bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Activation of the JAK1 / STAT1 Signaling Pathway is Associated with Prdx6 Expression Levels in Human Epididymis Epithelial Cells
Authors: Li Jianyuan , Shi Hui , Liu Xiaoyu , Wang Yanwei , Wang Haiyan , Pan Bochen
Published: August 2021

I. Background: Peroxiredoxin 6 (Prdx6) is widely expressed in mammalian tissues. Our previous study demonstrated that Prdx6 was expressed in human epididymis and spermatozoa, and the protective role of Prdx6 in human spermatozoa was also reported. In this study, we demonstrate the potential role and mechanism of Prdx6 in human epididymis epithelial cells (HEECs).II. Methods and Results: Western blotting was used to measure expression levels of key proteins in the JAK / STAT signaling pathway. Digital gene expression analysis (DGE) was used to identify gene expression patterns in control HECs and in HECs after Prdx6-RNA interference (P6-RNAi). The DGE analysis identified 589 up-regulated and 314 down-regulated genes (including Prdx6) in Prdx6-RNAi (P6-RNAi) HEECs. Thirteen significantly different pathways were identified between the two groups, with the majority different expressed genes belonging to the CCL, CXCL, IL, and IFIT families. In particular, the expression levels of IL6, IL6ST, and eighteen IFN related genes were significantly increased in the condition of the down-regulated expression of Prdx6. Compared to control HEECs, the expression levels of JAK1, STAT1, phosphorylated JAK1 and STAT1 were significantly increased, while the expression levels of SOCS3 was significantly decreased in P6-RNAi HEECs. The Malondialdehyde (MDA) level and total antioxidant capacity in P6-RNAi HEECs were significantly increased and decreased compared to that of control, respectively. III. Conclusions: We speculated that knockdown of Prdx6 resulted in higher levels of ROS in HEECs, which in turn, activated the JAK1 / STAT1 signaling pathway induced by IL-6 receptor and IFN.
ANLN and Lung Adenocarcinoma Prognosis and Immune Infiltration Research
Authors: Ru Meihua , Liu Ying-Bo , Tian Zhi-Hui , GODJE IVAN STEVE GODJE , Li Jian-Qiang
Published: August 2021

Objective: This study aims to explore the role of aniline-actin binding protein (ANLN) in the prognosis of lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) and its role in immune infiltration, and to provide new ideas for clinical diagnosis and treatment.Methods: In this study, we applied bioinformatics methods to analyze the expression pattern and prognostic value of ANLN in LUAD ,and confirmed its independent prognostic value through Cox analysis. TIMER was used to evaluate the correlation between ANLN and tumor infiltrating immunity. LinkedOmics was used to study the co-expressed genes and functional networks related to ANLN.The TIMER database was used to analyze the correlation between ANLN co-expressed genes and tumor infiltrating immune cells. Results: ANLN is highly expressed in most cancers. In the TCGA-LUAD cohort, ANLN was highly expressed in LUAD. ANLN was significantly related to the grade , T stage and N stage of patients with LUAD. It was verified in multiple independent queues. The high expression and highly mutation of ANLN predicts poor survival .Multivariate COX analysis showed that ANLN was an independent risk factor for survival . GSEA analysis shows that ANLN regulates cell cycle, and other pathways. The expression of ANLN was significantly correlated with the level of B cell infiltration.Conclusions: ANLN is closely related to the prognosis of patients with LUAD and tumor immune cell infiltration suggesting that ANLN is a key factor regulating the recruitment of immune cells to LUAD and may play an important role in immune.
Movement Patterns and Habitat use for Sympatric Species
Authors: McAlpine-Bellis Elizabeth , Utsumi Kaera L , Diamond Kelly M , Klein Janine , Gilbert-Smith Sophia , Garrison Grace E , Eifler Maria A , Eifler Douglas A
Published: August 2021

Background: Movement is an important characteristic of an animal’s ecology, reflecting perception of and response to environmental conditions. To effectively search for food, movement patterns likely depend on habitat characteristics and the sensory systems used to find prey. We examined movements associated with foraging for two sympatric species of lizards inhabiting the Alvord Basin in the Great Basin Desert of southeastern Oregon. The two species have largely overlapping diets but find prey via different sensory cues, which link to their differing foraging strategies — the long-nosed leopard lizard, Gambelia wislizenii, is a visually-oriented predator, while the western whiptail, Aspidoscelis tigris, relies heavily on chemosensory cues to find prey.Methods: Using detailed focal observations, we characterized the habitat use and movement paths of each species. We placed markers at the location of focal animals every minute for the duration of each 30-min observation. Afterwards, we recorded whether each location was in the open or in vegetation, as well as the movement metrics of step length, path length, net displacement, straightness index, and turn angle, and then made statistical comparisons between the two species.Results: The visual forager spent more time in open areas, moved less frequently over shorter distances, and differed in patterns of plant use compared to the chemosensory forager. Path characteristics of step length and turn angle differed between species.Conclusions: The visual predator moved in a way that was consistent with the notion that they require a clear visual path to stalk prey whereas the movement of the chemosensory predator increased their chances of detecting prey by venturing further into vegetation. Sympatric species can partition limited resources through differences in search behavior and habitat use.
Premedication with fentanyl for less invasive surfactant administration (LISA): A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Sk Habibullah , Saha Bijan , Mukherjee Suchandra , Hazra Avijit
Published: August 2021

