bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Co-W Bimetallic Carbides as Sulfur Host for High-Performance Lithium–Sulfur Batteries
Authors: Zhang Dongke , Huang Ting , Zhao Pengfei , Zhang Ze , Qi Xingtao , Yang Zhenyu , Cai Jianxin
Published: March 2021

Due to the low conductivity of sulfur and the dissolution of polysulfides, the research and application of lithium-sulfur (Li-S) batteries have encountered certain resistance. Increasing conductivity and introducing polarity into the sulfur host can effectively overcome these long-standing problems. Herein, We first prepared Co3W3C@ C@ CNTs / S material and used it in the cathode of lithium-sulfur batteries, The existence of carboxylated CNTs can form a conductive network, accelerate the transmission of electrons and improve the rate performance, and polar Co3W3C can form a strong interaction with polysulfide intermediates, effectively inhibiting its shuttle effect, improving the utilization of sulfur cathode electrodes, and improving the capacity and cycle stability. The Co3W3C@C@CNTs / S electrode material has a capacity of 1,093 mA h g-1 at a 0.1 A g− 1 and 482 mA h g-1 at 5 A g− 1. Even after 500 cycles of 2 A g− 1, the capacity of each cycle is only reduced by 0.08%. The excellent stability of this material can provide a new idea for the future development of lithium-sulfur batteries.
A technique for repairing rotator cuff transtendinous tears with a remnant attached to the footprint
Authors: Choi Hyung-Suk , Lee Byung-Ill , Kim Jae-Hyung , Cho Hyung-Ki , Seo Gi-Won
Published: March 2021

Background

Some unusual rotator cuff (RC) tears are located in more proximal tendinous portions, with substantial remnant tissue attached to the footprint. The two options for surgical repair are sacrificing or preserving the remnant tissue. We introduce a surgical repair technique that preserves as much of the remnant footprint as possible.
Surgical technique

: A double-loaded suture anchor is inserted into the subchondral bone at the medial portion of the RC footprint; the lateral remnant tissue is preserved. Each strand is shuttled and repassed through the medial portion of the tendon in a mattress fashion using a suture hook device. Then, multiple no. 1 PDS sutures are passed through the medial and lateral stumps and left untied. Strands from the suture anchor are first tied in a double mattress fashion. Then, the repair is completed by tying the remaining no. 1 PDS sutures.
Conclusions

We propose a remnant-preserving RC repair technique for transtendinous RC tears with sufficient tissue remaining within the RC footprint. This technique appears advantageous in terms of re-establishing an environment that promotes tendon healing after repair.
Women’s Sexual Experiences and Adjustment after Cervical Cancer Treatment in Tikur Anbessa Specialized Hospital, Addis Ababa- Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Habte Teshome , Yada Gashaw , Gemechu Endalew
Published: March 2021

Background: Cervical cancer is one of the most common cancers and the leading causes of cancer deaths globally. Objective: This study aimed to explore the experiences of women in sexual adjustment after treatment of cervical cancer at Tikur Anbesa Specialized hospital. Method: A descriptive phenomenological qualitative approach and semi-structured in-depth interview method were used and 14 clients recruited to collect data from 2nd February to 15th March 2019. The interviews were audio-taped and analyzed using the procedures of thematic content qualitative data analysis. Results: In this finding, four themes emerged for data analysis, namely, Treatment Side effect, Sexual Problems after radiation therapy, Knowledge deficit, and poor coping strategies of sexual relationships which reflect women with cervical cancer treatment problems. Conclusion and Recommendations: This finding reveals that the Sexual life of women affected by physical changes brought by cancer therapy, information gaps, or knowledge deficit related to cervical cancer and pelvic radiotherapy. the researcher recommended that there should be broad promotion including counseling service and integrated service set up to alleviate sexual related problems and treatment side effect for cervical cancer.
Effectiveness of the Internet-based Versus Face-to-Face Interaction on Reduction of Tobacco use among Adults: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Kumar Rajesh , Kant Ravi , Yadav Poonam , Rodney Tamar , Bairwa Mukesh
Published: March 2021

Literature reported the effectiveness of internet-based interventions over face-to-face interaction on tobacco quitting; however, limited sample size reinforces to integrate and analyze these studies' findings to reach a single conclusion. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness of the internet-based versus face-to-face interventions on reducing tobacco use with a systematic search through various electronic databases such as Medline, PsychInfo, PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), ResearchGate, Google Scholar, and Academia. Reference lists of the eligible articles were also screened. Full-text articles were included as per eligibility criteria (PICO framework). A total of 13 studies were selected for meta-analysis, with 3852 and 3908 participants in intervention and control groups. Forest plot favours the intervention group at one month follow up for tobacco quitting (OR: 2.37, CI: 1.86–3.02, P-0.00001, I2 = 0%), at three months (OR: 1.88, CI: 1.48–2.40, P-0.00001, I2 = 42%) at six months (OR: 2.02, CI: 1.64–2.50, P-0.00001, I2 = 38%) and at 1 year of follow-up (OR: 1.43, CI: 1.18–1.74, P-0.00001, I2 = 36%). Internet and web-based interventions are highly useful in tobacco quitting at one month, three months, six months, and one year of follow-up compared to face-to-face interaction or no intervention, although the evidence level was moderate.Prospero Registration number- CRD42020214306
Droplet-vitrification methods for apical bud cryopreservation of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. and Endl.) H. Rob.]
Authors: Hammond Stacy Denise Hammond , Viehmannova Iva , Zamecnik Jiri , Panis Bart , Faltus Milos
Published: March 2021

