bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
P53 Protein Modulates Muscle Metabolism and Generates a Non-Genetic Risk Environment that Contributes to Triggering Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis
Authors: Espina-Zambrano Águeda Gema
Published: February 2022

Amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) is also called "motor neuron disease”. In this review, we propose that ALS is not just a neuromotor disorder, but begins as a disorder of P53-modulated skeletal muscle metabolism, leading to failures at the energy state of the cells, incorrect redox states, motor denervation, and a loss of muscle fibers. Motoneurons die as a consequence of the lack of muscular feedback, and the oligomeric TDP43 aggregates progressively and relentlessly lead to mistakes in peripheral immune self-tolerance sustained over time. An effective treatment has not been found for this devastating pathology, as for 152 years the target has not been accurately defined. Scientists and doctors should consider new knowledge regarding ALS and consider immunomodulatory therapies that, based on genetic analysis and symptoms, can be combined with compounds that regulate metabolism and promote the elimination of useless organelles and cells. What if ALS could be cured as a result of seeing motor neuron disease differently? This review aims to develop that goal and change the paradigm of our understanding of ALS.
Severe Open Dislocation of the Hip with Exposed Femoral Head
Authors: Zanarella Stefano , Cappellari Alessandro , Ruaro Alvise , Ruggieri Pietro
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 54-year-old woman was brought to our emergency department with an inferomedial open hip dislocation without fracture secondary to a railway trauma. We performed hip reduction, wound debridement, and stabilization with external fixation. After 7 months, hip arthroplasty was performed for severe hip instability and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.

Conclusion:

Open hip dislocation is an uncommon injury that is caused by high-energy trauma. It may be associated with serious management problems and complications, including infection and avascular necrosis of the femoral head.
Granular Cell Tumor of the Hand: Unusual Malignancy of a Previous Benign Lesion
Authors: Dauder Gallego Cristina , Ruiz Zafra Jorge , Stanescu Ramona Ionela , Trujillo Coronado María , Mena Rosón María Araceli , Fahandezh-Saddi Díaz Homid
Published: February 2022

Case:

Malignant granular cell tumors are uncommon soft-tissue tumors. We describe a granular cell tumor that presented as a benign hand nodule diagnosed by biopsy and image. The patient refused local excision. After 15 years, the patient came back because of symptomatic growth, and a malignant granular cell tumor was diagnosed, with metastatic disease. Despite surgical disarticulation and adjuvant treatment, she died after 8 months. The pathological examination revealed the tumor had progressed to malignant behavior.

Conclusions:

Our findings highlight the importance of a closer follow-up. Although unusual, we must be aware of the possibility of a change of behavior from benign to malignant granular cell tumor.
Surgical Management of a Displaced Posterior Column Pelvic Fracture Involving the Triradiate Cartilage in a 15-Year-Old Adolescent Boy
Authors: Siddiqui Ali A. , Salar Mohamed , Bell Anthony
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 15-year-old adolescent boy sustained a displaced acetabular fracture involving the ilioischial physis of the triradiate cartilage after a ground-level fall. The patient was managed operatively with open reduction and internal fixation and was followed for 9 months postoperatively. At 4 months postoperatively, the patient had resumed full weight bearing on the injured extremity and was participating in sports with no difficulties.

Conclusion:

Pediatric pelvic fractures through the triradiate cartilage are rare, and no consensus exists on the treatment of these injuries. Previous authors largely described nonoperative management with suboptimal outcomes. We present the case of a patient treated with initial operative fixation who successfully returned to full activities.
Macrodystrophia Lipomatosa of Thoracic Spine Causing Progressive Neurodeficit
Authors: Jakkepally Sridhar , Viswanathan Vibhu Krishnan , Shetty Ajoy P. , B T Pushpa , Kanna Rishi M. , S Rajasekaran
Published: February 2022

Case:

We report the first case of a 21-year-old male patient with macrodystrophia lipomatosa (MDL), with local gigantism involving the thoracic spine and progressively worsening neurodeficit. Imaging studies revealed fatty infiltration and hypertrophied intercostal nerves, dextroscoliosis, osseous hypertrophy between C4 and T2, and severe canal stenosis at the T4 to T5 level secondary to lamino-facetal hypertrophy. He underwent debulking of the lesion and posterior instrumented decompression in a staged manner. His neurodeficit improved postoperatively and was ambulant without support at the end of the 2-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

Surgery in patients with MDL is technically challenging and fraught with complications such as neurological deficit and significant blood loss.
Robotic Arm-Assisted Total Knee Arthroplasty in the Setting of Severely Deficient Distal Femoral Bone Stock
Authors: Rothfusz Christopher A. , Emara Ahmed K. , Piuzzi Nicolas S. , Bloomfield Michael R.
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 26-year-old woman with a complex sequelae of open distal femoral fracture at 4 years of age presented to the office with severe knee pain from posttraumatic osteoarthritis. Robotic arm-assisted total knee arthroplasty (RA-TKA) with the elevation of previous free-flap was performed because of the following: (1) anatomic deformity, (2) small femoral size, and (3) compromised soft-tissue envelope.

