bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Long Non-coding RNA CRNDE Exacerbates NPC Advancement Mediated by the miR-545-5p/CCND2 Axis
Authors: Ge Sichen , Jiang Chengyi , Li Min , Cheng Zhongqiang , Feng Xiaojia
Published: September 2021

Background: Previous studies indicated CRNDE to have a pivotal part within tumorigenesis. Notwithstanding, precise details on CRNDE activities within NPC are still uncertain. The investigation described in this article served to focus in greater depth on the mechanistics regarding CRNDE, together with all associated regulatory networks, on nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) and its treatment possibilities.Methods：Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR) analyzed CRNDE, miR-545-5p and CCND2 expression within NPCs and representative cell lineages. CCK-8 cell counting-, EdU-, wound-healing- / transwell-assays analyzed cellular proliferation, migrative, together with invasive properties. Apoptosis / cell cycle progression were scrutinized through flow cytometry. Dual-luciferase reporter assays validated CRNDE / miR-545-5p / CCND2 interplay. Proteomic expression of apoptosis-related protein, EMT-related protein and CCND2 protein were evaluated through Western blotting. In addition, Ki67 expression was evaluated through immunohistochemical staining. The effect of CRNDE in vivo was assessed by nude murine xenograft model studies.Results: This study demonstrated up-regulated expression of CRNDE and CCND2 within NPC tissues /cell lines. Meanwhile, miR-545-5p was downregulated. CRNDE knockdown or miR-545-5p over-expression drastically reduced NPC proliferative, migrative and invasive properties, promoted apoptosis / altered cell cycle, and inhibited the expression of CCND2. However, miR-545-5p downregulation had opposing effects. All inhibiting functions generated by CRNDE downregulation upon NPC progression could be counterbalanced or synergistically exacerbated, depending on miR-545-5p downregulation or upregulation, respectively. Multiple-level investigations revealed CRNDE to serve as a sponge for miR-545-5p and can target CCND2 within NPCs.Conclusions：CRNDE increases CCND2 expression by competitive binding with miR-545-5p, thus accelerating the development of NPC. This provides potential therapeutic targets and prognostic markers against NPC.
Increased Risk of Graves´ophthalmopathy in Patients With Increasing TRAb After Radioiodine Treatment and the Impact of CTLA4 on TRAb Titres
Authors: Shahida Bushra , Tsoumani Kleoniki , Planck Tereza , Modhukur Vijayachitra , Asp Pernilla , Sundlov Anna , Tennvall Jan , Åsman Peter , Lindgren Ola , Lantz Mikael
Published: September 2021

Introduction. Treatment of Graves´ disease (GD) with radioiodine increases the risk of developing Graves´ ophthalmopathy (GO) but the link between thyroid and orbital tissue remains undefined.The aim was to investigate the relationship between GO and TRAb after treatment with radioiodine and to define the impact of risk genes.Methods. GD patients without ophthalmopathy or previous treatment with radioiodine were prospectively included at treatment with radioiodine for hyperthyroidism. A follow-up was performed one year later for registration of GO development. The study was performed at a University Hospital Clinic; referral center of all patients treated with radioiodine in the south of Sweden. The main outcome measures were development of TRAb, anti-TPO, anti-TG after three months and GO after 12 months and relationship to the genetic background (HLA, CTLA-4, CYR61).Results. Three months of radioiodine TRAb increased in two thirds of patients (p<0.0005) but not in the other third. Anti-TPO was associated with TRAb (R=0.362, p <0.0001) but not anti-TG. At follow-up one year later (n=204) 32 patients developed GO with a proportion of 70% in the group increasing in TRAb and 30 % in the group with unchanged or lower TRAb (p-value <0.0005). Patients with GO had higher levels of TRAb than patients without GO. CTLA-4 (rs231775 SNP) was significantly (p<0.005) associated with TRAb levels above the median three months after radioiodine.Conclusions. The increase in TRAb after treatment with radioiodine is associated with GO and a genetic variation in CTLA-4 is associated with higher levels of TRAb.
An Alternative to Increase Accumulation of Phenolic Compound in Grapevine Callus Cultures: Chemical Mutagen Applications
Authors: CETİN Emine Sema , DALER Selda
Published: September 2021

This research was carried out to investigate the effects of chemical mutagen applications on producing phenolic compounds in calli obtained from leaf petiole explants of the Royal grape variety.Petioles were cultured in B5 medium containing 0.5 mg/L benzyl amino purine and 0.5 mg/L indole acetic acid to obtain callus. Calli obtained during the period following planting were subcultured in the same culture conditions three times at one month intervals. In the fourth subculture, the calli were transferred to nutrient mediums with the same composition containing ethyl methanesulfonate, sodium azide, azacitidine and acridine orange in three different doses, 0.5 mM, 1.0 mM, and 2.0 mM, and cultured in these mediums for 60, 120 and 180 minutes. Then, they were cultured again for four weeks in mutagen-free nutrient mediums with the same content as their previous mediums. At the end of this period, calli were taken from their nutrient medium, and total phenolic compound, total flavanol, total flavonol and anthocyanin analyzes were performed.As a result of the research, it has been determined that all mutagens applied are effective in increasing the production of phenolic compounds depending on the dose and time.
Weather Forecasting Based on Data-Driven and Physics Informed Reservoir Computing Models
Authors: Mammedov Yslam D. , Olugu Ezutah Udoncy , Farah Guleid A.
Published: September 2021

