki
Published: June 2021

We demonstrate label-free imaging of the functional and structural properties of microvascular complex in mice liver. The imaging was performed by a custom-built Jones-matrix based polarization sensitive optical coherence tomography (JM-OCT), which is capable of measuring tissue’s attenuation coefficient, birefringence, and tiny tissue dynamics. Two longitudinal studies comprising a healthy liver and an early fibrotic liver model were performed. In the healthy liver, we observed distinctive high dynamics beneath the vessel at the initial time point (0 hour) and reappearance of high dynamics at 32-hour time point. In the early fibrotic liver model, we observed high dynamics signal that reveals a clear network vascular structure by volume rendering. Longitudinal time-course imaging showed that these high dynamics signals faded and decreased over time.
Discrepancy of Karyotype and CMA/NGS in a PGD Patient With Cryptical Complex Chromosomal Rearrangement
Authors: Wang Ting , Zhong Yinhuan , Li Xianzheng , Chen Hanbiao , Lu Jian , Huang Weiwei , Chen Chuangqi , Guo Li
Published: June 2021

Introductions: Complex chromosome rearrangement (CCR) is a structural rearrangement involving more than two breakpoints. CCR carriers are at high risk for phenotypic abnormalities or reproductive failure, such as chromosomal abnormalities in fetuses and infertility. In this study, we presented a carriers with chromosome (3,18) balanced translocation, whose fetus had duplications in chromosome 3 and deletions in chromosome 10 demonstrated by chromosomal microarray analysis (CMA).By revealing the cryptical translocation, we aimed to provide CCR carriers with more accurate risk assessment of abnormal pregnancy and better assisted reproduction with CMA and next generation sequencing(NGS).Results: By using the high resolution of GTG-banding technology, a cryptical translocation in chromosome 10 was found and the karyotype of the carrier was revised as 46,XY,t(3;10;18) (p26.3;q26.1;q21.1).In the cycle of preimplantation genetic diagnosis (PGD),21 oocytes were retrieved, and 15 were fertilized. At last 7 embryos were biospied and sent to diagnosis by next generation sequencing(NGS).Unfortunately, none of the NGS results from the 7 biopsy embryos were normal. Combining previous literature and our results, we assessed the odds of a balanced embryo in a CCR carrier to be about 9.3%(28/302).The transferable embryo rate was approximately 71.4%(20/28) and healthy live born delivery rate was 55%(11/20).Conclusions: NGS and CMA featured high automation, relatively low cost, high throughput, and high repeatability, which made them commonly used during prenatal diagnosis and PGD. The multiple technology combination can provide more accurate diagnosis and better fertility services for CCR patients.
Effects of Social Inclusion and Exclusion in Obesity Surgery Patients: Emotional and Eating Changes after Cyberball Tasks
Authors: Meneguzzo Paolo , Tenconi Elena , Collantoni Enrico , Longobardi Gloria , Zappalà Adele , Vindigni Vincenzo , Favaro Angela , Pavan Chiara
Published: June 2021

Background Social cognition and temperamental and interpretative styles play a significant role in the outcome of bariatric surgery. This study aims to assess how obesity surgery patients evaluate social inclusion and exclusion through a ball-tossing game called Cyberball and examine the influence of early maladaptive schemas on evaluative skills. MethodsThirty-four patients with a history of bariatric interventions for severe obesity and 44 controls were recruited for this study. A psychological evaluation was performed before and after the Cyberball task. ResultsIn the ostracism condition, significant differences were seen across all the patients' fundamental psychological needs with less perceived ostracization (p = 0.001) even if they recognized less interaction via fewer ball tosses. Moreover, the ostracism paradigm resulted in patients experiencing a higher urge to binge (p = 0.010) and a higher urge to restrain (p = 0.012) than controls. The emotional evaluation led to a modification of the participants feelings in both patients and controls after inclusion or exclusion, but especially after being excluded. As evidenced by the schema domains, the study found a connection between impaired limits-schema domain and the drive to binge.ConclusionThe results show how, after bariatric surgery, obese patients cannot differentiate between social inclusion and exclusion and are detached from social interactions. This cognitive style could be reinforced by particular early-maladaptive schemas that could be considered specific therapeutic targets for improving specific interpersonal skills in future research.Level of evidence: Level III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies.
Influence of B-Site Gd+3 Substitution on Various Properties of Co-Ferrite Nanoparticles
Authors: Salgaonkar Manoj , Gad R. S.
Published: June 2021

