bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
MMP-9 Reinforces Radiation-Induced Delayed Invasion and Metastasis of Surviving Neuroblastoma Cells Through Second-Signaling Positive Feedback With NFkB Via Both ERK and IKK Activation
Authors: Somasundaram Dinesh Babu , Aravindan Sheeja , Major Ryan , Natarajan Mohan , Aravindan Natarajan
Published: March 2021

Neuroblastoma (NB) progression is branded with hematogenous metastasis and frequent relapses. Despite intensive multimodal clinical therapy, outcomes for patients with progressive disease remain poor, with negligible long-term survival. Therefore, understanding the acquired molecular rearrangements in surviving cells with therapy pressure and developing improved therapeutic strategies is a critical need to improve the outcomes for high-risk NB patients. We investigated the rearrangement of MMP9 in NB with therapy pressure, and unveiled the signaling that facilitates NB evolution. Radiation-therapy (RT) significantly increased MMP9 expression/activity, and the induced enzyme activity was persistently maintained across NB cell lines. Further, RT-triggered NFkB transcriptional activity and this RT-induced NFkB were required/adequate for MMP9 maintenance. RT-triggered NFkB-dependent MMP9 actuated a second-signaling feedback to NFkB, facilitating a NFkB-MMP9-NFkB positive feedback cycle (PFC). Critically, MMP9-NFkB feedback is mediated by MMP9-dependent activation of IKKβ and ERK phosphotransferase activity. Beyond its tumor invasion/metastasis function, PFC-dependent MMP9 lessens RT-induced apoptosis and favors survival pathway through the activation of NFkB signaling. In addition, PFC-dependent MMP9 regulates 19 critical molecular determinants that play a pivotal role in tumor evolution. Interestingly, seven of 19 genes possess NFkB-binding sites, demonstrating that MMP9 regulates these molecules by activating NFkB. Collectively, these data suggest that RT-triggered NFkB-dependent MMP9 actuates feedback to NFkB though IKKβ- and ERK1/2-dependent IkBα phosphorylation. This RT-triggered PFC prompts MMP9-dependent survival advantage, tumor growth, and dissemination. Targeting therapy-pressure-driven PFC and/or selective inhibition of MMP9 maintenance could serve as promising therapeutic strategies for treatment of progressive NB that defies current clinical therapy.
Assessing of channel structure and magnetic properties on heavy metal ions removal from water
Authors: Ateia Ebtesam , Ateia Mahmoud A. , Arman Mohamed
Published: March 2021

The synthesis of Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 ferrite nanoparticles has been synthesized by the citrate auto combustion method. The distribution of cations on A-site and B-site was studied by X-ray Diffraction (XRD), High- Resolution Transmission Electron Microscopy (HRTEM). The crystallite size and strain were calculated by using the W–H (Williamson-Hall) plot. The crystallite of Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 ferrite nanoparticle is ∼30 nm. HRTEM confirmed the homogeneous formation of the cubic phase. The calculated height and spacing parameters related to roughness are essential to achieve the efficiency of Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 to be used in micro-batteries, smart windows, smart mirrors, displays, gas sensors, and other applications. According to the obtained data, the Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 has a spiky surface with Rku = 5.50. Additionally, the magnetic hysteresis loop has been clarified using the Vibrating Sample Magnetometer (VSM). The double peak characteristic in the Switching field distribution (SFD) reveals the competition between exchange coupling and strong dipolar interactions. Li1.1Co0.3Fe2.1O4 has employed as a sorbent material for the removal of lead (II) ions from wastewater. The main advantages of the synthesized sample are ease of separation, high adsorption, low cost as well as recycled with notable efficiency. Two models of adsorption isotherms (Freundlich and Langmuir) are utilized to recognize the adsorption mechanism.
Sertoli Cells Possess Immunomodulatory Properties and the Ability of Mitochondrial Transfer Similar to Mesenchymal Stem Cells
Authors: Porubska Bianka , Vasek Daniel , Somova Veronika , Hajkova Michaela , Hlaviznova Michaela , Tlapakova Tereza , Holan Vladimir , Krulova Magdalena
Published: March 2021

It is becoming increasingly evident that selecting an optimal source of mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) is crucial for the successful outcome of MSC-based therapies. During the search for cells with potent regenerative properties, Sertoli cells (SCs) have been proven to modulate immune response in both in vitro and in vivo models. Based on morphological properties and expression of surface markers, it has been suggested that SCs could be a kind of MSCs, however, this hypothesis has not been fully confirmed. Therefore, we compared several parameters of MSCs and SCs, with the aim to evaluate the therapeutic potential of SCs in regenerative medicine. We showed that SCs successfully underwent osteogenic, chondrogenic and adipogenic differentiation and determined the expression profile of canonical MSC markers on the SC surface. Besides, SCs rescued T helper (Th) cells from undergoing apoptosis, promoted the anti-inflammatory phenotype of these cells, but did not regulate Th cell proliferation. MSCs impaired the Th17-mediated response; on the other hand, SCs suppressed the inflammatory polarisation in general. SCs induced M2 macrophage polarisation more effectively than MSCs. For the first time, we demonstrated here the ability of SCs to transfer mitochondria to immune cells. Our results indicate that SCs are a type of MSCs and modulate the reactivity of the immune system. Therefore, we suggest that SCs are promising candidates for application in regenerative medicine due to their anti-inflammatory and protective effects, especially in the therapies for diseases associated with testicular tissue inflammation.
Comorbid Chronic Diseases and Health-related Quality of Life in the Obese Population: a Longitudinal Analysis of a Nationally Representative Household Survey in Australia
Authors: Keramat Syed Afroz , Alam Khorshed , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku , Aboagye Richard Gyan , Saha Monidipa , Samad Nandeeta , Gow Jeff , Biddle Stuart J. H. , Seidu Abdul-Aziz
Published: March 2021

