bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Role of Two Stage Otoacoustic Emissions Test for Screening of Hearing Impairment in High Risk Neonates - A Prospective Observational Study
Authors: Sreedharan Thulaseedharan , C.R Nandakumar , Sukumaran Sinumol , Vasu Sheela
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND Hearing is one of the most important senses which constitutes the basis for acquiring language, communication, cognitive and psychosocial development. Hearing impairment in infants should be recognized as soon as possible after birth for early interventions. Hearing status of a newborn in this study is being assessed by two subsequent tests with Oto-Acoustic Emissions (OAE) followed by Brain stem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA). We wanted to study the efficacy and role of two stage Otoacoustic Emission (OAE) test for screening high risk new-borns to detect hearing impairment. METHODS A prospective observational study was conducted from July 2014 to July 2017 at Govt. Medical College, Thrissur, Kerala. OAE screening was done in two stages for 500 high risk infants admitted in newborn intensive care unit (NBICU) during the study period. First OAE test was done on the day of admission and 2nd test was done after one month. All the infants underwent Brainstem Evoked Response Audiometry (BERA) test, a month after the second OAE test. Data was analysed for efficacy of the tests. RESULTS First OAE was passed by 290 babies i.e. 58 % whereas 210 babies (42 %) showed a result of ‘refer’ in both the ears. Second OAE tests were done after 1 month which showed a result of ‘pass’ by 460 babies (92 %) and a ’refer’ by 40 babies (8 %). All babies which underwent BERA 1 month after second OAE were included in the study; out of those babies, 10 babies showed impaired hearing and they were referred for further evaluation and intervention. In our study, OAE was 100 % sensitive in the first and second tests. Specificity of OAE was 59.1 % and 93.87 % in the first and second tests respectively. The study showed 2 % permanent congenital hearing impairment (PCHI). CONCLUSIONS OAE is an effective tool providing a quick, harmless and less expensive method for screening of hearing loss in infants, irrespective of comorbidities. No single test can detect all defects in the auditory pathway. As a primary option, a two-stage evaluation with OAE can easily detect infants who need further evaluation and early intervention. A two-stage screening with OAE will give a highly sensitive and reasonably specific test which can be easily implemented in all levels of the healthcare system. KEYWORDS High Risk Neonates, Hearing Impairment, OAE, BERA
Role of Radiology in the Diagnosis of an Uncommon Site of a Common Gossypiboma
Authors: Dave Asutosh , Singh Jitendra Kumar , Patel Vishal
Published: November 2020

A 53 year old man presented with right sided neck swelling which was tender on palpation along with symptoms such as high grade fever and sweating since 4 days. No significant and relevant personal and family history was present. Patient had a successful operative history for a benign neurogenic tumour in right infratemporal fossa 1.5 months back. Patient was relatively asymptomatic before 10 days. He then gradually developed a swelling at the operative site which sooner became tender and was accompanied with high grade fever 4 days back. Patient also complained of mild restriction of neck movements as well. He then came for detailed examination and then was referred for MRI examination as a part of protocol. Radiological Features Routine MRI examination showed a well-defined circumscribed lesion at operative site in right infra temporal fossa which appeared to be peripherally thick walled hypo intense in T1W images (green arrow Fig. 1) and hyper intense in T2W images (green arrow Fig. 2). On further sequences it was noted that a diffuse hypo intense central part is noted in all sequences which was prominent in GRE (Gradient Recalled Echo) images showing again hyper intense thick wall (pink arrow in Fig 3) and central hypo intensity (blue arrow in Fig. 3) suggesting multiple air foci. Haemorrhage was excluded in view of lack of T1W hyper intensity. On STIR (Short Tau Inversion Recovery) images no significant other information was gained about the lesion (green arrow in Fig. 4). Observing the whole examination at first it looked like an abscess but due to lack of diffusion restriction and surrounding soft tissue swelling, this differential is ruled out
Risk Factors and Prognosis of Surgical Procedures for Lumbar Disc Herniation Observed in a Clinical Study
Authors: S Arun , Chandran Raj S.
Published: November 2020

BACKGROUND The incidence of lumbar intervertebral disc prolapse (LDP) is increasing in the current practice of neurosurgery. But prospective studies to assess the risk factors in the final outcome of surgical procedures adopted while treating LDP are not many. We wanted to analyze the risk factors and their role in the prognosis and functional improvement after surgery in patients with Lumbar Disc Herniation. METHODS 200 patients with LDP subjected to different surgical procedures were studied prospectively in the Department of Neurosurgery, in a tertiary teaching hospital during the period of April 2017 to March 2019. The demographic profile, risk factors and the surgical procedures adopted were noted. The Macnab criteria were used to determine the clinical outcome after surgery. All patients were followed for a period 6 months postoperatively for the presence of complications and final functional outcome after surgery. RESULTS Mean age of the patients was 44.7 ± 4.65 years. Males were 113 / 200 (56.50 %) and females were 87 / 200 (43.5 %). Low back pain was present in 187 (93.50 %) patients, radicular pain was seen in 171 / 200 (85.5 %) patients. L4 - L5 interspace was involved in 122 / 200 (61.0 %) patients; disc was extruded in 91 / 200 (45.5 %) patients; disc protrusion was observed in 81 / 200 (40.5 %) patients. According to Macnab criteria, in this study excellent outcome was seen in 129 / 200 patients (64.5 %); the outcome was Good in 56 patients (22.5 %), Fair in 8 (4 %) patients, and Poor in 7 cases (3.5 %). Better surgical outcomes were associated with younger patients (p < 0.001), non-diabetics (p = 0.024), absence of bowel and bladder involvement (p < 0.001), protruded disc prolapse (p = 0.036), and disc prolapse precipitated by lifting inappropriate weight (p = 0.001). 85.4 % of the MIS group had excellent outcomes, when compared to 39.1 % in the laminectomy group (p - < 0.001). CONCLUSIONS Lumbar Disc Herniation was commonly observed in the middle age with a male predilection. Risk factors like age, overweight, high BMI and diabetes mellitus had poor outcomes. Surgery for LDH was safe with a success rate of (92.5 %). KEYWORDS Intervertebral Disc, Prolapse, Radicular Pain, Low Back Ache
COMPARISON OF EAR DAMAGE CAUSED BY CATERPILLAR PESTS IN TRANSGENIC (BT) MAIZE HYBRIDS AND CONVENTIONAL MAIZE HYBRIDS
Authors: MICHELOTTO MARCOS DONISETI , CARREGA WILLIANS CÉSAR , DUARTE AILDSON PEREIRA , FREITAS ROGÉRIO SOARES DE
Published: November 2020

