bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Climate change projections over Indus basin using CMIP6 model simulations
Authors: KUNDETI KOTESWARARAO , T.V Lakshmi Kumar , Kulkarni Ashwini , J.S Chowdary , Desamsetti Srinivas
Published: April 2021

Indus basin is one of the most vulnerable regions due to climate change. This article presents the projected changes in precipitation and temperature over the Indus Basin using statistically downscaled, bias-corrected Coupled Model Intercomparison Project-6 (CMIP6) data sets for different shared socioeconomic pathways (SSP2-4.5 and SSP5-8.5) in response to global warming. The future changes in precipitation and temperature extremes for different epochal periods of the 21st century are outlined. The spatial variations of precipitation, maximum and minimum temperature obtained from the Multi-Model Mean (MMM) of CMIP6 models showed a good agreement with observations such as APHRODITE (precipitation), CPC (temperature) for the base period 1995 to 2014 over the Indus Basin. Our results suggest that there is a general increase in precipitation/ maximum and minimum temperature over the Upper Indus Basin/Lower Indus Basin by the end of the 21st century. It is also noted that the spatial variability of extreme climate indices is high during June to September (JJAS) than December to January (DJF). By the end of the century projections show that the precipitation changes are about 85% in JJAS and 40% in DJF with reference to the baseline (1995–2014) period over Indus Basin region. The temperature extreme indices are also increasing in future compare to the baseline period.
Determination of the characteristic inactivation fluence for SARS-CoV-2 under UV-C radiation considering light absorption in culture media
Authors: Martínez-Anton Juan Carlos , Brun Alejandro , Vázquez Daniel , Moreno Sandra , Fernández-Balbuena Antonio A. , Alda Javier
Published: April 2021

The optical absorption coefficient of culture media is critical for the survival analysis of pathogens under optical irradiation. The quality of the results obtained from experiments relies on the optical analysis of the spatial distribution of fluence which also depends on the geometry of the sample. In this contribution, we consider both the geometrical shape and the culture medium’s absorptivity to evaluate how the spatial distribution of optical radiation affects pathogens/viruses. In this work, we exposed SARS-CoV-2 to UV-C radiation (λ =254 nm) and we calculated – considering the influence of the optical absorption of the culture medium – a characteristic inactivation fluence of F i =4.7 J/m2 , or an equivalent 10% survival (D90 dose) of 10.8 J/m2. Experimentally, we diluted the virus into sessile drops of Dulbecco’s Modified Eagle Medium to evaluate pathogen activity after controlled doses of UV irradiation. To validate the optical absorption mode, we carried out an additional experiment where we varied droplet size. Our model – including optical absorption and geometrical considerations – provides robust results among a variety of experimental situations, and represents our experimental conditions more accurately. These results will help to evaluate the capability of UV disinfecting strategies applied to a variety of everyday situations, including the case of micro-droplets generated by respiratory functions.
Thyroidectomy- And Ptu-Induced Hypothyroidism: Effect of L-Thyroxine on Suppression of Spatial and Non-Spatial Memory Related Signaling Molecules
Authors: Alkadhi Karim , Alzoubi KH
Published: April 2021

The calcium/calmodulin protein kinase II (CaMKII) signaling cascade is crucial for hippocampus-dependent learning and memory. In adult rats, Hypothyroidism impairs hippocampus-dependent learning and memory, which can be prevented by simple replacement therapy with L-thyroxine (thyroxine, T4) treatment. In this study, we compared animal models of hypothyroidism induced by thyroidectomy and treatment with propylthiouracil (PTU). Our findings show that thyroidectomy and PTU models are equally effective as indicated by the identical plasma levels of thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH) and T4. The two model produced identical degree of inhibition of synaptic plasticity as indicated by depression of LTP. We then investigated the effect of thyroidectomy hypothyroidism and thyroxine treatment on the underlying molecular mechanism of spatial and non-spatial types of memory. To generate spatial memory, we used training in the radial arm water maze (RAWM) where rats had to locate a hidden platform. For non-spatial memory, rats were trained to swim to a clearly visible platform in an open swim field. Western blot analysis of hippocampal area CA1 revealed that training, on both mazes, of control and thyroxine-treated hypothyroid rats produced significant increases in the P-CaMKII, PKCγ, calcineurin and calmodulin protein levels, but the training failed to induce such increases in untreated thyroidectomized rats. As expected, we show that thyroxine therapy prevented the deleterious effects of hypothyroidism at the molecular level.
Assessing Changes in Lifestyle and Health-Related Behaviors During the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Cross-Sectional Web-Based Survey Among Lebanese Adults
Authors: Saadeh Danielle , Hajj Aline , Malaeb Diana , Sacre Hala , Haddad Chadia , Salameh Pascale
Published: April 2021

Background

The novel coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) has quickly become a worldwide threat to human health and has significantly impacted peoples’ lives and changed their lifestyle and health behaviors (LHB). This study aims to assess changes in lifestyle and health-related behaviors such as daily habits, dietary habits, physical activity, sleep patterns, psychological problems, and sexual behaviors among the general population in Lebanon during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Methods