In response to the growing demand for the global energy supply chain, wind power has become an important research subject among studies in the advancement of renewable energy sources. The major concern is the stochastic volatility of weather conditions that hinder the development of wind power forecasting approaches. To address this issue, the current study proposes a weather prediction method divided into two models for wind speed and atmospheric system forecasting. First, the data-based model incorporated with wavelet transform and recurrent neural networks is employed to predict the wind speed. Second, the physics-informed echo state network was used to learn the chaotic behaviour of the atmospheric system. The findings were validated with a case study conducted on wind speed data from Turkmenistan. The results suggest the out-performance of physics-informed model for accurate and reliable forecasting analysis, which indicates the potential for implementation in wind energy analysis.
A Case-Control Study of the Causes of Acute Respiratory Infection among Hospitalized Patients in Northeastern Laos
Authors: Phommasone Koukeo , Xaiyaphet Xaipasong , Garcia-Rivera Jose A. , Hontz Robert D. , Pathavongsa Viengmone , Keomoukda Patsalin , Vongsouvath Malavanh , Mayxay Mayfong , Vongsouvath Manivanh , Newton Paul N , Ashley Elizabeth A. , Dubot-Pérès Audrey
Published: September 2021

Background
With the advent of highly sensitive real-time PCR, multiple pathogens have been identified from nasopharyngeal swabs of patients with acute respiratory infections (ARIs). However, the detection of microorganisms in the upper respiratory tract does not necessarily indicate disease causation. We conducted a matched case-control study, nested within a broader fever aetiology project, to facilitate determination of the aetiology of ARIs in hospitalised patients in Northeastern Laos.
Methods
Consenting febrile patients of any age admitted to Xiengkhuang Provincial Hospital were included if they met the inclusion criteria for ARI presentation (at least one of the following: cough, rhinorrhoea, nasal congestion, sore throat, difficulty breathing, and/or abnormal chest auscultation). One healthy control for each patient, matched by sex, age, and village of residence, was recruited for the study. Nasopharyngeal swabs were collected from participants and tested for 33 pathogens by probe-based multiplex real-time RT-PCR (FastTrack Diagnostics Respiratory pathogen 33 kit). Attributable fraction of illness for a given microorganism was calculated by comparing results between patients and controls (= 100 *[OR-1]/OR)(OR = Odds Ratio).
Results
Between 24th June 2019 and 24th June 2020, 205 consenting ARI patients and 205 matching controls were recruited. After excluding eight pairs due to age mismatch, 197 pairs were included in the analysis. Males were predominant with sex ratio 1.2:1 and children < 5 years old accounted for 59% of participants. At least one potential pathogen was detected in 172 (87%) patients and 175 (89%) controls. ARI in admitted patients were attributed to influenza B virus, influenza A virus, human metapneumovirus (HMPV), and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in 17.8%, 17.2%, 7.5%, and 6.5% of participants, respectively. SARS-CoV-2 was not detected in any cases or controls.
Conclusion
Determining ARI aetiology in individual patients remains challenging. Among hospitalised patients with ARI symptoms presenting to a provincial hospital in Northeastern Laos, half were determined to be caused by one of several respiratory viruses, in particular influenza A virus, influenza B virus, HMPV, and RSV.
Record of New Genotypes of Enterocytozoon Bieneusi in Wild Populations of Rhesus Macaque (Macaca Mulatta) in China
Authors: Yu Mengshi , Liu Xue , Karim Fazal , Xie Meng , Wu Jiayun , Li Diyan , Ni Qingyong , Zhang Mingwang , Xu Huailiang , Yao Yongfang
Published: September 2021

Background: Enterocytozoon bieneusi is a zoonotic pathogen with a wide range of animal host. In China, there are only a few reports of E. bieneusi infection in wild populations of Rhesus macaque. Here, we determined the prevalence of E. bieneusi in 9 populations of Rhesus macaque and assessed their zoonotic potential.Methods: A total of 324 fecal samples of Rhesus macaque were collected from 9 populations in 5 provinces (Sichuan, Chongqing, Qinghai, Tibet and Hainan) in China, and performed genotype of ITS gene to analyze the zoonotic potential.Results: 38 of the 324 (11.72%) specimens from wild Rhesus macaques were infected with E. bieneusi. 11 genotypes were identified including 3 known genotypes: D (n= 24), EbpC (n= 4) and SCC-2 (n= 1); 8 novel genotypes named Mul6 (n= 1), Mul7 (n= 1), Mul8 (n= 1), Mul9 (n= 1), Mul10 (n= 2), Mul11 (n= 1), Mul12 (n= 1) and Mul13 (n= 1). According to the phylogenetic analysis, Mul6, Mul7, Mul8, Mul9, Mul11 Mul12 and Mul13 were clustered into Group 1, while Mul10 were clustered into Group 5.Conclusions: To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the prevalence and genotypes of E. bieneusi in several wild populations of Rhesus macaque in China. It is concluded that, population of Rhesus Macaques is likely to prone of E. bieneusi transmission in many regions of China, which found the zoonotic genotypes D and EbpC and the novel genotypes with zoonotic potential, it should be paid more attention to prevent.
Prevalence and Factors Associated with Bullying Phenomenon Among Pre-Adolescents Attending First-Grade Secondary Schools of Palermo, Italy, and a Comparative Systematic Literature Review.
Authors: Costantino Claudio , Mazzucco Walter , Scarpitta Francesco , Ventura Gianmarco , Marotta Claudia , Bono Stefania Enza , Arcidiacono Evelina , Gentile Maurizio , Sannasardo Pierfrancesco , Gambino Carlo Roberto , Sannasardo Claudia Emilia , Vella Carlotta , Vitale Francesco , Casuccio Alessandra , Restivo Vincenzo
Published: September 2021