The use of transgenic (Bt) maize hybrids has been an important tool to minimize ear damages caused by the caterpillar pests Helicoverpa zea and Spodoptera frugiperda (Lepidoptera: Noctuidae). The objective of this work was to evaluate ear damages caused by caterpillar pests in maize hybrids with Bt technologies and in their respective conventional versions (non-Bt) for control of caterpillar pests that attack maize ears in the state of São Paulo, Brazil. Experiments were carried out in four regions of the state, in two summer crops (2009/10 and 2010/11), using a randomized block design with 6x2 factorial arrangements. The first factor was the hybrids and the second factor was the use or not of Bt technology. During harvesting, the percentage of damaged ears was evaluated and damage scores were attributed to a sample of 20 ears per plot. It was found that: (i) YieldGard and Total Liberty (both Cry 1Ab), Herculex (Cry 1F), VTPRO (Cry 1A.105 + Cry2Ab2) and Viptera (VIP3Aa20) technologies, regardless of the hybrid and the season crop, significantly reduce the ear damages and the percentage of damaged ears; (ii) hybrids expressing the Cry 1Ab protein are more damaged by caterpillar pests compared with other technologies; and (iii) there is great variability among hybrids when expressing toxins, even among those hybrids with the same Bt event.
SUSCEPTIBILITY OF Elasmopalpus lignosellus PUPAE TO ENTOMOPATHOGENIC NEMATODES IN MAIZE
Authors: BERLATTO MAGNABOSCO MARIA EDUARDA , ANDALÓ VANESSA , CARVALHO FÁBIO JANONI
Published: November 2020

Virulence and concentration of entomopathogenic nematodes (NEPs)in Elasmopalpus lignosellus pupae were evaluated. In the laboratory, the virulence of the isolates Heterorhabditis amazonensis MC01, H. amazonensis JPM3, H. amazonensis GL, Steinernema carpocapsae All and Heterorhabditis sp. Nepet 11 was evaluated and, subsequently, H. amazonensis GL was applied at concentrations of 8; 16; 24 and 32 IJ cm-2. The EPNs were applied to Petri dishes containing ten pupae with five replications. Mortality was assessed every 24 hours for three days. In a greenhouse, H. amazonensis GL was tested at concentrations 24, 25, 26 and 27 IJ cm-2. The IJs were applied in pots containing a 20-cm high ‘BM 3061’ maize plant, besides six pupae with four replications. Knowing that the efficiency of EPNss is directly related to the ability to search and penetrate the host, it was found that H. amazonensis GL is highly virulent to E. lignosellus, presenting an LC50 of 6.49 IJ cm-2 after 48 hours, 5.61 IJ cm-2 in 72 hours and LC90 of 39.70 IJ cm-2 in 48 and 27.73 IJ cm-2 in 72 hours under laboratory conditions. In the soil, pupal mortality was lower and a concentration of 25 IJ cm-2 was responsible for the death of 50% of the population, since environmental variability influences the dynamics of IJ infection and insect defense.
Knowledge of Chakma farm women in homestead gardening in the selected villages of Rangamati, Bangladesh
Authors: Chakma A. , Islam M. S. , Mitu A. S. , Rashed M. R. U. , Haque M. Z.
Published: November 2020

The purpose of the study was to determine knowledge of Chakma farm women about homestead gardening. The study was conducted in Sapchari and Kutukchari union of Rangamati Sadar Upazila under Rangamati District. Chakma farm women of Rangamti Sadar Upazila constituted the population of the study. An update list of 400 Chakma farm women who were related to homestead gardening activities was prepared with the help of Sub-Assistant Agricultural Officer of these localities. One hundred farm women were selected as the sample of the study by using random sampling method. A well-structured interview schedule was developed based on the objectives of the study for collecting information. The researcher herself collected data through personal contact. Data revealed that majority (58%) of Chakma farm women had medium knowledge in homestead gardening followed by high knowledge (27%) and low knowledge (15%). Education, contact with extension agent, exposure to mass media and woman status in the family had significant positive relationship with knowledge of homestead gardening. Age, farm size, annual net income and cosmopoliteness had no significant relationship with knowledge of homestead gardening.
TWO COLLECTIONS AND TWO GREEK OBSESSIONS
Authors: PALAVESTRA ALEKSANDAR
Published: November 2020