The effect of rare earth (Gd+ 3) substitution on various properties of nanocrystalline cobalt ferrite material with composition CoFe2 − xGdxO (x = 0, 0.02, 0.04, 0.06, 0,08, 0.1) prepared using combustion method was investigated. The alterations produced in the structural parameters of the spinel lattice of cobalt ferrite were investigated using X-ray diffraction (XRD). The structural parameter such as Lattice constant, mass density, strain, and crystallite size showed irregular variation triggered due to Rare earth inclusion. The chemical composition analysis was done using energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (EDS). Morphological investigations were done using a scanning electron microscope (SEM). The dependence of A.C. susceptibility and other crucial magnetic properties on rare earth content in the ferrite matrix was also investigated. The temperature dependence of electrical properties such as DC resistivity, dielectric constant, and dielectric loss was also investigated to study the alterations caused due to incorporation of rare earth ions.
Identification of an Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition-Related Long Non-coding RNA Prognostic Signature for Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Huang Shenglan , Li Dan , Zhuang LingLing , Zhang Jian , Wu Jianbing
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most common malignant tumors with poor prognosis. Epithelial–mesenchymal transition (EMT) is crucial for cancer progression and associates with a worse prognosis. Thus, we aimed to construct an EMT-related lncRNAs signature for predicting the prognosis of HCC patients.Methods: We built an EMT-related lncRNA risk signature in the training set by using Cox regression and LASSO regression based on TCGA database. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis was conducted to compare the overall survival (OS) in different risk groups. Cox regression was performed to explore whether the signature could be used as an independent factor. A nomogram was built involving the risk score and clinicopathological features. Furthermore, we explored the biological functions and immune states in two groups.Results: 12 EMT-related lncRNAs were obtained for constructing the prognosis model in HCC. The Kaplan-Meier curve analysis revealed that patients in the high-risk group had worse survival than low-risk group. Time-dependent ROC and Cox regression analyses suggested that the signature could predict HCC survival exactly and independently. The prognostic value of the risk model was confirmed in the validation group. The nomogram was built and could accurately predict survival of HCC patients. GSEA results showed that in high-risk group cancer-related pathways were enriched, and exhibited more cell division activity suggested by Gene Ontology (GO) analysis.Conclusions: We established a novel EMT-related prognostic risk signature including 12 lncRNAs and constructed a nomogram to predict the prognosis in HCC patients, which may improve prognostic predictive accuracy for HCC patients and guide the individualized treatment methods for the patients with HCC.
Normal Values of MAPSE and TAPSE in the Paediatric Population Established by Cardiovascular Magnetic Resonance
Authors: Puricelli Filippo , Gati Sabiha , Banya Winston , Daubeney Piers EF , Pennell Dudley J , Voges Inga , Krupickova Sylvia
Published: June 2021

not applicable, this is Letter to Editor
Enhanced Nutrient Uptake in Side-Row Maize and Improved Microbial Community Diversity in Wide-Strip Intercropping of Maize and Peanut
Authors: Zhao Xinhua , Dong Qiqi , Han Yi , Zhang Kezhao , Shi Xiaolong , Yang Xu , Yuan Yang , Zhou Dongying , Wang Kai , Wang Xiaoguang , Jiang Chunji , Liu Xibo , Zhang He , Zhang Zhimeng , Yu Haiqiu
Published: June 2021