Background: Bullying is recognized as one of the most significant social and health problems in the school environment for children and adolescents. In Italy, bullying involved 2 in 10 kids between 11-17 years that referred to have been bullied two or more times in a month. In Sicily, the estimated prevalence of children aged 11 to 15 that suffered at least one act of bullying in the last two months was 14% in 2011.Methods: A questionnaire consisting of 30 items investigating physical, verbal and indirect bullying, observers of bullying, resiliency, and prosociality was administered to preadolescents of ten first-grade secondary schools within the Palermo Province in order to analyze prevalence and factors associated with bullying phenomenon. Also, a systematic literature review (SLR) analyzing manuscripts that reported prevalence of the bullying phenomenon worldwide was conducted. Results: Survey: a total of 867 students, belonging to 35 second and 31 third classes of ten different schools in Palermo, Italy, were recruited in the survey. The values of physical bullying are included between the 4% of the single question method and the almost forty percent detected by the score of 7 method. Verbal bullying oscillates between 15.9% and 66.3%. Observers average values varies from 15.8% to 47.5%. SLR: the estimated prevalence showed a considerable fluctuation. The occurrence of the bullying phenomenon was low in some Northern European countries, while in Anglo-Saxon countries it affected over a quarter of the middle school student population (28% in Maryland, USA and 21% in the UK). Conclusions The prevalence of the bullying phenomenon recorded by this survey with the three different methods used is similar to observations in international literature. In the Sicilian context, a higher prevalence of bullying phenomena was observed in pre-adolescents attending major classes and in schools with lower socio-economic index. Though it remains difficult to obtain univocal data that clarifies the prevalence of different type of bullying, the continuous investigation of prevalence and factors associated with the phenomenon is a necessary starting point to introduce interventions and preventive measures in Public Health programs.
On the Analysis of Data Augmentation Methods for Spectral Imaged Based Heart Sound Classification Using Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Zhou George , Chen Yunchan , Chien Candace
Published: September 2021

Background: The application of machine learning to cardiac auscultation has the potential to improve the accuracy and efficiency of both routine and point-of-care screenings. The use of Convolutional Neural Networks (CNN) on heart sound spectrograms in particular has defined state-of-the-art performance. However, the relative paucity of patient data remains a significant barrier to creating models that can adapt to the wide range of between-subject variability. To that end, we examined a CNN model’s performance on automated heart sound classification, before and after various forms of data augmentation, and aimed to identify the most optimal augmentation methods for cardiac spectrogram analysis.Results: We built a standard CNN model to classify cardiac sound recordings as either normal or abnormal. The baseline control model achieved an ROC AUC of 0.945±0.016. Among the data augmentation techniques explored, horizontal flipping of the spectrogram image improved the model performance the most, with an ROC AUC of 0.957±0.009. Principal component analysis color augmentation (PCA) and perturbations of saturation-value (SV) of the hue-saturation-value (HSV) color scale achieved an ROC AUC of 0.949±0.014 and 0.946±0.019, respectively. Time and frequency masking resulted in an ROC AUC of 0.948±0.012. Pitch shifting, time stretching and compressing, noise injection, vertical flipping, and applying random color filters all negatively impacted model performance.Conclusion: Data augmentation can improve classification accuracy by expanding and diversifying the dataset, which protects against overfitting to random variance. However, data augmentation is necessarily domain specific. For example, methods like noise injection have found success in other areas of automated sound classification, but in the context of cardiac sound analysis, noise injection can mimic the presence of murmurs and worsen model performance. Thus, care should be taken to ensure clinically appropriate forms of data augmentation to avoid negatively impacting model performance.
Comparative Study of α-Hemihydrate Preparation from Phosphogypsum Before and After Flotation Purification
Authors: Du Mingxia , Wang Jinming , Dong Faqin , Wang Zhaojia , Yang Feihua , Tan Hongbin , Fu Kaibin , Wang Weiqing
Published: September 2021

Phosphogypsum (PG) is a massive industrial solid waste. In this paper, PG was purified by flotation method, and α-hemihydrate gypsum (α-HH) was prepared by the autoclaving method. The morphology of α-HH was adjusted by adding different doses of Maleic acid and Aluminium sulfate. The results showed that after flotation purification, the impurity content in PG was significantly reduced, the soluble phosphorus content decreased from 0.48% to 0.07%, the PG purity increased from 73.12% to 94.37%, and the PG whiteness risen from 19.4 to 40.5. Then the performance of α-HH prepared from PG before and after purification was compared. Fixing the amount of Aluminium sulfate at 0.2wt%, the reaction temperature at 140°C, and the reaction time at 120min, the average length/diameter ratio of α-HH crystals decreased from 7.2 to 0.6 as the amount of Maleic acid increased from 0 to 0.17wt%. When the amount of Maleic acid was 0.13wt%, the α-hemihydrate gypsum reached the best mechanical properties. The mechanical strength of high strength gypsum prepared from PG concentrate was significantly better than that of raw PG, indicating that flotation purification can effectively improve the performance of PG. In this study, a new method of PG purification and resource utilization was proposed.
Three-Hourly versus Two-Hourly Feeding Interval in Stable Preterm Infants: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Kumar Jogender , Meena Jitendra , Debata Pradeep , Sankar Jeeva Mary , Kumar Praveen , Shenoi Arvind
Published: September 2021