This study aimed to develop a cryopreservation protocol for the long-term preservation of yacon [Smallanthus sonchifolius (Poepp. and Endl.)], an Andean crop with high fructooligosaccharide content in its tuberous roots. Initially, the cryopreservation protocol was developed using a yacon clone originated from Ecuador classified as ECU 41. Osmotic dehydration of apical buds (2–3 mm long) was carried out by assessing two plant vitrification solutions, PVS2 (15, 30, and 60 min) at 0°C and PVS3 (30, 45, 60, and 75 min) at 22°C. After cryopreservation, the apical buds were thawed and placed on MS medium ± 0.1 mg l− 1 N6-benzyladenine (BA). The survival rates ranged from 37 to 90% within all treatments, with those subjected to PVS2 and PVS3 for 60 min showing the highest survival rates on MS medium without BA (87 and 90%, respectively). At 12 weeks post cryopreservation, these treatments also provided the highest regrowth rates, both reaching 73% of normally growing (shooting, rooting) plantlets. Survival rates on MS + 0.1 mg l− 1 BA regrowth medium reached up to 90%; however, regrowth into normally rooted plantlets did not exceed 67% post cryopreservation. The optimized protocols were then applied to 4 additional yacon clones originated from Bolivia and Peru, classified as BOL 22, BOL 23, PER 12, and PER 14. This resulted in survival and regeneration rates ranging between 79.7–94.1% and 66.3–75.4% respectively. Our study shows that optimal cryopreservation protocols for the long-term conservation of yacon can be based on both PVS2 and PVS3 vitrification solutions.
Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS) Program for Elderly Patients With Long-level Lumbar Fusion
Authors: WANG PENG , KONG CHAO , TENG ZE , LI ZHONGEN , ZHANG SITAO , SUN WENZHI , Lu Shibao
Published: March 2021

Background: Currently, ERAS for spinal surgery field is still in its beginnings, the major protocol lessons learned from other surgical specialties and lack of ERAS program for elderly patients (>70 years old). Geriatric patients has its own special characteristics resulting in more harmed by surgical stress. The enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) are designed to improving recovery after surgery and can result in substantial benefits in both clinical outcomes and cost-effectiveness. In the present study, we aimed to determine whether enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) significantly improved satisfaction and outcomes in elderly patients (>70 years old) with long-level lumbar fusion. Methods: A total of 144 patients were included, 62 in the ERAS group and 82 case-matched patients in the non-ERAS group. Data including demographic, comorbidity and surgical information were collected from electronic medical records. ERAS interventions were categorised as preoperative, intraoperative and postoperative. We also evaluated primary outcome, surgical complication and length of stay (LOS).Results: There were no statistically significant intergroup differences in regards to demographics, comorbidities、American Society of Anaesthesiologists (ASA) grade、or the number of fusion levels. There were also no differences between mean surgery time of intraoperative blood loss between the ERAS and non-ERAS groups. In addition, the mean preoperative Visual Analogue Score (VAS) for the back and legs and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) score were not significantly different between the two groups. Overall, ERAS pathway compliance was 91.5%. There were no significant differences in the mortality rates between the ERAS and non-ERAS groups. However, we observed a statistically significant decrease in the complications in the ERAS group(6 in the ERAS group versus 23 in the non-ERAS group, p=0.006) and LOS in the ERAS group (17.74±5.56 of ERAS group versus 22.13±12.21 in non-ERAS group, p=0.041). Multivariable linear regression showed that comorbidities (p=0.028) and implementation of ERAS program (p=0.002) were correlated with prolonged LOS. Multivariable logistic regression showed that comorbidities (p=0.029)， implementation of ERAS program (p=0.043) and preoperative VAS Back (p=0.046), were correlated with complications. Conclusions: This report describes the first ERAS protocol used in elderly patients after long-level lumbar fusion surgery. Our ERAS program is safe and could help decreases LOS and complication in elderly patients with long-level lumbar fusion.
Evaluation of Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM), POSHAN-II in Rajasthan, India: A Quasi-Experimental Study
Authors: Sivaraman Shobana , Gorla Ishank , Sharma Laxman , Mangal Daya Krishna , Gupta Shiv Dutt
Published: March 2021

Background According to National Family Health Survey (NFHS) the percentage of severely wasted children has increased from 6.4 percent (NFHS-3, 2005-06) to 7.5 percent (NFHS-4, 2015-16). In 2018, National Health Misison (NHM), Government of Rajasthan implemented Integrated Management of Acute Malnutrition (IMAM), POSHAN -II in 20 distrcts of Rajasthan. The research study is aimed to evaluate the effectiveness of IMAM POSHAN-II with respect to the percentage of cured, non-recovered and defaulted children and rate of weight gain. MethodsCommunity based quasi experimental pre post test research study was conducted among 1105 SAM children aged 6-59 months. The baseline study conducted during enrollement of SAM children, mid line and endline study was conducted after eight and twelve weeks of treatment. Socio demographic factors and nutritional status of children was collected from primary caregivers and sampled children of the study. Results After 8 weeks of treatment, the outcomes were 42.4 percent of cured cases, 4.1 percent of defaulters and 53.5 percent continued in the program. After 12 weeks of treatment, outcomes were – 66.9 percent of cured cases, 8.1 percent of defaulters and 25 percent of non-recovered cases. The mean rate of weight gain among cured cases at 8 weeks was 3.2 g/kg/day. Binary logistic regression model indicates that after 8 and 12 weeks of treatment, the odds of SAM children getting cured increases with increasing family income. Children of educated mothers were 6.3 times more likely to recover than children of mothers with no education. Compliance towards EDNS is significantly associated with recovery of children at 8 and 12 weeks. ConclusionThe IMAM POSHAN-II program being first of its kind to be implemented on large scale in India demonstrate a piece of evidence that SAM children without medical complications can be treated successfully at community and household level. The program deserves be integrated with the existing primary health system of the state. The program was successful with high level of political commitment and collobration with partner agencies for technical and financial assistance.
The Lived Experience of Internationally Recruited Nurses in Oman a Phenomenological Study
Authors: Ph Glenn Ford D. Valdez , MSN RM RN Arcalyd Rose R. Cayaban , PhD Muna B. Ajzoon , PhD Gina M. Molina , Ed.D RN Visitacion O. Bumalay
Published: March 2021

