bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The Association Between Family Impact and Health-Related Quality of Life of Children With Idiopathic Central Precocious Puberty
Authors: yang hong , luo shunqing , liang xiaohua , lin qin , cheng ting , zeng li , tang fang , wu di
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIdiopathic central precocious puberty (ICPP) reduces patient health-related quality of life (HRQoL). The impacts of disease and treatment on families are also an important concern. This study aimed to assess the impact of ICPP on the HRQoL of children and parents; its impact on family functioning; and to determine the association between patient HRQoL and family impact, comprising the HRQoL of parents and family functioning.MethodsWe conducted a case-control study in Chongqing, China. A case group of 134 children with ICPP aged 5 to 12 years and their caregivers was recruited from a children’s hospital in Chongqing. A total of 210 gender- and age-matched subjects from two schools were selected as controls. Patient HRQoL was assessed by administering the PedsQLTM4.0 Generic Core Scales (GCS). Impacts of ICPP on parental HRQoL and family functioning were evaluated by the PedsQLTM Family Impact Module (FIM).ResultsA total of 344 subjects were enrolled, with 134 in the case group and 210 in the control group. Children with ICPP scored lower than controls in all HRQoL domains except physical functioning. In particular, the two groups were significantly different in emotional functioning scores (77.39±17.97 vs 84.12±14.35, P<0.001). Compared with controls, ICPP families had lower scores in all dimensions of the PedsQLTM4.0 FIM scale. In the case group, patient HRQoL was significantly correlated with family impact scores (r= 0.224, P<0.05), but not with the dimensions of social functioning, communication, worry, and family relationships. Conclusions﻿ICPP worsens the HRQoL of patients and their parents, and also impairs family functioning. In addition, parents with higher HRQoL scores and family functioning generally reported higher HRQoL of children with ICPP. These findings suggest that health care professionals should identify and monitor ICPP patients’ psychosocial problems proactively, and provide targeted interventions to reduce family impact and thereby improve patient HRQoL.
Being Blessed by Qomolangma: The Diversity and Local Knowledge of Wild Edible Plants Used by Chenthang Sherpa People to Treat Seasonal Food Shortage
Authors: Ding Xiaoyong , Zhang Yu , Wang Lu , Zhuang Huifu , Chen Wenyun , Wang Yuhua
Published: February 2021

Background

Wild edible plants (WEPs), which are identified as non-cultivated and non-domesticated plants for food. WEPs provided food, nutrition, herbs and other plant products for people in underdeveloped areas, such as the Everest region, to maintain their daily lives. Chenthang Town is the only Sherpa ethnic township in China. The core purpose of this research is to investigate, collect, and record the WEPs and related local knowledge and functions in the Sherpa community. Looking forward to answering the ultimate question, why did Sherpa people choose these plants?
Materials and methods

The field study was carried out in the six Sherpa communities of Chenthang Township from September 2019 to August 2020. The WEPs and related local knowledge were collected by semi-structured interview and direct observation. And the field works were performed with the assistance of local guides. During the field survey, we collected plant specimens based on the principle of one plant with one vernacular name. In this study, we used use-report (UR) and cultural importance index (CI) to evaluate the comprehensive utilization value of WEPs in the daily diet of Sherpa people.
Results

We interviewed 78 people individually who provided us with 1,199 use-reports. In total, we collected 84 WEPs belonging to 62 genera in 40 families. These species were identified into 78 ethno-species by local people, and the vernacular name of each ethno-species was recorded. These use-reports were classified into 6 use-categories. All of these plants were native wild plants. In these plants, Arisaema utile, Sorbus cuspidat and Elaeagnus umbellate have been introduced into home gardens by local people. According to the description of the Sherpa people, we drew a collecting calendar of WEPs. The Sherpa collect WEPs almost throughout the year, except for January and February.
Conclusion

WEPs have made a huge contribution to the Sherpa dietary in supplementing Carbohydrate, nutrition, and healthcare during the seasonal food shortage. In general, the diversity and products and services of WEPs based on local knowledge enhance the resistance and resilience of local food supply system to treat food shortage which might be the answer to why the locals choose these plants.
Intensifying the synthesis of starch nanoparticles using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis method
Authors: Hakke Vikas S , Sonawane Shirish , Manickam Sivakumar , Boufi Sami , Pinjari Dipak V , Babu G Uday Bhaskar , Sonawane Shriram S
Published: February 2021

In the present study, an intensified approach for the synthesis of starch nanoparticles (SNPs) was demonstrated by using ultrasound-assisted acid hydrolysis method. The conventional acid hydrolysis for the synthesis of SNPs was intensified using ultrasound. The overall time required to convert starch granules to SNPs in the conventional acid hydrolysis method (48 h) was significantly reduced to 45 min by simultaneous acid hydrolysis and ultrasound irradiation. The acid concentration was found to be an important parameter for obtaining the desired size and morphology of the synthesized SNPs. The variation in the surface charges associated with the SNPs was confirmed through measuring their zeta potential. These potential charges on the surface of SNPs induce crystal growth among the synthesized nanoparticles. The irregular crystal morphology at higher acid concentration clearly shows SNPs' attachment with each other by coalescence. The higher crystallinity for SNPs was observed at low acid concentration; however, the lower acid concentration (0.5 M) leads to the smaller particle size of SNPs from 40 to 60 nm, with the overall yield of 23%. The proposed ultrasound method is more efficient and reproducible for the synthesis of SNPs for various applications.
A Dual Target-Directed Single Domain-Based Fusion Protein Against Interleukin-6 Receptor Decelerate Experimental Arthritis Progression Via Modulating JNK Expression
Authors: Chen Xiaole , Bian Yize , Xie Yongqing , Zheng Ningning , Nie Kaimei , Liu Rui , Yan Mengru , Luo Hongbin , Wang He , Yang Juhua , Zhang Nanwen
Published: February 2021

