bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different doses of systemic LPS induce different degrees of polarization of microglia and astrocytes
Authors: Afang Zhu , Cui Huan , Su Wenliang , Liu Chaoqun , Shen Le , Yu Xuerong , Huang Yuguang
Published: April 2021

Background

Microglia and astrocytes are activated in different phenotypes to exert opposite effects. The recently reported intraperitoneal injection of 5 mg/kg lipopolysaccharides (LPS) to promote A1 astrocytes by activating M1 microglia was found to cause high mortality. Furthermore, reported doses of systemic LPS used to induce M1 microglia vary widely (0.1 ~ 5 mg/kg). We aimed to study microglia and astrocytes polarization induced by various LPS doses in the central nervous system, and assess whether downregulation of C3a receptor (C3aR) in astrocytes contributes to an increased A2/A1 ratio.
Methods

Rats were randomly divided into six LPS dosage groups (0, 0.1, 0.33, 1, 3, and 5 mg/kg, intraperitoneally). Seventy-two genes for A1, A2, A-pan, M1, and M2 markers were detected by real-time polymerase chain reaction 24 hours after LPS treatment in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord. C3aR in astrocytes was knocked down by intrathecal injection of AAV-C3aR-GFAP 21 days before LPS administration. Co-immunofluorescence of C3aR with microglia, astrocytes, and neuron markers were performed to verify the specificity of C3aR knockdown in astrocytes. Changes in the 72 genes in the spinal cord were detected again 24 hours after LPS injection.
Results

Systemic LPS activated not only A1 and M1, but also A2, M2, and A-pan in the cerebral cortex, hippocampus, and spinal cord. The same LPS dose induced a similar activation level of M1 and M2, both of which were upregulated with increasing LPS. A1 and A-pan were polarized more than A2 at all LPS doses in the cortex and spinal cord. Microglia were more activated at 5 mg/kg than at 3 mg/kg LPS, but astrocytes presented no activation advantage at 5 mg/kg LPS. Marco, Ym1, and C3 showed a significant dose-dependent increase in LPS concentration. Specific knockdown of C3aR in astrocytes upregulated more markers of A2 than A1 and A-pan.
Conclusions

A larger systemic LPS dose contributes to greater polarization of M1 and M2 microglia, but no dominant phenotype. More A1 and A-pan astrocytes were activated than A2, even at low LPS doses. Downregulation of C3aR in astrocytes contributes to the polarization of anti-inflammatory phenotypes induced by LPS.
Eating Disorders and the Internet: A Descriptive Cross-Sectional Study Monitoring The Pro Ana Phenomenon in An Italian Sample.
Authors: Rossi Lucia , Tizzano Paola , Malaspina Elisabetta , Moscano Filomena , Gualandi Paola , Rossi Francesca , Francia Valentina , Atti Anna Rita , Parmeggiani Antonia
Published: April 2021

Background: The Internet is a significant source of information for adolescents, affecting their life and health. The online Pro Anorexia (Pro Ana) phenomenon is a growing danger. The purpose of this study is to evaluate the presence of the Pro Ana phenomenon in an Italian sample of patients affected by Eating Disorders.Methods: This study is a descriptive cross-sectional analysis that examines two different samples of patients affected by eating disorders at different points in time, in 2017 and 2020. This study was conducted by using a seven-item anonymous questionnaire specifically developed by the authors to collect data on knowledge and visitation of websites and Social Networks Sites related to "pro-ana" and "thinspiration" content. Results: More than 80% of the respondents in both samples use the Internet daily. From 2017 to 2020 we observed a rise of the phenomenon among the adolescents of our sample. In 2020 76% of the patients knew of sites emphasizing a marked thinness as an ideal of beauty, 60% knew of Pro Ana sites and 22% visited them. Conclusions: Our data confirm that in Italy too, Pro Ana is a diffused phenomenon, of which clinicians need to be consistently aware especially when treating adolescents with ED. Patients with ED mainly visit diet and nutrition sites, and it is important to acknowledge this practice in order to prevent and address ED in early adolescence. Although few subjects claim to visit Pro Ana websites, the majority is aware of these sites and therefore they are potential users. Many patients assert that they are familiar with websites promoting excessive thinness as ideal beauty, which supports the bio-psycho-social etiopathogenetic model of Anorexia Nervosa. Information sharing and prevention work are important forms of interventions for families, teachers and clinicians, who together care for adolescent patients with ED.Level of evidence: Level IV (descriptive, cross-sectional study examining case series of patients with Eating Disorders)
The Role of Cytokine profile detection in Myelomatous pleural effusions
Authors: Xu Junhui , Gao Liang , Yan Miao , Wang Bingjie , Song Zhengyang , Liu Huihui , Sun Kunyan , Nong Lin , Wang Mangju , Cen Xinan
Published: April 2021

