bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical Factors for Predicting Neurophysiological Improvements Upon Extension and Flexion in Cervical Spondylotic Myelopathy Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yu Zhengran , Chen Jiacheng , Cheng Xing , Zou Zhiyuan , Xie Dingxiang , Chen Yuguang , Zou Xuenong , Peng Xinsheng
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCervical extension and flexion are generally thought to be harmful to CSM patients. Contrary to previous notions, a proportion of CSM patients presented DSSEP improvement upon extension and/or flexion. This study aims to determine the prediction criteria for DSSEP improvement upon extension and flexion with clinical and neutral-position imaging.MethodsCSM patients between 2015 and 2019 were retrospectively evaluated. The recorded outcomes were DSSEP changes upon extension and flexion, disease duration, modified Japanese Orthopedic Association (mJOA) score, gait impairment presence, weakness of upper limb muscles, and positive Hoffmann sign designation. The collection of MRI data included the compression ratio, the number of stenotic levels, the Mühle stenosis grade and disc degeneration stage of the most severe segment, and the presence of ligamentum flavum hypertrophy and intramedullary T2WI hyperintensity. Cervical alignment types were evaluated on plain cervical lateral radiographs.ResultsForty-nine patients were finally enrolled. Nine (18.4%) and 11 (22.4%) patients showed DSSEP improvement upon extension and flexion, respectively. Logistic regression analysis showed that an involved segment number ≤ 2 (P=0.018) and a straight/sigmoid cervical alignment (P=0.033) were significant criteria for predicting DSSEP improvement upon extension (probability: 85.7%). Mühle grade 3 (P=0.022) and disease duration ≤ 6 months (P=0.04) were significant criteria for predicting improvement upon flexion (probability: 85.7%).ConclusionsCervical extension and flexion might not necessarily cause deterioration and can even improve some CSM patients' neurological function at DSSEP examination. The involved segment number and cervical alignment were related to extension DSSEP improvement, while the stenosis grade and disease durations were related to flexion improvement. Our work suggests potential significance of educating CSM patients on maintaining individualized neck positions based on their clinical and radiographic findings.BaTrial registrationThe trial was retrospectively registered on April 30th, 2020 and the registration number is "[2020]151".
Mammographic breast density and survival in women with invasive breast cancer
Authors: Pizzato Margherita , Carioli Greta , Rosso Stefano , Zanetti Roberto , Vecchia Carlo La
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Mammographic breast density (BD) is strongly associated to breast cancer (BC) risk; however, its association with survival is unclear.Methods: Using data from the Piedmont Cancer Registry (Registro Tumori Piemonte), we identified 693 women diagnosed with primary invasive BC between 2009-2014. We applied the Kaplan-Meier method to estimate overall survival in strata of BD and the log-rank test to assess survival differences. We evaluated the hazard ratios (HRs) of death using Cox proportional hazards model and HRs of BC-related and other causes of death using the cause-specific hazards regression model. Models included terms for BD (assessed according to the Breast Imaging Reporting and Data System [BI-RADS] density classification) and were adjusted for selected patient and tumour characteristics.Results: There were102 deaths, of which 49 were from BC. After 5 years, the overall survival was 70% in women with BI-RADS 1, 85% in those with BI-RADS 2, about 95% in those with BI-RADS 3-4 (p <0.01). As compared to women with low BD (BI-RADS 1), the adjusted HRs of death was 0.71 (95% confidence interval (CI) 0.44–1.14) for BI-RADS 2 and 0.38 (95% CI 0.18–0.80) for BI-RADS 3-4 (p for trend = 0.010). As compared to BI-RADS 1, the adjusted HRs of BC-related death decreased with increasing BI-RADS BD from 0.90 (95% CI 0.43–1.87) for BI-RADS 2 to 0.32 (95% CI 0.12–0.91) for BI-RADS 3-4 (p for trend = 0.047). Conclusion: In women with BC, low BD has a negative prognostic impact.
Soil Microbial Communities Altered by Titanium Ions in Different Agroecosystems of Pitaya and Grape
Authors: He Yuan , Ma Xinrong , Hou Xin-Yi , Li Cai-Xia , Wang Yan
Published: March 2021

Titanium ions can significantly promote plant growth, but it is unclear whether the application of titanium ions to plants has any effect on the soil microbial community. In this study, we conducted field surveys to determine the effect of titanium ions on soil microbial communities of the pitaya and grape plantations in Panxi area by performing full-length 16S rRNA gene and ITS amplicon sequencing using PacBio Sequel. The results showed that the application of titanium ions significantly altered the composition and structure of soil microbiota. Root irrigation with titanium ions in pitaya garden, the diversity of soil fungi was significantly reduced. Although there was no statistically significant difference, bacterial diversity also declined. While, the foliar spray of titanium ions on grapes greatly reduced the soil microbial diversity. Moreover, the soil microbiota had a core of conserved taxa, and their relative abundances were significantly altered by titanium ions. Moreover, titanium ions enhanced the cooccurrence relationships and probably improved the stability of the soil microbial community. Our results highlight the different responses of bacterial and fungal communities to titanium ions and sites and provides a basis for the application of titanium ions in plant farming.
Nanocrystalline α-Fe2O3: A Superparamagnetic Material for w-LED Application and Waste Water Treatment
Authors: Gaidhane Mahesh , Taikar Deepak , Gaidhane Pravin , Nagde Kalpana
Published: March 2021