A cross-sectional web-based survey conducted between January 9 and January 28, 2021, enrolled 403 Lebanese adults. The study questionnaire was developed on Google forms in English and Arabic. It included questions about sociodemographic characteristics, COVID-19, and behavior changes (smoking, alcohol consumption, sexual and hygiene behaviors, and intake of nutritional supplements and immunity-boosting foods), in addition to three scales, i.e., the Lifestyle and Health Behaviors Changes (LHBC-17), WHO-5 Well-being Index, and Fear of COVID-19 scale (FCV-19S). Data analysis was done on SPSS software version 21.
Results

The mean age of participants was 29.74 ± 10.81 years, with 51.2% of females. Most participants reported that COVID-19 has profoundly affected their LHBs, whether positively or negatively. Female gender (Beta=-2.336), living in Lebanon (Beta=-7.502), smoking nargileh (Beta=-3.433), having a high BMI (Beta=-0.263), and spending more hours per day using electronic devices during the COVID-19 lockdown (Beta=-0.853) were significantly associated with lower LHBC-17 scores (negative LHB changes). Whereas, living in an urban region (Beta = 2.464), having a job (Beta = 1.920), good overall health (Beta = 3.543), a higher quality of life (Beta = 0.204), and having physical (Beta = 2.101) and mental (Beta = 1.586) health unaffected by the COVID-19 lockdown were all significantly associated with higher LHBC-17 scores (positive LHB changes).
Conclusions

Lebanese adults reported several unfavorable lifestyle changes and psychological problems during the lockdown due to COVID-19. Health-promotion strategies are needed to assess negative changes both on physical or mental health and maintain as much as possible positive health-related behaviors among the Lebanese population.
Quasiparticle Nodal Plane in the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov state of FeSe
Authors: Kasahara Shigeru , Suzuki Hiroki , Machida Tadashi , Sato Yuki , Ukai Yuzuki , Murayama Hinako , Suetsugu Shota , Kasahara Yuichi , Hanaguri Tetsuo , Shibauchi Takasada , Matsuda Yuji
Published: April 2021

Among exotic pairing states of interacting fermions, the Fulde-Ferrell-Larkin-Ovchinnikov (FFLO) state, characterized by Cooper
pairs condensed at finite momentum, has been a long-sought state that remains unresolved in many classes of systems, including superconductors and ultracold atoms. A fascinating aspect of the FFLO state is the emergence of periodic nodal planes in real space, but its observation is still lacking. Here we investigate the order parameter structure for c-axis fields on a high purity single crystal of FeSe. The heat capacity and magnetic torque provide thermodynamic evidence for a distinct superconducting phase at the low-temperature/high-field corner of the phase diagram. Despite the bulk superconductivity, spectroscopic-imaging scanning tunneling microscopy (SI-STM) performed on the same crystal demonstrates that the superconducting order parameter vanishes at the surface upon entering the high-field phase. These results imply that the planar node induced perpendicular to H is pinned at the surface, providing evidence of the FFLO pairing state with zeroth Landau level.
Fluorescence of Ocular Surface in a Covid -19 Patient After Favipiravir Treatment: a Case Report
Authors: Doran Mehmet Ali , Aytogan Hasan , Ayintap Emre
Published: April 2021

BackgroundFavipiravir is used in treatment of Covid-19 patients. We aimed in this case report to share of ocular surface fluorescence in a patient after Favipiravir treatment.Case PresentationA 20 years-old male ,with no medical history, applied to us with blurry vision and blue light reflection after Covid-19 treatment with Favipiravir. We observed bilateral fluorescence on his eyes and fluorescence of his nails. Biomicroscopic examination was insignificant.Conclusion We investigated the fluorescence of favipiravir tablets under ultraviolet light. Drug demonstrated fluorescence. We recorded the favipiravir fluorescence independently of the patient. This is strong evidence that the fluorescence of the patient’s ocular surface and favipiravir are linked.
Metabolomic and Transcriptomic Analysis of Lycium chinese and L. ruthenicum Under Salinity Stress
Authors: Qin Xiaoya , Yin Yue , Zhao Jianhua , An Wei , Fan Yunfang , Liang Xiaojie , Cao Youlong
Published: April 2021

Background: High soil salinity often adversely affects plant physiology and agricultural productivity of almost all crops worldwide, including the crude drug known as wolfberry. However, the mechanistic basis of this action in wolfberry is not fully understood yet.Results: Here in this study, we studied potentials different mechanisms in Chinese wolfberry (Lycium chinese, LC) and black wolfberry (L. ruthenicum, LR) under salinity stress, by analyzing their transcriptome and metabolome. The hormone detection analysis revealed that the ABA content was significantly lower in LR than LC under normal conditions, but increased sharply under salinity stress in LR but not in LC. The transcriptome analysis showed that the enriched salinity-responsive genes in wolfberry were mainly related to MAPK signaling, amino sugar and nucleotide sugar metabolism, carbon metabolism, and plant hormone signal transduction pathways in LC, while mainly related to carbon metabolism and protein processing in endoplasmic reticulum in LR. Metabolome results indicated that LR harbored higher flavone and flavonoid content than LC under normal conditions. However, when exposed to salinity stress, flavone and flavonoid content hardly changed in LR, whereas flavonoid and flavone biosynthesis was activated to resist to salinity stress in LC.Conclusions: Our results adds ABA and flavone metabolism to mechanistic understanding of salinity tolerance in wolfberry. In addition, flavone play a positive role in resistance to salinity stress in wolfberry.
The added value of trabecular bone score over bone mineral density for identification of the bone architecture in patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease
Authors: Tavassoli Samaneh , Esmaeilii Zakiye , Besharat Sima , Norouzi Alireza , Sohrabi Ahmad , Amlashi Fazel Isapanah
Published: April 2021

