bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Does Having Comprehensive HIV and AIDS Knowledge Affect the Risky Sexual Behaviour of Young People in Sub – Saharan Africa: Pooled Analysis of Demographic and Health Surveys
Authors: Dickson Kwamena Sekyi , Seidu Abdul-Aziz , Adde Kenneth Setorwu , Okyere Joshua , Commey Felicia , Akpeke Mawulorm , Bashiru Abdul Wahab Atta , Ahinkorah Bright Opoku
Published: February 2021

Background: Risky sexual behaviours (RSB) include all those behaviours such as multiple sexual unions, inconsistent use of condoms, or having sex under the influence of stimulants which have a greater propensity to exacerbate an individual’s vulnerability to unintended pregnancies and sexually transmitted infections including HIV/AIDS. This study explores the relationship between comprehensive knowledge on HIV and RSB among young people in sub-Saharan Africa (SSA).Methods: Data for this study were obtained from the current Demographic and Health Surveys (DHS) conducted between 2010 and 2018 in 28 SSA countries. These countries were chosen because they had complete information on the variables of interest for both males and females. Both descriptive and inferential analyses were conducted.Results: It was found that 54.4% of young women and 40.0% of young men engaged in RSB. This ranged from 16.1% in Lesotho to 91.6% in Sierra Leone among young women and 17.1% in Namibia to 80.5% in Sierra Leone among young men. We also found that young men [AOR=0.78, CI=0.73–0.84] and women [AOR=0.92, CI=0.87–0.98] who had comprehensive HIV and AIDS knowledge had lower odds of engaging in RSB compared to those who did not have comprehensive HIV and AIDS knowledge.Conclusion: The study showed a low level of comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS in SSA and a gap in the proportion of young males and females regarding comprehensive knowledge on HIV/AIDS. Risky sexual behaviour varied by sex. This reflected in a higher proportion of young females (54.5%) indulging in RSB as compared to young males (40.0%). Our findings also revealed that comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS influences risky sexual behaviour of young people. Age, level of education, place of residence, wealth status, exposure to radio, television, and newspaper or magazine have a significant relationship with RSB. These findings infer the need for targeted messages and interventions for the various categories of young people in SSA with relevant information on comprehensive knowledge of HIV/AIDS.
Rapid Mass Spectrometric Diagnosis of Bladder Cancer via Urine Carbonyl Metabolic Fingerprints
Authors: Nie Zongxiu , Li Yuze , Jiang Lixia , Wang Zhenpeng , Cao Xiaohua , Meng Lingwei , Fan Jinghan , Wang Guanghui , Xiong Caiqiao
Published: February 2021

The diagnosis of bladder cancer (BC) is currently based on cystoscopy, which is invasive and expensive. Here, we described a non-invasive, low-cost BC diagnosis method based on a desorption, separation, and ionization mass spectrometry platform (DSI-MS) that adopts N, N- Dimethylethylenediamine (DMED) as a differential labeling reagent. The DSI-MS platform avoids the interferences from intra- and/or inter-samples, while the DMED increases detection sensitivity and distinguishes carboxyl, aldehyde, and ketone groups from untreated samples. Carbonyl metabolic fingerprints of urine from 28 BC patients and 38 controls were portrayed and significant differences of some potential biomarkers were observed. The mechanisms of the changes have been discussed. Logistic regression (LR) was applied to discriminate BC from controls and an accuracy of 87% was achieved. We believe this patient-friendly method provides a hopeful approach for BC rapid point-of-care diagnostic.
Evaluation of the Role of Water-Soluble Contrast Administration in Management of Patients with Adhesive Intestinal Obstruction
Authors: Shaban Hamdy , Abu-Elela Sameh T , faisal mohammed , Bakr Ahmed Abo
Published: February 2021

Background: Adhesive intestinal obstruction is a common post-operative cause of hospitalization. This study aims to evaluate the oral administration of water-soluble contrast on the outcome of patients with adhesive intestinal obstruction in regard to recovery, operative rate and hospital stay.Methods: In this prospective randomized trial, patients were randomized into two groups: gastrografin (GG) and traditional treatment group (TT). in the gastrografin group (GG)after stomach was emptied through a nasogastric tube, the water soluble contrast follow-through was performed within 24 h of hospital admission using 100 mL of 76% gastrografin injected through the nasogastric tube and erect ,supine abdominal x-ray was taken(at 8,12,24h)later. The endpoints of the study were to evaluate the time interval between admission and relief of obstruction, the length of hospital stay and the need for surgery. Results: Fifty-four patients with a mean age 45 ±2.4years, 25(46.3%) males and 29(53.7%) females. The number of patients who were successfully conservatively treated in the gastrografin group was 22(81.5%), which was significantly higher than 13(48.1%) in the traditional group. among these patients, mean hospital stay in gastrograffin group was 31.3±4.5 hours, which was significant shorter than 48.9±8.2hours in traditional group(p=0.004). Conclusions: Administration of an oral water-soluble contrast agent in postoperative adhesive bowel obstruction helps in the earlier resolution of the obstruction, decreases the length of hospital stay and the need for surgery.
Global transcriptomic profiles of circulating leucocytes in early lactation cows with clinical or subclinical mastitis
Authors: Cheng Zhangrui , Buggiotti Laura , Salavati Mazdak , Marchitelli Cinzia , Palma-Vera Sergio , Wylie Alistair , Takeda Haruko , Tang Lijing , Crowe Mark A , Wathes D Claire
Published: February 2021