ObjectiveThis study aims to examine the relationship between nine comorbid chronic conditions and HRQoL separately, along with the number of chronic diseases among the Australian obese population.MethodsData for this study were sourced from three waves (waves 9, 13 and 17) of the Household, Income and Labour Dynamics in Australia (HILDA) survey. The paper studies 9,444 person-year observations from 5,524 individuals over the years 2009, 2013, and 2017. The outcome variable of HRQoL was measured through the 36-Item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36), and the main variables of interest were nine chronic conditions and the number of chronic diseases. Generalized estimating equations (GEE) were used to test the association between comorbid chronic diseases and HRQoL. ResultsThis study found a negative relationship between the number of comorbid chronic conditions and sub-scale, summary measures, and health utility index of the SF-36. Obese adults with 1, 2, 3, and 3+ comorbid chronic diseases scored lower points on the SF-36 physical component summary (b = -2.83, b = -7.37, b = -11.15, b = -14.29, respectively), mental component summary (b = -1.46, b = -2.34, b = -3.66, and b = -6.34, respectively), and in the short-form six-dimension utility index (SF-6D) scale (b = -0.030, b = -0.063, b = -0.099, and b = -0.138, respectively) compared to obese peers without comorbid chronic diseases. The number of chronic conditions was associated with reductions in the score of all eight dimensions of the SF-36. Obese people with any of the nine studied comorbid chronic diseases (heart disease, circulatory disease, hypertension, type 1 diabetes, type 2 diabetes, asthma, bronchitis, arthritis, and cancer) were associated with lower HRQoL compared to peers without that particular comorbid chronic disease.ConclusionsComorbid chronic diseases in obese individuals are associated with lower HRQoL. Increasing the number of comorbid chronic conditions is associated with a further reduction in all dimensions and summary measures of the SF-36. The findings, therefore, call for improved holistic management of obesity and interventions to reduce obesity-related comorbidities to improve HRQoL of obese Australian.
Synthesis of a Novel Highly Efficient Flame-Retardant Coating for Cotton Fabrics With Low Combustion Toxicity and Antibacterial Properties
Authors: Makhlouf Ghada , abdelkhalik aksam , Ameen Heba
Published: March 2021

Synthesis of multi-function flame retardants is widely increasing to fulfil industrial and economic goals. In this work, a novel flame retardant, melamine salt of tannic phosphate (MTP) was prepared and characterized. MTP was mixed with polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution and used as a coating for cotton fabrics. In addition, tannic acid (TA) and melamine phosphate (MP) were mixed with PVA solution and applied as a coating for cotton fabrics. Vertical and horizontal flammability tests showed that the flame did not propagate in samples treated with PVA/MTP. In contrast, samples treated with PVA/TA/MP burnt completely. Limiting oxygen index (LOI) data indicated that samples treated with PVA/30%MTP reached LOI value 68.4%, while control sample had LOI value 17.1%. Smoke density results presented that PVA/MTP succeeded in reducing the maximum specific optical density (Ds max) of cotton fabrics. FTIR gas analyzer results manifested that addition of PVA/MTP to cotton fabrics decreased the emission of CO, CO2, C3H8, C2H6, C6H14 and formaldehyde in the gas phase. Fractional effective dose (FED) and lethal toxic potency (LC50) showed that samples coated with PVA/MTP are less toxic than blank. In addition, these fabrics exhibited a remarkable antibacterial property against gram-positive and gram-negative bacteria.
Trajectories of a Ball Moving Inside a Spherical Cavity Using First Integrals of The Governing Nonlinear System
Authors: Naprstek Jiri , Fischer Cyril
Published: March 2021

Analytical study of ball vibration absorber behavior is presented in the paper. The dynamics of trajectories of a heavy ball moving without slipping inside a spherical cavity are analyzed. Following our previous work, where a similar system was investigated through various numerical simulations, research of the dynamic properties of a sphere moving in a spherical cavity was carried out by methods of analytical dynamics. The strategy of analytical investigation enabled definition of a set of special and limit cases which designate individual domains of regular trajectories. In order to avoid any mutual interaction between the domains along a particular trajectory movement, energy dissipation at the contact of the ball and the cavity has been ignored, as has any kinematic excitation due to cavity movement. A governing system was derived using the Lagrangian formalism and complemented by appropriate non-holonomic constraints of the Pfaff type. The three first integrals are defined, enabling the evaluation of trajectory types with respect to system parameters, the initial amount of total energy, the angular momentum of the ball and its initial spin velocity. The neighborhoods of the limit trajectories and their dynamic stability are assessed. Limit and transition special cases are investigated along with their individual elements. The analytical means of investigation enabled the performance of broad parametric studies. Good agreement was found when comparing the results achieved by the analytical procedures in this paper with those obtained by means of numerical simulations, as they followed from the Lagrangian approach and the Appell-Gibbs function presented in previous papers.
The catalytic activity of PtnCum (n+m=3, m≠3) clusters for methanol dehydrogenation to CO
Authors: Wang Qingyun , Wang Chun-Yan , Tong Yong-Chun , Xu Xin-Jian , Bai Qing-Ling , Li Shou-Bo
Published: March 2021