Background: Intercropping, a diversified planting pattern is currently the subject of major global research, but uncertainty remains about the rhizosphere interaction of intercropped maize and peanut, which increases nitrogen uptake. We explored the changes in soil physicochemical properties, nutrient uptake and use, and microbial community structure in wide-strip intercropped maize and peanut. Results: The results from three treatments, sole maize (SM), sole peanut (SP) and intercropping of maize and peanut (IMP), showed that intercropping maize (IM) had a marginal advantage and that the nutrient content of roots, stems and grains in side-row maize was better than that of middle intercropping maize (MIM) and SM. And the yield of intercropped maize was higher than sole cropping. Compared with SM and SP, the soil nitrogen content (TN) in IM and intercropping peanut (IP) was lower and increased the soil enzyme activities of nitrate reeducates (NR) and peroxidase (POD), showing a significant negative correlation with soil TN. And decreased the soil enzymes activities of Pro and DHO, showing a positively correlation with soil TN. The diversity and richness of bacteria and fungi was decreased in IM rhizosphere soil, however, that richness of fungi was increased in IP rhizosphere soil. The RB41, Candidatus-udaeobacter, Stropharia, Fusarium and Penicillium were correlated with soil enzyme activity. In addition, intercropping enriched the functional diversity of bacterial community and reduced the pathogenic fungi. Conclusion: IMP changed the rhizosphere soil bacterial and fungal community structure and composition, enriched nitrogen-fixing bacteria in the IP rhizosphere soil, promoted the nitrogen content of IM and provided a scientific basis for promoting IMP in northeastern China.
Postoperative morbidity after liver resection- A Systematic review, meta-analysis, and metaregression of factors affecting them.
Authors: Vasavada Bhavin , Patel Hardik
Published: June 2021

Aim of the study: This systematic review and meta-analysis aimed to analyse post-operative morbidity after liver resection, and also study various factors associated with mortality via metaregression analysis.Material and Methods: PubMed, Cochrane Library, Embase, google scholar, web of science with keywords like ‘liver resection”; ”mortality”;” hepatectomy”. Weighted percentage post-operative morbidities were analysed. Meta-analysis and meta-regression were done by the DerSimonian-Liard random effect model. Heterogeneity was assessed using the Higgins I2 test. Publication bias was assessed using a funnel plot. Funnel plot asymmetry was evaluated by Egger’s test. Morbidity was defined as any postoperative morbidity mentioned.Results: A total of 46 studies was included in the final analysis. Total 45771 patients underwent liver resections. 16111 patients experienced complications during the postoperative period. Weighted post-operative morbidity was 30.2% ( 95 % C.I. 24.8-35.7%). Heterogeneity was high with I2 99.46% and p-value <0.01. On univariate analysis, major liver resections were significantly associated with heterogeneity. (p=0.024). However, residual heterogeneity was still high with I2 98.62%, p<0.001. So, multifactor metaregression analysis major hepatectomy (p<0.001), Open hepatectomy (p=0.001), cirrhotic liver (p=0.002), age (p<0.001), blood loss (p<0.001), and colorectal metastasis (p<0.001) independently associated with postoperative morbidity. Residual heterogeneity was moderate I2= 39.9% and nonsignificant p=0.189.Conclusion: Liver resection is associated with high postoperative morbidity and various factors like major hepatectomy, Open hepatectomy, cirrhotic liver, blood loss, and colorectal metastasis were associated with morbidity and responsible for heterogeneity across the studies.
A Toolkit for Haptic Force Feedback in a Telerobotic Ultrasound System
Authors: Fotouhi Reza , Semnani Atieh Najafi , Zhang QianWei , Adams Scott J. , Obaid Haron
Published: June 2021

Objective

To develop a collision engine (haptic force feedback simulator) compatible with a 5-degrees-of-freedom (DOF) haptic wand. This has broad applications such as for telerobotic ultrasound systems. Integrating force feedback into systems is critical to optimize remote scanning. A collision engine compatible with a 5-DOF haptic wand was developed based on the Gilbert–Johnson–Keerthi algorithm. The collision engine calculated force during collision between the wand and a virtual object based on code developed using MATLAB. A proportional force was subsequently returned to a user via the haptic wand, thereby simulating the collision force for the user. Three experiments were conducted to assess the accuracy of the collision engine on curved and flat surfaces.
Results