Aim: The study aimed at exploring the lived experience of internationally recruited nurses in Oman that seeks to know how culture affects their adjustment process. The study also explored the acculturation that nurses undertake to adapt to a new culture from a personal and nursing perspective and the study also identified the support mechanisms that are in place to assist in the transition.Methods: The study is a qualitative phenomenological study defined as an approach to understanding people’s everyday life experience utilizing Collaizi’s 9 Phenomenological Steps. The samples were taken from four (4) major governorates in Oman namely Dhofar, Dhak​liya​, ​ ​North Batinah & Muscat. Out of 45 Nurses, 18 met the inclusion criteria and volunteered to undergo the structured phone interviews and conferences. Data Analysis was performed using the analytical software NVivo ver 12.Results:18 nurses consented to participate in the interview, most Internationally recruited nurses holding a bachelor's degree with an average age of 33.5 years. Most participants reported challenges in their transition to Oman upon being deployed. The primary area of concern arose from not having a structured ethical recruitment system and orientation programs. Conclusion: There is a need for a more systematic and ethical recruitment strategy that enhances IRN’s full integration into the host country’s social, religious, and cultural system. It was also found that language is an integral part of the IRN’s assimilation therefore the need for a formal and structured training and orientation program must be in place in both recruiting agencies and the catchment facilities in Oman
World War II Effects on Prevalence and Pattern of Multimorbidity in Older Adults: Results From the KORA-Age Study
Authors: Arshadipour Ava , Thorand Barbara , Peters Annette , Linkohr Birgit , Rospleszcz Susanne , Heier Margit , Ladwig Karl-Heinz
Published: March 2021

While risk factors for age-related diseases may increase multimorbidity (MM), early life deprivation may also accelerate the development of chronic diseases and MM. This study explores the prevalence and pattern of MM in 65-71 year-olds individuals born before, during, and after World War II in Southern Germany based on two KORA (Cooperative Health Research in the Region of Augsburg) -Age studies. MM was defined as the presence of at least two chronic diseases, and birth periods were classified into five phases: pre-war, early war, late war, famine, and after the famine period. Logistic regression models were used to analyze the effect of the birth phases on MM with adjustment for sociodemographic and lifestyle risk factors. Furthermore, we used agglomerative hierarchical clustering to investigate the co-occurrence of diseases. Participants born during the late war phase had the highest prevalence of MM (62.2%) and single chronic diseases compared to participants born during the other phases. Being born in the late war phase was significantly associated with a higher odds of MM in older age (OR = 1.83, 95% CI: 1.15-2.91). In women, the prevalence of joint, gastrointestinal, eye diseases, and anxiety was higher, while in men, heart disease, stroke, and diabetes were more common. Moreover, three main chronic disease clusters responsible for the observed associations were identified: joint and psychosomatic, cardiometabolic and, internal organs diseases. Our results suggest that early life experiences may accelerate the development of MM. Moreover, the identification of disease clusters could assist in management strategies for diseases multimorbidities.
Methodological Challenges and Solution Strategies During Implementation of a Midwife-led Multicentre Randomized-controlled Trial (RCT) in Maternity Hospitals
Authors: Striebich Sabine , Mattern Elke , Oganowski Theresa , Schäfers Rainhild , Ayerle Gertrud M.
Published: March 2021

Background: RCTs with complex interventions are methodically challenging. Careful planning under everyday conditions in compliance with the relevant international quality standard (ICH-GCP guideline) is crucial. Specific challenges exist for RCTs conducted in delivery rooms due to various factors that cannot be planned beforehand, such as “peak hours” of births and a high work burden for midwives and obstetricians. Moreover, in Germany as well as in other countries, midwives and obstetricians have frequently little experience as investigators in clinical trials. Methods: The randomised controlled trial “BE-UP” tests the effectiveness of an alternative birthing room on the rate of vaginal births and woman-oriented outcomes. In the process of implementing the trial in 17 obstetrical units and in the endeavour to reach the calculated sample size of 3,800 women, the research team encountered a variety of unexpected challenges. The aim is to describe in greater detail the methodical and organisational challenges and to inform about the research team’s strategies to overcome them.Results:The results are presented in five sectors: 1) Selection of and support for cooperating hospitals: they are to be selected according to predefined criteria and strategies to offer continuous support in trial implementation must be mapped out.2) Establishing a process of requesting informed consent: a quality-assured process to inform pregnant women early on must be feasible and effective. 3) Individual, digital real time randomization: besides instructing the maternity teams appropriate measures for technical failure must be provided.4) The standardized birthing room: the complex intervention is to be implemented according to study protocol, yet adapted to the prevailing conditions in the delivery rooms.5) GCP-compliant documentation: midwives and obstetricians is to be instructed in high quality data collection, supported by external monitoring throughout the trial.Conclusion:Since not all potential challenges can be anticipated in the planning of a trial, study teams need to be flexible and react promptly to any problems that threaten recruitment or the implementation of the complex intervention. Thought should be given to the perspectives of midwives and obstetricians as recruiters and how clinic-intern processes could be adapted to correspond with the trial’s requirements.
Pediatric supratentorial glioblastoma: Experience at a Single Center in the past 6-year
Authors: Jiao Yang , Wang Meng , Liu Xueyou , Wang Junkuan , Wang Zeming , Luo Wenzheng , Yu Yang , Xu Keyan , Sun Hongwei
Published: March 2021