Based on the density functional theory (DFT), the geometric for the reactants, intermediates, transition states and dehydrogenation products have been optimized. The energy diagrams are drawn out along both the O-adsorption path and H-adsorption path, and the C-H bond scission pathway is energetically more favorable than the O-H bond scission pathway. By calculation, the Pt is the active site in the whole reaction processes, and the barrier energy of the rate-determining step is 11.09 kcal/mol by Pt: Cu=2: 1 which is lower than that of Pt 3 and PtCu 2 . Importantly, it is shown that the complete dehydrogenation product of methanol, CO, can more easily dissociate from PtCu 2 cluster than from Pt 3 cluster. Therefore, Cu doping can promote the catalytic activity of Pt in a certain extent.
Cytotoxicity and Changes in Gene Expression Under Aluminium Potassium Sulfate on Spodoptera Frugiperda 9 Cells
Authors: Feng Rong , Chen Liang , Chen Keping
Published: March 2021

Aluminium, a substance found in large amounts in nature, has been widely used for various purposes, especially food additives. The effects of long-term and excessive exposure to aluminium on human health are receiving increasing attention. The extensive human use of aluminium food additives can also cause aluminium to enter the ecosystem, where it has significant impacts on insects. This study explored the cytotoxicity and changes in gene expression under aluminium potassium sulfate toward Spodoptera frugiperda 9 cells. We found that high concentrations of aluminium resulted in cell enlargement and cell membrane breakage, decreased cell vitality, and caused apoptosis. Through RNA-Seq transcriptomics, we found that aluminium ions may inhibit the expression of regulatory-associated protein of mTOR, tdIns-dependent protein kinase-1, and small heat shock proteins (heat shock 70 kDa protein and crystallin alpha B), leading to changes in mTOR-related pathways (such as the longevity regulation pathway and PI3K-Akt signalling pathway) , and promoting cell apoptosis. On the other hand, aluminium ions lead to the overexpression of GSH S-transferase，prostaglandin-H2 D-isomerase and pyrimidodiazepine synthase, and induce intracellular oxidative damage, which ultimately affects cell growth and apoptosis through a series of cascade reactions.
Heterogeneous Severity of COVID-19 in African Countries: A Modeling Approach
Authors: Musa Salihu Sabiu , Wang Xueying , Zhao Shi , Li Shudong , Hussaini Nafiu , Wang Weiming , He Daihai
Published: March 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has caused tremendous impact on global health and economics. The impact in African countries has not been investigated through fitting epidemic model to the reported COVID-19 deaths.Method: We downloaded data for the twelve most-affected countries with the highest cumulative COVID-19 deaths to estimate the time-varying effective reproduction number (B) and infection attack rate (IAR). We developed a simple epidemic model and fitted the model to reported COVID-19 deaths in 12 African countries, using iterated filtering and allowing flexible transmission rate. Results: We found high heterogeneity in the case-fatality rate across countries, which may be due to different reporting or testing efforts. We found that South Africa, Tunisia, and Libya were hit hardest with a relatively higher a and infection attack rate Conclusion: To effectively control the spread of COVID-19 epidemics in Africa, there is a need to consider other mitigation strategies (such as improvement in socio-economic wellbeing, health care system, water supply, awareness campaigns).
Improvement of Solar Photo-Fenton by Extracts of Amazonian Fruits for the Degradation of Pharmaceuticals in Municipal Wastewater
Authors: Manrique-Losada Lis , Santanilla-Calderón Heidy L , Serna-Galvis Efraím A , Torres-Palma Ricardo
Published: March 2021

Extracts of copoazu (Theobroma gramdiflorum), canangucha (Maurita Flexuosa), and coffee (coffea arabica) were explored as enhancers of the solar photo-Fenton process to eliminate acetaminophen, sulfamethoxazole, carbamazepine, and diclofenac. The process performance, at pH 6.2 and 5 mg L− 1 of iron without the extracts, has a very limited action (~ 35% of the pollutants degradation at 90 min of treatment) due to the iron precipitation. Interestingly, the extracts addition increased the soluble iron forms but only copoazu extract improved the pollutants degradation (~ 95% of elimination at 90 min of the process action). The copoazu extract acted as a natural complexing agent, maintaining the soluble iron up to 2 mg L− 1 even after 90 min, and consequently enhancing the pollutants degradation. The effect of copoazu extract dose on the process performance was also assessed, finding that an iron: copoazu extract molar ratio equal to 1:0.16 was the most favorable condition. Then, the process improved by copoazu extract was applied to municipal wastewater. Remarkably, the process led to ~ 90% of total pharmaceuticals degradation at 20 min of treatment. This work evidences the feasibility of amazonian fruits extracts to improve the solar photo-Fenton process to degrade pharmaceuticals in aqueous matrices at near-neutral pH.
Assessment of Academic Performance: A Shared Experience From Jazan Faculty of Medicine, Saudi Arabia and a Proposal for Systematic Monitoring and Evaluation
Authors: Gosadi Ibrahim , Makeen Anwar , Panjwani Vikrant
Published: March 2021

