bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional Surveillance in Brazil: Challenges and Opportunities. A Mixed-Method Research to Assess the Brazilian Sisvan System
Authors: Nasser Gabriela , Maun Andy
Published: September 2021

Background: As countries currently face growing malnutrition trends (often with a double burden of malnutrition), data on the nutritional status of the population can provide support to local policies, as well as track progress towards goals, such as the global nutrition targets. Brazil has a national nutritional surveillance system (Sisvan), which provides nutritional status data for municipalities, on all age groups. In an effort to offer a more in-depth analysis of the Sisvan, this study investigated the strengths and limitations of the system regarding the available data on children to explore its contribution to the health information system and policy making potential. Methods: A mixed methods approach was used innovatively, with triangulation of results, to combine quantitative descriptive statistics (to determine national coverage and completeness of nutritional status data among children in the Sisvan between 2008 and 2018), with a qualitative phenomenographic analysis of in-depth interviews with stakeholders involved with the system. Results: Results demonstrated on average an increase in coverage within the system of the nutritional status of children nationally from 14% in 2008 to 35,8% in 2018, with variability in this growth over the different areas of the country. The interviews demonstrated that the Sisvan is a tool to improve health conditions that go beyond nutrition. It has the potential to be integrated in a greater structure of Public Health care. After triangulation of results, there was agreements between the quantitative and qualitative analysis, demonstrating that the surveillance system is embedded in the Primary Health Care strategy, albeit current limitations. Conclusion: The Sisvan has the potential to be an important tool for the monitoring of nutritional targets and provision of information for local and national health and nutrition policies. However, more integration between the several instances involved is still a gap, for a full usage of the system and the generated data.
Optimal Initial Intravenous Diuretic Dose for Acute Decompensated Heart Failure: Insights from the REALITY- AHF
Authors: Yoshioka Kenji , Maeda Daichi , Okumura Takahiro , Kida Keisuke , Oishi Shogo , Akiyama Eiichi , Suzuki Satoshi , Yamamoto Masayoshi , Mizukami Akira , Kuroda Shunsuke , Kagiyama Nobuyuki , Yamaguchi Tetsuo , Sasano Tetsuo , Matsumura Akihiko , Kitai Takeshi , Matsue Yuya
Published: September 2021

Although intravenous diuretics is a cornerstone of acute heart failure treatment (AHF), its optimal initial dose is unclear. This is a post-hoc analysis of the REALITY-AHF, a prospective multicentre observational registry of AHF. The initial intravenous diuretic dose used in each patient was categorised into below, standard, or above the recommended dose groups according to guideline-recommended initial intravenous diuretic dose. The recommended dose was individualised based on the oral diuretic dose taken at admission. We compared the study endpoints, including 60-day mortality, diuretics response within six hours, and length of hospital stay (HS). Of 1,093 patients, 429, 558, and 106 were assigned to the Below, Standard, and Above groups, respectively. The diuretics response and HS were significantly greater in the Below group than in the Standard group after adjusting for covariates. Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated a significantly higher incidence of 60-day mortality in the Above group than the Standard group. This difference was retained after adjusting for other prognostic factors. Treatment with a lower than guideline-recommended intravenous diuretic dose was associated with longer HS, whereas above the guideline-recommended dose was associated with a higher 60-day mortality rate. Our results reconfirm that the guideline-recommended initial intravenous diuretic dose is feasible for AHF.
Epigenetic Marker of Telomeric Age is Associated with Exacerbations and Hospitalizations in Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease
Authors: Cordero Ana I Hernández , Yang Chen Xi , Li Xuan , Milne Stephen , Chen Virginia , Hollander Zsuzsanna , Ng Raymond , Criner Gerard J. , Woodruff Prescott G. , Lazarus Stephen C. , Connett John E. , Han MeiLan K. , Martinez Fernando J. , Reed Robert M. , Man S. F. Paul , Leung Janice M , Sin Don
Published: September 2021

Background: Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) is an age-related condition that has been associated with early telomere attrition; the clinical implications of telomere shortening in COPD are not well known. In this study we aimed to determine the relationship of the epigenetic regulation of telomeric length in peripheral blood with the risk of exacerbations and hospitalization in patients with COPD. Methods: Blood DNA methylation profiles were obtained from 292 patients with COPD enrolled in the placebo arm of the Macrolide Azithromycin to Prevent Rapid Worsening of Symptoms Associated With Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease study (MACRO) and who were followed for 1-year. We calculated telomere length based on DNA methylation markers (DNAmTL) and related this biomarker to the risk of exacerbation and hospitalization and health status (St. George respiratory questionary score [SGRQ]) over this time using a Cox proportional hazards model. We also used linear models to investigate the associations of DNAmTL with the rates of exacerbations and hospitalizations (adjusted for chronological age, lung function, race, sex, smoking, and body mass index).Results: Participants with short DNAmTL demonstrated increased risk of exacerbation (P=0.02) and hospitalization (P=0.03) compared to those with longer DNAmTL. DNAmTL age acceleration was associated with higher rates of exacerbation (P=1.35x10-04) and hospitalization (P=5.21x10-03) and poor health status (SGRQ) independent of chronological age (P=0.03).Conclusion: Telomeric age based on blood DNA methylation is associated with COPD exacerbation and hospitalization and thus is a promising biomarker for poor outcomes in COPD.
Profile and Triage Appropriateness of Trauma Patients Triaged Green: A Prospective Cohort Study from a Secondary Care Hospital in India
Authors: Anthony Aroke Anna , Dutta Rohini , Sarang Bhakti , David Siddarth , O'Reilly Gerard , Raykar Nakul , Khajanchi Monty , Attergrim Jonatan , Soni Kapil Dev , Sharma Naveen , Mohan Monali , Gadgil Anita , Roy Nobhojit , Wärnberg Martin Gerdin
Published: September 2021