Background and aims:Patients with Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) suffer from different level of bone diseases in density and architectures. This study has been designed to measure Bone Mineral Density (BMD) and Trabecular Bone Score (TBS) in IBD patients, Golestan province, northeast of Iran. Materials and methods:In this cross-sectional study during January 2018 to August 2018, 69 patients with IBD (UC=57 and Crohn’s disease=10; male: female 0.74; mean age, 39 years) recruited from the IBD registry in Golestan Research Center of Gastroentrology and Hepatology. After taking the informed consent, all patients have been interviewed by a trained physician and a questionnaire has been completed. Trabecular bone score (TBS) was performed using lumbar spine dual X-ray absorptiometry (DXA) images. After entering data into the SPSS-16 software, analysis was done using X2 and non-parametric tests.Results:Normal BMD (T Score>-1) was reported in 19 patients, low bone mass (-1 <T Score< -2.5) in 18 and osteoporosis (T Score <-2.5) in 4 patients. TBS results showed that 5 patients had partially degraded microarchitecture and 5 had fully degraded microarchitecture.Conclusion:In the present study on IBD patients, age, BMI, waist circumference and abdominal circumference had been correlated significantly with bone weakness. The duration of disease was correlated significantly with FRAX. The duration of disease was also correlated significantly with risk of major osteoporotic fracture in 10-years (FRAX adjusted MOF).
Genetic diversity and epidemiology of human rhinovirus among children with severe acute respiratory tract infection in Guangzhou, China
Authors: Li Wanwei , Yu Bo , Zhou Jijian , Wang Yanlan , Xue Bao , Pan Jialong , Ran Yanhong , Yang Xiaoping , Wang Xiaoping , Yang Fang , Li Hongjian
Published: April 2021

Background

Human rhinovirus (HRV) is one of the major viruses of acute respiratory tract disease among infants and young children. HRV is increasingly recognized not only as a cause of mild upper respiratory tract infection, but also in more severe lower respiratory tract infections.
Methods

Hospitalized children aged < 14 years old with acute respiratory tract infections were enrolled from August 2018 to December 2019. HRV was screened for by a real-time reverse-transcription PCR targeting the viral 5′UTR.
Results

HRV was detected in 6.41% of the 655 specimens. HRV infection was frequently observed in children under 2 years old (57.13%). HRV-A and HRV-C were detected in 18 (45%) and 22 (55%) specimens. All 40 HRV strains detected were classified into 29 genotypes. The molecular evolutionary rate of HRV-C was estimated to be 3.34×10− 3 substitutions/site/year and was faster than HRV-A (7.79×10− 4 substitutions/site/year). Children who experienced rhinorrhoea were more common in the HRV-C infection patients than HRV-A. The viral load was higher in HRV-C detection group than HRV-A detection group (p = 0.0148). The median peak symptom score was higher in patients with HRV-C infection as compared to HRV-A (p = 0.0543), even though the difference did not reach significance.
Conclusion

HRV is an important respiratory pathogen in paediatric patients. HRV-A and HRV-C predominate in children with severe acute respiratory infections (SARIs) in Guangzhou. Our findings underline the role of viral load in increasing disease severity attributed to HRV-C infection.
Comparative transcriptome analysis of the gills and hepatopancreas from Macrobrachium rosenbergii exposed to the heavy metal Cadmium (Cd 2+ )
Authors: Liu Xue , Jiang Hucheng , Ye Baoqing , Qian Hongli , Guo Ziqi , Bai Haotian , Gong Jinhua , Feng Jianbin , Ma Keyi
Published: April 2021

Heavy metal Cadmium (Cd2+) pollution has become a severe environmental problem for aquatic organisms. In crustaceans, gills and hepatopancreas play a vital role in the toxicology. However, in Macrobrachium rosenbergill, there are few researches about gill and hepatopancreases responding to Cd2+ stress at a molecular level. In this study, transcriptomic analysis was applied to characterize gene expression profiles of gills and hepatopancreas of M. rosenbergill after Cd2+ exposure for 0 h, 3 h and 3 d. Six cDNA libraries (Gi 0 h, Gi 3 h, Gi 3 d, Hp 0 h, Hp 3 h, and Hp 3 d) were constructed and a total of 66,676 transcripts and 48,991 unigenes were annotated. Furthermore, differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were isolated by comparing the Cd2+ treated time-point libraries (3 h and 3 d group) with the control library (0 h group). The results showed that most of the DEGs were down-regulated after Cd2+ exposure and the number of DEGs among gill groups were significantly higher than those among hepatopancreas groups. GO functional and KEGG pathway analysis suggested many key DEGs in response to the Cd2+ stress, such as metallothionein and Hemocyanin. Additionally, a total of six DEGs were randomly selected to further identify their expressional profile by qPCR. The results indicated that these DEGs were involved in the response to Cd2+. This comparative transcriptome provides valuable molecular information on the mechanisms of responding to Cd2+ stress in M. rosenbergii, which lays the foundation for further understanding of heavy metals stress.
Oyster Mushroom and its value added products
Authors: Kotasthane Tanmay
Published: April 2021

