bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Validating the Quality of Prenatal Care Questionnaire (QPCQ-P) in an Iranian Sample of Pregnant Mothers: A Methodological Study
Authors: Zakeri Mohammad Ali , Khoram Somaye , Bazmandegan Gholamreza , Ramezani Najmeh , Talebi Batol , Dehghan Mahlagha
Published: February 2022

Background: The quality of prenatal care is preventive health care that improves the health outcomes of women and infants. A comprehensive questionnaire can be used to assess the quality of prenatal care as well as to identify and investigate mother-child health outcomes. Method: In this cross-sectional study, 329 mothers were selected in Rafsanjan, Iran, from May 2019 to February 2020. The validity and reliability of the Quality of Prenatal Care Questionnaire- Persian (QPCQ-P) were determined using criterion validity, Cronbach’s alpha, and test-retest reliability. Internal consistency, test-retest reliability, and cross-validation with the Quality of Life-BREF (WHOQOL-BREF) were calculated.Results: The internal consistency of the QPCQ-P is good (α = 0.936) and the item-rest-correlations are fairly good [ICC of 0.476 and confidence interval (CI): 0.20-0.68]. The WHOQOL-BREF and QPCQ-P scores were found to be positively correlated (r = 0.371, p ≤ 0.001). Conclusion: This study demonstrates that the QPCQ-P is a reliable and valid measure for the quality of prenatal care. The QPCQ-P scale can be used to identify appropriate care strategies for pregnant mothers.
Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Study on Adolescents’ Stress, Anxiety, and Family Communication
Authors: Çetin Zeynep , Ata Samet
Published: February 2022

This study, which included eight adolescents, was planned as a qualitative study on the stress, anxiety and family communication experienced by adolescents during the COVID-19 pandemic. To collect data, this research was conducted in-depth with case-study from qualitative methods, and a questionnaire was carried out through open-ended interviews by taking the opinions of field experts. In this direction, four models were created and an in-depth analysis of the models was made. According to the results, while the COVID-19 pandemic has led to higher levels of stress and anxiety, it has also revealed both positive and negative aspects in the adolescents’ communication with their families. It has been observed that the lack of communication of adolescents’ with their peers because of social isolation may cause negative effects on them.
Construction and validation of a TRP-related long noncoding RNA signature for prognosis prediction in breast cancer patients
Authors: Guo Qiaonan , Qiu Pengjun , Pan Kelun , Chen Jianpeng , Wang Baiwei , Lin Jianqing
Published: February 2022

Background: Breast cancer (BC) is the most diagnosed malignancy in women around the word. Accumulating evidence suggest that transient receptor potential (TRP) channels play significant role in tumor progression and immune cell infiltration. Nevertheless, the relationship between TRP channels and tumor immune microenvironment of BC is still unclear. Hence, we conducted the study to investigate the correlation between TRP-associated lncRNAs and the prognosis of breast carcinoma. Method: 33 TRP-associated genes were selected from a review published by Amrita Samanta et al. and the TRP-related lncRNAs were identified by the Pearson analysis. Based on the sum of the expression levels of 12 lncRNAs, provided by The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), a TRP-associated-lncRNA signature was established by use of Cox regression analysis. According to the median value of risk score in training set, BC patients were separated into high- and low-risk groups. Subsequently, the functional enrichment analysis was conducted in the differential expression genes (DEGs) between different risk groups. The ESTIMATE Score was calculated by ESTIMATE and the immune cell infiltration was evaluated by ssGSEA. Finally, the immune checkpoint genes expression levels, microsatellite instable (MSI) and the immunophenoscore (IPS) were further assessed.Results: The high-risk groups exhibited lower survival rates while the low-risk groups shown higher survival rates. The DEGs between different risk groups were highly enriched in immune cell activation and immunoregulation. Besides, the ESTIMATE scores of patients in low-risk groups were higher than those in high-risk groups. The infiltration levels of several immune cells were remarkably elevated in low-risk groups and various immune signatures were activated with the decreased risk score. Eventually, the TRP-associated lncRNAs signature was confirmed with highly potential ability to evaluate the immunotherapy response in breast carcinoma patients. Conclusion: The outcomes of current study indicated that the 12-TRP-associate-lncRNA risk model was an independent prognostic risk factor for BC patients. This risk model could be closely related to the tumor immune microenvironment in BC. Our findings will provide a new insight for future immunotherapy for BC treatment.
Molecular and Biochemical Studies of Gamma Irradiated Rates Treated by Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Natural Antioxidant
Authors: Mahmoud Ashraf Z. , El.Sawi M. R. , Habza M. N.
Published: February 2022