Nanocrystalline α-Fe2O3 is synthesized by sol-gel technique. The prepared nanomaterial was characterized by X-ray diffraction (XRD), SEM, TEM, Fourier Transform Infrared (FTIR) spectroscopy, Vibrating Sample Magnetometry (VSM) and photoluminescence (PL) techniques. X-ray powder diffraction analysis confirmed the formation of α-Fe2O3. Electron microscopy showed spherical morphologies with an average particle size of 30-40 nm. The magnetic property of the prepared material was studied by VSM at room temperature. VSM study shows superparamagnetic nature of the synthesized nanoparticles. Photoluminescence (PL) emission spectra show intense broad emission band centered at 570 nm with 393 nm excitation indicating its usefulness for w-LED application. The CIE-chromaticity color coordinates of prepared material were calculated. The photocatalytic activity of the α-Fe2O3 nanoparticles was analyzed and the nanopowder exhibited good photocatalytic activity for the removal AO7 from its aqueous solution.
Thermal Error Prediction of Ball Screws Based on PSO-LSTM
Authors: Gao Xiangsheng , Guo Yueyang , Hanson Dzonu Ambrose , Liu Zhihao , Wang Min , Zan Tao
Published: March 2021

Thermal error of ball screws seriously affects the machining precision of CNC machine tools especially in high speed and precision machining. Compensation technology is one of the most effective methods to address the thermal issue, and the effect of compensation depends on the accuracy and robustness of the thermal error model. Traditional modeling approaches have major challenges in time-series thermal error prediction. In this paper, a novel thermal error model based on Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) neural network and Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm is proposed. A data-driven model based on LSTM neural network is established according to the time-series collected data. The hyperparameters of LSTM neural network are optimized by PSO and then a PSO-LSTM model is established to precisely predict the thermal error of ball screws. In order to verify the effectiveness and robustness of the proposed model, two thermal characteristic experiments based on step and random speed are conducted on a self-designed test bench. The results show that the PSO-LSTM model has higher accuracy compared with the RBF model and BP model with high robustness. The proposed method can be implemented to predict the thermal error of ball screws, and provide a foundation for thermal error compensation.
A Novel Error Equivalence Model on the Kinematic Error of the Linear Axis of High-End Machine Tool
Authors: LI Xinxin , Li Zhi-Min , Jin Sun , Zhang Jichang , Ding Siyi , Niu Zhihua
Published: March 2021

The kinematic errors of the linear axis play a key role in machining precision of high-end CNC (Computer Numerical Control) machine tool. The quantification of error relationship is still an urgent problem to be solved in the assembly process of the linear axis, especially considering the effect of the elastic deformation of rollers. A systematic error equivalence model of slider is proposed to improve the prediction accuracy for kinematic errors of the linear axis which contains the base, the linear guide rail and carriage. Firstly, the geometric errors of assembly surface of linear guide rail are represented by small displacement torsor. According to the theory of different motion of robots, the error equivalence model of a single slider is established, namely the geometric error of assembly surface of linear guide rail and the pose error of slider is equivalent to the elastic deformation of roller. Based on the principle of vector summation, the kinematic error of a single slider is mapped to the carriage and the kinematic error of the linear axis is obtained. Besides, experiments validation of kinematic error model of the linear axis is carried out. It is indicated that the proposed model is accurate and feasible. The proposed model can provide an accurate guidance for the manufacturing and operation performance of the linear axis in quantification, and a more effective reference for the engineers at the design and assembly stage.
Valorisation of chicken feather fibres in developing poly (vinyl chloride) biocomposites
Authors: Touatou Soumia , Belhaneche-Bensemra Naima
Published: March 2021

The aim of this paper is the valorisation of fibres obtained from chicken feathers in developing new poly (vinyl chloride) (PVC) biocomposites. Feather fibres were first characterized by thermogravimetric analysis and scanning electron microscopy. Then, semi-rigid and flexible PVC biocomposites were prepared by varying the fibre (5, 10 and 15 wt %) and plasticizer (15, 30, 45, 60 wt %) contents. The density, mechanical, thermal and morphological properties of the composites were investigated. The water absorption was determined at two temperatures (23 and 60°C). The results showed the influence of fibre and plasticizer contents on the considered properties.
Identification of Potential Key Genes in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer Using Bioinformatics AnalysisIdentification of Potential Key Genes in Anaplastic Thyroid Cancer using Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: Li Zhenzhen , Xiong Chaoliang , Wei Jin , Chen Ping , Zhang Yanping , Zhu Huange , Zhao Yuqi , Lu Wei , He Qian , Geng Yan , Zhu Jianhong
Published: March 2021