Evidence from randomized controlled trials (RCTs) suggests that three-hourly feeding is safe and might help achieve full feeds earlier in preterm infants. We systematically compared the benefits and harms of three-hourly and two-hourly feeding schedules in preterm infants. We searched electronic databases (MEDLINE, CINAHL, Embase, Web of Science, and Scopus) and trial registries until 30 July 2021 for RCTs comparing the two feeding schedules. We did random-effects meta-analysis using RevMan 5.4 software. The primary outcome was the incidence of stage II or III necrotizing enterocolitis (NEC). Other outcomes were the incidence of any stage NEC, sepsis, mortality, time to full enteral feeds, and hospital stay. Six trials (872 participants) are included. There was no significant difference in the incidence of stage II/III NEC (3 trials; 530 participants; RR 1.39; 95% CI: 0.53,3.65; I2 -0%, low certainty), and any stage NEC (5 studies; 767 participants; RR 0.98; 95% CI: 0.53,1.82; I2 0%, very-low certainty) between three and two-hourly feeding groups. There was no difference in the time to achieve full feeds (5 trials; 755 participants; MD: -0.0 days; 95% CI: -0.32, 0.31, low certainty) or other outcomes. On subgroup analysis, neonates with birthweight <1000 grams and in the three-hourly feeding regime achieved full enteral feeds slower than those in the two-hourly feeding group (1 trial; 84 participants; MD: 2.9 days, 95% CI: 1.16, 4.64, low certainty).ConclusionIn stable preterm infants (1000-1500 grams), three-hourly feeding can be followed safely. In infants <1000 grams, two-hourly feeding should be continued till further evidence.Prospero Registration Number: CRD42021246568
Long-term Results of Ulnar and Radial Reconstruction With Interpositional Grafting Using the Deep Inferior Epigastric Artery for Chronic Hand Ischemia
Authors: Ahn Hee Chang , Oh Se Won , Yoon Jung Soo , Park Seong Oh
Published: September 2021

Chronic hand ischemia causes cold intolerance, intractable pain, and digital ulceration. If ischemic symptoms persist despite pharmacologic treatments, surgical interventions should be considered. This retrospective study evaluated long-term results after ulnar and radial reconstruction using an interpositional deep inferior epigastric artery (DIEA) graft combined with periarterial sympathectomy. Patients who underwent this surgery from March 2003 to February 2019 were included. To evaluate variables influencing recurrence after the procedure, patients were divided into recurred and non-recurred groups and compared. Overall, 62 cases involving 47 patients were analyzed, with 16 and 46 cases in the recurred and non-recurred groups, respectively. The median length of DIEA grafts was 8.5 cm. Rates of rheumatic disease and female patients were significantly higher in the recurred group than in the non-recurred group, without significant between-group differences in postoperative complication rates. In the multivariate analysis, underlying rheumatic disease and graft length had significant effects on recurrence. In the Kaplan-Meier analysis, the 5- and 10-year symptom-free rates were 81.3% and 68.0%, respectively, with lower rates for cases with rheumatic disease. Thus, arterial reconstruction using an interpositional DIEA graft provides long-term sustainable vascular supply in chronic hand ischemia patients, especially those without rheumatic disease.
Biomechanical Comparison of Lag Screw and Non-spiral Blade Fixation of a Novel Femoral Trochanteric Nail in an Osteoporotic Bone Model
Authors: Fuse Yoshifumi , Zenke Yukichi , Okimoto Nobukazu , Yoshioka Toru , Yamanaka Yoshiaki , Kawasaki Makoto , Terayama Hiroshi , Sakai Akinori
Published: September 2021

PurposeThere is no consensus regarding the advantages of the lag screw type over the blade type for treating femoral trochanteric fractures. We aimed to investigate whether non-spiral blade (Conventional-Blade, Fid-Blade) nails provide better biomechanical fixation than lag screws in a severe osteoporotic bone model.MethodsDifferent severities of osteoporotic cancellous bone were modelled using polyurethane foam blocks of three densities (0.24, 0.16, and 0.08 g/cm3). Three torsional tests were performed using each component for each bone density and the maximum torque was recorded, and the energy required to achieve 30° rotation was calculated. Using a push-in test, the maximum force was recorded, and the energy required to achieve 4-mm displacement was calculated. ResultsFor 0.08-g/cm3 density, the peak torques to achieve 30° rotation, energy required to achieve 30° rotation, peak force to achieve 4-mm displacement, and energy required to achieve 4-mm displacement were significantly greater for Conventional-Blade and Fid-Blade than for Lag Screw. ConclusionsConventional-Blade and Fid-Blade nails exhibited significantly higher values than Lag Screw under any test condition. The blade-type nail component may have a better fixation capability than the lag screw type in a severe osteoporotic bone model.
Fabrication of ZnO nanocatalyst as an excellent heterogeneous catalyst applicant for Methyl Orange dye degradation in aqueous medium.
Authors: Mahar Zaheer Ahmed , Shar Ghulam Qadir , Balouch Aamna
Published: September 2021