BackgroundBovine mastitis, an inflammatory disease of the mammary gland, is classified as subclinical or clinical. Circulating neutrophils are recruited to the udder to combat infection. We compared the transcriptomic profiles in circulating leukocytes between healthy cows and those with naturally occurring subclinical or clinical mastitis.Methods and ResultsHolstein Friesian dairy cows from six farms in EU countries were recruited. Based on milk somatic cell count and clinical records, cows were classified as healthy (n = 144), subclinically (n = 48) or clinically mastitic (n = 22). Circulating leukocyte RNA was sequenced with Illumina NextSeq single end reads (30 M). Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between the groups were identified using a DESeq2 package, followed by GO enrichment analysis. Both subclinical and clinical mastitis caused significant changes in the leukocyte transcriptome, with more intensive changes attributed to clinical mastitis. We detected 491 DEGs between clinical and healthy groups, 350 DEGs between subclinical and healthy groups and 170 DEGs between clinical and subclinical groups. Most DEGs were associated with cell killing and immune processes. Many upregulated DEGs in clinical mastitis encoded antimicrobial peptides (AZU1, CAMP, CATHL1, CATHL2, CATHL4, CATHL5, CATHL6, DEFB1, DEFB10, DEFB4A, DEFB7, LCN2, PGLYRP1, S100A9, TF and LTF) which were not upregulated in subclinical mastitis. This suggests that the leukocytes may have greater killing capacity in cows with clinical mastitis.ConclusionWe have, for the first time, described circulating leukocyte transcriptomic profiles in naturally occurring subclinical mastitis and assessed their differences from healthy cows and those with clinical mastitis.
Marine storms in coastal tourist areas of the Canary Islands
Authors: Luque Amalia Yanes , Báez José Ángel Rodríguez , Suárez Pablo Máyer , Antequera Pedro Dorta , Díez Abel López , Pacheco Jaime Díaz , Chacón Emma Pérez
Published: February 2021

The small island areas oriented to coastal tourism are highly vulnerable to marine storms, given the fluctuation of this economic sector and the increase of its exposure due to the increasing anthropogenic presence on the coastline. In this context, the storms between 1958 and 2017 are studied here in the most important tourist enclaves of Tenerife and Gran Canaria, located in the municipalities of Arona and Adeje (SW of Tenerife) and in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán (S-SW of Gran Canaria). In order to perform the analysis, wave data from State Ports (Spain) (SIMAR-44 nodes, Ministry of Transport, Mobility and Urban Agenda of Spain) are used. A statistical study of the phenomena can help establish a threshold for the identification of a marine storm based on a significant wave height (Hs) of 2.7 meters in Arona and Adeje and 1.7 meters in San Bartolomé de Tirajana and Mogán. The application of this threshold identified 144 episodes in the SW of Tenerife and 154 in the S-SW of Gran Canaria. Their behavior is examined from, on the one hand, the duration, seasonality, type of waves and degree of severity that characterizes them; and, on the other, from the state of the atmosphere that concurs in its genesis by means of the Wetterzentrale synoptic maps. Finally, a first assessment of the effects of these stormy phenomena is made using local press reports on drowning, damage to urban furniture and port infrastructures and loss of sand on the beaches.
The Analysis of Outcomes of Intracranial Germ Cell Tumors: A Single-institute Study
Authors: Go Kyeong-O , Hwang Kihwan , Han Jung Ho , Choi Hyoung Soo , Kim Yu Jung , Choi Byung Se , Kim In Ah , Choe Gheeyoung , Cho Byung-Kyu , Kim Chae-Yong
Published: February 2021

Purpose: For analyzing the epidemiology and treatment according to the KSPNO protocol results of germ cell tumor patients at our institution.Methods: From 2004 to 2019, of 6494 patients with intracranial neoplasms, 61 (0.9%) patients with iGCTs were enrolled. Pediatric patients underwent chemotherapy and radiotherapy according to the Korean Society for Pediatric Neuro-Oncology (KSPNO) protocol, and adult patients were treated with bleomycin, etoposide, and cisplatin (BEP) regimens. Survival rates, recurrence rates, and posttreatment morbidity were analyzed to identify risk factors. Results: The median age was 20.0 years (range: 1-42), and the follow-up duration was 77.7 months (range: 10.0-203.4 months). The tumors developed most frequently in the pineal gland (49.2%). There were no significant differences in outcomes between protocols, but the KSPNO protocol group had lower tumor recurrence (14.8% vs. 17.6%, p=0.524) and mortality rates (0% vs. 5.9%, p=0.307) than the other groups. According to the pathological subtype, the outcomes were significantly different between the germinoma and nongerminomatous germ cell tumor (NGGCT) groups. The 10-year progression-free survival rates were 93.2% and 67.1% in the germinoma and NGGCT groups, respectively (p = 0.009). The NGGCT pathological type (p=0.021) was a significant recurrence-associated factor in the multivariate analysis. Significant adverse occurred in 14 patients (7 patients in each group).Conclusions: Pure germinomas have a higher survival and lower recurrence rate than NGGCTs. A multidisciplinary approach is needed to select appropriate iGCT treatments, and reducing the radiation dose could minimize posttreatment morbidity.Clinical trial registrationNot applicable
Coexpression Analysis Identified PcMYB25 as a Patchoulol Synthase Gene Activator to Enhance Patchouli Alcohol Biosynthesis in Pogostemon Cablin
Authors: Zhou Xuanxuan , Wang Xilin , Huang Huiling , Wu Daidi , Wang Xiaobing , Zhong Baiyang , Li Junren , Chen Xiuchen , Zhan Ruoting , chen likai
Published: February 2021