The currently used anti-cytokine therapeutic antibodies cannot selectively neutralize pathogenic cytokine signalling that cause collateral damage to protective signalling cascades. The single domain chain firstly discovered in Camelidae displays fully functional ability in antigen-binding against variable targets, which has been seemed as attractive candidates for the next-generation biologic drug study. In this study, we established a simple prokaryotic expression system for a dual target-directed single domain-based Fusion Protein against the interleukin-6 receptor and human serum, albumin, the recombinant anti-IL-6R fusion protein (VHH-0031). VHH-0031 exhibited potent anti-inflammatory effects produced by LPS on cell RAW264.7, where the major cytokines and NO production were down-regulated after 24 hr incubation with VHH-0031 in a dose-dependent manner. In vivo, VHH-0031 presented significant effects on the degree reduction of joint swelling in the adjuvant-induced arthritis (AIA) rat, having a healthier appearance compared to the dexamethasone. The expression level of JNK protein in the VHH-0031 group was significantly decreased, demonstrating that VHH-0031 provides a low-cost and desirable effect in the treatment of more widely patients.
Surgery Prolongs the Survival of Patients with Metastatic, Recurrent, or Unresectable Locally Advanced Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Response to Imatinib Mesylate Treatment: A Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Li Weihao , Peng Jianhong , Li Xinyue , Zhang Rongxin , Xiao Binyi , Tang Jinghua , Wan Desen , Pan Zhizhong , Li Cong , Wu Xiaojun
Published: February 2021

Background

The role of surgery in patients with metastatic, recurrent or unresectable locally advanced gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) who respond to imatinib mesylate (IM) treatment is still not formally defined. Therefore, we systemically searched and analyzed the available literature to evaluate the oncologic benefits of surgery in this specific population.
Methods

A systematic literature search of the PubMed, Embase, and Cochrane Library databases was performed to identify relevant articles on July 16, 2020. Pooled data analysis was also performed using Review Manager.
Results

Totally 10 studies including 1188 patients (410 patients in the surgery group and 778 patients in the no surgery group) were included in the final analysis. No significant differences in baseline clinical characteristics were found except that patients in the surgery group were significantly younger (WMD, -5.02, 95% CI, -8.38 to -1.67, P = 0.003). In the overall population, pooled data showed a significant improvement in overall survival (OS) (HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.53 to 0.73; P < 0.0001) and progression-free survival (PFS) (HR, 0.57; 95% CI, 0.44 to 0.72; P < 0.0001) with surgery. In the subgroup analysis, the impact of surgery on patient response to IM treatment was further confirmed (OS: HR, 0.67; 95% CI, 0.55 to 0.81; P < 0.0001; PFS: HR, 0.62; 95% CI, 0.46 to 0.82; P = 0.009).
Conclusions

Surgery prolongs the OS and PFS of patients with metastatic, recurrent, or unresectable locally advanced GIST who respond to IM treatment. Future prospective, multicenter RCTs are warranted.
Influence of ZrO2 and TiO2 Nano Particles in P(VDF-TrFE) Composite For Energy Harvesting Application
Authors: J Arunguvai , P Lakshmi
Published: February 2021

Zirconium and Titanium material are used for making PZT piezoelectric ceramic composite. In this article, Zirconium dioxide (ZrO2) and Titanium dioxide (TiO2) ceramic fillers with, ferroelectric polymer PolyVinyliDene fluoride-Tri Fluoro Ethylene( P(VDF-TrFE)) forms the ZrO2/P(VDF-TrFE) and TiO2 /P(VDF-TrFE) nano-composite. The scanning electron microscope (SEM) with EDS examine the TiO2, ZrO2 fillers presents in composite. The ceramic fillers molecules Ti 2p and Zr 3d binding energy are confirmed by X-Ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Each composite reaches their piezoelectric β- phase are confirmed by Fourier Transform - Infrared Spectroscopy (FT-IR). The low surface roughness of the thin-film reaches more flexibility and deformation of cantilever. The ZrO2/P(VDF-TrFE) composite is obtained low average surface value of 10nm in the region of 50µm is measured from Gwyddion software. Natural resonance frequency of ceramic composite reaches 100Hz low frequency is measured by Lased Doppler Vibrometer. The cantilever beam structure energy harvester produces peak to peak output voltage 8.2 V. The harvested output voltage used for electronics devices and sensor applications.
NK Cell Subpopulations and Receptor Expression in Recovering SARS-CoV-2 Infection
Authors: saresella marina , Trabattoni Daria , Marventano Ivana , Piancone Federica , Rosa Francesca La , Caronni Antonio , Lax Agata , Bianchi Luca , Bianchi Paolo , Navarro Jorge , Bolognesi Elisabetta , Zanzottera Milena , Guerini Franca Rosa , Clerici Mario
Published: February 2021

The severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) is responsible for the pandemic of coronavirus disease (COVID-19). Whereas in most cases COVID-19 is asymptomatic or pauci symptomatic, extremely severe clinical forms are observed. In this case complex immune dysregulations and an excessive inflammatory response are observed and are the main cause of morbidity and mortality. Natural Killer cells are key players in the control of viral infection and their activity is regulated by a tight balance between activating and inhibitory receptors; an alteration of NK activity was suggested to be associated with the development of severe forms of COVID-19. In this study we analyzed peripheral NK cell subpopulations and the expression of activating and inhibitory receptors in 30 in-patients suffering from chronic neurological conditions who recovered from mild, moderate or severe SARS-CoV-2 infection comparing the results to those of 10 patients SARS-CoV-2-uninfected patients. Results showed that an expansion of NK subset with lower cytolytic activity and an augmented expression of the 2DL1 inhibitory receptor, particularly when in association with the C2 ligand (KIR2DL1-C2), characterized the immunological scenario of severe COVID-19 infection; an increase of NK expressing the ILT2 inhibitory receptor was instead seen in patients recovering from mild or moderate infection compared to controls. Results herein suggest that the KIR2DL1-C2 NK inhibitory complex is a risk factor toward the development of severe form of COVID-19. Our results confirm that a complex alteration of NK activity is present in COVID-19 infection and offer a molecular explanation for this observation.
Adjustable giant negative electrocaloric effect in Pb1+xZrO3 thin films
Authors: Ye Yi , Huang Fengzhen , Lei Lin , Liu Lin , Yan Shuo , Hu Xueli , Yang Wenjin , Lu Xiaomei , Zhu Jinsong
Published: February 2021

Electrocaloric effect (ECE) driven by electric field is suitable for implementation of built-in cooling in electronic devices. However, most of the known electrocaloric materials show low adiabatic temperature change ( ) near room temperature and usually require high electric field. Here, the investigation of ECE in Pb 1+x ZrO 3 (x=0, 0.1, 0.15) thin films, which were prepared on Pt/Ti/SiO 2 /Si substrates by sol-gel method, reveals that both the magnitude and the present temperature range of can be controlled by Pb concentration. Through increasing the dosage of PbO, decreased lead vacancies and enhanced interface layer are induced, which postpone the transition from antiferroelectrics to ferroelectrics of PbZrO 3 films under a given electric field ( E ), which thus controls the appearance temperature range of negative ECE. As a result, large isothermal entropy change ( and are observed in the temperature range from 260 K to 494 K, depending on the applied electric field and Pb concentration. Giant ECE ( , ~0.054) at room temperature (303 K) is obtained in Pb 1.1 ZrO 3 films under 460 kV/cm. This result provides a convenient method for modulating ECE of PbZrO 3 -based materials and will benefit its applications in cooling devices.
Motion Intent Recognition in Intelligent Lower Limb Prosthesis Using One-Dimensional Dual-Tree Complex Wavelet Transforms
Authors: Sheng Min , Wang Wanjun , Tong Tingting , Yang Yuanyuan , Chen Huilin , Su Benyue
Published: February 2021

Background: Most traditional intent recognition methods are to recognizing the movement of lower limb prosthesis through statistical features, which are unstable in short-term signals. The another key problem with recognition of lower limb prosthesis motion intent is to explore the instantaneous change between the two difffferent steady modes. Based on the above considerations, the one-dimensional dual-tree complex wavelet transform(1D-DTCWT) is introduced for motion intent recognition in intelligent prosthesis. Methods: 1D-DTCWT adopts two-way complex wavelet transforms with a binary tree structure as functional data analysis (FDA) method that preserves the time-frequency local analysis capabilities of wavelet transforms while maintaining translation invariance and direction selection. Therefore, the 1D-DTCWT can amplify the instantaneous change information hidden in the data while retaining the continuity of the motion behavior, so as to better recognize the motion intention. Furthermore, the feature vector composed of low-frequency wavelet coeffiffifficients decomposed by 1D-DTCWT is classifified and recognized by support vector machine (SVM), which can effffectively classify and recognize the motion intent of the unilateral lower limb amputees. Results: The data of the experiment comes from ten able-bodied subjects and one amputee subject to analyze 5 steady modes, 8 transitional modes, and 13 total motion modes adopting user-dependent and user-independent methods. The experimental results from the user-dependent methods show that the recognition rate for able-bodied subjects reached 98.91%, 98.92%, and 97.27% for the movement modes of steady modes, transitional modes, and total motion modes, respectively. The recognition rate of the amputee subject reached 100%, 91.16%, and 89.27%, respectively, for the three modes. Conclusions: The method in this paper can effffectively solve the problem of short-term signal instability reflflected by traditional statistical feature recognition of motion intent and explore the instantaneous change information of transitional modes while retaining the continuity of the motion behavior.
Identification of Methylation Markers for Diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder
Authors: Zhang Bei , Hu Xiaoyuan , Li Yuefei , Ni Yongkang , Xue Lin
Published: February 2021

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a hereditary heterogeneous neurodevelopmental disorder characterized by social and speech dysplasia. We collected the expression profiles of ASD in GSE26415, GSE42133 and GSE123302, as well as methylation data of GSE109905. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) between ASD and controls were obtained by differential expression analysis. Enrichment analysis identified the biological functions and signaling pathways involved by common genes in three groups of DEGs. PPI networks were used to identify genes with the highest connectivity as key genes. In addition, we identified methylation markers by associating differentially methylated positions (DMPs). Key methylation markers were identified using the LASSO model. ROC curves and nomograms were used to identify the diagnostic role of key methylation markers for ASD. A total of 57 common genes were identified in the three groups of DEGs. These genes were mainly enriched in Sphingolipid metabolism and PPAR signaling pathway. In the PPI network, we identified seven key genes with higher connectivity, and used qPCR experiments to verify the expressions. In addition, we identified 31 methylation markers and screened 3 key methylation markers (RUNX2, IMMP2L and MDM2) by LASSO model. They all had good diagnostic effects on ASD, and their methylation levels were closely related to the risk of ASD. Our analysis identified RUNX2, IMMP2L and MDM2 as possible diagnostic markers for ASD. Identifying different biomarkers and risk genes will contribute to the early diagnosis of ASD and the development of new clinical and drug treatments.
Association of Handgrip Strength With Mortality in Hemodialysis Patients in Taiwan: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Chu Yu-Ting , Hsu Pai-Ching , Liu Chih-Han , Lee Wen-Chin , Wu Chien-Hsing , Chiou Terry Ting-Yu
Published: February 2021