Purpose: Therapeutic effect of mesenchymal stem cells transplantation (MSCs) and natural antioxidant such as silymarin have been postulated as hepato-protectors against ionizing radiation induced harm. The present study was undertaken to evaluate the protective effect of (MSCs) and silymarin to ameliorate damage caused by gamma radiation. Materials and methods: Three days before irradiation, rats were given silymarin at a dose of 70 mg/kg dissolved in distilled water and continued for another 21 days. One day after gamma irradiation at a dose level of 4Gy, male rats were transplanted by bone marrow mesenchymal stem cells (BMMSCs) through intravenous injection. Results: One and three weeks after irradiation, irradiated animals receiving transplanted mesenchymal stem cells (TMSCs) and silymarin seperatly or with each other exhibited a pronounced elevation in liver antioxidant such as Glutathione (GSH) superoxide dismutase (SOD), glutathione –S- transferase (GST), total antioxidant capacity (TAC), catalase (CAT) and glucose-6-phosphate dehydrogenase (G-6-PDase) activity accompanied with significantdecline in lipid peroxidation and hydrogen peroxide levels in comparing with irradiated rats. Moreover, RAPD-PCR with primers OP-B10 and OP-B14 exhibited strong and different banding patterns in all treated rats compared to untreated control rats after 1 and 3 weeks of treatment.Conclusion: Treatment with MSCs and silymarin possess a radio protective capacity against ionizing-radiation induced oxidative stress and organ injury.
Oral etoposide and trastuzumab in HER2-positive metastatic breast cancer: a retrospective study at Institut Curie Hospitals.
Authors: Lerebours Florence , Chalumeau Clelia , Carton Matthieu , Eeckhoutte Alexandre , Ballet Stelly , Vincent-Salomon Anne , Vuagnat Perrine , Bellesoeur Audrey , Pierga Jean-Yves , Stern Marc-Henri , Bidard Francois-Clement
Published: February 2022

Background: The TOP2A and ERBB2 genes are co-amplified in about 40% of HER2 positive (HER2+) breast cancers. Oral etoposide (VP16), an inhibitor of topoisomerase-II (encoded by TOP2A), has demonstrated clinical activity in metastatic breast cancer (MBC). However, the clinical benefit of oral VP16 combined with trastuzumab (VP16-T) in HER2+ MBC has not been evaluated.Methods: Patients treated at Institut Curie Hospitals with VP16-T for HER2+ MBC were retrieved by an in-silico search. Trained medical oncologists retrospectively assessed progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS), response rate, prolonged PFS (defined as a duration of at least 6 months), 6 months clinical benefit rate and toxicity. Co-amplification of ERBB2 and TOP2A was assessed by shallow whole genome sequencing on tumor tissue whenever available.Results: Forty-three patients received VP16-T after a median number of six prior treatment lines for HER2+ MBC. Median PFS and OS were 2.9 months (95% CI [2.4-4.7]) and 11.3 months (95% CI [8.3-25.0]), respectively. Three patients had a complete response while 12/40 (30%) had a clinical benefit. Only 3 patients stopped treatment for toxicity. Median PFS in the population with and without TOP2A/ERBB2 co-amplification was respectively 4.7 months (95% CI [2.3-NA]) and 2.9 months (95% CI [1.2-NA]; p=0.36).Conclusion: Our analysis suggests a favorable efficacy and toxicity profile for VP16-T in patients with heavily pretreated HER2+ MBC.
Synecological response of desert spring benthic prokaryotes and macroinvertebrates to Sierra Nevada roof pendant-derived calcium
Authors: Friel Ariel D. , Pordel Khaled , Meyers Zach , Seymour Cale O. , Thomas Nicole J. , Phillips Fred M. , Knott Jeffrey R. , Sada Donald W. , Rademacher Laura , Frisbee Marty , Hedlund Brian P.
Published: February 2022

Despite the ecological significance of desert springs, little is known about relationships between spring hydrogeochemistry and ecology, particularly over multiple trophic levels. Here, we surveyed microbial communities (bacteria and archaea) and benthic macroinvertebrate (BMI) communities in springs that recharge through granitoid rocks in Owens Valley, CA, to determine whether subtle geochemical differences imparted by Paleozoic roof pendant weathering in the source area affects spring ecosystems. Relative to other springs, roof pendant-recharged springs were characterized by elevated: (i) Ca2+/Na+, Ca2+/Mg2+, and divalent/monovalent cation ratios, (ii) relative abundance of benthic aerobes/facultative anaerobes and holdfast/stalked bacteria, and (iii) abundance and diversity of shredder and collector-gatherer BMIs. These BMI feeding groups graze on biofilm communities and stimulate bacterial degradation of particulate organic matter, consistent with extensive bacteria-BMI connections in co-occurrence networks of these springs. Springs not impacted by roof pendants were instead enriched with anaerobes and chemolithotrophs and low-diversity BMI communities with poor bacteria-BMI network connectivity. We speculate that excess Ca2+ derived from roof pendant weathering plays a key role in biofilm formation on coarse granite substrates, with subsequent synergy between benthic microbial biofilms and diverse BMI shredders/collector-gatherers to degrade allochthonous organic material.
Deep brain stimulation re-imagined: An ultra-low frequency spike timing dependent plasticity-based approach for treating alcohol use disorder
Authors: Asp Anders , Boschen Suelen Lucio , Chang Su-Youne , Lujan J. Luis
Published: February 2022

Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is a chronic relapsing brain disorder characterized by an impaired ability to stop or control alcohol consumption despite adverse social, occupational, or health consequences. AUD affects nearly one-third of adults at some point during their lives, with an associated cost of approximately $249 billion annually in the U.S. alone. The effects of alcohol consumption are expected to increase significantly during the COVID-19 pandemic, with alcohol sales increased by approximately 54%, potentially exacerbating health concerns and risk-taking behaviors. Unfortunately, existing pharmacological and behavioral therapies for AUD have historically been associated with poor success rates, with approximately 40% of individuals relapsing within three years of treatment. Pre-clinical studies have shown that chronic alcohol consumption leads to significant changes in synaptic function within the dorsal medial striatum (DMS), one of the brain regions associated with AUD and responsible for mediating goal-directed behavior. Specifically, chronic alcohol consumption has been associated with hyperactivity of dopamine receptor 1 (D1) medium spiny neurons (MSN) and hypoactivity of dopamine receptor 2 (D1) MSNs within the DMS. Optogenetic, chemogenetic, and transgenic approaches have demonstrated that reducing the D1/D2 MSN signaling imbalance decreases alcohol self-administration in rodent models of AUD. Here, we present an electrical stimulation approach that uses ultra-low (≤ 1Hz) frequency (ULF) spike-timing dependent plasticity (STDP) in mouse models of AUD to reduce DMS D1/D2 MSN signaling imbalances by stimulating D1-MSN afferents into the GPi and ACC glutamatergic projections to the DMS in a time-locked stimulation sequence. Our data suggest that GPi/ACC ULF-STDP selectively decreases DMS D1-MSN hyperactivity leading to reduced alcohol consumption without evoking undesired affective behaviors using electrical stimulation rather than approaches requiring genetic modification. This work represents a step towards fulfilling the unmet need for a reliable method of treating severe AUD through cell-type specific control with clinically available neuromodulation tools.
Incidence and non-union rate of tibia fractures in adults with Osteogenesis Imperfecta: a retrospective cohort study of an expert clinic of 402 patients with 42 fractures.
Authors: Munk Simone , Harsevoort Gerrit Jan , Gooijer Koert , Edens Mireille , Franken Antonius , Janus Guus
Published: February 2022

Purpose Tibia fractures are the most common fractures seen in adults and also lead to the most non-unions. Osteogenesis Imperfecta (OI) is characterized by an increased bone fragility and a higher risk of fractures. No previous studies have been published concerning the incidence of tibia fractures and non-unions in adults with OI. This study aims to give an overview of the incidence of tibia fractures and non-unions in adult OI patients. MethodsIt is a retrospective, descriptive study where all medical charts of adult patients in the OI database of our OI expert clinic were analyzed for tibia fractures between 2008 and 2020. Tibia fracture incidence, non-union rate, treatment modality and potential risk factors were determined.ResultsThe database consisted of 402 patients of which 34 patients had suffered one or more tibia fractures, resulting in 42 fractures. The incidence of a tibia fracture in OI adults is 870 per 100.000 person-years. Two out of 42 fractures led to a non-union (5%). It was not possible to adjust for risk factors or type of treatment. ConclusionThere is a higher incidence of tibia fractures in OI patients, but a comparable non-union rate to the general population. With only 2 non-unions it is not possible to draw conclusions on the influence of risk factors or treatment of tibia fractures in OI.
Daily blood pressure profile and blood–brain barrier permeability in patients with cerebral small vessel disease
Authors: Dobrynina L. A. , Shamtieva K. V. , Kremneva E. I. , Zabitova M. R. , Akhmetzyanov B. M. , Gnedovskaya E. V. , Krotenkova M. V.
Published: February 2022

BackgroundCerebral small vessel disease (CSVD) plays an important role in cognitive impairment (CI), stroke, disability and death. Arterial hypertension (AH) is the main risk factor for CSVD. The use of antihypertensive therapy (AHT) has not resulted in the expected decrease in CSVD complications, which may be related to the underestimation of significance of daily blood pressure profile for blood–brain barrier (BBB) permeability. Methods53 patients with CSVD of varying severity (mean age 60.086.8 years, 69.8% women, subjects with long-standing AH vs. normotensive subjects – 84.8% vs. 15.2%) and 17 healthy volunteers underwent ambulatory blood pressure monitoring (ABPM) and MRI, including T1-weighted dynamic contrast-enhanced magnetic resonance imaging (DCE-MRI) for assessing BBB permeability. ResultsMost of ABPM parameters in CSVD patients did not differ from controls, but were associated with the severity of white matter hyperintensity (WMH) and the total CSVD score. BBB permeability in normal-appearing white matter (NAWM) and grey matter (GM) was significantly higher in CSVD patients, and the severity of BBB permeability remained similar in patients with different stages of WMH. Among BBB permeability parameters, the area under the curve, corresponding to an increase in the contrast transit time in NAWM, had the greatest number of correlations with deviations of ABPM parameters. ConclusionBBB permeability in CSVD is a universal mechanism of NAWM and GM damage associated with a slight increase in ABPM parameters. It is obvious that the treatment of AH in patients with not severe WMH should be more aggressive and carried out under the control of ABPM.
Postoperative hyperprogression disease of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma after curative resection: A retrospective cohort study.
Authors: Zou Siyi , Wang Xinjing , Chen Haoda , Lin Jiewei , Wen Chenlei , Zhan Qian , Chen Hao , Lu Xiongxiong , Deng Xiaxing , Shen Baiyong
Published: February 2022