Background Patchouli alcohol is an effective component of the medicinal plant patchouli. Similar to other secondary metabolites, its synthesis is also regulated by transcription factors. Although the biosynthetic pathway of patchouli alcohol has been characterized, the regulatory mechanism of patchouli alcohol has not been fully revealed. Results This study combined the transcriptome data of patchouli leaves treated with different hormones and WGCNA to complete the coexpression network. The modules related to patchouli alcohol were identified, and PcMYB25 played a crucial role in regulating patchouli alcohol biosynthesis. The overexpression of PcMYB25 can promote the expression of PTS , thereby increasing the content of patchouli alcohol. Conclusions This is the first reporter that MYB25 regulates the secondary metabolism of patchouli. These experimental results lay the foundation for further analysis of the regulatory mechanism of patchouli alcohol synthesis.
Association of perioperative adverse events with subsequent therapy and overall survival in patients with WHO grade III and IV gliomas
Authors: Weber Lorenz , Müller Timothy , Velz Julia , Vasella Flavio , Voglis Stefanos , Padevit Luis , Gramatzki Dorothee , Weller Michael , Regli Luca , Sarnthein Johannes , Neidert Marian Christoph
Published: February 2021

Purpose

Maximum-safe-resection followed by chemoradiotherapy as current standard of care for WHO grade III and IV gliomas can be influenced by the occurrence of perioperative adverse events (AE). The aim of this study was to determine the association of AE with the timing and choice of subsequent treatments as well as with overall survival (OS).
Methods

Prospectively collected data of 283 adult patients undergoing surgery for WHO grade III or IV gliomas at the University Hospital Zurich were analysed. We assessed basic patient characteristics, Karnofsky performance score (KPS), extent of resection (EOR), WHO grade, and we classified AE as well as modality, timing of subsequent treatment (delay, interruption or non-initiation) and OS.
Results

In 117 patients (41%), an AE was documented between surgery and 3-months follow-up. There was a significant association of AE with an increased time to initiation of subsequent therapy (p = 0.005) and a higher rate of interruption (p < 0.001) or non-initiation (p < 0.001). AE grades correlated with time to initiation of subsequent therapy (p = 0.038). AE were associated with shorter OS in univariate analysis (p < 0.001).
Conclusion

AE are associated with delayed and/or altered subsequent therapy and worse OS in WHO grade III and IV glioma patients. These data emphasize and quanitfy the importance of safety within the maximum-safe-resection concept.
Modulation of Plant Functional Traits Under Essential Plant Nutrients During Seasonal Regime in Natural Forests of Garhwal Himalayas
Authors: kumar Amit , Kumar Parmanand , Singh Hukum , Kumar Narendra
Published: February 2021

Aim: We estimated that how seasonality in conjunction with key climatic variables affects morphological and physiological plant functional traits (PFTs) and soil essential (micro and macro) nutrients in oak, pine, and mixed forests. Method: The different PFTs were tested using several laboratory methods and also using the portable photosynthesis system Li-COR 6400 XT, Lincoln NE, USA. Likewise, some chemical traits and soil nutrients were analysed by using CHNS analyser.Results: In this study, physiological traits such as CO2 assimilation rate, stomatal conductance and transpiration rate were found to be significantly higher in the rainy season followed by summer and winter seasons. Among the different forest land uses, physiological traits and resource use efficiency have been significantly higher in oak forest (OF) compared to the mixed forest (MF) and pine forest (PF). Likewise, the concentration of macro-micro nutrients was also recorded higher during the rainy season. The concentration of macro-micro nutrients was higher in OF than in MF and PF in different forest land uses. Conclusion: Changes in PFTs ultimately affect the ecosystem services imparted by the different forests. Such changes lead to the local adaptation of these forests through the interaction between PFTs and soil nutrients.
Design, synthesis, biological evaluation and molecular docking of 1,7-dibenzyl substituted theophylline derivatives as novel BRD4-BD1 selective inhibitors
Authors: Chang Ying-Jie , Zhang Jin-Ge , Yang Shuang-Shuang , Lu Wan-Ying , Ding Li-Na , Zheng Yi-Chao , li wen
Published: February 2021

Bromodomain-containing protein 4 ( BRD4 ), an epigenetic reader, has been recognized as a target with therapeutic potential in several types of cancer and cardiovascular diseases. In this study, a series of 1,7-dibenzyl substituted theophylline derivatives were synthesized and their BRD4 inhibitor activities were evaluated. Most of the compounds showed detectable activities with IC 50 values in the range of 2.51–10.50 µM. Therein, compound 6e showed significant selectivity for two bromodomains of BRD4, the inhibition of BD1 ( IC 50 = 2.51 µM ) was 20 times greater than that of BD2 (IC 50 > 50 µM). Similarly, compounds 6b – 6d, 6f, 6j and 8a also displayed favorable BRD4-BD1 selectivity. In addition, molecular docking of compound 6e was performed to predict conceivable binding patterns of it with BRD4, prompting residue Ile146 might be crucial to the observed selectivity of BRD4-BD1. These findings will be of great value and significance for the development of novel BRD4-BD1 inhibitors.
A heuristic configuration solving process planning method for mechanical product configuration by imitating the crystal crystallization process
Authors: Zhang Shuyou , Ge Wenqi , wang zili , Qiu Lemiao , Zhou Huifang
Published: February 2021