Currently, there is no consensus regarding analgesic premedication before the LISA procedure. In this randomized controlled trial, we compared the level of comfort of preterm infants receiving fentanyl as analgesic versus no fentanyl during LISA procedure. We randomized 34 preterm infants of 28+ 0 − 33+ 6 weeks of gestation with RDS within 6 h of birth to receive either fentanyl (1 µg /kg intravenous) or no premedication during LISA procedure. Primary objective was to assess the proportion of infants to be comfortable during the procedure (R-PIPP score < 10) and secondarily complications occurring during the procedure, hemodynamically significant patent ductus arteriosus (hsPDA), intraventricular hemorrhage (IVH) (≥ grade 3), bronchopulmonary dysplasia (BPD) and composite outcome of BPD/mortality. Proportion of infants with a R-PIPP score < 10 during LISA was significantly higher in the fentanyl group (13/17 (76.5%) vs 6/17 (35.3%); p value 0.036). There were no differences in secondary outcome parameters. Conclusion: Low dose fentanyl during LISA procedure resulted in more comfort in preterm infants and without increased complication of both the LISA procedure and fentanyl administration. Further studies are needed to determine the safest and most effective pharmacologic measures to prevent pain and discomfort during LISA. Trial registration: www.ctri.nic.in id CTRI/2020/08/027144, registration date August 14, 2020
Incidence and Risk Factors for Early Postoperative Stiffness after Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair in Patients without Preoperative Stiffness
Authors: Cho Chul-Hyun , Bae Ki-Cheor , Kim Du-Han
Published: August 2021

Purpose The purpose of this study was to investigate the incidence and risk factors of early postoperative stiffness in patients without preoperative stiffness undergoing isolated arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Methods Two hundred seventy-four patients who underwent primary ARCR were included. At 3 months after surgery, criteria for shoulder stiffness was set as follows: 1) passive forward flexion < 120˚, or 2) external rotation at side < 30˚. Patients with preoperative stiffness or who underwent additional procedures were excluded. Patients-related, radiological (muscle atrophy and fatty infiltration), and intraoperative (tear size, repair techniques, number of anchors used, and synovitis scores) risk factors were analyzed. Univariate and multivariate analyses were used to identify risk factors for postoperative stiffness. Results Thirty-nine of 274 patients (14.2%) who underwent ARCR developed postoperative stiffness. Univariate analyses revealed that early postoperative stiffness was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus (p = 0.030). However, radiological and intraoperative factors did not affect postoperative shoulder stiffness (all p > 0.05). Multivariate analyses revealed early postoperative stiffness was significantly associated with diabetes mellitus and timing of rehabilitation (p = 0.024, p = 0.033, respectively).Conclusion The overall incidence of early postoperative stiffness following isolated ARCR in patients without preoperative stiffness was 14.2%. Diabetes mellitus and timing of rehabilitation were independent risk factors for early postoperative stiffness following ARCR.
Determinants of Modern Contraception use Among Reproductive Age Women in Cameroon.
Authors: Toguem Michael guy
Published: August 2021

Background: In Cameroon, 23% of married women, 34% of sexually active single women have unmet needs for family planning and 58% of reproductive age women are not interested in family planning. This contributes to the high mother mortality rate, which is at 600 per 100.000 live births. In this study, we tried to identify the factors contributing to the current use of modern contraception by Cameroonian women so that they can be act on to meet the unmet need for modern contraception. Methods: The study uses data from 12,411 women aged from 15 to 49 years old included in the demographic health survey of Cameroon 2018/19. Bivariate, then multivariate logistic regression analysis were conducted on the study outcome of Modern versus non-modern contraception. Statistical significance was taken at p < 0.05.Results: We found out that 18% of the women in Cameroon use a modern contraception. The main determinants for this were; not working, increasing socioeconomic class, no more wanting children, wanting to delay the next childbirth by at least 2 years, and history of domestic violence. Conclusion: The above factors should be considered in the making of a national contraception improvement plan. Meanwhile, none working women being more likely to use a modern contraception should be considered with some reserve because this is a highly unexpected finding.
Baseline Study for Improving Diagnostic Stewardship at Secondary Health Care Facilities in Nigeria
Authors: Egwuenu Abiodun , Ejikeme Adaora , Tomczyk Sara , Von-Laer Anja , Ayobami Olaniyi , Odebajo Oluwaseun , Akhibi Samuel , Agulanna Constance , Inweregbu Stella , Yahaya Ridwan , Okwor Tochi , Dada-Adegbola Hannah , Ajayi Ikeoluwapo , Olorukooba Abdulhakeem , Eckmanns Tim , Ochu Chinwe , Ihekweazu Chikwe
Published: August 2021