BackgroundAnaplastic thyroid cancer (ATC) has a high degree of malignancy and a poor prognosis. Its incidence accounts for approximately 10-15% of all thyroid cancers. The purpose of this study was to determine the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of ATC through biometric analysis technology, clarify the potential interactions between them, and screen genes related to the prognosis of ATC.MethodsThe GSE29265, GSE65144, GSE33630, and GSE85457 expression profiles downloaded from the Gene Expression Omnibus database (GEO) contained a total of 117 tissue samples (81 normal thyroid tissue samples and 36 ATC samples). The four datasets were integrated and analyzed by the limma packages to obtain DEGs. With these DEGs, we performed gene ontology functional annotation and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes pathway analyses using the Database for Annotation, Visualization and Integrated Discovery, protein-protein interaction (PPI) analysis using Cytoscape, and survival analysis using the Kaplan-Meier (KM) plotter.Results.After R integration analysis of the four datasets, 764 DEGs were obtained, i.e., 314 upregulated and 450 downregulated genes. Among the hub DEGs obtained in the PPI network, the expression levels of thymidylate synthase (TYMS), fibronectin 1, chordin-like 1, syndecan 2, integrin alpha 2, collagen type I alpha 1 chain, collagen type IX alpha 3 chain (COL9A3), and collagen type XXIII alpha 1 chain (COL23A1) were associated with ATC prognosis. These results showed that the overall survival and recurrence-free survival of TYMS, COL9A3, and COL23A1 were statistically significant in our KM plotter survival analysis; thus, these DEGs may be used as potential biomarkers of ATC.ConclusionThis study identified several potential target genes and pathways that may affect the development of ATC. These findings provide new insights for the detection of novel diagnostic and therapeutic biomarkers for ATC.
Efficient Access to Aliphatic Esters by Photocatalyzed Alkoxycarbonylation of Alkenes
Authors: Chen Jian-Qiang , Tu Xiaodong , Tang Qi , Li Ke , Xu Liang , Wang Siyu , Ji Mingjuan , Wu Jie
Published: March 2021

Aliphatic esters are essential constituents of biologically active compounds and versatile chemical intermediates for the synthesis of drugs. However, their preparation from readily available olefins remains challenging. In this report, a new strategy to access aliphatic esters from olefins through a unique photocatalyzed alkoxycarbonylation reaction is described. Alkyloxalyl chlorides, generated in situ from the corresponding alcohols and oxalyl chloride, are engaged for the first time as alkoxycarbonyl radical fragments under photoredox catalysis. This transformation tolerates a broad scope of electron-rich and electron-deficient olefins and provides the corresponding β-chloro esters in good yields. Additionally, a formal β-selective alkene alkoxycarbonylation is developed. And, a variety of oxindole-3-acetates and furoindolines are prepared in good to excellent yields. A more concise formal synthesis of (±)-physovenine is accomplished as well. With these strategies, a wide range of natural-product-derived olefins and alkyloxalyl chlorides are also successfully employed.
Stent-in-stent technique under fluoroscopy for removal of embedded esophageal stent
Authors: Wang Shuai , Yin Meipan , Ma Yaozhen , Wang Meng , Tong Yalin , Zhao Yue , Li Xiaobing , Xie Pengfei , Wu Gang
Published: March 2021

Background: Treatment of complications after esophageal stent placement and methods for removal of stents need to be improved. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of stent-in-stent (SIS) removal of esophageal stent under fluoroscopy.Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed the clinical data of consecutive patients undergoing esophageal stent removal by SIS under fluoroscopy. Under awake condition, local anesthesia, and fluoroscopic monitoring, a second esophageal stent was placed in the first esophageal stent. Four weeks later, both esophageal stents were removed by the SIS technique under fluoroscopy.Results: A total of 12 patients were treated by the SIS removal technique. In 10 patients, the first esophageal stent was easily removed by the SIS method; in the other 2 patients, stent fracture occurred, and some residual nitinol wire had to be removed endoscopically. No serious complications occurred in any patient.Conclusions: The SIS removal technique appears to be a safe and effective method for removal of embedded esophageal metallic stents.
Aliphatic Extractive Effects on Acetic Acid Catalysis of Typical Agricultural Residues to Xylo-Oligosaccharide and Enzymatic Hydrolysability of Cellulose
Authors: Guo Jianming , Huang Kaixuan , Cao Rou , Zhang Junhua , Xu Yong
Published: March 2021

Background: Xylo-oligosaccharide is the spotlight of functional sugar that improves economic benefits of lignocellulose biorefinery. Acetic acid acidolysis technology provides a promising application for xylo-oligosaccharide commercial production, but it is restricted by the aliphatic (wax-like) compounds, which cover the outer and inner surfaces of plants. Results: We removed aliphatic compounds by extraction with two organic solvents. The benzene-ethanol extraction increased the yield of acidolyzed xylo-oligosaccharides of corncob, sugarcane bagasse, wheat straw, and poplar sawdust by 14.79%, 21.05%, 16.68%, and 7.26% while ethanol extraction increased it by 11.88%, 17.43%, 1.26%, and 13.64%, respectively. Conclusion: The single ethanol extraction was safer, more environmentally-friendly and more cost-effective than benzene-ethanol solvent. In short, organic solvents extraction provided a promising auxiliary method for the selective acidolysis of herbaceous xylan to xylo-oligosaccharides, while it had minimal impact on woody poplar.
A New Family of Copper-based MXenes
Authors: Perez Rodrigo Ponce , Ojeda Sandra Gutierrez , Guerrero-Sanchez Jonathan , Armenta Maria Moreno
Published: March 2021

