bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of maternal main pulmonary arterial diameter and neonatal birth weight: a study based on pulmonary arterial hypertension
Authors: Zhao Kaixun , Zhang Caojin , Yang Ziyang , Zhou Yin , Xie Nanshan , Lai Disheng
Published: September 2022

OBJECTIVE
To study the association of maternal main pulmonary arterial diameter and neonatal weight of pregnant women with pulmonary arterial hypertension.
METHODS
We divide patients into 2 group, according to whether the patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension owing to congenital heart disease, or idiopathic pulmonary arterial hypertension. Univariate and multivariate regression analysis were used. After adjusting for various confounding, tangent points were obtained by fitting curves and threshold effect analysis. Finally, we apply a stratified analysis according to New York Heart Association (NYHA) Functional Classification.
RESULTS
According to the results of multivariate regression analysis, in patients with PAH owing to congenital heart disease, maternal pulmonary arterial diameter was significantly associated with neonatal birth weight, and the regression coefficient was − 37.03, and the 95% confidence interval was − 63.44 to -10.62, P value < 0.001. The result of regression analysis is that when maternal main pulmonary arterial diameter increases by 1 mm, the weight of the newborn will decrease by 37.03g. After stratified analysis, the regression coefficient was − 40.94, and the 95% confidence interval was − 69.68 to -12.20, P value < 0.001.
CONCLUSION
The maternal main pulmonary artery diameter was significantly correlated with the neonatal birth weight in patients with pulmonary arterial hypertension owing to congenital heart diseases, especially thoses with functional classification I or II.
Tea consumption and Papillary Thyroid Cancer Risk: a Case-Control Study of Adults in Shanghai, China
Authors: Xu Xiaoli , Zang Jiajie , Wang Zhengyuan , Wang Jiadong , Wu Yi , Liu Meixia , Shi Zehuan , Song Qi , Cui Xueying , Wu Fan
Published: September 2022

Few studies have explored the impact of consumption of three types of tea on the risk for papillary thyroid cancer (PTC) in East Asia. A case-control study was conducted with323 Chinese patients with histological confirmed differentiated thyroid cancer and 323 healthy subjects selected from the same hospital. Participants were matched by age, nationality and gender, and interviewed face-to-face by trained interviewers using a structured questionnaire. Participants who drank tea at least once a day (p = 0.023) or consumed ≤ five grams each time (p = 0.047) had a lower PTC risk than unfermented tea non-drinkers had. Participants who drank tea at least once a month but < once a day (p = 0.023) or consumed ≤ five grams each time (p = 0.018) had a lower PTC risk than did semi-fermented tea non-drinkers. Among females, a significantly lower PTC risk was found in those who drank unfermented tea at least once a day (p = 0.030) compared with the unfermented tea non-drinkers. No dose-response relationship of the ever-drinkers’ three tea types was found between the amount of tea consumed each time and a lower PTC risk among all participants. Consuming unfermented tea at least once a day was the most protective factor in lowering PTC risk among females.
A Distributed Algorithm for Solving Large-scale p-median Problems Using Expectation Maximization
Authors: Gwalani Harsha , Helsing Joseph , Alshammari Sultanah , Tiwari Chetan , Mikler Armin
Published: September 2022

The p-median problem selects p source locations to serve n destinations such that the average distance between the destinations and corresponding sources is minimized. It is a well-studied NP-hard combinatorial optimization problem with many existing heuristic solutions, however, existing algorithms are not scalable for large-scale problems. The Fast Interchange (FI) heuristic which yields results close to the optimal solution with respect to the objective function value becomes suboptimal with respect to time requirements for large-scale problems. We present a novel distributed multi-core divide and conquer algorithm, EM-FI, to solve large-scale p-median problems quickly even with limited computing resources. The algorithm identifies the existing spatial clusters of the destination locations using Expectation Maximization(EM) and solves them as independent p-median problems using Integer Programming or FI concurrently. The proposed algorithm showed an order of magnitude improvement in time without the loss of quality in terms of the objective function value on synthetic and real datasets.
Primary sarcoma of the uterine cervix: Experience of a single center
Authors: Yuan Hua , Li Ning
Published: September 2022