ObjectivesIn 2016, the government of Saudi Arabia announced its ambitious transformation vision, Saudi Arabia Vision 2030, where a new Universities System was established. The new system aims to reduce bureaucracy in the academic environment and enable objective measurement of performance via the utilization of Key Performance Indicators (KPIs).One of the challenges is related to difficulties in assessing the academic performance of faculty members, especially among medical school. The responsibilities of teaching staff working at medical schools in Saudi Arabia can be diverse and difficult to measure and varying between teaching, research, clinical, and administrative activities. ResultsIn this report, we share our experience in Jazan University Faculty of Medicine (FoM) to propose a low-cost system to monitor and evaluate the academic performance. This report provides a comprehensive description of data acquisition methods, data follow, data management, and data display. The proposed system aims to evaluate the overall academic activities through the quantification of teaching, research, administrative, clinical and professional development and community service activities to enable the relevant stakeholders to monitor KPIs achievement, ensure appropriate resources utilization, data-driven decision making and planning. Additionally, the proposed system is suitable for use in relatively new academic institutions with limited resources.
The Potential Role of Community Actors in The Response Against COVID-19: Lessons From Three African Countries, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Authors: Zulu Joseph Mumba , Mulubwa Chama , Sirili Nathanael , Silumbwe Adam , Chavula Malizgani Paul , Munakampe Margarate , Zulu Wanga , Michelo Charles , Tetui Moses
Published: March 2021

Objective With the spread of COVID-19 to most low-and middle- income countries, global concerns arise on how to respond to the pandemic. We seek to highlight the early response to COVID-19 of Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and draw lessons on how community actors could be engaged in the global efforts to prevent its spread and resurgence. This is envisioned to guide COVID-19 prevention efforts as well as implementation of interventions, especially in areas with relaxed, no or partial lockdown measures. ResultsCommunity actors can be useful in the promotion of behavioural change including consistent use of face masks, handwashing, social distancing, as well as act as whistle-blowers who identify new residents, report suspected COVID-19 cases and those breaking self-quarantine directives. Furthermore, community actors can encourage adherence to government directives on COVID-19 prevention through integrating COVID-19 information into their routine services. Countries across the globe have the opportunity to tap into the potential role of community actors, especially as we move towards more inclusive health systems. Increased involvement of community health systems is vital in sustaining the gains that have been made in areas where COVID-19 cases have reduced.
RITS: A Toolbox for Assessing Complex Interventions via Interrupted Time Series Models
Authors: Cruz Maricela Francis , Pinto-Orellana Marco A. , Gillen Daniel L. , Ombao Hernando
Published: March 2021

Background: Various interacting and interdependent components comprise complex interventions. These components create difficulty in assessing the true impact of interventions designed to improve patient-centered outcomes. Interrupted time series (ITS) designs borrow from case-crossover designs and serve as quasi-experimental methodology able to retrospectively assess the impact of an intervention while accounting for temporal correlation. While ITS designs are aptly situated for studying the impacts of large-scale public health policies, existing ITS software implement rigid ITS methodology that often assume the pre- and post-intervention phases are fully differentiated (by a known change-point or set of time points) and do not allow for changes in both the mean functions and correlation structure. Results: This article describes the Robust Interrupted Time Series (RITS) toolbox, a stand-alone user-friendly application researchers can use to implement flexible ITS models that estimate the lagged effect of an intervention on an outcome, level and trend changes, and post-intervention changes in the correlation structure, for single and multiple ITS. The RITS toolbox incorporates a formal test for the existence of a change in the outcome and estimates a change-point over a set of possible change-points defined by the researcher. In settings with multiple ITS, RITS provides a global over-all units change-point and allows for unit-specific changes in the mean functions and correlation structures. Conclusions: The RITS toolbox is the first piece of software that allows researchers to use flexible ITS models that test for the existence of a change-point, estimate the change-point (if estimation is desired), and allow for changes in both the mean functions and correlation structures at the change point. RITS does not require any knowledge of a statistical (or otherwise) programming language, is freely available to the community, and may be downloaded and used on a local machine to ensure data protection.
Analysis of the Thermal-force Roll Profile Control Ability Under Different Hole Structures and Slot Structures in the RPECT
Authors: Yang Tingsong , Liu Jiayang , Zhou Haonan , Xu Zhiqiang , Du Fengshan
Published: March 2021