Conclusion:

This case highlights the complexity of planning and performing TKA in a young patient with these unique considerations. The successful outcome demonstrates the viability of RA-TKA techniques.
Free Double-Barrel Vascularized Fibular Graft for Two-Bone Forearm Reconstruction After Tumor Resection
Authors: Pan ZhaoHui , Xue Shan , Gao Peng , Zhao YuXiang , Li HongFei
Published: February 2022

Case:

Two-bone forearm reconstruction after tumor resection in pediatric patients is challenging. We present a case of forearm reconstruction in a girl who underwent resection of a high-grade surface osteosarcoma involving the ulna and radius. A free vascularized fibular graft was osteotomized to 2 struts to reconstruct the two-bone defect. The patient recovered well but returned for excision of ossification of the periosteum hinge occurring 6 months postoperatively.

Conclusion:

Neither recurrence nor metastasis was observed during the 5-year follow-up. Although there was a 50° loss of pronation and the left-vs.-right forearm discrepancy was 4 cm, she was able to resume her daily activities.
Emergency Use of a Custom Distal Femoral Replacement System for Acute Periprosthetic Fracture with Catastrophic Implant Failure
Authors: Emara Ahmed K. , Ng Mitchell , Krebs Viktor E. , Piuzzi Nicolas S.
Published: February 2022

Case:

A 54-year-old man with arthrogryposis and 7 failed revision knee arthroplasties presented with acute periprosthetic fracture and catastrophic failure of a modular-hinged implant at the stem-condylar junction. To prevent total femoral replacement, above-knee amputation, or fusion, a custom distal femoral replacement was offered. The implant was procured during the emergency hospitalization and cemented with the proximal stem engaging the distal ipsilateral total hip arthroplasty, creating endofemoral implant continuity. The patient returned to nonassisted ambulation with stable implant fixation at the 1-year follow-up.

Conclusion:

Custom distal femoral replacing implants are feasible for complex emergency knee-salvage revisions with poor bone stock to avert more radical reconstruction alternatives.
Abnormally Prolonged Bleeding After an Arthroscopic Knee Reconstruction Because of an Inherited Factor XIII Deficiency
Authors: Wattakavanich Narusorn , Boonrod Artit , Wanitpongpun Chinadol , Tharakulphan Suthee
Published: February 2022

Case:

An 18-year-old man developed ecchymosis after arthroscopic anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction with semitendinosus graft and meniscal repair. The results of routine coagulation studies were normal, but factor assays showed a reduction in factor XIII levels. The bleeding symptoms were dramatically improved after administration of cryoprecipitate.

Conclusion:

Factor XIII deficiency is one of the rare clotting factor deficiencies that can be present at birth or be manifested later in life. Clinical awareness of factor XIII deficiency is essential so that appropriate testing and treatment can be achieved.
Improving Students’ Creative Thinking Skills through the IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) Learning Model Based on E-Learning
Authors: Lutfiah Ifa , Suharti Peni , Asy'ari Asy'ari
Published: February 2022

This research was aimed to describe (1) the implementation; (2) students' creative thinking skills; (3) students' cognitive learning outcomes; (4) student responses in the implementation of the IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) learning model based on e-learning. This is a pre-experimental study with One-Group Pre-test-Post-test Design. The sample in this study were students of class XI MIPA 2 SMA Walisongo Gempol. Data were collected through tests, observations, and questionnaires with creative thinking skills test instruments, observation sheets on the implementation of IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) learning model, fluency indicator observation sheets, and student response questionnaires to the IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) model. The data are analyzed descriptively and statistically through the Wilcoxon test with α = 0.05. The conclusions from the research are (1) the implementation of the IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) learning model based on e-learning to improve the creative thinking skills of class XI MIPA2 students is categorized as very good; (2) students' creative thinking skills in e-learning-based IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) learning have increased; (3) students' cognitive learning outcomes in e-learning-based IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) learning are complete; (4) student response to the IBSC (Investigation Based Scientific Collaborative) learning model based on e-learning is positive.
Two Environmentally Friendly Alkyl-o-Glucoside-Based Formulations for Hole Cleaning during Heavy and Extra-Heavy Oilfield Drilling
Authors: Bolivar Genaro , Aburto Jorge , Soltero J.F. Armando , Mendizabal Eduardo
Published: February 2022

The formulation of antiaccretion additives for cleaning the hole in long-range directional or tangential wells in heavy and extraheavy oil reservoirs is considered a technological challenge due to the unconsolidated characteristics of the formations (such as gravel, sand, pea, etc.) as well as the physicochemical properties of the heavy crude oil. In this work, we propose a hole cleaning formulation that can solubilize the asphaltenes present in Mexican heavy crude oil and that is also efficient in eliminating the accretion due to heavy oil fractions. Alkyl-o-glucoside (APG) whose alkyl group has 12 carbons was used as the biosurfactant. The addition of the cosurfactant ethylene glycol butyl ether (EGBE) to the aqueous solution of APG reduced its surface tension. The aqueous APG solutions were able to solubilize the asphaltenes inside the micelles. The addition of EGBE increased the stability of the aspahltenes/APG/water emulsion. The APG/EGBE/Limonene antiaccretion additive proposed in this work for the mobilization of the trapped nonaqueous phase liquid showed a higher cleaning efficiency factor (CEF) than conventional diluents. Higher cleaning efficiency was obtained when the test temperature was increased.
Power Muirhead Mean Operators of Interval-Valued Intuitionistic Fuzzy Values in the Framework of Dempster-Shafer Theory for Multiple Criteria Decision-Making
Authors: Zhong Yanru , Zhang Huanan , Cao Liangbin , Li Yiyuan , Qin Yuchu , Luo Xiaonan
Published: February 2022