Cultivation of mushroom is biotechnological process.Two oyster mushroom studied for its consumption and value added products.Pleurotus sajor caju is good in taste and favorite among people as a food.Soup powder made from Pleurotus sajor caju and other ingredients has good flavor and taste.Tomato-mushroom ketchup made from Pleurotus ostreatus and other ingredients has good aroma and taste.Dried oyster mushrooms can be stored for longer period and used in preparation of curries.Oyster mushroom are rich source of proteins, vitamins and minerals.Oyster mushroom cultivation has short duration than other mushroom which makes its good alternative as a food.
Cyclic Siloxane Biosurfactant Producing Bacillus Sp. BS14 Biocontrol Charcoal Rot Pathogen Macrophomina Phaseolina and Induce Growth Promotion in Vigna Mungo L.
Authors: Kumar Sumit , Dubey Ramesh Chandra , Maheshwari Dinesh Kumar , Baliyan Nitin , Dheeman Shrivardhan
Published: April 2021

Rhizobacteria are important component of soil-plant interfaces and help in the management of plant diseases by various means. Precisely, the role of biosurfactant is underscored in biocontrol. The current study showed the exploration of biosurfactant-producing bacteria and its effect in indirect reduction of disease severity in pulse crops. In this study, BS14 was screened as plant growth promoting, biosurfactant producing and biocontrol agent against Macrophomina phaseolina. The biosurfactant purified for biocontrol assays and shown inhibition of fungal hyphal growth in dual culture method and cellular-level deformities in mycelia of M. phaseolina, as observed under scanning electron microscopic (SEM). The biosurfactant of Bacillus BS14 was identified as cyclic siloxane in GC-MS-spectroscopy and FTIR-spectroscopy analysis. In pot-trial studies Bacillus sp. BS14 proved their efficiency for the growth-promotion of Vigna mungo and significant reduction in disease severity index. Using biosurfactants is a biological alternative to the control of plant diseases.
0.9% Sodium chloride solution versus Plasma-Lyte 148 versus compound sodium lacTate Solution in children admitted to PICU – a randomised controlled trial – SPLYT-P: study protocol for an intravenous fluid therapy trial
Authors: Raman Sainath , Schibler Andreas , Marsney Renate Le , Trnka Peter , Kennedy Melanie , Mattke Adrian , Gibbons Kristen , Schlapbach Luregn
Published: April 2021

Background: Intravenous fluid therapy represents the most common intervention critically ill patients are exposed to. Hyperchloremia and metabolic acidosis associated with 0.9% sodium chloride have been observed to lead to worse outcomes, including mortality. Balanced solutions, such as PlasmaLyte-148 and Compound Sodium Lactate, represent potential alternatives but the evidence on optimal fluid choices in critically ill children remains scarce. The aim of this study is to demonstrate whether balanced solutions, when used as the intravenous fluid therapy, are able to reduce the incidence of a rise in serum chloride level compared to 0.9% sodium chloride in critically ill children.Methods: This is a single centre, open label randomised controlled trial with parallel 1:1:1 assignment into three groups: 0.9% sodium chloride, Plasma-Lyte 148, and Compound Sodium Lactate solutions for intravenous fluid therapy. The intervention includes both maintenance and bolus fluid therapy. Children age <16 years admitted to intensive care and receiving intravenous fluid therapy during the first four hours of admission are eligible. The primary outcome measure is a ³5mmol/L increase in serum chloride level within 48 hours post randomisation. The enrolment target is 480 patients. The main analyses will be intention-to-treat.Discussion: This study tests three types of intravenous fluid therapy in order to compare the risk of hyperchloremia associated with normal saline versus balanced solutions. The pragmatic study is thereby assessing the most common intervention in paediatric critical care. This is a single centre open label study with no blinding at the level of delivery of intervention. Certain Paediatric Intensive Care Unit (PICU) patient groups such as patients admitted with a cardiac condition or following traumatic brain injury are excluded from this study. Trial registration: The study has received ethical approval (HREC/19/QCHQ/53177: 06/06/2019). It is registered in the Australian New Zealand Clinical Trials Registry (ACTRN12619001244190) from 9th September 2019. Recruitment commenced on 12th November 2019. The primary results manuscript will be published in a peer reviewed journal.
The Effect of Single Nucleotide Polymorphisms on Depression in Combination With Coronary Diseases: Protocol for a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Kong De Zhao , Gao Lu , Li Hang , Wang Yu , Wang Miao Miao , Zheng Si Cheng , Zhang Zhe , Yang Guan Lin , Huang Lu Qi
Published: April 2021