Roll profile electromagnetic control technology (RPECT) is a strip flatness control technology based on the flexible control of roll profiles. As the core component, electromagnetic sticks can bulge with the induction heating of induction coils. To ensure the integrity of the coil circuit, the surfaces of the electromagnetic sticks need to be provided with slots. Moreover, the inner hole of the electromagnetic control roll is also needed to install the electromagnetic stick in the roll. The structures of the inner hole and slots affect the local structure of the electromagnetic stick and the electromagnetic control roll and then change the roll profile control ability. To research the radial bulging ability, the roundness of bulging, and the composition between the thermal crown and force crown under different holes or slots, a finite element model of circumferential RPECT is established by using the finite element software MARC. After analysis, the results showed that the radial bulging ability and the roundness under the influence of the roll radius were larger than those under the influences of the slot radius and slot amount, and the composition characteristics of the comprehensive roll profile were different under different conditions. Therefore, to achieve accurate roll profile control, the influences of the structures of holes and slots need to be included in the RPECT index.
The Adsorption Properties of Microporous Activated Carbon Prepared from Pistachio Nut Shell for Low Concentration VOCs Under Low-medium Temperatures
Authors: Cheng Tangying , Li Jinjin , Ma Xiuwei , Zhou Lei , Wu Hao , Yang Linjun
Published: March 2021

The control of low concentration VOCs in coal flue gas is one of the research hotspots at present. Activated carbon (AC) is often used as adsorbent for the control of VOCs due to its rich pore structure and thermal stability. In this paper, agricultural wastes pistachio shell was used as biomass AC raw materials, K2CO3 and KCl was used as activators. High surface area and high porosity activated carbon can be produced by the two activators used together. By comparing the differences in pore size structure and functional groups between biomass AC and commercial AC, it was found that biomass AC had better properties. The adsorption performance of different ACs on low concentration VOCs was tested at low-medium temperatures. It is concluded that biomass AC has excellent adsorption performance, and its maximum adsorption capacity can reach 3.8 times that of commercial AC. All the three adsorption kinetic models had good fitting on the adsorption process of ACs, indicating that physical adsorption is dominant in the adsorption process, while chemical adsorption existed. Using the Weber-Morris kinetic model to fit the adsorption process, it was found that the stage of external membrane mass transfer is the control stage of adsorption rate.
A Comparative Study of Auto-contouring Softwares in Delineation of Organs at Risk in Lung Cancer and Rectal Cancer
Authors: chen weijun , Wang Cheng , Zhan Wenming , Jia Yongshi , Ruan Fangfang , Qiu Lingyun , Yang Shuangyan , Li Yucheng
Published: March 2021

Background:Radiotherapy requires the target area and the organs at risk to be contoured on the CT image of the patient. During the process of organs-at-Risk (OAR) of the chest and abdomen, the doctor needs to contour at each CT image. The delineations of large and varied shapes are time-consuming and laborious.This study aims to evaluate the results of two automatic contouring software on OAR definition of CT images of lung cancer and rectal cancer patients. Methods: The CT images of 15 patients with rectal cancer and 15 patients with lung cancer were selected separately, and the organs at risk were outlined by the same experienced doctor as references, and then the same datasets were automatically contoured based on AiContour®© (Manufactured by Linking MED, China) and Raystation®© (Manufactured by Raysearch, Sweden) respectively. Overlap index (OI), Dice similarity index (DSC) and Volume difference (DV) were evaluated based on the auto-contours, and independent-sample t-test analysis is applied to the results. Results: The results of AiContour®© on OI and DSC were better than that of Raystation®© with statistical difference. There was no significant difference in DV between the results of two software. Conclusions: With AiContour®©, auto-contouring results of most organs in the chest and abdomen are good, and with slight modification, it can meet the clinical requirements for planning. With Raystation®©, auto-contouring results in most OAR is not as good as AiContour®©, and only the auto-contouring results of some organs can be used clinically after modification.
Interventions to Improve Employment Outcomes for People With Spinal Cord Injuries: a Scoping Review Protocol Using the Donabedian Model
Authors: Pefile Ntsikelelo , Mothabeng Joyce Diphale , Naidoo Saloshni
Published: March 2021

Background Unemployment among persons with spinal cord injury (PWSCI) is high and often leads to poverty (including their families). Modifiable and unmodifiable factors that influence employment among PWSCI are known and are addressed throughout the rehabilitation process. The overall aim of rehabilitation of PWSCI is quality of life and community integration (including employment). Interventions that seek to improve employment outcomes among PWSCI are well documented. However, no integrated reviews clearly describe the resources utilised, interventions utilised, duration of interventions and the outcomes (and tools used) to improve employment outcomes among PWSCI. Policymakers and rehabilitation professionals require this information to develop models or strategies to improve employment outcomes for PWSCI. This review aims to map evidence on interventions and approaches that aim to enhance the employment of PWSCI. Methodology This review will map evidence on interventions that improve employment outcomes among PWSCI, using the Arksey and O'Malley framework and the Donabedian model as the guiding lens. The first stage includes the development of the research question and will be reviewed throughout the review process. The PCC framework will be utilised to determine the inclusion and exclusion criteria and develop the search terms. Peer-reviewed primary studies will be identified using the Boolean search terms on PubMed, MEDLINE, Ebscohost, Google Scholar, CINAHL, Cochrane databases. Two independent reviewers will identify primary studies and charting data, and one reviewer will act as a supervisor and arbitrator. Data charting tool will be utilised to gather the required information from the selected studies. Nvivo software version 25 will be used to develop themes for summarising and reporting the data. The quality of the courses selected will be evaluated using the Mixed Methods Appraisal Tool (MMAT). DiscussionData from the selected studies will be discussed in relation to the research questions and the Donabedian model. Information gathered from this scoping review will enable policymakers, rehabilitation professionals and other stakeholders to use this as a foundation in an attempt to develop strategies or models that seek to improve employment outcomes among PWSCI. Moreover, a gap in current practice will be identified, and further research needed in the field will be described.
Early prediction of cause-specific acute respiratory distress syndrome via interpretable machine-learning.
Authors: Wu Junwei , Liu Chao , Xie Lixin , Li Xiang , Xiao Kun , Xie Guotong , Xie Fei
Published: March 2021