The average errors in calculation of distances between the wand and virtual object were 2.1 cm, 3.4 cm, and 4.2 cm for the model of the human hand, cylinder, and cuboid, respectively. The collision engine accurately simulated forces on a flat surface, though was less accurate on curved surfaces. Future work will incorporate haptic force feedback into a telerobotic ultrasound system. The haptic force simulator presented here may also be used in the development of ultrasound simulators for training and education.
Authentication of a novel antibody to zebrafish collagen type XI alpha 1 chain (Col11a1a)
Authors: Reeck Jonathon , Hardy Makenna Jaimason , Pu Xinzhu , Keller-Peck Cynthia , Oxford Julia Thom
Published: June 2021

Objective

Extracellular matrix proteins play important roles in embryonic development and antibodies that specifically detect these proteins are essential to understanding their function. The zebrafish embryo is a popular model for vertebrate development but suffers from a dearth of authenticated antibody reagents for research. Here, we describe a novel antibody designed to detect the minor fibrillar collagen chain Col11a1a in zebrafish (AB strain).
Results

The Col11a1a antibody was raised in rabbit against a peptide comprising a unique sequence within the zebrafish Col11a1a gene product. The antibody was affinity-purified and characterized by ELISA. The antibody is effective for immunoblot and immunohistochemistry applications. Protein bands identified by immunoblot were confirmed by mass spectrometry and sensitivity to collagenase. Col11a1a knockout zebrafish were used to confirm specificity of the antibody. The Col11a1a antibody labeled cartilaginous structures within the developing jaw, consistent with previously characterized Coll11a1 antibodies in other species. Col11a1a within formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded zebrafish were recognized by the antibody. The antibodies and the approaches described here will help to address the lack of well-defined antibody reagents in zebrafish research.
Sensitivity and Specificity of a Short Scale for Assessing Psychological Violence in Peruvian Health Professionals
Authors: Tueros Luis Fidel Abregú , Rosa Roger dos Santos
Published: June 2021

Objective: Psychological violence at work is becoming more acute in the health sector due to the precariousness of psychosocial work conditions at a global scale. To date, there have been no psychometric studies to classify this situation. The objective of the study was to determine the sensitivity and specificity of the psychological violence scale in health professionals (PVS-Health) among the Peruvian population.Results: The study included 188 professionals from ten care centres in Peru. Two groups of 94 subjects were formed: subjects who had experienced psychological violence at work (PVW) and subjects who had not experienced. The average age was 36.8 ± 10.5 years; 59% of the sample were women. The subjects’ work experience ranged between 1 to 35 years. The analysis based on the receiver operating characteristic ( ROC ) curve concludes significantly: a) area under the curve, AUC x 0.974; standard error, SE x 0.10; p < 0.0003 (95% CI – 0.954 – 0.994), showing adequate randomness; b) cut-off point for maximum sensitivity (S x 0.94) and specificity (E x 0.89) was 35 out of 73 as the maximum score; and c) PVS-Health effectively distinguish subjects with PVW from those without PVW (89% with PVW, 94% of those without).
DFT predictions and experimental confirmation of mechanical behaviour and thermal properties of the Ga-bilayer Mo2Ga2C
Authors: Qi Xinxin , Yin Weilong , Jin Sen , Zhou Aiguo , He Xiaodong , Song Guangping , Zheng Yongting , Bai Yuelei
Published: June 2021