BackgroundBlood culture diagnostics are a critical tool for sepsis management and antimicrobial resistance (AMR) surveillance. A baseline study was conducted to assess existing sepsis case finding, blood culture diagnostics and antimicrobial susceptibility testing (AST) at secondary health care facilities to inform the development of diagnostic stewardship improvement strategies in Nigeria.MethodsA cross-sectional online survey was conducted among 25 public secondary health care facilities in Abuja, FCT and Lagos State in Nigeria to evaluate the capacity for pathogen identification and AST. Following this, data were prospectively extracted on all patients with suspected sepsis from electronic medical records at two facilities in Abuja from October 2020 to May 2021 to further assess practices concerning sepsis case-finding, clinical examination findings, samples requested, and laboratory test results. Data were descriptively analysed, and a multivariate logistic regression analysis was conducted to determine factors associated with blood culture requests among suspected sepsis patients.ResultsIn the online survey, 32% (8/25) of facilities reported performing routine blood cultures. Only one had access to a clinical microbiologist, and 28% (7/25) and 4% (1/25) used standard bacterial organisms for quality control of media and quality control strains for AST, respectively. At the two facilities where data abstraction was performed, 7.1% (2924/41066) of patients were found to have suspected sepsis. A majority of the suspected sepsis patients came from the paediatrics department and were outpatients, and the median age was two years. Most did not have vital signs and major foci of infection documented. Blood cultures were only requested for 2.7% (80/2924) of patients, of which twelve were positive for bacteria, mainly Staphylococcus aureus. No clinical breakpoints were used for AST. Inpatients (adjusted odds ratio [aOR]:7.5, 95% CI:4.6 – 12.3) and patients from the urban health care facility (aOR:16.9, 95% CI:8.1 – 41.4) were significantly more likely to have a blood culture requested.ConclusionLow blood culture utilisation remains a key challenge in Nigeria. This has implications for patient care. AMR surveillance and antibiotics use. Diagnostic stewardship strategies should focus on improving access to clinical microbiology expertise, practical guidance on sepsis case finding and improving blood culture utilisation and diagnostics.
COVID-19 in Iran: Clinical Presentations and Outcomes in Three Different Surges of COVID-19 Infection
Authors: Hadadi Azar , Pirzadeh Marzieh , Kazemian Sina , Ashraf Haleh , Ebrahimi Mehdi , Saleh Shahrokh Karbalai , Talebpour Mohammad
Published: August 2021

Background: A few studies compared the characteristics and outcomes of COVID-19 patients during the first and second surges of the disease.We aimed to describe the clinical features and outcomes of COVID-19 patients across the first, second, and third surges of the disease in Tehran, Iran.Method: We conducted aretro-respective cohort study of patients with COVID-19 admitted to Sina hospital of Tehran, Iran,during three surges of COVID-19 from February 16 to October 28, 2020.Result: Surge 1 patients were youngerwith more prevalence of hypertension.They also presented with significantly higher oxygen saturation, systolic blood pressure, andrespiratory rateon admission. Patients had higher levels of neutrophil to lymphocyte ratio, Urea, CRP, and ESR, in surge 2. The incidence of dyspnea, chest pain, and neurological manifestations followed a significant increasing trend from surge 1 to surge 3. There was no difference in severity and in-hospital mortality between the surges. However, the length of hospital stays and acute cardiac injury (ACI) was less in surge 1 and acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) in surge 2 than in other surges. Conclusion: patients did not significantly differ in disease severity, ICU admission, and mortality between surges; however, length of hospital stay and ACI increased during surges, and the number of patients developing ARDS was significantly less in surge 2 compared to other peaks.
First Observations of Plasmodium Malariae and Its Evolution During the Parasitological Evaluation of the Long-term Village Scale Malaria Vector Control Program in the Balombo Area of Angola
Authors: Manguin Sylvie , Foumane Vincent , Toto Jean-Claude , Martinaud Franck , Santos Maria Adelaide Dos , Carnevale Pierre
Published: August 2021

Background: A long-term village scale vector control program was implemented in eight villages around the Balombo town (Benguela Province, Angola) to compare the efficacy of four methods of vector control inside houses including long-lasting deltamethrin insecticide treated nets (PermaNet© 2.0 model or P.2.0); association of P.2.0 and deltamethrin Insecticide Treated Plastic Sheeting (ITPS)-Zero Fly© model; deltamethrin ITPS-Wall Lining model alone; and 2 rounds of lambdacyhalothrin Inside Residual Spraying followed by installation of ITPS.Methods: Cross sectional parasitological surveys (CSS) were done every two months. Thick blood films (TBF) were microscopically examined at the Medical Department of the Angolese Sonamet company in Lobito and a sample of them were double-checked in Yaoundé. Plasmodium species determination, parasitaemia and gametocytes presence, and evolution in time were analyzed.Results: A total of 190 CSS was done between 2007 and 2011, Plasmodium spp. were observed in 5,431 of the 21,804 TBF done. Plasmodium malariae alone was observed in 22 TBF (0.4%) and mixed infections P. falciparum and P. malariae in 44 TBF (0.8%).Conclusion: The very low frequency of P. malariae could explain the fact it is usually not reported in classical point prevalence surveys. Our study confirms the presence of this species in Angola, which must be known due to its special clinical impact, quartan fever, kidney failure, chronicity, symptomless carriers, persistence for several years with long term recrudescence and reported cases of resistance to classical ACTs. The prevalence of P. malariae decreased after implementation of vector control methods.
Facile Preparation of Hierarchically Porous Aromatic-cyclodextrin Polymers and Their Application for the Selective Adsorption of Cationic Dyes
Authors: Duan Huiling , Ma Xiang-Ai , Wang Yu , Cheng Kai-Qi , Zhang Li-Juan , Qi Ji-Chao
Published: August 2021