Background: Depression and coronary heart disease (CHD) have common risk mechanisms. Common single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) may be associated with the risk of depression combined with coronary heart disease. Methods: This protocol was designed according to the PRISMA-P guidelines. CENTRAL in the Cochrane Library, MEDLINE Ovid, Embase Ovid, Web of Science, CNKI, CQVIP, SinoMed, Wanfang Data, and ChiCTR will be systematically searched. We will include case-control studies and cohort studies investigating the relationship between gene SNPs and depression and coronary heart disease comorbidities. The Newcastle-Ottawa Scale (NOS) will be used to assess the risk of bias. When measuring dichotomous outcomes, we will use the risk ratio (RR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CIs) in a cohort study and use the odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CIs) in a case-control study. Five genetic models (allele model, homozygous model, heterozygous model, dominant model, and recessive model) will be evaluated for each included study. Subgroup analysis by ethnicity will be performed. If necessary, post hoc analysis will be made according to different types.Discussion: The purpose of this meta-analysis is to comprehensively study the current evidence and assess the association between single nucleotide polymorphisms and susceptibility of depression in combination with coronary heart disease.Systematic review registration: This protocol was prospectively registered in the PROSPERO (registration number CRD42021229371).
Phase-delay Induced Variation of Synchronization Bandwidth and Frequency Stability in a Micromechanical Oscillator
Authors: Shi Zhan , Pu Dong , Wang Xuefeng , Huan Ronghua , Jiang Zhuangde , Wei Xueyong
Published: April 2021

Phase feedback is commonly utilized to set up a synchronized MEMS oscillator for high performance sensor applications. It's a consensus that the synchronization region varies with phase delay with a `Anti-U' mode within 0 to pi and phase delay is typically fixed on pi/2 to achieve maximum synchronization range and best frequency stability. In this paper, phase-delay induced variation of synchronization bandwidth and frequency stability in a micromechanical oscillator is investigated analytically and experimentally. A self-sustained oscillator is built by applying phase feedback to an electrostatically actuated micro-beam resonator and synchronization phenomenon is observed after coupling it to a weak external periodic excitation. The analytical expression for predicting the synchronization bandwidth with phase delay is derived based on the dynamic model, from which three different types (`U', `Anti-U' and `M') of variation pattern of synchronization bandwidth are observed as feedback tuning. The variation of frequency stability along phase delay is also studied. The synchronization bandwidth and the frequency stability have exactly opposite variation pattern with phase delay in linear oscillators while they are totally consistent in nonlinear oscillators. Experimental tests in vacuum environment are carried out to validate the analytical observations. Our work presented here provides a precise way for achieving best performance of a synchronized MEMS oscillator in the sensor application.
Selection and validation of reference genes for normalization of qRT-PCR data to study secondary metabolite related genes in industrial hemp
Authors: Deguchi Michihito , Potlakayala Shobha , Spuhler Zachary , George Hannah , Sheri Vijay , Agili Ruba , Patel Aayushi , Rudrabhatla Sairam
Published: April 2021

Industrial hemp (Cannabis sativa L.) is a dioecious crop widely known for its production of phytocannabinoids, flavonoids, and terpenes. In the past two years since its legalization, there has been significant interest in researching this important crop for pharmaceutical applications. Although many scientific reports have demonstrated gene expression analysis of hemp through OMICs approaches, accurate validation of omics data cannot be performed because of lack of reliable reference genes for normalization of qRT-PCR data. The differential gene expression patterns of 13 candidate reference genes under osmotic, heavy metal, hormonal, and UV stress were evaluated through four software packages: geNorm, NormFinder, BestKeeper, and RefFinder. The EF-1a ranked as the most stable reference gene across all stresses, TUB was the most stable under osmotic stress, and TATA was the most stable under both heavy metal and hormonal stress. The expression profiles of two cannabinoid pathway genes, AAE1 and THCAS, using the two most stable and single least stable reference genes confirmed that two most stables genes were apt for normalization of gene expression data. This work will contribute to the future studies on the expression analysis of hemp genes regulating the synthesis, transport and accumulation of secondary metabolites.
Long-term nutritional deficiencies following sleeve gastrectomy: a 6-year single-center retrospective study
Authors: Mulita Francesk , Lampropoulos Charalampos , Kehagias Dimitrios , Tsochatzis Stylianos , Tasios Konstantinos , Seretis Fotios , Drakos Nikolas , Kehagias Ioannis
Published: April 2021

Sleeve gastrectomy (SG) is associated with short-term nutritional deficiencies postoperatively. This study evaluates the long-term percent excess weight loss (%EWL), and nutritional deficiencies in a single-center cohort undergoing SG as a primary procedure, with a 6-year follow-up. From January 2005 to December 2010, records of 209 patients who underwent laparoscopic SG were retrieved from a computer database for analysis. 60 out of 209 completed follow-ups of 6 years. Median %EWL at 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 year postoperatively was 80.9%, 79.1%, 73.8%, 71.8%, 71.5%, and 64.9%, respectively. Prior to surgery, 17.2% had anemia. Deficiencies of iron, ferritin, folic acid, vitamin B12, magnesium, and phosphorus were 22%, 5.3%, 1.4%, 3.8%, 29.7%, 5.3%, respectively. Six years post-surgery, deficiencies of hemoglobin, ferritin, and B12 worsened (36.7%, 43.3%, and 11.7%, p = 0.001, p < 0.001, p = 0.019, respectively), whereas there was no significant difference in deficiencies of iron, folic acid, magnesium, and phosphorus (25%, 1.7%, 20%, and 3%, p = 0.625, p = 0.896, p = 0.139, p = 0.539, respectively). There was elevated PTH before and six years post-surgery (2.9% and 1.7%, p = 0.606). This retrospective study shows that LSG had a considerable effect on specific nutritional deficiencies in our patients at six-year post-surgery.
Learning styles and the myths surrounding it: a systematic scoping review of the literature.
Authors: de Mendonça Lucas , Vieira Regis Rodrigues , Duailibi Michel Silvio
Published: April 2021