It has become a truism that museum exhibitions and interpretations are influenced by wider theoretical concepts and the author’s personal ideas. Winckelmann’s legacy is present in most of the European museums. Sometimes the concepts emphasizing Greece are perpetuated over decades, in spite of the fact that new archaeological interpretations contradict this neo-Classicist reading. Two examples will be offered to illustrate this situation. The first is the case of the Neolithic site of Vinča near Belgrade, excavated during several campaigns from 1908 to 1934 by Miloje Vasić. At the time he started researching the site, Vasić was the director of the National Museum in Belgrade and a professor of archaeology at the university. He argued that Vinča was a settlement of the Aegean colonists and an emanation of the Minoan and Mycenaean Bronze Age spirit. From 1934 on, he even identified Vinča as an Ionian colony from the sixth century B.C.E. After the First World War, Vasić ceased being the director of the museum and focused on the work at the university. At the same time, his Vinča interpretation was met with sharp criticism both in the Serbian and international archaeological communities and the site was firmly dated as Neolithic. Faced with criticism, even from the National Museum Belgrade, in 1929 Vasić established the University Archaeological Collection, where he placed material from the post-war excavations at Vinča and continued exhibiting his philhellenic interpretation. The second case to be presented is what is referred to as the princely grave from Novi Pazar, one of the most Iron Age important finds in the Central Balkans. From the middle of the twentieth century almost to the present day, a thesis concerning the Greek-Illyrian treasures has been perpetuated, although the new interpretations have clearly shown that both parts of this title are problematic.
Contribuição da História das Ideias Linguísticas e da Análise de Discurso para o estudo sobre educação escolar indígena no Brasil
Authors: Amaral Abraão Janderson dos Santos , Lopes Maraisa
Published: November 2020

Este artigo tem por objetivo expor o processo de articulação teórico-metodológica entre a História das Ideias Linguísticas (HIL) e a Análise de Discurso Materialista (AD), que tem sido realizado por nós em pesquisas relacionadas às políticas linguísticas da Educação Escolar Indígena no Brasil. Trata-se, pois, de demonstrar os procedimentos de pesquisa utilizados e, nesse percurso, trazer exemplificações com base no objeto supra referido. Além disso, pretendemos discutir sobre a noção de política linguística a partir de uma perspectiva materialista, concebendo-a enquanto prática sócio-política e dialética relacionada com os processos ideológicos e diferindo-a de uma concepção sociologista.
Glossário jurídico em Libras
Authors: Ouedraogo Ericler Oliveira Gutierrez , Rodrigues Ednalva Gutierrez , Ouedraogo Adama
Published: November 2020

Este trabalho apresenta uma pesquisa, realizada no âmbito da Educação de Surdos, sobre a elaboração de um glossário de termos jurídicos em Língua brasileira de sinais (Libras), com apoio de narrativas audiovisuais. Tem como foco discutir a importância de contextualizar sinais-termo jurídicos por meio de episódios cinematográficos. O processo teórico-metodológico fundamentou-se na perspectiva discursiva bakhtiniana e no uso de dados visuais. Ao final, foram produzidos um glossário com setenta e quatro sinais-termo, vídeos explicativos de três sinais e dois episódios cinematográficos. A participação dos professores surdos na seleção de sinais e na elaboração e avaliação dos episódios insere o grupo em uma nova forma de enunciado que inclui a linguagem audiovisual.
Day-ahead Market Modelling of Large-scale Highly-renewable Multi-energy Systems: Analysis of the North Sea Region Towards 2050
Authors: Gea Bermúdez Juan , Das Kaushik , Koduvere Hardi , Koivisto Matti Juhani
Published: November 2020

This paper proposes a mathematical model to simulate Day-ahead markets of large-scale multi-energy systems with high share of renewable energy. Furthermore, it analyses the importance of including unit commitment when performing such analysis. The results of the case study, which is performed for the North Sea region, show the influence of massive renewable penetration in the energy sector and increasing electrification of the district heating sector towards 2050, and how this impacts the role of other energy sources such as thermal and hydro. The penetration of wind and solar is likely to challenge the need for balancing in the system as well as the profitability of thermal units. The degree of influence of the unit commitment approach is found to be dependent on the configuration of the energy system. Overall, including unit commitment constraints with integer variables leads to more realistic behaviour of the units, at the cost of increasing considerably the computational time. Relaxing integer variables reduces significantly the computational time, without highly compromising the accuracy of the results. The proposed model, together with the insights from the study case, can be specially useful for system operators for optimal operational planning.
Integrated Use of Organic and Inorganic Fertilizers on Maize (Zea Mays L.) Yield and Soil Fertility in Andisols of Sidama, Ethiopia
Authors: Hordofa Sigaye Melkamu
Published: November 2020

The study was carried out to determine the influence of organic and inorganic fertilizers on maize yield and soil fertility; to determine economically optimum organic and inorganic fertilizer combinations for maize production. The study was performed in a randomized complete block design consisting of 10 treatments and 3 replications. The treatments were: Control, 100% of R-NP (138 N and 92 P), 100% of vermicompost,100% of conventional compost, 25% R-NP +75% of vermicompost, 50% of R-NP + 50% of vermicompost, 75% of R-NP+25% of from vermicompost, 25% of R-NP +75% of conventional compost, 50% of R-NP+50% of conventional-compost, 75% of R-NP +25% of conventional-compost. All rates of vermicompost and conventional compost were applied based on N equivalence. Results indicate that applications of inorganic fertilizers with a combination of organic source fertilizers were increases maize yield and yield components and improves the nutrient status of the soil. The highest maize grain yield (7494.3 kg ha-1) and above-ground biomass yield (18718.0 kg ha-1) were obtained from the applications of 50% recommended NP fertilizer plus 50% vermicompost which is based on the recommended N equivalent respectively. Similarly, we found that a combination of both inorganic and organic fertilizers application also is the best strategy to improve major soil nutrients, maintain soil fertility. The economic analysis revealed that the highest net benefit of (108,872.0 ETB ha-1) was obtained from the application of 50% recommended NP fertilizer plus 50% vermicompost based on the recommended N equivalence. Yet, the lowest yield and net benefit value were attained from the control or unfertilized plot. Therefore, this study suggests that an appropriate proportion of organic fertilizer with inorganic fertilizer not only for higher yield maize production with an assurance of potential economic returns to the small hold farmers but also improve and maintain the soil fertility and should be adopted with similar soil type and agro-ecologies.
Moderators and Mediators of Activity Intolerance Related to Pain
Authors: Cremers Teun , Zoulfi Khatiri Michael , van Maren Koen , Ring David , Teunis Teun , Fatehi Amirreza
Published: November 2020