Introduction: Triage is an important component of in-hospital trauma care for adequate patient management and to avoid overcrowding in emergency departments (ED). Prioritising the evaluation of non-urgent patients may result in the diversion of workforce from patients requiring immediate care. However, not evaluating these patients may result in missed injuries and poor outcomes. We aimed to evaluate the profile of these non-urgent patients triaged ‘green’, as part of a triage-trial in a secondary-care hospital in India and validate this against the Cape Triage Score (CTS).Methods: We analysed data of patients triaged green in a prospective single-centre cohort study between July 2016 to November 2019. Clinicians at this triage-naive ED were introduced to a triage trial who then assigned a triage category to trauma patients, aged 18 years and above, on initial evaluation. Telephonic follow-up was performed for all patients included in the study. Triage appropriateness was retrospectively analysed using the CTS. Results: We included 4135 trauma patients triaged green. The mean age of patients was 32.8 (±13.1) years, 77% males. The median (IQR) length of stay of admitted patients was 3 (13) days. Half the patients had a mild Injury Severity Score (3-8), with the majority of injuries being blunt (98%). Of the patients triaged green, 97% came in as direct arrivals and 94.4% were discharged from the ED after initial evaluation. As per CTS, nearly three-quarters (74%) of patients were undertriaged ‘green’ by the clinicians in a triage-naive ED. Conclusion: ​​ Three-fourths (74%) of the patients triaged green by clinicians in a secondary care hospital in Mumbai were mistriaged when retrospectively analysed using CTS. This highlights the need for implementation and evaluation of trauma triage training for the in-hospital first responders (clinicians, nurses and other paramedical staff) in the EDs.
Socially Induced False Memories in the Absence of Misinformation
Authors: Wagner Ullrich , Echterhoff Gerald
Published: September 2021

Ample evidence shows that post-encoding misinformation from others can induce false memories. Here, we demonstrate in two experiments a new, tacit form of socially generated false memories, resulting from interpersonal co-monitoring at encoding without communication of misinformation. Pairs of participants jointly viewed semantically coherent word lists, presented successively in blue, green, or red letters. Each individual was instructed to memorize words presented in one of the colors. One color remained unassigned (control condition). Participants reported more false memories for non-presented words (lures) semantically related to partner-assigned than to control lists, although both list types were equally irrelevant to their own task. Notably, this effect also persisted for particularly rich memories. These findings show for the first time that social induction of false memories, even subjectively rich ones, does not necessarily require communication of deceptive information. This has important implications both theoretically and practically (e.g. in forensic contexts).
In Vivo Study of a Newly Synthesized Chromen-4-One Derivative as an Antitumor Agent Against HCC
Authors: Nabeel Asmaa Ismail , Mansour somaya Z , Mahdy El-Sayed M. E. , El-Mezayen Hatem , Mohamed Sarah Ali
Published: September 2021

Background: Chromenes are a wide group of natural compounds that can be synthesized chemically. The chromen-4-one nucleus acts as a skeleton for varieties of additional active groups that makes the chromenes activity varies between antioxidant and anti-inflammatory agents. In the present study, a newly synthesized chromene compound exhibits different behavior other than anti-inflammatory and antioxidant activities that it is the first time that a member of chromen-4-one compound can control the cancer progress. Inflammation is the first step in tumor development where the severity grade can potentiate tumor growth and progression. In many tumors pro-inflammatory genes record high expression level such as tumor necrosis factor (TNF-α) and vascular endothelial growth factors (VEGF). These pro-inflammatory factors act as rate limiting steps in tumor initiation and controlling its expression acts as an early therapeutic way to control the tumor proliferation. The chromone derivatives have biological activities such as anti-inflammatory and antitumor activity. Methods: In the present study a new chromene derivative (Ch) was studied against HCC induced by diethylnitrosamine (DEN) in rats. Results: The treatment strategy Ch compound is to down regulate pro-inflammatory gene expression of early genes as TNF-α as well as VEGF and subsequently controls other factors such as p53, Cyt C and MMP-9. Also, retrieve the balance between Bcl2 and Bax proteins in DEN induced HCC in rats. Conclusion: The ability to control the primary initiators of HCC offers the new Ch derivative an antitumor activity and encourages further researches to follow and monitor its effect on the molecular level.
Laser Oscillating of Nickel Alloyed Welds on Press-hardened Steel
Authors: Sun Qian , Zhang Zhenghui , Wang Xiaonan , Zhang Qingyu , Liu Zhenguang
Published: September 2021

Laser oscillating welding was employed to fabricate Al-Si coated press-hardened steel (PHS) to improve the element homogeneity in the fusion zone. Three oscillation amplitudes that are 0 mm, 0.5 mm and 1.3 mm were studied in this present. Ni foil of 0.06 mm thickness was used as an interlayer between two tailored PHS welded. Welds defects was absent for any oscillation amplitudes, and weld width increased with increasing oscillation amplitudes. Compared to linear laser welding, Ni and Al had an uneven elemental profile due to strong stirring force, full martensite was achieved in fusion zone. However, δ-ferrite was present with oscillation amplitudes increased to 1.3 mm, since Ni content had a sharp descent compared to Al. Tensile srtength of welded joints was not influnced by altering oscillation amplitudes.
Police Officers' Perception of Mentally Disordered People: A National Survey in Japan
Authors: Shiina Akihiro , Niitsu Tomihisa , Tomoto Aika , Iyo Masaomi , Shimizu Eiji , Fujii Chiyo
Published: September 2021

