bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climatic Change and Financial Stability: Natural Disaster Impacts on Global Stock Markets
Authors: Pagnottoni Paolo , Spelta Alessandro , Flori Andrea , Pammolli Fabio
Published: September 2021

This paper aims to provide a comprehensive study of the impacts of worldwide climatic change and consequent natural disasters on international stock markets. By means of a suited event study methodology, we investigate the effects of biological, climatological, geophysical, hydrological and metereological disasters occurred in 104 countries across the world on 27 global stock market indexes over the period 8 February 2001 to 31 December 2019. We find diverse stock market responses to natural hazard shocks depending on the type of event under consideration, as well as on the location in which the event has occurred. We discover that climatological and biological calamities are the disaster types which induce the most extreme reactions of international financial markets, followed by geophysical ones. Furthermore, the examined stock indexes are, on average, considerably responsive to shocks occurring in countries belonging to the European continent, which, overall, tend to affect in a negative way their performances. Finally, our empirical investigation sheds light on the diversification opportunities arising from the mitigation of natural catastrophe risks, by providing evidence on the sensitivity of stock indexes to disaster-specific and country-specific natural hazards. A natural disaster risk hedging strategy highlights the diversification opportunities arising from the mitigation of natural catastrophe risks, by providing evidence on the profitability of trading stock indexes hedging for specific natural hazard sources, and particularly climatological and biological ones.JEL codes: G15, G18, G41, Q54
Grafting Nanocellulose With Diethylenetriaminepentaacetic Acid and Chitosan As Additive for Enhancing Recycled OCC Pulp Fibres
Authors: Li Ao , Xu Dezhong , Zhang Mengnan , Wu Shengzhong , Li Yu , Rao Jiuping , Madyan Omar Abo , Fan Mizi
Published: September 2021

This paper is to develop a novel paper additive for effectively recycling old corrugated container (OCC) by functionalizing nanocellulose (NC) with diethylenetriaminepentaacetic acid (DTPA) and chitosan (CS), and investigate the reinforcing mechanisms and effect of the developed additive on the physical properties of recycled OCC pulp handsheets. The tensile, tear and bursting strength, whiteness, air permeability, tensile energy absorption of the recycled OCC handsheets are examined. Fourier transform infrared FTIR) spectroscopy, thermal gravimetric analysis (TGA) and scanning electron microscopy (SEM) are used for the chemical and microstructure characterization of both NC based additives and recycled OCC pulp paper. The results show that the functional groups, such as carboxyl, amino and hydroxyl groups on the NC based additives, can combine with the hydroxyl groups on the recycled OCC fibres to generate chemical bonds, which increase the crosslinks between fibres as well as the bonding area, thus enhancing their tensile strength and improving their recycling rate. SEM shows that the paper with NC based additives had tighter inter-fibre bonds and smaller paper pore structure. Addition of 0.2% NC-DTPA-CS additive results in optimal properties of the recycled OCC paper with an increase by 32%, 188%, 19% and 35% of tensile strength, tearing degree, breaking resistance and air permeability respectively.
Initial Experience in Staging Primary Oesophageal/Gastroesophageal Cancer with 18F-FDG PET/MRI
Authors: Sharkey Amy R , Sah Bert-Ram , Withey Samuel J , Bhuva Shaheel , Neji Radhouene , Jejeli Sami , Green Adrian , C Gary JR , Goh Vicky
Published: September 2021

Background18F-Fluorodesoxyglucose Positron-emission tomography magnetic resonance imaging (18F-FDG PET/MRI) may improve cancer staging by combining sensitive cancer detection with high contrast resolution and detail. We compared the diagnostic performance of 18F-FDG PET/MRI to 18F-Fluorodesoxyglucose Positron-emission tomography computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT )for staging oesophageal/gastroesophageal cancer.Following ethical approval and informed consent, participants with newly diagnosed primary oesophageal/gastroesophageal cancer were enrolled. Exclusions included prior/concurrent malignancy. Following 324±28 MBq 18F-FDG administration and 60-minute uptake, PET/CT was performed; immediately followed by integrated PET/MRI from skull base to mid-thigh. PET/CT was interpreted by two dual-accredited nuclear medicine physicians; PET/MRI by a dual-accredited nuclear medicine physician/radiologist and cancer radiologist in consensus. Per-participant staging was compared with the tumour board consensus staging using the McNemar test, with statistical significance at 5%. Results 22/26 participants (20 male; mean±SD age 68.8±8.7 years) completed 18F-FDG PET/CT and PET/MRI. Compared to the tumour board, the primary tumour was staged concordantly in 55% (12/22) with PET/MRI and 36% (8/22) with PET/CT; the nodal stage was concordant in 45% (10/22) with PET/MRI and 50% (11/22) with PET/CT. There was no statistical difference in PET/CT and PET/MRI staging performance (p>0.05, for T and N staging). The staging of distant metastases was concordant with the tumour board in 95% (21/22) with both PET/MRI and PET/CT. Of participants with distant metastatic disease, PET/MRI detected additional metastases in 30% (3/10). ConclusionIn this preliminary study, compared to 18F-FDG PET/CT, 18F-FDG PET/MRI showed non-significant higher concordance with T-staging, but no difference with N or M-staging. Additional metastases detected by 18F-FDG PET/MRI may be of additive clinical value.
Rational Construction of Superhydrophobic PDMS/PTW@cotton Fabric for Efficient UV/NIR Light Shielding
Authors: Huang Jianying , Shen Gang , Ni Yimeng , Ng Kim Hoong , Zhu Tianxue , Li Shuhui , Li Xiao , Cai Weilong , Chen Zhong
Published: September 2021