In this work, we demonstrate, through first-principles calculations, the existence of a new family of copper-based MXenes. These add up new structures to the previously reported universe and span the interest of such 2D materials for applications in heterogeneous catalysis, ion-based batteries, sensors, biomedical applications, and so on. First, we propose the MXene-like structures: Cu2N, Cu2C, and Cu2O. Phonon spectra calculations confirmed their dynamical stability by showing just positive frequencies all through the 2D Brillouin zone. The new MXenes family displays metallic characteristics, mainly induced by the Cu-3d orbitals. Bader charge analysis and charge density differences depict bonds with ionic character in which Cu is positively charged, and the non-metal atom gets an anionic character. Our results lay the foundations for the experimental realization of a new MXenes family.
TBX2 Regulates Proliferation, Apoptosis, and Cholesterol Generation of Bovine Through Maintaining Mitochondrial Function and Autophagy in Bovine Cumulus Cell
Authors: Li Sheng-Peng , Xie Wen-Yin , Yu Wen-Jie , Peng Yan-Xia , Liu Chang , Liu Zi-Bin , Cai Xiao-Shi , Chen Cheng-Zhen , Yuan Bao , Kim Nam-Hyung , Jiang Hao , Zhang Jia-Bao
Published: March 2021

TBX2 is a member of T-box gene family whose members are highly conserved in evolution and encoding genes are involved in the regulation of developmental processes. The encoding genes play an important role in growth and development, but its regulatory effects in bovine cumulus cells are still unclear. In this study, the changes of cell physiological function were detected after TBX2 gene was knocked down. Compared with the control group, when TBX2 was inhibited, the levels of autophagy, apoptosis and reactive oxygen species in cumulus cells were increased, the proliferation, expansion ability and the amount of cholesterol secreted by cells were significantly decreased, and the cell cycle was also disrupted. The results showed that TBX2 could regulate the normal physiological activities of bovine cumulus cells.
Investigation and Analysis of Green Refrigerant Zero ODP as an Alternative Refrigerant Lower Cost and GWP
Authors: Saengsikhiao Piyanut , Taweekun Juntakan , Maliwan Kittinan
Published: March 2021

This research presents the results of investigation and analysis of the environmentally friendly refrigerant for R22 replacement. All refrigerant properties in this research were based on results from the REFPROP and CYCLE_D-HX software of NIST under CAN/ANSI/AHRI540. The results of this work show that HCs R170, R290, R600, R600a, R601, R601a, R1150 and R1270 can be mixed in HFCs R417A, R417B, R422A, R422B, R422C, R422D, R424A, R437A, R438A and R453A and able to be further developed in the future. All refrigerants are non-flammable refrigerants, non-toxic and zero ODP. The R453A mixed with HCs R600 (0.6%) and R601a (0.6%) and is COPc refrigerant close to that of R22 refrigerant. In conclusion, it can be used as an environmentally friendly and energy efficiency replacement for R22. All refrigerants are also refrigerants that are matched with the 4th generation refrigerants with the use of natural refrigerants.
Medical internship training during the COVID-19 pandemic – a case of ‘sacrificial pawns’ or not?
Authors: Singaram Veena S , Naidoo Kimesh , Ramrathan Labby
Published: March 2021

Background Newly qualified medical practitioners (interns) in South Africa (SA) are part of the frontline healthcare workers who face Africa’s most severe COVID-19 pandemic within an environment already burdened with tuberculosis, HIV and trauma epidemics. The experiences of interns during the pandemic reflect SA’s preparedness to respond in a crisis and inform strategies that could be adopted to balance training and service in resource-challenged contexts. This study explored the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats posed by the COVID-19 pandemic as reflected on by interns within clinical training platforms in SA.Methods An online survey tool consisting of ten open-ended questions based on the SWOT framework related to personal and professional perspectives to clinical training during the COVID-19 pandemic was developed using SurveyMonkey. Due to lockdown restrictions, all data were collected remotely with the survey instrument being distributed via the social media platform WhatsApp. Three coders thematically analysed data until consensus was reached.Results Forty-six first- and second-year interns reflected on personal and systemic challenges as the major threats and weaknesses in intern training during the COVID-19 pandemic. Extrapolating on strengths and opportunities, there were three overarching learnings interns reflected on. These related to being a medical professional, being in a learning environment, and specific learnings realised. Existing challenges in the environment exacerbated the threats posed by COVID-19 and innovative strategies related to improving support, feedback and broadening the intern curriculum were identified. In addition, the use of online training around holistic care and intern evaluation was mooted as an innovation to develop out of this pandemic.Conclusion Although the clinical environment where interns learn and work is often stressful and overpowered by high service burdens, there are unique opportunities to enhance self-directed learning and graduate competencies, even in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Genome analysis of Salmonella strains isolated from imported frozen fish in Burkina Faso
Authors: KAGAMBEGA ASSETA , Belem Salifou , McMillan Elizabeth A , Hiott Lari M. , Ramadan Hazem , SORO Daniel K , Sharma Poonam , Gupta Sushim K , Barro Nicolas , Jackson Charlene R , Frye Jonathan G.
Published: March 2021