Background:

There is wide variation in activity intolerance for a given musculoskeletal pathophysiology. In other words, people often experience illness beyond what one would expect given their level of pathophysiology. Mental health (i.e., cognitive bias regarding pain [e.g., worst-case thinking] and psychological distress [symptoms of anxiety and depression]) is an important and treatable correlate of pain intensity and activity intolerance that accounts for much of this variation. This study tested the degree to which psychological distress accentuates the role of cognitive bias in the relationship between pain intensity and activity intolerance.

Methods:

We enrolled 125 adults with musculoskeletal illness in a cross-sectional study. Participants completed measures of activity intolerance related to pain (Patient-Reported Outcomes Measurement Information System [PROMIS] Pain Interference Computer Adaptive Test [CAT]) and in general (PROMIS Physical Function CAT]), measures of psychological distress (PROMIS Depression CAT and PROMIS Anxiety CAT), a numeric rating scale (NRS) for pain intensity, measures of pain-related cognitive bias (4-question versions of the Negative Pain Thoughts Questionnaire [NPTQ-4], Pain Catastrophizing Scale [PCS-4], and Tampa Scale for Kinesiophobia [TSK-4]), and a survey of demographic variables. We assessed the relationships of these measures through mediation and moderation analyses using structural equation modeling.

Results:

Mediation analysis confirmed the large indirect relationship between pain intensity (NRS) and activity intolerance (PROMIS Pain Interference CAT and Physical Function CAT) through cognitive bias. Symptoms of depression and anxiety had an unconditional (consistent) relationship with cognitive bias (NPTQ), but there was no significant conditional effect/moderation (i.e., no increase in the magnitude of the relationship with increasing symptoms of depression and anxiety).

Conclusions:

Psychological distress accentuates the role of cognitive bias in the relationship between pain intensity and activity intolerance. In other words, misconceptions make humans ill, more so with greater symptoms of depression or anxiety. Orthopaedic surgeons can approach their daily work with the knowledge that addressing common misconceptions and identifying psychological distress as a health improvement opportunity are important aspects of musculoskeletal care.

Level of Evidence:

Prognostic Level III. See Instructions for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
Experimental Characterization for Failure Behavior of Woven Modified Carbon/Carbon Composites Under Pin-Loading
Authors: Zhang Yanfeng , Zhou Zhengong , Tan Zhiyong
Published: November 2020

An experimental approach of 5-harness satin woven silicon carbide modification carbon/carbon composites arranged in various geometrical configuration is presented in this paper. Seven types of samples divided into three groups were tested under pin-loading to examine the effects of width-to-hole diameter ratio (W/D), edge distance -to- hole diameter ratio (E/D) and hole diameter-to- thickness ratio (D/t) on the failure mode. To further enhance the understanding of failure propagation, damage mechanism was observed and assessed combining acoustic emission monitoring. From the experimental results and observations, it follows that the net tension and shearing out failure respectively switch to the bearing failure with the increasing ratio of W/D and E/D, while D/t hardly affect the failure mode. Major features of damage mechanism include matrix cracking, fiber buckling and pulling-out, interface debonding, delamination and fiber fracture corresponding to different acoustic emission signal ranges.
Association Between TRPC6 Channel and NLRP3 Inflammasome Activities in Kidney Tissue of Children With Henoch-Schönlein Purpura Nephritis
Authors: Wang Xianhe , Wu Man , Liu Yan , Gao Hui , Deng Fang
Published: November 2020

BackgroundDuring the development of Henoch-Schönlein purpura nephritis (HSPN), the activation and overexpression of transient receptor potential cation channel protein 6 (TRPC6) and the activation of Nod-like receptor protein 3 (NLRP3) inflammasome play a very important role. However, whether the expression of TRPC6 in children with HSPN is related to the activation of NLRP3 inflammasome has not been reported.MethodsWe obtained kidney biopsy specimens of 33 children with HSPN and 6 controls with renal trauma. Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of TRPC6, NLRP3, ASC, caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18. Student’s t-test was used to analyze the difference between the HSPN and control group. Pearson correlation test was used to estimate the correlation between TRPC6 and NLRP3 inflammasome among HSPN children. A bootstrap approach was performed for mediation effects of NLRP3 inflammasome on the association between TRPC6 and HSPN.ResultsThe expressions of TRPC6, NLRP3, ASC, Caspase-1, IL-1β, IL-18 in kidney tissues of children with HSPN were significantly higher than those in the control group (all P values <0.05). Significant correlations of TRPC6 with NLRP3, ASC, and IL-18 were observed. NLRP3 and ASC were also related to the levels of IL-1β and IL-18. Significant mediation effects (0.08, 95%CI = 0.04-0.15) of ASC on the association between TRPC6 and HSPN was revealed, with explaining 58.25% of the total effects.Conclusion﻿TRPC6 may cause the release of IL-1β and IL-18 by activating the NLRP3 inflammasome, especially the expression of ASC, thereby damaging the kidneys of children with HSP.
The Effect of lumbar lordosis on the distance between preemptive nail position of lumbar pedicle screw and prevertebral large vessels
Authors: Zhao Li , Wan Chenguang , Feng Chao , Zhang Hongshi , Sun He
Published: November 2020

