bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Digitalization And CO2 Emissions In BRICS: What Role Does Education Play In The Green Economy?
Authors: Yang Lili , Wang Xiaofeng , Kim Su-Hyeon , Baek Seung-Woo , Majeed Muhammad Tariq , Andlib Zubaria
Published: October 2021

This paper aims to examine the effects of digitalization and education on environment quality by using a dataset of BRICS economies from 1990 to 2018. Theories predict a positive effect of digitalization and education on environment quality but previous empirical studies on these nexus produced mixed outcomes. While our study has three core findings; mobile has a negative effect on CO2 in only Russia, while the internet has a negative effect on CO2 emissions in BRICS economies except India in long run. Thus digitalization plays a crucial role in fostering environmental quality in BRICS. Similarly, education has also improved the environmental quality in BRICS by reducing CO2. The effects of digitalization and education are significantly observed in mostly BRICS economies in short run. Regarding implications, this study recommends that the BRICS governments should improve digitalization in the economy and also repair the education system to realize significant green economic growth.
Improved Renal Cancer Prognosis Among Users of Drugs Targeting Renin-angiotensin System
Authors: Eskelinen Tommi , Veitonmäki Thea , Kotsar Andres , Tammela Teuvo , Pöyhönen Antti , Murtola Teemu
Published: October 2021

Purpose: We explored renal cell cancer (RCC) survival among users of antihypertensive medication as hypertension is proposed to be a risk factor for RCC and ACE-inhibitors and angiotensin receptor blockers (ARBs) have been associated with improved prognosis of RCC. Methods: Finnish cohort of 13,873 participants with RCC diagnosed between 1995-2012 was formed from three national databases. RCC cases were identified from Finnish Cancer Registry, medication usage from national prescription database and co-morbidities from Care Registry of Healthcare. Logistic regression was used to calculate odds ratios for metastatic tumor extent at the time of diagnosis. Risk of RCC specific death after diagnosis was analyzed using Cox regression adjusted for tumor clinical characteristics. Results: A total of 5,179 participants died of RCC during the follow-up. No risk association was found for metastatic tumor extent for any drug group. ACE-inhibitors, but no other drug group were associated with decreased risk of RCC specific death overall (HR 0.88, 95% CI 0.82–0.95) compared to non-users. In time-dependent analysis high-dose use of ACE-inhibitors (392 Defined Daily Dose (DDD)/year), HR 0.54, 95% CI 0.45–0.66 ) and ARBs (786.1 DDD/year, HR 0.66, 95% CI 0.50–0.87) associated with improved RCC survival. No information of TNM-classification or tobacco smoking was available. Conclusion: ACE-inhibitors and ARBs in high dose associated with improved RCC specific survival. This may reflect overall benefit of treating hypertension with medication targeting renin-angiotensin system (RAS) system among RCC patients. Further studies are needed to explore the role of RAS in RCC.
Comparison of the Effects of Different Doses of Glucocorticoids on Distinct Subtypes of Guillain-Barré Syndrome in Southern China
Authors: Ma Linzhuo , Liu Shuping , Xiao Zheman , Guan Jingxia , Liu Yin , Yao Jiajia , Lu Zuneng
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe effect of Glucocorticoids (GCs) on the treatment of Guillain-Barré syndrome (GBS) has been controversial. There is no information on whether specific subtypes of GBS respond differently to GCs. In this setting, we aimed to discuss whether GCs treating yield different effects in the distinct subtypes (acute inflammatory demyelinating polyneuropathy, AIDP; acute motor axonal neuropathy, AMAN). And further, we analyzed the impact of different doses on the outcome.MethodsMedical records of patients with a diagnosis of GBS (AIDP & AMAN) admitted to 31 tertiary hospitals, located in 14 provinces of Southern China, from 1 January 2013 to 30 September 2016, were retrospectively collected. And those patients treated with GCs alone were reviewed and analyzed.ResultsFinally, 251 classic patients with available electromyographic data were collected, including AIDP (n=189) and AMAN (n=62). After GCs treatment, the Hughes score of AIDP patients was significantly lower than that of AMAN patients at discharge (P=0.005) and 3 months after onset (P=0.000). Further analysis revealed that among AIDP patients, the high-dose group had significantly shorter hospital stay (P=0.023), lower Hughes score at nadir (P=0.000), at discharge (P=0.005), and 3 months after onset (P=0.000), compared with the low-dose group. However, for AMAN patients, the outcome difference between groups was nonsignificant.ConclusionOur data suggest that the high doses of GCs may result, at least in part, from the side of the duration of hospital stay and short-term outcome, favorable outcomes in AIDP patients. Therefore, we cannot completely deny the priority of GCs in the treatment of GBS, because the effect of different doses of GCs varies in treating different subtypes. More studies are needed in the future to further validate this issue.Trial registration: ChiCTR-RRC-17014152. Registered 26 December 2017- Retrospectively registered.
How to Improve the Function of Government Carbon Tax in Promoting Enterprise Carbon Emission Reduction: From the Perspective of Three-stage Dynamic Game
Authors: Qu Xinchi , SUN Xiangyan
Published: October 2021