Passive daytime radiative cooling (PDRC) material has intrigued increasing attentions with its energy saving potential and smart cloth feature. In this work, PDRC cotton fabric with superhydrophobicity, ultraviolet protection and self-cleaning competency was successful constructed through the deposition chemically-stable potassium titanate whiskers (PTW) and polydimethylsiloxane (PDMS) onto cotton fibers. While featured with ultra-high contact angle of 151.9±0.9 °, the synthesized fabric marked an average temperature drop of ~5.1 ℃, bestowed to its high sunlight reflectivity of 83 % and infrared emissivity of nearly 90 %. On the other hand, real human tests further confirmed the practicality of the modified cotton fabric, with the recorded temperature drops ranged from 3.1~4.7 ℃ under direct sunlight. Such performance elucidated a significant improvement upon PTW/PDMS modification, which outperformed that of pristine cotton fabric. Surmising from these, the synthesized superhydrophobic fabric exhibits advantageous techno-economical index with its excellent performance and simple preparation, therefore manifesting limitless application potential, particularly in outdoor clothing and other facilities.
MTCS: A Method of Analyzing the Traffic Capacity of Urban Bus Lane Based on Vissim Simulation
Authors: Yuan Hongtao , Zhang Huizhen , Liu Minglei , Wang Cheng , Pan Yubiao , Wang Jing
Published: September 2021

As an effective method of improving the attractiveness of urban public transport and alleviating urban traffic congestion, bus lanes play an important role in the urban public transport system. The research on the capacity of bus lanes is conducive to improve the operation efficiency of urban bus roads and improve the service level of urban public transport. To obtain the maximum capacity of the bus lane, on one hand, the empirical formula can be used for theoretical calculation, and on the other hand, the simulation model can be established for analysis and verification. Based on the idea of simulation, a method using Vissim is proposed, called MTCS (Minimum Traffic Capacity Substitution Method). The method divides the bus lane into different sections by intersections and stops, establishes simulation model of the bus lane to calculate the traffic capacity of each section such as vehicle speed and flow and select the minimum traffic capacity of the sections as the traffic capacity of the bus lane, which is verified by using the road saturation. The simulation process uses the actual travel speed and traffic flow of the bus lane as evaluation indicators, with the aim of maximizing the road traffic flow while the actual speed of vehicles on the road is close to the desired speed, thus achieving the desired road traffic state. To verify and improve the effectiveness of the method, its analysis results are compared with the empirical formula, and various methods of enhancing traffic capacity are quantitatively simulated. The parameters of the simulation model are set by the actual bus lane example, and the experimental results show that by the methods of modifying the stop-station mode and the signal-lamp cycle, 10% and 14% improvements can be achieved, respectively. This has a good reference value for the construction of bus lanes and the adjustment of road facilities.
Restoration of Tanjore Paintings Using Segmentation and Inpainting Techniques
Authors: S Poornapushpakala , S BARANI , Subramoniam M. , T Vijayashree
Published: September 2021

India has its unique and rich cultural heritage. One such uniqueness in India is ancient paintings. Especially in South India, Tanjore paintings are very popular. These paintings are made with vibrant colours, gold, silver and precious stones. These paintings are the memorabilia of the great Chola kingdom. These paintings can be seen in great Brahadeeshwara Temple walls till now. Damages to these paintings happen due to varying environmental conditions throughout the year. Hence, preserving these heritages could be an additional source in National Cultural Museum and cultural libraries. This paper focuses towards the restoration of such ancient painting images that can be digitized and archived for the future use of aesthete.
Short-Term Outcomes of Pelvic Peritoneum Reconstruction with Barbed Suture After Laparoscopic Rectal Resection for Rectal Cancer
Authors: Wen Jing , Shen Jian , Huang Qiushi , He Shan
Published: September 2021

Background: Laparoscopic rectal resection may cause various surgical complications including perineal hernia and adhesive small-bowel obstruction. Pelvic peritoneum reconstruction (PPR) could prevent those complications. The aim of the study is to evaluate the short-term clinical, technical and safety outcomes of PPR using the barbed suture in laparoscopic rectal resection. Methods: This is a retrospective cohort study conducted in Chengdu second’s people hospital. Between January 2014 and December 2019, a total of 402 patients who underwent curative surgery for rectal cancer in Chengdu Second People’s Hospital were enrolled in the study. Among them, 216 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection with PPR were allocated into the experimental group, and 186 patients who underwent laparoscopic rectal resection without PPR were allocated into control group. All the patients received standard preoperative and postoperative treatments. Observational indicators (1) surgical and postoperative conditions; (2) postoperative pathological examination. (3) postoperative complications. The data were represented by X ± s. t-test and X2 test were used for counting data. Results (1) Surgery condition: all patients in the two groups underwent successful surgery without conversion to open surgery. There were no differences between the two groups in terms of surgical approach, resection margin, tumor size, postoperative T-stage, postoperative N-stage, positive lymph nodes, harvest lymph nodes, perineal wound infection, perineal hernia, postoperative pneumonia, postoperative hemorrhage, presacral fluid, or abscess. The operative time, blood loss, the incidence of anastomotic leakage, and small-bowel obstruction showed a significant difference between the two groups. Conclusion We hypothesized that pelvic peritoneum reconstruction with barbed suture could improve the efficiency of intracorporeal closure of the pelvic cavity after in laparoscopic rectal resection, which can significantly reduce postoperative perineal-related complications. Further, we expect that use of the barbed sutures will reduce intra-operative stress on the endoscopic surgeon.
Effect of Treatment with Colchicine After Acute Coronary Syndrome on Major Cardiovascular Events: A Meta-Analysis of Clinical Trials
Authors: Razavi Erfan , Ramezani Akam , Kazemi Asma , Attar Armin
Published: September 2021