There have been many aggregation operators of interval intuitionistic fuzzy values (IVIFVs) for solving multiple criteria decision-making problems with IVIFVs. Each of these operators can work well in its specific context. However, they could generate irrational sorting results because of a few limitations. In this paper, two novel power Muirhead mean operators of IVIFVs under the Dempster-Shafer theory framework which are free of the limitations of existing operators of IVIFVs are presented. The expressions of these operators are first constructed. Then their mathematical properties are studied and proved. After that, a method to solve multiple criteria decision-making problems with IVIFVs is proposed based on the presented operators. Finally, a practical example is introduced to illustrate the application of the proposed method and several qualitative comparisons to some existing operators of IVIFVs are carried out to demonstrate the effectiveness and advantages of the proposed method.
Survey of Overwintering Trait In Chinese Rice Cultivars (Oryza Sativa L)
Authors: Liang Yongshu , Gong Junyi , Yan Yuxin , Wang Baobi , Gong Wenao , Wen Huan , Wu Qian , Nan Wenbin , Qin Xiaojian , Zhang Hanma
Published: February 2022

Overwintering (OW) rice can survive through the natural cold-winter field environment, exhibit a strong root system activity, sprout from rice tillering node in the following spring, and apparently reveal the cold resistance of rice during the whole growth stage. The successful utilization of cold-resistant rice is the most economical strategy for the cold-resistant rice cultivar breeding. This work aims to identify the OW rice for the future development of cold-resistant cultivars. Altogether 1034 Chinese rice cultivars were evaluated for their responses to low temperatures under the natural field cold-winter environment. The heading date (HD, d) and plant height (PH, cm) of 1034 rice cultivars ranged from 65 to 140 d in 2019, 65 to 150 d in 2020, ranged from 60 to 140 cm in 2019, 60 to 150 cm in 2020, and displayed slight difference between 2019 and 2020. Among them, altogether 262 (25.34%) Japonica rice cultivars could withstand cold to 4°C in December 2019 and distributed in 13 provinces of China, survive through the natural cold-winter field environment, and sprout from rice tillering node in March 2020. Only 24 (2.32%) japonica rice cultivars with resistance to 0°C in January 2021 distributed in seven provinces of China could also sprout from rice tillering node in March 2021. The present cold-resistant rice cultivars will provide beneficial breeding germplasm for future cold-resistant rice breeding and new strategies in elucidating the molecular mechanism of the cold resistance of rice.
Energy Recovery from Lemon Peel Waste and its Energy and Environmental Improvement with Economic Assessment
Authors: Vellaiyan Suresh
Published: February 2022

Waste-to-energy and its utilization in the commercial field have received wider attention in recent years. Lemon peel oil (LPO), a food waste by-product is used for this study to produce bioenergy, and a novel approach has been attempted to improve energy and environmental efficiency. The LPO was blended different percentages of water and 2-Ethylhexyl nitrate (EHN) and the energy, environmental and economic assessments were carried out. The outcomes show that LPO dominates the normal diesel in all aspects, except for NOx emission, and 10% of water in LPO (10WLPO) improves the overall performance. Meanwhile, this trend is reversed for 20% water in LPO (20WLPO) due to longer ignition delay period and low cetane numbers. EHN plays a vital role in fuel modification and EHN blended 20WLPO significantly improves the engine characteristics, and the engine behaviour is identical to 10WLPO. The cost-benefit analysis shows that 10WLPO fuel significantly reduces the running cost by 4.5% compared to neat diesel, and the cost is further reduced to 9.2% while the LPO is blended with 10% water.
The Relationship Between Seed Coat Colour, Seed Quality and Yield Related Traits in Yardlong Bean (Vigna Unguiculata (L.) Walp.ssp. Unguiculata cv.-gr. Sesquipedalis)
Authors: Kumari Shubha , Choudhary Arbind K , Eram Ayesa , Mukherjee Anirban , Kumar Ujjwal , Dubey Abhisek
Published: February 2022

Yardlong bean genotypes have wide variability in seed coat colours. This research sought to investigate association of seed coat colour with germination, yield and disease resistance of yardlong bean genotypes. Total nine yardlong beans genotypes three from each with different seed coat colours i.e. brown, black and bicolor were selected for this study. Eight important seed and horticultural traits like seed length, seed width, seed thickness, days of 50% flower, days of mature pods, average pod length, average pod width and pod yield per plant were recorded in all set of genotypes. Bicolor seed coat genotype exhibited highest germination percentage (85-100%) followed by brown (71-84%) and black (43-59). Water uptake capacity was found highest in bicolor genotype i.e. RCPY-2 (240%) followed by YB-7 (131.87%) and RCPY-1 (141.17%). Average pod length and pod yield per plant was also found highest in bicolor seed coat coloured genotype RCPY-2 (37.64±11.03g) and (1036.66±115.9 g/plant) respectively. We also studied the disease resistance to yellow mosaic disease caused by mungbean yellow mosaic India virus (MYMIV) in field condition. Results from preliminary screening for MYMIV showed that bicolor seeds were resistant to MYMIV. The RCPY-2, a bicolored genotype was recorded lowest disease incidence, which can use as donor to MYMIV resistance breeding of Yardlong bean.
Synergistic Excited State involved Catalytic Reduction of (NH3-trz)[Fe(dipic)2] Complex by SnO2/TiO2 Nanocomposite
Authors: D Venkatesh , S Pavalamalar , R Silambarasan , K Anbalagan
Published: February 2022