Flexible strategy of carbon tax is an important chip for the government to promote the implementation of carbon emission reduction. However, low-carbon technological innovation of enterprises is bound to produce market competition problems with traditional production technology. Based on this, in order to explore the relationship between heterogeneous objectives, carbon tax pricing strategy of government and decision-making of heterogeneous enterprise in the market, and how the government can make better use of carbon tax to promote the implementation of carbon emission reduction, this paper constructs and analyzes a three-stage dynamic game model between the government and heterogeneous enterprises. It is found that higher carbon tax pricing is not necessarily conducive to promote the implementation of carbon emission reduction. When the government's primary goal is to promote low-carbon technology innovative enterprise to increase innovative investment, the government should adopt the unified pricing strategy of carbon tax and improve carbon tax pricing; When the primary goal of the government is to promote the promotion of low-carbon products, the government should adopt the differentiated pricing strategy of carbon tax and reduce the carbon tax pricing of low-carbon technology innovative enterprise. In addition, this paper also studies the impact mechanism of different government pricing strategies on heterogeneous enterprise decision-making under heterogeneous objectives of government.
Association Between Weather and Utilisation of Physical Therapy in Patients With Osteoarthritis: a Case-crossover Study
Authors: Wu Ruo-Yan , Pan Ren-Hao , Wu Chiung-Yi , Chan Chien-Lung , Yeh Huan-Jui
Published: October 2021

Background: During varied weather conditions, patients with osteoarthritis experience different severity of symptoms and signs. However, weather may also cause barriers or incentives for patients to seek medical services. These factors may result in changes in medical utilisation; however, no studies have investigated whether the probability of physical therapy utilisation among patients with osteoarthritis is associated with changes in meteorological factors.Method: We conducted a population-based, retrospective study with a case-crossover design for patients initially diagnosed with osteoarthritis between 2000 and 2013. The meteorological factors of months with the lowest treatment rate were used as patients’ own control periods and compared with the parameters of months with high treatment frequency. The risk of exposure to different meteorological factors, including mean temperature, daily highest temperature, daily temperature difference, relative humidity, and barometric pressure, was estimated and represented by odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs).Results: A total of 8,130 patients were recruited. Regardless of univariate or multivariable analysis, increased daily highest temperature enhanced the frequency of physical therapy (OR: 1.04; 95% CI: 1.02–1.05; p<0.01; OR: 1.06; 95% CI: 1.03–1.09; p<0.01). When the weather was hotter (>23°C), higher daily temperature differences and humidity resulted in an increase in the utilisation of physical therapy. However, when the weather was colder (<23°C), reverse effects were observed.Conclusions: An increase in temperature increases the probability of physical therapy resource use. Therefore, temperature, along with other meteorological factors, may play a key role in the utilization of physical therapy among patients with osteoarthritis
Memory, switches, and logic gates through bistability in chemically fueled crystals
Authors: Schnitter Fabian , Riess Benedikt , Boekhoven Job
Published: October 2021

The ability to store information in chemical reaction networks is essential for evolution, calculations, and, more generally, for the complex behavior, we associate with life. In biology, cellular memory is regulated through transcriptional states that are bistable, i.e., a state that can either be on or off and can be flipped from one to another through a transient signal. Such memory circuits have been realized synthetically through the rewiring of genetic systems in vivo or through the rational design of reaction networks based on DNA and highly evolved enzymes in vitro. Completely bottom-up analogs based on small molecules are rare and hard to design and thus represent a challenge for systems chemistry. In this work, we show that bistability can be designed from an extremely simple non-equilibrium reaction cycle that is coupled to crystallization. The crystals exert the necessary feedback on the reaction cycle required for the bistability resulting in an on-state with assemblies and an off-state without. We can switch the state on and off, such that each state represents volatile memory that can be stored in continuously stirred tank reactors indefinitely despite the fact that molecules are turned over on a minute-timescale. We showcase the system’s abilities by creating a matrix display that can store images and by performing Boolean logic by coupling several switches together.
The “Needle Re-Entry” Technique for Infrainguinal Arterial Calcified Occlusive Lesions.
Authors: Haraguchi Takuya , Kashima Yoshifumi , Masanaga Tsujimoto , Watanabe Tomohiko , Shitan Hidemasa , Sugie Takuro , Hachinohe Daisuke , Kaneko Umihiko , Kobayashi Ken , Kanno Daitaro , Sato Katsuhiko , Fujita Tsutomu
Published: October 2021