Background: Prognosis for patients recurred rapidly after resection of pancreatic ductal adenocarcinoma (PDAC) was extremely poor. We proposed the concept of postoperative hyper-progression disease (PO-HPD) to define recurrence within 2 months after surgery, explored the role of surgery for postoperative HPD patients and determined the predictive preoperative risk factors and genomic features of PO-HPD. Methods: 976 patients undergoing curative resection of PDAC were enrolled. Survival data of 1733 stage IV patients from the US Surveillance, Epidemiology and End Results database was also collected. Patients relapsed were grouped into 3 groups regarding of the recurrence time (within 2 months were PO-HPD, within 2 to 12 months were early recurrence (ER) and within >12 months were late recurrence (LR)). Risk factors for PO-HPD were explored with logistic regression models. Genomic features of 113 patients were investigated using next-generation sequencing-based gene panel testing. Results: 718 of 976 cases relapsed, 101were PO-HPD, 418 were ER and 199 were LR. Total survival of PO-HPD was 12.5 months, shorter than that of ER (16.7 months) and LR (35.1 months), and verged on that of stage IV patients (10.6 months). Preoperative risk factors for PO-HPD included red blood cell count <3.94*10^12/L, CA19-9≥288.6 U/mL, CA125≥22.3 U/mL and tumor size≥3.45cm. Mutations of CEBPA, ATR and JAK1 were only identified in PO-HPD and they owned lower level of CN gain compared to others. Conclusions: Prognosis of PO-HPD was extremely poor and the role of surgery for PO-HPD should be prudently assessed.
Efficient World-Line-Based Quantum Monte Carlo Method Without Hubbard-Stratonovich Transformation
Authors: Wang J. , Pan W. , Sun D. Y.
Published: February 2022

By precisely writing down the matrix element of the local Boltzmann operator (e-th, where h is the Hermitian conjugate pairs of off-diagonal operators), we have proposed a new path integral formulation for quantum field theory and developed a corresponding Monte Carlo algorithm. With current formula, the Hubbard–Stratonovich transformation is not necessary, and is not based on the determinant approach, which can improve the computational efficiency. The results show that, the simulation time has the square-law scaling with system sizes, which is comparable with the usual first-principle calculation. The current formula also improves the accuracy of the Suzuki–Trotter decomposition. As an example, we have studied the one-dimensional half-filled Hubbard model at finite temperature. The obtained results are in excellent agreement with the known solutions. The new formula and Monte Carlo algorithm can be used in various studies.
Early Assessment of Ventricular Synchronization and Function After Left Bundle-Branch-Area Pacing with Right Bundle-Branch Block
Authors: Zhao Ruohan , Xiong Feng , Deng Xiaoqi , Wang Shuzhen , Liu Chunxia , Xu Min , Tan Kunyue , Wang Xiuxiu
Published: February 2022

AimTo evaluate ventricular synchronization and function in patients with right bundle-branch block after left bundle-branch-area pacing (LBBAP) by echocardiography.MethodsForty patients who successfully received LBBAP were selected and divided into the right bundle-branch block group (RBBB group) and the non-RBBB group by pre-operation ECG. Echocardiography and follow-up were performed 1 month after operation. Interventricular synchronization was evaluated by tissue Doppler (TDI), tissue mitral annular displacement (TMAD), and interventricular mechanical delay (IVMD). The tricuspid annular plane systolic excursion (TAPSE), right ventricular fractional area change(RVFAC), tricuspid annulus sidewall systolic velocity (TV-s’) ,global ventricular longitudinal strain(GLS) ,right ventricular free wall longitudinal strain(LS-RV) , standard deviation of left ventricular 18 segments peak time difference(SDt-L) and standard deviation of right ventricular free wall 3 segments peak time difference(SDt-R) were applied to evaluate intraventricular synchronization and ventricular function.ResultsThe deviation of displacement peak time of the tricuspid and mitral valves, namely ΔPTTV-MV measured by TMAD, the deviation of systolic time to peak of the tricuspid and mitral valves, namely ΔTsTV-MV measured by TDI, were statistically different between the two groups (P < 0.05). (2) Compared with the non-RBBB group, there were no statistically significant differences in the GLS, RVFAC, LS-R,TAPSE, TV-s’, SDt-L, SDt-R (P > 0.05).ConclusionEchocardiography technology including two-dimensional speckle tracking imaging (2D-STI), TDI, and TMAD can effectively analyze interventricular synchronization, intraventricular synchronization, and ventricular function. Although the movement of the right ventricular myocardium in the RBBB group was slightly later than that of the left ventricular myocardium after LBBAP, LBBAP could still be applied in RBBB patients with pacing indication.
Measurement Of Energy Poverty In The Colombian Caribbean Region: Comparative Analysis.
Authors: Bayona-Velásquez Etna , Pirela-Ríos Ana , Alvarez José Ricardo Núñez , Marín-Giraldo Ever
Published: February 2022

This research aims to analyze the level of energy poverty and its consequences on the quality of life of the population of the Colombian Caribbean, comparing the results obtained in this region with the data corresponding to the people of Bogotá, the capital of Colombia, and the rest from the country. Energy poverty is the deprivation of goods and services that meet basic needs for the non-use of electricity, which affects the health, education, and social inclusion of the affected population. This study applied the method of meeting absolute energy needs, determining the Energy Poverty in the Home (PEH) index. The results indicate that energy-poor households exceed 60% in urban areas and 96% in rural areas, linking energy poverty and school dropout.
A Study of Isothermal Mechanical Fatigue of Welded Reactor Steel (15H2MFA)
Authors: Keba Degu Fedesa , Thanganadar Ashokkumar , Abishini A. H.
Published: February 2022