The photocatalytic activity of well-fabricated, economical SnO2/TiO2 nanocomposite synthesized via hydrothermal route was validated using the (NH3-trz)[Fe(dipic)2] complex under ultra-violet illumination. The structural features of (NH3-trz)[Fe(dipic)2] complex was explored in detail. The catalysts were systematically examined with XRD, SEM, FT-IR UV-vis, PL, micro-Raman, VSM, AFM, HRTEM. The photoreactivity of the model compound (NH3-trz)[Fe(dipic)2] in water/binary solvent systems was investigated. The rate of photoreaction (k) of nanocomposite (0.1432 sec -1) is higher than the SnO2 (0.0373 sec-1) and TiO2 (0.1422 sec-1) in H2O:PriOH (70:30%) than the rest of the solvents system. The pathways, mechanistic feature of accumulated reactive species on nanocomposite to induce adherent [Fe(dipic)2]- anion and photo-reductive products were studied. The generation of hydroxyl radical on the surface of each catalyst can be identified as 7-hydroxycoumarin and discussed.
Phosphate Enrichment Regulates the Interplay Between Deterministic and Stochastic Processes of Bacterioplankton Community Assembly in a Subtropical Bay Impacted by Thermal Discharge
Authors: Chen Ye , Wan LingLin , Ma Guibin , Song Xingyu , Jia Guo , Ren Lijuan , Han Bo-Ping , Wu Qinglong
Published: February 2022

Increasing anthropogenic activities has caused intensive environmental issues and undesirable ecological impacts on coastal bay ecosystems. Bacterioplankton play critical roles in ecological functioning of the bay ecosystems, but much remains to be learned regarding the response of bacterioplankton community assembly to heterogeneous environmental issues in the bay ecosystems and its underlying mechanisms. In this study, we used the phylogenetic framework to analyze the bacterioplankton community assembly in the subtropical Daya Bay, where the habitats are connected by water flows and tides and their trophic status are subject to intensive environmental stress induced by human activities (e.g., thermal discharge and nutrient release from aquaculture). We found bacterioplankton community compositions (BCCs) among the sampling habitats in the Daya Bay showed obvious spatial heterogeneity. The spatial distributions of BCCs were significantly shaped by phosphate concentration among the examined environmental factors. We observed that between pairwise sampling habitats, the BCC dissimilarity significantly increased with the differences in seawater phosphate concentration. Compared with stochastic processes, phosphate enrichment imposed stronger effects of environmental filtering in determining bacterioplankton community assembly in the subtropical bay, and bacterioplankton communities tended to be higher phylogenetically clustered in more phosphate-enriched habitats. In summary, we propose that phosphate is a major environmental determinant in the subtropical Daya Bay impacted by thermal discharge and regulates the interplay between deterministic and stochastic processes underlying bacterioplankton community assembly.
The place of the relative at the time of the announcement of cancer progression. BABEL, a mixed-method study
Authors: INGRAND Isabelle , LAURENT Estelle , LECOMTE Thierry , COJOCARASU Oana , EGRETEAU Joëlle , ALEBA Albert , HUREAUX José , COLOMBAT Philippe , GYAN Emmanuel , Bourgeois Hugues
Published: February 2022

Background
Few studies have evaluated the place of cancer patient’s relatives during a consultation bringing bad news.
Aim
To explore how a relative’s presence in these consultations helps communication.
Design
: Oncologist consultations with patients and relatives for the announcement of cancer progression were recorded, then the different participants completed questionnaires. Answers were further investigated in a few semi-structured interviews. Comparison of quantitative responses (questionnaires) used Wilcoxon's test for matched series. Qualitative analysis (consultations, interviews) used grounded theory. Results were interpreted in a mixed-method integrative approach. This study received the regulatory authorizations.
Setting/participants
: Patients were aged over 18, followed for cancer in palliative phase, excluding brain tumors and malignant haemopathies, presented renewed disease progression. Relatives were aged over 18 and authorized by the patient to participate.
Results
47 documented consultations and 12 interviews (4 triads) were collected. For 93% of patients, the presence of a relative was considered beneficial. Half the relatives, while remaining discreet, nevertheless contributed to the discussion. Although their relationship to time and their expectations may differ, patients and relatives found the consultation positive. However, oncologists did not check what the dyad had retained. They appeared to underestimate the patient's level of understanding (P<0.001) and perceptions of the seriousness of the disease (P=0.009) but not those of relatives. They did not evaluate the relative's state of health.
Conclusion
Availability of oncologists to patients and families could be improved. Training via simulation sessions should be adapted to communication implying relative.
Computed Tomography Determined Sarcopenia is a Significant Predictor of Poor Clinical Outcome in Gastric Cancer
Authors: YILDIZ Yasar , karasu sebnem , Oflazoglu utku , cetinoglu Kenan , Dalkılınc Burcin , Kucukzeybek Yüksel , Alacacıoglu Ahmet , Unal Sinan , Guc Zeynep , kücükzeybek betül , salman tarık
Published: February 2022