Background: Vascular calcification is a predictor of poor clinical outcome during and after endovascular intervention. Guidewire crossing techniques and devices have been developed, but chronic total occlusions (CTOs) with severe calcification are still significant challenging lesions in intervention field. We propose a novel guidewire crossing approach combined needle rendezvous with balloon snare technique, named the “needle re-entry” technique, for treatment of complex occlusive lesions.Main text: A 73-year-old female with severe claudication in her right calf with ankle brachial index of 0.62, and a computed tomography angiogram showed a long occlusion with diffuse calcification in superficial femoral artery. She was referred to our department to have peripheral interventions. Since the calcified vascular wall and nodule of the lesion prevented the successful re-entry with current guidewire crossing matters and devices, the “needle re-entry” was then performed. First, an antegrade 5.0-mm balloon was advanced into a subintimal plane and maintained balloon dilation at 6 atmospheres. Second, an 18-gauge needle was antegradely inserted from distal thigh to the dilated 5.0-mm balloon. After confirming a balloon rupture by the needle penetration, we continued to insert the needle to meet the retrograde guidewire tip. Then, a retrograde 0.014-in. guidewire was carefully advanced into the needle hole, named the “needle rendezvous” technique. After further guidewire advancement to accomplish a guidewire externalization, the needle was removed. Finally, since the guidewire was passing through the 5.0-mm ruptured balloon, the balloon was withdrawn, and the guidewire was captured with the balloon and successfully advanced into the antegrade subintimal space, named the “balloon snare“ technique. After the guidewire was advanced into the antegrade guiding sheath and achieved a guidewire externalization, an endovascular stent graft and an interwoven stent were deployed to cover the lesion. After postballoon dilation, an angiography　showed a satisfactory result without complications. No restenosis, reintervention, and limb loss have been observed for one year follow-up period after this technique.Conclusions: The “needle re-entry” technique is a useful guidewire crossing technique to revascularize femoropopliteal complex CTOs with severe calcification which prevent the achievement of guidewire crossing with the conventional procedures.
Association Between Divorce and Access to Healthcare Services Among Married Immigrants: Propensity Score Approaches
Authors: Bae Suyeong , Graham James E. , nam Sangun , Hong Ickpyo
Published: October 2021

Background: Research is needed to improve access to healthcare services by minority groups. The population of married immigrants is increasing rapidly in Korea. While divorce is a social determinant of health among married immigrans, it is not clear about its association with access to healthcare services. Therefore, we examined healthcare services utilization in married immigrants.Methods: We retrieved data from 11,778 adults in the 2018 Korea National Multicultural Family Survey. We used propensity score matching methods. We analyzed whether the sex of divorced immigrants is associated with healthcare access using multivariable logistic regression analysis. Further, we analyzed the association between divorce and access to healthcare services among married immigrants. Results: There were 691 (5.8%) divorced immigrants in the data set. The married male immigrants had no association between divorce status and healthcare access (adjusted odds ratio = 1.059, 95% confidence interval [CI]=0.552–2.033, p = 0.8620). Divorced immigrants were less likely to receive healthcare services than married immigrants (adjusted OR=1.42, 95% CI=1.06–1.88). Conclusion: Our findings revealed that divorce increased the risk of limited healthcare services among immigrants. Policymakers and health providers should be aware of these potential disparities in this vulnerable minority population.
Clinicopathological Features and Prognosis of Primary Pulmonary Rhabdomyosarcoma in the Middle-Aged and Elderly: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Yingze Wei , Xiaoxia Jin , Jiatai Wang , Xinghua Zhu , Xudong Chen , shuyun Yang
Published: October 2021

Background: Primary pulmonary rhabdomyosarcoma（PPRMS）in the middle-aged and elderly is a very rare event with only a few cases published. To date, only thirty-five cases of PPRMS in the middle-aged and elderly have been published. However, the analyses on clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of PPRMS in the middle-aged and elderly have not been performed.Case presentation: We report an additional case of PPRMS in the middle-aged and elderly.Conclusions: PPRMS in the middle-aged and elderly was a highly malignant soft tissue tumor with obvious gender characteristics and significant age distribution. Pleomorphic rhabdomyosarcoma (RMS) was the most common subtype, with poor prognosis and significantly prolonged survival time after surgical resection.
CD5-Positive Marginal Zone Lymphoma: Clinicopathological Features And Survival Outcomes
Authors: Xia Yaqin , Ge Jurui , Sun Zhenchang , Nan Feifei , Wan Wenjuan , Cui Fangfang , Xu Duo , Zhang Mingzhi , Fu xiaorui
Published: October 2021

Background: CD5 expression in diffuse large B-cell lymphoma has a poor prognosis but the prognostic value of CD5 expression in marginal zone lymphoma is undefined. Methods: Clinicopathological features, survival outcomes, and prognostic implications of marginal zone lymphoma were retrospectively analyzed in 204 patients. We classified patients into (i) CD5-positive marginal zone lymphoma (ii) CD5-negative marginal zone Lymphoma, Fisher's exact test was used to compare the CD5-positive and CD5-negative marginal zone lymphoma. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) curves were summarized by Kaplan-Meier method and compared using the log-rank test, The Cox proportional hazard regression model was used for univariate and multivariate analyses. Results: CD5 expression is rare in marginal zone lymphoma, of 204 patients, only 48 (23.53%) had CD5-positive. Due to the characterized of slow growth and locally aggressive nature, the prognosis is favorable after treatment. at the end of the followup 179 patients were still alive,163 patients never progressed. The 5-year PFS and OS rates for marginal zone lymphoma were 65.10% and 77.30% respectively, the 5-year PFS and OS rates for CD5-positive marginal zone lymphoma were 64.80% and 84.10%, there is no significant difference between CD5-positive and CD5-negative ( P =0.829, P =0.521). Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) transformation was pathologically indicated in 6 patients, of which 5(83.33%) patients were CD5-positive marginal zone lymphoma. Conclusion: CD5 expression in marginal zone lymphoma is not independently prognostic for PFS and OS. But CD5-positive marginal zone lymphoma seems more likely to transformation to diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.
Neonatal Pneumothoraces With Atypical Location: The Role of Lung Ultrasound
Authors: Gregorio-Hernández Rebeca , Pérez-Pérez Alba , Alonso-Ojembarrena Almudena , Arriaga-Redondo María , Ramos-Navarro Cristina , Sánchez-Luna Manuel
Published: October 2021