OBJECTIVE: Pediatric supratentorial glioblastoma (psGBM) is rare tumor of the central nervous system, the prognosis of it remains controversial due to their rarity. The aim of this study was to evaluate characteristics of pediatric supratentorial glioblastoma, effectiveness of modern treatment modalities, and detect factors related to prognosisMETHODS: Twenty-eight children under 18 years old were pathologically diagnosed with supratentorial glioblastoma at The First Aﬃliated Hospital of Zhengzhou University between 2014 and 2020.Epidemiological characteristics, clinical features, imaging features, functional outcomes, overall survival, progression-free survival according to multimodal treatments were reviewed retrospectively.RESULTS: Median survival time of children with supratentorial glioblastoma was 11 months and median progression-free survival was 7 months. Half-, one-year and two-year overall survival probabilities were 64.3%,42.9% and 14.3%, respectively. Half-, one-year and two-year progression-free survival probabilities were 53.6%,21.4% and 9.5%, respectively. Extent of resection(p=0.011) and postoperative concurrent chemoradiotherapy (p=0.032) are independent factors of prognosis while gender, age, initial symptom, tumor side, enhancement character, preoperative KPS and with or without cystoid variation and necrosis are not. Three patients lived longer than 2 years, one patient was alive at 46 months after diagnosis and no evidence of recurrence was found.CONCLUSION: Prognosis of pediatric supratentorial glioblastoma remains poor, and its prognosis may not be better than adult’s. Preoperative KPS score is a risk factor, but isn’t an independent risk factor. Concurrent chemoradiotherapy and gross total resection are the main methods to prolong life span.
Predictors of Aetiology and Outcomes of Acute Gastrointestinal Illness in Returning Travellers: a Retrospective Cohort Analysis
Authors: Lever Robert A , Tapper Louis , Skarbek Sophie , Chiodini Peter L , Armstrong Margaret , Bailey Robin L
Published: March 2021

Background: Gastrointestinal illness is a major cause of morbidity in travellers and is a common reason for presentation to healthcare services on return. Whilst the aetiology of imported gastrointestinal disease is predominantly infectious, outcomes are variable due to a range of phenomena such as post-infectious irritable bowel syndrome, drug resistance and occult pathology (both infectious and non-infectious). Previous studies have focussed on predictors of aetiology of gastrointestinal disease in travellers; we present a retrospective study combining both aetiological and early outcome data in a large cohort of returned travellers. Method: We identified 1450 patients who attended our post-travel walk-in clinic with gastrointestinal symptoms between 2010 and 2016. Demographic, travel, clinical and laboratory data was collected through case note review. Logistic regression analysis to examine correlates of aetiology and outcome were performed in R (CRAN Project 2017). Results: Of 1450 patients in our cohort 153 reported bloody diarrhoea and 1081 (74.6%) reported non-bloody diarrhoea. A definitive microbiological diagnosis was made in 310 (20.8%) of which 137 (9.4%) had a parasite identified and 111 (7.7%) had a bacterial cause identified. Factors associated with a parasitological diagnosis included history of travel to South Asia (aOR=2.55; 95%CI 1.75-3.70, p<0.0001) and absence of bloody diarrhoea (aOR=0.22; 95%CI 0.066-0.53, p<0.005). Factors associated with a bacteriological diagnosis included male gender (aOR=1.69; 95%CI 1.10-2.62, p<0.05), an age <37 years on presentation (aOR=2.04; 95%CI 1.25-3.43, p<0.01), white cells on stool microscopy (aOR=3.52; 95%CI 2.09-5.86, p<0.0001) and a C-reactive protein level of >5iu/dL (aOR=4.68; 95%CI 2.91-7.72, p<0.0001). The majority (1235/1450, 82.6%) reported full symptomatic resolution by the first follow up visit; factors associated with lack of symptomatic resolution included female gender (aOR=1.45 95%CI 1.06-1.99, p<0.05), dysenteric diarrhoea (aOR=2.14 (95%CI 1.38-3.25, p<0.0005) and elevated peripheral leukocyte count (aOR=1.58 95%CI 1.02-2.40, p<0.05).Conclusions: In a cohort of returned travellers, we were able to identify multiple factors that are correlated with both aetiology and outcome of imported gastrointestinal syndromes. We predict these data will be valuable in the development of diagnostic and therapeutic pathways for patients with imported gastrointestinal infections.
Exosomal Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) and CPE-shRNA Loaded Exosomes Control Growth and Invasion of Recipient Hepatocellular Carcinoma Cells
Authors: Hareendran Sangeetha , Albraidy Bassam , Yang Xuyu , Liu Aiyi , Breggia Anne , Chen Clark C , Loh Y. Peng
Published: March 2021