Background Sarcopenia is defined as a progressive and extensive loss of muscle mass and function. This study aimed to investigate the impact of sarcopenia and body composition on survival outcomes in patients with newly diagnosed gastric carcinoma (GC).Materials and methods Skeletal muscle area was measured at the level of the third lumbar vertebra (L3) using baseline CT images in patients with GC. Sarcopenia was defined as a L3 Skeletal muscle index (SMI) of < 41.6 cm2/m2 for men and < 32 cm2/m2 for women using van der Werf’s cutoffs. The disease free survival (DFS), overall survival (OS) and clinical characteristics of patients with and without sarcopenia were compared.Results A total of 226 patients were included. The median age of patients was 62 years (range 18–85) and 154 patients (68.1%) were men. Of the patients 37.6% were metastatic. Sarcopenia was present in 75 patients (33.2%) and was at significantly higher frequencies in men, metastatic disease, lower body mass index (BMI < 30), and higher ages (≥ 65 years) (respectively; all p < 0.05). The median DFS was 27 months (95% CI, 1.5 to 52.4) in patients with sarcopenia and non-appliceable in patients without sarcopenia in patients undergoing curative surgery for gastric cancer (p=0.041). The median OS was 10 months (95%CI, 7.730 to 12.270) in patients with sarcopenia and 29 months (95%CI, 21.307 to 36.693) in patients without sarcopenia (p<0.0001). In the multivariate Cox regression model, sarcopenia (with or without) (B=1.101; p<0.0001), stage (1-3 vs 4) (B=1.087; p=0.016) and surgical resection margin (R0 vs R1-2) (B=1.029; p<0.0001) were statistically significant predictors for OS.Conclusion Sarcopenia is an independent clinical predictor for poor prognosis in patients with GC. Early diagnosis and screening of sarcopenia may have a positive effect on survival outcomes.
Bibliometric Analysis of Oral Mucositis Research In Pediatric Oncology
Authors: Sevgili Seda Ardahan , Şenol Selmin
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Individuals receiving cancer treatment experience many treatment-related complications. Since one of these complications is oral mucositis, studies are carried out on this subject. The purpose of this study is to analyse the studies examining oral mucositis in the pediatric oncology population by bibliometric methods.Methods: Bibliometric analysis was performed using the WosViewer software to scan the articles written in the relevant field. Publication trend, country distribution, journal and citation analysis, citation analysis of publications, keyword analysis of publications, text mining of abstracts were analysed. Results: In this study, 108 studies in the Web of Science database were examined. As a result of the analyses, it was determined that there was an increase in studies on the subject after 2017. It has been determined that America, Brazil and Canada are the countries with the highest number of studies on this subject and Supportive Care in Cancer is one of the journals in which the largest number of studies on the subject are published. It was found that the same journal was the journal in which the most cited studies in this field were published. Oral mucositis, mucositis and chemotherapy were determined as the most frequently used keywords.Conclusion: Studies of oral mucositis in the pediatric population tend to increase in recent years. Preserving this increase and accelerating the work to be done in this field will fill the gaps in the literature.
Relationship between meteorological factors, air pollutants and hand, foot and mouth disease from 2014 to 2020
Authors: Peng Hongxia , Chen Zhenhua , Liao Juan , Zheng Ke , Li Shuo , Ren Xueling , Duan Xiaoxia , Tang Xueqin , Wang Xiao , Long Lu , Yang Chunxia
Published: February 2022

Background: Meteorological factors and air pollutants have been reported to be associated with hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD) epidemics before the introduction of vaccine. However, there is limited evidence from studies with long-term dimensions.Methods: We collected the daily HFMD counts, weather and air pollution data from 2014 to 2020 in Chengdu. Distributed lag non-linear models (DLNM) were used to assess the associations of meteorological factors and air pollutants on HFMD cases. Results: From 2014-2020, high relative humidity and precipitation and extremely high and low levels of PM10, O3, SO2 and CO increased the risk of HFMD. In pre-vaccination period, extreme high and low temperatures, PM10 and NO2, low precipitation and high concentrations of PM2.5 and O3 significantly increase the risk of HFMD; In post-vaccination period, low temperature and high relative humidity, O3, NO2 and CO can significantly increase the incidence of HFMD; During the period of COVID-19, only low temperature will significantly increase the risk of HFMD; Low concentration of air pollutants has the greatest impact on the 6-14 age group, while the high concentration of air pollutants has the greatest impact on the 0-1 age group.Conclusions: Our study suggest that high relative humidity and precipitation and extremely high and low levels of PM10, O3, SO2 and CO increased the risk of HFMD from 2014 to 2020. The results of this study provide a reference for local authorities to formulate intervention measures and establish an environment-based disease early warning system.
Assessment of the Logistics Activities with A Structural Model on the Basis of Improvement of Sustainability Performance
Authors: Yontar Emel
Published: February 2022