BackgroundsThe treatment of mentally disordered offenders is an issue in forensic mental health. In most countries, police officers working in the community are the first to deal with patients at risk of harming themselves or others. However, their perceptions and opinions regarding forensic mental health have not been adequately investigated in Japan.MethodsWe conducted a national survey to gather police officers' views regarding legislation on mentally disordered people and inter-organizational collaboration.ResultsA total of 241 police officers participated in this study. Many participants were aware of the mental health care scheme in their daily work. Contrastingly, many participants complained about the public health center and psychiatrists. They seem to have emerged partially from the differences in each organization's structure, lack of resources, and communication gaps. Many participants felt a lack of opportunity to learn about psychiatry.ConclusionBetter collaborative care for mentally disordered people requires mutual relationships among the police, public health centers, and psychiatrists with a deeper understanding of community mental health.
Acquired Drug Resistance During the Turnaround Time for Drug Susceptibility Testing Impacts Outcome of Tuberculosis
Authors: Zhu Jiahui , Forsman Lina Davies , Bao Ziwei , Xie Yan , Ning Zhu , Li Xuliang , Hoffner Sven , Hu Yi
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe impacts of acquired resistance to first-line drugs (FLDs) during turnaround time (TAT) for drug susceptibility testing (DST) are still unclear. Thus, we aimed to investigate the impacts of acquired resistance to FLDs during TAT for DST on tuberculosis (TB) standard treatment.MethodWe performed a prospective cohort study between 2013 and 2018 in China, including sputum culture-positive TB patients with a baseline DST result for a Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) isolate collected at TB diagnosis and a follow-up DST result for a Mtb isolate collected when baseline DST result became available. Mtb isolates with acquired drug resistance were identified by the comparison between baseline and follow-up DST. Treatment outcome were evaluated by sputum culture conversion and World Health Organization (WHO) treatment outcome definitions. ResultsIn total, 65 patients with Mtb isolates with acquired resistance to any FLDs and 130 patients with consistent drug susceptibility profile were included in the analysis. In a Cox proportional hazard regression analysis, acquired pyrazinamide-resistance (aHR 0.54, 95%CI: 0.36-0.81) and acquired isoniazid-resistance (aHR 0.50, 95%CI: 0.29-0.85) were associated with prolonged time to sputum culture conversion. Furthermore, independent risk factors of treatment failure included acquired INH-resistance (aOR 7.64, 95%CI: 2.39-16.08) and acquired PZA-resistance (aOR 5.71, 95%CI: 2.31-14.12).ConclusionThe association between acquisition of drug resistance and treatment outcome highlights the importance of shortening the turnaround time of DST.
Large tumour cell group, combinations of CMYC+ or PD-1+ tumour cells and intense PD-L1+ cell reaction are important prognostic factors in nodal T-cell lymphomas with T follicular helper markers
Authors: Mihashi Yasuhito , Kimura Shoichi , Iwasaki Hiromi , Oshiro Yumi , Takamatsu Yasushi , Kawauchi Shigeto , Shimajiri Shohei , Ishizuka Kenji , Takeshita Morishige
Published: September 2021

Background

The clinicopathological characteristics and prognostic factors in nodal T-cell lymphomas with T follicular helper markers (TFH+) are not adequately investigated.
Methods

Immunohistologically, we selected 22 patients with TFH + lymphoma in 47 of peripheral T-cell lymphoma-not otherwise specified (PTCL-NOS), and subclassified into large and small cell groups. We compared the two groups with 39 angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) and seven follicular T-cell lymphoma (F-TCL) patients. Prognostic factors were analysed by overall survival in patients with three types of TFH + lymphomas.
Results

Thirteen large cell and nine small cell PTCL patients had more than two TFH markers including programmed cell death-1 (PD-1). Large cell TFH + PTCL showed CMYC expression in 10 patients (76.9%), and four of 11 large cell group (36.4%) had somatic RHOA G17V gene mutation by Sanger sequencing. In TFH + lymphomas, large cell TFH + PTCL patients showed significantly worse prognosis than those of the small cell group, AITL, and F-TCL (p < 0.05). CMYC + tumour cells, and combined PD-1 ligand 1 (PD-L1) + tumour cells and intense reaction of PD-L1 + non-neoplastic cells (high PD-L1 + cell group) were significantly poor prognostic factors (p < 0.05). Combinations of CMYC + or PD-1 + tumour cells and high PD-L1 + cell group indicated significantly poor prognosis (p < 0.01).
Conclusion

Large cell TFH + PTCL indicated poor prognosis in TFH + lymphomas. These data suggested that CMYC + tumour cells and intense PD-L1 + cell reaction influenced tumour cell progression in TFH + lymphomas, and PD-1 + tumour cell/intense PD-L1 + cell reactions may play a role in immune evasion.
Fe(III) Complexed Polydopamine Modified Mg/Al Layered Double Hydroxide Enhances The Removal of Cr(VI) From Aqueous Solutions
Authors: Chen Changcheng , Luo Mina , Chen Fu , Huang Chao , Zhu Chunmei , Wu Hongjun
Published: September 2021