Neonatal pneumothorax (NP) is a potentially life-threatening condition. Lung ultrasound (LU) has shown higher sensitivity and specificity in diagnosis compared to x-rays, but evidence regarding its usefulness in complex NP is lacking. We report four neonates suffering from cardiac or esophagueal malformations who developed lateral and/or posterior pneumothoraces, in which LU helped, making NP diagnosis and management easier and faster. In conclusion, LU is an easy-to-use, fast, simple and accurate tool when evaluating newborns with complex thoracic diseases.
Efficacy of Indigenous Alcoholic Beverage, Areki, Against Ticks on Cattle in Woldia Area of Ethiopia
Authors: Wale Melaku , Tadesse Eshetu
Published: October 2021

Ticks are a major group of ectoparasites of livestock. A study was conducted to determine the efficacy of locally brewed alcoholic beverage (areki) against ticks on cattle. A sample of 285 cattle owners were purposively selected from the study area. Experiment 1 was a spray of the test materials on affected body parts of animals (150 ml per animal). Treatments include untreated (negative control), areki, and commercial acaricide (positive control). Before spray, each animal was inspected for tick infestation, and the number, growth stage of the ticks was recorded including risk factors (age, sex, health status, feed status, size). Experiment 2 was a toxicity bioassay test of ticks, with four dilution levels with water, i.e., 100%, 50%, 25% and 0% areki by volume. In experiment 1, areki and the commercial acaricide were equally effective. Significantly more live ticks were found on the control and more dead ticks on acaricide and areki. All dilutions were effective in the toxicity bioassay test. In contrast to dead ticks, live tick numbers after spray did not vary with respect to animal health status, body size, sex, breed type, feed supply, and residence (rural and urban). According to the regression analysis, some of the study sites, type of breeds, feed supply, health status of the animal, and spray treatments played significant role in the mortality of ticks (encouraging or discouraging mortality). In general, the current study showed that areki was a promising product for the management of ticks on cattle in Woldia area of Ethiopia.
Origin of Probability in Quantum Mechanics and the Physical Interpretation of the wave Function
Authors: Wen Shuming
Published: October 2021

The theoretical results of quantum mechanics (QM) have been verified by experiments, but the probabilistic Copenhagen interpretation is still controversial, and many counterintuitive phenomena are still difficult to understand. To trace the origin of probability in QM, we construct the state function of a multiparticle quantum objective system and find that the probability in QM originates from the particle number distribution rate in a unit volume near position r at time t in the multiparticle quantum objective system. Based on the origin of probability, We find that the state function of the particle has precise physical meaning; that is, the particle periodically and alternately exhibits the particle state and wave state in time and space, obtain the localized and nonlocalized spatiotemporal range of the particle, the apparent trajectory of the particle motion. Based on this, through rigorous mathematical derivation and analysis, we propose new physical interpretations of the quantum superposition state, wave-particle duality, the double-slit experiment, the Heisenberg uncertainty principle, and the quantum tunnelling effect, and these interpretations are physically logical and not counterintuitive.
Prokaryotes Regulate Particulate Organic Carbon Export in Suspended and Sinking Particle Fractions
Authors: Dithugoe Choaro D. , Bezuidt Oliver K.I. , Cavan Emma L. , Froneman William P. , Thomalla Sandy J. , Makhalanyane Thulani P.
Published: October 2021

BackgroundOceans are crucial regulators of the global carbon cycle. Understanding the oceanic biological carbon pump (BCP) and its contribution to carbon export has been the subject of extensive research. These studies have provided quantitative evidence regarding the centrality of phytoplankton throughout the water column. In the Southern Ocean, the biological carbon pump is driven primarily by phytoplankton productivity and is an effective organic matter sink. There is evidence showing that sinking particulate organic matter (POM) sustains microbial communities with different ecological strategies (i.e., r-/K-strategists). These results suggest that the role of microbial communities on the effectiveness of the biological carbon pump should not be underestimated. However, we lack mechanistic insights regarding the importance of these microorganisms, their diversity and influence on the efficiency of the BCP.Results Here, we provide the first insights regarding prokaryotic metabolic capacity linked to suspended and sinking particles to improve our understanding of microbial contributions towards POM export in the Southern Ocean. A Marine Snow Catcher (MSC) was deployed at several stations southwest of Tasmania in the Subantarctic zone to obtain suspended and sinking particulate material for determining carbon and nitrogen flux. Metagenomic analysis and metagenomic-assembled genomes showed that both the suspended and sinking particle-pools were dominated by bacteria with metabolic capacity for degrading POM (e.g. Gammaproteobacteria MAGs). Archaeal genomes (Poseidoniia and Nitrososphaeria) appear to drive nitrogen metabolism via nitrite and ammonia oxidation in these communities. Results suggest that for bacteria r-strategists were more ubiquitous in the suspended pool while K-strategists were more prevalent in the sinking particle-pool, with the opposite being true for archaea. In addition, metabolic reconstructions suggest that prokaryotes harbour substantial genetic capacity for degrading complex POM and chemoautotrophic synthesis of recalcitrant dissolved organic carbon (RDOC) from CO2. ConclusionThe metagenome assembled genomes from sinking and suspended size fractions and carbon flux determinations revealed striking trends regarding prokaryotic contributions in the water column. The results show that the predicted lifestyles for bacteria and archaea may differ substantially in sinking and suspended fractions, suggesting niche specificity. Together, our data suggest that prokaryotes in suspended and sinking particles may enhance POM export via the production of RDOC in the Southern Ocean.
Low-Dose Dexmedetomidine as a Perineural Adjuvant for Postoperative Analgesia: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Liu Wei , Guo Jingwen , Zheng Jun , Zheng Bin , Ruan Xiangcai , investigators Addition of Dexmedetomidine to Ropivacaine-Induced supraclav
Published: October 2021