Objective: To study the effect of lumbar lordosis on the distance between preemptive nail position of lumbar pedicle screw and anterior large vessels In imaging.Methods: With the lumbar intervertebral disc plain CT scan data of 107 healthy human subjects, we had measured the lumbar lordosis angle, the distance between preemptive nail position of lumbar pedicle screw and anterior large vessels of each patient, and statistical analysis was performed by SPSS (v25.0).Results: 1. No correlation was found between lumbar lordosis and the distance between preemptive nail position of lumbar pedicle screw and anterior large vessels in healthy people, but there was a weak positive correlation between lumbar lordosis and age. 2. In healthy people, the distance between L1-2 right preemptive nail position of lumbar pedicle screw and anterior large vessel was larger than that on left side, while the distance between L3-5 right preemptive nail position of lumbar pedicle screw was smaller than that on left side.Conclusion: lumbar lordosis does not affect the distance between preemptive nail position of lumbar pedicle screw and anterior large vessels. Placing pedicle screw on the right side of L1-2 is more safe than placing it on the left side, and placing pedicle screw on the left side of L3-5 is more safe than on the right side.
Effect of Nitrogen Limitation on Growth, Biochemical Composition and Cell Ultrastructure of the Microalga Picocystis Salinarum
Authors: Delgado Ronald Tarazona , Guarieiro Mayara dos Santos , Antunes Paulo Wagnner , Cassini Sérvio Túlio , Terreros Haydee Montoya , Fernandes Valéria de Oliveira
Published: November 2020

In recent years, biodiesel production has attracted worldwide attention due to the awareness of fossil fuel depletion, and microalgae biomass is considered a promising raw material for its formulation. The present study evaluated the effects of different levels of nitrogen limitation (37.5, 18.75, 9.375 mg L-1 NaNO3) on the growth, cell ultrastructure and biochemical composition of Picocystis salinarum as a potential raw material source for biodiesel. During a culture period of 20 days, the growth measurements were estimated, and cell density, dry weight and chlorophylls a, b content decreased with time as nitrogen limitation increase, however, carotenoids content increased. The high N limitation (9.375 mg L-1) had a highly significant effect on the accumulation of total lipid content (33.87% dry weight), carbohydrate content increase (30.98% dry weight), but protein content decrease (1.89% dry weight). The lipid content showed a differential FAME profile with high saturated fatty acid values (996.08 µg g-1 dry weight) mainly C16:0, compare with the unsaturated ones that showed low values under high N limitation. The gradual increase of lipid content was also corroborated by transmission electron microscopy images with lipid droplet cell formation. Therefore, evaluation of the algal culture conditions such as N limitation, as a strategy to maximize lipid content and improve the fatty acid profile in unexplored halophilic P. salinarum showed a potential biomass yield as a suitable candidate for biodiesel production.
Robot-Assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery of Neurogenic Tumours in the Apical Chest: A Case Series
Authors: Zheng Yu , Zhang Han-Lu , Wang Fu-Qiang , Qiu Guang-Hao , Che Guo-Wei , Wang Yun
Published: November 2020

Background: Superior posterior mediastinal tumours may arise in the apical chest. However, the removal of such tumours via conventional minimally invasive approaches remains challenging. In this paper, we demonstrate our experience of robotic-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (RATS) for patients with neurogenic apical chest tumours (ACT). Methods: We retrospectively included 15 consecutive patients who underwent the resection of posterior mediastinal neurogenic tumour wherein the upper extent of the tumour extended upwards to the sternoclavicular joint plane based on chest imaging findings. The clinical characteristics and perioperative outcomes of these patients were collected and analysed.Results: Between April 2017 and June 2020, a total of 15 consecutive cases with ACT underwent radical surgical resection through RATS by our team. These patients showed encouraging short-term outcomes after surgery and there was no conversion to thoracotomy. The median tumour size was 4.0 (2.1-10.6) cm. Five large tumours (> = 5.0 cm) were completely resected. The median overall time of surgery was 100 (range, 30–240) minutes. In only one case, a patient experienced massive bleeding (> 500 mL) with a left schwannoma (10.6*5.8*4.8 cm). This resulted in intraoperative haemorrhage because of significant adhesion around the lesion. However, this case was successfully managed by robotic manoeuvres. The median hospital stay was 3 (range, 4–7) days. The median duration of the chest tube was 2 (range, 1–3) days. One case suffered from a non-permanent Horner’s syndrome and recovered within seven months. No patients developed brachial plexus-associated complications. No death occurred during the perioperative period. Conclusions: RATS is a safe and effective alternative modality for the treatment of ACT. The technique extends conventional thoracoscopic indications for posterior mediastinal lesions including apical chest lesions.
Therapeutic Effects of Bruton’s Tyrosine Kinase Inhibitor HM71224 as Monotherapy and in Combination with Methotrexate on Collagen-Induced Arthritis in Rats
Authors: Bae InHwan , Kim Yu-Yon , Jang SunYoung , Byun Joo-Yun , Song TaeHun , Choi KyungJin , Piao Yongwei , Suh Kwee Hyun , Ahn YoungGil , Kim Young Hoon , Kim Ha Hyung , Kim Dae Kyong
Published: November 2020