Porous β-cyclodextrin-containing materials have significant potential as adsorbents for the removal of pollutants from water. However, preparing these porous polymers in the aqueous phase is challenging. In this study, a kind of novel porous aromatic-cyclodextrin polymers (P-aro-CDPs) was designed and synthesized in aqueous solution under mild conditions by exploiting covalence-crosslinking reaction. P-aro-CDPs were characterized using a variety of methods, which revealed that P-aro-CDPs have a hierarchical porous structure, a highly negatively charged surface, and rich in hydroxyl groups. The prepared P-aro-CDPs showed excellent removal efficiency for methylene blue, with a maximum adsorption capacity of 194.17 mg g-1. The adsorption data are well fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetic model and the Langmuir isotherm. The as-synthesized P-aro-CDPs material exhibited superior adsorption selection toward cationic dyes than anionic dyes whether in single or multicomponent systems. Further, the P-aro-CDPs adsorbent are reusable, and good performance over six adsorption–desorption cycles was demonstrated. Due to its off-the-beaten-path synthesis, low cost, excellent removal efficiency, and recyclability, P-aro-CDPs have great potential for use as an adsorbent in water-treatment applications.
High Expression of NREP Correlated With Worse Survival and M2 Macrophage Infiltrates in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Lu Tailiang , Li Chenlong , Peng Wei , Xiang Cailing , Gong Yongqiang , Chen Chaowu
Published: August 2021

Background: Neuronal Regeneration Related Protein (NREP) is a highly conserved protein and is a newly discovered protein that may be closely related to tumor cell migration. We aim at investigating the prognostic role of NREP in gastric cancer (GC). Methods: Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER), The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) databases were used to analysis NREP mRNA expression in GC. Correlations between NREP mRNA expression and clinicopathological characteristic were analyzed. TCGA and GEO data were analyzed by The Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and Kaplan–Meier plotter databases respectively to assess prognostic value of NREP in GC. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) was performed to identify the keg pathways related to NREP expression. TIMER and CIBERSORT analysis were used to found tumor-infiltrating immune cells associated with NREP mRNA expression. Results: NREP was over expressed in GC and significantly associated with T stage (P<0.001), Histologic grade (P = 0.022) and OS events (P = 0.007) of GC patients. High mRNA expression of NREP correlated with worse survival. The significantly kegg pathways enriched in samples with NREP high expression involved in cell adhesion, tumorigenesis, and immune and inflammatory responses. NREP mRNA expression was positively associated with CD4+T cell(r = 0.294, P = 1.04e−08), CD8+T cell(r = 0.125, P = 0.0167), Neutrophil(r = 0.169, P = 0.00116), Dendritic(r = 0.314, P = 1.03e−09), and was strongly associated with Macrophage (r = 0.547, P = 5.44e−30). The CIBERSORT database revealed that NREP mRNA expression was correlated with the activated memory CD4+ T cells(p<0.01), Monocytes(p<0.001) and M2 Macrophages(p<0.001). NREP is strongly correlated with the markers genes of M2 macrophages and tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs). Conclusion: NREP might be served as a novel prognostic biomarker of GC and associated with M2 macrophage infiltrates.
Long Non-Coding RNA (lncRNA) Sequences: FAM3D-AS1, LINC01230, LINC01315 and LINC01468 – Are They Associated with Endometrial Cancer?
Authors: Bieńkiewicz Jan , Romanowicz Hanna , Szymańska Bożena , Domańska-Senderowska Daria , Wilczyński Miłosz , Stepowicz Anna , Malinowski Andrzej , Smolarz Beata
Published: August 2021

Background: The analysis of long non-coding RNA (lncRNA) in endometrial cancer is quite a novel field of science. Although numerous lncRNA sequences have been identified up until today, their correlation with endometrial cancer is still undetermined. The aim of this study was to analyse the expression of four lncRNA sequences: FAM3D-AS1, LINC01230, LINC01315 and LINC01468 and to investigate their significance in the risk of developing endometrial cancer.Methods: LncRNA sequences have been investigated in paraffin embedded tissue blocks (archival postoperative specimens) in endometrial cancer patients (Cases, n=120) and in cancer-free controls (n=80) using real-time PCR assay.Results: This study revealed a lower expression of LINC01468 in endometrial cancer patients than in controls. Both LINC01468 and FAM3D-AS1 were positively correlated with Body Mass Index (BMI) in cancer-free controls.Conclusions: LncRNA LINC01468 may be a protective factor in development of endometrial cancer.
The Model for The Classification of The Ripeness Stage of Pomegranate Fruits In Orchards Using
Authors: Cuong Nguyen Ha Huy
Published: August 2021