PurposeDexmedetomidine has been proposed as an additive to local anesthetics to prolong peripheral nerve block duration; however, perineural dexmedetomidine has been associated with an increased risk of bradycardia and hypotension This randomized controlled study investigated the effects of low-dose dexmedetomidine as a perineural adjuvant for postoperative analgesia.MethodsFifty-five patients who had undergone elective upper extremity surgery were randomized to receive an ultrasound-guided supraclavicular brachial plexus block with 20 mL 0.5% ropivacaine with or without 30 µg dexmedetomidine. The primary outcome was the duration of analgesia. Secondary outcomes included the onset time and duration of the motor and sensory blocks, incidence of hypotension and bradycardia, total postoperative analgesics, and safety assessment during the 24 h after surgery.ResultsDexmedetomidine significantly prolonged the duration of analgesia (887 ± 92 min vs 661 ± 83 min, P<0.0001). The onset time and the duration of motor and sensory block were significantly different between the groups (all P<0.001). No episodes of hypotension or bradycardia were detected in the dexmedetomidine group. The total postoperative analgesic use and side effect profiles in the first 24 h postoperative period were similar for both groups.ConclusionsLow-dose dexmedetomidine (30 µg) as a perineural adjuvant significantly prolonged the analgesic duration of a brachial plexus block without inducing hemodynamic instability.This trial was registered at ClinicalTrial.gov (NCT02630290).
Determinants of Apprehension to Return to Sport After Reconstruction of the Anterior Cruciate Ligament: an Exploratory Observational Retrospective Study
Authors: Martini Alexandre , PT Anne Ayala , Lechable Marc , Rannou François , Lefèvre-Colau Marie-Martine , Nguyen Christelle
Published: October 2021

Background. Only 65% of people recover a level of sport equivalent to that before after anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) surgery. Persisting apprehension may in part explain this observation. We aimed to describe characteristics of people with ACL-Return to Sport after Injury (RSI) scores ≥ 60/100 (low apprehension) at 6 months after injury and to identify variables independently associated with low apprehension at 6 months. Methods. We conducted a single-center retrospective study. People who had surgery for an ACL rupture and who participated in an outpatient post-operative rehabilitation program were included consecutively. The ACL-RSI questionnaire was self-administered at 6 months after injury. Baseline characteristics of people with ACL-RSI scores ≥ 60/100 and < 60/100 were described. Multiple logistic regression was performed to identify baseline variables associated with low apprehension at 6 months.Results. We included 37 participants: 13/37 (35.1%) were women and mean age was 27.2 (9.2) years. At 6 months, 21/37 (56.8%) had an ACL-RSI score ≥ 60/100. Participants who had an ACL-RSI score ≥ 60/100 more often received a preoperative rehabilitation (16/21 [76.2%] vs 5/16 [31.2%]), and had less often knee pain (7/21 [33.3%] vs 7/16 [43.7%]) and effusion (5/21 [23.8%] vs 8/16 [50.0%]) at 1 month after surgery, than participants who had an ACL-RSI score < 60/100. In the multivariate analysis, preoperative rehabilitation was associated with low apprehension at 6 months (OR [95% CI]=0.107 [0.023 to 0.488], p=0.002).Conclusions. Preoperative rehabilitation is independently associated with low apprehension at 6 months.Trial registration. Not applicable.
Viewpoint Changes of Medical Sciences Graduates in Evaluating the Performance of Faculty Members: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Azizi Hanieh , Beheshid Mozhgan , Gholipour Kamal , Abadi Saeed Aslan , Azadifar Ali , Alizadeh Mahasti
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to identify which dimensions of faculty members’ evaluation criteria changed from the viewpoint of students after their graduation, and to determine the effective factors in changing their viewpoints.Methods: Using 28 semi-structured interviews, this qualitative study was conducted in Tabriz University of Medical Sciences (TBZMED), Iran during 2016-2017. The target population included all graduates who accomplished their job duty and had a working experience of 1-3 years. The data were analyzed using content analysis. Results: There were two types of changes from the viewpoint of the graduates in evaluating the performance of faculty members: individual and environmental. Individual factors included the responsibility of graduates, social maturity, personal experience, intellectual maturity, understanding the causes of teachers’ behaviors, and understanding the importance of evaluation. The environmental factors were applicability of learning experiences in the work environment and workplace conditions. Conclusion: From the perspective of graduates, the importance of some evaluation criteria in the educational, professional, and personal dimensions changed over their study period due to some factors, such as personal experience, experiences in the work environment, workplace conditions, and intellectual maturity.
Branch- and Enantioselective Allylic C−H Alkylation Works Well for Almost All Types of α-Alkenes
Authors: Nong Zhong-Sheng , Zhu Ling , Wang Tian-Ci , Fan Lian-Feng , Wang Pu-Sheng , Gong Liu-Zhu
Published: October 2021