In material science and engineering the fatigue of metal is quite difficult to deal with and that of welded joint is an even more complex phenomenon. This complexity arises from different main factors: thermal cycles during welding, which will strongly affect the base material and induce residual stresses and distortion, the fusion process with the filler metal leads to heterogeneity to microstructure which will affect or change the original mechanical properties and chemical composition through out of the welded joint. In this study isothermal mechanical fatigue of welded reactor steel has been contemplated. The samples of the welded joint have used in this study is 15H2MFA steel type of VVER-440 reactor pressure vessel operating at Paks Nuclear Power Plant, Hungary. The reactor vessel is made of low-alloy heat resistant steel and austenitic steel with a corrosion-resistant inner (clad) surface. Reactor pressure vessel (RPV) made of 2 ¼ Cr -1Mo-V bainitic steel having a good mechanical strength and creep resistance.
Ex vivo effect of JAK inhibition on JAK-STAT1 pathway hyperactivation in patients with dominant negative STAT3 mutations
Authors: Neth Olaf , Lobo Pilar Blanco , Hernández Paloma Guisado , Casaled Isabel Villaoslada , Carrillo Beatriz de Felipe , Carreras Carmen , Rodriguez Hector , Carazo-Gallego Begoña , Echevarria Ana Méndez- , Lucena José Manuel , Aljaro Pilar Ortiz , Castro María José , Noguera-Uclés José Francisco , Milner Joshua D. , McCann Katelyn , Zimmerman Ofer , Freeman Alejandra F. , Lionakis Michail S. , Holland Steven M. , Olbrich Peter
Published: February 2022

Purpose: STAT1 gain-of-function (GOF) and dominant negative (DN) STAT3 syndromes share clinical manifestations including infectious and inflammatory manifestations. Targeted treatment with Janus-kinase (JAK) inhibitors show promising results in treating STAT1 GOF-associated symptoms whilst management of DN STAT3 patients has been largely supportive. We here assessed the impact of ruxolitinib on the JAK-STAT1/3 pathway in DN STAT3 patients’ cells. Methods: Using flow cytometry, immunoblot, qPCR and ELISA techniques, we examined the levels of basal STAT1 and phosphorylated STAT1 (pSTAT1) of cells obtained from DN STAT3, STAT1 GOF patients and healthy donors following stimulation with type I/II interferons (IFNs) or interleukin (IL)-6. We also describe the impact of ruxolitinib on cytokine-induced STAT1 signaling in these patients.Results: DN STAT3 and STAT1 GOF resulted in a similar phenotype characterized by increased STAT1 and pSTAT1 levels in response to IFNα (CD3+ cells) and IFNg (CD14+ monocytes). STAT1-downstream gene expression and C-X-C motif chemokine 10 secretion were higher in most DN STAT3 patients upon stimulation compared to healthy controls. Ex vivo treatment with the JAK1/2-inhibitor ruxolitinib reduced cytokine responsiveness and normalized STAT1 phosphorylation in DN STAT3 and STAT1 GOF patient’ cells. In addition, ex vivo treatment was effective in modulating STAT1 downstream signaling in DN STAT3 patients.Conclusion: In the absence of effective targeted treatment options for AD-HIES at present, modulation of the JAK/STAT1 pathway with JAK inhibitors may be further explored particularly in those AD-HIES patients with autoimmune and/or autoinflammatory manifestations.
Efficacy of early goal-directed therapy using FloTrac/EV1000 to improve postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing off-pump coronary artery bypass surgery: a randomized controlled trial
Authors: Tribuddharat Sirirat , Sathitkarnmanee Thepakorn , Ngamsangsirisup Kriangsak , Sornpirom Sanpicha
Published: February 2022

Background: Early goal-directed therapy (EGDT) using FloTrac reduced length of stay (LOS) in intensive care (ICU) and hospital among patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) with a cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). However, this platform in off-pump CABG (OPCAB) has received scant attention, so we evaluated the efficacy of EGDT using FloTrac/EV1000 as a modality for improving postoperative outcomes in patients undergoing OPCAB.Methods: Forty patients undergoing OPCAB were randomized to the EV1000 or Control group. The Control group received fluid, inotropic, or vasoactive drugs (at the discretion of the attending anesthesiologist) to maintain a mean arterial pressure 65-90 mmHg; central venous pressure 8-12 mmHg; urine output ≥ 0.5 mL·kg-1·h-1; SpO2 > 95%; and hematocrit ≥ 30%. The EV1000 group achieved identical targets using information from the FloTrac/EV1000. The goals included stroke volume variation (SVV) < 13%; stroke volume index (SVI) of 33-65 mL·beat-1·m-2 and cardiac index (CI) of 2.2-4.0 L·min-1·m-2; and systemic vascular resistance index (SVRI) of 1,500‑2,500 dynes s-1·cm-5·m-2.Results: The EV1000 group had a shorter LOS in ICU (mean difference -31.6 h, 95% CI -42.8 to -20.3; P < 0.001). The ventilator time for both groups was comparable (P = 0.316), but the hospital stay for the EV1000 group was shorter (mean difference -1.4 d, 95% CI -2.1 to -0.6; P < 0.001).Conclusions: EGDT using FloTrac/EV1000 compared to conventional protocol reduces LOS in ICU and hospital among patients undergoing OPCAB.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered at www.ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04292951) on 3 March 2020.
The Prevalence of Depression and Anxiety in Women with Ovarian Cancer: An Updated Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Cross-Sectional Studies
Authors: Ghamari Darya , Dehghanbanadaki Hojat , Amini Elnaz Ezzati , Nouri Elham , Baiezeedi Sheno , Azami Mobin , Khateri Sorour , Moradi Yousef
Published: February 2022