Configuration design is a process of composing customized product from a set of predefined component types with a set of well-defined rules which decide how items can be selected and combined. The configuration solving process is to instantiate all component types into instances. However, the configurator faces a problem of how to determine the instantiation order of component types in the configuration solving process. An unreasonable instantiation order may reduce the accuracy of the configuration result and extend the time required to finish the configuration. In response to the above problem, a heuristic configuration solving process planning method by imitating the crystal crystallization process (CCP) was proposed. According to the product configuration rules, the frequent itemset mining algorithm was used to mine the correlation between the attribute parameters of product configuration unit. By imitating the CCP and utilizing the calculated coupling strength, the configurator will determine a suitable instantiation sequence for component types. This method has been applied in the GB10 elevator produced by Canny Elevator. It is found that the configuration accuracy has been improved and the consumption of time has been reduced.
Machine Learning-Based Image Analysis for Accelerating the Diagnosis of Complicated Preneoplastic and Neoplastic Ductal Lesions in Breast Biopsy Tissues
Authors: Sato Shinya , Maki Satoshi , Yamanaka Takashi , Hoshino Daisuke , Ota Yukihide , Yoshioka Emi , Kawachi Kae , Washimi Kota , Suzuki Masaki , Ohkubo Yoichiro , Yamashita Toshinari , Ohtori Seiji , Miyagi Yohei
Published: February 2021

Purpose: Diagnosis of breast preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions is difficult due to their similar morphology in breast biopsy specimens. To diagnose these lesions, pathologists perform immunohistochemical analysis and consult with expert breast pathologists. These additional examinations are time-consuming and expensive. Artificial intelligence (AI)-based image analysis has recently improved, and may help in ordinal pathological diagnosis. Here, we showed the significance of machine learning-based image analysis of breast preneoplastic and neoplastic lesions for facilitating high-throughput diagnosis.Methods: Images were obtained from normal mammary glands, hyperplastic lesions, preneoplastic lesions and neoplastic lesions, such as usual ductal hyperplasia (UDH), columnar cell lesion (CCL), ductal carcinoma in situ (DCIS), and DCIS with comedo necrosis (comedo DCIS) in breast biopsy specimens. The original enhanced convoluted neural network (CNN) system was used for analyzing the pathological images. Results: The AI-based image analysis provided the following area under the curve values (AUC): normal lesion vs. DCIS, 0.9902; DCIS vs. comedo DCIS, 0.9942; normal lesion vs. CCL, 0.9786; and UDH vs. DCIS, 1.000. Multiple comparison analysis showed precision and recall scores similar to those of single comparison analysis. Based on the Gradient-weighted Class Activation Mapping (Grad-CAM) used to visualize the important regions reflecting the result of CNN analysis, the ratio of stromal tissue in the whole weighted area was significantly higher in UDH and CCL than that in DCIS. Conclusions: These analyses may provide a more accurate and rapid pathological diagnosis of patients. Moreover, Grad-CAM identifies uncharted important histological characteristics for newer pathological findings and targets of research for understanding diseases.
Decolonizing Health in Canada: A Manitoba First Nation Perspective
Authors: Eni Rachel , Beck Wanda Phillips , Achan Grace Kyoon , Lavoie Josée G. , Kinew Kathi Avery , Katz Alan
Published: February 2021

Background

This paper focuses on a longitudinal research program in Manitoba, Canada, by the Innovation Supporting Transformation in Community-Based Research Project (iPHIT) to learn from First Nations across the province that have developed effective community-based primary healthcare models. The research is relevant and timely as First Nations across the country, and Indigenous populations globally, work towards improvements in population health and health equity via critical analysis and restructuring of health services. The purpose of the paper is to deepen an understanding of decolonization as it is defined within the communities, as a central aspect of health restructuring.
Methods

The study is a qualitative, grounded theory analysis, which is a constructivist approach to social research that allows for generation of theory in praxis, through interactions and conversations between researchers and research participants. Findings are based on 183 in-depth interviews and eight focus group discussions with participants from 8 Manitoba First Nation communities. The study was designed to understand strengths, limitations and priorities of primary healthcare strategies and frameworks of the communities. The iPHIT team was an active collaborative partnership between the First Nation communities, First Nation Health and Social Secretariat of Manitoba, and the University of Manitoba. The First Nation partners led in all aspects of the research, from development to implementation, data collection, analyses, and dissemination. Respected Elders from the communities also guided in appropriate research and engagement protocols.
Results

Data was coded and then grouped into 4 interconnecting themes. These are: (1) First Nation control of healthcare, (2) traditional medicine and healing activities, (3) full community participation, and (4) moving out of colonization involves cleaning up and moving beyond the mess that colonization has inflicted.
Conclusion