Background: The purpose of this study was to determine the potential effects of HM71224, a Bruton’s tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor, as a monotherapy and in combination with methotrexate (MTX) in rats with collagen-induced arthritis (CIA) and to evaluate the effects of drug-drug interactions in combination therapy.Methods: The therapeutic effect of HM71224 and the combination effects with MTX were evaluated in CIA rats. Arthritis was induced through immunization by type II collagen in Lewis rats. The therapeutic effects were evaluated by arthritis score, paw volume, body weight changes, and histopathological examination. The effective dose levels (ED) were determined from arthritis score. Bone erosion, synovial inflammation, and cartilage degradation were assessed by staining with hematoxylin and eosin (H&E) and safranin-O in ankle joints. The drug-drug interaction between HM71224 and MTX was investigated by the comparison of plasma levels and monitoring of liver enzymes, creatinine and blood cell counts in CIA rats. Results: HM71224 dose dependently ameliorated the clinical signs, paw volume and body weight loss on the development of arthritis in CIA rats, and ED50 and ED90 values were 1.0 and 2.5 mg/kg, respectively. The combination of HM71224 with MTX decreased the arthritis score, bone erosion, synovitis and cartilage degradation compared with HM71224 and MTX alone; however, no drug-drug interactions in the plasma and no abnormalities in the liver enzymes, creatinine or blood cell counts were observed. Conclusion: BTK inhibition by HM71224 prevented the development of arthritis and the combination therapy with MTX produced additive therapeutic effects with no drug-drug interactions in CIA rats. Therefore, we suggest that HM71224 may be useful as a monotherapy and in combination with MTX for the treatment of patients with rheumatoid arthritis.
The SKA3-DUSP2 Axis Promotes Gastric Cancer Tumorigenesis and Epithelial-Mesenchymal Transition by Activating the MAPK/ERK Pathway
Authors: Zhang Chao , Yin Songcheng , Tan Yuen , Pan Siwei , An Wen , Chen Qingchuan , Xu Huimian
Published: November 2020

Background: Spindle and kinetochore-related complex subunit 3 (SKA3), a member of the SKA family of proteins, is associated with the progression of multiple cancers. However, the role of SKA3 in gastric cancer has not been studied.Methods: The expression levels of SKA3 and dual-specificity phosphatase 2 (DUSP2) proteins were detected by immunohistochemistry. The effects of SKA3 and DUSP2 on the proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion, and EMT of gastric cancer were studied in vitro and in vivo. Results: Immunohistochemical analysis of 164 cases of gastric cancer revealed that high expression of SKA3 was negatively correlated with DUSP2 expression and related to N stage, peritoneal metastasis, and poor prognosis. In vitro studies showed that silencing SKA3 expression inhibited the proliferation, migration, invasion, adhesion and EMT of gastric cancer. In vivo experiments showed that silenced expression of SKA3 inhibited tumor growth and peritoneal metastasis. Mechanistically, we found that SKA3 regulates the tumor suppressor DUSP2 and activates the MAPK/ERK pathway to promote gastric cancer. Conclusions: The SKA3-DUSP2-ERK1/2 axis is involved in the regulation of gastric cancer progression, and SKA3 is a potential therapeutic target for gastric cancer.
P53 +/- Rb1 - ASCL1 low Phenotype Predicts Better Prognosis after Surgical Resection in Large Cell Neuroendocrine Carcinoma: A Molecular Characteristic and Clinical-Pathological Investigation of Lung Neuroendocrine Tumors
Authors: Dong Yuting , Zhang Qian , Wang Guoping , Duan Yaqi , Huo Zitian
Published: November 2020

Background: Based on morphology, necrosis degree, and proliferation status, lung neuroendocrine tumors (NETs) are commonly divided into four subtypes: typical carcinoid (TC), atypical carcinoid (AC), large cell neuroendocrine carcinoma (LCNEC), and small cell lung carcinoma (SCLC). However, cases difficult to classify still exist in diagnosis. Methods: We immunohistochemically investigated the molecular phenotypes in lung NETs and assessed their prognostic value. Results: After morphological re-analysis of 179 NETs, 19 cases were classified as undefined, which included 3 cases showing carcinoid morphology with high proliferation (Ki67>20% or mitotic count>10/2mm2), and 16 cases showing intermediate differentiated morphology with Ki67 among 20% to 60%. Furthermore, molecular phenotypes were determined by expression of p53, Rb1, ASCL1, STK11, and gene mutation status of KRAS. Interestingly, p53wtRb1+ distinguished an unique subcategory from undefined lung NET cases which differ from SCLC or LCNEC in prognosis, indicating WD-NET G3 existed in lung NETs. Additionally, in LCNEC, high ASCL1 expression was only relevant to lymph node metastasis rather than overall survival. However, in p53+/-Rb1- LCNEC phenotype, low ASCL1 predicted better outcomes, along with less risk of lymph node metastasis. Conclusion: This study provided evidence for existence of WD-NET G3 in NETs and revealed promising prognosis of p53+/-Rb1- ASCL1low subcategory in LCNEC, which could be beneficial to the evaluation of patient status in future clinic practice.
Synergistic Inhibitory Effect of Ionizing Radiation Combined With Imatinib on Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumor Cell and Its Mechanism
Authors: Xiao Wenbiao , Zhou Yongjian , Lin Guosheng , Guo Renjie
Published: November 2020