Background: This study aimed to determine the pooled prevalence of anxiety and depression in women with ovarian cancer.Methods: Databases (PubMed [Medline], Scopus, Web of Science, Embase, and PsycInfo) were searched to retrieve all cross-sectional studies between July 2013 and October 2021. All analyses were performed using STATA 16, and the random-effects model was applied to calculate the pooled prevalence with a 95% confidence interval (95%CI).Results: Out of the 18 selected cross-sectional studies, 17 reported depression prevalence, and 16 reported anxiety prevalence in women with ovarian cancer. The pooled prevalence of depression and anxiety was 27% (95%CI: 14%-41%; I2=69.44%) and 33% (95%CI: 21%-44%; I2=78.55%), respectively.Conclusion: Based on this result, the prevalence of depression and anxiety in women with ovarian cancer was higher than in the healthy female population. Thus, health policymakers should provide the facilities for doing more studies such as cohorts to measure the effect of various treatments or interventions to reduce the mental disorders in women with ovarian cancer.
Evaluation of Mercury, Arsenic, Lead and Cadmium in River Water Intended for Human Consumption as a Consequence of Mining Activities.
Authors: ZEA ANGELICA , ANGAMARCA DIEGO , VALAREZO LEIVER
Published: February 2022

The vast majority of mineral deposits that exist in Ecuador are located in the Andean zone, and in this sense it is important to carry out permanent monitoring of heavy metals present in the soil, and mainly in the water, especially in places where One of its economic activities is mining, with this background this work is based on monitoring potentially toxic elements: Mercury, Arsenic, Lead and Cadmium, these being the main ones that cause damage to the health of the population due to their toxic effects , the monitoring of these toxic elements is carried out in the upper basin of the Santa Rosa River, this place is selected due to the mining activity that exists in the Santa Rosa canton, province of El Oro-Ecuador, 10 sampling points are selected to the along 81 kilometers of the river basin and samples are included in the water plant, the same one that is destined for human consumption, the analysis of the samples was carried out by E Atomic Emission Spectroscopy with Inductive Coupling Plasma (ICP-AES), the results obtained show contamination of the water resource, according to the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), and INEN 1108, World Health Organization ( WHO), and the applied surveys show the use of this water in different activities, both domestic and agricultural, therefore the objective of this work is to raise awareness in the community in general about the importance of taking care of the water resource and taking all preventive measures for public health.
Changes In Corneal Surface Aberrations And Nerve Density After Cataract Surgery Of Patients With Dry Eye Disease
Authors: Jing Dalan , Jiang Xiaodan , Chou Yilin , Wei Shanshan , Hao Ran , Su Jie , Li Xuemin
Published: February 2022

Purpose: To evaluate the change patterns in corneal aberrations and nerve density after cataract surgery in dry eye disease (DED).Methods: One hundred and six eyes of 69 patients with dry eye were included in this study. The preoperative, 1-month and 3-month postoperative dry eye-related indices were obtained by the Oculus keratograph and the ocular surface disease index (OSDI) questionnaire. The corneal aberrations and corneal surface regularity indices were measured using a Pentacam HR system. In vivo confocal microscopy (ICVM) was performed to observe sub-basal corneal nerves of vortex and superior periphery, and corneal endothelial number. An artificial intelligence (AI) technique run by the deep learning model generated the sub-basal nerve fibre parameters.Results: One hundred and six eyes of 69 patients with DED (mean age, 69.32±8.91 years) were recruited. Corneal aberrations on the anterior and total corneal surfaces increased significantly at 1 month after surgery compared with the baseline values but gradually returned to the baseline by 3 months after surgery. Significant changes in posterior corneal HOAs occurred at 1-month and 3-month. Corneal endothelial cells decreased continuously until 3 months after operation. There were significantly lessen in corneal vortical nerve maximum length and average density after operation, these damages were present after 3 months. But for corneal peripheral nerve, these damages lasted only 1 month after operation. The corneal vortical nerve maximum length and average density were negatively correlated with anterior corneal surface aberrations before and one month after surgery. Conclusions: After cataract surgery, changes in corneal aberrations occurred mainly both on the anterior and posterior surface. However, the change of posterior lasts longer. The corneal vortical nerve maximum length and average density are reduced after cataract surgery in patients with DED. Although the anterior corneal aberration will recover one month after cataract surgery, the dry eye state continues to worsen. IVCM is a useful tool to evaluate corneal sub-basal nerve changes in dry eye patients before and after cataract operation.
Efficiency of lactoferrin to eradicate multidrug resistant Staphylococcus aureus isolated from some dairy products
Authors: Habty Sayed H. Al , Ali Dina N.
Published: February 2022

Back ground: This study aimed to investigate Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in some dairy products, Genotypically and phenotypically antibiotic resistance pattern as well as to evaluate the effectiveness of lactoferrin (LF) as a bio preservative for yoghurt. Methods: A total of 150 samples from yoghurt, ice cream and Damietta cheese (50 for each) in Assiut city, Egypt. Antimicrobial susceptibility against antibiotics commonly used in human and animals was tested using the disc diffusion method, S. aureus isolates, PCR was applied on multidrug resistant (MDR) S. aureus isolates for detection of blaz, mecA and VanA genesResults: The highest prevalence S. aureus was detected in yoghurt (38%) followed by Damietta cheese (30%) and ice cream (14%). Antimicrobial susceptibility against antibiotics S. aureus isolates showed high resistance to tetracycline, penicillin, oxacillin, ampicillin, streptomycin, amoxicillin/clavulanate and neomycin, in different percentages. blaz, mecA and VanA genes were detected at 60% for blaz gene, 40% for mecA gene and 20% for vanA gene. Lactoferrin has a satisfactory antibacterial activity MIC at 20mg/ml and MLC at 40mg/ml. The results revealed that 40mg/ml LF in yoghurt could inhibit MDR S. aureus at 2nd day while, 20mg/ml at the fourth day.Conclusion: The study concluded that LF can be used as a bio preservative in yoghurt due to its highest antimicrobial activity and acceptable sensorial properties.
Distance for communication between metal and acid sites
Authors: Li Yubing , Wang Mengheng , Liu Suhan , Wu Fangwei , Zhang Qinghong , Zhang Shuhong , Cheng Kang , Wang Ye
Published: February 2022