Mo2Ga2C is a new MAX phase with a stacking Ga bilayer as well as possible unusual properties. To understand this unique MAX-phase structure and promote possible future applications, the structure, chemical bonding, mechanical and thermodynamic properties of Mo2Ga2C were investigated by first principles. Using the "bond stiffness" model, the strongest covalent bonding (1162 GPa) were formed between Mo and C atoms in Mo2Ga2C, while the weakest Ga-Ga (389 GPa) bonding were formed between two Ga-atomic layers, different from other typical MAX phases. Of interest, the ratio of the bond stiffness of the weakest bond to the strongest bond (0.33) was lower than 1/2, indicating the high damage tolerance and fracture toughness of Mo2Ga2C, which was confirmed by indentation without any cracks. The high-temperature heat capacity and thermal expansion of Mo2Ga2C were calculated in the framework of quasi-harmonic approximation from 0 K to 2000 K. Because of the metal-like electronic structure, the electronic excitation contribution became more significant with increasing temperature above 300 K.
Thermal Insulation Properties of Hollow Y2O3:Eu Spheres Laminated with Er2O3
Authors: Dan YanXin , Nakamura Atsushi , Saitoh Hidetoshi , Li Hua
Published: June 2021

Currently, hollow sphere insulating materials are of importance for applications such as energy storage and savings and cryogenic engineering. The structures are formed by single hollow spheres, which can be joined, for example, by sintering. In this study, a 15 wt% Er-EDTA complex aqueous solution in which hollow Y2O3 spheres were mixed was used as the deposition body, and pencil spraying and sintering (PSS) was used to synthesize an Er2O3 hollow Y2O3 sphere composite film on a polished Si substrate. The structure of the composite film was successfully controlled by adjusting the 15 wt% Er-EDTA solution/hollow Y2O3 sphere mass ratio and the jet-to-substrate distance in the PSS process. In addition, the thermal insulation capability of the films was evaluated by the thermal steady-state method. The results show that the Er2O3/hollow Y2O3:Eu sphere composite films have a higher thermal insulation capability at a jet-to-substrate distance of 150 mm and a mass ratio (g) of 3.5:1. For the composite films with thicknesses of 38–92 µm, cross-sectional hollow ratio of 0.8–8.7% and void ratio of 6.3–13.1%, the temperature drop due to the porous (including hollow spheres and voids) structure films at 440°C is ΔTf =47°C. This is mainly associated with the film having more complicated microstructures. Therefore, the Er2O3/Y2O3:Eu composite film has good thermal insulation performance, and a simple preparation method for many kinds of hollow sphere films with complex structures and high porosities by using complex solutions with different compositions is provided.
Morphological predictors for microsatellite instability in urothelial carcinoma
Authors: Reig Eduardo Sobrino , Sobrino-Reig Eduardo , Meizoso Telma , García Jesús , Varillas-Delgado David , Martin Yasmina B.
Published: June 2021

IntroductionMicrosatellite instability occurs due to a series of mutations in the DNA pairing error repair (Mismatch repair; MMR) genes, which can affect germ cells as occurs in Lynch syndrome, whose patients are at high risk of developing multiple cancers. The loss of MMR protein is commonly determined by immunohistochemical studies. Although the relation between microsatellite instability and urothelial carcinomas has been widely studied, its evaluation is not currently performed in the analysis of urothelial carcinomas.Methods In this study, the microsatellite status of 139 urothelial carcinomas was analyzed and their clinicopathological characteristics were evaluated. We identified that 10.3% (13 patients) of urothelial carcinomas had loss of MMR protein expression (9 MLH1; 5 MSH2; 2 PMS2; 2 PSH6; n = 139). ResultsResults suggest that these tumors occur more frequently in males, are more frequently located in the bladder or ureters, and present a high tumor grade with a papillary histological pattern that does not infiltrate the lamina propria or, in the case of infiltrating tumors, that grows into perivesical tissues.ConclusionsWe identified patients with the aforementioned tumor characteristics as patients with a high probability of presenting microsatellite instability, and consider that only these patients should undergo further immunohistochemical and molecular techniques for proper diagnosis. Therefore, we propose that the clinicopathological characteristics found in the present study could become possible markers to determine which cases should undergo additional tests.
Intelligent detection method and applied research of diabetic retinopathy based on residual attention network
Authors: Yu Moye
Published: June 2021