Background: Exosomes from cancer cells prom­ote tumor growth and metastasis through intercellular communication. However, the exosomal bioactive molecules involved and the mechanism of action remain elusive. Carboxypeptidase E (CPE) is known to drive tumor progression in different cancers, including hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC), which is associated with high mortality rate. Here, we investigated if CPE is present within cancer cell exosomes and contributes to the molecular pathogenesis of HCC and other cancers by regulating tumor growth and invasion.Methods: Exosomes isolated from the culture media of cancer cells or human serum were analyzed for CPE mRNA and protein using quantitative PCR/ RT-PCR and western blot respectively. Low-metastatic HCC97L cells were incubated with exosomes derived from high-metastatic HCC97H cells. In other experiments, HCC97H cells were incubated with CPE-shRNA loaded exosomes isolated from HEK293T cells. The recipient HCC cells were assessed for proliferation and invasion using MTT cell proliferation, colony formation and matrigel invasion assays. Results: CPE mRNA and protein were found to be packaged within exosomes released from cancer cells. We observed elevated CPE mRNA levels in secreted exosomes from high versus low-malignant cells, from various cancer types including HCC, breast cancer and glioblastoma. In a pilot study, significantly higher CPE copy numbers were found in serum exosomes from cancer patients compared to healthy donors, suggesting that exosomal CPE mRNA could be a potential diagnostic biomarker. Low-malignant HCC97L cells treated with exosomes derived from HCC97H cells, displayed enhanced proliferation and invasion; however exosomes from HCC97H cells pre-treated with CPE-shRNA failed to promote proliferation. When HEK293T exosomes loaded with CPE-shRNA, were incubated with HCC97H cells, expression of CPE, Cyclin D1, a cell-cycle regulatory protein and c-MYC, a proto-oncogene, were suppressed, resulting in diminished proliferation of HCC97H cells. Conclusions: Our results identified CPE as a bioactive molecule in exosomes driving the growth and invasion of low-malignant HCC cells, and showed that CPE-shRNA loaded exosomes can inhibit malignant tumor cell proliferation via Cyclin D1 and c-MYC suppression. Thus, CPE is a key player in exosome transmission of tumorigenesis, and exosome-based delivery of CPE-shRNA offers a potential treatment for tumor progression.
SNHG9 Promotes the Hepatoblastoma Tumorigenesis via miR-23a-5p/Wnt3a Axis
Authors: Bhandari Ramesh , Feng Sun Gui , Ya Liu , Zhixuan Bian , Quihui Pan , Jiabei Zhu , Sewi Mao , Ni Zhen , Jing Wang , Ji Ma , Fenyong Sun
Published: March 2021

Background: Hepatoblastoma is common hepatic tumors occurring children between 0 – 5 years. Accumulating studies has shown lncRNA potential role in distinct cancers progression and development including the hepatoblastoma. SnoRNA host gene 9 (SNHG9) is associated the progression of distinct human cancers but, it`s specific molecular mechanisms in hepatoblastoma not unknown. Methods:In this study, we estimated SNHG9 expression on hepatoblastoma tissue and cell lines by quantitative Real-Time Polymerase Chain Reaction (qRT-PCR). Next, we downregulated and upregulated the SNHG9 expression in hepatoblastoma cell lines and then determined the cell proliferation (CCK-8), colony formation, cellular apoptosis activity. The dual luciferase reporter activity, RNA immunoprecipitation (RIP), biotin RNA pulls down and Spemann’s Pearson correlation coefficient assay were performed to establish the interaction between the SNHG9, WNt3a and miR-23a-5p. Xenograft in-vivo tumorgenicity test was performed to elucidate therole of SNHG9 hepatoblastoma in tumorigenesis. SNHG9 role in Cisplatin drugs resistance in hepatoblastoma was also determined. Results:SNHG9 was significantly upregulated in hepatoblastoma tissue and cell lines. SNHG9 overexpression on HUH6 & HepG2 resulted in a significant increase in cell proliferation and clonogeneic while SNHG9 knock down resulted in a sustained inhibition of cell proliferation and clonogenic activity. Dual luciferase activity, RNA immunoprecipitation and biotin pull down confirmed the direct interaction of miR-23a-5p with SNHG9. In Xenograft tumorgenicity test showed SNHG9 downregulation significantly reduced the tumor growth on mice. ROC and Kaplan-Meier analysis showed potential prognostic and diagnostic importance of SNHG9 in hepatoblastoma.Conclusion: We concluded that SNHG9/miR-23a-5p/Wnt3a axis promotes the progression hepatoblastoma tumor.
Acquisition of Optimum Co-sources of Sulfur MAA Capped-ZnS Quantum Dots Conditions for Photoluminescence Chlorine Sensor
Authors: Elnady Jehan , Shaala Tosson , Soliman Moataz , Ebrahim Shaker , elshaer ahmed
Published: March 2021