Herein, we report the preparation of Fe(III) complexed polydopamine modified Mg/Al layered double hydroxides composite material (LDHs@PDA-Fe(III)) and its application to the removal of Cr(VI) in aqueous solution. LDHs@PDA-Fe(III) was characterized and analyzed by field-emission scanning electron microscopy-energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy (SEM-EDS), Fourier transformed infrared (FTIR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), X-ray photoelectron (XPS). The adsorption performance was studied through a series of adsorption experiments. Under the influence of pH, time, temperature, concentration, the maximum adsorption capacity obtained in the experiment is 683.4 mg/g. In addition, after 5 adsorption cycles, LDHs@PDA-Fe(III) still shows excellent adsorption capacity and stability. Combining adsorption experiments and characterization analysis, it is inferred that the adsorption of Cr(VI) by LDHs@PDA-Fe(III) is the result of the synergistic effect of multiple adsorption mechanisms. Therefore, the efficient removal capacity and excellent stability make LDHs@PDA-Fe(III) an ideal adsorbent for removing Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.
Physiological responses to lead and PEG-simulated drought stress in metallicolous and non-metallicolous Matthiola (Brassicaceae) species from Iran
Authors: Salehi-Eskandari Behrooz , Gahrouei Mina Shahbazi , Boyd Robert S. , Rajakaruna Nishanta , Ghasemi Rasoul
Published: September 2021

Aims

Plants growing on quarry tailings at the Irankouh Pb/Zn mine encounter both drought stress and high levels of Pb. To better understand role of drought and Pb in plant adaptation to Pb/Zn quarry tailings, we compared effects of drought stress (simulated by polyethylene glycol - PEG) and Pb, individually and in concert, to determine how these stressors affected two plant species: the metallicolous species Matthiola flavida and the non-metallicolous M. incana.
Methods

Plants were exposed to Pb (Pb(NO3)2) and three levels of PEG (0, -0.5, and − 0.75 MPa) in a complete factorial design.
Results

Lead had non-significant effects on growth and oxidative stress but enhanced levels of osmoprotectants and phenol compounds in the metallicolous M. flavida, whereas in the non-metallicolous M. incana Pb had non-significant or toxic effects on the same variables (except for the osmoprotectants proline and glycine betaine, and anthocyanins). In contrast to M. incana, the metallicolous species was hypertolerant of Pb, showing strongly reduced root-to-shoot translocation and enhanced Pb accumulation in the root, especially when under drought stress.
Conclusion

We conclude that enhanced Pb accumulation in the root and reduced translocation to the shoot, particularly when under high PEG exposure in the metallicolous species, reduced toxic effects of Pb in the shoot. This was aided by the accumulation of reducing sugars and phenolic compounds as well as greater catalase activity.
Simultaneous Determination of Cis- and Trans-Palmitoleic acid in Rat Serum by LC-ESI-MS/MS
Authors: Huang Wenwen , yiping zhang , Liping Zhong , Chunlong Sun , Guangyu Yan , Ting Yang , Ruizao Yi , Hao Wu
Published: September 2021

Background: Cis-palmitoleic acid (cPOA) and trans-palmitoleic acid (tPOA) are isomers of palmitoleic acid, which are monounsaturated fatty acids, affecting glucose and lipid metabolism, and reducing insulin resistance. tPOA was better than cPOA in regulating lipid metabolism in hyperlipidemia mice, but the metabolic transformation and structure-activity relationship haven’t been reported. Method: A precise and accurate liquid chromatography-tandem mass spectroscopy (LC–MS/MS) method was developed to determine cPOA and tPOA simultaneously. cPOA and tPOA were administered i.g. (intragastric gavage) to rats at 75 mg/kg respectively, serum samples were analyzed by LC-ESI-MS/MS on a reverse-phase BDS C18 column equilibrated and eluted with acetonitrile (A) and water (B) (A:B = 80:20, v/v) at a flow rate of 0.3 mL/min and the injection volume was 1 μL. Results: The calibration curves for cPOA and tPOA were linear over the range 0.1~12 μg/mL. Analytes were monitored by selected-reaction monitoring in negative electrospray ionization mode. The Tmax of cPOA was 0.94±0.44 h and the Cmax 8.17±1.97 μg/L, and the Tmax of tPOA was 1.50±0.98 h and the Cmax 14.77±11.91 μg/L. AUC0-24h of cPOA and tPOA were 59.45±29.83 and 113.88±72.25 mg/L*h.Conclusions: The method was applied in pharmacokinetic study of cPOA and tPOA successfully. Besides, it’s found the concentration of cPOA and tPOA fluctuated in serum of rats with the consistent trend, which may be reciprocal bio-convert in biological activity in the body.
Disseminated Strongyloides Stercoralis Hyperinfection in an Immunocompetent Patient First Diagnosed by Metagenomic Next-generation Sequencing in Cerebrospinal Fluid: a Case Report
Authors: Qu Junyan , Zong Zhiyong
Published: September 2021