Diabetic Retinopathy (DR) is a late-stage ocular complication of diabetes. Proposing a high-accuracy automatic screening technology of fundus images based on deep learning is of great significance to delay the deterioration of DR. In this paper, we propose an end-to-end framework RAN for DR classification and diagnosis based on the ResNet, attention mechanism and dilated convolution was added to the framework. We implemented experiments on three DR datasets, Kaggle, Messidor and IDRid, analyzed and compared the experimental results. The focal loss function is added to solve the imbalance problem between DR datasets. The results show that the method RAN used mainly improves the results of the basic neural network when using the same dataset. Therefore, by optimizing the basic neural network, the classification and diagnosis effect of DR can be improved.
Adaptive Visuo-haptic Perception through Muscle Coactivation
Authors: Carboni Gerolamo , Nanayakkara Thrishantha , Takagi Atsushi , Burdet Etienne
Published: June 2021

While the nervous system can coordinate muscles’ activation to shape the mechanical interaction with the environment, it is unclear if and how the arm’s coactivation influences visuo-haptic perception and motion planning. Here we show that the nervous system can voluntarily coactivate muscles to improve the quality of the haptic percept. Subjects tracked a randomly moving visual target, to which they were physically coupled by a virtual elastic band whose stiffness increased with wrist coactivation. Subjects initially relied on vision alone to track the target, but with practice they learned to combine the visual and haptic percepts in a Bayesian manner to improve their tracking performance. This improvement cannot be explained by the stronger mechanical guidance from the elastic band. These results suggest that with practice the nervous system can learn to integrate a novel haptic percept with vision in an optimal fashion.
Estimation of the direct cost of epilepsy among Sudanese epileptic patients
Authors: Siddig Amira , Ahmed Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: June 2021

Background

Epilepsy is a common disease, and its economic consequences are manifested in frequent hospital visits, examinations and treatments.
Objective

To estimate the direct costs of epilepsy among Sudanese epileptic patients. Design and
methods

The study was conducted on some clinical cases of epilepsy patients in Sudan. Data on clinical characteristics, utilization of medical services, and costs were collected from 380\ patients using a standardized pre-tested format. The patients’ approval was obtained as necessary.
Results

Direct medical care costs was (2,395 Sudanese Pounds “SDG”, 417 American Dollars “USD”) per year per patient, of which antiepileptic drugs was the major component (1,587 SDG, 276 USD). Other costs are medical consultations and hospitalization charges (SDG 148, 26 USD), investigations cost (146 SDG, 25 USD), and cost of travel to clinics (514 SDG, 90 USD). Nonmedical direct cost - in form of traditional healers' visits were reported by 13.5% of the patients and estimated to be (1,422 SDG, 251 USD) per patient per year. The overall mean annual cost for epilepsy per patient in our clinic was approximately (2,724 SDG, 474 USD).
Conclusion

The economic burden of epilepsy patients is relatively high, and payers in Sudan have many characteristics and significant differences from other countries.
Cosmetic effects of anti-epileptic drugs among adult Sudanese epileptic patients
Authors: Siddig Amira , Ahmed Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Ahmed Khabab Abbasher Hussien Mohamed , Omer Mohammed Eltahier Abdalla
Published: June 2021