PurposeFish is an excellent source of protein and vitamins for humans, but improperly handled fish can expose consumers to pathogenic bacteria. This study aimed to isolate and characterize the genomes of Salmonella strains isolated from imported fish sold in the open market in Ouagadougou.MethodsOne hundred and fifty-nine fish were collected from open markets. Antimicrobial susceptibility was determined by broth microdilution. Whole Genome Sequencing was done to further study antibiotic resistance genes, plasmid replicons, and MSLT types. Serotyping was done using SeqSero 2.ResultOut of the 159 fish samples analyzed, 28 (17.61%) were found to be contaminated with Salmonella. Among the isolated Salmonella strains, 6 different serotypes, Nima, Liverpool, Kokomlemle, Gaminara, Derby, and Tennessee, were found using SeqSero2. S. Tennessee was the predominant serotype. All the isolates possessed at least one resistance gene. The aac6-Iaa and aac6-Iy conferring resistance to aminoglycosides was the most prevalent gene found in the strains. The gene fosA7 was detected in two. All the S. Nima isolates were of Multilocus Sequence Type (MLST) 2258, Gaminara was ST 5197; Liverpool was ST 1959; Derby was ST 3997; Kokomlemle was ST 2696. The serotype Tennessee isolates gave many different STs such as ST 3763; 3997; 3135.ConclusionThe presented results highlight the prevalence of Salmonella on imported fish purchased from the open markets. More attention should be paid regarding fish selling conditions in the country to prevent the potential health risk for consumers.
MULTICOM2: an open-source protein structure prediction system powered by deep learning and distance prediction
Authors: Wu Tianqi , Liu Jian , Guo Zhiye , Hou Jie , Cheng Jianlin
Published: March 2021

Protein structure prediction is an important problem in bioinformatics and has been studied for decades. However, there are still few open-source comprehensive protein structure prediction packages publicly available in the field. In this paper, we present our latest open-source protein tertiary structure prediction system - MULTICOM2, an integration of template-based modeling (TBM) and template-free modeling (FM) methods. The template-based modeling uses sequence alignment tools with deep multiple sequence alignments to search for structural templates, which are much faster and more accurate than MULTICOM1. The template-free (ab initio or de novo) modeling uses the inter-residue distances predicted by DeepDist to reconstruct tertiary structure models without using any known structure as template. In the blind CASP14 experiment, the average TM-score of the models predicted by our server predictor based on the MULTICOM2 system is 0.720 for 58 TBM (regular) domains and 0.514 for 38 FM and FM/TBM (hard) domains, indicating that MULTICOM2 is capable of predicting good tertiary structures across the board. It can predict the correct fold for 76 CASP14 domains (95% regular domains and 55% hard domains) if only one prediction is made for a domain. The success rate is increased to 3% for both regular and hard domains if five predictions are made per domain. Moreover, the prediction accuracy of the pure template-free structure modeling method on both TBM and FM targets is very close to the combination of template-based and template-free modeling methods. This demonstrates that the distance-based template-free modeling method powered by deep learning can largely replace the traditional template-based modeling method even on TBM targets that TBM methods used to dominate and therefore provides a uniform structure modeling approach to any protein. Finally, on the 38 CASP14 FM and FM/TBM hard domains, MULTICOM2 server predictors (MULTICOM-HYBRID, MULTICOM-DEEP, MULTICOM-DIST) were ranked among the top 20 automated server predictors in the CASP14 experiment. After combining multiple predictors from the same research group as one entry, MULTICOM-HYBRID was ranked no. 5. The source code of MULTICOM2 is freely available at https://github.com/multicom-toolbox/multicom/tree/multicom_v2.0.
Cerebral Cysticercosis Mimicking Subarachnoid Hemorrhage: A Case Report
Authors: Liu Tao , Wang Tingzhong , Du Jinghua , Guan Yongchang
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDense exudate during the calcification of cerebral cysticercosis in basal subarachnoid space was easy to be misdiagnosed as SAH, clinical evaluation and MRI can help differentiate SAH from pseudo-SAH.Case presentationA case of ventricular expansion accompanied by high-density shadows in cisterna circinata cerebri was taken to the hospital for treatment due to sudden faint. This patient was diagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage according to computed tomography (CT) in another hospital. We believe that the high density in cisterna circinata cerebri was misdiagnosed as subarachnoid hemorrhage (SAH) one year ago. The main etiology of SAH is aneurysm, non-aneurysmal SAH associated with cerebral cysticercosis is extremely rare. Only 5 patients have been reported.ConclusionThis case indicated that although the specificity of CT for SAH is very high, the physicians should be aware of rare false positive findings, called pseudo-SAH.
The Perspective of Pituitary Patients on Work According to the Expanded ICF Model: a Qualitative Study
Authors: Meulen Merel van der , Lobatto Daniel J. , Furth Wouter R. van , Huisman Sasja D. , Heerkens Yvonne F. , Vlieland Thea P.M. Vliet , Biermasz Nienke R. , Andela Cornelie D.
Published: March 2021