Decolonizing health involves a taking back of Indigenous wisdom and traditional activities; connections to the land, resources; intra- and inter-community relationships. Participants emphasized the value of full community engagement with respect to inclusion of different interpretations of and experiences in the world, highlighting creation of a shared vision. The study focused on First Nation community experiences and interests in Manitoba specifically, though the data may be applicable to national and global decolonization efforts.
Parainfectious Guillain Barre Syndrome in a Patient Diagnosed with COVID-19
Authors: Bastug Aliye , Bektas Hesna , Buyuktarakci Cansu , Bodur Hurrem
Published: February 2021

An accumulating evidence suggesting the neurotropic characteristics of the SARS-CoV-2. Although the pathogenesis is unclear, the relationship between COVID-19 and Guillain Barre Syndrome(GBS) has been previously reported. We present a 66-year-old male with para- infectious COVID-19-related GBS admitted with a 2-day bilateral weakness in distal lower limbs. His neurological findings occurred on the third day of the diagnosis of COVID-19. A cerebrospinal fluid examination revealed albumin-cytological dissociation.To the best of our knowledge, this is the first para-infectious GBS case related to the SARS-CoV-2 reported from Turkey. Clinicians should be aware of this kind of complication to manage patients.
Hierarchical flower-like ZnO-Ag@Cellulose composite with antifouling and antibacterial properties for efficient recovery of tellurium (IV) from wastewater
Authors: Yao Guanglei , Shao Xue , Qiu Zhiwei , Qiu Fengixan , Zhang Tao
Published: February 2021

Recovery of the tellurium from wastewater is significance for both industrial applications and sustainable development due to the adverse impacts emanating from environmental pollution and strategic values in the photovoltaic industry. Herein, this study presents the recovery of tellurium from wastewater by flower-like structure ZnO-Ag@cellulose (ZAC) composites. For adsorbent preparation, lignocellulose was first extracted from waste wood debris by an alkaline extraction process. Then, the flower-like structure of ZAC composites were synthesized by a facile one-step hydrothermal method. The obtained materials are conducted under different parameters to investigate tellurium adsorption properties. The results indicate that the tellurium adsorption process is an exothermic reaction and fits well to the Freundlich model. Kinetic data are well described by pseudo-second-order model, indicating ZAC adsorption of tellurium is a chemical process. Besides, as-prepared ZAC exhibited excellent performance for tellurium elimination from wastewater with a maximum removal efficiency of 98.86%. The ZAC also shows outstanding antifouling performance in polluted environment and can still achieve the rate of 94.23% for tellurium. Moreover, the ZAC composite reveals high reusability and stability after six desorption-regeneration cycles. Importantly, the ZAC composite exhibits disinfection performance against E. coli and S. aureus with high killing efficiency. Therefore, this work not only demonstrates ZAC composite is efficient adsorbent with antifouling and antibacterial capability for tellurium recovery, but also provides an effective channel for promising candidates to decontaminate similar pollutants and practical applications of wastewater.
A Novel Bilayer Propionyl-L-carnitine Loaded Polyvinyl Alcohol/Calcium Alginate/Carboxymethyl Cellulose wound dressing for the treatment of diabetic wounds: an in vitro and in vivo study
Authors: Jiang Wenjun , Huang Zuoyao , Min Weixiang , Zhang Hao
Published: February 2021

In the current study a drug delivering bilayer porous/nanofibrous wound dressing was developed using a combination of electrospinning and freeze-drying methods. The wound dressings were prepared by lyophilization of 1:1 weight ratios of calcium alginate and carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC) solutions. Drug delivering nanofibrous sheets were fabricated by electrospinning of polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) solution incorporated with 1%,3%,5%, and 10% of Propionyl-L-carnitine. The dressings were studied regarding their microstructure, swelling capacity, mechanical strength, surface wettability, water vapor permeability, drug release profile, in vitro degradation, cell viability assay, hemocompatibility, porosity measurement, microbial penetration assay, and protein adsorption assay. Based on in vitro studies, PVA sheets loaded with 5% Propionyl-L-carnitine was chosen for the preparation of wound dressings. The healing potential of the produced constructs was studied in rat model of diabetic wound. Our results showed that the drug delivering dressings demonstrated significantly higher wound closure and better histological regeneration compared to drug free constructs and sterile gauze. Our results suggest potential applicability of Propionyl-L-carnitine delivering Calcium Alginate/CMC/PVA dressing for the treatment of diabetic wounds in clinic.
HCK maintains the self-renewal of leukaemia stem cells via CDK6 in AML
Authors: Li Zheng , Wang Fangce , Long Jun , Zhang Wenjun , Xu Jun , Liang Aibin
Published: February 2021