Objectives To investigate the clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis of patients diagnosed with primary sarcoma of the uterine cervix.
Methods We identified all patients with primary cervical sarcomas treated at our institution from 2002 to 2020. Clinical and pathologic variables, treatment modalities, and prognosis were abstracted from the medical records.
Results Thirty-four patients were identified. Of these patients, 7 (20.6%) patients had leiomyosarcoma, 6 (17.6%) patients had carcinosarcoma or malignant mixed Müllerian tumor, 5 ( 14.7% ) patients had Ewing's sarcoma, 4 (11.8%) patients had rhabdomyosarcoma , 4 (11.8%) patients had undifferentiated sarcoma, 3 (8.8%) patients had sarcoma not otherwise specified, 2 (5.9%) patients had adenosarcoma, 2 (5.9%) patients had endometrial stromal sarcoma, and 1 (2.9%) patient had alveolar soft tissue sarcoma. The median age of the whole patients was 43.5 years (range, 13-63). The median age of patients with Ewing's sarcoma or rhabdomyosarcoma was 22 years (range, 13-39) and 17 years (range, 13-36), respectively. Twenty-four patients presented with vaginal bleeding which was the most common primary symptoms. The 2018 distribution by stage was: stage I in 21 (61.8%) patients, stage II in 4 (11.8%) patients, stage III in 6 (17.6%) patients and stage IV in 3 (8.8%) patients.
Overall, 30 patients (88.2%) received surgical treatment and 4 patients (11.8%) with advanced disease received systematic chemotherapy with or without radiotherapy. The median follow-up was 33.3 months (range 3.6–187.3 months). 15 patients died during follow up, and 11 patients died within 2 years after diagnosis, most of them were patients with carcinosarcoma or undifferentiated sarcoma (45.5%, 5/11). In the entire cohort, 2-year overall survival (OS) and 5-year OS were 67.2% and 56.9%, respectively. For patients with different pathologic subtype, 5-year OS was 25.0% for undifferentiated sarcoma, 50.0% for rhabdomyosarcoma, 50.0% for carcinosarcoma, 53.3% for Ewing's sarcoma, 57.1% for leiomyosarcoma, and 75.0% for others. The 5-year OS for stage I-II and III-IV patients were 62.3% and 41.7%, respectively.
Conclusions Cervical sarcomas are rare neoplasms with multiple histological subtypes and follow an aggressive course. Surgery is the main treatment for cervical sarcoma. Prognosis may be associated with tumor histology and stage.
GRHPR, targeted by miR-138-5p, inhibits the proliferation and metastasis of hepatocellular carcinoma through PI3K/AKT signaling pathway
Authors: Yang Shuangshuang , Liu Yixian , Zhang Bushi , Li Jinxia , Xu Fang , Yu Mengdan , Chen Ying , Li Chenglong , Liu Ting , Zhao Ying , Zhao Qianwei , Zhang Jintao
Published: September 2022

Background
Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the most aggressive cancers. The present study aimed to investigate the effects of GRHPR on the proliferation and metastasis of HCC and to identify the miRNA targeting GRHPR to understand the underlying mechanism of miR-138-5p/GRHPR on HCC proliferation and metastasis.
Methods
The expression levels of GRHPR and miR-138-5p were detected in HCC tissues and cells. Bioinformatic analysis and dual-luciferase reporter assay were carried out to confirm that GRHPR was a target gene of miR-138-5p. HCC cell lines overexpressing GRHPR were established to detect the roles of GRHPR in HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion. The biological function of miR-138-5p targeting to GRHPR in HCC cell lines was also evaluated. The xenograft mouse model was established to investigate the functions of GRHPR in vivo.
Results
GRHPR was markedly downregulated in human HCC samples, whereas miR-138-5p was upregulated in HCC samples. The expression of GRHPR was regulated by miR-138-5p in HCC cell lines. HCC cell proliferation, migration and invasion could be suppressed by GRHPR overexpression and GRHPR exerted an anti-tumor effect in a xenograft mouse model. However, the inhibition of GRHPR by miR-138-5p promoted the proliferation and invasive properties of HCC cells. MiR-138-5p could regulate the phosphorylation levels of PI3K and AKT related to the phosphatidylinositol signaling pathway via inhibiting GRHPR expression.
Conclusions
This study suggests that GRHPR may play a significant role in HCC and its function is regulated by miR-138-5p.
Presence and risk assessment of pharmaceutically active compounds in neotropical small basins, Brazil
Authors: Minillo Alessandro , Isique William , Cardoso Claudia , Súarez Yzel Rondon
Published: September 2022

Pharmaceutically active compounds (PAC) are micropollutants that represent emerging contaminants (ECs) commonly found in aquatic environments. Exposure of aquatic biota to these identified ECs has resulted in severe effects. In the last few years, the number of studies on PAC has grown quickly owing to increasing awareness of the potential environmental and health risks related to these micropollutants. The aim of our study was to evaluate the contamination levels of selected PAC and their potential ecological threat to forested streams. Samples of stream water were collected in the second largest city in Mato Grosso do Sul State in center-west of Brazil. Physicochemical parameters and concentrations of PAC were quantified in samples collected in six field campaigns. Ecological risk assessment (ERA) based on risk quotient (RQ) was carried out based on the maximum measured concentration of PAC in water. Six pharmaceutical compounds were successfully quantified in the forested streams, namely caffeine (1.0 – 1,696.04 ng/L), naproxen (0.9 – 681.80 ng/L), diclofenac (0.8 – 849.94 ng/L), estriol (0.9 – 13.22 ng/L), estradiol (0.9 – 587.30 ng/L) and ethinylestradiol (0.9 – 790.90 ng/L). From an ecological risk perspective, ethinylestradiol, estradiol, diclofenac and caffeine can be considered as priority PAC because they showed moderate to high risks to aquatic organisms and may further lead to damages along the food chain. This study provides valuable information to reinforce the importance of continuous monitoring of the forested streams in center-west region of the country, as well as efforts to control the entry of these micropollutants in watercourse.
Do Adult Patients with Congenital Colorectal Conditions know their Diagnosis?
Authors: Vargas Maria Camila , Wehrli Lea , Louiselle Amanda , Ketzer Jill , Reppucci Marina , Judd-Glossy Laura , Alaniz Veronica , Wilcox Duncan , Wood Dan , Peña Alberto , Torre Luis de la , Bischoff Andrea
Published: September 2022