Background: Several studies have investigated the correlation between physiological parameters and the risk of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); however, cause-specific ARDS and its early prediction have not been well-studied. We aimed to develop and validate a machine-learning model for the early prediction of inhalation-induced ARDS. Methods: Clinical expertise was applied with data-driven analysis. Using data from electronic intensive care units (retrospective derivation cohort) and the three most accessible vital signs (i.e. heart rate, temperature, and respiratory rate) together with feature engineering, we applied a random forest approach during the time window of 90 hours that ended 6 hours prior to the onset of moderate-to-severe respiratory failure (the ratio of partial pressure of arterial oxygen to fraction of inspired oxygen ≤200 mmHg). Results: The trained random forest classifier was validated using an independent validation cohort, with an area under the curve of 0.9026 (95% confidence interval 0.8075-1) and optimal threshold probability, the accuracy, sensitivity, and specificity values were 0.8947, 1, and 0.875, respectively. A Stable and Interpretable RUle Set (SIRUS) was used to extract rules from the RF to provide guidelines for clinicians. We identified several predictive factors, including resp_96h_6h_min < 9, resp_96h_6h_mean ≥ 16.1, HR_96h_6h_mean ≥ 102, and temp_96h_6h_max > 100, that could be used for predicting inhalation-induced ARDS (moderate-to-severe condition) 6 hours prior to onset in critical care units. (‘xxx_96h_6h_min/mean/max’: the minimum/mean/maximum values of the xxx vital sign collected during a 90 h time window beginning 96 h prior to the onset of ARDS and ending 6 h prior to the onset from every recorded blood gas test) Conclusions: This newly established random forest‑based interpretable model shows good predictive ability for inhalation-induced ARDS and may assist clinicians in decision-making, as well as facilitate the enrolment of patients in prevention programmes to improve their outcomes.
Left Ventricular Hypertrophy in Young Africans With First Ever Stroke in Tanzania: A Prospective Cohort Study 
Authors: Matuja Sarah Shali , Munseri Patricia , Moshiro Candida , Khanbhai Khuzeima , Mahawish Karim
Published: March 2021

Background: Left ventricular hypertrophy is a pathophysiological response to chronic hypertension and is an independent risk factor for vascular events. We sought to determine the magnitude, correlates and prognosis of left ventricular hypertrophy in young patients presenting with their first stroke at a tertiary hospital. We also sought to determine the accuracy of electrocardiography using Sokolow-Lyon and Cornell criteria in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy compared to echocardiography.Methods: This cohort study prospectively recruited consecutive stroke patients aged 18-45 years who had undergone brain imaging, electrocardiogram and transthoracic echocardiography. Baseline data were recorded and correlates of left ventricular hypertrophy were identified using the modified Poisson regression. Follow-up for functional outcomes was performed to 30-days using the modified Rankin Scale.Results: We enrolled 101 participants with first ever stroke. The mean age of patients was 39.7years and the mean National Institutes of Health Stroke Score was 18, reflecting severe disability. Brain imaging revealed ischemic strokes in 60 (59.4%) of patients and of those with intracerebral hemorrhage, 33 (86.8%) were localized to the basal ganglia, in keeping with a hypertensive etiology. Left ventricular hypertrophy was present in 76 (75.3%; 95% CI 65.7% – 83.3%), and 30 (39.5%) and 28 (36.8%) had moderate to severe degree respectively. Young adults with left ventricular hypertrophy were more likely to have a higher systolic and diastolic blood pressure on arrival 156.3±19 and 96.4±10.6 respectively. On multivariable analysis, lack of antihypertensive medication was associated with left ventricular hypertrophy {adjusted risk ratio 1.42 (95% CI: 1.04–1.94). The sensitivity and specificity for Sokolow-Lyon in detecting left ventricular hypertrophy was 27% and 78%, and for Cornell was 32% and 52% respectively. At 30-days, functional independence was achieved in 12 (12.4%) and almost half had died.Conclusions: There is a high burden of left ventricular hypertrophy in young patients with first stroke. Untreated hypertension is the likely etiology associated with a high 30-day mortality. Our findings did not support the use of the electrical voltage criteria for detecting left ventricular hypertrophy. We recommend low cost interventions such as blood pressure screening and control to reduce this burden in the young.
The Effects of Branched Chain Amino Acid Supplement on Kidney Tissue of Exercising Rats
Authors: AYDEĞER Cemre , EROĞLU Hüseyin Avni
Published: March 2021