ZnS quantum dots (QDs) has received a great attention due to its unique properties and wide applications. The objective of this work is to synthesize ZnS QDs by hydrothermal method and capped with mercaptoacetic acid (MAA) to be used as a chlorine sensor in the range from 1 to 35 mg/L. Optical, structural and morphological properties of MAA capped-ZnS QDs were investigated. MAA capped-ZnS QDs exhibited a cubic structure with an average diameter size of 8.8 nm. Photoluminescence (PL) spectra of the fabricated MAA capped-ZnS QDs revealed three basic emission peaks at 371, 423 and 486 nm due to level transitions involving of zinc vacancy, interstitial sulfur and zinc, respectively. The photostability of the MAA capped-ZnS QDs was examined after 14 months which retains 12% of the original PL intensity without any peak shift. The MAA capped-ZnS QDs PL intensity was changed linearly with the chlorine concentration in the range from 1 to 35 mg/L with correlation coefficient, sensitivity and limit of detection of 0.9782, 6.96×10-2 ppm-1 and 3.6 mg/L, respectively.
Based on network pharmacology and molecular docking to explore the mechanism of Achyranthis bidentate radix in the treatment of Renal cell carcinoma
Authors: Liu Yu , Li Mingquan , Teh LaiKuan , zhao Liangbin , Ye Naijing , Qu Bo , Lu Hongmei , Wu Ling , Wu Lihua , Tang Anqi
Published: March 2021

Background: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a common malignant tumor of the urinary system.The incidence rate was increasing year by year, which has become a worldwide health problem. Achyranthis bidentate radix（ABR) is a traditional Chinese medicine that has been commonly reported on the prevention and treatment of RCC. However, the detailed mechanism of ABR is unclear. Therefore, this study aims to explore the possible molecular mechanism of ABR in the treatment of RCC based on network pharmacology and molecular docking.Methods: The main active compounds of ABR were obtained from pharmacology analysis platform of the Chinese Medicine System (TCMSP). The targets of ABR active compounds were obtained from TCMSP and Swiss Target Prediction. The targets of RCC were then screened in the Gene Cards and Online Mendelian Inheritance in Man (OMIM). The network of “medicine-ingredients-disease-targets” was established employing network pharmacology, and the key targets and core pathways were determined by R analysis. The molecular docking method was used to evaluate the binding activity between the target and the active compounds of ABR.Results: Twenty active compounds were found from ABR and are involving in 164 targets. The results of network analysis indicated that the targets mainly involve biological processes such as active oxygen metabolism, oxidative stress, cell proliferation, and apoptosis. ABR was able to treat RCC through regulating AGE-RAGE, PI3K-Akt, MAPK, JAK-STAT, NF-KB, and other major signaling pathways. Quercetin, baicalein, kaempferol had a strong binding to the target proteins of and MAPK1, AKT1, HSP90AA1.Conclusion: Flavonoids in ABR may be the material basis for its treatment of RCC. The mechanisms of action were through regulating active oxygen metabolism, inhibiting oxidative stress, cell proliferation, activating tumor cell apoptosis pathway, regulating protein kinase activity and nuclear receptor Activity, etc.
Therapeutic Administration of Etoposide Coincides With Reduced Systemic HMGB1 Levels in Macrophage Activation Syndrome
Authors: Palmblad Karin , Schierbeck Hanna , Sundberg Erik , Horne Anna-Carin , Harris Helena Erlandsson , Henter Jan-Inge , Andersson Ulf
Published: March 2021

Background: Macrophage activation syndrome (MAS) is a potentially fatal complication of systemic inflammation. HMGB1 is a nuclear protein released extracellularly during proinflammatory lytic cell death or secreted by activated macrophages, NK cells, and additional cell types during infection or sterile injury. Extracellular HMGB1 orchestrates central events in inflammation as a prototype alarmin. TLR4 and the receptor for advanced glycation end products operate as key HMGB1 receptors to mediate inflammation. Methods: Standard ELISA and cytometric bead array-based methods were used to examine the kinetic pattern for systemic release of HMGB1, ferritin, IL-18, IFN-γ, and MCP-1 before and during treatment of four children with critical MAS. Three of the patients with severe underlying systemic rheumatic diseases were treated with biologics including tocilizumab or anakinra when MAS developed. All patients required intensive care therapy due to life-threatening illness. Add-on etoposide therapy was administered due to insufficient clinical response with standard treatment. Etoposide promotes apoptotic rather than proinflammatory lytic cell death, conceivably ameliorating subsequent systemic inflammation. Results: This therapeutic intervention brought disease control coinciding with a decline of the increased systemic HMGB1, IFN-γ, IL-18, and ferritin levels whereas MCP-1 levels evolved independently. Conclusion: Systemic HMGB1 levels in MAS have not been reported before. Our results suggest that the molecule is not merely a biomarker of inflammation, but most likely also contributes to the pathogenesis of MAS. These observations encourage further studies of HMGB1 antagonists. They also advocate therapeutic etoposide administration in severe MAS and provide a possible biological explanation for its mode of action.
Synthesis, Spectroscopic Properties, Anti-Breast Cancer and Anti-Microbial Studies of Some Metal Complexes for New Schiff Base Ligand Derived From Anthranilic Acid.
Authors: El-Halim Hanan F. Abd , Mohamed Gehad , Mahmoud Walaa , El-Sayed Omnia
Published: March 2021