Background: Myelomatous pleural effusion (MPE), as a presentation of extramedullary infiltration of multiple myeloma (MM), is rare and associated with poor outcomes without comparatively effective treatment now. The value of the cytokine detection in pleural effusions to MPE has not been reported at present. Case presentation: We herein report a case of refractory and relapsed multiple myeloma which developed bilateral MPE due to disease progression caused by intolerance to various chemotherapy regimens. The cytomorphology and flow cytometry is adopted in the diagnosis confirmation. The chemotherapy containing immunomodulators combined with thoracic catheterization drainage is applied to the patient, showing a certain therapeutic effect. During the course of disease, the changes of cytokine profile in pleural effusion were monitored by Biolegend CBA technology, revealing that the cytokines such as IL-6 and IL-10 related to the tumor load in pleural effusion decreased with the improvement of the disease, while IL-2, IL-4, IL-17A, TNF - α, INF - γ, granzyme A, Granzyme B, perforin and granulysin increased with the improvement of the disease. Conclusions: There is a prospect that the cytokines level in pleural effusion becomes an indication to evaluate treatment response of MPE, and in the light of our finding, immunomodulators, IL-2 and INF - γ may be utilized in treating patients suffering MPE.
Hearing Thresholds of Nigerian Navy Personnel Serving in Lagos Area
Authors: Aliyu Abubakar O , Adedeji Waheed A , Daniel Adekunle , Yusuf Tajudeen , Onakoya Paul A , Lasisi Taye J , Fasunla Ayotunde J , Lasisi Akeem Olawale
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Navy personnel are exposed to several risk factors that increase hearing thresholds and impair hearing. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hearing impairment among Nigerian Navy personnel. Materials and Method: This was a cross sectional study of Nigerian Navy personnel working in various ships. Structured, self-administered questionnaire was used to obtain information on hearing. All the subjects had ear examination and pure tone audiometry of both ears. Results: The prevalence of hearing impairment was 22(14.7%) in the right and 17(11.3%) in the left ears. The Pure Tone Average for the right and left ear were 19.0±8.6dB and 17.4±6.7dB respectively. There was a statistically significant association between noisy work place and total hearing loss (p<.01), pure tone average in the left ear (p<.05) and frequencies of 3000 Hz (p<.05), 2000 Hz (p<.001) and 1000Hz (p<.05) in the left ear. The association between past history of ear infections and pure tone average in the left ear (p<.05) and the frequency 2000 Hz (p<.005) in the left ear were significant. The length of service years, occupational group, age, sex report of change in hearing, non-use of hearing protection and presence of tinnitus did not show significant association with pure tone averages nor on the frequencies tested. Conclusion: The significant unilateral hearing impairment on the right ear suggests the need for more research on hearing impairment in the Nigerian Navy as well as development of a comprehensive hearing conservation programme.
Estimating the Impact of Non-pharmaceutical Interventions Against COVID-19 on Mumps Incidence in Sichuan, China
Authors: Zhang Wenqiang , Luan Rongsheng
Published: April 2021

Background: A series of social and public health measures have been implemented to contain coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) in China. We examined the impact of non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 on mumps incidence as an agent to determine the potential reduction in other respiratory virus incidence.Methods: We modelled mumps incidence per month in Sichuan using a seasonal autoregressive integrated moving average (SARIMA) model, based on the reported number of mumps cases per month from 2017-2020. Results: The epidemic peak of mumps in 2020 is lower than in the preceding years. Whenever compared with the projected cases or the average from corresponding periods in the preceding years (2017-2019), the reported cases in 2020 markedly declined (P<0.001). From January to December, the number of mumps cases was estimated to decrease by 36.3% (33.9% - 38.8%), 34.3% (31.1% - 37.8%), 68.9% (66.1% - 71.6%), 76.0% (73.9% - 77.9%), 67.0% (65.0% - 69.0%), 59.6% (57.6% - 61.6%), 61.1% (58.8% - 63.3%), 49.2% (46.4% - 52.1%), 24.4% (22.1% - 26.8%), 30.0% (27.5% - 32.6%), 42.1% (39.6% - 44.7%), 63.5% (61.2% - 65.8%), respectively. The total number of mumps cases in 2020 was estimated to decrease by 53.6% (52.9% - 54.3%).Conclusion: Our study shows that non-pharmaceutical interventions against COVID-19 have had an effective impact on mumps incidence in Sichuan, China.
Predictors of Severe Leptospirosis: A Multicentre Observational Study From Central Malaysia
Authors: Philip Noraini , Than Leslie Thian Lung , S Anim Md , Yuhana Muhamad Yazli , Sekawi Zamberi , Neela Vasantha Kumari
Published: April 2021

Background: Leptospirosis is a re-emerging disease with vast clinical presentations ranges from subclinical or mild, to severe and fatal outcomes. Though leptospirosis can be managed well if diagnosed earlier, similar clinical presentations by several other febrile illnesses or co-infections often result in mis- or underdiagnosis, thereby lead to severe illness. Identification of clinical predictors for the severe form of the disease plays a crucial role in reducing disease complication and mortality. Therefore, we aimed to determine the clinical predictors associated with severe illness among leptospirosis patients from Central Malaysia through a prospective multicenter observational study. Methods: Data were collected from case records of 83 confirmed leptospirosis patients comprising of 33 severe and 50 mild. Statistical analysis was performed using χ2 and multivariable logistic regression test with Epi info software. Results: We identified mechanical ventilation, AKI, septic shock, creatinine level of >1.13mg/dL, ALT >50IU, AST >50IU, and platelet <150 x 109/L as factors associated with severe illness. AKI, ALT >50IU and platelet <150 x 109/L were defined as the independent factors for severity. Conclusions: Lungs, liver and kidney involvement, and septic shock were found as the prognostic factors for severe leptospirosis. AKI, high level of ALT and low level of platelets were found to be independent predictors of severity.
Transcriptome analysis unravels RNAi pathways genes and putative expansion of CYP450 gene family in cotton leafhopper Amrasca biguttula biguttula(Ishida)
Authors: Gupta Mridula , singh Satnam , Kaur Gurmeet , Pandher Suneet , Kaur Noorpreet , Goel Neha , Kaur Ramandeep , Rathore Pankaj
Published: April 2021