Background:Poor muscle quality has been associated with mortality in patients undergoing hemodialysis (HD). Handgrip strength (HGS) has gained considerable attention as a marker of nutritional status and muscle function. The aim of this study was to verify the association between HGS and mortality in patients undergoing maintenance HD in Taiwan.Methods: A total of 188 stable HD patients from January to December 2009 were enrolled in the study. We used a standard handgrip dynamometer to measure the HGS. HGS was measured on enrolment at the beginning of the study. Each measurement was repeated three times for each patient, and the average value was recorded for analysis.Results: During a mean follow-up period of 47 ± 11 months, 34 of the 188 patients died. The all-cause mortality rate was 18%. Higher HGS (hazard ratio [HR] 0.891, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.838–0.948; p < 0.001) and Kt/V (HR 0.086, 95% CI 0.018–0.421; p = 0.002) were independent factors associated with survival in HD patients. For female patients, an HGS < 17 kg had a positive predictive value (PPV) of 39% and a negative predictive value (NPV) of 96% for predicting mortality. For male patients, an HGS < 26 kg had a PPV of 29% and an NPV of 84% for predicting mortality.Conclusion: HGS provides a good marker for survival in HD patients. Our results indicate that HGS can identify male and female patients undergoing maintenance HD with an increased risk of all-cause mortality, with different cut-off values for each sex.
Phosphorylation of BIK1 is critical for interaction of downstream signaling components
Authors: Choi Jae-Han , Oh Eun-Seok , Oh Man-Ho
Published: February 2021

Botrytis-induced Kinase 1 (BIK1) is a receptor-like cytoplasmic kinase (RLCK) involved in the defense, growth, and development of higher plants. It interacts with various receptor-like kinases (RLKs) such as Brassinosteroid Insensitive 1 (BRI1), Flagellin Sensitive 2 (FLS2), and Perception of the Arabidopsis Danger Signal Peptide 1 (PEPR1), but little is known about signaling downstream of BIK1. Interestingly, Arabidopsis thaliana BIK1 (AtBIK1) displays strong autophosphorylation kinase activity on tyrosine and threonine residues, whereas Brassica rapa BIK1 (BrBIK1) does not exhibit autophosphorylation kinase activity in vitro. Herein, we demonstrated that four proteins (RGP2, PATL2, PP7, and SULTR4.1) interact with BrBIK1 but not AtBIK1 in a yeast two-hybrid (Y2H) system. We subsequently employed bimolecular fluorescence complementation (BiFC) to confirm interactions between BIK1 and candidates in Nicotiana benthamiana, and found that only BrBIK1 bound the three proteins tested. We selected three phosphosites, T90, T362, and T368, based on amino acid sequence alignment between AtBIK1 and BrBIK1, and performed site-directed mutagenesis (SDM) on AtBIK1 and BrBIK. S90T, P362T, and A368T mutations in BrBIK1 restored autophosphorylation kinase activity on threonine residues comparable with AtBIK1. However, T90A, T362P, and T368A mutations in AtBIK1 did not alter autophosphorylation kinase activity on threonine residues compared with wild-type AtBIK1. Interestingly, BiFC results showed that BIK1 mutations restored kinase activity but not binding to RGP2, PATL2, or PP7 proteins. Our results suggest that phospho-BIK1 might be involved in plant innate immunity, while non-phospho BIK1 may regulate plant growth and development through interactions with RGP2, PATL2, and PP7.
METTL13 Inhibits Progression of Clear Cell Renal Cell Carcinoma with Repression on PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α Pathway and c-Myc Expression
Authors: Liu Zhuonan , Sun Tianshui , Piao Chiyuan , Zhang Zhe , Kong Chuize
Published: February 2021

Background: Clear cell renal cell carcinoma (ccRCC) is the most common and aggressive type of renal malignancy. Methyltransferase like 13 (METTL13) functions as an oncogene in most of human cancers, but its function and mechanism in ccRCC remain unreported. Methods: qRT-PCR, western blot and immunohistochemistry were used to detect METTL13’s expressions in tissues. The effects of METTL13 on ccRCC cells’ growth and metastasis were determined by both functional experiments and animal experiments. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was performed to annotate METTL13’s functions and co-immunoprecipitation (co-IP) was used to determine the interaction between two proteins. Results: METTL13 was lowly expressed in ccRCC tissues compared to normal kidney tissues and its low expression predicted poor prognosis for ccRCC patients. In vitro study indicated METTL13’s inhibition on ccRCC cells’ proliferation, viability, migratory ability and invasiveness as well as epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Bioinformatic analyses showed various biological functions and pathways METTL13 was involved in. In ccRCC cells, we observed that METTL13 could negatively regulate PI3K/AKT/mTOR/HIF-1α pathway and that it combined to c-Myc and inhibited c-Myc expression. In vivo experiment confirmed that METTL13 inhibited ccRCC cell growth and metastasis. Conclusions: In general, our finding suggests that associated with favorable prognosis of ccRCC patients, METTL13 can inhibit growth and metastasis of ccRCC cells with multiple potential molecular mechanisms. Therefore, it’s likely for METTL13 to serve as a new diagnostic and therapeutic target for ccRCC in the future.
The Protective Mechanism of SIRT1 on Cartilage Through Regulation of LEF-1
Authors: Hu Xueyu , Feng Gangning , Meng Zhiqiang , Ma Long , Jin Qunhua
Published: February 2021