Purpose: As the majority of patients with pituitary disease are of working age, their health situation may negatively impact their functioning at work. However, work participation can also be influenced by contextual (environmental and personal) factors. The aim of this qualitative study was to investigate the pituitary patients’ perspective on their functioning at work and on contextual factors contributing to work-related problems using the expanded International Classification of Functioning, Disability and Health (ICF).Methods: Semi-structured interviews, focusing on contextual factors influencing work ability and experience, were conducted with eight patients with different types of pituitary adenomas (Cushing’s disease, prolactinoma, acromegaly, non-functioning adenoma). Following the steps of an experiential thematic analysis, forty categories were identified, which were organized into eleven themes according to the expanded ICF. Results: Patients reported various problems in work-related activities and work participation. Influencing environmental factors included type of employment, perceived job security, financial security, relationships with colleagues/managers, collaboration with others, physical vs. mental work, managing position, flexibility at work, corporate culture, and physical work environment (work-related), and traveling distance to work, financial savings, and (non)professional support (other environmental factors). Influencing personal factors included professional ambition, sense of duty, motivation, job satisfaction, feeling of fulfilment (work-related), and personality, acceptance, coping styles, and lifestyle (general personal factors). Conclusion: Patients with pituitary disease report several contextual factors that influence their functioning at work. Healthcare and occupational health professionals should be aware of these factors to improve patients’ well-being and functioning at work, ultimately aiming to improve quality of life.
Production of protein hydrolysates using marine catfish Bagre panamensis muscle or casein as substrates: Effect of enzymatic source and degree of hydrolysis on antioxidant and biochemical properties.
Authors: Herrera Gissel Rios , Leyva Jesús Salazar , Hernández Crisantema , Gutiérrez Laura Jiménez , Gallardo Jorge Sandoval , Ruiz Idalia Osuna , Montaño Emmanuel Martínez , Aguilar Ramon Pacheco , Sanchez Maria Lugo , Perez Jorge Ramirez
Published: March 2021

Protein hydrolysates from fishery by-products, have resulted to be nutraceutical ingredients with potential to be applied in human nutrition; however, critical quality attributes are dependent of some process parameters such as enzyme source and degree of hydrolysis. This study reports the biochemical properties and antioxidant activity of protein hydrolysates at 10, 20 and 30% degree of hydrolysis (DH), prepared from sea catfish muscle and casein by treatment with alcalase (ALC) and a semi-purified protease extract (SPE) from intestinal tissues of sea catfish (Bagre panamensis). With SPE, the DH was reached faster than ALC regardless the protein substrate used. Sea catfish muscle (MUSC) hydrolysate made with SPE at 30% DH showed the highest antioxidant activity (DPPH: 118.8 µmoles TE/mg; ABTS: EC50 of 1.5 mg/mL). In FRAP assay, the MUSC hydrolysates produced with SPE or ALC at 20% DH showed the higher activity (0.38 and 0.40 µmoles TE/mg, respectively). MUSC hydrolysates made with SPE, contained the highest proportion of peptides with MW < 1.35 kDa, high protein content (72 to 78%,) and almost 50% of amino acids were essential. These results, suggest that intestinal proteases and muscle of marine catfish represents a potential source to elaborate antioxidant protein hydrolysates. Our results promote the full utilization of this fish species and offering a biotechnological strategy to the management and valorization of its byproducts.
An Approach for Assisting Diagnosis of Alzheimer’s Disease Based on Multi-Model Features of Narrative Speech
Authors: Ning Liu , Tang Qingfeng , Luo Kexue
Published: March 2021

Background: Alzheimer’s Disease (AD) is a common dementia which affects linguistic function, memory, cognitive and visual spatial ability of the patients. More and more studies have been done to access non-invasive, accessible, cost-effective methods for the detection of AD, Speech is proved to have relationship with AD, so a time that AD can be diagnosed in a doctor’s office is coming.Methods: In our study, the ADRess dataset in 2020 was used to detect AD which was balanced in gender and age. First we extract three categories of feature parameters: acoustic feature extracted by opensmile software, bert embeddings automatically and complicated linguistic feature extraction manually. Linguistic features are based on the POS tag, lexical Richness, fluency, semantic feature. Then seven different classifiers are used for identifying AD from normal controls, including SVM, Logistic Regress, Random forest, Extra Trees, Adaboost, LightGBM and a novel ensemble approach with majority voting strategy which is applied to overcome the error caused by a base classifier. Finally ten-fold cross validation is adopted for the evaluation of our approach. In addition, individual features and their combine features are fed to six base classifiers and ensemble of classifier. Results: We get top-performing classify result on the test set with ensemble of classifiers, the best accuracy of which is 85.4%. The best performance of feature sets are linguistic features, the accuracy of which is 85.6% with LightGBM classifier, and SFS approach is used to manifest seven discriminative linguistic features. Conclusions: The statistical and experimental results illustrates the feasibility by using speech to predict AD effectively based on acoustic and linguistic feature parameters. Stronger classifier and discriminate features are vital for the final results. We emphasise the best linguistic features for predicting AD disease are based on the POS tag, lexical Richness, fluency, semantic feature. Ensemble of classifiers usually has a better performance than single classifier.
Tunning the Crystallization Behavior of B2O3 – SiO2 – Bi2O3 – TiO2 – Y2O3 Glasses
Authors: Shaaban kh. S.
Published: March 2021