Amrasca biguttula biguttula is an important pest of cotton and okra in the Indian subcontinent. Presently limited genomic/ transcriptomic information is available for this insect in any open source databases. To initiate molecular studies in this insect, we report first assembled and annotated de novo transcriptome of cotton leafhopper. Out of 75,551 transcripts, 39613 CDS (Coding Sequence) were predicted with 35282 showing positive blast hits with NCBI nr database . From the Gene ontology (GO) analysis, 7431 CDS were annotated. KEGG pathway analysis categorized CDS into 22 different functional categories. The majority of CDS were annotated in signal transduction and transport catabolism pathways. The sequence data was screened for RNAi pathway genes and presence of 37 transcripts associated with this process confirmed the existence of robust RNAi machinery in this insect. The role of core RNAi machinery genes ( Dicer-2 , Ago-2 , Piwi and Staufen ) has been validated through dsRNA feeding studies. The data resource has also been used to identify potential RNAi targets and genes associated with insecticide detoxification specifically CYP 450 family.
Synthesis of Porous Confined Ionic Liquid Phosphotungstate Based on MIL-101 and Its Solvent-Free Catalytic Oxidation of Cyclohexene to Adipic Acid
Authors: Wang Haiyan , Wang Lulu , Zeng Xiangrui , Wang Yujia
Published: April 2021

A series of porous confined ionic liquid phosphotungstate were synthesized by encapsulated of 1-(3-sulfopropyl)morpholine phosphotungstate ([C3SO3Hnhm]3 -PW12O40) into MIL-101. Then the aforementioned porous confined ionic liquid phosphotungstate as heterogeneous catalyst will be used together with H2O2 for the catalytic synthesis of adipic acid from cyclohexene. During the experiment, the effect of weight content of [C3SO3Hnhm]3PW12O40 on the catalytic performance was investigated in detail. And the chemical structure of the catalyst was also characterized by XRD, FT-IR, SEM-EDX and N2 adsorption and desorption isotherms. Experimental results revealed that the desired products has been successfully prepared, and the best catalytic performance (81.2% yield of the adipic acid) was obtained under the dose of [C3SO3Hnhm]3PW12O40 was 31wt%, which was almost close to the catalytic activity of original [C3SO3Hnhm]3PW12O40 (85.3% yield of the adipic acid), which was also proved the strategy of packaging ionic liquid phosphotungstate with MIL-101 in this research is feasible. Furthermore, recycled catalytic performance of the catalyst under repeat 6 times was evaluated and the result revealed that the yield in adipic acid was still higher than 80.0%, which also proved that the catalytically active substance was stable in the catalyst.
Decompression of the suprascapular nerve at the superior scapular notch under combined arthroscopic and ultrasound (US) guidance: US-arthroscopy
Authors: Prénaud Clément , LOUBEYRE Jeanne , SOUBEYRAND Marc
Published: April 2021

Background: Decompression of the suprascapular nerve (SSNe) at the superior scapular notch (SSNo) is usually performed with an arthroscopic procedure. This technique is well described but locating the nerve is complex because it is deeply buried and surrounded by soft tissue. We propose to combine ultrasound and arthroscopy (US-arthroscopy) to facilitate nerve localization, exposure and release. The main objective of this study was to assess the feasibility of this technique. Methods: This is an experimental, cadaveric study, carried out on 10 shoulders. The first step of our technique is to locate the SSNo using an ultrasound scanner. Then an arthroscope is introduced under ultrasound control to the SSNo. A second portal is then created to dissect the pedicle and perform the ligament release. Results: Ultrasound identification of the SSNo, endoscopic dissection and decompression of the nerve were achieved in 100% of cases. Ultrasound identification of the SSNo took an average of 3 min (+/-4) while dissection and endoscopic release time took an average of 8 min (+/-5). Conclusion: Ultrasound is an extremely powerful tool for non-invasive localization of nerves through soft tissues, but it is limited by the fact that tissue visualization is limited to the ultrasound slice plane, which is two-dimensional. On the other hand, arthroscopy (extra-articular) allows three-dimensional control of the surgical steps performed, but the locating of the nerve involves significant tissue detachment and a risk of damaging the nerve with the dissection. The combination of the two (US-arthroscopy) offers the possibility of combining the advantages of both techniques.
Dysplastic Hip Joint Configuration After Bernese Periacetabular Osteotomy
Authors: Kołodziejczyk Kamil , Czwojdziński Adam , Sionek Andrzej , Czubak Jarosław
Published: April 2021