The current paper describes the fabrication of an excellent and economical heterogeneous nanocatalyst for the degradation of methyl orange dye in aqueous medium. ZnO/PVP nanocatalyst has been successfully synthesized by the chemical degradation route, followed by ultrasonication. The size, shape and crystalline structure of synthesized ZnO/PVP nano composite was characterized by UV-visible spectroscopy, X-ray diffractometry, Dynamic Scattering Light, Zeta Potential, Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy, Scanning Electron Microscope, Energy Dispersive X-ray and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy. To authenticate the catalytic efficiency of nanocatalyst, the fabricated ZnO/PVP nanocompoiste was screened for methyl orange dye degradation. Finally, synthesized nanocatalyst exhibited an admirable catalytic efficiency, above 98% of methyl orange degradation observed just in 90 seconds using least catalyst dose (150μg) in aqueous medium. The engineered ZnO/PVA nanocomposite shows several advantages over traditional methods for the degradation of hazard and toxic dyes, such as high percentage degradation, short time and minimum dose of nano catalyst and excellent reusability. It is suggested that this rare nanocatalyst may be used successfully on commercial level for degradation toxic pollutants.
Water vapor and CMAS corrosion tests of Si/Y2SiO5 Thermal and Environmental Barrier Coating
Authors: Zhang Qi , Zhang Xueqin , Ma Zhuang , Liu Ling , Liu Yanbo , Zheng Wei
Published: September 2021

Thermal and environmental barrier coating (TEBC), the up-to-date concept, is introduced to protect silicon-based ceramics matrix composites (CMC) from not only high temperature water vapor but also the alkali salt from volcanic ash and dust suspending in atmosphere. Because both of high temperature steam and CMAS will make Si-based CMC deteriorate rapidly. By executing the corrosion test against high temperature water vapor, we find that Si/Y2SiO5 double-layer TEBC can effectively protect SiCf/SiC CMC from water vapor at 1300 ℃ for over 205 hours. Almost all Y2SiO5 transform into Y4.67(SiO4)3O after corrosion test. It is also found that in CMAS corrosion test, the reaction zone formed between CMAS and Y2SiO5 layer prevents the mutual diffusion of elements in CMAS and Y2SiO5 layer. The apparent activation energy of reaction between CMAS and Y2SiO5 in 1200~1300℃ temperature ranges is calculated to be 713.749kJ/mol. These findings provide a reference to select appropriate materials for TEBC.
Coffee consumption and the risk of polycystic ovary syndrome: evidence from a case-control study
Authors: Wang Yue , Yang Yin , Deng Hui , Bu Xiao-Qing , Li Tian , Zhong Zhao-Hui , Tang Xiao-Jun , Feng Qian , Ding Yu-Bin , Fu Li-Juan
Published: September 2021

Background

Coffee has become one of the most common beverages worldwide. Some components in coffee have been reported to be beneficial to the regulation of hormones related to polycystic ovary syndrome(PCOS), and therefore may limit the development of PCOS. However, epidemiological evidence on the relationship between coffee consumption and PCOS is limited. In this study, we aimed at investigating the association between coffee consumption and PCOS risk.
Methods

The study was a hospital-based case-control study conducted at Chongqing Hospital of Traditional Chinese Medicine, China, from July 2018 to January 2020. Data was collected from 206 women with PCOS and 206 healthy women. A self-designed structured questionnaire was employed to collect relevant information from study participants. Sleep quality was evaluated by Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI). Logistic regression analysis was used to calculate odds ratios (ORs) and 95% confidence intervals (95% CI), adjusted for other confounding factors.
Results

A statistically significant inverse correlation was observed between coffee consumption and PCOS. After adjusting all potential confounding factors, the results of logistic regression analysis showed that compared to non-drinker, the ORs(95%CI) for ≤ 1 cup/week, 2–3 cups/week and > 3 cups/week were 0.322(0.180–0.574), 0.263(0.104–0.664) and 0.152(0.046–0.563), respectively, and the linear trend was also statistically significant(P for trend < 0.01).
Conclusions

Coffee consumption was found to be associated with a reduced risk of PCOS. Given the scarcity of studies on coffee consumption and PCOS, as well as the inherent limitations of our study, the prospective cohort studies in the future are needed to verify our results.
Prevalence and factors associated with utilisation of postnatal care in Sierra Leone: a 2019 national survey
Authors: Sserwanja Quraish , Nuwabaine Lilian , Kamara Kassim , Musaba Milton W
Published: September 2021

Background
Globally, about 289,000 maternal deaths are registered annually. Timely access to quality maternal health services is an effective intervention to reduce maternal deaths. Postnatal care (PNC) is one of the recommended packages in the continuum of maternity care aimed at reducing maternal and neonatal mortality. This study aimed to determine the prevalence and factors associated with PNC utilisation in Sierra Leone.
Methods
We used Sierra Leone Demographic and Health Survey (UDHS) 2019 data of 7,326 women aged 15 to 49 years. We conducted multivariable logistic regression to determine the factors associated with PNC utilisation, using SPSS version 25.
Results
Out of 7,326 women, 3,329 (45.5%, 95% CI: 44.6–46.8) had their babies have at least a PNC contact, 6,646 (90.7%, 95% CI: 90.2–91.5) had a postnatal check after childbirth and 3,133 (42.8%, 95% CI: 41.9–44.1) had PNC for both their babies and themselves. Delivery by caesarean section (aOR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.20–2.67), having a visit by a health field worker (aOR 1.77, 95% CI: 1.47–2.13), having had eight or more ANC contacts (aOR 1.79, 95% CI: 1.45–2.22), initiating ANC after first trimester (aOR 1.18, 95% CI: 1.04–1.35), being a Muslim (aOR 1.34, 95% CI: 1.11–1.61), belonging to richer wealth quintile (aOR 1.69, 95% CI: 1.22–2.35), being of low parity (2–4) (aOR 1.20, 95% CI: 1.04–1.39), having no big problems seeking permission to access healthcare (aOR 1.52, 95% CI: 1.27–1.83) and having had delivery at home (aOR 1.75, 95% CI: 1.32–2.32) were associated with more PNC utilisation odds. On the other hand, being resident in the Eastern region (aOR 0.31, 95% CI: 0.21–0.46) and urban areas (aOR 0.71, 95% CI: 0.52–0.98) were associated with lower odds of utilising PNC.
Conclusion
Although maternal PNC utilisation is high, utilisation of PNC by neonates alone and by both the mother and neonatal is low. More focus is needed to mothers and their neonates from the Eastern region, urban areas, Christians, less empowered in terms of healthcare seeking decision making and those who are more parous, utilise less ANC contacts and utilise health facilities for delivery.
Massed Strandings of Whales and Dolphins – Effects of Wind, Waves and Tides.
Authors: Baines Peter , Day Robert
Published: September 2021