Asymmetric functionalization of alkenes represents one of the most attractive and straightforward methods to achieve precise assembly of molecular complexity from cost-effectiveness and sustainability viewpoints. Although the regio- and enantioselective transformations on the carbon-carbon double bond of alkenes have been extensively studied, those on the allylic C−H bonds of inactivated alkenes remain to be explored. Here, we report a Pd-catalyzed branch- and enantioselective allylic C−H alkylation, capable of accommodating almost all types of α-alkenes that range from feedstocks annually manufactured on million-ton scale to olefins tethering a wide scope of appended functionalities, providing unconventional access to chiral γ,δ-unsaturated amides. Notably, mechanistic studies reveal that the regioselectivity is not only governed by the coordination pattern of nucleophiles but also regulated by the ligational behaviors of ligands, highlighting the importance of the mono-ligation of chiral phosphoramidite ligands in provoking high levels of stereo- and branch-selectivity via a nucleophile-coordination enabled inner-sphere allylation pathway.
A Comparative Study On Electronic Transport Behavior Of Silicene And B40-Nano Onions
Authors: Kaur Harleen , Kaur Jupinder , Kumar Ravinder
Published: October 2021

Density Functional Theory is utilized to scrutinize the electronic state of silicene and boron nano-onion which is a round compact mass formed by placing an N20, C20, and B20 fullerene within its parent atom fullerene B40. NEGF was used to investigate the quantum transport at both equilibrium and non-equilibrium. Firstly, the I-V curve for both silicene and boron-based devices was studied and compared. From the results, it is concluded that boron-based devices are better than silicene. To get deeper insights into why boron-based devices are better than silicene, transport properties of boron-based devices were determined. Later on, the transport mechanism is analyzed by computing the DOS, transmission and molecular spectra, HLG, electron densities, and differential conductance when the boron nano-onion is placed between the pair of Au electrodes. The calculated results are evaluated and a comparative study is done. From the results, it is deduced that the N20 variant nano-onion has lesser HOMO-LUMO gap (HLG) and highest value of current in comparison to other devices. Thus, by infusing a smaller fullerene of N20 inside the hollow cage of B40 fullerene the amplification of current and conductance can be observed in Boron-nano-onion in comparison to other devices.
Neurocognitive Dysfunction Among Patients Living With HIV/AIDS in a National Teaching Hospital in Ghana: Mixed Method Approach
Authors: Fiagbe Delali , Boima Vincent , Ganu Vincent , Amissah-Arthur Maame , Yorke Ernest , Dey Dzifa , Acquaye Kelvin , Gyaban-Mensah Anna , Puplampu Peter , Adjei Patrick , Mate-Kole Charles Christopher
Published: October 2021

Background
Studies have reported good therapeutic outcomes among persons living with HIV, however, there is evidence to indicate persisting cognitive deficits. The present study examined the pattern of neurocognitive deficits and psychosocial changes among persons living with HIV at a tertiary hospital in a Sub Saharan country, Ghana.
Method
This was facility-base cross-sectional study involving one hundred and twenty-three (123) patients recruited from an infectious disease unit in a national referral hospital. Structured questionnaire and standardized research instruments; Revised Quick Cognitive Screening Test (RQCST), Digit Span Test, Spatial Span Test, Cognitive Failure Questionnaire (CFQ), California Verbal Learning Test ii short form (CVLT), Santa Clara Strength of Religious (SCSR), Brief Symptom Inventory (BSI), WHO Quality of Life (WHOQOL) were used to obtain quantitative data on socio-demographic characteristics, cognitive function, spirituality, depression and quality of life. Eight individuals each were sampled for in-depth interviews. Responses were analyzed using interpretative phenomenological analysis (IPA). Statistical significance was set at < 0.05.
Results
The results indicated that 54% of the participants experienced cognitive deficits. There was a significant correlation between duration of the illness in months and Revised Quick Cognitive Screening Test [RQCST] Global score, r (73) = .29, p = .012, and Verbal score, r (73) = .35, p = .002 and Brief Symptoms Inventory [BSI] Depression sub-domain, r (61) = -.33, p = .009. Physical Health, a domain in WHO quality of life was a significant predictor of cognitive deficits in patient living with HIV/AIDS
Conclusion
Cognitive deficits are associated with poor psychosocial outcomes in patient living with HIV/AIDS, Neurocognitive assessment should be considered a crucial aspect in the management of HIV rehabilitation.
An Integrating of Clinical, Pathological, and Radiomic Approach to Predict the Microsatellite Instability in Rectal Carcinoma
Authors: Yuan Hang , Yu Peng , Li Jiankai , Song Niping , Wan Zi'ang , Chen Bingchen , Tu Shiliang , Wei Yuguo , Ma Yanqing
Published: October 2021