BackgroundRT is considered insensitive to GIST,However, recently, the effective clinical practice of RT in GIST has been reported,The purpose of this study was to clarify the synergistic effect of RT combined with IM on GIST and the potential molecular mechanism.MethodsThe expression of DNA repair genes related to IR in 100 patients with GIST and their matched tissues was studied by IHC.The relationship between them and clinicopathological characteristics and risk of GIST was analyzed.The effects of IR combined with IM on the proliferation, clonogenesis, invasion and migration, cell cycle and apoptosis of GIST-882 cell were examined by cell count, CCK-8, plate cloning, scratch and transwell, and flow cytometry.Combined with KEGG database signal pathway analysis, qPCR and westernblot were used to study the potential molecular mechanism of coordinated inhibition of IM combined with IR on GIST-882 cell.ResultsThe expression of DNA repair protein related to IR injury in GIST was significantly higher than that in matched adjacent tissues, and the high expression of Rad51 was related to the high risk of GIST (P < 0.05).The interaction between IR and IM was strong by factorial design analysis (P < 0.05). The combined index of choutalalay analysis also proved the above conclusion.Compared with the single effect, the combined effect significantly enhanced the ability of clone formation, migration and invasion, and the inhibition of apoptosis of GIST-882 cells.In cell cycle study,IM mainly leads to direct apoptosis, while IR leads to cell cycle arrest in S and G2 / M phases.In the study of molecular mechanism, it was found that IR damage can feedback stimulate the high expression of DNA repair protein in cells, while im may enhance IR sensitivity by inhibiting the expression of radiation damage related DNA repair protein Rad51 in p53 signaling pathway.ConclusionsIM combined with IR can synergistically inhibit the proliferation, apoptosis, clonogenesis, invasion, migration and cell cycle of GIST cells. The mechanism of synergism may be through IM to inhibit p53, a signal pathway of radiation damage repair.
The Value of C-Reactive Protein, C-Reactive Protein Kinetics and C-reactive Protein to Albumin Ratio on Prognosis in Newly Diagnosed Indolent B-cell Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Authors: Zhang Huimin , Zhou Xiangxiang , Sun Xiang , Han Yang , Hu Xinting , Yun Xiaoya , Zhang Ya , Wang Xin
Published: November 2020

Objective: This study aimed to determine prognostic significance of C-reactive protein (CRP), CRP kinetics and CRP to albumin ratio (CAR) in indolent B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma (B-iNHL) patients. Methods: The association among these blood makers and overall survival (OS), disease-free survival (DFS), progression-free survival (PFS) were analyzed in 243 B-iNHL patients. OS, DFS and PFS were determined by Kaplan–Meier curves. Cox proportional analysis was performed to examine the prognostic significance of clinicopathological variables. Results: Multivariate analyses identified that elevated pretreatment CRP (HR: 5.110, 95% CI: 1.904-13.717, p=0.001), post-treatment CRP (HR: 5.826, 95% CI: 1.659-20.458, p=0.006), continuously elevated CRP (HR: 6.461, 95% CI: 2.620-15.930, p<0.001) and elevated CAR (HR: 3.768, 95% CI: 1.415-10.034, p=0.008) had association with worse OS. Likewise, elevated pretreatment CRP (HR: 3.767, 95% CI: 1.777-7.984, p=0.001), post-treatment CRP (HR: 2.384, 95% CI: 1.027-5.534, p=0.043), ever-elevated CRP (HR: 2.425, 95% CI: 1.105-5.322, p=0.027), continuously elevated CRP (HR: 4.748, 95% CI: 2.114-10.660, p<0.001) and elevated CAR (HR: 2.824, 95% CI: 1.336-5.971, p=0.007) were in independent significance with worse DFS. Elevated pretreatment CRP (HR: 2.606, 95% CI: 1.338-5.076, p=0.005), ever-elevated CRP (HR: 2.086, 95% CI: 1.040-4.188, p=0.039), continuously elevated CRP (HR: 3.296, 95% CI: 1.594-6.818, p=0.001) and elevated CAR (HR: 1.991, 95% CI: 1.021-3.882, p=0.043) were determined in independent significance with poor PFS. The effect was statistically significant in both follicular lymphoma (FL) and chronic lymphocytic leukemia/ small lymphocytic lymphoma (CLL/ SLL) patients.Conclusions: In conclusion, we demonstrate that CRP level, CRP kinetics and CAR could be potential prognostic indicators with independent significance in patients with B-iNHL, also in FL and CLL/ SLL subgroups. CRP and CAR make an implementation for prognostic evaluation more easily and effectively in B-iNHL patients.
Glucosinolates With Their Hydrolysis Products from Two Cruciferous Plants with Study of Antidiabetic Activity Based on Molecular Docking
Authors: Abdelshafeek Khaled , Abdallah Walid E. , elhenawy Ahmed , Alothami Abeer , Alharby Lila , Alomari Abd ulaziz
Published: November 2020