The rationale for prioritizing sustainability in our world, where climate change and unplanned population growth have increased noticeably and resources are exhausted, has affected almost every sector. The logistics sector, which is one of these sectors and undoubtedly directly affects the living resources, constitutes the subject of our study. The study deals with the logistics activities carried out by the companies on the basis of sustainability and the aim of the article is to provide a framework that will contribute to the sustainability initiative of the companies carrying out logistics activities. It provides gains to the literature by investigating the important factors that greatly affect the performance of logistics activities. Accordingly, logistics activities are detailed under the titles of environmental impact, waste management, transportation and warehouse management, resource usage, social impact, internal factors, external factors and logistics performance factors. These titles are the main dimensions that emerged as a result of literature research and expert opinions. The most important sub-criteria that affect the sustainable logistics performance, which are handled within the scope of the main dimensions, have been determined as 44 with Pareto analysis. These determined parameters are analyzed with the formation of a comprehensive structural model and their importance levels are interpreted, and the findings are interpreted. The results of this study, in which sustainable logistics practices are at the forefront, form the basis for improving the sustainability performance of the logistics sector.
Adaptation of Essential Care for Every Baby Educational Program to Improve Infant Outcomes in the Context of Zika
Authors: McNelis Kera , Prasanphanich Nina , Martin-Herz Susanne , Carter Terrell , Foehringer-Merchant Hannah , Patterson Janna , Hager Salwan , Chitasvili Tamar , Jarvis Shivon Belle , Kamath-Rayne Beena
Published: February 2022

Background: The outbreak and ongoing transmission of Zika virus provided an opportunity to strengthen essential newborn care and early childhood development systems through assistance by US Agency for International Development Applying Science to Strengthen and Improve Systems (USAID ASSIST). There is an evidence gap on the impact of Helping Babies Survive educational programs, including Essential Care for Every Baby (ECEB), beyond early mortality. The objective was to create a system of sustainable training dissemination which improves newborn care-related quality indicators in the context of Zika.Methods: USAID ASSIST supported a series of technical assistance visits by the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) in four Caribbean countries to strengthen the clinical capacity in care of children potentially affected by Zika through dissemination of ECEB, teaching QI methodology, coaching visits, and development of clinical care guidelines. ECEB was adapted to emphasize physical exam findings related to Zika. The first series of workshops were facilitated by AAP technical advisors and the second series were facilitated by the newly trained local champions. Quality care was monitored with performance indicators at 134 health facilities.Results: A repeated measures (pre-post) ANOVA was conducted, revealing significant pre-post knowledge gains [F(1)=197.9, p<0.001] on knowledge check scores. Certain performance indicators related to ECEB practices demonstrated significant changes and midline shift on the run chart in four countries.Conclusion: ECEB can be adapted to incorporate important local practices, causes of neonatal morbidity and mortality, and differing healthcare system structures, leading to improved performance of health systems.
Prognostic Effects of Red Blood Cell Transfusion in Lung Cancer Patients Receiving Chemotherapy
Authors: Aycicek Olcay , Kucuk Ahmet Oguzhan , Kucuk Mehtap P. , Algın Merve Ozdogan , Pehlivanlar Aysegul , Oztuna Funda
Published: February 2022

Introduction: The effects of blood transfusion on the prognosis in lung cancer patients are not yet clearly known, but it is frequently applied in clinical practice.Aim: The aim of this study is to evaluate the relationship between blood transfusion frequency and disease prognosis in lung cancer patients receiving chemotherapy. Results: A total of 405 patients were included in the study. Blood transfusion was performed in 96 (23.7%) of the patients. While the progression rate was 67.4% in the infected group, this rate was 47% in the non-infected group (p<0.001), similarly, the median number of progressions was statistically significantly higher in the infected group (p=0.001). While the rate of infection development was 68.8% in the transfused group, this rate was statistically significantly lower at 35.3% in the non-transfused group (p<0.001). It was determined that 21 (38.2%) of the patients who resulted in exitus were transfused with 3.1 ± 3.0 units to the mean, and an average of 2.81 ± 2.24 units of blood was transfused to 75 (21.4%) of the 350 (86.4%) surviving patients. While there is a statistically significant difference in terms of whether or not blood transfusion is performed in survived and non-survived patients (p=0.011), no significant difference was found in the average blood transfusion amounts per person (p= 0.640).Conclusion: It was determined that red blood cell transfusions due to anemia during the disease in lung cancer patients who were treated with chemotherapy, adversely affected survival and disease progression.
Cellular Automaton Equivalence of Megathrust Earthquake Process
Authors: Kikuchi Hiroyuki
Published: February 2022

This paper links the seismic process of a megathrust earthquake with a cellular automaton (CA) and paves the way for understanding the seismic process by investigating CA. During the seismic process of the Great East Japan Earthquake (GEJE) of magnitude 9, anomalous noise with large amplitude in the frequency range of 3 Hz to 10Hz is observed in the Fourier spectrum. The anomalous noise and the normal ground vibrations in the GEJE process are generalized by introducing ɑ-tremor, which is defined as the curvature of the Fourier amplitude spectrum of the velocity. It is found that the binarization of the vibration velocity conserves the ɑ-tremor, and the binarized velocity and velocity are equivalent. The binarization allows the recorded data to be directly compared with CA since CA is inherently binary, and since both the binarized velocity deviation and the CA are considered to follow the same master equation which represents the thermodynamics of a stochastically fluctuating non-equilibrium system. It is found that the recorded data in the GEJE process is a subset of the CA and the former can be reproduced by the latter.
Soil microbial communities, soil nutrition, and seedling growth of a Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) plantation in response to three weed control methods
Authors: Wang Song , Sun Honggang , Santos Edson , Soares Alvaro
Published: February 2022