Background: Residual hip dysplasia is one of the factors contributing to early hip joint osteoarthritis. The main problems caused by residual dysplasia are pain and instability of the hip joint caused by the lack of sufficient bony covering of the femoral head. The aim of this work was to radiologically assess the configuration change of a dysplastic hip joint after surgical treatment using the Bernese periacetabular osteotomy procedure.Methods: We assessed the radiological parameters of patients with hip dysplasia treated by Bernense periacetabular osteotomy by performing a digital antero-posterior pelvis X-ray: central edge angle and femoral head coverage, medialization, distalization and ilio-ischial angle parameters. For normally distributed parameters, we used Student’s t-test; for parameters without a normal distribution, we used the Wilcoxon signed-rank test. Correlations were assessed according to a normal distribution using the Pearson and Spearman method.Results: For all parameters, we observed statistically significant differences in the measurements of dysplastic hip joints before and after the surgery. We also observed a statistically significant difference between the structure of dysplastic hip joints prior to the surgery and healthy hip joints from the control group based on all radiological parameters. The resulting medialization was 2.68 mm, distalization was 3.65 mm, and the ilio-ischial angle was changed by 2.62°. There was also an improvement in the femoral head bony covering: CEA by 17.61° and FHC by 16.46%.Conclusions: Based on all the radiological parameters, we presented the difference between healthy and dysplastic hip joints. Learning the parameter values that are used to describe dysplastic hip joints will allow us to improve the imaging of the condition and will also allow for better planning and proper qualification of patients for surgical treatment of hip joint dysplasia.Trial registration: Consent of the bioethics commission Medical Centre of Postgraduate Education 83/PB/2015 18.11.2015 Warsaw
Y Chromosome Genes May Play Roles in Directed Differentiation of Human Embryonic Stem Cells.
Authors: Khani Farzaneh , Dehkordi Simin Nafian , Mollamohammadi Sepideh , Nemati Shiva , Shokoohian Bahare , Alikhani Mehdi , Hassani Seyedeh Nafiseh , Baharvand Hossein , Soleimanpour-lichaei Hamid Reza , Salekdeh Ghasem Hosseini
Published: April 2021

The human Y chromosome harbors genes that are mainly involved in the growth, development, sexual dimorphism, and spermatogenesis process. Despite many studies, the function of the male-specific region of the Y chromosome (MSY) awaits further clarification, and a cell-based approach can help in this regard. In this study, we have developed four stable transgenic male embryonic stem cell (ESCs) lines that can overexpress male-specific genes HSFY1, RBMY1A1, RPS4Y1, and SRY. As a proof of principle, we differentiated one of these cell lines (RPS4Y1 over-expressing ESCs) to the neural stem cell (rosette structure) and characterized them based on the expression level of lineage markers. RPS4Y1 expression in the Doxycycline-treated group was significantly higher than control groups in transcription and protein levels. Furthermore, we found Doxycycline-treated group had a higher differentiation efficiency than the untreated control groups. Our results suggest that the RPS4Y1 gene may play a critical role in neurogenesis. Also, the generated transgenic ESC lines can be widely employed in basic and preclinical studies, such as sexual dimorphism of neural and cardiac functions, the development of cancerous and non-cancerous disease models, and drug screening.
Dissection of Two QTL for Grain Size Linked on the Long Arm of Chromosome 5 in Rice
Authors: Niu xiaojun , Zhang Zhenhua , Chan Aye Nyein , Fan Yeyang , Tang Shaoqing , Yu Sibin , Zhuang Jieyun , Zhu Yujun
Published: April 2021

Background: Most agronomical traits of crops are complex traits controlled by several major quantitative trait locus (QTL) and many minor QTL. Grain size determines grain weight and influences rice appearance quality. Identification of minor QTL is important for understanding the genetic and molecular network regulating grain size in rice. Following previous identification of QTL for grain weight and size using populations derived from the Teqing/IRBB52 indica rice cross, one QTL, qTGW5/qGL5 having significant effects on grain weight and length, was targeted for validation, dissection and fine-mapping.Result: Firstly, the effect of qTGW5/qGL5 was validated using two near isogenic line (NIL) F2 populations. Then, qTGW5/qGL5 was dissected into two closely linked QTL for grain size using four sets of NILs with sequential segregating regions. One of them, qTGW5 with the IRBB52 alleles increased grain weight, length and width with the same allelic direction, was located within an 1896.4-kb region flanked by RM18865 and Fi25273. The other one, qGL5 controlling grain length, was further delimited into a 68.8-kb region using seven NIL-F2 populations. Six annotated genes were found in the qGL5 region, of which five showed nucleotide polymorphisms between the two parental lines. In three of the six annotated genes, significant expression differences were detected between qGL5-NILs.Conclusions: Two closely-linked QTL having small effects for grain size in rice were separated using NIL-derived populations. One of them, qGL5 was fine-mapped into a 68.8-kb region containing six annotated genes. Our work lays a foundation for cloning minor QTL for grain size and offers potential targets for marker-assisted breeding in rice.
Bibliometric Analysis of the Top 100 Most Cited Articles on Wrist Arthroscopy
Authors: Gönder Nevzat , Kılınçoğlu Volkan
Published: April 2021

Background: Over the past few decades, more articles have been published about wrist arthroscopy. The purpose of this study was to identify and analyze the 100 most cited articles about wrist arthroscopy.Methods: The 100 most cited articles were analyzed using the wrist arthroscopy as a keyword on the Web of Science database. Original articles, reviews, clinical trials, and cadaveric studies were included in the study. We recorded and analyzed the following information: Article title, first author, year of publication, journal of publication, the total number of citations, level of evidence, article language, country, institution, and the main topic of study. Results: The number of citations ranged from 35 to 180 (mean, 64.74). The total number of citations was 6,474. Among the articles examined, the most prolific country was the United States of America (USA). The Journal of Hand Surgery- American Volume was the journal with the most number of publications and the most cited articles. The main topics that were most analyzed and underlined were the diagnostic comparison of Magnetic resonanas imaging and arthroscopy and the diagnosis and treatment of triangular fibrocartilage complex.Conclusions: As a result, wrist arthroscopy continues to develop, and it is a subject that is open for new studies. More comprehensive and up-to-date randomised controlled studies comparing the benefit of wrist arthroscopy or open surgery for wrist pathologies will demonstrate the importance of arthroscopy in the diagnosis and treatment of problems related to this topic.
Development of Chinese VAS Value Set for EQ-5D-3L and Difference analysis with the TTO Value Set Based on Same Nationally Representative Sample
Authors: Zhuo Lang , Zhuo Lin , Chen Siting , Cai Ting , Pan Jianqiang , Kong Yunxin , Jiang Haiting , Chen Jiaying
Published: April 2021