Purpose
Colchicine as an anti-inflammatory drug might be effective in the treatment of atherosclerosis, an inflammatory-based condition. The aim of this systematic review and meta-analysis was to evaluate the impact of colchicine on acute coronary syndrome (ACS).
Methods
We searched SCOPUS, PubMed, and Web of Science up to September 27, 2020. All clinical trials which evaluated the effect of colchicine on ACS patients and reported high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) serum level or gastrointestinal (GI) adverse events with at least 5-day follow up or death, Myocardial infarction (MI), and stroke with at least 30-day follow up as outcomes were included.
Results
Finally, seven publications were analyzed. The results of our study revealed that colchicine has a marginally significant effect on hs-CRP attenuation. Furthermore, colchicine manifested promising results by declining the risk of stroke by 70%. However, MI and primary composite endpoint did not differ between the colchicine and non-colchicine group. Although colchicine did not significantly increase GI adverse events in the pooled analysis, the dose-dependent effect was detected. Low dose consumption can avoid GI side effects of colchicine.
Conclusion
Colchicine has shown some molecular and clinical promising results in ACS patients. The lack of effect of colchicine on MI and all-cause mortality can be partly attributed to the limitations of previous studies. Since colchicine is an inexpensive and easy-to-access drug that has shown to be safe in low-dose regimens in the clinical setting, it worth that future large-scale well-designed studies address this issue by resolving the limitations of previous research.
Translation, Cross-Cultural Adaptation, And Validation of The Japanese Version of The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT)
Authors: Furukawa Emi , Okuhara Tsuyoshi , Okada Hiroko , Shirabe Ritsuko , Yokota Rie , Iye Reina , Kiuchi Takahiro
Published: September 2021

Background: The Patient Education Materials Assessment Tool (PEMAT) systematically evaluates the understandability and actionability of patient education materials. This study aimed to develop a Japanese version of PEMAT and verify its reliability and validity.Methods: After assessing content validation, experts scored healthcare-related leaflets and videos according to PEMAT, to verify inter-rater reliability. In validation testing with laypeople, the high-scoring material group (n=800) was presented with materials that received high ratings on PEMAT, and the low-scoring material group (n=799) with materials that received low ratings. Both groups responded to understandability and actionability of the materials and perceived self-efficacy for the recommended actions.Results: The Japanese version of PEMAT showed strong inter-rater reliability (PEMAT-P: % agreement= 87.3, Gwet’s AC1=0.83. PEMAT-A/V: % agreement=85.7%, Gwet’s AC1=.80). The high-scoring material group had significantly higher scores for understandability and actionability than the low-scoring material group (PEMAT-P: understandability 6.53 vs. 5.96, p<.001; actionability 6.04 vs. 5.49, p<.001; PEMAT-A/V: understandability 7.65 vs. 6.76, p<.001; actionability 7.40 vs. 6.36, p<.001). Perceived self-efficacy increased more in the high-scoring material group than in the low-scoring material group.Conclusions: Our study showed that materials rated highly on PEMAT were also easy for laypeople to understand and action. The Japanese version of PEMAT can be used to assess and improve the usability of patient education materials.
Validation of Somatic Cell Score-Associated SNPs from Holstein Cattle in Sudanese Butana and Butana X Holstein Crossbred Cattle
Authors: Elzaki Salma , Korkuc Paula , Arends Danny , Reissmann Monika , Rahmatalla Siham A. , Brockmann Gudrun A.
Published: September 2021

The Bos indicus zebu cattle Butana is the most commonly used indigenous dairy cattle breed in Sudan. In the last years, high-yielding Holstein dairy cattle were introgressed into Butana cattle to improve their milk yield and simultaneously keep their good adaption to extreme environmental conditions. With the focus on the improvement of milk production, other problems arose such as an increased susceptibility to mastitis. Thus, genetic selection for mastitis resistance should be considered to maintain healthy and productive cows. In this study, we tested 10 SNPs which had been associated with somatic cell score (SCS) in Holstein cattle for association with SCS in 37 purebred Butana and 203 Butana × Holstein crossbred cattle from Sudan. Animals were genotyped by allele-specific KASP assays and association analysis was performed using a linear mixed model. All 10 SNPs were segregating in the crossbred Butana x Holstein populations, but only 8 SNPs in Sudanese purebred Butana cattle. The SNP on chromosome 13 was suggestively associated with SCS in the Butana x Holstein crossbred population (rs109441194, 13:79,365,467, PBF = 0.054) and the SNP on chromosome 19 was significantly associated with SCS in both populations (rs41257403, 19:50,027,458, Butana: PBF=0.003, Butana x Holstein: PBF=6.2x10-16). The minor allele of both SNPs showed an increasing in SCS. Therefore, selection against the disadvantageous minor allele could be used for genetic improvement of mastitis resistance in the studied populations. However, investigations in a bigger population and across the whole genome are needed to identify additional genomic loci.
Exosomal miR-199a-5p Inhibits Tumorigenesis and Angiogenesis by Targeting VEGFA in Osteosarcoma
Authors: Zhang Lu , Cao Hongxin , Gu Guanghui , Hou Dehui , You Yunhao , Li Xiang , Chen Yunzhen , Jiao Guangjun
Published: September 2021