Background: Disseminated Strongyloides stercoralis hyperinfection is rarely described in immunocompetent individuals and can lead to fatal outcomes if not recognized and diagnosed early. Non-specific clinical manifestations, such as pneumonia and gastroenteritis, pose a diagnostic dilemma. Case presentation: We report a case of a 67-year-old Chinese male who presented with two months of abdominal pain, fever, headache, vomiting, constipation, and slight cough with sputum. He had been in good health and had no history of glucocorticoid use. He was diagnosed with enterococcal meningitis and intestinal obstruction at a local hospital and improved after treatment with vancomycin, but symptoms of headache and abdominal pain soon recurred. The metagenomic next-generation sequencing (mNGS) of the cerebrospinal fluid using Illumina X10 sequencer revealed 7 sequence reads matching Strongyloides stercoralis. Disseminated strongyloidiasis was suspected. Next, microscopic examination of gastric fluid revealed Larvae of S. stercoralis. DNA extracted of larvae, the presence of both S. stercoralis ribosomal DNA gene and mitochondrial cytochrome c oxidase subunit 1 gene was identified. Disseminated strongyloidiasis was diagnosed. Albendazole (400 mg, twice daily) was used and the patient recovered gradually.Conclusions: S. stercoralis hyperinfection can occur in immunocompetent individuals, imposing challenges for diagnosis. mNGS may be a useful tool for detecting rare infectious disease. The case would help clinicians to raise awareness of strongyloidiasis in non-endemic areas and reduce fatality.
Association between Lower Body Temperature and Increased Tau Pathology in Cognitively Normal Older Adults
Authors: Blessing Esther M. , Parekh Ankit , Betensky Rebecca A. , Babb James , Saba Natalie , Debure Ludovic , Varga Andrew W. , Ayappa Indu , Rapoport David M. , Butler Tracy A. , de Leon Mony J , Wisniewski Thomas M. , Lopresti Brian J. , Osorio Ricardo S.
Published: September 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Long-term effectiveness of a community-based lifestyle intervention on smoking behaviors in adults: novel findings from Middle-East
Authors: Masihay-Akbar Hasti , Amiri Parisa , Cheraghi Leila , Azizi Fereidoun
Published: September 2021

Introductionwe investigated the long-term effects of a community-based lifestyle intervention on cigarette smoking and intensity, hookah, and passive smoking in a Middle-Eastern population.MethodsWe used data of adult participans of the Tehran Lipid and Glucose Study (TLGS), (10368 individuals). After excluding those with missings and lost-to-follow-ups, 4915 individials underwent triennial follow-ups for 15.8 years and 1322 received intervention. The smoking status (cigarette, hookah, passive and cigarette intensity) were compared between control and intervention using the Generalized Estimating Equation (GEE).ResultsIntervention reduced the odds of cigarette smoking in men by 27% (OR = 0.73, 95% CI = 0.56–0.96; P = 0.03). Estimated mean cigarettes/day was 1.58 lower in men in intervention group. The intervention had short-term positive effects on mens’ hookah smoking at 2nd follow up (coefficient = -0.54, 95% CI= -0.94,-0.14; P = 0.008). The effect was not significant at long-term (P > 0.05). women in intervention group were 38% less likely to smoke cigarette or hookah (OR = 0.62, 95% CI = 0.42–0.91; P = 0.016) and had 33% lower odds of secondhand-smoke exposure (OR = 0.67, 95% CI = 0.54–0.84; P = 0.001).ConclusionsA community-based lifestyle intervention have long-term effects in reducing cigarette smoking and intensity in men, along with tobacco and passive smoking in women. It could affect mens’ hookah smoking only in short-term.
Correlation Between Neutrophil-to-lymphocyte Ratio and Postoperative Mortality in Elderly Patients With Hip Fracture: a Meta-analysis
Authors: Chou Ching-Hsin , Chen Yu-Hang , Su Hsin-Hsien , Tsai Yu-Ting , Chiang Ming-Hsiu , Kuo Yi-Jie , Chen Yu-Pin
Published: September 2021

Introduction: The neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio (NLR) is a crucial prognosis predictor following several major operations. However, the association between NLR and the outcome after hip fracture surgery is unclear. In this meta-analysis, we investigated the correlation between NLR and postoperative mortality in geriatric patients following hip surgery. Method: PubMed, Embase, Cochrane library, and Google Scholar were searched for studies up to June 2021 reporting the correlation between NLR and postoperative mortality in elderly patients undergoing surgery for hip fracture. Data from studies reporting the mean of NLR and its 95% confidence interval (CI) were pooled. Both long-term (≥1 year) and short-term (≤30 days) mortality rates were included for analysis.Result: Eight retrospective studies comprising a total of 1563 patients were included. Both preoperative and postoperative NLRs (mean difference [MD]: 2.75, 95% CI: 0.23–5.27; P = 0.03 and MD: 2.36, 95% CI: 0.51–4.21; P = 0.01, respectively) were significantly higher in the long-term mortality group than in the long-term survival group. However, no significant differences in NLR were noted between the short-term mortality and survival groups (MD: −1.02, 95% CI: −3.98 to 1.93; P = 0.5).Conclusion: Higher preoperative and postoperative NLRs were correlated with a higher risk of long-term mortality following surgery for hip fracture in the geriatric population, suggesting the prognostic value of NLR for long-term survival. Further studies with well-controlled confounders are warranted to clarify the predictive value of NLR in clinical practice in geriatric patients with hip fracture.Trial registration: no registration needed
Expression and Diagnostic Efficacy of miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p in Serum Extracellular Vesicles of Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Patients
Authors: Zhao Jie , Hang Wenlu , Wang Qian , Xu Yonghong
Published: September 2021