The glucosinolates (Gls.) are natural bioactive compounds which lead to the formation of different metabolites called isothiocyanates(ITC) having various therapeutic effects. So, this study aim to isolate the glucosinolates of both Carrichtera annua L.(DC) (CA) and Farsetia aegyptia Turra (FA) belonging to Crucifereae family. The total Gls. were isolated from the aqueous methanolic extract of both plants and further purified on acidic aluminum oxide column. Some of the obtained Gls. was identified as it is using different spectroscopic measurements (UV, NMR and MS) and the rest were hydrolyzed using myrosinase enzyme to the corresponding isothiocyanates (ITC) which were identified by GC/MS. only one glucosinolate was identified in CA as: 4-methylthio-3-butenyl Gls ( MTBG). through chromatographic and spectroscopic measurements in addition to 6-methyl sulfonylhexyl isothiocyanates(ITC), while 6-methyl sulfonyl-6-hydroxy hexyl ITC, 4-pentenyl ITC, 3-Methylthio propyl ITC, 5-hydroxy pentyl ITC and 4-methylsulphinyl butyl ITC from FA. The docking study targeted a α-glucosidase and amylase, to examine a mode of action of the 4-methylthio-3-butenylglucosinolate. Molecular docking was performed to identify potency of Gls. against hyperglycemia. The data obtained revealed that the Gls. has high binding activity Via α-glucosidase and amylase. Furthermore, further Drug studies as likeness and ADME/T were performed, which proposed that their ligands may be have a good pharmacokinetic character, with no carcinogenesis effect.
Scaling Mhealth in Africa: Lessons From The Implementation of The MomConnect Program
Authors: Ezezika obidimma , Varatharajan Chareena , Racine Shanelle
Published: November 2020

Background: Mobile health programs have strengthened health systems in Low- and Middle-Income Countries (LMICs) to achieve health-related goals. MomConnect, a mobile health program in South Africa targeted at improving antenatal and maternal health, has scaled rapidly since its creation in 2014. This study explores the barriers and facilitators to the implementation and scaling of the MomConnect program and the applicable lessons for the scaling of mhealth programs in the region. Methods: We conducted a qualitative study with key project partners and leaders who worked on the MomConnect project. Interviewees were initially identified through a literature review, publications, and evaluations of the project. Interviewees included individuals serving in implementation oversight, champions, partners, funders and frontline implementer roles. The Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (CFIR) informed the a priori codes for directed content analysis. In total, 15 key stakeholders were interviewed. Interviewees were asked to identify any barriers or facilitators to the implementation of MomConnect and how they would overcome those barriers and strengthen the facilitators. Results: This qualitative study identified multiple barriers and facilitators to implementation within our domain of CFIR: characteristics of the intervention (complexity, trialability, evidence strength & quality, cost, design quality & packaging, adaptability), inner setting (available resources, compatibility, implementation climate, access to knowledge & information), outer setting (cosmopolitanism, external policy & incentives) and process (planning, external change agents, champions, formally appointed internal implementation leaders). Overarching thematic areas spanning the barriers and facilitators included: (1) strategic partnership and coordination across multiple sectors, (2) innovation costs and funding, (3) operationalization of the innovation to local and national settings and (4) mhealth policy and legislation frameworks.Conclusion: The barriers and facilitators identified under the CFIR domains can be used to build knowledge on how to strengthen mhealth programs in Africa. The continued success of the MomConnect program will require overcoming identified barriers and capitalizing on known facilitators. These findings can serve as a foundation for the effective design and scale of mhealth interventions in the region.
Testing the Contextual Interaction Theory in a UHC Pilot District in South Africa
Authors: Michel Janet , Mohlakoana Nthabiseng , Bärnighausen Till , Tediosi Fabrizio , Evans David , McIntyre Di , Bressers Hans T. A , Tanner Marcel
Published: November 2020

Background: World-wide, there is growing universal health coverage (UHC) enthusiasm. The South African government began piloting policies aimed at achieving UHC in 2012. These UHC policies have been and are being rolled out in the ten selected pilot districts. Our study explored policy implementation experiences of 71 actors involved in UHC policy implementation, in one South African pilot district using the Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) lens.Method: Our study applied a two-actor deductive theory of implementation, Contextual Interaction Theory (CIT) to analyse 71 key informant interviews from one National Health Insurance (NHI) pilot district in South Africa. The theory uses motivation, information, power, resources and the interaction of these to explain implementation experiences and outcomes. The research question centred on the utility of CIT tenets in explaining the observed implementation experiences of actors and outcomes particularly policy- practice gaps.Results: All CIT central tenets (information, motivation, power, resources and interactions) were alluded to by actors in their policy implementation experiences, a lack or presence of these tenets were explained as either a facilitator or barrier to policy implementation. This theory was found as very useful in explaining policy implementation experiences of both policy makers and facilitators. Conclusion: A central tenet that was present in this context but not fully captured by CIT was leadership. Leadership interactions were revealed as critical for policy implementation, hence we propose the inclusion of leadership interactions to the current CIT central tenets, to become motivation, information, power, resources, leadership and interactions of all these.
Blockchain and Federated Learning Based Data Security Sharing Mechanism Over Smart City
Authors: Guo Shaoyong , Xiang Baoyu , Xia Xuwei , Yan Zhenhua , Li Yongliang
Published: November 2020

Data is the most important factor in building a smart city. City data is composed of many data islands, such as transportation, industry, and residents. In order to build a smart city, breaking data islands, achieving trusted and collaborative sharing of data, while protecting data privacy are essential. As a distributed ledger, the blockchain can solve the problem of data trust. Federated learning achieves data privacy protection by sharing model parameters instead of original data. However, it still has some problems such as malicious nodes and differential attacks. This paper proposes a data sharing mechanism that combines blockchain and federated learning over smart city. Firstly, the blockchain is combined to ensure the credibility of the performance information of the work nodes, then the work node selection algorithm is designed, and a consensus incentive mechanism IPoQ is proposed for efficient federated learning tasks. Finally, differential privacy technology is introduced to resist differential attack. Experimental results show that the methods proposed in this paper achieves an effective federated learning data sharing mechanism.