Background: ﻿Osteosarcoma (OS) is the most common primary bone malignancy in children and adolescents. microRNAs have been found to play a vital role in tumor angiogenesis. ﻿Here, we investigated the effects of miR-199a-5p on tumor growth and angiogenesis in osteosarcoma. Furthermore, the underlying molecular mechanisms and signaling pathways were explored.﻿Methods: The datasets were extracted from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the differentially expressed miRNAs (DEmiRNAs) were screened out by the GEO2R online platform. The potential target genes were predicted using the miRTarBase database. ﻿The predicted target genes were further analyzed by Gene Ontology and pathway enrichment analysis and a regulatory network of DEmiRNAs and their target genes was constructed. ﻿In addition, the effects of osteosarcoma cell derived exosomal miR-199a-5p on the proliferation, migration and neovascularization of HUVECs were evaluated by conducting EdU assays, Transwell experiments and tube formation assays. A dual-luciferase reporter assay was performed to detect whether VEGFA was the direct target of miR-199a-5p. Furthermore, in vivo xenograft models were established to further investigate the intrinsic role of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma tumorigenesis and angiogenesis. ﻿Results: ﻿A total of 149 DE-miRNAs were screened out, including 136 upregulated miRNAs and 13 downregulated miRNAs in human osteosarcoma plasma samples compared with normal plasma samples. A total of 1313 target genes of the top three upregulated and downregulated miRNAs were predicted. In the PPI network, the top 10 hub nodes with higher degrees were identified as hub genes, such as TP53 and VEGFA. By constructing the miRNA-hub gene network, we found that most of hub genes could be potentially modulated by miR-663a, miR-199a-5p and miR-223-3p. In addition, we found that the expression level of miR-199a-5p in exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells was remarkably higher than the osteosarcoma cells, and the exosomes derived from osteosarcoma cells were transported to HUVECs. Overexpression of miR-199a-5p could significantly inhibited HUVEC proliferation, migration and neovascularization, whereas downregulation of miR-199a-5p expression exerted the opposite effect. Moreover, ﻿the in vivo results verified that overexpression of miR-199a-5p in osteosarcoma cells could suppress the growth and angiogenesis of tumors. Conclusion: Our results demonstrated that miR-199a-5p could be transported from osteosarcoma cells to HUVECs through exosomes, subsequently targeting VEGFA and inhibiting the growth and angiogenesis of osteosarcoma. ﻿Therefore, miR-199a-5p may act as a biomarker in the diagnosis and treatment of osteosarcoma.
Effectiveness of Allied Health Clinical Supervision Following the Implementation of an Organisational Framework
Authors: Gardner Marcus , McKinstry Carol , Perrin Byron
Published: September 2021

Background: Clinical supervision makes an important contribution to high quality patient care and professional wellbeing for the allied health workforce. However, there is limited research examining the longitudinal implementation of clinical supervision for allied health. The aim of this study was to determine the effectiveness of clinical supervision for allied health at a regional health service and clinicians’ perceptions of the implementation of an organisational clinical supervision framework.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted as a phase of an overarching participatory action research study. The MCSS-26 tool was used to measure clinical supervision effectiveness with additional open-ended questions included to explore the implementation of the clinical supervision framework. MCSS-26 findings were compared with an initial administration of the MCSS-26 5 years earlier. MCSS-26 data (total scores, summed domain and sub-scale scores) were analysed descriptively and reported as mean and standard deviation values. Differences between groups were analysed with independent-samples t-test (t) and one-way between groups ANOVA.Results: There were 125 responses to the survey (response rate 50%). The total MCSS-26 score was 78.5 (S.D. 14.5). The total MCSS-26 score was unchanged compared with the initial administration. There was a statistically significant difference in clinical supervision effectiveness between speech pathology and physiotherapy (F = 2.9, p = 0.03) and higher MCSS-26 scores for participants whose clinical supervisor was a senior clinician and those who chose their clinical supervisor. Seventy percent of participants perceived that the organisation’s clinical supervision framework was useful and provided structure and consistent expectations for clinical supervision.Conclusions: Clinical supervision was effective for allied health in this regional setting and clinical supervision effectiveness was maintained over a 5 year period. The implementation of an organisational clinical supervision framework may have positively impacted on the effectiveness of clinical supervision for some professions.
Scheduling Based Decision Support System Design for Determining the Number of Setup Workers Under SMED Environment
Authors: Civan Hatice Nida , Cevikcan Emre
Published: September 2021