Objective: To develop a Chinese VAS value set for EQ-5D-3L and compare it with the TTO value set based on nationally representative sample. Methods: An adapted Measurement and Valuation of Health (MVH) protocol was applied with VAS method. EQ-5D-3L was used in face-to-face interviews conducted by trained interviewers with participants selected via multi-stage stratified clustered random sample. Fifteen hypothetical health statuses (11 random states in MVH protocol, plus 11111, 33333, unconscious and death) were assigned for assessment individually. Ordinary least square, general least square and weighted least square models were constructed with or without N3. Four categories of indices, including quality of original data, distribution of rescaled values, goodness of fit of models, and distribution of predicted values were adopted to compare between Chinese VAS and TTO value sets.Results: All 5,939 participants aged 15 and over were interviewed; 5,884 eligible participants were included in constructing models. An OLS model that included ten dummy variables and a constant and without N3 was chosen as the best-fit VAS model (Adjusted R2=0.670). The mean absolute error was 0.0319, and the correlation coefficient between predicted and mean values was 0.9837. The curve of predicted value of VAS model was uniformly lower than that of Chinese TTO value set. Comparing with the TTO value set, VAS method had higher responsive rate, less inconsistency, lower skewed values and better goodness of fit values. Conclusions: VAS value set performed rationally in Chinese population for its simplicity, responsiveness and robustness. We recommend the VAS value set, Model 2, as the benchmark of scoring algorithm of HRQoL for Chinese population.
Tumour suppressor gene methylation and renal cell carcinoma risk: a comprehensively systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Liu YuPeng , Ma Lin , Zhang YuXue , Wu ZhiGang , Liu Xiaodong
Published: April 2021

Purpose: Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is becoming more common as a urinary system malignancy. There is a growing body of evidence supporting an important role of DNA methylation alteration involved in the initiation of RCC, but the current findings are inconsistent and controversial. Thus, we performed this systematic review and meta-analysis to comprehensively assess the associations between methylation status of tumour suppressor genes and the incidence risk of RCC. Methods: This study has been registered on PROSPERO (CRD42019130782) and was reported according to the PRISMA guidelines. We systematically searched the PubMed, EMBASE and CNKI databases for relevant studies. The effect estimates were summarized using random-effect models. Results: A total of 21 case-control studies containing 1,912 participants were included. Overall, abnormal hypermethylation of RASSF1A was associated with a significantly increased risk of RCC (OR, 6.612, 95% CI: 1.926-22.697, P = 0.003), especially in the American populations (OR, 18.429, 95% CI: 3.072-110.536, P = 0.001). An increased RCC risk was also associated with hypermethylation of SFRP1 and GSTP1 (OR, 3.995, 95% CI: 1.607-9.934, P = 0.003; OR, 4.508, 95% CI: 1.004-20.239, P = 0.049; respectively); however, the results for SFRP1 and GSTP1 were non-conclusive due to the limited number of studies included and the inconsistency across sensitivity analyses. There was no obvious association for the other genes. Conclusion: This study demonstrated a statistically and robustly positive association of aberrant hypermethylation of RASSF1A with an increased risk of developing RCC, indicating a potentially useful biomarker to predict the RCC incidence risk.
Is the Health-Awareness of Leaders Related to the Working Conditions, Engagement, and Exhaustion in Their Teams? A Multi-Level Mediation Study.
Authors: Grimm Luisa A. , Bauer Georg F. , Jenny Gregor J.
Published: April 2021

Background: Research shows that leaders influence the health and well-being of employees, by being either a buffer or major source of employee's work stressors. Various leadership behaviors and their relation to employee outcomes have been examined. Yet, a satisfactory explanation of how leaders’ behavior influences health has not been found. A new line of research investigates the construct of “health-oriented leadership”, that is, the health awareness of leaders towards themselves (“self-care”) and towards their employees (“staff-care”). It is hypothesized that this health-orientation has a direct effect on both leader’s and employees’ health, as well as an indirect effect mediated by their working conditions.Methods: Data were derived from four company research projects, that involved employee and leader surveys on work, health, and well-being. The sample consisted of 50 teams, with 191 leaders and 604 team members. To test the relation between a leader’s self-care and his/her engagement, exhaustion, as well as staff-care, multiple regression analyses and mediation analyses were conducted. The relation between a leader’s staff-care, the team’s job resources and demands, and the individual employee outcomes engagement and exhaustion were tested with multilevel analyses.Results: Regression analysis showed that the stronger a leader's health-orientation towards him/-herself (“self-care”), the stronger was the health-orientation towards his/her employees (“staff-care”). A leader’s self-care was also associated with higher work engagement and lower exhaustion and this relation was mediated by his/her job resources and demands, respectively. Multilevel analysis showed that a leader's staff-care was associated with employee work engagement and exhaustion, and that this relation was mediated by team-level job resources and demands, respectively.Conclusions: The health-orientation of leaders relates to their own as well as their teams' engagement and exhaustion, which is partly mediated by job demands and resources. Thus the construct of health-orientation may prove worthy of further exploration. For practical conclusions, this study provides support for researching not different leadership styles with very specific facets, but a general orientation towards health, which can be implemented into coaching and consulting sessions for organizations.
Obstructed descending colon mass pretended with Bockdalek hernia: a case report
Authors: eslamian mohammad , kolahdouzan Mohsen
Published: April 2021