Objective: To develop an integrative model with clinical, pathological, and radiomic characteristics to predict the status of microsatellite instability (MSI) in rectal carcinoma (RC). Methods: A cohort of 788 RCs with 97 high MSI status (MSI-H) and 691 microsatellite stable status (MSS) were enrolled. The clinical and pathological characteristics were recorded. The radiomic features were calculated after segmentation of volume of interests and then patients were divided into the training set and validation set with a random proportion of 7:3. The logistic models of simple clinical characteristics (LM-Clin), pathological characteristics (LM-Patho), and radiomic features (LM-Radio) were constructed to distinguish MSI-H from MSS. The relevant radiomic score was calculated. Finally, a integrative nomogram (LM-Nomo) including significant clinical, pathological characteristics, and radiomics was developed. The area under receiver operator curve (AUC) was calculated to evaluate the efficacy of prediction. Results: The AUC of simple LM-Clin including variables of CEA and hypertension and LM-Patho including characteristics of gross type and lymph node metastasis ratio (LNR) was 0.584 (95%CI, 0.549-0.619) and 0.585 (95%CI, 0.550-0.619), which was lower than that of LM-Radio including 12 radiomic features with AUC of 0.737 (95%CI, 0.675-0.799). The LM-Nomo contained CEA, hypertension, LNR, and radiomic score, and the AUC was 0.757 (95%CI, 0.726-0.787). Conclusion: The AUCs of LM-Clin and LM-Patho were disappointing and lower than that of LM-Radio. The LM-Nomo demonstrated the best performance in predicting MSI-H status.
Somatic Hypermutation Defects in Two Adult Hyper Immunoglobulin M Patients
Authors: Yilmaz Hülya , Fırtına Sinem , Sarıtaş Merve , Sayitoğlu Müge , Ar Muhlis Cem
Published: October 2021

Hyper immunoglobulin M (HIGM) syndrome is a rare disorder of the immune system with impaired antibody functions. The clinical picture of the patients varies according to the underlying genetic variation. In this study, we identified two novel variants in AID and UNG genes, which are associated with autosomal recessive type HIGM, by targeted next generation sequencing (NGS) panel. A biallelic 11 base pair deletion (c.278_288delATGTGGCCGAC) in the coding sequence of activation-induced cytidine deaminase (AID) gene was identified in a 36-years-old patient. Biallelic two base pair insertion in exon 7 of Uracil nucleoside glycosylase (UNG) gene (c.924_925insGG) was identified in 40-years-old patient. Both variants were confirmed by Sanger sequencing. HIGM, like many of the other primary immunodeficiencies, is a rare and difficult-to-diagnose entity with heterogeneous clinical phenotypes. It should be suspected in patients with a history of early-onset recurrent respiratory infections, enlarged lymph nodes and autoimmune disorders. There might be a delay in diagnosis until adulthood especially in subtle cases or if HIGM is not included in the differential diagnosis due lacking of awareness. In this regard, genetic testing with NGS-based diagnostic panels provide a rapid and reasonable tool for the molecular diagnosis of patients with immunodeficiencies and hence, decrease the time to diagnose and prevent infection-related complications associated with increased morbidity and mortality.
Establishment of a simple method to evaluate mixing times in a plastic bag photobioreactor using image processing based on freeware tools
Authors: Wurm Henrike , Sandmann Michael
Published: October 2021

Objective
The aim of this work was to develop a simple optical method to determine the mixing time in a photobioreactor. The image processing method should be based on freeware tools and should not require programming skills.
Results
An optical method has been established to analyze images from recorded videos of mixing experiments. The basic steps are: 1. Extraction of a sequence of images from the video file; 2. Cropping of the pictures; 3. Background removal; and 4. Image analysis and mixing time evaluation based on quantification of pixel-to-pixel heterogeneity (standard deviation over pixel intensities) within a given area of interest. The novel method was generally able to track the dependency between aeration rate and mixing time within the investigated photobioreactor. In a direct comparison, a Pearson correlation coefficient of rho = 0.9957 was obtained. Gas flow rates between 10 L h−1, and 300 L h−1 resulted from mixing times of between 48 sec and 14 sec, respectively. This simple technique is applicable even without programming skills and can be used in education within high schools and in early stages of undergraduate programs.
Global Analysis of the Signalling Network of Breast Cancer Cells in Response to Progesterone.
Authors: Wright Roni , Vastolo Viviana , Oliete Javier Quilez , Beato Miguel
Published: October 2021

Background: Breast cancer cells enter into the cell cycle following progestin exposure by the activation of signalling cascades involving a plethora of enzymes, transcription factors and co-factors that transmit the external signal from the cell membrane to chromatin, ultimately leading to a change of the gene expression program. Although many of the events within the signalling network have been described in isolation, how they globally team up to generate the final cell response is unclear. Methods: In this study we used antibody microarrays and phosphoproteomics to reveal a dynamic global signalling map that reveals new key regulated proteins and phosphor-sites and links between previously known and novel pathways. T47D breast cancer cells were used, and phosphosites and pathways highlighted were validated using specific antibodies and phenotypic assays. Bioinformatic analysis revealed an enrichment in novel signalling pathways, a coordinated response between cellular compartments and protein complexes. Results: Detailed analysis of the data revealed intriguing changes in protein complexes involved in nuclear structure, epithelial to mesenchyme transition (EMT), cell adhesion, as well as transcription factors previously not associated with breast cancer proliferation. Pathway analysis confirmed the key role of MAPK following progesterone and additional hormone regulated phosphosites were identified. Full network analysis shows the activation of new signalling pathways previously not associated with progesterone signalling in breast cancer cells such as ERBB and TRK. As different post-translational modifications can mediate complex crosstalk mechanisms and massive PARylation is also rapidly induced by progestins, we provide details of important chromatin regulatory complexes containing both phosphorylated and PARylated proteins. Conclusions: This study contributes an important resource for the scientific community, as it identifies novel players and connections meaningful for breast cancer cell biology and potentially relevant for cancer management.
Microbial redox interplay enhances biodiversity and ecosystem productivity
Authors: Seto Mayumi , Kondoh Michio
Published: October 2021