In industrial manufacturing systems, high profit achievement aim considers financial performance under the use of scarce resources and limiting wastes require a systematic approach lean method. Inventory cost, idle time cost, material cost, rework cost rise with large-lot production and work pieces. Achieving economic lot requires setup activity effect. Setup activity effect consists of setup activity time. Setup activity time is production time of previous setup activity exact product to successive setup activity exact product. Manufacturing difficulties of many enterprises push them to demand lean manufacturing tools and develop new ways. Cellular manufacturing, Value stream mapping (VSM), Total productive maintenance (TPM) and Single minute exchange of dies (SMED) are vital lean manufacturing tools to separate Non-value added activities (NVA) and Value added activities (VA), and eliminate wastes. Many studies examined the first four lean manufacturing tool. In this study, scheduling of set-up tasks on SMED environment proposes to examine lead time reduction, lean production method and scheduling setup tasks of setup activity. Continuous improvement encourages setup workers and operators to involve frequent improvement. In the case of yarn processing, setup activity and setup task of machine assigned for jobs to reduce raw material and processing time waste.
Genetic Similarity Between Donor And Recurrent Parents Can Reduce The Number of Backcross Generation In Marker-Assisted Backcross
Authors: de Souza Elton Otacílio , Môro Gustavo Vitti , Rodrigues Gabriel Belfort , Schuster Ivan
Published: September 2021

The marker assisted backcross (MABC) method is the most used to obtain transgenic hybrid and transgenic inbred lines in maize with few backcrosses (BC) generations. It is possible that the use of donor parents with greater genetic similarity with recurrent parents can further reduce the number of BC generation to recover recurrent parent genome. The objective of this study was to evaluate the influence of genetic distance between parents and the percentage of recurrent parent genome recovery, as well as the similarity of BC plants and recurrent parent. Nine maize BC populations were evaluated, with genetic distances between donors and recurrent parents ranging from 0.238 to 0.499. In the backcross generations, molecular markers were used to identify the plants with the highest percentage of recurrent genome recovery and with greater similarity to the recurrent parent. There was no difference in the recurrent genome recovery among populations after three BC generations. In the first two BC generation the similarity between BC plants and recurrent parents was positively correlated with the similarity between donor and the populations recurrent parent. BC populations with higher similarity among parents could be finished with two BC generations, and BC populations with lower similarity could just be finished after three generation of MABC. The use of donor parents with higher similarity with recurrent parent can reduce one BC generation in MABC approach.
Electric Properties of AlGaN/GaN/Si High Electron Mobility Transistors
Authors: Mosbahi H. , GASSOUMI Malek , Bchetnia A. , Zaidi M.A.
Published: September 2021

This work investigated the electrical properties in AlGaN/GaN/Si HEMTsgrown by molecular beam epitaxy. The electrical behavior have been investigated using by electric permittivity, modulus formalism and conductance measurements. As has been found from electrical conductance, dispersive behavior is related to barrier inhomogeneity and deep trap in barrier layer. On the other hand, the strain relaxation of charge transport is studied both permittivity and electric modulus formalisms.
Talaromyces Marneffei Mp1p Antigen Detection May Play an Important Role in the Early Diagnosis of Talaromycosis in Patients with Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome
Authors: Chen Xiaoman , Ou Xu , Wang Haodi , Li Liya , Guo Pengle , Chen Xiejie , Cai Weiping , Tang Xiaoping , Li Linghua
Published: September 2021

Talaromycosis is a life-threatening fungal disease commonly seen in patients with acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), which is endemic in Southern China and Southeast countries. The diagnostic methods available for talaromycosis are relatively time-consuming and yield a high mortality. Therefore, early diagnosis of talaromycosis is extremely important. We aimed to determine a potential method for assisting in its early diagnosis. A total of 283 patients with AIDS admitted to our hospital because of opportunistic infections were prospectively included in this case-control study and divided into those with (TSM, n = 93) and without talaromycosis (non-TSM, n = 198). The diagnostic accuracy of the Mp1p assay with enzyme immunoassay, galactomannan (GM) assay, and blood culture performed within 3 days of hospitalisation was evaluated. Most patients were men (n = 243 [85.9%]), mainly young (52.3%), and middle-aged adults (33.9%). The positivity rates in the Mp1p assay, GM assay, and blood culture were 72%, 64.5%, and 81.7%, respectively, in the TSM group. The sensitivity, specificity, and positive and negative predictive values of the Mp1p assay were 72.0% (67/93), 96.8% (184/190), 91.8% (67/73), and 87.6% (184/210), respectively. The Mp1p assay showed a substantial agreement with the gold standard (kappa: 0.729) and superiority to the GM assay (kappa: 0.603); it also showed a superior diagnostic efficacy in the patients with CD4 + T cell counts of < 50 Nr/µL compared to those with CD4 + T cell counts of ≥ 50 Nr/µL. The Mp1p assay possesses a superior advantage in assisting in the early diagnosis of talaromycosis in patients with AIDS, especially those with low CD4 + T cell counts.
Comparative Study of Outcomes by Surgical Procedures and Monocular Elevation Deficiency Syndrome in Indian Population
Authors: Shah Shreya , Shah Mehul A , Makhloga Sakshi , Korane Ashvini , Dadia Nirav , Sanghani Meera
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Monocular elevation deficiency syndrome (MEDS) is a monocular elevation deficiency in abduction and adduction characterised by the hypofunction of superior rectus (SR) and inferior oblique muscles. Only a limited number of studies are published on the management of this problem. Herein, the indications and types of surgery for monocular elevation deficiency syndrome are reported.Methods: In this retrospective cohort study, all MEDS patients reported during 2010 to 2020 were retrieved from Electronic Medical Records after approval from the Hospital Ethical Committees. The data were exported in a pre-tested online format. The demographic and clinical information and data of surgeries, including strabismus and ptosis, were reported. The follow-up data were collected in a specific format. Strabismus was managed using Knapp procedure, Inferior Rectus recession and a combination of both approaches. Ptosis was corrected by Levator Palpebral Superioris (LPS) resection and brow suspension. The data were analysed using SPSS 22 based on descriptive analysis and cross-tabulation.Results: The cohort consists of 62 cases (females 26, males 36) of patients with mean age 17.00±12.31 years 40/62 cases comprised the paediatric age group. Knapp was carried out in 39, IR recession was carried out in 35, and combined Knapp+IR recession was performed in 17 cases based on FDT and FGT data. The comparative study found significant difference amongst these techniques (P=0.04). Ptosis correction was carried out by LPS resection in 21 and brow suspension in 23 cases depending on LPS function. This comparative study did not find any significant difference in the results (P=0.234).Conclusion: MEDS is a rare disease with various clinical features. The surgical management of strabismus may have more success for the combined technique than for those applied alone.
Anthropometric and Body Composition Differences Among Genotype Controlled Indigenous Adult Kiwcha Natives Living at Low (230 M) and High Altitude (3,800 M) in Ecuador
Authors: Ortiz-Prado Esteban , Mendieta Gonzalo , Simbaña-Rivera Katherine , Gomez-Barreno Lenin , Landazuri Samanta , Vasconez Eduardo , Calvopiña Manuel , Viscor Ginés
Published: September 2021