Glasses with the chemical composition of 52B2O3 – 12SiO2- 26Bi2O3 – (10-x)TiO2 -xY2O3, :(0 ≤ x ≥10)prepared using the melt-quench method. The goal of this study is to investigate the structural, thermal, and crystallization characteristics of these samples. XRD analysis has explored the nature of the glass system. Molar volume obtained reduced while the density denotes increased in the present system. FTIR analysis revealed that as Y2O3 replaced by TiO2, because of an increasing trend in bridging oxygens (BOs), structural units and interconnection of modifier oxide tetrahedral increment, while non-bridging oxygens (NBOs) reduce. These glasses' thermal stability investigated using DTA. As the concentration of Y2O3 increased, so the thermal parameter values. The glass-ceramic denoted prepared under controlled heat and investigated using XRD & SEM. Ultrasonic velocities and elastic moduli of glass-ceramic samples increase as internal energy increases. The significance of Y2O3 modifier in the glass system signifies proved. Y2O3 is a powerful nucleating agent that can cause crystallization, assisting in the formation of glass-ceramic phases.
Strontium Ranelate Promotes Chondrogenesis Through Inhibition of the Wnt/β-catenin Pathway
Authors: Yu Hao , Liu Yan , Yang Xiangwen , He Jiajing , Zhang Fan , Zhong Qun , Guo Xiaojing
Published: March 2021

BackgroundCartilage regeneration is a key step in functional reconstruction for temporomandibular joint osteoarthritis (TMJ-OA), but is a difficult issue to address. Strontium ranelate (SrR) is an antiosteoporosis drug that has been proven to affect OA in recent years, but its effect on chondrogenesis and the underlying mechanism are still unclear.MethodsBone mesenchymal stem cells(BMSCs) from Sprague–Dawley (SD) rats were induced in chondrogenic differentiation medium with or without SrR, XAV-939 and LiCl. CCK-8 assays were used to examine cell proliferation, and alcian blue staining, toluidine blue staining, immunofluorescence and PCR analysis were performed. Western blot (WB) analyses were used to assess chondrogenic differentiation of the cells. For an in vivo study, 30 male SD rats with cartilage defects on both femoral condyles were used. The defect sites were not filled, filled with silica nanosphere plus gelatine-methacryloyl (GelMA) or filled with SrR-loaded silica nanosphere plus GelMA. After 3 months of healing, paraffin sections were made, and toluidine blue staining, safranin O/fast green staining, and immunohistochemical staining were performed for histological evaluation. The data were analysed by SPSS 26.0 software.ResultsLow concentrations of SrR did not inhibit cell proliferation, and the cells treated with SrR (0.25 mmol/L) showed stronger chondrogenesis than the control. XAV-939, an inhibitor of β-catenin, significantly promoted chondrogenesis, and SrR did not suppress this effect, while LiCl, an agonist of β-catenin, strongly suppressed chondrogenesis, and SrR reversed this inhibitory effect. In vivo study showed a significantly better cartilage regeneration by SrR-loaded GelMA than the other treatments.ConclusionSrR could promote BMSCs chondrogenic differentiation by inhibiting the Wnt/β-catenin signalling pathway and accelerate cartilage regeneration in rat femoral condyle defects.
Optimization of Antioxidant Extraction from Freeze-dried Pulp, Peel, and Seed of Burmese grape (Baccaurea ramiflora Lour.) by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Afzal , Hossain Md. Sakib
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to attain the optimum condition necessary for extracting the maximum yield of antioxidants from the freeze-dried pulp, peel, and seed of Burmese grape using response surface methodology (RSM). Solvent (ethanol) concentration (%), temperature (°C), and time (min) were taken as independent variables by factorial screening for the extraction procedure. After extraction, the antioxidant activity of all samples was determined employing 1,1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazyl (DPPH) radical scavenging activity, total phenolic compounds (TPC), and ferric reducing antioxidant power (FRAP) assay. The experiment's optimum conditions were 80% solvent concentration, 69.01°C temperature, and 30 min for pulp. The optimum extraction conditions were found at 80°C for 29.39 min incubation time using 52.12% concentrated solvent for seed. For peel, the solvent concentration of 41.62% was found optimum when the temperature of 50°C and 30 min incubation time were used. The actual values of TPC, FRAP, and DPPH for freeze-dried pulp, peel and seed extracts were close to the predicted values, which confirms the models’ validity. The Analysis of Variance (ANOVA) showed that the models were significant for TPC, DPPH, and FRAP values of peel, pulp, and seed at different levels (p < 0.001 to p < 0.05). The composite desirability of pulp, seed, and peel were 0.94, 0.98, and 0.85, respectively, which suggest that the developed model could be effectively used for antioxidants’ extraction from freeze-dried pulp, peel, and seed of Burmese grape.
Potential Usage of Some of the Ground-Cover Vegetation for Ecosystem Restoration Practices in Central Anatolian Region of Turkey
Authors: Yildiz Oktay , Altundag Ernaz
Published: March 2021