Background and aims Competitive vegetation in forest stands influence seedling growth by changing soil nutrient availability. However, studies on the effects of different weed control methods on seedling growth of Chinese fir (Cunninghamia lanceolata (Lamb.) Hook.) are rare. Methods We applied three weed control methods, comprising artificial sickle weeding (ASW), woody disc weeding (WDW), and nonwoven cloth weeding (nWCW), to explore their effect on growth of Chinese fir seedlings in a plantation in Jiangxi Province, China. Results The weed control methods affected the shoot height and root-collar diameter of the seedlings. The contents of sugar, glucose, triglycerides, total cholesterol, and free fatty acids in newly developed leaves were increased after ASW and nWCW treatment, and were consistent with the expression of genes associated with glucokinase, sucrose phosphate synthase, and sucrose synthase. Weeding method influenced soil properties, including pH, moisture, total nitrogen (N), ammonium-N, nitrate-N, total phosphorus, available phosphorus, and dissolved organic carbon contents. Moisture content was the main factor that influenced the soil bacterial community and leaf nutrition. High-throughput sequencing of the bacterial 16S rRNA gene revealed that the weeding methods affected bacterial community structure. Specifically, compared with ASW and nWCW, WDW contributed to lower soil bacterial diversity, simpler bacterial interaction, and increase in pathogenic bacteria potential. Conclusions The weeding methods differ in influence on soil bacterial community structure, soil properties, and plant growth, which are potentially useful as indices of biomass productivity to improve the growth of Chinese fir seedlings.
A Pan-cancer Analysis of Thioredoxin-interacting Protein as an Immunological and Prognostic Biomarker
Authors: Guo Xuxue , Huang Mei , Zhang Haonan , Chen Qianhui , Hu Ying , Meng Yan , Wu Changjie , Tu Chenge , Liu Yongfeng , Li Aimin , Li Qingyuan , Zhou Peirong , Liu Side
Published: February 2022

Background: The critical role of thioredoxin-interacting protein (TXNIP) in cellular sulfhydryl redox homeostasis and inflammasome activation is already widely known, however, no pan-cancer analysis is currently available. Methods: We thus first explored the potential roles of TXNIP across thirty-three tumors mainly based on The Cancer Genome Atlas and Gene Expression Omnibus datasets. Results: TXNIP is lowly expressed in most cancers, and distinct associations exist between TXNIP expression and the prognosis of tumor patients. TXNIP expression was associated with tumor mutational burden, microsatellite instability, mismatch repair genes, tumor infiltrating immune cell abundance as well as cancer-associated fibroblasts. Moreover, ubiquitin mediated proteolysis, protein post-translational modification and other related pathways were involved in the functional mechanisms of TXNIP. Conclusions: Our first pan-cancer study comprehensively revealed the carcinostatic role of TXNIP across different tumors. And this molecule may be considered as a potential immunological and prognostic biomarker.
Spectroscopic sensing of eight metal ions in aqueous solutions using silver nanoparticles
Authors: Tamilselvan Selvaraj , Soniya Rathnavelu Murali , Vasantharaja Raguraman , Kannan Malaichamy , Supriya Subrahmanian , Govindaraju Kasivelu
Published: February 2022

Anthropogenic releases from different outlets of industry, municipal sewage and the road traffic can give rise to higher concentrations of the heavy metals in the food commodities which imposes a threat to human health and environment. A simple silver nanoparticle (Ag NPs) used for the sensing of heavy metal ions, Cd2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Mn2+, Ni2+, Pb2+ and Zn2+ in aqueous solution is described by qualitative and quantitatively using spectroscopic tool. FE-SEM and TEM images confirmed that the particles are spherical in shape with an average diameter of 23.4 nm. In presence of heavy metal ions with Ag NPs, a new peak at around 925, 898, 643, 665, 688, and 838 nm of Cd2+, Cu2+, Fe2+, Hg2+, Mn2+ and Zn2+ appeared in addition to the peak found at 410 nm of Ag NPs. Further, the addition of Ni2+ and Pb2+ metal ion solution with Ag NPs increased the SPR band from 410 nm to 436 and 462 nm respectively. Citrate functionalized Ag NPs are aggregated in solution in the presence of divalent metal ions by an ions-template chelating process and easily measurable change in the UV-vis absorption spectrum of the particles. Further, studies also confirmed the interaction of Ag NPs with metal ions using FT-IR spectroscopy. The proposed method was found to be useful for simple UV-vis spectroscopic sensing of metal ions in aqueous solutions and real contaminated samples.
Developing and Evaluating a High Resistant Starch Menu and Glycemic Response in Adults with Prediabetes: A Non-Randomized Pilot Study
Authors: Maiya Madhura , Cartagenova Alba D , Fitko Kendall Altizer , Roa Shannon , Law Christina , Patterson Mindy A
Published: February 2022