Background and aims:Adverse effects are leading causes of treatment failure with antiepileptic drugs(AEDs).We studied the cosmetic effects of AEDs and their association with medications adherence and quality of life .MethodsThe study was performed on Sudanese epilepsy patients attending Daoud charity (June-September2014). Five main variables were used(1)Cosmetic effects profile;(2) Morisky Medication Adherence Scale (MMAS-8);(3)WHO Quality of Life Brief-26;(4)Socio-demographic data ,and (5)Epilepsy related data. A senior neurologist assessed the cosmetic effects through clinical examination of the patients. Consents have been obtained from all patients.ResultOut of 420 patients male were (54.15%) and female were (45.85%),mean age 34.1+-10.4 years. Hair loss was the most commonly reported cosmetic effect by female patients (75%) who were taking sodium valproate.(26.2%)of patients had weight gain and none of them thought weight gain is an adverse effect. Neither of life score, nor adherence score were correlated with any of the cosmetic effects of AEDs (P > 0.05).A significant positive correlations was found between the duration from the last attack and the quality of life score (P = 0.03). The Gum overgrowth was correlated with hirsutism and Acne(P > 0.05).Conclusion: We concluded that our patients prioritize medications intake in spite of the presence of cosmetic effects, and this-together with absence of association between quality of life and the cosmetic effect-may be attributed to different Sudanese patients perception to these cosmetic effects from other populations in addition to the unique Sudanese culture.
Causal Deep Learning on Real-world Data Reveals the Comparative Effectiveness of Anti-hyperglycemic Treatments
Authors: Belthangady Chinmay , Giampanis Stefanos , Stedden Will , Alves Paula , Chong Stephanie , Knott Charlotte , Jankovic Ivana , Norgeot Beau
Published: June 2021

Type 2 Diabetes is associated with severe health outcomes, the effects of which are responsible for approximately 1/4 of total U.S. healthcare spending. Current treatment guidelines endorse a massive number of potential anti-hyperglycemic treatment options in various permutations and combinations. Personalized strategies for optimizing treatment selection are lacking. We analyzed real-world data from a nationwide population of over one million diabetics to evaluate the comparative effectiveness of more than 80 different treatment strategies ranging from monotherapy up to combinations of five concomitant classes of drugs across each of 10 clinical subgroups defined by age, insulin dependence, and number of other chronic conditions. Our causal deep learning approach developed on such data allows for more personalized recommendations of treatment selection. We observe significant differences in blood sugar reduction between patients receiving high vs low ranked treatment options and that less than 2% of the population is on a highly ranked treatment. This method can be extended to explore treatment optimization of other chronic conditions.
Professional Variables and Staff Readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an Era of Covid-19
Authors: Owan Valentine Joseph , Akah Levi Udochukwu , Ogbeche Mary Mark , Obla Moses Eteng
Published: June 2021

This study assessed the professional variables of academic staff in African varsities and their readiness to Utilise Internet-Based Channels for Research Communication in an era of Covid-19. Drawing from Maslow’s hierarchy of needs theory, the study was guided by four null hypotheses. The quantitative research method based on the virtual cross-sectional survey design was adopted. A total of 8,591 academics in African universities were the targeted demographic of this study. However, data were collected from a virtual snowball sample of 1,977 respondents (males, N = 1347; females, N = 630) from 24 African countries. A validated electronic survey, with three major aspects, was employed for data collection. The e-survey was released on the Association of African Universities' Telegram forum, which includes 1,622 participants from diverse African nations and regions. Members of the forum, who are all academics, were invited to complete the survey and publish it on their universities' internet-based forums. Coded data were analysed using descriptive and inferential statistics such as the Kruskal Wallis Non-parametric test. The non-parametric test was used because the data failed to meet the normality assumptions required to perform a parametric test. Results indicated, amongst others, that there are considerable variances in staff preparedness to use internet-based channels for research communication based on their educational credentials, educational qualification, rank and areas of research interest. According to the survey, academics with a doctoral degree; grade II lecturers; staff with 3 to 6 years of service; and staff in the medical sciences demonstrated a higher propensity of readiness to use internet-based channels for research communication. Based on these findings key theoretical, practical and research implications are discussed.
Long-term Outcomes of Ledipasvir/sofosbuvir Treatment of Chronic Hepatitis C in Four Teenagers With Significant Liver Fibrosis
Authors: Pokorska-Śpiewak Maria , Dobrzeniecka Anna , Marczyńska Magdalena
Published: June 2021