We examined125 mass-stranding events of cetaceans (>=10 individuals) on New Zealand shores over the past 40 years. The wind, waves, wave refraction, shore slopes and tides at the dates and locations of these events were considered. The mass-strandings involved 10 different species, but by far the most common involved the Long-finned Pilot Whale, Globicephala melas. Our hypothesis is that mass-stranding is a three-stage process. The first stage is when an animal becomes ill, its body may become bloated and float on the surface, and the wind and waves may drive it ashore. We assume the second stage is that the dying or dead body may be accompanied by pod members as a result of strong social bonds. The third stage involves the tides and the beach slope. If these are of sufficient amplitude, the nearby attendees will quickly become stranded in the intertidal of a gently sloping beach as the water level falls. We have evaluated evidence for the first and third stages. In the overwhelming majority (91%) of the mass-strandings (omitting events inside estuaries), the available data showed that wind and waves would drive floating objects (bodies) toward the stranding site. Examination of the nearshore slopes and the tide ranges showed that the vast majority of the stranding sites were slowly shelving beaches where the tides would retreat rapidly over 10s of metres. These 2 results are even more pronounced if only Pilot Whale mass strandings are considered.
SIRT3 Inhibits Cholangiocarcinoma Cell Proliferation by Targeting HIF1α to regulate the EMT Signaling Pathway
Authors: Zhao Yihang , Kuai Yaxian , Xu Jianhua , Cui Yufang , Wu Juan , Zhang Mingming , Xu Lei , Zhou Lixing , Sun Bin , Li Yang
Published: September 2021

BackgroundCholangiocarcinoma (CCA), is a rare biliary adenocarcinoma associated with poor outcomes. Deacetylase Sirtuin‐3 (SIRT3), a histone deacetylase (HDAC), has been considered to be associated with various cancers and can be a potential new target for CCA.We intended to identify the target of SIRT3 and explore the mechanism of SIRT3 in CCA.MethodsThe expression levels of SIRT3 and hypoxia‐inducible factor‐1α (HIF1α) in CCA tissues and cell lines were examined by RT-qPCR. CCK-8 and EdU methods were used to detect cell proliferation in CCA. To assess the levels of proteins related to cell proliferation and epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT) process, western blot analysis was conducted. Co-Immunoprecipitation and deacetylation assays were used to explore HIF1α protein acetylation, stability and the relationship between SIRT3 and HIF1α in CCA cells.ResultsSIRT3 showed low expression in CCA tissues and cells. SIRT3 overexpression inhibited cell proliferation and EMT process. Moreover, the interaction between SIRT3 and HIF1α was confirmed and HIF1α expression was negatively regulated by SIRT3. Furthermore, we also found that HIF1α was more easily degraded and showed a reduction in stability through deacetylation via SIRT3 knockdown. In rescue assays, HIF1α also reversed the inhibitory effect of SIRT3 on cell proliferation and the EMT process. ConclusionsSIRT3 suppressed cell proliferation and the EMT process in CCA by targeting HIF1α.Trial registrationSamples were obtained only after the patient has given informed consent according to the established plan approved by the Ethics Committee of The First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University.
Investigation of the Genetic Structure of Some Common Bean (Phaseolus vulgaris L.) Commercial Varieties and Genotypes Used as a Genitor with SSR and SNP markers
Authors: AVICAN Omer , Bilgen Behiye Banu
Published: September 2021

Common bean is a species belonging to the Phaseolus genus of the Leguminosae family. It has economic importance due to being rich in protein, vitamin A and C, and minerals. Being one of the most cultivated species of legumes, the determination of genetic diversity in bean genotypes or populations has an important role in terms of our genetic resources. The objective of this study was to evaluate the genetic structure of 94 genotypes which were cultivated in different parts of the world and our country with SSR and SNP markers. 10 SSR loci and 73 SNP primers were used for the determination of genetic structure in commercial cultivars and breeding lines. All of the SSR and SNP loci used in the study were found to be polymorphic. A total of 89 alleles were identified for 10 SSR loci. Mean number of alleles per locus (Na=8.9), effective allele number (Ne=3.731), Shannon information index (I=1.468), observed heterozygosity (Ho=0.023), and expected heterozygosity (He=0.654) were calculated based on SSR analysis. According to the results of Bayesian-based STRUCTURE analysis using SSR and SNP data, 94 bean genotypes were genetically divided into three main clusters. According to genetic similarity based UPGMA dendrogram obtained from SSR and SNP analysis, 94 bean genotypes were divided into 2 main clusters. The obtained results provide important information about the genetic structures of the studied bean cultivars and breeding lines. With the obtained results, it will be possible to develop breeding programs to develop new cultivars by using our gene resources.
How do pandemics end? Two decades of recurrent outbreak risk following the main waves
Authors: Schroeder Max , Lazarakis Spyridon , Mancy Rebecca , Angelopoulos Konstantinos
Published: September 2021