Background: Learning style (LS) is the theoretical assumption that each individual has a better form for cognitive processing throughout learning. In medical education, LS has been studied as a tool to optimize medical learning. Teaching in the postgraduate medical environment embraces specific methodological aspects for mastering medical abilities and LS inventories have been widely used for enhance learning. However, no review has been done on this subject until this date. Therefore, a scoping review was performed to explore the extent of evidence on LS and postgraduate medical education. Methods: a systematic scoping review was performed according to PRISMA - ScR and JBI guidelines. We searched MEDLINE, ERIC, LILACS and SCIELO virtual library on February 2020. A peer review was performed with blinding of both investigators and any divergence was resolved by consensus. Searching strategy, search terms, exclusion and inclusion criteria and data charting were structured prior to the beginning of the study. Data was summarized and collated. Analysis of the quality of the evidence was also performed using specific tools.Results: 211 studies were obtained with the search engine after duplicates were removed. Of these, 40 were selected after applying exclusion and inclusion criteria. Two other studies were excluded post initial screening. The majority of studies were from United States. General surgery, internal medicine and family medicine were the specialties that had most studies on LS. Kolb LSI was the most used LS inventory. The majority of studies were observational with a cross sectional design (34 out of 38). Only four studies were RCTs with a low quality of evidence and a high risk of bias. It was also seen that LS may change through training, with work-hours and areas of specialty training.Conclusion: There is a lack of high quality studies to provide reliable evidence for the utilization of LS in postgraduate medical education and it is desirable for more Cohort or Randomized Control Trials in this area for a more robust evidence.
Exposure to carbon nanotubes may induce cytotoxicity and increase protein expression of Bax in mouse skin fibroblasts
Authors: Nazeri Zahra , Jamalan Mostafa , Azizidoost Shirin , Cheraghzadeh Maryam , Kheirollah Alireza
Published: April 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Simultaneous determination of 5 diuretic drugs using an HPLC method by quantitative analysis of multiple components by a single marker
Authors: Chen Fuchao , Fang Baoxia , Li Peng , Wang Sicen
Published: April 2021

Background: Loop diuretics are commonly used in clinical practice to manage high fluid loads and to control fluid balance. In this paper, a novel quantitative analysis method for multiple components with a single marker (QAMS) was developed for the simultaneous determination of 5 diuretic drugs furosemide, torasemide, azosemide, etacrynic acid, and bumetanide, by HPLC. Qualitative analysis was performed using relative retention time and ultraviolet (UV) spectral similarity as the double indicator. The QAMS method was conducted with etacrynic acid as an internal reference substance. The quantities of the other four diuretics were calculated by using the relative correction factors for etacrynic acid. The quantities of the 5 diuretic drugs were also determined by the external standard method (ESM). Chromatographic separation was achieved on a Shimadzu HC-C18 column (150 mm× 4.6 mm, 5µm) using 50 mM potassium dihydrogen phosphate (pH adjusted to 4.0 with phosphoric acid) with acetonitrile (64:36, v/v) as the mobile phase at a flow rate of 1.0 mL/min and a column temperature of 30 ℃. Results: Under these conditions, the 5 diuretic drugs were well separated, showing linear relationships within certain ranges. The quantitative results showed that there was no significant difference between the QAMS and ESM methods. Conclusions: Overall, the HPLC-QAMS analytical scheme established in this study is a simple, efficient, economical, and accurate method for the quantitative evaluation of 5 diuretic drugs.
Dietary and exercise interventions for perimenopausal women Health status impact study
Authors: Hao Shuping , Tan Sisi , Li Jing , Li Weimin , Li Jingyun , Cai Xiaochen , hong zhongxin
Published: April 2021

Background: At present, there are few studies on individualized dietary guidance and exercise intervention for perimenopausal women. The purpose of this article is to explore the effects of centralized health education, health education + individualized diet guidance, and health education + individualized diet guidance + intensive resistance exercise on the physical measurements of perimenopausal women. Design: 78 perimenopausal women divided into three groups: Group A, Group B and Group C. Participants: Group A received routine gynecological diagnosis and treatment and participated in centralized lifestyle health education. Group B required to participate in all intensive education content, professional dietitians to give individualized dietary guidance. Group C received intensive education, individualized diet intervention, and intensified resistance exercise. Main Measures: Dietary scores, exercise habits, waist circumference, body mass index, fat and muscle mass were observed after 3 months. Results: After intervention, the total diet score of group C was higher than that of group A and B, and the red meat score was significantly reduced. The number of patients in group B and group C who exercised >3 times per week and the number of resistance exercises per week were significantly increased, while the number of aerobic exercises per week in group C was significantly increased. Comparison of the changes of body measurement indexes after the three different interventions showed that body fat and waist circumference were significantly reduced, and skeletal muscle weight was significantly increased; body mass index, trunk fat ratio and waist to hip ratio were significantly decreased in group B and C, while trunk muscle was significantly increased in group C. Conclusion: The combined intervention of the three methods can give full play to the synergistic effect of various interventions, and the improvement effect of increasing the appropriate amount of resistance exercise is more obvious, which is worthy of further promotion and application. Retrospectively registered: researchregistry6331, date of registration : December 4, 2020.
Which kind of classification is more suitable for Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome
Authors: Wei Heng , Li Wei
Published: April 2021