Background: Non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) is a disease with quite grave prognosis. This study explored the diagnostic efficiency of miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p in serum extracellular vesicles (EVs) in NSCLC patients.Methods: Serum EVs were extracted from NSCLC patients and healthy people and verified. The expression of miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p in serum EVs were tested. Correlation of miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p expression and diagnosis, prognosis and pathological characteristics (age, gender, tumor size, clinical stage, and lymph node metastasis) of NSCLC patients was analyzed. The downstream targets of miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p were predicted and their roles in diagnosis and prognosis of NSCLC patients were evaluated.Results: miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p were poorly expressed in serum EVs of NSCLC patients and their low expressions were associated with clinical stage, lymph node metastasis and prognosis of NSCLC patients and could be used as biomarkers for diagnosis. As the common target genes of miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p, LYPLA1 and CDK6 were highly expressed in serum EVs and were associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.Conclusion: Lowly expressed miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p in serum EVs of NSCLC patients can serve as biomarkers for diagnosis and are linked with prognosis. As common targets of miR-126-5p and miR-34c-3p, LYPLA1 and CDK6 are also associated with poor prognosis in NSCLC patients.
Analysis of the Impact of Corruption in the Health System and Some Recommendations Concepts
Authors: Budiarsih Budiarsih
Published: September 2021

A country that has a good system will be able to provide good services to its people, but in practice the regulations and financing systems experience obstacles. One of the problems faced by a country is fraud which has the potential to become an act of corruption. Corruption by some individuals is very detrimental to the community as recipients of health services. The data shows the purpose of creating a health system that has a good vision and mission, but in practice, it creates misery for the community, especially the middle to a lower class. During the Covid-19 pandemic, corruption in the financing of the health system also increased. Based on the above background, the researcher will focus on the issue of how to analyze the impact of corruption in the Health System and how to conceptualize recommendations to overcome it. Juridical normative and sociological methods are used to study the problems found and at the same time analyzed in the health financing system. The results of the study found that the health financing system has a noble purpose for the benefit of society. However, in its implementation, there are many errors in the system that result in actions and have the potential to become acts of corruption that result in state losses. Recommendations are made to be implemented immediately so that crime stops and society is protected.
Mathematical Modelling Co-existence of Diabetes and COVID-19 : Deterministic and Stochastic Approach
Authors: S Anusha , ATHITHAN S
Published: September 2021

Diabetes affects the epidemiology of COVID-19 (Coronavirus Disease 2019), is correlated with the exorbitant threat of COVID-19 incidence and failure of treatment. Hence, studying the mechanisms behind the coexistence of diabetes and COVID-19 is useful for the development of better public health policies. In this article, we have developed a novel deterministic model for the co-infection of diabetes and COVID-19. It consists of five compartments corresponding to five population classes, namely, diabetes susceptible, diabetes patients, COVID-19 susceptible, COVID-19 infected and COVID19 recovered class. We have discussed the non-negativity and invariant region of the system. Next, the existence of equilibrium points and stabilities of different equilibria of the model are studied. Also, by using the next-generation matrix method the basic reproduction number (R0) is calculated. Further, we perform the sensitivity analysis of R0 and observed that reduction of transmission coefficient (α₁) from diabetes susceptible class to diabetes class is the most critical factor to control the co-infection. We endeavor to fit our model with the data given by the World Health Organization(WHO)[1] and it suits well with the data. Moreover, the deterministic model is extended into the stochastic model. And by using numerical simulations our results of stochastic and deterministic models are compared. Our numerical findings are performed through computer simulation, which illustrates the robustness of our model from the eco-epidemiological perspective. The results obtained highlight the burden of diabetes and COVID-19 coinfection and the role of the α₁ in the severity of the disease.
Regulation of Medicines Advertisement in Zimbabwe: An Assessment of The Impact of Pharmaceutical Promotion On The Prescribing Behaviour of Healthcare Professionals
Authors: Semu Tafadzwa Collins , NGARA Bernard , Mudzviti Tinashe
Published: September 2021

BackgroundThe pharmaceutical industry plays a key role in drug discovery and is considered useful regards to informing the health care workers health care workers about new medicines. There are growing concerns related to regulating promotion of pharmaceutical products and there is notable evidence to suggest it has a significant impact health care workers’ decision-making. Investigations concerning health care workers to industry interactions are less common. The objective of this study is to determine levels of knowledge, attitude and perception towards regulation of pharmaceutical promotion among healthcare practitioners in Zimbabwe. MethodsA cross-sectional study was used and 330 healthcare practitioners were enrolled into the study. Data collection was done through combined face-to-face interviews and web-based online survey. The study was approved for ethics by the Joint Research Ethics Committee. We calculated the relative importance index score and use as a measure the of knowledge, attitude and perception levels towards pharmaceutical promotion. Univariate and bivariate analysis was performed using STATA software package. ResultsOur study estimated that 95%, 67%, and 90% of the healthcare practitioners in Zimbabwe have a favourable (i.e. >65%) relative importance index score of knowledge, attitudes, and perception, respectively, towards regulation of pharmaceutical promotion. Further exploration of the data indicated that the factors that had an association with the knowledge, attitude and perception levels towards regulation of pharmaceutical regulation at 5% level of significance include health care workers’ profession, gender, education level, the nature of the working institution and the number of prescriptions involved per week. ConclusionIn conclusion, the findings of this study highlighted that in general the health care workers in Zimbabwe have higher levels of knowledge, attitude and perception towards regulation of pharmaceutical promotion, though the attitudes levels was lower compared to other domains. Further studies aimed at understanding or evaluating various aspects for the regulation of pharmaceutical promotion are recommended in order to complement the findings of this study.
An Advanced Lyophilization Toward Intact Lipid Nanovesicles: Liquid-mediated Freezing With Cryoprotectant to Retain the Integrity of Lipid Nanovesicles
Authors: Yang Eunhye , Yu Hyunjong , Choi SungHak , Park Kyung-Min , Jung Ho-Sup , Chang Pahn-Shick
Published: September 2021