Background
The nondigestible fiber, resistant starch (RS), is found in beans, peas, and legumes, bread, cereals and grains, plantains, and potatoes. Here, we determined the feasibility of developing, preparing, and distributing a 7-day menu with a weekly average of ~30 g RS/d, as well as the likability of the foods.
Methods
First, a menu was formulated using a database, then prepared, stored, and delivered to mimic a future clinical trial. The RS content in each food item was quantified “as consumed” using an assay. Second, adults with prediabetes (n = 15) evaluated the likeability of the food items using a 9-point Likert scale. Likeability was acceptable if the overall score was ≥7 and >75% of the food items were consumed. Anthropometrics (n = 11), and fasting and postprandial (15, 30, 60, and 120 min) blood were collected to determine changes in weight, BMI, glucose, and insulin before and after the intervention.
Results
The feasibility of preparing, storing, and distributing the menu was verified and a weekly average of ~30 g RS/d at consumption was sustained. The menu provided ~2,000 kcal and 44.1 ± 9.5 g fiber per day. The feasibility of distributing the food items was acceptable where 100% compliance was achieved with the food preparation and participant pick-up schedules. Overall, 78.6% of the food items were consumed with an overall likeability score of 7.1 ± 1.9, meeting likeability targets. Frozen meals were the highest (94.1 ± 5.8%; 8.1 ± 1.4) and soups the lowest (61.4 ± 6.6%; 6 ± 2.4) amount consumed and mean likeability, respectively. Body weight and BMI changed -1.6 kg; 95% CI -2.6 to -0.7 and -0.5 kg/m2; 95% CI -2.8 to 8, respectively. The total area under the curve(0−120 min) for glucose and insulin changed by -655 and -1178 units, respectively, following high RS menu intake.
Conclusions
It is feasible to formulate, prepare, and distribute a high RS menu that is consumed and liked by adults with prediabetes. Due to small sample size, decreases in body weight, BMI, and glycemic indices should be interpreted with caution and tested using a randomized, cross-over intervention trial.
Trial registration:
Not applicable.
Concordance of the Risk of Neonatal Respiratory Morbidity Assessed by Quantitative Ultrasound Lung Texture Analysis in Fetuses of Twin Pregnancies
Authors: Moreno-Espinosa Ana L. , Hawkins-Villarreal Ameth , Burgos-Artizzu Xavier P. , Coronado-Gutierrez David , Castelazo Santiago , Lip-Sosa Diana L. , Fuenzalida Javiera , Gallo Dahiana M. , Peña-Ramirez Tatiana , Zuazagoitia Paula , Muñoz Miriam , Parra-Cordero Mauro , Gratacòs Eduard , Palacio Montse
Published: February 2022

Objective: To evaluate the concordance of the risk of neonatal respiratory morbidity (NRM) assessed by quantitative ultrasound lung texture analysis (QuantusFLM®) in fetuses of twin pregnancies.Methods: Prospective study conducted in twin pregnancies. Fetal ultrasound lung images were obtained at 26.0–38.6 weeks of gestation. Categorical (high or low) and continuous results of the risk of NRM were compared between twins.Results Fetal ultrasound lung images from 131 pairs of twins were included. The images were classified into three gestational age ranges: Group 1: 26.0 to 29.6 weeks (29.8%); Group 2: 30.0 to 33.6 weeks (37.4%) and Group 3: 34.0 to 38.6 weeks (32.8%). Concordance was good in Groups 1 and 3 and moderate in Group 2. In Groups 2 and 3 at least one fetus presented high-risk results in 26.5 % and 11.6% of twin pairs, respectively. Only gestational age <32 weeks, gestational diabetes mellitus and in vitro fertilization were associated with a high risk of NRM in Group 2.Conclusions There was good concordance of the risk of NRM between twins <30.0 weeks and >34.0 weeks. From 30.0 to 33.6 weeks 26.5% of the twin pairs had discordant results, with moderate concordance of the risk of NRM.
Sternomental Displacement and Neck Circumference. A New Look for the Neck as a Difficult Airway Predictor in Obese Surgical Patients. A Cohort Study
Authors: Gorgy Antony , Ahmed Abeer , Atef Mohamed , Mekawy Nevan El , Nagy Heba , Sami Wael
Published: February 2022

Background
Sternomental displacement (SMDD) is a surrogate indicator for cervical spine (C-spine) mobility. SMDD revealed good potentials to predict difficult airway, but its validity in obese patients is not evident. This study assessed the performance of SMDD with neck circumference (NC) in predicting difficult airway in obese surgical patients.
Methods
The study involved 135 adult patients with BMI ≥ 35 kg/m2, scheduled for elective surgeries under general anesthesia with endotracheal tubes (ETT) inserted using Macintosh laryngoscopes. The airway was assessed using SMDD, NC, and Modified Malampati test (MMT). Difficult laryngoscopy view (DLV) was defined as Cormack–Lehane (C-L) grade ≥ 3. The accuracy of the SMDD in predicting DLV was set as the primary endpoint, while the accuracy of the SMDD compared to that of NC, MMT, and NC/SMDD ratio in predicting difficult airway was set as the secondary endpoint.
Results
The DLV cases were 28 of 135 (20.7%), with a mean body mass index (BMI) of 41.1 ± 3.3 kg/m2. SMDD < 5cm and NC > 43 cm could predict DLV with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (AUROC) of 0.97 and 0.83 respectively. SMDD and NC revealed a good negative correlation (r = - 0.6; 95% CI= 0.7 to 0.4; p= 0.0001). The NC/SMDD ratio had the best predition for DLV (AUROC of 0.98 at a cut-off value > 7.8).
Conclusion
In obese surgical patients, the SMDD and NC/SMDD ratio are excellent predictors for DLV when the cut-off values are < 5cm and > 7.8, respectively.
Trial registration
: ClinicalTrials.gov identifier: ID: NCT04524546 Registered in August 2020.