Background: To analyze the clinical characteristics of patients with Herlyn–Werner–Wunderlich syndrome (HWWs) in two classification methods.Methods: 87 HWWs patients syndrome admitted to the Shengjing hospital of China Medical University between April 2003 to June 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Type II of average age at time of diagnosis (25.11±8.96) was significantly longer than the other two types(13.06±2.55; 13.06±2.55). The menarche and the interval between menarche and time of diagnosis was significant difference between types I and II. The average age at time of diagnosis, the menarche and the interval between menarche and time of diagnosis was significant difference between classification I and II. Cystic mass in vaginal wall was a significant difference between type I and II. Endometriosis of type I and II was a more common than type III. Sex life was a significant difference between type I and II. Mediastinum of uterus of type II was a more common than type I and III. The time of diagnosis, menarche, interval between menarche and time of diagnosis, cystic mass in vaginal wall, abnormal vaginal discharge, sex life, changes of urination and defecation and mediastinum of uterus were significant difference between classification 1 and classification 2. The site of olique septum vaginalis was significant difference in two classification methods. The absence of kidney in HWWs type was significant difference in two classification methods. Conclusion: Type I HWWs should be suspected in cases involving adolescent girls presenting with cyclical pelvic pain, change of urination and defecation. Two classification can be easy to treat in clinical work.
Barriers and Facilitators of Access to Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Services During the First Wave of COVID-19 Pandemic in Nigeria: Findings From a Qualitative Study
Authors: Akaba Godwin Otuodichinma , Dirisu Osasuyi , Okunade Kehinde S , Adams Eseoghene , Ohioghame Jane , Obikeze Obioma O , Izuka Emmanuel , Sulieman Maryam , Edeh Emmanuel
Published: April 2021

BackgroundUnderstanding how COVID-19 has shaped access to maternal. newborn and child health (MNCH) services in Nigeria and the contextual factors attributable to these changes is crucial towards development of policies and interventions that will assist the country in maintaining focus towards sustaining the little gains it has made over the past few years towards improving MNCH despite the COVID -19 pandemic.The objective of the study was to explore the barriers and facilitators of access to MNCH services during the first wave of COVID-19 pandemic in Nigeria.MethodsA qualitative study was conducted among different stakeholder groups in 18 public health facilities in Nigeria between May and July,2020. In-depth interviews were conducted among 54 study participants (service users, service providers and policymakers,) selected from across the three tiers of public health service delivery system in Nigeria (primary health centers, secondary health centers and tertiary health centers). Coding of the qualitative data and identification of themes from the transcripts were carried out and thematic approach was used for data analyses.ResultsBarriers to accessing MNCH services during the first wave of Covid-19 pandemic in Nigeria include fear of contracting COVID-19 infection at health facilities, transportation difficulties, movement restriction, stigmatization of sick persons, lack of personal protective equipment (PPE) /medical commodities, long waiting times at hospitals, shortage of manpower, lack of preparedness by health workers, and prioritization of essential services. Enablers to access include the COVID-19 non-pharmacological measures instituted at the health facilities, community sensitization on healthcare access during the pandemic, and alternative strategies for administering immunization service at the clinics.Conclusion Access to MNCH services was negatively affected by the COVID-19 pandemic particularly due to challenges resulting from restrictions in movements and the health systems inability to provide enabling conditions for sustained utilization of MNCH services. There is need for national health managers and policy makers to institute measures that will allow unhindered access to MNCH services during future pandemics. This may include provision of socio-economic safety nets for women, provision of PPEs, use of e-health platforms for consultations, and incentives for health workers.
Epidemiological characteristics and drug resistance of fungemia: a 10-year data analysis in general hospitals
Authors: LIU Yunxi , Bai Yanling , Zheng Zhigang , Liu Ting , Yan Zhongqiang , Du Mingmei , Yao Hongwu , Suo Jijiang
Published: April 2021

Background: with the increasing use of immunosuppressive agents, broad-spectrum antibiotics and biological agents, the incidence rate of fungemia has been increasing, and the drug resistance has been widely concerned. However, the epidemic trend and drug resistance analysis of fungal bloodstream infection are lack of large sample data. This study intends to analyze the data of fungal bloodstream infection in a large tertiary hospital in the past 10 years, in order to understand its epidemic characteristics and drug resistance, and provide reference for the prevention and treatment of fungal bloodstream infection. Methods: the "hospital infection real-time monitoring system" was used to retrieve the case information of all patients who were hospitalized for more than 48 hours from 2010 to 2019. The diagnosis of all bloodstream fungal infection was confirmed by the full-time staff and clinicians according to the diagnostic standards and the patient's infection situation. The questionnaire was designed to check the cases one by one, and the basic information, infection situation, drug resistance and other related information of patients were registered Software analysis. Results: 680 cases of fungi were detected in 233189 blood samples, the detection rate was 0.29%. 615 bloodstream infections occurred in 598 patients, including 207 catheter-related bloodstream infections. Non Candida albicans was the main fungus, accounting for 63.24%. The drug resistance of non Candida albicans (to itraconazole, fluconazole, voriconazole, amphotericin B) was higher than that of Candida albicans, among which Candida glabrata had the highest resistance rate, and no amphotericin B resistance was found. Data analysis showed that the patients with more serious basic diseases, combined with infection of other sites, surgery, long hospital stay, complicated medication, and invasive catheterization were more likely to occur fungemia Conclusion: The detection rate of fungal bloodstream infection has no obvious upward trend in the past 10 years. Non Candida albicans is the main detected bacteria. We should pay attention to the drug resistance of non Candida albicans. In clinic, we should attach great importance to the patients with hospital acquired fungal bloodstream infection with high risk factors, detect the occurrence trend, species distribution and drug resistance, and reasonably choose antifungal drugs, so as to improve the level of diagnosis and treatment.
Identification of the active substance and mechanisms of CFF-1 for treatment of prostate cancer based on network pharmacology, virtual screening, and molecular dynamics simulation
Authors: dai zao , Liu Ping
Published: April 2021