We analyse the dynamic evolution of disease outbreak risk after the main waves of the 1918-19 “Spanish flu” pandemic in the US and in major cities in the UK, and after the 1890-91 “Russian flu” pandemic in England and Wales. We compile municipal public health records and use national data to model the stochastic process of mortality rates after the main pandemic waves as a sequence of bounded Pareto distributions with an exponentially decaying tail parameter. In all cases, we find elevated mortality risk lasting nearly two decades. An application to COVID-19 under model uncertainty shows that in 90% of model-predicted time series, the annual probability of outbreaks exceeding 500 deaths per million is above 20% for a decade, remaining above 10% for two decades.
In-Depth Benchmarking of DIA-type Proteomics Data Analysis Strategies Using a Large-Scale Benchmark Dataset Comprising Inter-Patient Heterogeneity
Authors: Fröhlich Klemens , Brombacher Eva , Fahrner Matthias , Vogele Daniel , Kook Lucas , Bronsert Peter , Timme Sylvia , Schmidt Alexander , Baerenfaller Katja , Kreutz Clemens , Schilling Oliver
Published: September 2021

An overwhelming number of proteomics software tools and algorithms have been published for different steps of Data Independent Acquisition analysis of clinical samples. Nonetheless, there is still a lack of comprehensive benchmark studies evaluating which combinations of those isolated components perform best.Here, we used 92 lymph nodes from distinct patients to create a unique benchmark dataset representing real-world inter-individual heterogeneity. The publicly available dataset comprises 118 LC-MS/MS runs with > 12 million MS2 spectra and allowed us to objectively evaluate how well different combinations of spectral libraries, DIA software, sparsity reduction, normalization and statistical tests can detect differentially abundant proteins, while also taking sample size into account.Evaluation of 2 million data analysis workflows showed that a gas phase fractionation refined spectral library in combination with DIA-NN and Significance Analysis of Microarrays reliably detected differentially abundant proteins. Furthermore, DIA-NN and Spectronaut robustly avoided the false detection of truly absent proteins.*KF and EB share first authorship. CK and OS share last authorship.
Early Tracheostomy for ARDS Patients Supported by Venovenous Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation Is Associated With A Decreased Incidence of Ventilator-Associated Pneumonia, Duration of Extracorporeal Membrane Oxygenation and Mechanical Ventilation: Experience From A Single-Center Retrospective Cohort.
Authors: Zhang Zeyu , Gu Sichao , Huang Xu , Xia Jingen , Lin Fang , Zhang Yi , Feng Yingying , Tian Ye , Wu Xiaojing , Yu Xin , Li Changlong , Huang Linna , Cai Ying , Zhai Tianshu , Cui Xiaoyang , Li Min , Zhan Qingyuan
Published: September 2021

Background: Venovenous extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) has become the ultimate supporting technique for the rescue of severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) patients. Although tracheostomy during ECMO has proven to be beneficial, the proper time point for performing the tracheostomy remains unclear. The purpose of our study was to demonstrate whether early tracheostomy (ET; within 7 days of ECMO initiation) outweighs delayed tracheostomy (DT; 8 days of more after ECMO initiation).Methods: A retrospective cohort study was established. All ARDS patients who underwent tracheostomy during V-V ECMO support in the intensive care unit (ICU) of a tertiary hospital from December 2013 to November 2020 were reviewed.Results: Of the 187 ARDS patients who received V-V ECMO support, 30 (16%) underwent tracheostomy—18 (60%) during ECMO support and the other 12 after ECMO decannulation. Among the 18 patients who underwent tracheostomy while receiving ECMO, 11 (61.1%) received ET, and 7 received DT. No significant difference was found between the ET and DT groups in terms of demographic data, medical history, disease severity (estimated based on the RESP, PRESERVE, APACHE Ⅱ, SOFA and Murray scores), ARDS risk factors or mechanical ventilation duration before ECMO. The ET group showed a decreased incidence of ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) during ECMO support (45.5% vs. 100%; P= 0.038) and shortened durations of ECMO (9.0 vs. 27.0 days; P= 0.011) and mechanical ventilation (16.0 vs. 56.0 days; P= 0.027). ET did not significantly alter the all-cause ICU mortality rate (54.5% vs. 28.6%; P= 0.367), all-cause hospital mortality rate (which was the same as the ICU mortality rate), length of ICU stay (336 vs. 627 hours; P= 0.085), or length of hospital stay (26 vs. 37 days; P= 0.285). Local bleeding at the tracheostomy wound did not differ between the two groups (27.3% vs. 42.9%, P= 0.627) .Conclusion: Compared with delayed tracheostomy, ET performed within 7 days of ECMO cannulation for severe ARDS patients could decrease the VAP incidence during ECMO support and shorten the durations of ECMO and mechanical ventilation; However, it may not improve the outcome. Prospective and multicenter studies are needed for further research.
Impact of the COVID-19 Pandemic on Road Traffic Collision Injury Patterns and Severity in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates
Authors: Yasin Yasin J , Alao David O , Grivna Michal , Abu-Zidan Fikri
Published: September 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic lockdowns restricted human and traffic mobility impacting the patterns and severity of road traffic collisions (RTCs). We aimed to study the effects of the COVID-19 Pandemic on incidence, patterns, severity of the injury, and outcomes of hospitalized RTCs trauma patients in Al-Ain City, United Arab Emirates. Methods: We compared the data of two cohorts of patients which were collected over two periods; the pandemic period (28 March 2020 to 27 March 202) and the pre-pandemic period (28 March 2019 to 27 March 2020). All RTCs trauma patients who were hospitalized in the two major trauma centers (Al-Ain and Tawam Hospitals) of Al-Ain City were studied. Results: Overall, the incidence of hospitalized RTC trauma patients significantly reduced by 33.5% during the Pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period. The mechanism of injury was significantly different between the two periods (p< 0.0001, Fisher’s Exact test). MVCs were less during the Pandemic (60.5% compared with 72%), while motorcycle injuries were more (23.3 % compared with 11.2 %). The mortality of hospitalized RTC patients was significantly higher during the Pandemic (4.4 % compared with 2.3 %, p=0.045, Fisher’s Exact test). Conclusions: Our study has shown that the numbers of hospitalized RTC trauma patients reduced by 33.5% during the COVID-19 Pandemic compared with the pre-pandemic period in our setting. This was attributed to the reduced motor vehicle, pedestrian and bicycle injuries while motorcycle injuries increased. Mortality was significantly higher during the Pandemic, which was attributed to increased ISS and reduced GCS.
Evaluation of Coliform and Faecal Coliform Bacteria in the Lakes of Broknes & Grovnes Peninsula at Larsemann Hills, East Antarctica
Authors: Bhardwaj Laxmi Kant , Chauhan Abhishek , Jindal Tanu
Published: September 2021