Background: Leukaemia stem cells (LSCs) are responsible for the initiation, maintenance, and recurrence of acute myeloid leukaemia (AML), an aggressive haematological malignancy associated with drug resistance and relapse. Identifying therapeutic LSC targets is critical to curing AML.Methods: Bioinformatics databases were used to identify therapeutic LSC targets. The conditional knockout mice were used to analyse the role of HCK in leukaemogenesis or normal haematopoiesis. Colony-forming assays, cell counting, and flow cytometry were used to detect the viability and function of leukaemia cells. RT-PCR, western blotting, and RNA sequencing were used to detect mRNA and protein expression.Result: ﻿HCK is expressed at higher levels in LSCs than in haematopoietic stem cells (HSCs), and high HCK levels are correlated with reduced survival time in AML patients. Knockdown of HCK leads to cell cycle arrest, which results in a dramatic decrease in the proliferation and colony formation in human AML cell lines. Moreover, HCK is ﻿required for leukemogenesis﻿ and leukaemia maintenance in vivo and in vitro. HCK is necessary for the self-renewal of LSCs during serial transplantation and limiting dilution assay. The phenotypes resulting from HCK deficiency can be rescued by CDK6 overexpression in the human cell line. RNA sequencing and gene expression have demonstrated that HCK may sustain cell cycle entry and maintain the self-renewal ability of LSCs through activating the ERK1/2-c-Myc-CDK6 signalling axis. In contrast, ﻿HCK deletion does not affect normal haematopoiesis or haematopoietic reconstruction in mice.Conclusion: HCK maintains the self-renewal of leukaemia stem cells via CDK6 in AML and may be an ideal therapeutic target for eradicating LSCs without influencing normal haematopoiesis.
Identification of Canine Brucellosis in Three Province, Ethiopia
Authors: Girmay Aregawi , Sisay Atitegeb , Belete Shiret
Published: February 2021

Background: In Ethiopia, brucellosis has been reported targeted on bovine, occasionally on shoat, and rarely on camels. An investigation of the disease Brucellosis in the neglected companion animals is scared in Ethiopia. The objective of this study was to identify canine brucellosis in Batu town, Alage and Naka village through cross sectional approaches. A total of 389 serum samples (207 from Batu, 107 from Alage, and 75 from Naka) were collected by restraining dogs with a portable and safe modified dog crush, invented by this author. Blood samples were collected from ear vein and sera were screened for Brucella antibodies using different serological tests. RBPT prepared from the smooth strain B. abortus antigen and CFT was used as a screening test and confirmatory test, respectively. Furthermore, all sera samples had also screened by RBPTcanis antigen (rough strain); and those positive were considered the cause for B. canis infection. Results: Using RBPT smooth strains, 21(5.4%; CI: 3.35, 7.96) were positive and 19(4.88%; CI: 2.7, 7.0) were confirmed by CFT. Besides, 34 (8.74%; CI: 5.92, 11.56) were positive for RBPTcanis rough strains. Relatively, higher proportion of anti B. canis antibodies had seen in Batu (11.59%) followed by Alage (5.61%), and Naka (5.33%). Sex, living condition, and history of obstetrical problem were significantly associated with the occurrence of canine brucellosis (p< 0.05). Odd of canine brucellosis due to smooth and rough strains in outdoor dogs were 4.72 and 6.42 times higher compared with indoors, respectively. This is true the fact that outdoors had a chance of getting infected aborted wastes when roaming freely. Conclusion: This study suggests that canine brucellosis is prevalent in the province. The seropositivity could give an insight that, the awareness of the people toward the disease was also the gap in the study area. Hence, this warrants public education among the community is recommended.
A correlational study of reproductive concerns with self-disclosure and mental resilience in breast cancer patients of childbearing age in China
Authors: Yu Ya , Ye Yanxin , Liu Suting , Zhang Lili
Published: February 2021

ObjectiveThe current study aimed to investigate the prevalence of reproductive concerns in breast cancer patients of Chinese women of childbearing age, to explore the effects of self-disclosure and mental resilience on reproductive concerns, and to explore the relationships among the three variables. MethodsCorrelation research design was used.274 women suffering from breast cancer with age (M=38.10, SD=6.44) were taken from two tertiary hospitals in Guangzhou. The participants were asked to fill out a set of self-reported questionnaires including the Sociodemographic data, Reproductive Concerns after Cancer scale (RCACs), the Distress Disclosure Index (DDI), and the 14-Item Resilience scale (RS-14). The mediation analysis was tested using SPSS (Process-plugin) and the bootstrap method. ResultsA total of 252 valid questionnaires were collected in this study. 36.1% of the patients scored highly in at least one dimension of reproductive concerns, with Child's health and Personal health being the top two concerns. Correlation analysis revealed that there was a significant positive relationship between self-disclosure and mental resilience. Self-disclosure and mental resilience had a negative relationship with reproductive concerns, respectively. The results of the mediation analysis showed that there was a mediational role of mental resilience between self-disclosure and reproductive concerns. ConclusionIt was concluded that breast cancer patients with high levels of self-disclosure, are more resilient and have fewer reproductive concerns.
The Characteristics, Related Factors and Risk Factors of Insomnia among Postoperative Patients with Gastric Cancer: A Cross-sectional Survey
Authors: Zhu Guang-hui , Li Juan , Li Jie , Xu Bo-wen , Wang He-ping , Wang Xin-miao , Hu Jia-qi , Dai Ming-hao
Published: February 2021

Purpose

This study aims to explore the characteristics, related factors and risk factors of insomnia of patients after operation for gastric cancer.
Methods

A cross-sectional survey was carried out and finally 115 patients with insomnia after operation for gastric cancer were included. The general information, gastric cancer related information, sleep quality and other symptoms were investigated.
Results

①The Pittsburgh sleep quality index score of most insomnia patients after gastric cancer surgery was 11–15 points, the sleep quality rating was “Poor”. ②The sleep quality of patients with insomnia after surgery for gastric cancer is related to the number of chemotherapy cycles, fatigue and depression. ③The risk of reduced sleep quality with the number of chemotherapy cycles > 6 is 3.640 times that of ≤ 6. The risk of reduced sleep quality during moderate to severe fatigue was 4.390 times that of patients with no or mild fatigue.
Conclusion