One of the supplements used in with exercise programs is branched chain amino acids (BCAAs) which preferred because of their effect on novation of muscle protein synthesis. However, BCAAs increase their amount in the blood in a short time due to their properties. In this case, the result can increase the workload of the kidneys. Based on the information, this study investigated the effects of resistance exercise and BCAA supplements on kidney tissue. A total of 24 Wistar Albino male rats were divided equally into 4 groups: Control, BCAA, Exercise and Exercise+BCAA. In six-week study, resistance swimming exercise was applied to exercise groups. BCAA groups were given BCAA supplements at doses of 2.5 mg/kg before exercise. End of the study, histological, immunochemical, and RT-PCR analyses were performed. As a result of the findings obtained, it was found that use of BCAA supplements together with exercise caused tubular necrosis (p=0.002). A significant increase was found in caspase 3 IHC staining findings in BCAA and Exercise+BCAA groups compared to Control group (p=0.011; p=0.02). Also, KIM-1 expression levels were higher in Exercise group compared to all other groups (p=0.004; p=0.003; p=0.008). As a result, BCAA consumption in combination with resistant exercise caused damage to kidney tissue.
Coordination of m6A mRNA methylation and gene transcriptome in rice response to cadmium stress
Authors: Cheng Qin , Wang Peng , Wu Guangliang , Wang Yanning , Tan Jingai , Li Caijing , Zhang Xiangyu , Liu Shilei , Huang Shiying , Huang Tao , Yang Mengmeng , He Haohua , Bian Jianmin
Published: March 2021

N6-methyladenosine (m6A) is the most prevalent internal modification present in mRNAs of all higher eukaryotes. However, the role of the m6A methylomes in rice is still poorly understood. With the development of MeRIP-seq technique, in-depth identification of mRNAs with m6A modification becomes feasible. We investigated the m6A methylomes in roots of cadmium (Cd) group and compared that with the roots in the control (CK) group by m6A sequencing, in 9311 and Nipponbare (NIP), respectively. The results indicated that Cd leads to altered modification profile in 3,406 differential m6A peaks in 9311, and 2,065 differential m6A peaks in NIP. KEGG pathway analysis of genes with differentially modified m6A peaks indicates that the “phenylalanine”, “tyrosine and tryptophan biosynthesis”, “glycine”, “adherens junctions”, “glycerophospholipid metabolism” and “threonine metabolism” signaling pathways may be associated with abnormal roots development of rice due to exposure to cadmium in 9311. “Arginine”, “proline metabolism”, “glycerolipid”, “protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum”, metabolism pathways were significantly enriched in genes with differentially modified m6A peaks in NIP. Different from that in Arabidopsis, the m6A peak (m6A-modified nucleotide position on mRNAs) distribution exhibits preference toward both the stop codon and 3′UTRs region. These findings provide a resource for plant RNA epi-transcriptomics studies and further enlarge our knowledge on the function of RNA m6A modification in plants.
Giant Occipital Encephalocele: A Case Report, Surgical & Anesthetic Challenge
Authors: Zahid Soha , Khizar Ahtesham
Published: March 2021

Background: An encephalocele is a congenital neural tube defect characterized by herniation of cranial contents through a defect in the cranium and is caused by failure of the closure of the cranial part of the developing neural tube. An encephalocele is termed as “giant encephalocele” when the size of encephalocele is larger than the size of the head. They depend on size of the sac, percentage of neural tissue content, hydrocephalus, infection, and other associated pathologies for a favorable neurological outcome.Case Presentation: We report a case of a four month old boy with a Giant Occipital Encephalocele about 21 x 15 x 19 cm in size, who was a surgical and anesthetic challenge for us. Intubation was achieved in lateral position. Part of occipital and cerebellar parenchyma was present in the sac and bony defect was approximately 2.5 cm in occipital bone in midline. We did Surgical Excision and Repair with a good overall outcome.Conclusion: Perioperative management of a Giant Occipital Encephalocele is a challenge for both anesthesiologist and neurosurgeon. Managing such a case demands search for other congenital abnormalities, expertise in handling airway and proper intraoperative care. Careful planning and perioperative management are essential for a successful outcome.
Treatment of Facial Nevi with Ideal Design and Splitting Technique
Authors: Sun Qiang , Guo Jiayan , Liu Siyu , Zhu Mengru , Feng Jingyi , Zhou You , Wang Yuxin , Guo Shu
Published: March 2021

Background: The treatment of nevi includes surgical treatment and non-surgical treatment. Non-surgical treatment has many defects in the clinic, whereas surgical treatment is applicable to any type of nevi. However, there is no unified standard for surgical methods. Methods: Patients with facial nevi ( width ≤4 cm) and high requirements for beauty were included. Preoperatively, incision design and resection range based on the recommended wrinkles or folds of each region and principle of plastic surgery. Intraoperatively, a nevus flap was formed, and then equally divided by splitting technique. After the splitting nevus flap was resected, suture without tension was performed. Results: 21 patients underwent surgical excision. 14 patients underwent complete excision, while 7 patients underwent serial excision. The patients were satisfied with the appearance, local sensations were normal, and there were no secondary deformities of the surrounding facial organs without recurrence.Conclusion: This method is of added value, which achieved by the correct assessment of the size and location of facial nevi and designed according to the reference marks in each region and complete or serial excision.
Effects of Acuc on the Growth Development and Spinosad Biosynthesis of Saccharopolyspora Spinosa
Authors: Liu Zhudong , Xiao Jie , Tang Jianli , Liu Yang , Shuai Ling , Cao Li , Xia Ziyuan , Ding Xuezhi , Rang Jie , Xia Liqiu
Published: March 2021