Unraveling the proximity influence between different sites in tandem catalysis is particularly challenging. Herein, we evaluate the distance effect on the communication between metal and acid sites in a methanol-mediated syngas conversion system. A series of catalysts composed of ZnZrOx and zeolites with different proximity levels from millimeter- to nanoscale-scale were evaluated in the syngas to olefins (STO), gasoline (STG), and aromatics (STA) reactions. The distance requirements are dependent on the diffusivity of reaction intermediates and the formation mechanism of products. The STO and STG reactions follow a simple tandem mechanism, which is not sensitive to the distance as long as the gaseous methanol could fast diffuse to acid sites. Whereas a synergistic tandem mechanism for syngas to aromatics is evidenced, i.e., the dehydro-aromatization step must be promoted by the intimate contact of metal and acid sites to eliminate the surface hydrogen species formed on zeolites.
Prognostic Evaluation Based on Dual Time 18F-FDG PET/CT Radiomics Features in Patients with Locally Advanced Pancreatic Cancer Treated by Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy
Authors: Wang Fei , Ren Shengnan , Liu Zhaobang , Yang Xiaodong , Wu Zhongyi , Wang Tao , Cheng Chao , Zuo Changjing , Yan Zhuangzhi
Published: February 2022

Background
The prognosis of pancreatic cancer is very poor. We aim to explore the prognostic value of radiomics features from dual time 18F-FDG PET/CT images for locally advanced pancreatic cancer (LAPC) patients treated with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT).
Materials and Methods
This retrospective study included 59 LAPC patients who received early and delayed 18F-FDG PET/CT scans before SBRT treatment. Patients were divided into a training cohort: n = 40, and a validation cohort: n = 19. A total of 1188 quantitative imaging features were extracted from dual time 18F-FDG PET/CT images. To avoid over-fitting, the univariate analysis and elastic net were used to obtain a sparse set of image features, that were applied to develop a radiomics score (Rad-score). Then the Rad-score was used to constructed prognosis models to predict the overall survival (OS) of patients, and stratify the patients. The univariate analysis and multivariate analysis were used to assess the correlation of OS. The Harrell consistency index (C-index) was used to evaluate the model. And the cross-validation was used to ensure the accuracy and robustness of the results.
Results
The Rad-score from dual time images contains 6 features, including intensity histogram, morphological, and texture features. In the validation cohort, the univariate analysis showed that the Rad-score was the independent prognostic factor (p = 0.0001, hazard ratio [HR]: 2.35), which was better than traditional imaging predictive indicators and clinical indicators, such as tumor volume, maximum standardized uptake value, Total glycolysis, and TNM staging. Among all the prognostic factors included in the multivariate analysis, the Rad-score was the only prognostic factor (p < 0.01, HR: 2.71) that was significantly associated with the OS of patients. In addition, according to cross-validation, the C-index of the prognostic model based on the Rad-score of dual-time PET/CT images is better than the model based on early and delay PET/CT images(0.745 vs 0.713 vs 0.593).
Conclusion
Quantitative analysis confirmed that the Rad-score from dual time 18F-FDG PET/CT images have a better prognostic value than the Rad-score from single-time images. It has potential significance for identifying the individualized risk of LAPC patients treated with SBRT.
The decision-making process regarding ovarian tissue cryopreservation in girls with Turner syndrome by patients, parents, and healthcare providers: a mixed-methods study
Authors: Coelen Sanne van der , Velden Janielle van der , Nadesapillai Sapthami , Peek Ron , Braat Didi , Schleedoorn Myra , Fleischer Kathrin , Oerlemans Anke
Published: February 2022