Attention to related factors and risk factors may be associated with improvement of sleep quality in patients with gastric cancer after surgery.
Prevalence of Depression and Associated Relationship with Lifestyles in Chinese Adults with Multi-Level Generalized Estimation Equation Model
Authors: Yuan Li , Xu Tao , Han Shaomei
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMost epidemiological surveys paid more attention to the occurrence of depression in the elderly and adolescents, while ignored the young and middle-aged people. Besides, depression resulted from a complex interaction of heredity, biochemistry, social, psychological and biological factors. The aim of our study was to examine the prevalence of depression and the relationship between depression and lifestyle factors in Chinese adults based on a large-scale cross-sectional survey. MethodsThe Composite International Diagnostic Interview Short Form for Major Depression was used to assess the depression status of all subjects. We used multi-level generalized estimating equation model to determine the relationship between depression and lifestyles. ResultsOf the 7985 respondents, 4252 were considered as being depressive with a prevalence of 53.25%. After controlling for the cluster effect of living environment and confounding effect of demographic characteristics, the following factors increased the risk of depression: overweight(OR=1.269, 95% CI: 1.117-1.444), obesity(OR=1.415, 95%CI: 1.152-1.740), single status(OR=2.003, 95% CI: 1.635-2.457), alcohol drinking(OR=1.333, 95%CI: 1.137-1.563), sleeping less than 6h a day(OR=1.485, 95% CI: 1.267-1.743), poor sleep quality (OR=1.553, 95% CI: 1.392-1.732), feeling stressed(OR=2.133, 95% CI: 1.744-2.621), adverse life events(OR=1.513, 95% CI: 1.333-1.718),unhealthy dietary patterns(OR=1.472, 95% CI: 1.324-1.638), irregular meal times (OR=2.482, 95% CI: 2.138-2.887) and suboptimal health status(OR=7.919, 95% CI: 6.843-9.185). Those with medical insurance (OR=0.774, 95% CI: 0.649-0.921) was less likely to have depression.ConclusionsUnhealthy lifestyles were found closely associated with depression. By altering lifestyle behaviors for the better, the depressive symptoms could be effectively improved.
Diversity Loss and Restructuring of the Microbiota in a Globally Invasive Lady Beetle  
Authors: Li Hongran , Shu Xiaohan , Zhou Jinchen , Meng Ling , Zhou Xuguo , Obrycki John , Li Baoping
Published: February 2021

The invasion success of Harmonia axyridis in North America and Europe has aroused a growing interest among students of invasion biology. This study was focused on the microbial community of H. axyridis with the aim of gaining insights into their potential roles in the invasion. We hypothesized that microbial communities of H. axyridis in the non-native range may decrease in diversity but restructured in composition as compared to those in the native regions. We collected lady beetle samples from eleven geographical areas across the native range mainland China and from seven areas in the non-native range USA. We applied next-generation amplicon sequencing to the samples to estimate microbial communities and examined differences in their composition and diversity between the host’s native and non-native ranges. We found that H. axyridis in the non-native range had lower microbial community richness and evenness than it had in the native range, but its microbiota composition of the amplicon sequence variants and genera differed markedly between the non-native and native ranges. The findings support our hypotheses concerning microbial community in H. axyridis across the native and non-native range. This study provides new information for our understanding of potential roles of the microbiota in the invasion success of H. axyridis.
Clinical analysis of mifepristone combined with transabdominal ultrasound-guided suction and curettage for different types of scar pregnancy
Authors: Lian Hongmei , chen dejun , Zheng Jingxia , Zhang Ling
Published: February 2021

Background

Cesarean scar pregnancy (CSP) is a life-threatening condition without consensus on treatment. The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety, efficacy, and outcome of mifepristone combined with transabdominal ultrasound-guided suction and curettage (TUSC) in the treatment of CSP.
Methods

CSP patients who treated with mifepristone combined TUSC at Maternal and Child Hospital of Hubei Province from 2013 to 2015 was retrospectively analyzed. Patients were divides into three types based on the newest classification criteria in China. Clinical information and outcomes were analyzed.
Results

157 CSP patients were included, with 96 type I cases, 56 type II cases and 5 type III cases. No significant differences in age, gravity, parity, gestational age and initial β-human chorionic gonadotropin (β-hCG) levels among the three types. All patients were successfully treated with mifepristone combined with TUSC. No one needed emergency blood transfusion or another treatment. After mifepristone combined with TUSC treatment, the percentage changes of the β-hCG levels were similar in all CSP types. The average of intraoperative blood loss in type I patients during suction curettage was lower than in type II and type III, and more Foley catheters were inserted into the uterus in type II and type III than type I patients to achieve hemostasis.
Conclusion

Mifepristone combined with TUSC appears to be a safety and efficacy treatment option to all types of CSP.
Logarithmic Spiral Gear Design And Production Of With The 3D-Printer
Authors: Yazar Mehmet
Published: February 2021