Purpose
Limited research exists about the knowledge that adult patients have about their congenital colorectal diagnosis.
Methods
This was an IRB approved, prospective study of patients in the Adult Colorectal Research Registry who completed surveys between October 2019 and March 2022. Surveys were administered through REDCap after patients consented to being contacted for research purposes. Patients provided demographic data, which was linked to surgical records, and the diagnoses provided by patients were compared with diagnoses recorded by the original surgeons.
Results
One hundred and thirty-one questionnaires were collected, 115 patients had anorectal malformations (ARM) and 16 had Hirschsprung disease (HD). Seven patients who had ARM were unaware that they had an ARM or HD. The type of ARM recorded by the surgeon was unavailable for comparison with the patient's reported diagnosis in four cases. Of the 111 remaining patients with ARM, only 32 of them (29%) knew what their own type of anomaly was. Female patients recalled their diagnosis more often than male patients (42.4% versus 13.5%). All 16 participants with HD correctly identified their diagnosis severity as HD with or without Total Colonic Aganglionosis.
Conclusion
The results of this study demonstrate patients’ limited understanding of their type of ARM and highlight the urgent need to enhance communication and education strategies, such as issuing patients with medical diagnosis identification cards. It is critical for clinicians to better communicate with patients to ensure that they and their relatives truly understand their precise diagnosis. Better informed patients should be better able to advocate for themselves, adhere to treatments and precautionary recommendations, navigate the complexities of transitional care, and more effectively manage lifelong complications.
Non-isothermal thin-film flow of a viscoplastic material over topography
Authors: Moyers-Gonzalez Miguel , Hewett James N. , Cusack Dale R. , Kennedy Ben M. , Sellier Mathieu
Published: September 2022

This paper considers the non-isothermal flow of a viscoplastic fluid on a horizontal or an inclined surface with a flat, a step-up and a step-down topography. A particular application of interest is the spread of a fixed mass – a block – of material under its own weight. The rheology of the fluid is described by the Bingham model which includes the effect of yield stress, i.e. a threshold stress which must be exceeded before flow can occur. Both the plastic viscosity and the yield stress are modelled with temperature-dependent parameters. The flow is described by a reduced model with a thin-film equation for the height of the block and a depth-averaged energy conservation equation for the heat transfer. Results show that for large values of the yield stress, only the outer fraction of the fluid spreads outward, the inner fraction remaining unyielded, hence the block only partially slumps. We present an analysis which predicts the threshold value of the yield stress for which partial slump occurs.
Determine Sodium in Bone and Bio-Kinetics of Sodium in Pig Model by Using In Vivo Neutron Activation Analysis
Authors: Tabbassum Sana , Yue Song , Coyne Mychaela , Lobene Andrea J. , Lachcik Pamela , Anderson Cheryl , Weaver Connie , Nie Linda H.
Published: September 2022

Sodium is an essential mineral in the human body that is vital for many body functions. The role of dietary sodium in hypertension and associated diseases has been widely accepted; however, few studies have been conducted on how sodium is stored and metabolized in the human body. This study aimed to evaluate the feasibility of a compact neutron generator-based neutron activation analysis system for the in vivo quantification of sodium in pig models. Two six-week-old male pigs were fed a high and low-concentration sodium diet for 14 days. The in vivo bone sodium was measured with a DD110 neutron generator-based irradiation system. The hind leg of pigs was irradiated for 10 minutes, and the gamma spectrum with 23Na was collected using high efficiency, high purity germanium (HPGe) detector. The in vivo sodium concentration in two male pigs was found to be (788 ±11 ppm) and (785±10 ppm) at the end of the dietary sodium period. There was no significant difference for in vivo bone sodium of low-sodium (pig L) and high-sodium diet pig (pig H) after 14 days of dietary sodium intervention. In contrast, the ex-vivo bone sodium concentrations for pig L (1870±11 ppm) and pig H (2029 ±6 ppm) showed a significant difference in the bone sodium deposition in pig H and pig L as a response to the sodium diet. In conclusion, this experimental study shows that IVNAA technique can be successfully used to quantify bone sodium in response to the dietary interventions.
Percutaneous Transluminal Angioplasty of a Dysfunctional Central Vein Caused by a Tunnel-cuffed Catheter
Authors: Bu Quandong , Luan Hong , Niu Liyuan , Zhang Yan , Xu Yan , Wang Yuewei
Published: September 2022

Background: For patients without arteriovenous fistula and with dysfunctional central veins caused by long indwelling tunnel-cuffed catheter (TCC), no consensus on how to achieve functional hemodialysis access has been reached. This study investigated the value of percutaneous transluminal angioplasty (PTA) of a dysfunctional central vein caused by a TCC under digital subtraction angiography (DSA) guidance.
Methods: In total, thirteen patients with indwellingTCC-related complications were admitted to our institution. The TCC indwelling duration was 35.2 months (range, 6 to 70 months). The failed TCCs were removed under the support of a stiff guide wire,and an angiogram showed central vein stenosis (CVS) or occlusion. PTA was performed to recanalize the central vein, and new TCCs were placed in situ or in another central vein under DSA guidance.
Results: TCCs were successfully removed in twelve patients. TCC removal failed in one patient due to severe adhesion of the TCC and the left innominate vein 4 years after implantation. PTA of central veins, including the right internal jugular vein, innominate vein, superior vena cava, and right iliac vein, was performed, and new TCCs were successfully placed in all patients. No stents were implanted in any patients. The mean follow-up was 12.9 months (range, 3 to 36 months). The new TCCs functioned well in all patients.
Conclusions: Under DSA guidance, recanalization of TCC-related CVS or occlusion by PTA and implantation of anew TCC catheter in situor another central vein can establish dialysis access for patients with poorly functioning TCCs successfully.
Co-production of Lipases and Biosurfactants by Bacillus Methylotrophicus in Solid State Fermentation for Use in Bioremediation
Authors: Kreling Naiara Elisa , Fagundes Victória Dutra , Simon Viviane , Colla Luciane Maria
Published: September 2022