Background: Anthropometric measures have been classically used to understand the impact of environmental factors on the living conditions of individuals and populations. Most reference studies on development and growth in which anthropometric measures were used were carried out in populations that are located at sea level but there are few studies carried out in high altitude populationsObjective: The objective of this study is to evaluate anthropometric and body composition in autochthonous Kiwchas permanently living at low and high-altitude.Methodology: A cross-sectional study of anthropometric and body composition between genetically matched lowland Kiwchas from Limoncocha (230 m) at Amazonian basin and high-altitude Kiwchas from Oyacachi (3,180 m) in Andean highlands. Student’s t-test was used to analyze differences between continue variables and Chi square test was performed to check the association or independence of categorical variables. Fisher´s exact test or Spearman test were used when the variable had evident asymmetries with histograms prior to the selection of the test. Results: Our study shows that low altitude women are shorter and heavier, but these differences are not statistically significant (p value 0.333) on the other hand high altitude men are shorter than their counterparts who live at low altitude with a p value 0.019. In relation to body muscle %, women at high altitudes have less body muscle % (-24.8%) while men at high altitudes have significantly more muscle body mass % (+ 13.5%) than their lowland counterpart. Body fat % is lower among low altitude women (-15.5%) and no differences were found among men.Conclusions: This is the first study to be performed in two genotyped controlled matching populations located at different altitudes. The anthropometric differences vary according to sex, demonstrating that high altitude population are in general lighter and shorter than their low altitude controls. Men at high altitude have more muscled bodies than their lowland counterpart but their body age was older than their real age.
HOXA3-Induced Exosomal lncRNA RNF144A-AS1 Promotes Liver Metastasis of Gastric Cancer via Interacting with PUF60 Protein and Sponging miR-361-3p
Authors: He Rong , Zhang Heng , He Lian , Huang Jiabin , Dai Zhe , Xiang Shouyan , Zhou Yongjing , Lang Yakun , Gong Dandan , Fan Yu
Published: September 2021

Background: Long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) plays an important regulatory role in the development and progression of gastric cancer(GC). However, the biological role and potential molecular mechanism of lncRNA RNF144A-AS1 in liver metastasis of gastric cancer(GCLM) remain unclear. Methods: LncRNAs associated with GCLM were identified by microarray. Gain or loss of function approaches was used to investigate the biological functions of RNF144A-AS1. The expression of RNF144A-AS1 was detected by real-time quantitative PCR, and the molecular mechanism of RNF144A-AS1 was investigated by RNA pull-down assay, Western blot, luciferase activity, RNA immunoprecipitation. Finally, nude mouse models and bioluminescence imaging were used to verify the role of RNF144A-AS1 in GCLM in vivo. Results:We identified that RNF144A-AS1 was highly expressed in GC by microarray.RNF144A-AS1 was related to GCLM,and poor DFS and OS. The expression of RNF144A-AS1 in serum exosomes of GC patients was significantly increased, while the level of RNF144A-AS1 was significantly decreased after GC resection. Overexpression of RNF144A-AS1 in exosomes can promote the growth and invasion of co-cultured GC cells in vitro. The down-regulation of RNF144A-AS1 induced the proliferation, migration, and invasion of GC cells in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, the transcription factor HOXA3 bound to the promoter region of RNF144A-AS1 could activate RNF144A-AS1, and RNF144A-AS1 promotes GCLM via interacting with PUF60 protein and sponging miR-361-3p.Conclusions: The present study indicated that exosome RNF144A-AS1 overexpression contributes to GCLM and would be a promising biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of GCLM.
Experience of Living and Coping with Spinal Cord Disability due to Road Traffic Injuries: A Phenomenological Study Running title: Living and Coping with Spinal Cord Disability
Authors: Hashemiparast Mina , Sheydaei Hajieh , Gharacheh Maryam , Chattu Vijay Kumar
Published: September 2021