Background: Osteoarthritis as a chronic degenerative disease suppresses middle-aged and elderly people all over the world. In this study, we found the expression changes of lymphocyte enhancer factor 1 (LEF-1) from human specimens, and then found the regulatory relationship between silent information regulator 1（SIRT-1） and LEF-1 during osteoarthritis development and its effect on cartilage protection. Material/Methods: First, changes in the expression of LEF-1 protein were found in fresh specimens of the tibial plateau of patients with osteoarthritis, and then the hypothesis was verified mice model. Mice were randomly divided into three groups, including the normal group, model building, and drug spraying group. Each group is divided into two periods: 2 weeks after modeling and 8 weeks after modeling. Histological staining, immunohistochemistry, immunofluorescence, and qPCR experiments were used to detect the expression of SIRT-1, β-catenin, LEF-1, matrix metalloproteinase 13(MMP-13) and Collagen II.Result: LEF-1 increased with the severity of osteoarthritis in human specimens. We observed in animals: when osteoarthritis symptoms worsened, the expression of SIRT-1 and Collagen II gradually decreased, the expression of β-catenin, LEF-1, and MMP-13 and cartilage destruction gradually increased. Conclusion: Sirt-1 plays a protective role in cartilage by reducing the expression of β - Catenin, LEF-1 and MMP-13, and increasing the expression of collagen II.
A Rare Subtype of Non-small Cell Lung Cancer: Report of 159 Resected Stage I-IIIA Pulmonary Lymphoepithelioma-like Carcinoma Cases
Authors: Jiang Rong-Rong , Dou Xiao-Meng , Feng Xiao-Li , Zhu Wen-Ting , Guo Man-Xia , Tan Xue-Li , Jiang Xiao-Juan , Cai Jing-Sheng , Liu Li
Published: February 2021