In agriculture, a timely and accurate estimate of ripeness in the orchard improves the post-harvest process. Choosing fruits based on their maturity stages can reduce storage costs and increase market results. In addition, the estimation of the ripeness of the fruit based on the detection of input and output indicators has brought about practical effects in the harvesting process, as well as determining the amount of water needed for irrigation. pepper, the amount of fertilizer for the end of the season appropriate. In this paper, propose a technical solution for a model to detect persimmon green grapefruit fruit at agricultural farms, Vietnam. Aggregation model and transfer learning method are used. The proposed model contains two object detection sub models and the decision model is the pre-processed model, the transfer model and the corresponding aggregation model. Improving the YOLO algorithm is trained with more than one hundred object types, the total proposed processing is 500,000 images, from the COCO image data set used as a preprocessing model. Aggregation model and transfer learning method are also used as an initial step to train the model transferred by the transfer learning technique. Only images are used for transfer model training. Finally, the aggregation model with the techniques used to make decisions selects the best results from the pre-trained model and the transfer model. Using our proposed model, it has improved and reduced the time when analyzing the maximum number of training data sets and training time. The accuracy of model union is 98.20%. The test results of the classifier are proposed through a data set of 10000 images of each layer for sensitivity of 98.2%, specificity 97.2% with accuracy of 96.5% and 0, 98 in training for all grades.
The Comparison of Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking Treatment for Progressive Keratoconus in the Pediatric and Adult Age Groups: One-Year Results
Authors: Berhuni Mustafa , Ozturkmen Cem
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To investigate the short-term results of accelerated crosslinking (A-CXL) treatment for progressive keratoconus in the pediatric and adult age groups. Materials and methods: The records of the 62 eyes of 40 patients who had undergone the A-CXL procedure (9 mV/cm2, 10 min) for progressive keratoconus between January 2015 and January 2019 were evaluated retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups as the pediatric group (aged 17 years or less) and the adult group (aged 18 years or more) for statistical analysis. Pre- and post- 12th month A-CXL best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA), maximum keratometry (Kmax), sim K1, sim K2, corneal thickness at the thinnest point (thCT), and corneal astigmatism (CA) values of the patient groups were recorded. Results: The 29 eyes of 16 patients were included in the pediatric group and the 33 eyes of 24 patients were included in the adult group. The mean age was 13.50±3.05 years in the pediatric group and 23.58±4.37 years in the adult group. A significant improvement in BCVA and a significant decrease in thCT values were present in both groups 12 months after the surgery compared to the preoperative period. A decrease was present in the Kmax, sim K1, sim K2 and CA values in the pediatric group, but was not statistically significant. The decrease in Kmax, sim K1 and sim K2 values compared to the preoperative period was significant in the adult group, but the decrease in CA values was not significant. When the two groups were compared at the end of 12 months, only the sim K1 value was significantly lower in the adult group, and there was no significant difference between the other measurements. Conclusions: Better visual acuity improvement, a higher flattening rate, and less progression occur after 12 months with A-CXL treatment for progressive keratoconus in the adult age group compared to the pediatric age group.
Intelligent Bearing Fault Diagnosis using Swarm Decomposition Method and New Hybrid Particle Swarm Optimization Algorithm
Authors: Chegini Saeed Nezamivand , Amini Pouriya , Ahmadi Bahman , Bagheri Ahmad , Amirmostofian Illia
Published: August 2021

The quality of information extracted from the vibration signals, and the accuracy of the bearing status detection depend on the methods used to process the signal and select the informative features. In this paper, a new hybrid approach is introduced in which the relatively new Swarm Decomposition (SWD) method and the optimized Compensation Distance Evaluation Technique (OCDET) are used to enhance the signal processing stage and to improve the optimal features selection process, respectively. Firstly, the vibration signals are decomposed into their Oscillatory Components (OCs) using the SWD. The feature matrix is constructed by computing the time-domain features for the OCs. The CDET method is consequently utilized to select the most sensitive features corresponding to the bearing status. On the other hand, The CDET approach contains a parameter called threshold which affects the number of the selected features. In this way, the hybrid optimization algorithm, which is a combination of the Particle Swarm Optimization (PSO) algorithm with the Sine-Cosine Algorithm (SCA) and the Levy flight distribution, has been used to select the optimal CDET threshold and improve the Support Vector Machine (SVM) classifier. The proposed technique ability is evaluated by vibration signals corresponding to different bearing defects and various speeds. The results indicate the capability of the proposed fault diagnosis method in identifying the very small-size defects under various bearing conditions. Finally, the presented method shows better performance in comparison with other well-known methods in the most of the case studies.
Long Term Evaluation of Posterior Corneal Surface Parameters after Accelerated Corneal Crosslinking with a Comparison with Uncross-Linked Keratoconic Eyes
Authors: KOSEKAHYA PINAR , Turkay Mine , Camgoz Esra Bahadır , Koc Mustafa , Toker Mustafa Ilker
Published: August 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the 36 months changes in posterior corneal surface parameters in keratoconic eyes after accelerated corneal cross-linking and to compare the data with uncross-linked progressive and non-progressive keratoconic eyes. Methods: Thirty five cross-linked, 30 uncross-linked progressive, and 30 uncross-linked non-progressive keratoconic eyes were included. Maximum keratometry (Kmax), thinnest pachymetry, minimum radius of curvature back (Rminback), asphericity back, posterior elevation and corneal densitometry, back corneal higher order aberrations (HOAs), back surface deviation (Db), final D, posterior radius of curvature (PRC) and ‘B’ unit values were recorded at baseline and at the 12, 24, 36 months follow-up. Data were analyzed with repeated measures ANOVA and paired t-tests.Results: Kmax and thinnest pachymetry were significantly changed in the cross-linked and progressive uncross-linked groups. Rminback, asphericity back, and HOAs did not change in either group. Total posterior corneal densitometry improved; posterior elevation, Db and B unit worsened in the cross-linked group and did not change in the uncross-linked groups. PRC and final D worsened in the cross-linked and progressive uncross-linked groups, and did not change in the non-progressive group. Conclusion: Despite a decreased Kmax, the posterior corneal surface parameters, posterior elevation values were determined to have significantly worsened in the cross-linked group and this increase was higher than in progressive uncross-linked eyes.
The Effects of Agricultural Financing on Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria
Authors: Danladi. Jonathan D. , Falaye Motunrayo Helen , OCHINKE NELLIEKEN ATTAH
Published: August 2021