Introduction: Adult Bochdalek hernia is one of the right-sided diaphragmatic hernias that less than 30 cases reported until now.Case: I herein report a 64-year-old female patient who had dyspnea, abdominal pain, and nausea. Primary imaging (thoracic and abdominal CT scan) showed a right-sided diaphragmatic hernia that was contained the liver and right colon. The patient underwent right posterior thoracotomy at first, so the 5*5 cm diaphragmatic defect was repaired. Due to peritonitis that happened after two days, a midline laparotomy was performed. Finally, it was cleared that the main problem was the obstructed and perforated descending colon mass that was presented with Bockdalek hernia. Unfortunately, she died.Conclusion It is important to determine the reason for the presentation of the symptomatic diaphragmatic hernia in adult patients. It should be considered that an increase of intra-abdominal pressure like the presence of obstructed colon mass can cause it.
Economic burden and prevalence of malaria in companies in Douala, Cameroon
Authors: Nchetnkou Christian Mbohou , Nyabeyeuh Herve Nyabeyeuh , Tonga Calvin , Kangam Lafortune , Foko Loick Pradel Kojom , Nono Larissa Kouodjip , Yamadji Linda Arlette Ngapmen , Kemajou Gaelle Mbiakop , Bayoi Charlie Ngo , Mbongo Thyerry Adolphe Dikoume , Noubou Sorelle Wakam , Mbou Isabelle Matip , OTTOU Blaise , Nolla Nicolas , Priso Dina Nfon , Ndema Péguy Assomo , Lehman Leopold Gustave
Published: April 2021

Background: Malaria is a public health concern in Africa. At the socio-economic level, it represents a brake on the national growth through an increase of health spending, drop of productivity and high rate of absenteeism at the workplace. Some companies have implemented malaria control measures to improve their performance, but the vast majority are slow to follow this approach. Using the cost-of-illness approach, the objective of this study was to estimate the economic impact of malaria in two companies with 24-hour daily activity based in Douala, Cameroon: an agro-food industry nicknamed "AGRO" and a security company nicknamed "SECU".Method: A retrospective analysis of medical and financial records of these companies was carried out to calculate the economic cost of absenteeism, prophylaxis, Internal Management of Malaria cases (IMM) and External Management of Malaria cases (EMM) to these companies. A malaria screening campaign was carried out also in each company in one day from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. The clinical, anthropometric and socio-demographic data of the employees were collected before the collection of a drop of blood which was subsequently analyzed under the Cyscope fluorescence microscope (Partec-Sysmex, Münster, RFA). Results: Analysis of retrospective data revealed that the prevalence of symptomatic malaria cases had decreased by 8.9% and 25.1% respectively at AGRO and SECU between 2010 and 2012. Regarding the prospective component, 372 employees of the two companies were included in the study. The prevalence of malaria was 26.83% and 26.44% respectively at AGRO in January 2013 and SECU in February 2013. Malaria-related absenteeism accounted for 5% and 17% of general absenteeism at AGRO and SECU respectively. The cost of an EMM accounted for 19.5% and 40.5% of the monthly income of AGRO and SECU workers respectively. Each year, malaria generates a shortfall of US$ 26,426 and US$ 136,824 respectively to AGRO and SECU. Conclusion: Malaria have a negative impact on companies. However, early detection of suspected cases, campaigns to distribute insecticide-treated mosquito nets, Information, Education and Communication within the company could reduce this impact.
Preparation of ordered Ag@Au hybrid nanotubes arrays and their fluorescence enhancement of poly(3-hexylthiophene)
Authors: Jianchao Wang , Tang Gege , Peng Huayong
Published: April 2021

The ordered silver nanowires (Ag NWs) were assembled by three-phase interface method and the ordered Ag@Au hybrid nanotubes were successfully prepared by the galvanic replacement reaction between HAuCl4 solution and the ordered Ag NWs. Field emission scanning electron microscope (FESEM) and transmission electron microscope (TEM) were employed to analyze the morphology of the ordered Ag NWs and Ag@Au nanotubes, and the influence of reaction time in displacement reaction. Fluorescence and laser-Raman properties of conjugated polymerpoly(3-hexylthiophene) (P3HT) were analyzed on various ordered Ag@Au nanotubes on the fluorescence. The results showed that the Au particle grew on ordered Ag@Au hybrid nanotubes with the reaction time going. The fluorescence properties of P3HT films are improved on various ordered Ag@Au hybrid nanotubes compared with those on bare silicon substrate, but the fluorescence intensity of P3HT films on the ordered hybrid nanowires decreases as the galvanic displacement process.
Decreased Expression of CBX7 is an Independent Predictor of Poor Survival in Cervical Cancer
Authors: An Lanfen , Zhang Jun , Jin Zhishan , Yan Xia , Wang Pu , Ouyang Weixiang , Wang Hongbo
Published: April 2021