Production of biosurfactants and lipases via solid state fermentation (SSF) processes is still little explored when considering the use of bacteria. The potential application of solid matrices without the need for precipitation and recovery processes, helps to enable bioremediation processes. The aim of this work was the co-production of biocompounds via SSF using Bacillus methylotrophicus and the use of the fermented substrate in bioremediation of a soil contaminated with 20% of biodiesel. The biocompounds were produced using wheat bran and corncob (80/20), 75% moisture, 1% inducer (glycerol), 2% nitrogen and 1% sugar cane molasses, during 8 days. The bioremediation was evaluated for 90 days, and the assay containing biocompounds + fermented substrate + bacteria in its active form showed the highest biodegradation (72.08 ± 0.36% in 60 days). Maximum production of biosurfactants and lipases in soil was verified in 30 days of bioremediation. The possibility of co-production of two biocompounds in the same culture medium is confirmed, representing a cost reduction and potential feasibility of the bioprocess when considering industrial production scale, in addition to its environmental application in the treatment of oily contaminants.
Dynamic observation of the formation of melanocytic spheroids induced by repeated long-term trypsinization
Authors: Huang Tingting , Jin Huiling , Zhang Ruzhi
Published: September 2022

To observe changes in the shapes and growth patterns of melanocytes (MCs) after receiving two long-term trypsinization (LTT) treatments for 2 hours each.Epidermal primary cells were obtained from foreskin tissues, which were obtained from routine circumcisions. Antibodies specific for keratin 15 (K15) and melanosomes (HMB-45) were used to identify keratinocytes (KCs) and MCs, respectively. MCs were purified via differential trypsinization, and then continued to be cultivated. When they became 70% confluent, the MCs were treated with LTT and were subcultured. After about 1 week, the above treatment was repeated. Changes in the morphologies and growth patterns of MCs were observed daily, were photographed and analyzed.The results of immunofluorescence staining showed MCs presenting with dendrites and KCs with cobblestone-shapes coexisting in the epidermal cultures. MCs were purified by differential trypsinization and appeared as dendritic, in monolayer growth, with a doubling time of 3–5 d. After 2 h of LTT, those MCs proliferated more quickly with a doubling time of 2–3 d. Meanwhile, the number and length of dendrites were reduced, most of MCs were bipolar, and a few had three dendrites. After the second LTT, the MCs became short rod-shaped or fusiform, with a doubling time of less than 2 d. Some aggregates or spheroids of MCs gradually appeared and increased in size over the time of culture. Each MC spheroid (MS) contained 3–30 MCs, with various morphologies and sizes within the same spheroid. When MSs were picked up and re-seeded, the dendritic cells migrated out and expanded surrounding the spheroids. They proliferated rapidly, grew in a monolayer, and were morphologically similar to primary MCs.LTT reduced the number of dendrites and shortened the doubling time of MCs. Two repeat treatments of LTT can induce the formation of MSs.
Anxiety and depression levels and their influencing factors in community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia in China during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Chen Shanshan , Sun Xiaohua , Zhu Qisha , Zhao Yuan , Tang Jinsong , Song Haidong
Published: September 2022

Purpose
To (1) assess the prevalence of anxiety and depression symptoms in community-dwelling patients with schizophrenia in China during the epidemic; (2) explore possible influencing factors.
Methods
Using a cross-sectional survey, we collected 15165 questionnaires. Assessments included demographic information, concern about COVID-19-related information, sleep status, anxiety and depressive symptoms, and accompanying illnesses. The 7-item Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD-7) and the 9-item Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9) were used to evaluate depression and anxiety levels. Group comparison was conducted by t-test, ANOVA, or chi-square test wherever suitable with Bonferroni pairwise correction. Multivariate logistic regression were performed to identify predictors for anxiety and depression.
Results
16.9% patients had at least moderate anxiety, and 34.9% had at least moderate depression. T-test showed that females scored higher on GAD-7 and PHQ-9 than males, and patients without accompanying long-standing diseases, who were not concerned about the COVID-19 had lower GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. ANOVA showed that participants aged from 30 to 39, with higher education scored higher on GAD-7, and patients with better sleep, having less concern about the COVID-19 had lower GAD-7 and PHQ-9 scores. Regression analysis indicated that participants aged 30–39 and 40–49 positively predicted anxiety, whereas patients aged 30–39 years positively predicted depression. Poor sleep, accompanying diseases, and concerning the COVID-19 pandemic were more likely to experience anxiety and depression.
Conclusion
Chinese community-dwelling schizophrenia patients had high anxiety and depression rates during the pandemic. These patients warrant clinical attention and psychological intervention, especially those with risk factors.
Therapeutic mechanism of transcranial iTBS on nerve regeneration and functional recovery in rats with complete spinal cord transection
Authors: Liu Jialin , Wang Shuai , Chen Zhenghong , Wu Rongjie , Yu Haiyang , Yang Shangbin , Xu Jing , Guo Yinan , Ding Ying , Li Ge , Zeng Xiang , Ma Yuanhuan , Gong Yulai , Wu Chuangran , Zhang Lixin , Zeng Yuanshan , Lai Biqin
Published: September 2022