The study “The Effects of Agricultural Finance on Agricultural Productivity in Nigeria” investigated the effect of agricultural financing, both public and private on the outputs of two main sectors of agriculture: crop production and livestock production. The objectives of the study are to examine the long and short run relationship of agricultural financing on crop production and livestock production, and to examine the causal relationship between agricultural finance and agricultural productivity. To achieve these objectives, the study employed two models, each using ARDL Test, Bounds Test, and Granger causality test using time series data from 1981 to 2019.Data were obtained from CBN and World Bank data bases. Dependent variables were Crop Production and Livestock Production respectively and independent variables were Public Finance, Commercial Bank Credit to Agriculture, Inflation Rate and Interest Rate. The model was tested using descriptive statistics to analyse the significance of the relationship between the dependent and independent variables. The results show that both public and private finance were positive but insignificant in the short run. In the long run, public finance remained insignificant whereas private finance was positive and significant. Thus, private financing is more effective at improving agricultural productivity than public finance. The study also revealed a negative long run relationship between interest rate and the outputs of crop and livestock production during the period. It is therefore recommended that the government encourages private investment in agricultural activity, and puts measures in place to curb corruption and embezzlement. Government should also ensure that credit facilities are provided to farmers at low interest rate to reduce it detrimental influences.
Human Urine-derived Stem Cells Improve Partial Bladder Outlet Obstruction in Rats: Preliminary Data and microRNA-mRNA Expression Profile
Authors: Tu Menjiang , Wang Rui , Zhu Pei , Wang Qingqing , Sun Bishao , Lu Keshi , Zhang Jiawei , Xie Weijie , Guo Huan , Li Shulin , Wu Yuqi , Wang Xiangwei
Published: August 2021

Background: Partial bladder outlet obstruction (pBOO), a common urological disease, often results in bladder tissue inflammation and remodeling. Human urine-derived stem cells (USCs) have demonstrated therapeutic benefits in various organ injury models. We used a rat model of pBOO to investigate the effect of USCs on bladder function and to explore the miRNA and gene expression profiles in bladder tissue using RNA sequencing.Methods: In total, 18 rats were randomly and evenly assigned to the following three groups: a sham surgery group, a pBOO without USC therapy group, and a pBOO with USC therapy group (subjected to treatment with USCs six times every other week). All rats were subjected to routine urodynamic monitoring. Detrusor muscle strips were analyzed and pathophysiology was assessed. Finally, altered miRNA and mRNA expression profiles of bladder tissue were examined using RNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis technology.Results: After USC treatment, urodynamic monitoring revealed elevated bladder compliance and maximal voiding pressure, declined end filling pressure and voided volume, and improved detrusor muscle contractility and carbachol sensitivity in pBOO rats. Histology and TUNEL assay revealed reduced collagen deposition and muscle cell apoptosis in bladder tissue. The differential expression of eight miRNAs in pBOO rats was reversed by USC treatment. Bioinformatics analysis helped identify miR-142 and miR-9a as the two largest nodes of differentially expressed miRNAs in the miRNA‑gene interaction network in the USC-treated group. The Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes analysis revealed enrichment of multiple significant pathways, including those involved in necroptosis and cytokine-cytokine receptor interactions.Conclusions: This is the first study to reveal the protective effect of USCs on bladder function and bladder remodeling in pBOO rats. The miRNA and mRNA expression levels differed in the bladder of pBOO rats with and without USC treatment. Although the mechanism underlying these effects has not been fully elucidated, necroptosis and cytokine-cytokine receptor interaction-related pathways may be involved.
Concentrations of Neonicotinoids and their Characteristic Metabolites in Blood Samples from South China: Association with Liver Cancer
Authors: Zhang Hua , Zhang Renwen , Zeng Xujia , Wang Xiao , Wang Desheng , Jia Hongling , Xu Weiguo , Gao Yunfei
Published: August 2021

Neonicotinoid insecticides (NEOs) are commonly applied for pest control in China and around the world. They have potential toxicity to bees, birds, mammals, and even human being. However, limited studies have explored the associations between NEOs exposure and disease. In the present study, we detected six parent NEOs (p-NEOs), including acetamiprid, thiacloprid, dinotefuran, clothianidin, imidacloprid, and thiamethoxam, and five characteristic metabolites (m-NEOs), including 5-hydroxy-imidacloprid (5-OH-IMI), olefin-imidacloprid (Of-IMI), N-desmethyl-acetamiprid, 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furylmethyl) guanidine and 1-methyl-3-(tetrahydro-3-furyl methyl) urea, in blood samples collected from healthy (n = 100) and liver cancer (n = 274) populations in South China. NEOs were frequently detected (61–94%) in blood samples, with median concentrations ranging from 0.19 ng/mL to 1.28 ng/mL and 0.20 ng/mL to 2.03 ng/mL for healthy and liver cancer populations, respectively. Of-IMI was the most abundant NEOs in healthy and liver cancer populations, accounting for 23.4% and 20.7%, respectively. Significant positive correlations among most m-NEOs concentrations were found, and associations between m-NEOs and their corresponding p-NEOs were positively correlated. These findings indicated that the sources of m-NEOs were both endogenous and exogeneous. Females had higher median concentrations of NEOs and their metabolites than males. Moreover, associations between the concentrations of p-NEOs and m-NEOs and liver cancer were found (odds ratio = 2.33–9.02, 95% confidence interval = 0.31–22.7, p < 0.05), indicating that human exposure to NEOs and their metabolites might increase the odds of liver cancer prevalence. This study is the first work to document 5-OH-IMI and DN in blood samples collected from South China.
Effect of NMDA Receptor Agonist and Antagonist on Spermatogonia Stem Cells Proliferation in 2- and 3- Dimensional Culture Systems
Authors: Noghani Amir Hessam Eskafi , Asadpour Reza , Saberivand Adel , Mazaheri Zohreh , Hamidian Gholamreza
Published: August 2021