A significant portion of the Earth’s biodiversity and biomass is from the subsurface biosphere, where chemotrophic microbial species harness diverse inorganic oxidation-reduction reactions (redox reactions) as a major source of metabolic energy while driving biogeochemical cycles. Given the limited availability of energy in the anaerobic environment, a fundamental question concerns what interplay between the chemical environment and chemotrophic community enables the persistence of whole biogeochemical systems. Here, using a thermodynamics-based mechanistic model that maps the interplay between diverse chemotrophic species and chemical compounds onto a redox network, we show that cycles of redox reactions mediate chemotrophic interactions in a way that increases the complexity of both redox reaction networks and microbial communities and enhances the community-level efficiency of energy metabolism. The high efficiency and complexity of biogeochemical systems arises from the self-organised ecological niche segmentation of microbes. More specifically, a consortium of chemotrophic species that subdivide a long-reaction pathway into shorter-reaction segments enhance each other’s population growth, replaces the species that monopolises the long-reaction pathway, and increases ecosystem productivity. An ecologically driven ‘division of metabolic labour’ in the chemotrophic community provides a novel mechanism through which an intimate life-environment interplay concurrently enhances biodiversity and ecosystem productivity.
Isotopic signatures and source apportionment of Pb in ambient PM2.5
Authors: Jung Chien-Cheng , Chou Charles , Huang Yi-Tang , Chang Shih-Yu , Lee Chung-Te , Lin Chuan-Yao , Cheung Hing-Cho , Kuo Weu-Chen , Chang Chih-Wei , Chang Shuenn-Chin
Published: October 2021

Particulate lead (Pb) is a primary air pollutant that affects society because of its health impacts. This study investigates the source sectors of Pb associated with ambient fine particulate matter (PM2.5) over central-western Taiwan (CWT) with new constraints on the Pb-isotopic composition. We demonstrate that the contribution of coal-fired facilities is overwhelming, which is estimated to reach 35±16 % in the summertime and is enhanced to 57±24 % during the winter monsoon seasons. Moreover, fossil-fuel vehicles remain a major source of atmospheric Pb, which accounts for 12±5 %, despite the current absence of a leaded gasoline supply. Significant seasonal and geographical variations in the Pb-isotopic composition are revealed, which suggest that the impact of East Asian (EA) pollution outflows is important in north CWT and drastically declines toward the south. We estimate the average contribution of EA outflows as accounting for 35±15 % (3.6±1.5 ng/m3) of the atmospheric Pb loading in CWT during the winter monsoon seasons.
1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D Inhibits Osteoarthritis by Modulating Interaction Between Vitamin D Receptor and NLRP3 in Macrophages
Authors: Duan Ao , Ma Zemeng , Liu Wanshun , Shen Kai , Zhou Hao , Wang Shunbing , Kong Renyi , Shao Yuqi , Chen Yunzi , Guo Wei , Liu Feng
Published: October 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis (OA) is most prevalent chronic joint disease globally. Loss of extracellular matrix (ECM) by chondrocytes is a classical feature of OA. Inflammatory cytokines, such as interleukin-1β (IL-1β) and interleukin-18 (IL-18), secreted mainly by macrophages, promote expression of matrix degrading proteins and further aggravate progression of OA. 1,25-dihydroxyvitamin D (1,25 VD) modulating inflammation thus exerting protective effects on cartilage tissue. However, the underlying mechanisms of 1,25 VD activity have not been fully elucidated.Design: The destabilization of the medial meniscus (DMM)-induced mice model of OA was established to investigate the protective effects of 1,25 VD by micro-CT and Safranin-O and Fast Green staining. And the co-culture system between THP-1 cells and primary chondrocytes was constructed to explore the effects of vitamin D receptor (VDR) and 1,25 VD on chondrogenic proliferation, apoptosis, and migration. The immunofluorescence staining and western blot analysis were used to detect the expressions of ECM proteins and matrix degradation associated proteases. Enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) was used to examine the expression levels of inflammatory cytokines.Results: The findings of the study showed that 1,25 VD prevented cartilage degeneration and osteophyte formation by inhibiting secretion of inflammatory cytokines in OA mice model. These protective effects were exerted through the vitamin D receptor (VDR). Further studies showed that 1,25VD increased ubiquitination level of NLRP3 by binding to VDR, resulting in decrease in IL-1β and IL-18 secretion. These findings indicate that 1,25 VD binds to VDR thus preventing chondrogenic ECM degradation by modulating macrophage NLRP3 activation and secretion of inflammatory cytokines, thus alleviating OA progression.Conclusions: Here, our study suggests that 1,25 VD, targeting to VDR, prevents chondrogenic ECM degradation through regulating macrophage NLRP3 activation and inflammatory cytokines secretion, thereby alleviates OA. These findings provide information on a novel molecular mechanism for application of 1,25 VD as OA therapy.