Background:After spinal cord transection injury, the inflammatory microenvironment formed in the injury site and the cascade of secondary injury results in limited regeneration of injured axons and the apoptosis of neurons in the sensorimotor cortex (SMC). It is crucial to reverse these adverse processes for the recovery of voluntary movement. In this study, transcranial intermittent theta-burst stimulation (iTBS) was used for the treatment of complete spinal cord transection in rats. The mechanism of transcranial iTBS as a new non-invasive neural regulation paradigm in promoting axonal regeneration and motor function repair was explored.Methods:Rats from the iTBS group were treated with transcranial iTBS 72h after spinal cord injury (SCI). Each rat was received behavioral testing. Inflammation, neuronal apoptosis, neuroprotective effect, regeneration and synaptic plasticity were measured by immunofluorescence staining, western blotting and mRNA sequencing 2 or 4w after SCI. Each rat was received anterograde tracings in the SMC or the long descending propriospinal neurons and tested for motor evoked potentials. Regeneration of corticospinal tract (CST) and 5-hydroxytryptamine (5-HT) nerve fibers were detected eight weeks after SCI.Results:Compared with the control group and the sham iTBS group, rats of the iTBS group showed reduced inflammatory responses and neuronal apoptosis in the SMC two weeks after treatment. After four weeks, the neuroimmune microenvironment at the injury site was improved, and neuroprotective effects were seen to promote axonal regeneration and synaptic plasticity. Significantly, eight weeks after treatment, transcranial iTBS also increased the regeneration of CST, 5-HT nerve fibers, and the long descending propriospinal tract (LDPT). Moreover, motor evoked potentials and hindlimb motor function were significantly improved at eight weeks.Conclusions:Collectively, our results verified that iTBS has the potential to provide neuroprotective effects at early injury stages and pro-regeneration effects related to the 1) CST–5-HT; 2) CST–LDPT; and 3) CST–5-HT–LDPT descending motor pathways and revealed the relationships among neural pathway activation, neuroimmune regulation, neuroprotection, and axonal regeneration, as well as the interaction network of key genes. The proposed non-invasive transcranial iTBS treatment is expected to provide a serviceable practical and theoretical support for spinal cord injury.
Role of Abo Blood Group as Risk Factor for Ihd
Authors: Ghaffari Mohammad Mujtaba , Ahmadi Abdul Samad , Akhenbekova Aida , Abzaliev Kyat Biandivich
Published: September 2022

Background
Around the world, CAD is the leading cause of mortality.. The Kazakhstan population has one of the most remarkable risks of IHD in the world. Observational studies on the association between ABO blood types and coronary artery disease risk must be examined.
Aim
The aim of the research is to find whether there is a link between the ABO blood group and IHD.
Methods
This is a descriptive, cross-sectional study carried out in”JSC hospital” during 2020. The research included patients who were hospitalized with an IHD diagnosis. Data were recorded and analyzed using SPSS 22. Association between blood group and IHD was analyzed using chi-square test and independent T-test for comparison of patients' age in both genders.
Results
During the one-year study, a total of 649 patients were enrolled. The patients' average age was 64.2 ± 9.238 and the frequency of participants were 232 (35.74%) females and 417 (64.25%) males. The distribution of blood group was as follows: blood group O was 32.2%, A – 31.43%, B – 27.73%, AB – 8.62%. Among these blood groups, blood group O was the common type of blood group (not significant), and AB was the least common. In the study population, there was no considerable variation in the prevalence of blood groups with IHD (p = 0.108).
Conclusion
In this single hospital-based study, there was no significant connection between ABO blood types and ischemic heart disease (p = 0.77).
Impact of Climate Variability on Crop Diversification in West African Countries
Authors: Kevin ABOUA Angui Christian Dorgelès
Published: September 2022

This paper analyses the impact of climate variability on cereal, root and tuber crop diversification for selected West African countries during the period 1965-2014. The crop diversification index, combining cereal, root and tuber crops, was calculated through the composite entropy index. Climate variability is measured by the coefficient of variation of temperature and precipitation. A seemingly unrelated regression was used to estimate the relationship between climate variability and crop diversification by controlling for supply- and demand-side factors of crop diversification. Overall, the results reveal that variability in temperature and precipitation over decades did not have an adverse effect on cereal root and tuber crop diversification. A detailed analysis showed that Niger and Togo have been the most adapted to climate variability, while Ghana was the most affected, mainly by precipitation variability. The results also indicated that, on the supply side, the availability of agricultural land contributed to crop diversification. Productivity, which is expected to increase crop diversification, was positive and significant in very few countries. In the others, it was not enough to improve crop diversification. On the demand side, population growth and consumption led to crop diversification, particularly in the consumption of roots and tuber crops. This study suggests that greater diversification would mitigate the negative impact of climate variability. Therefore, regional and national agricultural policies aimed at increasing productivity are necessary to encourage farmers to diversify food crops under climate variability.
Safety and efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery protocol for elderly patients undergoing colorectal surgery
Authors: Sato Hiromichi , Ota Hirofumi , Munakata Koji , Matsuura Yusuke , Fujii Makoto , Wada Noriko , Takiuchi Daisuke , Hama Naoki , Takachi Kou , Yukawa Masao
Published: September 2022