In this study, a software has been developed for parametric design and modeling of logarithmic spiral gears and gear pairs, which are a member of non-circular gears, using complex numbers in the CAD (Computer Aided Design) environment. In software development, the widely used AutoLISP programming language, a software programming language specially designed for AutoCAD, was used. In the program, parameters such as modules and number of teeth are entered by the user interactively, and the design and modeling of logarithmic spiral gears in the AutoCAD environment is performed automatically. The production of this designed gear pair has been completed with a 3D printer. This work contributes to the designer for the functional and precise production of logarithmic spiral gears to the design and manufacture of these gears. This work contributes to the designer and manufacturer in the functional and precise design and production of logarithmic spiral gears.
Use of geographical information systems in multiple sclerosis research: A systematic scoping review
Authors: Hashtarkhani Soheil , Tabatabaei-Jafari Hossein , Kiani Behzad , Furst MaryAnne , Salvador-Carulla Luis , Bagheri Nasser
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Geographical Information System (GIS) and spatial analysis have an emerging role in the understanding and management of health-related outcomes. However, there is a knowledge gap about the extent to which GIS has supported Multiple Sclerosis (MS) research. Therefore, this review aimed to explore the types of GIS applications and the complexity of their visualisation in MS research. Methods: A systematic scoping review was conducted based on York’s five-stage framework. PubMed, Scopus and Web of Science were searched for relevant studies published between 2000 and 2020 using a comprehensive search strategy based on the main concepts related to GIS and MS. Grounded, inductive analysis was conducted to organize studies into meaningful application areas. Further, we developed a tool to assess the visualisation complexity of the selected papers.Results: Of 3,723 identified unique citations, 42 papers met our inclusion criteria for the final review. One or more of the following types of GIS applications were reported by these studies: (a) thematic mapping (37 papers); (b) spatial cluster detection (16 papers); (c) risk factors detection (16 papers); and (d) health access and planning (two papers). In the majority of studies (88%), the score of visualisation complexity was relatively low: three or less from the range of zero to six. Conclusions: Although the number of studies using GIS techniques has dramatically increased in the last decade, the use of GIS in the areas of MS access and planning is still under-researched. Additionally, the capacity of GIS in visualising complex nature of MS care system is not yet fully investigated.
Effect of unifaceted and multifaceted interventions on antibiotic prescription control for respiratory diseases: a systematic review of randomized controlled trials
Authors: Yue Chang , Cui Zhezhe , Yang Guanghong , He Xun , Wang Lei , Xin Zhang , Tang Lei
Published: February 2021

Background The global health system is improperly using antibiotics, particularly in the treatment of respiratory diseases. We aimed to examine the effectiveness of implementing a unifaceted and multifaceted intervention for unreasonable antibiotic prescriptions. Methods Relevant literature published in the databases of Pubmed, Embase, Science Direct, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Chinese Journal Full-text (CNKI) and Wanfang was searched. Data were independently filtered and extracted by two reviewers based on a pre-designed inclusion and exclusion criteria. The Cochrane collaborative bias risk tool was used to evaluate the quality of the included studies. Results A total of 1,074 relevant studies were obtained of which 69 were included in the systematic review. Fifty-nine studies reported positive results, that is, the primary results in the intervention groups were superior to those in the control groups. The remaining 10 studies had negative or partially negative results. In 22 studies the outcome variable was the antibiotic prescription rate with detailed reports of the number of prescriptions being further analyzed, of which 19 involved educational interventions for doctors, including: (1) Online training using email, web pages and webinar, (2) Antibiotic guidelines for information dissemination measures by email, postal or telephone reminder, (3) Training doctors in communication skills, (4) Short-term interactive educational seminars, and (5) Short-term field training sessions. Seventeen studies of interventions for health care workers also included: (6) Regular or irregular assessment/audit of antibiotic prescriptions, (7) Prescription recommendations from experts and peers delivered at a meeting or online, (8) Publicly reporting on doctors' antibiotic usage to patients, hospital administrators, and health authorities, (9) Monitoring/feedback prescribing behavior to general practices by email or poster, and (10) Studies involving patients and their families (n=10). Seventeen studies were rated as having a low risk of bias while five were rated as having a high risk of bias. Conclusion The combination of education, prescription audit, prescription recommendations from experts, public reporting, prescription feedback and patient or family member multifaceted interventions can effectively reduce antibiotic prescription rates in health care institutions. Moreover, adding multifaceted interventions to educational interventions can control antibiotic prescription rates and may be a more reasonable method. Registrations: This systematic review was registered in PROSPERO, registration number: CRD42020192560.
DRAGOMANOV AND “VOLNOE SLOVO” IN THE STUDIES OF BULGARIAN SCIENTIST I. SHYSHMANOV
Authors: Iakimova А. М.
Published: February 2021

On the basis of archival documents in the fund of prof. I. Shishmanov highlighted in the article the contribution of Bulgarian scientist I.Shyshmanov to the study of problems related to famous Ukrainian scientist M. Dragomanov’s participation in the edition of the newspaper “Volnoe slovo” in Geneva. In the early twentieth century I. Shyshmanov took part in the discussion between V. Bohucharskyi, who called “Volnoe Slovo” authority of “Sviashchena drujina” and B. Kistyakivskyi, who claimed that the “Zemskyi soyus” was a real organization and showed its position in favor M. Dragomanov. The preparatory work of I. Shishmanov and M. Drahomanov’s family for establishing the truth is analyzed. Attention is drawn to the range of stakeholders and the documents from the Sofia archive of M. Drahomanov that reveal the scientist’s search work. Chronologically, the archival sources cover the period of 1907-1924. As a result, I. Shishmanov published two articles in 1913-1914. For the first time, documents are published, the originals of which are kept in the Scientific Archive of Bulgarian Academy of sciences.