Purpose: More than 150 lakes on different peninsulas and islands are situated in the Larsemann Hills. The Larsemann Hills are an ice-free area and are located halfway between the Vestfold Hills and the Amery Ice Shelf on the south-eastern coast of Prydz Bay, Princess Elizabeth Land, East Antarctica. Antarctic lakes water is being polluted due to anthropogenic activities caused by various research activities and tourism. Methods: During 34th Indian Scientific Expedition to Antarctica (ISEA) in 2014 to 2015, twenty lake water samples in triplicates were collected from the Broknes & Grovnes peninsula. Coliform and faecal coliform bacteria were analyzed in these samples. Results: Out of twenty, eleven lake water samples were found to be contaminated with coliform bacteria. However, faecal coliform bacteria were absent in all the lake water samples. Coliforms are found in the lakes of Broknes peninsula (P2 Lake & P3 Lake) and Grovnes peninsula (L1C NG, L1D NG, L1E NG, L7 NG, L7A NG, L7B NG, L2 SG, L4 SG & L5 SG). Conclusion: The present study confirms the presence of coliform bacteria in the lakes of East Antarctica which indicates an alarming situation and needs to be investigated further.
CRISPR/Cas9-Mediated Knockout of APOC3 Stabilizes Plasma Lipids and Inhibits Atherosclerosis in Rabbits
Authors: Zha Yiwen , Lu Yaoyao , Zhang Ting , Yan Kunning , Zhuang Wenwen , Liang Jingyan , Cheng Yong , Wang Yingge
Published: September 2021

Background: High levels of apolipoprotein C3 (APOC3) can lead to hypertriglyceridemia, which increases the risk of cardiovascular disease. We aim to create APOC3 knockout (KO) rabbits and explore the effects of APOC3 deletion on the occurrence and development of atherosclerosis.Methods: A sgRNA anchored to exon 2 of APOC3 was designed to edit embryos using the CRISPR/Cas9 system. The founder rabbits were sequenced, and their lipid profile, inflammatory cytokines and atherosclerotic plaques were analyzed.Results: When given a normal chow (NC) diet, all APOC3 KO rabbits had low plasma TG level, which was two times lower than that of the matched age control group. Additionally, their plasma lipoprotein lipase (LPL) increased. When fed a high-fat diet (HFD), it was observed that APOC3 deficiency was more conducive to the maintenance of plasma TG, total cholesterol (TC) and low-density lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C) levels in rabbits, the inhibition of inflammatory response and the protection of atherosclerosis in rabbits.Conclusion: APOC3 KO rabbit models can be obtained with the CRISPR/Cas9 system to combat the formation of HFD-induced atherosclerosis, indicating a novel therapeutic target to treat atherosclerosis.
Development of web-based dynamic nomogram to predict survival in patients with gastric cancer: a population-based study
Authors: Talebi Atefeh , Borumandnia Nasrin , Abbasi Somayeh , Doosti Hassan , Pourhoseingholi Mohamad Amin , Agah Shahram , Tabaeian Seidamir Pasha
Published: September 2021

Gastric cancer (GC) is the fifth most frequent malignancy worldwide and the third leading cause of cancer-associated mortality. The study’s goal was to construct a predictive model and nomogram to predict the survival of GC patients. This historical cohort study assessed 733 patients who underwent treatments for GC. The univariate and multivariable Cox proportional hazard (CPH) survival analyses were applied to identify the factors related to overall survival (OS). A dynamic nomogram was developed as a graphical representation of the CPH regression model. The internal validation of the nomogram was evaluated by Harrell’s concordance index (C-index) and time-dependent AUC. The results of the multivariable Cox model revealed that the age of patients, body mass index (BMI), grade of tumour, and depth of tumour elevate the mortality hazard of gastric cancer patients (P < 0.05). The built nomogram had a discriminatory performance, with a C-index of 0.64 (CI: 0.61, 0.67). We constructed and validated an original predictive nomogram for OS in patients with GC. Furthermore, nomograms may help predict the individual risk of OS in patients treated for GC.