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to evaluate the safety and efficacy of an enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) protocol in elderly patients undergoing colorectal cancer surgery.
Methods: The study included 273 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery conducted following the ERAS protocol from June 2015 to April 2021 and 63 patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal surgery according to conventional care (April 2014 to June 2015).
Results: We compared elderly patients (age ≥75 years) in the ERAS and conventional care groups. The median (range) length of hospital stay (LOHS) was significantly shorter in the ERAS group (9 [4–95] days with ERAS vs. 13 [4–37] days with conventional care, p < 0.001), but the complication rate (Clavien–Dindo grade 2 or more) was similar (16.8% ERAS vs. 18.5% conventional care, p = 0.784). We found no significant differences between groups in postoperative mortality rates, reoperation rates, and readmission rates within 30 days. In a comparison of elderly and non-elderly patients receiving ERAS, the elderly group had significantly longer median (range) LOHS (8 [3–104] days for non-elderly vs. 9 [4–95] days for elderly patients, p = 0.028). Furthermore, overall compliance with the ERAS protocol was lower and median LOHS significantly longer for patients undergoing proctectomy compared with those undergoing colectomy.
Conclusion: The ERAS protocol shows efficacy and safety for elderly patients undergoing laparoscopic colorectal cancer surgery, but proctectomy remains a challenge for adult patients of any age.
A Novel Model for Securing Seals using Blockchain and Digital Signature based on QR Codes
Authors: Wezza May , El-Gayar M. M. , AboElfetoh Ahmed
Published: September 2022

Every person in the world needs documents that prove their identity, graduation from the university, residence, marriage, and other essential records that must be safely handled. The credibility of the documents depends on the stamp seal imprints found in them belonging to the government entity, the source of the credibility. But recently, with the rapid development of technology, the number of forged documents and forged stamp seals imprints has increased tremendously, which has led to significant security and social problems. Most of the world's governments depend on securing documents by securing stamp seal imprints through using Ultra Violets inks and issuing them through a centralized environment, which contains many challenges and problems. Central repositories may have security issues such as a single point of failure challenge, data unavailability due to central system failures, or a Denial of Service (DoS) attack. Therefore, this paper will present a proposal that solves the challenges in electronic systems (complete digitalization) and paper systems (partial digitalization). This manuscript proposes a smart securing model to secure stamp seal imprints by encrypting data with stamp seal image of the seal and storing it as a block through the decentralized Blockchain platform. After that, a quick response code (QR) is created to access that block quickly and securely. Also, the stamp seal's hash image and the details of the stamp seal's data source in the blockchain provide a shared, immutable, and transparent history of the stamp seals without relying on any third party. After several experiments, the results proved an accuracy and security rate of stamp seals and documents that reached 98%, with a high retrieval speed. Thus, a safe, fast, and non-changeable environment was provided to retrieve necessary information and ensure its authenticity.
A case report of second fertility-preserving surgical management for early recurrence of young woman with borderline ovarian tumors
Authors: Song Chengzhi , Sun Bingchun , Wu Yueling , Wang Jingyi , Zou Bilian , Zhang Ying
Published: September 2022

Background
Borderline ovarian tumors (BOTs) have low malignant potential and favorable prognoses. The group most affected By BOTs are women of childbearing age; therefore, fertility-sparing surgery is considered the first choice for young patients. Several studies have reported that conservation treatment is associated with a higher recurrence rate; however, data on treatment and clinical management after relapse are scarce.
Case presentation:
A 19-year-old woman was admitted to our hospital for two weeks due to unexplained abdominal distension. Palpation of the uterus was unsatisfactory, and an ultrasound examination revealed abdominal effusion and a cystic solid mass in front of the uterus. The patient required fertility and underwent fertility-sparing procedures, including abdominal right adnexectomy and excision of the left ovarian mass. Histological examination confirmed stage III serous BOTs. The patient had normal menstruation after surgery. After 20 months, the patient experienced a recurrence of serous stage IIIC BOTs, and a second fertility-sparing surgery was performed. Currently, there was no disease recurrence until the last follow-up, but the patient had stopped menstruating for six months and had not yet completed childbirth.
Conclusion
In young women diagnosed with BOTs, fertility preservation surgery may be associated with a higher risk of recurrence, especially in advanced patients. Clinically, pregnancy should be recommended as early as possible after surgery, and long-term follow-up is required.
Effect of Pearling Rate on Highland Barley: Chemical, Physical, Antioxidant and Digestibility Characteristics
Authors: Zheng Qianna , Song Yan , Xiong Feiyang , Wang Zheng , Guo Shuangfeng , Ma Rong , Zhang Guoquan
Published: September 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Major Salivary Glands Carcinoma in Saudi Arabia: A 10-Year Nationwide Retrospective Study of 571 Cases
Authors: Alsalem Abdulaziz A , AlKraidees Mohammad S , AlKarni Abdullah F , Yahya Buthaina J , AlRamyan Rana K , AlSumairi Sultan A , AlEssa Mohammed A , Elkrim Mohammed
Published: September 2022