Background: Globally, people living with spinal cord disability experience more limitations in an individual and social life. In many cases, this leads to complex psychological and social problems that may also affect the adaptation to the conditions. The aim of the study was to explore the experience of living and coping with disability in people with spinal cord disability due to road traffic accidents in Iran's cultural context.Methods: This is a qualitative study with a phenomenological approach on ten Iranian people with spinal cord disability due to road traffic injuries. Data collection and analysis were performed from September to March 2019. Data were collected by individual, face-to-face in-depth interviews, and the experience of living with disability and adaptation strategies were explored. Van Manen’s methodical activities were used to guide the study's process.Results: ‘victim of destiny’ was the main theme extracted from three themes and nine sub-themes. The disabled people viewed life as a prison that destiny had ordained for them and trapped them in the fences of isolation, anger, regret, anxiety, sorrow, pity, and futility such that they require assistance from others as dependent individuals. Religious recourse, satisfaction with God's expediency, and change of life values were the participants' coping strategies to adjust to their difficulties.Conclusions: The study clarified the permanent constraints, needs, barriers and adaptation strategies of disabled people.
Effect of Estradiol as a Continuous Variable on Breast Cancer Survival by Menopausal Status: A Cohort Study in China
Authors: Li Junxian , Li Chenyang , Feng Ziwei , Liu Luyang , Zhang Liwen , Kang Wenjuan , Liu Ya , Ma Baoshan , Li Haixin , Huang Yubei , Zheng Hong , Song Fangfang , Song Fengju , Chen Kexin
Published: September 2021

BackgroundHigh levels of circulating estradiol (E2) are associated with increased risk of breast cancer, whereas its relationship with breast cancer prognosis is still unclear. We studied the effect of E2 concentration on breast cancer survival among pre- menopausal and post- menopausal patients in China.MethodsWe evaluated this association among 8766 breast cancer cases diagnosed between 2005 and 2017 from the Tianjin Breast Cancer Cases Cohort. Levels of serum E2 were measured in pre-menopausal and post-menopausal women. Multivariable-adjusted Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI) between quartile of E2 levels and overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of breast cancer. The penalized spline was then used to test for non-linear relationships between E2 (continuous variable) and survival endpoints.ResultsA total of 612 deaths and 982 progressions occurred over follow-up through 2017. Compared to women in the quartile 3, the highest quartile of E2 was associated with reduced risk of both PFS in pre-menopausal women (HR=1.79, 95% CI: 1.17-2.75, P=0.008) and OS in post-menopausal women (HR=1.35, 95% CI: 1.04-1.74, P=0.023). OS and PFS in pre-menopausal women exhibited a nonlinear relation (“L-shaped” and “U-shaped”, respectively) with E2 levels. However, there was a linear relationship in post-menopausal women, among whom increasing E2 was associated with escalating risks of death and progression. Moreover, patients with estrogen receptor-negative (ER-negative) breast cancer showed a “U-shaped” relationship with OS and PFS in pre-menopausal women.ConclusionsPre-menopausal breast cancer patients have a plateau stage of prognosis at the intermediate concentrations of E2, whereas post-menopausal patients have no apparent threshold, and ER status may have an impact on this relationship.
Effects of Recombinant Human Brain Natriuretic Peptide in Patients of Chronic Thromboembolic Pulmonary Hypertension with Chronic Kidney Disease Who Underwent Balloon Pulmonary Angioplasty
Authors: Zhang Yu , Zhang Yongxiang , Liao Chang , Wang Xiaoxu
Published: September 2021

BackgroundChronic thromboembolic pulmonary hypertension (CTEPH) leads to impairment of pulmonary hemodynamics, triggers secondary right heart dysfunction, regularly accompanied by systemic malperfusion, and subsequently alter glomerular filtration rates (GFR). Chronic kidney disease (CKD) may also adversely affect CTEPH prognosis. This study aimed to assess how Brain natriuretic peptide (BNP) combined with balloon pulmonary angioplasty (BPA) improve right heart hemodynamics and estimated GFR (eGFR) of CKD in CTEPH patients.MethodsWe retrospectively studied 47 patients with confirmed CTEPH with CKD who were treated with BPA and admitted to the intensive care unit between December 2012 and September 2020. The patient was divided into two groups based on whether to receive recombinant human brain natriuretic peptide treatment (rhBNP). The information of patients between two groups was systematically compared in hospital and follow up. eGFR were assessed at several time points. ResultsFor rhBNP group, eGFR was significantly higher in the two periods of Prior to last BPA and 6-month follow-up. A significantly higher Δ eGFR from baseline to follow-up was observed. There was significant difference on levels of troponin I, NT-proBNP, and right ventricle diameter at follow-up. Conclusion﻿rhBNP combined BPA therapy improves pulmonary and systemic hemodynamics, with positive effects on renal function, which maybe an alternative treatment option for improving clinical outcomes.
Constant-roll inflation in the generalized SU(2) Proca theory
Authors: Aguirre Juan Garnica , Diaz Luis Gomez , Leon Andres Navarro , Garcia Yeinzon Rodriguez
Published: September 2021