2,2’-((1Z-1’Z) (1,3-diphenylpropane-1,3-diylidene) bis (azanylylidene)) dibenzoic acid (H2L) Schiff base ligand, was obtained by condensation reaction between anthranilic acid and dibenzoyl methane in 2:1 ratio.A series of Cr(III), Mn(II), Fe(III), Co(II), Ni(II), Cu(II), Zn(II) and Cd(II) complexes was resulted from 1:1 (ligand: metal salt) reaction.The structural features of the synthesized ligand and its metal complexes was determined by elemental analyses, IR, 1H NMR, UV-Vis, ESR, mass spectra, conductivity and magnetic susceptibility measurements as well as thermal (TG/DTG) analyses. The analytical and spectroscopic tools showed that the complexes had composition of ML type with octahedral geometry. The IR results confirmed the tetradendate binding of the ligand involving two azomethine nitrogen atoms and two carboxylate oxygens. The Schiff base and its complexes have been screened for their antimicrobial activity against several bacterial organisms as (Streptococcus pneumoniae and Bacillus subtilis; Pseudomonas aeruginosa and Escherichia coli) and fungi (Aspergillus fumigatus; Syncephalastrum racemosum; Geotricum candidum and Candida albicans) by disk diffusion method.All the metal complexes have potent antimicrobial activity than the free ligand. Anticancer activity of the ligand and its metal complexes was evaluated against human cancer (MCF-7 cells viability).
The Reflective Fostering Programme – improving the wellbeing of children in care through a group intervention for foster carers: a randomised controlled trial: study protocol for a randomised controlled trial.
Authors: Midgley Nick , Irvine Karen , Rider Beth , Byford Sarah , Cirasola Antonella , Ganguli Poushali , Katangwe Thando , Murdoch Jamie , Pond Martin , Pursch Benita , Redfern Sheila , Richards Zena-Louise , Shepstone Lee , Sims Erika , Smith Caroline , Sprecher Eva , Swart Ann Marie , Wyatt Solange , Wellsted David
Published: March 2021

Background: The needs of children in care are a government priority, yet the evidence-base for effective interventions to support the emotional wellbeing of children in care is still lacking. Research suggests that supporting the carer-child relationship, by promoting the carer’s reflective parenting, may be an effective approach to improving the well-being of these children.Methods: The study comprises a definitive, pragmatic, randomised control trial, with embedded process evaluation and economic evaluation, and an internal pilot, to evaluate the effectiveness, and cost effectiveness, of the Reflective Fostering Programme.The study is being conducted in local authority sites across England, and is targeted at foster carers (including kinship carers) looking after children aged four to 13. Consenting participants are randomly allocated to the Reflective Fostering Programme (intervention arm) in addition to usual support or usual support alone (control arm). The primary outcome is behavioural and emotional well-being of the child 12 months post-baseline, and secondary outcomes include: foster carer’s level of stress, quality of life, reflective capacity, compassion fatigue and burnout, placement stability, the quality of the child-carer relationship, child’s capacity for emotional regulation, and achievement of personalised goals set by the carer.Discussion: This study trials one of the first parenting programmes specifically targeting the reflective capacity of foster carers. A feasibility study has indicated effectiveness of the Programme in improving the child-carer relationship and emotional and behavioural wellbeing of children in care. This study will test the effectiveness and cost-effectiveness of implementing the Reflective Fostering Programme as an additional aid to the support already available to local authority foster carers.Trial Registration: ISRCTN 70832140
SUMOylation Regulates TDP-43 Splicing Activity and Nucleocytoplasmic Distribution
Authors: Maraschi AnnaMaria , Gumina Valentina , Dragotto Jessica , Colombrita Claudia , Monpeán Miguel , Buratti Emanuele , Silani Vincenzo , Feligioni Marco , Ratti Antonia
Published: March 2021

The nuclear RNA-binding protein TDP-43 forms abnormal cytoplasmic aggregates in the brains of amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS) and frontotemporal dementia (FTD) patients and several molecular mechanisms promoting TDP-43 cytoplasmic mislocalization and aggregation have been proposed, including defects in nucleocytoplasmic transport, stress granules (SG) disassembly and post-translational modifications (PTM). SUMOylation is a PTM which regulates a variety of cellular processes and, similarly to ubiquitination, targets lysine residues. To investigate the possible regulatory effects of SUMOylation on TDP-43 activity and trafficking, we first assessed that TDP-43 is SUMO-conjugated in the nuclear compartment both covalently and non-covalently in the RRM1 domain at the predicted lysine 136 and SUMO-interacting motif (SIM, 106–110 residues), respectively. By using the SUMO-mutant TDP-43 K136R protein, we demonstrated that SUMOylation modifies TDP-43 splicing activity, specifically exon skipping, and influences its sub-cellular localization and recruitment to SG after oxidative stress. When promoting deSUMOylation by SENP1 enzyme over-expression or by treatment with the cell-permeable SENP1 peptide TS-1, the cytoplasmic localization of TDP-43 increased, depending on its SUMOylation. Moreover, deSUMOylation by TS-1 peptide favoured the formation of small cytoplasmic aggregates of the C-terminal TDP-43 fragment p35, still containing the SUMO lysine target 136, but had no effect on the already formed p25 aggregates. Our data suggest that TDP-43 can be post-translationally modified by SUMOylation which may regulate its splicing function and trafficking, indicating a novel and druggable mechanism to explore as its dysregulation may lead to TDP-43 pathological aggregation in ALS and FTD.
A Novel Decentralized Analytical Methodology for Cyber Physical Networks Attack Detection
Authors: Alqahtani Abdurrahman , Abuhasel Khaled Ali , Alquraish Mohammed
Published: March 2021