Background: CBX7, a component of the PRC1, has been investigated as a potential biomarker in human malignant neoplasias. In present study, the value of CBX7 expression in the diagnostic and prognosis of cervical squamous cell carcinoma and endocervical adenocarcinoma (CESC) as examined via bioinformatics analysis of data obtained from Genotype-Tissue Expression (GTEx) database and The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database.Methods: Relationships between clinical factors and CBX7 were explored. The Kaplan-Meier method and Cox regression were used to identify the associations between clinicopathological characteristics and overall survival (OS) in CESC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed using TCGA dataset. Results: Our results indicated the decreased expression of CBX7 in CESC, and difference in CBX7 expression was also identified according to age subgroups. CESC patients with decreased CBX7 expression had worse prognosis than those with high CBX7 expression. Multivariate analysis showed that CBX7 was an independent risk factor for OS. GSEA demonstrated pathways involved in the biosynthesis of unsaturated fatty acids, glycosaminoglycan biosynthesis-chondroitin sulfate, glyoxylate and dicarboxylate metabolism, nod-like receptor signaling pathway, O-glycan biosynthesis, one carbon pool by folate and protein export as differentially enriched in CESC with decreased CBX7 expression.Conclusion: We demonstrated that decreased CBX7 expression may be a potential independent biomarker for poor prognosis in CESC.
The complete plastomes of red fleshed pitaya (Selenicereus monacanthus) and three related Selenicereus species: insights into gene losses, IR expansions and phylogenomic implications
Authors: Qin Qiulin , Li Jingling , Zeng Siyuan , Xu Yiceng , Han Fang , Yu Jie
Published: April 2021

Background: Selenicereus is a genus of perennial shrub from the family Cactaceae, and some of them play an important role in the food industry, pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and medicine. To date, there are few reports on Selenicereus plastomes, which limits our understanding of this genus. Here, we reported the complete plastomes of four Selenicereus species (S. monacanthus, S. annthonyanus, S. grandiflorus and S. validus, and carried out a comprehensive comparative analysis.Results: The four Selenicereus plastomes all have a typical quartile structure. The plastome size ranged from 133,146 bp to 134,450 bp, and contained 104 unique genes, including 30 tRNA genes, 4 rRNA genes and 70 protein-coding genes. Comparative analysis showed that there were massive losses of ndh genes in Selenicereus. Besides, we observed the IR regions had undergone a dramatic expansion and formed a previously unreported SC/IR border in the intron region of the atpF gene. Furthermore, we identified 6 hypervariable regions (trnF-GAA-rbcL, ycf1, accD, clpP-trnS-GCU, clpP-trnT-CGU and rpl22-rps19) that could be used as potential DNA barcodes for the identification of Selenicereus species. Phylogenetic analysis indicated that Hylocereus was nested in Selenicereus.Conclusion: Our study enriches the plastomic resources in the family Cactaceae, and provides the basis for the reconstruction of phylogenetic relationships.
Trace Analysis of Emerging Virus: an Ultrasensitive ECL-Scan Imaging System for Viral Infectious Disease
Authors: Wu Yunxia , Wu Qikang , Fu Yu , Huang Mingxing , Fan Zhijin , Shu Bowen , Wang Jingru , Wu Wenjie , Chen Xiaodong , Yang Ronghua , Xia Jinyu , Liao Yuhui
Published: April 2021

BackgroundEmerging infectious disease have brought a huge impact on human society in recent years. The outbreak of Zika virus (ZIKV) in the Americas resulted in a large number of babies born with microcephaly. More seriously, the Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) caused the global spreads and immeasurable damages. Thus, the monitoring of highly pathogenic virus is of significance to the prevention and control of emerging infectious disease.ResultsHerein, a dendritic polymer probe-amplified ECL-scan imaging system was constructed to realize trace analysis of viral emerging infectious disease. Dendritic polymer probe was employed as the efficient signal giving-out component that could generate amplified electrochemiluminescence (ECL) signal on the integrated chip. And the signal was detected by a single-photon level charge coupled device-based ECL-scan imaging system. With this strategy,the ZIKV in the complex system of blood, urine and saliva were detected. The results indicated that high sensitivity of 50 copies and superior specificity were achieved. Furthermore, this strategy realized highly sensitive detection (10 copies) of S and N protein gene sequence of Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome Coronavirus 2 (SARS-Cov2) and spiked pseudovirus samples.ConclusionsThus, the dendritic polymer probe-amplified ECL-scan imaging system suitably met the strict clinical-requirements for trace analysis of emerging virus, and thus has the potential to serve as a paradigm for monitoring of emerging infectious disease.
Z-scheme CdS/BiVO4 Photocatalyst for Highly Efficient Photodegradation of Organic Pollutants and DFT Calculation
Authors: Shan Lianwei , Yuan Mingqi , Ma Chengguo , Lu Changhui , Fang Zilan , Lin Shuituan , Li Dan , Wu Ze , Dong Limin , Qian Guolin , Yang Lixin
Published: April 2021

In the field of photocatalysis, the heterojunction strategy is one of the effective ways to settle the problems of rapid recombination and sluggish mobility of the photo-generated carriers. Herein, we used a strategy of electrophoretic deposition to synthesize Z-scheme CdS/BiVO 4 . Interestingly, compared with the pristine CdS and BiVO 4 , the prepared CdS/BiVO 4 showed effective charge separation, high degradation efficiency and well photocatalytic stability. It demonstrated that electrophoretic deposition can successfully construct photocatalyst steadily and effectively heterostructured CdS/BiVO 4 . Meanwhile, the electron transfer paths between BiVO 4 and CdS were probed by the DFT calculations. We infer that there is a Z-scheme mechanism between BiVO 4 and CdS. Moreover, this efficient strategy can support more applications for more efficient composition design of semiconductor heterojunctions.
Synthesis, Characterization and Biological Studies on 3d-Metal Complexes of 5-[(1, 5-Dimethyl-3-oxo-2-Phenyl-2, 3-Dihydro-1H-Pyrazol-4-yl) Diazenyl]-1-Ethyl-6-Hydroxy-4-Methyl-2-oxo-1, 2-Dihydropyridine-3-Carbonitrile
Authors: G Krishnamurthy , Melkeri Shridhar P , Naik P. Parameshwara , Walmik Prabhaker , Priyarani R S
Published: April 2021