Long-term animal grazing and agricultural practices have disturbed the vegetation cover and rendered the sites prone to erosion in Central Anatolia Region. Plantation practices have been carried out for about six decades in the region. However, tree-oriented plantation practices have not shown promising results. Thus, experimental data gathered in the region using new approaches with different plant species are urgently needed. The aim of the current study is to evaluate potential usage of some of the ground-cover species for ecosystem restoration in the region. Seeds of fifteen local species were collected during extensive field surveys during summer and early fall of 2012 and 2013. Five sites scattered on the basin were chosen as experimental blocks. The area covers the driest part of the region with less than 300 mm annual precipitation and 11C0 average temperature. Soil texture for the first-20-cm soil depth in the experimental units ranges from clay to sandy clay loam with a high lime content. In October 2012, April 2013, October 2013 and April 2014 seeds of these fifteen species were sown on three 40 cm x 600-cm beds. In the spring and summer of 2013 and 2014, sites were visited, and field emergence rates and seedling growth were recorded. Atriplex hortensis (L.), Peganum harmala (L.), Glaucium corniculatum (L.), Marrubium parviflorum (Fisch.&C.A.Mey.), Onobrychis tournefortii ((Willd.) Desv.), Reseda lutea (L.), Stachys cretica (L.), Teucrium polium (L.) and Vicia cappodicica (Boiss. & Bal.) appear to be the most promising ground-cover species for ecosystem restoration in the region.
Identification of Cryptic Putative IRESs Initiating the Translation of Nonstructural Proteins Encoded by the HRV16 Genome
Authors: Shi Bingtian , Song Qinqin , Luo Xiaonuan , Song Juan , Xia Dong , Xia Zhiqiang , Liu Mi , Wang Wenjun , Wang Ruifang , Du Haijun , Han Jun
Published: March 2021

Cap-dependent initiation of translation is a canonical mechanism adopted by eukaryotic cells. Internal ribosome entry site (IRES)-dependent translation is a mechanism distinct from 5′ cap-dependent translation. IRES elements are located mainly in the 5′-untranslated regions (UTRs) of viral and eukaryotic mRNAs. In addition, IRESs are found in the coding regions of some viral and eukaryotic genomes and initiate the translation of some functional truncated isoforms. Here, via IRES-initiated expression of proteins, bicistronic vectors and ribosome profiling of the human rhinovirus 16 (HRV16), we found that the coding region of the nonstructural proteins P2 and P3 contained 5 putative IRES elements. These 5 putative IRESs were located within nucleotides 4286-4585, 5002-5126, 6245-6394, 6619-6718 and 6629-6778 and initiated green fluorescent protein (GFP) expression in vitro. This alternative mechanism might be effective and economical for eliminating the time and raw material required to synthesize the full-length polyprotein.
What Impact Have SARS-CoV-2/Covid-19 Pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of Bihar in India over the 3 months after nationwide Lock down announcement in March 2020 -A brief analysis.
Authors: Kumar Piyush
Published: March 2021

Background The delivery of reproductive and child health services is of utmost importance and prime concern in India particularly populous states like Bihar with limited resources, poor infrastructure and huge demand on healthcare system. The SARS-CoV-2 pandemic had presented a challenge even for developed healthcare systems around the world.Objectives The main aim of this research is to find out Impact of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic on the Reproductive and Child Health Programme of Bihar in India over the 3 months after Lockdown imposition countrywide in March 2020.Settings & Design Different indicators group of RCH programme (immunisation, maternal & child health, family planning) for state of Bihar were collected and compared from previous year. Materials & Methodology Secondary data from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare Government of India for 2019 & 2020 were taken for analysing and understanding of impact of pandemic on RCH programme over 3 months after lockdown viz. April/May/June 2020. The data obtained is analysed by using Microsoft Office software.Result The analysis of secondary data obtained from HMIS of Ministry of Health & Family Welfare website for RCH programme of the state of Bihar shows that the lockdown period & initial early phase of SARS-CoV-2 pandemic have a negative impact over the delivery of health services as well as the indicators are also affected negatively. Besides the pandemic the state is also having lack of resources, manpower poor infrastructure as well as positive deviance at community level. These are the barriers in fact beside the epidemic. It seems that there is lack of proper plan to deal with such pandemic situation.Conclusion The State of Bihar has enforced the epidemic disease act but it seems to be insufficient to give the desired results. The barriers of healthcare system and delivery of services should be rectified added with a proper dynamic plan to carry on usual health delivery services even in pandemics. The state of Bihar needs to develop an exclusive plan to tackle such situations.
Biopharmaceutical innovation ecosystems: a theoretical model and the case of Lombardy
Authors: Bettanti Alberto , Lanati Antonella , Missoni Alessandro
Published: March 2021

Purpose – The purpose of this paper is to examine value creation pathways in biopharma innovation ecosystems (IEs) by establishing a theoretical model and providing insights into the Lombardy case.Methodology – A two-step research strategy has been adopted. First, a panel study of the top IE stakeholder representatives was organized through semistructured interviews. Concurrently, a quantitative phase was carried out by collecting data to recognize the value creation pathways within the Lombardy biopharma IE.Findings – The major paper findings lie in the developed theoretical IE model and its application to the Lombardy case, which provides a common basis of analysis for different biopharma IEs, e.g., Boston-Cambridge, San Francisco Bay area, Cambridge UK. The final thesis of the paper advocates the idea that although the Boston-Cambridge economic and technical figures show an IE that is extraordinarily different from the Lombardy IE, the latter has evolved based on its inherent limits and strengths and succeeded in deploying remarkable value creation pathways toward niche-biopharma markets and health and med-tech markets.Value – This paper represents one of the first attempts to systematically and longitudinally analyze biopharma IE from a holistic perspective. The holistic and systemic framework developed in the paper can help to understand the potential of the IE approach for the biopharmaceutical industry. In this context, it is notable that multiplayer concurrent engagement through specific comparative advantages is an essential requirement for pursuing cutting-edge innovation within the biopharma industry.