A novel lyophilization method using liquid-mediated freezing (LMF) with cryoprotectant (CPA) was designed to achieve intact lipid nanovesicles after lyophilization. During the freezing step, CPA prevented water supercooling, and the freezing rate was controlled by LMF. Regulating the freezing rate by various liquid media was a crucial determinant of membrane disruption, and isopropanol (freezing rate of 0.933°C/min) was the optimal medium for the LMF system. Lyophilized lipid nanovesicle using both LMF and CPA retained 92.9% of the core material and had uniform size distributions (Z-average diameter = 135.5 nm, polydispersity index = 0.074), similar to intact vesicles (112.3 nm and 0.184, respectively), after rehydration. Only lyophilized lipid nanovesicle using both LMF and CPA showed no changes in membrane fluidity and polarity. This lyophilization method can be applied to improve storage stability of lipid nanocarriers encapsulating drugs such as a mRNA vaccine, while retaining its original activity.
Comparative analysis of L-carnitine production by Yarrowia lipolytica in different culture conditions in biofuel waste and fatty acid-poor medium for commercial purposes
Authors: Jach Monika Elżbieta , Kubiński Konrad , Juda Marek , Sajnaga Ewa , Baj Tomasz , Malm Anna
Published: September 2021

Background

Yarrowia lipolytica is an oleaginous yeast with the ability to grow in a variety of hydrophilic and hydrophobic substrates, including industrial wastes, in which it produces and accumulates various nutrients.
Methods

The aim of the present study was to examine the presence of free L-carnitine in the biomasses of two Yarrowia lipolytica strains (A-101 and ATCC 9793) growing in biofuel waste and YPD medium. The cultivations of Y. lipolytica were performed in aerobic conditions at different temperatures (20–30°C) and pH values (4.0–7.0) of the media with and without the addition of precursors for L-carnitine production (trimethyllysine, iron, and L-ascorbic acid) in a laboratory scale or other substances (chromium, selenite, or zinc) in a pilot plant scale.
Results

Both tested Y. lipolytica strains grown in fatty acid-poor YPD medium contained endogenous free L-carnitine in their biomass with a maximum of 22.85 mg/100 g of wet biomass. The addition of L-carnitine precursors to the YPD medium exerted a significant effect on L-carnitine concentration in the yeast biomass, increasing it up to 250%. In turn, the biomass of both tested Y. lipolytica strains cultivated in the biofuel waste, irrespective of the culture conditions, contained below 1 mg of L-carnitine/100 g of wet biomass. However, the supplementation of the culture media with the L-carnitine precursors significantly increased the yield of the yeast biomass by 20–30% in the non-fermentable biofuel waste cultures. Moreover, the addition of chromium (III) chloride into the biofuel waste caused an increase in the free L-carnitine concentration in the yeast biomass up to 2.24 mg/100 g of dry weight.
Conclusion

Biomass of Y. lipolytica grown in the fat-poor medium contained free L-carnitine, in contrast to the biomass grown in the fat-rich biofuel waste. The very low amounts of L-carnitine in the biomass of Y. lipolytica grown in the crude biofuel waste suggest that the yeast is able to utilize almost the entire pool of free L-carnitine for growth and nutritional biomass production. However, the addition of chromium to the biofuel waste contributed to an increase in L-carnitine concentration in Y. lipolytica biomass.
The Beneficial Effects of Physical Running on Dendritic Spines and Amyloid-Beta Pathology in 3xTg-AD Mice
Authors: Xu Benke , He Yun , Liu Lian , Ye Guosheng , Chen Lulu , Wang Qingning , Chen Michael , Chen Yuncai , Long Dahong
Published: September 2021

Background: Memory loss is the key symptom of Alzheimer's disease (AD). As successful drug treatments have not yet been identified, non-pharmaceutical intervention, such as physical exercise has been recognized as an effective strategy to improve memory function of people with dementia. Here we investigated the effect of prolonged physical running on hippocampal-dependent spatial memory and underlying mechanisms in 3xTg-AD mouse, a well-established rodent model of Alzheimer's disease (AD).Methods: 3xTg-AD transgenic mice that bear three mutations of AD were used and compared with non-transgenic mice. Voluntary wheel running continued for 5 months (1 hour per day, 5 days per week), followed by spatial memory testing. At the end of behavior testing, dendritic spines, synapses, and synaptic proteins as well as amyloid-beta (Aβ) pathology were analyzed in dorsal hippocampus. Results: Running improved hippocampal-dependent spatial memory in 3xTg-AD mice. This running strategy prevented both thin and mushroom-type spines on CA1 pyramidal cells in 3xTg-AD mice, whereas the effects of running in non-transgenic mice were limited to thin spines. The enormous effects of running on spines were accompanied by increased synapses and higher expressions of synaptic proteins. Notably, running downregulated the processing of amyloid precursor protein, resulting in reduced Aβ peptides, and spatial memory performance correlated with levels of Aβ peptides including Aβ1-40 and Aβ1-42. Conclusion: These data suggest that prolonged running may improve memory in preclinical AD via slowing down amyloid pathology and preventing loss of synaptic contacts.
Hip Stability Parameters with Dual Mobility, Modular Dual Mobility and Fixed Bearing in Total Hip Arthroplasty: an Analytical Evaluation.
Authors: Tigani Domenico , Banci Lorenzo , Valtorta Riccardo , Amendola Luca
Published: September 2021