N-hetorocyclic ligand. 5-[(1,5-dimethyl-3-oxo-2-phenyl-2,3-dihydro-1H-pyrazol-4-yl)diazenyl]-1-ethyl-6-hydroxy-4-methyl-2-oxo-1,2-dihydropyridine-3-carbonitrile (L) and a few of their transition metal complexes have been synthesised and characterized by different physico-chemical techniques. The electronic and magnetic susceptibility measurements suggest an octahedral geometry for all the complexes excepting Zn(II) complex which possess tetrahedral geometry. The results of thermogravimetric analysis showed that the synthesized complexes have thermal stability and confirms the absence of coordinated or lattice water molecules. The bio potency of all the compounds were investigated by studying the antimicrobial, antimycobacterial and cytotoxic activities. All the transition metal complexes were noticeably exhibited their inhibition properties against the tested microbes.
Tuning the Chemical and Thermo-Mechanical Properties of Cassava Starch Thin Films to Produce Biodegradable Packaging Materials
Authors: Amaraweera Sumedha M. , Gunathilake Chamila , Gunawardene Oneesha H. P. , Fernando Nimasha M.L. , Wanninayaka Drashana B. , Manamperi Asanga , Dassanayake Rohan S. , Rajapaksha Suranga M. , Gangoda Mahinda , Kulathunge Asela , Manipura Aruna
Published: April 2021

Starch is a renewable resource and starch films play a vital role as an alternative for synthetic polymers in packaging applications. However, the films prepared from native starch fail to meet the process or product requirements due to high water absorption and inferior mechanical properties. In order to avoid these drawbacks, and to enhance the desired properties, starch can be modified using acid hydrolysis. In this study, the effects of acid hydrolysis time on the structural, thermal, and chemical properties of cassava starch and cassava starch thin films were investigated. Native cassava starch was hydrolyzed using 2.2 M hydrochloric acid with varying time intervals. With the increase of hydrolysis time, the relative crystallinity of cassava starch increased while the thermal decomposition temperature decreased in cassava starch. XRD and 13C-NMR spectrums results show that, cassava starch has been subjected to polymorphism changes from A (monoclinic cell) to B (hexagonal unit cell) due to the acid hydrolysis treatment. FTIR and TGA analysis showed that, the moisture absorbance of cassava starch decreased significantly as a result of the acid hydrolysis treatment. The acid hydrolyzed samples showed up to 31.79 % reduction of moisture content compared to the native starch samples. Also, the films prepared from acid hydrolyzed starch showed up to 25.12% reduction of water absorption compared to that prepared from native starch. Acid hydrolysis treatment significantly impacted the mechanical behavior of starch-based films. The tensile strength of cassava starch-based films improved continuously with acid hydrolysis time, reaching a maximum of 5.67 MPa. However, the ductility of the films was negatively impacted when the starch was subjected to acid hydrolysis. The films prepared using acid hydrolyzed starch showed a 12.78 % reduction of elongation compared to that prepared with native cassava starch, despite with minimum dependence of acid hydrolysis time.
Economic evaluations of health care interventions in Oropharyngeal Dysphagia after Stroke: Protocol for a Systematic Review.
Authors: Marin Sergio , Serra-Prat Mateu , Ortega Omar , Clavé Pere
Published: April 2021

Background and purpose: Oropharyngeal Dysphagia (OD) affects 40-81% of patients after stroke. A recent systematic review on the costs of OD and it’s main complications showed higher acute and long-term costs for those patients who developed OD, malnutrition and pneumonia after stroke. These results suggest that appropriate management of post-stroke OD could lead to reduction of clinical complications and significant cost savings. The purpose of this systematic review is to assess the available literature exploring the efficiency or cost-effectiveness of available healthcare interventions on the appropriate management of OD. Methods: A systematic review on economic evaluations of health care interventions on post-stroke patients with OD following PRISMA recommendations will be performed. MEDLINE, Embase, the National Health Service Economic Evaluation Database and the Cost-Effectiveness Analysis Registry Database will be searched and a subsequent reference check will be done. English and Spanish literature will be included without date restrictions. Studies will be included if they refer to economic evaluations or studies in which cost savings were reported in post-stroke patients suffering OD. Studies will be excluded if they are partial economic evaluation studies, if they refer to esophageal dysphagia, or if OD is caused by causes different from stroke. Evidence will be presented and synthetized with a narrative method and using tables. Quality evaluation will be done using Consolidated Health Economic Evaluation Reporting Standards (CHEERS) Statement. Discussion: The protocol for this systematic review is the first step to assess the cost-effectiveness of the healthcare interventions that have been described as potential treatments for post-stroke OD. This systematic review will summarize the current evidence on the relation between cost and benefits associated with the appropriate management of OD in post-stroke patients. Systematic review registration: PROSPERO CRD42020136245
Proposal for all optical comparator using nonlinear PhC-based cavities
Authors: Pishkhani Mohammad Dadras Jeddi
Published: April 2021

In this paper an all optical comparator was designed and simulated. The proposed structure works using nonlinear threshold switching that was implemented by application of nonlinear resonant cavities. X and Y are the input ports of the proposed structure using different combination of these input ports one can control that which bias port can be connected to its corresponding output port. O1 is ON when X is ON and Y is OFF, O2 is ON when Y is ON and X is OFF, and O3 is ON when both X and Y have similar states.