In many functional implementations of considerable engineering significance, cyber physical solutions have recently been developed where protection and privacy are essential. This led to the recent increase in interest in the development of advanced and emerging technology for anomaly and intrusion detection. The paper suggests a new frame for the distributed blind intrusion detection by modelling sensor measurements as the graph signal and using the statistical features of the graph signal for the detection of intrusion. The graphic similarity matrices is generated using the measured data of the sensors as well as the proximity of the sensors to completely take account of the underlying network structure. The scope of the collected data is modelled on the random field Gaussian Markov and the required precision matrix can be determined by adjusting to a graph called Laplacian matrix. For research statistics, the suggested technique for intrusion detection is based on the modified Bayesian probability ratio test and the closed-form expressions are derived. In the end, the time analysis of the actions of the network is calculated by computing the Bhattacharyya distance at consecutive times among the measurement distributions. Experiments are carried out, evaluated and equate the efficiency of the proposed system to the modern method. The findings indicate a detection value better than that offered by other existing systems via the proposed intrusion detection frame.
Isolation, purification and identification of biological compounds from Beauveria sp. and their evaluation as insecticidal effectiveness against Bemisia tabaci
Authors: An Ran , Ahmed Maqsood , Li Haiyan , Wang Yanbin , Zhang Aimin , Bi Yuhui , Yu Zhiguo
Published: March 2021

Bemisia tabaci is one of the most notorious agricultural pests in the world. A vicious circle among insect resistance, dose increased, environment and human body impaired as the overuse of synthetic pesticides are becoming increasingly evident. Entomopathogenic Beauveria sp. is known as an effective natural enemy to control B. tabaci. Therefore, this study aimed to purify and identify the biological compounds from Beauveria sp. LY2 via extensive chromatographic techniques, NMR and MS and evaluated for their insecticidal activities against B. tabaci via contact and stomach toxicity assay. The outcome identified that one new cerebroside, cerebroside F (1), nine known compounds, cerebroside B (2), bassiatin (3), methyl 1,4-dihydro-4-oxo-2-quinolinecarboxylate (4), cerevisterol (5), 9-hydroxycerevisterol (6), 6-dehydrocerevisterol (7), (22E,24R)-ergosta-8(14),22-diene-3β,5α,6β,7α-tetrol (8), melithasterol B (9) and ergosterol peroxide (10) were isolated. Among the known compounds, methyl 1,4-dihydro-4-oxo- 2-quinolinecarboxylate (4) was isolated from natural origin for the first time. It is evident from the results that compounds 3, 4 and 7 strongly featured insecticidal activities against B. tabaci, being the LC50 value as 10.59, 19.05, 26.59 μg/mL respectively in contact as well as 11.42, 5.66, 5.65 μg/mL respectively in stomach experiment. The data from the current study has provided the foundation for the use of newly purified compounds against Bemisia tabaci as an alternative to synthetic chemical compounds.
Magnetic Medium-Assisted Inverse Bulge Pre-Forming and Deep Drawing Composite Forming Process for Improving Forming Performance of the Cylindrical Parts
Authors: Mu Yuan Yuan , Li Feng , Li Chao , Zang Yun Qi , Xu Jie
Published: March 2021

Due to the poor plasticity of aluminum alloy at room temperature, it is difficult to form thin-walled and complex curved parts. This paper proposes a composite method of inverse bulge pre-forming deep drawing based on intelligent magnetorheological (MR) fluid materials. Through the experiments and finite element modeling of cylindrical parts with drawing ratios of K1=2.125 and K2=2.25 were carried out under different forming conditions. The effect of soft mold medium on the drawing forming of cylindrical parts was studied. The research results show that the uniformity of the wall thickness of the parts is enhanced after using the soft mold medium. When the inverse bulge height is about 9mm and 5mm, the wall thickness variance of the cylindrical part is 0.0023 and 0.0025 pectively, which is reduced by 86.31% and 82.8% respectively. In the pre-forming stage, as the height of inverse bulge is increased, the maximum equivalent stress moves from the fillet area of the blank holder to the outer surface of the highest point of the bulging area. Taking drawing ratio of K1=2.125 as an example, the circumferential compressive stress in the flange area decreases and is distributed unifomly under the back pressure and soft drawbeads, the radial stress gradient and equivalent stress gradient at the fillet of die are reduced; For cylindrical parts with drawing ratios of K1=2.125 and K2=2.25, when the inverse bulge height is 9mm and 5mm, the forming effect of the part is the best.
Antioxidant, nutritional and physicochemical quality of yoghurt produced from milk- based fermentation mix enhanced with food spices
Authors: OM Ogunyemi , GA Gyebi , Raheemat Shaibu , MM Fabusiwa , COO Olaiya
Published: March 2021

Utilization of natural additives, which could meet the growing need for ‘clean label’ and value addition with respect to diseases prevention and health promotion in humans, is a current interest in the yoghurt industry. In this study, yoghurt recipes derived from standard milk -based fermentation mix enhanced with African black pepper (ABP), Turmeric, or Cloves extracts were evaluated for antioxidant, nutritional and physico-chemical quality. Each fermentation mix was pasteurized; inoculated with 0.5% industrial starter culture containing Streptococcus thermophillus and Lactobacillus delbrueckii subsp. Bulgaricus (1:1); and then allowed to ferment in fermentation tank for 9 hours at 40OC. The results revealed that, clove- enriched yoghurt recipe exhibit the strongest antioxidant capacity as indicated by significant increase (p < 0.05) in total phenolics, total flavonoids, Total Antioxidant Capacity (TAC), DPPH radical scavenging activity, nitric oxide radical scavenging activity, Ferric ion reducing power (FRAP), and inhibition of lipid peroxidation but also reduced apparent viscosity and organoleptic properties. Similarly, ABP increased the antioxidant characteristics, with increased protein content and gel viscosity. Turmeric extracts significantly increased (p < 0.05) the calcium content and reduced syneresis. In conclusion, fermentation of milk-based mix containing ABP extract resulted in yoghurt which combines improved antioxidant characteristics with increased protein and enhanced techno-functionality.