Purpose: Major salivary glands carcinoma (MSGC) comprises a morphologically diverse group of rare tumours with different clinical behaviours, and studies on epidemiology in the literature vary greatly depending on the geographic location. The aim of this study was to conduct a comprehensive analysis of the incidence rates, anatomical sites, and histological subtypes of different salivary gland malignancies in the population of Saudi Arabia.
Methods: A retrospective cohort study included patients diagnosed with primary major salivary glands carcinoma (MSGC) in Saudi Arabia from 2008 to 2017, based on the demographic characteristics and histological data retrieved from the Saudi Cancer Registry (SCR) database. Malignant lesions were identified using the International Classification of Diseases for Oncology, Third Edition (ICD-O-3) Codes.
Results: Salivary gland malignancies were diagnosed in 571 patients over 10 years (50.10% were males and 49.90% females). The parotid gland was the site of origin in 69.9% of cases. The most common histological type was mucoepidermoid carcinoma (29.1%). Over a decade, the incidence rate ranged from (0.15 to 0.24), with the highest overall in 2009. The peak incidence of salivary gland malignancies was observed in the fourth, fifth and sixth decade of life (17.5%, 18.2%, and 16.8%, respectively).
Conclusion: Major salivary gland carcinomas (MSGC) are extremely rare in the Saudi population, with a low incidence rate of only 0.15 to 0.24 cases per 100,000 person-year compared to other parts of the world. However, the clinical findings of Salivary gland carcinoma were similar to those described worldwide.
Use of Propolis for Skin Wound Healing: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Velho Julia Carnelós Machado , França Thais Amaral , Malagutti-Ferreira Maria José , Albuquerque Edilson Rodrigues , Lívero Francislaine Aparecida Dos Reis , Soares Murilo Racy , Soares Ademilson Espencer Egea , Ribeiro-Paes João Tadeu
Published: September 2022

Propolis is a natural resin that is produced by bees. It has anti-inflammatory and antibiotic properties, promotes reepithelization, and stimulates skin regeneration. Propolis has great potential for the development of new therapeutic approaches to treat skin ulcers. The present study performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of published studies of the use of propolis for the regeneration of cutaneous wounds and its efficacy as a therapeutic agent. Data were collected from articles in the PubMed, SCOPUS, and Web of Science databases that were published since 1900 by searching the terms “propolis” AND “wound healing.” This search yielded 633 articles, of which 43 were included in this systematic review and meta-analysis. The results showed that interest in the therapeutic efficacy of propolis has increased over the years. The studies reported that the resin was effective for the treatment of skin ulcers by promoting a higher percentage of healing than classically employed interventions. The mode of propolis application has also evolved. An increasing number of studies combined it with other substances and materials to achieve additive or synergistic effects on the skin regeneration process. Propolis appears to be an effective therapeutic alternative for the treatment of skin ulcers.
Ways for Improvement of Reverse Axial Pumps
Authors: Mandryka A. , Majid A. P. , Ratushnyi Оleksandr , Kulikov Oleksandr , Sukhostavets D.
Published: September 2022

The article is devoted to a pilot study of the reverse-bladed pump. The characteristics of the reverse bladed pump are the identical parameters on flow, the head, power, energy efficiency on direct and the return operating modes (at rotation of a rotor of the pump both in one and to the opposite side). The model reversible axial pump with two impeller versions was tested on an experimental bench. The impellers were distinguished by the shape of the profile in the blade sections. The model reversible pump was structurally a reversible axial impeller placed in a cylindrical chamber. Studies were carried out at different angles of rotation of the impeller blades. The power characteristics of tested versions of the pump (impeller) at the design and under loading (unstable operation) modes are given. Low efficiency of the tested versions of the reversible pump compared to the conventional axial pumps is noted, primarily due to the strong influence of the secondary gradients of the pressure factor. The second reason is the profile separation of the flow from the blade surface, to which the tested reverse pump screens are predisposed.
Contrasting alteration textures and geochemistry of allanite from uranium-fertile and barren granites: Insights into granite-related U and ion-adsorption REE mineralization
Authors: Zhang Long , Wang Fangyue , Zhou Taofa , Chen Zhenyu
Published: September 2022

Allanite is an important rare earth element (REE)-U-bearing mineral in granites, and it can act as a metal source for the formation of some hydrothermal uranium deposits and ion-adsorption REE deposits. To investigate the potential of allanite as a mineral probe of granite-related uranium mineralization processes and the formation of ion-adsorption REE deposits, we present textures, geochemistry, and in situ U-Pb isotope data for allanite from the fertile Changjiang granite associated with the Changjiang uranium ore field and barren Jiufeng granite in the Zhuguangshan batholith, South China. Alteration of allanite in the Changjiang granite is characterized by the altered domains with lower backscattered electron (BSE) intensities than the unaltered domains and replacement by other secondary minerals such as REE fluorocarbonates, calcite, fluorite, thorite, clay minerals, quartz, chlorite, and epidote. Crystals from the Jiufeng granite were partly replaced by the altered domains appearing darker in BSE images and minor REE fluorocarbonates. The darker domains of the Changjiang and Jiufeng allanite grains have higher Fe3+/(Fe3++Fe2+) ratios and U concentrations than those of the brighter domains, indicating that the alteration of allanite was probably related to more oxidized fluids. This study suggests that the Changjiang granite might have been subjected to the influx of F- and CO2-bearing fluids.