Background The current study analyzed resected stage I-IIIA pulmonary lymphoepithelioma-like carcinoma (LELC) cases to define the clinical characteristics, prognosis and long-term outcomes of LELC, with the purpose of guiding clinical management for this rare tumor.Methods Resected stage I-IIIA LELC, adenocarcinoma (ADC), squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) and adenosquamous carcinoma (ASC) cases from our center were enrolled. Propensity score matching (PSM) was applied to minimize the selection bias. Overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were compared between groups. Multivariate analyses were performed to identify the prognostic factors, and a nomogram was developed.Results A total of 159 LELCs, 2,757 ADCs, 1,331 SCCs and 155 ASCs were included. LELC, dominated among younger patients and nonsmokers, always presented without typical imaging manifestations of lung cancer. LELC was a poorly differentiated disease that lacked driver gene mutations and was positive for immunohistochemistry indicators of squamous cell lineage. Survival analyses revealed that OS was significantly better for LELC than for other common non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) both before PSM (all P < 0.001) and after PSM (all P < 0.05). Further analyses revealed that early pathological node stage and preoperative albumin level ≥35 were identified as independent prognostic factors favoring OS and DFS.Conclusions LELC, dominated among younger and nonsmoking populations, showed a lower extent of malignancy regarding CT characteristics. It lacked driver gene mutations and was positive for immunohistochemistry indicators of squamous cell lineage. The survival outcome of PSC was better than other common NSCLCs.
Resumption of Sexual Intercourse Among Postnatal Women Enrolled on Lifelong Antiretroviral Therapy in Uganda.
Authors: Naigino Rose , Makumbi Fredrick , Mukose Aggrey , Buregyeya Esther , Arinaitwe Jim , Musinguzi Joshua , Kiene Susan M. , Wanyenze Rhoda K.
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe postnatal period is critical to the delivery of interventions aimed at improving maternal health outcomes. This study established the timing of sexual intercourse resumption after childbirth and associated factors among women living with HIV in Uganda.MethodsData were drawn from a larger prospective cohort of 507 HIV+ women who were recruited during pregnancy and followed-up for 18 months between August 2013 and May 2015. Analyses for this study were restricted to 385 women who had complete data on pregnancy outcomes. These women were followed-up for six months after childbirth and interviewed at 5 different time intervals (denoted as days since delivery) starting with 1-45 (acute), 46-90 (sub-acute) and 91-120, 121-150, 151-183 (delayed postpartum). At the initial visit, data were collected on women’s socio-demographic characteristics and the outcome of their latest pregnancy. At subsequent visits, women were asked about currently having a sexual partner, desire for another child, contraceptive use and resumption of sexual intercourse. The primary outcome was the time to resumption of sexual intercourse within six months after childbirth. Survival analysis was used to estimate the time to sexual intercourse resumption based upon the visit at which sexual intercourse was first reported. Factors associated with time to sexual intercourse resumption were established using Cox proportional hazards regression analyses. We obtained adjusted hazard ratios with their 95% confidence intervals. All data analyses were performed using STATA version 14.0. ResultsThe cumulative probability of sexual intercourse resumption increased up to 88.2% by the sixth month postpartum. The instantenous probability of sexual intercourse resumption was highest in the delayed postpartum period [68.6% (50.6, 89.3)]. The risk of sexual intercourse resumption was lower when a woman reported having a live-term baby [adj.HR=0.52 (0.31, 0.85)] and an advanced education [adj.HR=0.63 (0.40, 0.98)]. However, currently having a sexual partner [adj.HR=5.97 (3.10, 11.47)]; desire for another child [adj.HR=1.36 (1.08, 1.73)] and contraceptive use [adj.HR=2.21 (1.65, 2.95)] were associated with an increased risk of sexual intercourse resumption.ConclusionThe majority of women reported resuming sexual intercourse by the sixth month postpartum. Interventions aimed at improving contraceptive uptake should target the delayed postpartum period.
Effects of Endurance and Resistance Training and Garlic Supplementation on Cardiac Function, Cardiovascular Risk Factors and Apoptosis Indices in Rats With Metabolic Syndrome
Authors: Rostami Alireza , Tadibi Vahid , Behpoor Naser , Ahmadiasl Naser
Published: February 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to investigate the effects of 8 weeks endurance and resistance training with and without garlic extract supplementation and garlic extract supplementation alone on cardiac function, cardiovascular risk factors and apoptosis indices in rats with metabolic syndrome. Methods: A total of 48 rats with metabolic syndrome (aged 12-wk, weight range of 331.9±13.7g) were randomly divided into 6 groups of 8 each: endurance training (ET), resistance training (RT) garlic extract supplementation (GE), endurance training with garlic extract supplementation (ET+GE), resistance training with garlic extract supplementation (RT+GE) and metabolic syndrome-control (MetS-Con). Endurance and resistance training were performed 3 times per week and consisted of running on the treadmill or a rat climbing ladder with weights fastened to the tail. The supplementation consisted of 500 mg.kg-1 .day-1 of garlic extract. Results: Results showed that BCL2-associated X protein (Bax), B-cell lymphoma 2 (Bcl2) and Bax/Bcl2 ratio and insulin resistance (IR) were significantly lower in all intervention groups compared to the MetS-Con group. And except the RT+GE group, high-sensitivity C-reactive protein (hs-CRP) and glucose were also significantly lower in all groups compared to the MetSCon group. Moreover, homocysteine (Hcy) were significantly lower in ET, ET+GE, RT+GE groups.Conclusion: In conclusion, endurance and resistance training with or without garlic extract supplementation and the supplementation alone could improve cardiac hemodynamic, inflammation and apoptosis indices in rats with metabolic syndrome. In this regard, it would appear that the combination of garlic supplementation with endurance exercise is more helpful than the resistance exercise. Name of the registry: IR.KERMANSHAH.REC.1395.108registration number: 16524
The Mechanism of Mitochondrial Fatty Acid Oxidation’s Involvement in Osteoporosis in Aggravating Cartilage Degeneration of Rabbit Knee Osteoarthritis
Authors: Jia Ying , Deng Ziting , Wen Li , Zeng Li , Chen Yanhua
Published: February 2021

Objective: To observe whether the oxidative metabolism of mitochondrial fatty acids is involved in osteoporosis by detecting the changes in the contents of interleukin 1β, osteoprotegerin (OPG) and osteoprotegerin ligand（OPGL) and carnitine palmitoyl transferase I B （CPT1B）in rabbit OA cartilage Regulation of experimental rabbit knee OA. Methods: 30 female New Zealand rabbits were randomly divided into 3 groups with 10 in each group: Normal group ,OP+OA group and OA group. After successful modeling, the knee articular cartilage of each group were taken; The BMC and BMD of each group were measured; Observe the results of HE staining of cartilage; immunohistochemical method Detection of IL-1β; The Q-PCR method and Western blot method were used to detect IL-1β, OPG, OPGL and CPT1B mRNA and protein expression in cartilage.Results: Compared with the normal group, the expression of IL-1β, OPGL and CPT1B in the OP+OA group and the OA group was significantly increased (P<0.01), while the expression of OPG decreased (P<0.01); Compared with OP+OA group ,The expression of OPG and the ratio of OPG/OPGL was significantly higher in the OA group (P<0.01). Compared with OA group, The expression of IL-1β, OPGL and CPT1B in the OP+OA group was significantly higher (P<0.01); Conclusion: Mitochondrial fatty acid oxidation metabolism can be involved in the effect of osteoporosis on osteoarthritis by up-regulating the expression of CPT1b, which can mediate changes in the OPG/OPGL ratio, increase the expression of IL-1β, and aggravate the Degeneration of OA cartilage and subchondral bone.
Infectious in Vitro Transcripts From cDNA Clone of a Japanese Gentian Isolate of Sikte Waterborne Virus, Which Shows Host-specific Low-temperature-preferred Multiplication
Authors: Fujisaki Koki , Tateda Chika , Abe Yoshiko , Dominguez John Jewish A. , Iwai Mari , Obara Kazue , Nakamura Taiki , Iwadate Yasuya , Kaido Masanori , Mise Kazuyuki
Published: February 2021