Background: The interaction between acuC and spinosad biosynthesis is complex. In this study, acetoin utilization protein (acuC) was characterized. It is a type I histone deacetylase that is highly conserved in bacteria. This study first explored the effect of acuC on the growth and development of secondary metabolites of S. spinosa. Results: The knockout strain and overexpression strain were constructed separately with the shuttle vector pOJ260. The overexpression of the acuC gene affects the growth and phenotype of S. spinosa. Moreover, the spore production ability of the S. spinosa-acuC strain on solid medium was weaker than that of the wild-type strain. HPLC analysis of the fermentation products for the wild-type and mutant strains demonstrated that the yield of the overexpression strain was 87% higher than that of the wild-type strain. Conclusions: We concluded that the overexpression of acuC positively regulated the biosynthesis of spinosad and affected the acetylation pathway and the growth of S. spinosa. A comparative proteomic analysis between the wild-type and overexpression strains revealed related genes in different metabolic pathways that were affected. We envision that these results can be extended to other actinomycetes for secondary metabolite improvement.
The application of 3D printed models in the teaching of Tetralogy of Fallot to medical students: a randomized control trial
Authors: Miao Huachun , Ou Yuhui , Chen Longchi , Cao Ao , Ling Chenyang , Ji Peng , Yuan Quan , Li Huaibin , Wu Feng
Published: March 2021

Background: Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF) is the most common cyanotic congenital heart disease. Its pathogenesis is complex and consists of different types of heart malformations. Whether for diagnosis or treatment, it is necessary to understand, in depth, the anatomical characteristics of this disease. With this, a full-colour model made by 3D printing technology is very suitable for helping users understand the complex configuration of organs and structures due to its high degree of simulation and homogeneity. The purpose of this study is to analyze the effect of 3D printing model on TOF teaching.Methods: TOF image data were obtained from the medical image centre of the hospital and inputted into a colour 3D printer after software processing to print the full-colour model of TOF. Among the senior students of majoring in clinical medicine at our college, 30 students with equal male-to-female ratio were randomly divided into two groups: the 3D printing model group (n=15) and the traditional teaching group (n=15). At the end of the teaching session, theoretical examinations and a teaching effect questionnaire were distributed to evaluate the teaching effect.Results: The overall score of the 3D model teaching group was higher than that of the traditional teaching group (P<0.05), with a higher number of students interested in the course compared to that of the control group. Additionally, the effect of the 3D printing model teaching group was better than that of the traditional teaching group (P<0.05), in terms of learning satisfaction.Conclusion: The introduction of a 3D printed heart model into teaching can compensate for the deficiencies of the traditional teaching mode, improve the efficiency and effect of teaching, and is worth popularising and applying in the field of medical education.
Radiation Induced Silver Nanoparticles in Ionically Crosslinked Alginate Beads for Efficient Catalytic Degradation of Basic Dye
Authors: Taleb Manal F. abou , Fadl Faten Ismail Abou El , Albalwi Hanan , Ibrahim Mohamed M.
Published: March 2021

Silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) are widely used as engineered nanomaterials in many advanced nanotechnologies, due to their versatile, easy and cheap preparations combined with peculiar chemical-physical properties. Their increased production and integration in environmental applications including water treatment raise concerns for their impact on humans and the environment. In this study, gamma radiation dose of 20 kGy was utilized to induce the synthesis silver nanoparticles (Ag NPs) in the alginate micro beads to prepare calcium Alginate/Ag (Ca-ALG/Ag) nanocomposite beads. These beads were then used to degrade toxic basic dyes in waste water. Initially, Ca-ALG /Ag nanocomposite beads were synthesized and characterized using Ultra Violet-visible spectrum (UV-Vis), Scanning Electron Microscope (SEM), X-Ray Diffraction (XRD) and Transmission Electron Microscope (TEM) for confirming the formation of Ag NPs and morphological study. The catalytic efficiency of the resulting Ca-ALG/Ag nanocomposite beads is evaluated for the degradation of dyes such sandocryl blue dye in the presence of NaBH4. The catalytic degradation of sandocryl blue dye was very fast in the present conditions: 0.1 g of catalyst 5 ml NaBH4 and the optimum time for complete reduction was 30 min. The pseudo-first order, pseudo second order and intra particle diffusion model used to evaluate the kinetic models and the mechanism of the degradation. Results showed that the degradation kinetics best fit the pseudo-second-order model and Langmuir isotherm model. The Biopolymer-based nanocomposite beads of calcium alginate, and Ag NPs can be applied to reduce dyestuff, where it is economically viable and environmentally friendly.