Long-term outcomes of therapy with ledipasvir/sofosbuvir (LDV/SOF) in children with chronic hepatitis C (CHC) and significant liver fibrosis were evaluated. Among 35 patients aged 12-17 years treated with LDV/SOF, there were four participants with significant fibrosis: one with a fibrosis score of F2 in the METAVIR scale, and three with cirrhosis (F4) evaluated with transient elastography (TE) at baseline. Patients were followed every 4 weeks during the treatment, at the end of the therapy, week 12 posttreatment, and one year after the end of treatment. One year after the end of treatment, the hepatitis C viral load was undetectable in three patients. In 2/4 patients, a significant regression of liver fibrosis was observed (from stage F4 and F2 to F0-F1 in the METAVIR scale). In one patient, the liver stiffness measurement median increased 12 weeks after the end of the treatment and then decreased but still correlated with stage F4. One patient was lost to follow-up after week 4. A one-year observation of teenagers with CHC and significant fibrosis treated with LDV/SOF revealed that regression of liver fibrosis is possible, but not obligatory. Further observations in larger groups of patients are necessary to find predictors of liver fibrosis regression.
Awareness and Acceptance of COVID-19 Vaccines among Pharmacy Students in Zambia: The Implications for Addressing Vaccine Hesitancy
Authors: Mudenda Steward , Mukosha Moses , Meyer Johanna Catharina , Fadare Joseph , Godman Brian , Kampamba Martin , Kalungia Aubrey Chichonyi , Munsaka Sody , Okoro Roland Nnaemeka , Daka Victor , Chileshe Misheck , Mfune Ruth Lindizyani , Mufwambi Webrod , Hikaambo Christabel Nangandu
Published: June 2021

Background: Several vaccines have been developed and administered since coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) was declared a pandemic in March 2020. In April 2021, the authorities in Zambia administered the first doses of the Oxford-AstraZeneca® COVID-19 vaccine. However, little is known about the awareness and acceptability of the vaccines among the Zambian population. This study was undertaken to address this starting with undergraduate pharmacy students in Zambia. Materials and methods: A descriptive cross-sectional survey was conducted among 326 undergraduate pharmacy students in Zambia using an online semi-structured questionnaire from 12th to 25th April 2021 and analysed using Stata version 16. Test of associations were undertaken using Pearson chi-square test or Fisher's exact test as appropriate. The multivariable logistic regression was used to investigate the determinants of awareness and acceptability. All statistical tests were performed at a 5% significance level and 95% confidence level. Results: Among 326 participants, 98.8% were aware of the COVID-19 vaccination programme but only 24.5% would accept the vaccine should it be made available to them. Awareness of the COVID-19 vaccine was influenced by religious beliefs (aOR=0.01, 95% CI: 0.01 to 0.20, p=0.004). Being male (aOR=1.78, 95% CI: 1.05 to 3.02, p=0.034) and single (aOR=2.61, 95% CI: 1.04 to 6.55, p=0.041) was associated with higher odds of accepting the vaccine. Being unemployed (aOR=0.31, 95% CI: 0.15 to 0.66, p=0.002) was associated with lower odds of vaccine acceptancy. Barriers to acceptance of the vaccine were possible side effects (78.5%) and scepticism about its effectiveness to prevent COVID-19 (10.2%). Conclusion: There was significant vaccine hesitancy towards COVID-19 vaccines among Zambian pharmacy students despite their awareness about the vaccines. Health authorities must work collaboratively with the Universities and other institutions to mitigate vaccine hesitancy, especially with pharmacy students a key part of the future healthcare workforce overseeing disease prevention strategies. These findings can help guide future interventions to address vaccine hesitancy to reduce future transmission rates of this virus.
Evaluation of monoclonal anti-A reagents by salivary inhibition studies
Authors: Henry S.M. , A.G. Benny , Woodfield D.G.
Published: June 2021

Ten commercially available monoclonal and polyclonal anti-A reagents were evaluated for use in the test for ABH secretor status after finding unexpected inhibition with a monoclonal anti-A (reagent Z). Two of the available monoclonal reagents were from different batches from the same clone as reagent Z. Those two reagents, as well as reagent Z, appeared to be partially neutralized by salivary substances from group A non-secretor individuals. This finding suggests that when a saliva inhibition test is done, a nonsecretor control saliva of the same ABO group as the saliva to be tested should be used.