Tombusviruses have been identified in several crops, which include gentian virus A (GeVA), in Japanese gentians. In this study, we isolated another tombusvirus, Sikte waterborne virus strain C1 (SWBV-C1) from Japanese gentian. Although SWBV-C1 and GeVA are not closely related among tombusviruses, SWBV-C1, like GeVA, showed host-specific low-temperature-preferred multiplication in gentians and Arabidopsis. The use of in vitro transcripts from full-length cDNA clones of SWBV-C1 genomic RNA as inocula confirmed these properties, which indicates that the identified genomic RNA sequences encode viral factors underlying characteristic SWBV-C1 features.
Non-Destructive Technologies for a Sustainable Assessment and Monitoring of Railway Infrastructures: A Focus on GPR and InSAR Methods
Authors: Ferrante Chiara , Ciampoli Luca Bianchini , Benedetto Andrea , Alani Amir M. , Tosti Fabio
Published: February 2021

Health monitoring of ballast in railway infrastructures is crucial to assure structural stability and efficiency of the operations. To this extent, an efficient and sustainable management of maintenance is fundamental for asset managers in setting up strategic and effective action plans.
Amongst the available methods to assess the conditions of railway infrastructures, non-destructive technologies (NDT) are gaining popularity due to their capability to overcome main drawbacks of traditional routine methods, such as digging trenches and visually inspect locations assumed as critical along the track.
The present paper presents an overview of the use of the Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR) and the Interferometric Synthetic Aperture (InSAR) technologies for a sustainable monitoring of railway infrastructures. Specifically, main traditional and non-destructive methods used for maintenance of railway ballast materials are presented with a special focus on their sustainability. A review about the research methods on the use of GPR and InSAR technologies for railway infrastructures also reported, including main investigations carried out in the laboratory and the real-life environments. Furthermore, a conceptual framework based on an integrated approach including satellite-based and ground-based investigations is proposed, where network and local level information can be merged for the detection of critical sections and the implementation of a more advanced predictive maintenance system.
Using a Stochastic Continuous-Time Markov Chain Model to Examine Alternative Timing and Duration of the COVID-19 Lockdown in Kuwait: What Can be Done Now?
Authors: Al-Zoughool Mustafa , Oraby Tamer , Vainio Harri , Gasana Janvier , Longnecker Joseph , Ali Walid Al , AlSeaidan Mohammad , Elsaadany Susie , Tyshenko Michael G.
Published: February 2021

Background: Kuwait had its first COVID-19 in late February, and until October 6, 2020 it recorded 108,268 cases and 632 deaths. Despite implementing one of the strictest control measures-including a three-week complete lockdown, there was no sign of a declining epidemic curve. The objective of the current analyses is to determine, hypothetically, the optimal timing and duration of a full lockdown in Kuwait that would result in controlling new infections and lead to a substantial reduction in case hospitalizations. Methods: The analysis was conducted using a stochastic Continuous-Time Markov Chain (CTMC), eight state model that depicts the disease transmission and spread of SARS-CoV 2. Transmission of infection occurs between individuals through social contacts at home, in schools, at work, and during other communal activities. Results: The model shows that a lockdown 10 days before the epidemic peak for 90 days is optimal but a more realistic duration of 45 days can achieve about a 45% reduction in both new infections and case hospitalizations.Conclusions: In the view of the forthcoming waves of the COVID19 pandemic anticipated in Kuwait using a correctly-timed and sufficiently long lockdown represents a workable management strategy that encompasses the most stringent form of social distancing with the ability to significantly reduce transmissions and hospitalizations.
Defect Persuade Paramagnetic Properties of Nickel Doped ZnS Nanocrystals and Identification of Structural, Optical, Local Atomic Structure
Authors: Ghorai Soumendra , Bhattacharyya Dibyendu , Patra Nirmalendu , Jha Shambhu Nath , Ghosh Anup K
Published: February 2021

We have methodically investigated the structural, spectroscopic, local atomic structure and magnetic properties of aquatic Zn1-xNixS (0≤x≤0.04) nanocrystals. The structural study of synthesized samples are observed by X-ray diffraction datas with Rietveld refinement. Proficient decrease of lattice parameters and inter-planar spacing are determined on Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. The nanocrystalline microstructure is identified by high resolution transmission electron microscopy. The sphalerite morphology of doped samples are observed by scanning electron microscopy. Shrinkage of energy band gap is observed for doped nanocrystals. Defect formation due to doping of Ni ion is observed by photoluminescence spectroscopy with cyan color emission. X-ray absorption spectroscopy is employed for identification of local structures surrounding of Zn and Ni sites of Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. Extended X-ray absorption fine structure investigation evidenced the existence of nanocluster within the lattice of Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. X-ray absorption near edge structure studies confirmed incorporation of Ni2+ in ZnS lattice of Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. The single pre-edge feature at Ni K-edge is not relying on concentration of Ni dopant in Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals. The presence of interstitial Ni is identified by significant fraction of Ni-Ni scattering paths on doped samples. Zn1-xNixS nanocrystals exhibit defect persuaded paramagnetism at room temperature.
Perceived Human-Induced Causes of Landslide in Chattogram Metropolitan Area in Bangladesh
Authors: Ahmed Zia , Hussain A H M Belayeth , Ahmed Mufti Nadimul Quamar , Alam Rafiul , Rezoan Hafiz-Al , Dola Dolan Das , Mahmud Sakib
Published: February 2021