The brighter domains of the Changjiang and Jiufeng allanite grains have weighted mean 207Pb-corrected 206Pb/238U ages of 156.7 ± 4.3 Ma and 161.6 ± 5.3 Ma, respectively, consistent with the corresponding zircon 206Pb/238U ages of 156.1 ± 1.4 Ma and 159.8 ± 1.8 Ma. The darker domains of the Changjiang allanite grains yield a weighted mean 206Pb/238U age of 141.4 ± 5.6 Ma, which overlaps within error the timing of a uranium mineralization event (~140 Ma) in the Changjiang uranium ore field and the age of a crustal extension event (140–135 Ma) in South China. The BSE images and elemental maps reveal that rare earth elements such as La and Ce have been released from the Changjiang allanites during alteration and were precipitated as REE-fluorocarbonates that are susceptible to chemical weathering, which sets the stage for the formation of an ion-adsorption REE deposit. Our study suggests that the regional crustal extension might have played an important role in the formation of both granite-related uranium and ion-adsorption REE deposits in South China, as it could have triggered alteration or breakdown of REE-U-bearing minerals in source rocks.
Covid-19 and Higher Education: A Case Study
Authors: Jackson Phronie
Published: September 2022

The Covid-19 Pandemic significantly disrupted every aspect of human life and has produced an unprecedented hardship on education. The COVID-19 Pandemic created challenges for professors of higher education on multiple levels not limited to teaching, scholarship, and service. Using an Autoethnographic case study with a Social theory symbolic interactionist paradigm, the author explores and reflects on professional and personal experiences encountered during the COVID-19 Pandemic between March 2020 through the fall 2020 semester and beyond. The author describes interactions with students, adjusting her research plan, and pivoting to include COVID-19 in service projects. Although this paper has not covered any statistical analysis on the impact of Covid-19 on higher education, similar accounts can be found and have been cited in the literature. These reflections are unable to offer systemic answers to challenges facing higher education. However, these experiences and feelings will provide important inputs to global discussions, lessons learned, and best practices about the future of higher education, after Covid-19.
Apps and Teaching Strategies for Enhancing Learning in Higher Education during the COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: King-Berry Arlene
Published: September 2022

The COVID-19 pandemic introduced an abrupt change in human behavior and raised significant challenges in higher education. This pandemic has altered our learning behavior by affecting the relative importance of information and forcing teaching and learning into a framework that accommodates human behavioral measures to avoid disease transmission primarily. However, aside from Apps and digital modifications, Universal Design for Learning (UDL) strategies are also critical to reducing barriers to teaching and learning remotely at home. Many mobile Apps were created or modified to address teaching and learning strategies during the pandemic. However, complete knowledge of the quantity and quality of Apps related to coronavirus disease (COVID-19) is lacking. Also, no directory has been established listing all the Apps developed to address the COVID-19 pandemic. The purpose of this systematic review of the literature was to identify challenges that universities faced during the unexpected request for previous face-to-face classes to be taught remotely. The review was also structured to identify UDL-congruent strategies and Apps that can mitigate any number of challenges for faculty and students, including those with disabilities. Finally, this review was designed to synthesize and organize information about the strategies and Apps so that administrators and faculty can use it to address the educational needs of all of their students.
Michel Foucault y Gilles Deleuze. Sobre la imagen, el poder y la resistencia
Authors: Sánchez Marín Leandro
Published: September 2022

En este texto nos proponemos abordar la última clase del semanario de Deleuze sobre el poder en Foucault a partir de dos momentos. El primero tiene que ver con el concepto de imagen y la interpretación sobre el cine que ya venía siendo una constante —aunque marginalmente— en estas clases de Deleuze. Seguidamente, el segundo momento tiene que ver con la relación entre poder y resistencia que arroja como resultado una interpretación del pensamiento de Foucault por parte de Deleuze como una obra viva y en constante construcción. Así, cumpliremos con la exigencia de una lectura que invita a pensar en los conceptos como herramientas de análisis integradas al desarrollo de situaciones donde el poder se presenta como noción central.
La imagen de culto latinoamericana. Hacia una definición teológica
Authors: Aguirre Romero Federico
Published: September 2022

En el presente ensayo se esboza una definición teológica para la imagen de culto latinoamericana. Partiendo de la premisa de que esta imagen reivindica una agencia sacramental semejante a la que detenta la imagen cristiana prerrenacentista, en una primera parte se busca caracterizarla a partir de estudios históricos y culturales, para proceder, en una segunda instancia, a analizar su contenido teológico desde los enfoques de la teología del pueblo y la denominada teología de la imagen. A la luz de estas reflexiones, establecemos que la imagen de culto latinoamericana posee una naturaleza híbrida que se define a través de los siguientes binomios: hispana-amerindia, transitiva-reflexiva, y sensible-intelegible, cada uno de los cuales es examinado teológicamente.