BACKGROUND Girls with Turner syndrome (TS) are missing one of the sex chromosomes, leading to premature ovarian failure. Therefore, girls with TS have poor chances of genetic offspring. Ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC) is a fertility preservation technique that has proven to be effective in other patient groups, but the effectiveness in girls with TS is still unclear. Girls with TS are thoroughly counselled before they make a decision about OTC, however, there is a lack of guidelines for counselling. The aim of this study was to gain insight into the experiences of patients, parents, and healthcare providers with the decision-making process regarding OTC in girls with TS. METHODS A mixed-methods study consisting of a survey and four focus group interviews aimed at evaluating the decision-making process of girls with TS considering OTC. Within a year after counselling, a survey was sent to 132 girls with TS and their parents. The survey included questions regarding their experiences with the decision-making process. The focus groups included (1) gynaecologists with subspecialty reproductive medicine, (2) paediatric endocrinologists, (3) parents of girls aged 2 to 12, and, (4) parents of girls aged 13 to 18. Transcripts were analysed using a thematic analysis approach. RESULTS The response rate of the survey was 45%. Of the survey respondents, 90% appreciated counselling regarding their future parenting options and considered it an addition to existing healthcare. The focus groups with parents revealed that most of them had not previously discussed options for future parenthood with a healthcare provider. Girls with TS and their parents indicated that the option of OTC raised hope for future genetic offspring, and instantly made them feel that their only option was to seize this opportunity. Gynaecologists and paediatricians found it challenging to truly make families grasp a realistic perspective of OTC in girls with TS. CONCLUSION Offering young girls with TS the possibility of fertility preservation in an experimental setting raised high hopes and led to challenges for healthcare providers in providing realistic expectations. The appropriate moment for counselling should be tailored to the individual and discussed with the patient, parents and paediatrician. TRIAL REGISTRATION N/A
Rapamycin ameliorates brain damage and maintains mitochondrial dynamic balance in diabetic rats subjected to middle cerebral artery occlusion
Authors: Hei Changchun , Zhou Yujia , Zhang Chenyang , Gao Furong , Cao Meiling , Yuan Shilin , Qin Yixin , Li P. Andy , Yang Xiao
Published: February 2022

Objective To investigate the effect of rapamycin on mitochondrial dynamic balance in diabetic rats subjected to cerebral ischemia-reperfusion injury. Methods Sprague Dawley male rats were treated with high fat diet combined with streptozotocin injection to construct diabetic model in rats. Transient middle cerebral artery occlusion (MCAO) of 2 hours was induced and the brains were harvested after 1 and 3 days of reperfusion. Rapamycin was injected intraperitoneally for 3 days prior to and immediately after operation, once a day. The neurological function was assessed, infarct volumes were measured and histological outcome were examined. The total protein of hippocampus was extracted and Western blotting were performed to detect the levels of mTOR, mitochondrial dynamin related proteins (DRP1, p-DRP1, OPA1), SIRT3, and Nix/BNIP3L.Results Diabetes worsened the neurological function performance, enlarged infarct size and increased ischemic neuronal cell death. The increased damage was associated with elevations of p-mTOR, p-S6, and p-DRP1; and suppressions of SIRT3 and Nix/BNIP3L. Rapamycin ameliorated diabetes-enhanced ischemic brain damage and reversed the biomarker alterations caused by diabetes. Conclusion High glucose activated mTOR pathway and caused mitochondrial dynamics toward fission. The protective effect of Rapamycin against diabetes-enhanced ischemic brain damage was associated with inhibiting mTOR pathway, redressing mitochondrial dynamic imbalance, and elevating SIRT3 and Nix/BNIP3L expression.
Optimization of redundant degree of freedom in robot milling considering chatter stability
Authors: Liu Yu , Wang Linwei , Yu Ye , Zhang Jinyu , Shu Bin
Published: February 2022

Aiming at the redundant degree of freedom problem of six axis industrial robot performing five axis milling task, a new optimization method of robot milling redundant degrees of freedom considering chatter stability was proposed. Taking the limit cutting depth of robot milling regenerative chatter as the optimization objective, and combined with the constraints of robot motion performance (avoiding joint limit, singular pose and collision), a redundant degree of freedom optimization model considering chatter stability was established. The milling experimental results showed that the new optimization method of robot milling redundant degrees of freedom considering chatter stability proposed in this paper can effectively avoid robot milling regenerative chatter and improve machining quality and efficiency.
New Insights Into the Metabolic Capacity of Gut Microbiota in Coordinating the Efficacy of Mycophenolate Mofetil in Neuromyelitis Optica Spectrum Disorders
Authors: Li Gong , Ren Hao , Xia Lijuan , Ma Xiaoyu , Wei Ran , Wang Xiran , Li Cang , Wang Yuge , He Liming , Sun Jian , Qiu Wei
Published: February 2022

BackgroundMycophenolate mofetil (MMF) has been widely prescribed for the therapy of neuromyelitis optica spectrum disorders (NMOSD) although not all patients display the optimal clinical response to MMF. Our study investigated a potential role of the gut microbiota in the efficacy of MMF in NMOSD patients.MethodsA total of 34 NMOSD patients treated with MMF were prospectively enrolled and grouped according to the therapeutic efficacy as effect group (EG) versus non-effect group (NEG). The gut microbiota was analyzed using 16S rRNA sequencing with stool samples and purine metabolites were profiled in serum samples from the same patients. To further decipher the role of the gut microbiota in coordinating the MMF efficacy, metabolic profiling was performed in microbiota-depleted mice. ResultsThe gut microbiota compositions could not distinguish EG and NEG patients although Clostridium and Synergistetes had significantly increased for EG and this corresponded to a significant decline in abundance of the Coprococcus genus. Additionally, purine salvage pathway (PSP) metabolites inosine, hypoxanthine, xanthine, guanine and uric acid in the serum of NMOSD patients were elevated 2 – 7-fold in the NEG group compared to EG (p< 0.05). We then used the selected PSP metabolites as indicators of MMF efficacy in a mouse model and found that the MMF response was significantly dampened when the gut microbiota was depleted by vancomycin treatment. The latter microbiomes displayed elevated levels of the PSP metabolites xanthine, inosine and hypoxanthine (p< 0.05).ConclusionsThe activity and metabolic capacities of gut microbiomes are essential for efficient response to MMF in NMOSD patients and implies an active role for the gut microbiota in coordinating host responses to MMF therapy.