Background

CFF-1 is an effective treatment option for prostate cancer patients, but there is a lack of network pharmacology research on its molecular mechanism.
Methods

Based on bioavailability and drug-likeness, the main active ingredients of CFF-1 were obtained through the Traditional Chinese Medicine System Pharmacology (TCMSP) database. The GeneCard, OMIM, PharmGKB, Therapeutic Targets database, and DrugBank were used to construct prostate cancer target gene sets. Construct an ingredients-target network and a protein-protein interaction network respectively, and GO and KEGG enrichment analysis were performed. After merging the two networks, important target genes were obtained in the merged network, and virtual screening of CFF-1 active ingredients was performed on these important target genes. Then the dynamic process of the binding of two small drug molecules to the target protein was simulated by molecular dynamics.
Results

112 active ingredients of CFF-1 and 206 prostate cancer target genes were identified. The results of GO and KEGG enrichment analysis showed that the target genes regulated by CFF-1 were involved in prostate cancer-related signaling pathways. Two important target genes were obtained in the merge network, as well as the small molecules with the best binding among the active ingredients of CFF-1 were obtained through a virtual screening tool developed by us. Finally, simulate the dynamic process of two small molecules binding to the target protein.
Conclusion

In conclusion, this study predicted the potential molecular mechanism of CFF-1 in the treatment of prostate cancer through network pharmacology and found important target genes and their active ingredients in CFF-1. This provided a direction for future research on CFF-1 and promoted the reasonable application of CFF-1 in the clinical treatment of prostate cancer.
The Burden of Orthopaedic Disease in Sub-Saharan Africa: A Focus on Tanzania
Authors: Hardaker William Mack , Jusabani Mubashir , Massawe Honest , Pallangyo Anthony , Temu Rogers , Masenga Gileard , Fessehaie Nathaniel , Numfor Anchi , Winterton Matthew , Premkumar Ajay , Sheth Neil
Published: April 2021

Background As road traffic crashes (RTCs) continue to rise in the developing world, the current growth rate and true burden of orthopaedic injuries are unknown. In 2015, we characterized the orthopaedic burden at Kilimanjaro Christian Medical Center (KCMC) in Tanzania. In this study, we re-evaluated the burden and growth-rate over three years in the absence of any system level changes. Additionally, we calculated the percentage of orthopaedic patients that received definitive fixation for their orthopaedic injury when surgery was indicated.Methods We prospectively collected data for 190 patients admitted to the orthopaedic ward at KCMC during June/July 2018. We also retrospectively reviewed available records for patients presenting to the KCMC emergency department, orthopaedic outpatient clinic and orthopaedic ward.Results Prospective data: RTC (48.6%) was the most common etiology and femur fractures (31.0%) the most common type of injury. Almost 96% of admitted patients were indicated for surgical fixation, but only 44.5% received definitive fracture treatment. Retrospective data: KCMC treated an average of 15,117 orthopaedic patients per year, representing a 35.3% growth in the orthopaedic burden compared to 2015.Conclusion The burden of orthopaedic surgical disease at KCMC continues to grow. Throughout the developing world, multiple system level constraints preclude delivery of definitive treatment for most patients. Without innovative strategies to address this situation, the discrepancy between the need for orthopaedic care and surgical care capacity in the developing world will continue to grow.
Modeling of the transmission dynamics of carbapenem resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae in hospitals and design of control strategies
Authors: Changruenngam Suttikiat , Modchang Charin , Bicout Dominique J.
Published: April 2021

Carbapenem-resistant Klebsiella pneumoniae (CRKP) has emerged as a major threat to global public health. Epidemiological and infection controls associated with CRKP are very challenging owing to several potential elements involved in a complicated cycle of transmission. Here, we proposed a comprehensive mathematical model to investigate the transmission dynamics of CRKP, determine factors affecting the prevalence, and evaluate the impact of interventions on the transmission. The model includes the essential compartments, which are uncolonized, asymptomatic colonized, symptomatic colonized, and relapsed patients. Moreover, the symptomatic colonized and relapsed patients are further classified into subpopulations according to their number of treatment failures or relapses. We found that the admission of colonized patients and the use of antibiotics have a significant influence on the endemic transmission. The proposed treatment efficacy, which is defined as a combination of the treatment duration and the probability of successful treatment, could also describe the effects of antibiotic treatment on the transmission. A high efficacy of the antibiotic treatment could significantly reduce the likelihood of readmission of a patient in the health care unit. In addition, our findings demonstrate that the CRKP transmission with different epidemiological characteristics needs to be controlled with distinct interventions.