The main purpose of this study was to investigate the effect of D-serine (DS) and Dizocilpine (MK-801or Mk) on the proliferation of SSCs in two-dimensional (2D) and three-dimensional (3D) culture systems. The SSCs of male NMRI mice were isolated by enzymatic digestion and cultured for two weeks. Then, the identity of SSCs was confirmed by anti-Plzf and anti-GFR-α1 antibodies via immunocytochemistry (ICC). The proliferation capacity of SSCs was evaluated by their culture on a layer of the decellularized testicular matrix (DTM) prepared from mouse testis, as well as two-dimensional (2D) with different mediums. After two weeks of the initiation of proliferation culture on 3D and 2D medium, the pre-meiotic at the mRNA and protein levels were evaluated via qRT-PCR and flow cytometry methods, respectively. The results showed that the proliferation rate of SSCs in three-dimensional culture with 50 mM glutamic acid and 20 mM D-serine was significantly different from other groups after 14 days treatment. mRNA expression levels of Plzf in 3D-cultures supplemented by 20 mM D-serine and 50 mM glutamic acid were considerably higher than the 3D control group (p<0.001). The flow cytometry analysis revealed that the amount of Plzf in the 2D-culture groups of SSCs with 20mM MK-801 was considerably lower compared to the 2D-culture control group (p<0.001). This study indicated that decellularized testicular matrix supplemented with D-serine and glutamic acid could be considered a promising vehicle to support cells and provide an appropriate niche for the proliferation of SSCs.
Health-related Quality of Life Among Cervical Cancer Patients at Kenyatta National Hospital
Authors: Ahamed Mehreen Shajahan , Degu Amsalu
Published: August 2021

Background: A previous systematic review showed that health-related quality of life (HRQoL) was adversely affected during treatment of cervical cancer, with a worsening global score. However, there was a lack of data in the study setting. Therefore, this study aimed to determine the HRQoL of cervical cancer patients at Kenyatta National Hospital.Methods: A cross-sectional design of the study was employed among cervical cancer patients. All eligible cervical cancer patients during the study period were included in the study. Hence, a consecutive sample of 103 cervical cancer patients was involved in the study. Following consent, study participants were interviewed using The European Organization for Research and Treatment of Cancer Quality-of-Life Questionnaire 30 (EORTC QLQ-30) and Cervical Cancer Module CX24 (EORTC QLQ-CX24). The clinical characteristics and treatment regimens were collected by reviewing the medical records. Interpretation and linear transformation of the raw score of health-related quality of life were conducted as per EORTC QLQ 30 and EORTC QLQ-CX24 Scoring Manual. The data were entered and analyzed using the Statistical Package for Social Sciences version 20.0 software. Frequency tables mean, percentage, and figures were used to represent the data. Univariate and multivariate binary logistic regression analysis was employed to investigate the associated factors of health-related quality of life. A p-value of ≤ 0.05 was considered statistically significant. Results: The mean age of the participant population was found to be 55.8 ± 5.6 years. Most of the study participants had stage III cervical cancer (56.3%) and without comorbidities (65%). The mean score of the global health status was 41.99. The physical functioning, cognitive functioning, and financial difficulties mean scores were 71.6, 73.3, and 93.5, respectively. Under the symptom scale, nausea and vomiting, pain, and appetite loss had mean scores of 70.1, 67.2, and 66.0, respectively. The overall quality of life data showed 69% of study participants had poor quality of life while 31% of study participants had good quality of life. Patients with early-stage disease (stage I and II) were 7.3 times (AOR = 7.3, 95% CI = 2.4 – 21.7, p = 0.000) more likely to have a good quality of life than patients with advanced-stage disease. Patients with no comorbidities were 3.1 times (COR = 3.1, 95% CI = 1.1 – 9.1, p = 0.037) more likely to have a good quality of life than patients with comorbidities.Conclusions: The overall health-related quality of life among cervical cancer patients was poor in the study setting. Advanced stage of disease and presence of comorbidities were the significant predictors of poor quality of life.
An aquifer is the control of magma eruption
Authors: Ding Yi , Wu Yunxia , Hou Zheng , Wu Wensheng , Tang Zongyuan
Published: August 2021

The location of a large group of maars in a basin of 200 km2 in Huitengxile, Inner Mongolia Autonomous Region of China, was probably the center of a magmatic plume in the past. The cross section of maars looks like saucers, with diameters ranging from the largest 900 to the smallest 10 m. Crashed rocks in strata exposed by the drill core and magnetic survey indicate explosions underground by insupportableness of steam accumulation from interaction of magma and water. In Huitengxile and other parts of Inner Mongolia, maars with the same shape and caprock age characteristics exist in an area of 30,000 km2, which indicates that they formed by substantial magmatic activity at the same time and in the same phreatic style. The aquifer layer in the crust constrained the eruption of the magma to overbear via phreatic shooting and releasing its energy. What has been happening at Yellowstone has similar phenomena to what had in Huitengxile and surroundings. The magmatic activities under Yellowstone may have been reined by an aquifer so that magma could not threaten the world.
Postoperative Blood Pressure and Heart Rate Alterations After Carotid Body Tumor Excision: A Retrospective Study of 108 Cases
Authors: Chen Si , Xu Jingjing , Gu Guangchao , Zhang Yuelun , Zhang Jiao , Zheng Yuehong , Huang Yuguang
Published: August 2021