This study investigates Land Use Land Cover changes in the Chattogram metropolitan area, the second largest city in Bangladesh. Using a questionnaire survey of 150 local inhabitants, the study explores perceived human-induced causes of landslides. Using time series Landsat images this study also analyzes Land Use Land Cover changes from 1990 to 2020. The analysis reveals built-up area extended rapidly during 1990 to 2020. In 1990, total built up area was 82.13km², which in 30 years, stood at 451.34km². Conversely, total vegetative area decreased rapidly. In 1990, total vegetation area was 364.31km², which reduced to 130.44 km² in 2020. The survey respondents identified extensive rainfall, hill cutting, steep hill, and weak soil texture as several reasons for landslide. Findings show that age and experience of facing landslide are two significant predictors to explain whether excessive hill cutting is solely responsible for landslide. Level of education and experience of facing landslide are statistically significant in explaining building infrastructure as solitary cause to landslide. Gender, age and income of the respondents significantly explain deforestation as the only responsible for landslide. Finally, gender, level of education, and income of the respondents significantly explain only excessive sand collection causes landslide.
Observation of Spin-Glass Behavior in Spinel Compound CoGa2O4
Authors: Hu Jiyu , Ma Yongqing , Kan Xucai , Liu Chaocheng
Published: February 2021

In this work, the synthesis process, crystal-structure, and comprehensive physical properties of spinel compound CoGa2O4 have been investigated. The competition between antiferromagnetism (AFM) and ferromagnetism (FM) are considered to be the crucial elements for resulting in spin-glass (SG) behavior due to magnetic frustration. The observed SG behavior is determined by the temperature dependence of magnetization M(T) curves under the ZFC (zero-field-cooled) and FCC (field-cooled) processes, where form the intense irreversibility divergence. Moreover, the corresponding fitting parameters (the freezing temperature T0 = 9.32 K, the flipping time τ0 = 4.49 × 10-10 s, and the dynamical exponent zν = 4.46) strongly indicate the existence of the SG behavior. Meanwhile, as another specific characteristic for SG, in our present work, frequency (f) and magnetic field (H) have a strong influence on the peaks of AC susceptibility. From where, with the increase of f and H, the freezing temperature follows a corresponding peak shift. All the above phenomena and relevant analyses of magnetic frustration behavior confirm the typical SG behavior in CoGa2O4 system.
Intracranial Hypotension After Severe Covid-19. Case Report and Literature Review.
Authors: Foyaca-Sibat Humberto , Valdés Lourdes de Fátima Ibañez
Published: February 2021

Background: Despite the lack of clinical research done, new mutations of COVID-19 are travelling all over the world, and sooner or later, unexpected consequences going to be seen. In October 2020 new variant of SARV-CoV-2 (known as 20H/501.V2 or B1.351) has been found in our province (Eastern Cape), South Africa. This variant has multiple mutations in the spike protein, including K417N, E484K, N501Y. We did an extensive review of the medical literature (It is not a systematic review), looking for all publications regarding spontaneous intracranial hypotension, subdural effusions SARS-CoV-2/COVID-19. Case Presentation: We also report a case of 46-years-old-female admitted severe COVID-19 in the intensive care unit; all performed investigations confirmed the severity of the infection caused by SARS-CoV-2. Past medical history proved a chronic headache, standard routine CSF analysis, and normal MRI of the brain three months before admission.The patient recovered from the respiratory pathology and went home, but two weeks later, she developed a postural headache. We suspect spontaneous intracranial hypotension, and the CSF pressure (5.5 cm of H2O) confirmed it. CT scan of the head showed bilateral frontal subdural effusion. Conclusion: We did not find any published report related to COVID-19, subdural effusion, and intracranial hypotension. We elaborated a few comments and hypotheses to explain this process’s probable pathophysiology.
Long Noncoding RNA SNHG1 Promotes TERT Expression by Sponging miR-18b-5p in Breast Cancer
Authors: Kang Yujuan , Wan Lin , Wang Qin , Yin Yanling , Liu Jiena , Liu Lei , Wu Hao , Xu Shouping , Pang Da
Published: February 2021

Background: Long noncoding RNA (lncRNA) small nucleolar RNA host gene 1 (SNHG1) plays a positive role in the progression of human malignant tumors. However, the molecular mechanism of SNHG1 remains elusive in breast cancer. Methods: The Cancer Genome Atlas data were used to examine the differential expression of SNHG1 in tumor and normal tissues, as well as the relationship between SNHG1 expression and prognosis. Oncogenic role of SNHG1 in breast cancer was studied both in vitro and in vivo. Animal experiments along with colony counting kit-8, colony formation, wound healing, and Transwell invasion assays were used to verify that SNHG1 was an oncogene in breast cancer. Furthermore, reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction, western blotting analysis, subcellular RNA fractionation, and dual-luciferase reporter assay were performed to prove the competing endogenous RNA (ceRNA) mechanism of SNHG1, miR-18b-5p, and telomerase reverse transcriptase (TERT). Finally, chromatin immunoprecipitation was performed to confirm that the transcription factor E2F1 could enhance SNHG1 transcription.Results: LncRNA SNHG1 was upregulated and had a positive relationship with poor prognosis according to bioinformatics analysis. Silencing SNHG1 inhibited tumorigenesis in breast cancer both in vitro and in vivo. Mechanistically, SNHG1 functioned as a ceRNA to promote TERT expression by sponging miR-18b-5p. Moreover, miR-18b-5p acted as a tumor repressor in breast cancer. Finally, E2F1, a transcription factor, enhanced SNHG1 transcription.Conclusions: Our results provide a comprehensive understanding of the oncogenic mechanism of lncRNA SNHG1 in breast cancer. Importantly, we identified a novel E2F1–SNHG1–miR-18b-5p–TERT axis, which may be a potential therapeutic target for breast cancer.