Background. Use of dual mobility in total hip arthroplasty has gained popularity due to the ability to reduce dislocation through increased jumping distance and impingement-free arc of movement. Recently, modular dual mobility systems were introduced to give the possibility to use dual mobility with standard metal-backed shells, however few has been studied to date regarding how jumping distance and the center of rotation changed with modular dual mobility. The objective of this study was to evaluate, through analythical simulation, how jumping distance and center of rotation change between dual mobility and standard cup with modular dual mobility or fixed bearings. Methods. 3D-models of dual mobility and standard press-fit cups with modular dual mobility or fixed bearings liners were used to simulate dual mobility, modular dual mobility and fixed bearings implant configurations, matched for same cup size, according to same cup position, different femoral head diameters. Jumping distance was calculated and center of rotation lateralization was measured for different sizes.Results. Jumping distance with modular dual mobility was reduced by -3.9mm to -8.6mm in comparison with dual mobility, from 48 to 64mm sizes. Jumping distance with modular dual mobility resulted comparable to jumping distance with polyethylene fixed bearings with Ø36mm femoral head but increased by +1.1mm and +1.4mm than jumping distance with ceramic fixed bearings with Ø36 and Ø40mm femoral heads for sizes >54mm. Modular dual mobility lateralized the center of rotation up to +2.5mm and +4.0mm in comparison with dual mobility and fixed bearings, respectively. Conclusions. Jumping distance with modular dual mobility resulted lower than dual mobility and comparable to fixed bearings polyethylene liner with Ø36mm femoral head for larger sizes. Modular dual mobility lateralized the center of rotation in comparison with both dual mobility and fixed bearings cups.
Hypoxia Induced HMMR Promotes the NSCLC Progression
Authors: can Duan Lin , lin Jiang Xiu , Lin Tan , xiao Yuan Yi , Juan Wang , qian Liu Qian , lan Zou Xiao
Published: September 2021

Background: Hyaluronan mediated motility receptor (also known as RHAMM) is another one of few defined hyaluronan receptors, play pivotal roles in cell growth. However, the functionof HMMR in lung adenocarcinoma remain unclear.Methods: HMMR expression was analyzed emoloyed the public databases, the prognosis of HMMR was analysis by prognoscan, KMplot and GEPIA databases. The GO and KEGG pathway was analysis by the DAVID and GSEA software. The correlation between the HMMR expression was analysis by the TIMER databases, the gene and protein networks was analysis by Genemania and STRING databases, the DNA methylation was analysis by the MethSurv and UALCAN databases. The expression of HMMR was analysis by IHC and qPCR, the function of HMMR on cell proliferation and migration was examine by the cell growth curve, clone information, transwell and wound healing assay.Results: in this study, we find that HMMR was elevated in LUAD and it’s highly expression associated with the poor prognosis and lymph node metastasis. Furthermore, the expression of HMMR was induced by hypoxia in LUAD. HMMR expression level not only positively correlation with the different immune cells, but also positively correlation with the expression of immune checkpoints related gene. Finally, depletion of HMMR significantly represses the cell growth and migration of NSCLC. We also found that the HOXB7/TMPO-AS1/Let-7b-5p axis mediated high expression of HMMR in NSCLC, depletion of TMPO-AS1 and over-expression the Let-7b-5p would result in decreased the expression of HMMR in NSCLC cells, the TMPO-AS1 was positively with the HMMR and negatively related to the Let-7b-5p in NSCLC. Overall, this study emphasized the significance of HOXB7/TMPO-AS1/Let-7b-5p axis mediated high expression of HMMR in cancer progression and Immune infiltration of LUAD.Conclusions: we demonstrated HMMR was elevated in LUAD and positively relation to poor prognosis. We find the hypoxia microenvironment and DNA hypomethylation able to up-regulation of the HMMR expression. Additionally, HMMR expression was positive with the diverse immune cell and immune regulator related gene in LUAD. Finally, we found that depletion of HMMR was inhibits the cell proliferation and migration ability of NSCLC cells. These findings suggest that HMMR could be served as a biomarker for prognosis and immune infiltration in LUAD.
A Novel Sub-pixel Refinement Method for Fillet Weld Under Structured Light Vision
Authors: Chen Shengfeng , Chen Bing , Liu Jian
Published: September 2021

Intelligent welding robots based on structured light vision are widely used in industrial production. With the demands of low cost, miniaturization and flexibility, the development of embedded structured light vision systems for seam tracking is a general trend. The core is how to efficiently and precisely position weld seam with low-configuration hardware. Sub-pixel refinement can break through the limitation of physical resolution, while also reducing hardware cost to achieve the required accuracy. To fill the gap in the sub-pixel refinement for fillet weld joint, a novel sub-pixel refinement method for fillet weld joint under structured light vision is proposed, which can sub-pixel refine the fillet weld joint under various working conditions. The main novelties of the proposed method include: (1) a novel sub-pixel refinement method for fillet weld joint by using Mean Shift, weighted least square and directional maximum projection is proposed, which is robust, universal, and accurate. (2) A directional maximum projection algorithm for refining weld is proposed for the first time. (3) The method can accurately refine fillet weld joint with low-resolution image. The proposed method is robust, universal, and accurate, and as demonstrated by the following performances: the average and maximum bias are 0.73 and 3 pixels in the accurate test, positioning accuracy rate is 100% in the test of noise-free, rusty, highly reflective and arc radiation-and-spatter working conditions. the method can be expanded to a common sub-pixel refinement method for structured light intersections through simple transformation.