The generalized SU(2) Proca theory (GSU2P for short) is a variant of the well known generalized Proca theory (GP for short) where the vector field belongs to the Lie algebra of the SU(2) group of global transformations under which the action is made invariant. New interesting possibilities arise in this framework because of the existence of new interactions of purely non-Abelian character and new configurations of the vector field that result in spatial spherical symmetry and the cosmological dynamics being driven by the propagating degrees of freedom. We study the two-dimensional phase space of the system that results when the cosmic triad configuration is employed in the Friedmann-Lemaitre-Robertson-Walker background and find an attractor curve whose attraction basin covers almost all the allowed region. Such an attractor curve corresponds to a primordial inflationary solution that has the following characteristic properties: 1.) it is a de Sitter solution whose Hubble parameter is regulated by a generalized version of the SU(2) group coupling constant, 2.) it is constant-roll including, as opposite limiting cases, the slow-roll and ultra slow-roll varieties, 3.) a number of e-folds $N > 60$ is easily reached, 4.) it has a graceful exit into a radiation dominated period powered by the canonical kinetic term of the vector field and the Einstein-Hilbert term. The free parameters of the action are chosen such that the tensor sector of the theory is the same as that of general relativity at least up to second-order perturbations, thereby avoiding the presence of ghost and Laplacian instabilities in the tensor sector as well as making the gravity waves propagate at light speed. This is a proof of concept of the interesting properties we could find in this scenario when the coupling constants be replaced by general coupling functions.
Barries in precision medicine implementation among Advanced Nonsquamous Cell Lung Cancer-patients: A Real-World-Evidence Scenario
Authors: Duarte Flávia A. , Ferreira Carlos Gil , Dienstmann Rodrigo , Ferrari Bruno L. , Silva Matheus Costa e , Junior Pedro Narazeth A. , Salle Paulo Guilherme O. , Diniz Paulo Henrique C.
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND

Precision oncology has a prominent role in nonsquamous non-small cell lung cancer (nsNSCLC) treatment progress. This study aimed to investigate not-cost-related factors involved in the use of the molecular profile in clinical practice and the influence of its availability on clinical decisions.
METHODS

nsNSCLC patients who underwent molecular testing in a private referral Brazilian center were identified. The primary endpoint was the interval from the diagnosis of advanced nsNSCLC to the characterization of the molecular profile. Other outcomes, focusing on the biomarker tissue journey, were also assessed, as well as the choice of therapy and changes in the treatment upon the testing results.
RESULTS

In this cohort (n = 78), the median time between the advanced nsNSCLC diagnosis and biomarker characterization was 40.5 days (range, 29.5–68.5). The median interval between the diagnosis and the test request was longer than the interval between the request and the results (respectively 29.0 versus 12.0 days; p < 0.001). At the treatment initiation, 51% (36/71) of the patients did not have their full driver mutations panel results available. Of these, 42% (15/36) had a targetable alteration identified later on. Among patients harboring a targetable alteration, only 46% (n = 13/28) received a tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI) as first-line therapy. The median time to the TKI initiation was even longer than the median time to all treatment initiation (92.0 versus 40.0 days).
CONCLUSIONS

Our data show a long median time from advanced nsNSCLC diagnosis and the availability of the biomarker testing in medical practice, which impacted the choice of a non-personalized therapy as the first-line and the necessity of treatment changes after the final report.
AI-based Atomic Force Microscopy Image Analysis Allows to Predict Electrochemical Impedance Spectra of Defects in Tethered Bilayer Membranes
Authors: Raila Tomas , Penkauskas Tadas , Ambrulevičius Filipas , Jankunec Marija , Meskauskas Tadas , Valincius Gintaras
Published: September 2021

Atomic force microscopy (AFM) image analysis of supported bilayers, such as tethered bilayer membranes (tBLMs) can reveal the nature of the membrane damage by pore-forming proteins and predict the electrochemical impedance spectroscopy (EIS) response of such objects. However, automated analysis involving pore detection in such images is often non-trivial and can require AI-based object detection techniques. The specific object-detection algorithm we used to determine the defect coordinates in real AFM images was a convolutional neural network (CNN). Defect coordinates allow to predict the EIS response of tBLMs populated by the pore-forming toxins using finite element analysis (FEA) modeling. We tested if the accuracy of the CNN algorithm affected the EIS spectral features sensitive to defect densities and other physical parameters of tBLMs. We found that the EIS spectra can be predicted sufficiently well, however, systematic errors of characteristic spectral points were observed and need to be taken into account. Importantly, the comparison of predicted EIS curves with experimental ones allowed to estimate important physical parameters of tBLMs such as the specific resistance of submembrane reservoir. This reservoir separates phospholipid bilayer from the solid support. We found that the specific resistance of the reservoir amounts to 10 4.25±0.10 Ω · cm which is approximately two orders of a magnitude higher compared to the specific resistance of the buffer bathing tBLMs studied in this work. We hypothesize that such effect may be related in part due to decreased concentration of ionic carriers in the submembrane due to decreased relative dielectric permittivity in this region.