Background
Arising from chemoreceptor cells, carotid body tumors (CBTs) are rare neoplasms associated with hemodynamics. Postoperative changes in blood pressure (BP) and heart rate (HR) are not completely understood.
Methods
This retrospective, observational, controlled study included all CBT patients from 2013 to 2018 in Peking Union Medical College Hospital. Postoperative changes in BP/HR within or between unilateral/bilateral/control groups were investigated. Perioperative details across Shamblin types were also assessed.
Results
This study included 108 patients (116 excised CBTs). The postoperative systolic BP and HR increased in both unilateral and bilateral CBT patients compared with the preoperative measures. Compared with control group, the postoperative systolic BP increased (difference in the alteration = 6.3, 95% CI 3.5 ~ 9.0, p < 0.001) in unilateral CBT patients; both systolic BP (difference in the alteration = 9.2, 95% CI 1.1 ~ 17.3, p = 0.027) and HR (difference in the alteration = 5.3, 95% CI 1.0 ~ 9.6, p = 0.016) increased in bilateral CBT patients. More CBT patients required extra antihypertensive therapy after surgery than controls (OR = 2.5, 95% CI 1.14 ~ 5.5, p = 0.024). Maximum tumor diameter, intraoperative vascular injury, continuous vasoactive agent requirement, total fluid volume/transfusion, estimated blood loss, operation duration, postoperative pathology, overall complications, and intensive care unit/hospital lengths of stay significantly varied among Shamblin types.
Conclusions
CBT excision may be associated with subtle postoperative hemodynamic changes. Perioperative management of CBT patients necessitates careful assessment, full preparation and close postoperative monitoring.
Diagnostic accuracy of pathogens in positive blood culture broths by Sepsityper Kit
Authors: Qi Le-Yao , Lin Min , Li Ya-Ping , Yu Zi-Yuan , Xie Tian-Ao , Guo xuguang
Published: August 2021

Background: Sepsis is a global medical problem and consistently the leading cause of death. Quick identification can help clinicians to determine the appropriate antibiotic treatment and reduce mortality. Sepsityper Kit is fast and easy-to-operate method. However, the studies on its performance is inconsistent. Thus, in other to fill the gap, we conducted data analysis to evaluate the effectiveness of the Sepsityper kit on pathogen identification. Methods: Relevant literature were searched in PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science. The correct identification rate of gram-positive bacteria, gram-negative bacteria, and fungi at the species and genus level were analyzed. Stata 12.0 was used to explore the publication bias of the included literature. Results: 30 articles were included. The diagnostic performance in gram-negative bacteria genus level was 96% (P = 0.000; I 2 = 80.9%), in gram-negative bacteria species level was 88% (P = 0.000; I 2 = 89.2%), in gram-positive bacteria genus level was 85% (P = 0.000; I 2 = 94.0%), in gram-positive bacteria species level was 65% (P = 0.000; I 2 = 89.2%), in genus level of fungi was 85% (P = 0.000; I 2 = 90.0%), and in the of species level of fungi was 59% (P = 0.000; I 2 = 97.0%), respectively. There is no publication bias in the study. Conclusions: The Sepsityper kit is a good method for the rapid diagnosis of all kinds of pathogenic microbes. Moreover, it is also very prominent in the identification of Gram-negative bacteria. Keywords : Sepsityper Kit, gram-negative bacteria, gram-positive bacteria, fungi, Sepsis
The way to list all infinite real numbers and to construct a bijection between natural numbers and real numbers
Authors: Chen Shee-Ping
Published: August 2021

Georg Cantor defined countable and uncountable sets for infinite sets. The set of natural numbers is defined as a countable set, and the set of real numbers is proved to be uncountable by Cantor’s diagonal argument. Most scholars accept that it is impossible to construct a bijection between the set of natural numbers and the set of real numbers. However, the way to construct a bijection between the set of natural numbers and the set of real numbers is proposed in this paper. The set of real numbers can be proved to be countable by Cantor’s definition. Cantor’s diagonal argument is challenged because it also can prove the set of natural numbers to be uncountable. The process of argumentation provides us new perspectives to consider about the size of infinite sets.
Effects of Te- and Fe-doping on the superconducting properties in FeySe1-xTex thin films
Authors: Zhang Yalin , Wang Tong , Wang Zhihe , Xing Zhongwen
Published: August 2021

High quality FeySe1−xTex epitaxial thin films have been fabricated on TiO2-buffered SrTiO3 substrates by pulsed laser deposition technology. There is a significant composition deviation between the nominal target and the thin film. Te doping can affect the Se/Te ratio and Fe content in chemical composition. The superconducting transition temperature Tc is closely related to the chemical composition. Fe vacancies are beneficial for the FeySe1−xTex films to exhibit the higher Tc. A 3D phase diagram is given that the optimize range is x = 0.13 − 0.15 and y = 0.73 − 0.78 for FeySe1−xTex films. The anisotropic, effective pining energy and critical current density for the Fe0.72Se0.94Te0.06, Fe0.76Se0.87Te0.13 and Fe0.91Se0.77Te0.23 samples were studied in detail. The scanning transmission electron microscopy images display a regular pattern without obviously scale defects at the interfacial structure.