bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Quantification of Airborne Concentrations of Nano And Micro Scale Phosphor Particles In The Manufacturing environment by Spectrofluorometric Method
Authors: Deniz Fatih , Ertekin Kadriye , Ulucan Utku
Published: September 2021

In this work, nanoscale luminescent materials dispersed in the air were collected and quantified by the fluorescence spectroscopy. A well-known phosphor; LuAG:Ce3+ was chosen as the model particle due to its strong, measurable and repeatable signal which can easily be excited by the blue light and emits at yellow wavelengths. The ionic liquid modified polymethylmethacrylate based filters were fabricated by electrospinning technique. Samples were collected by means of a vacuum pump from the laboratory environment during the grinding, weighing, transfer, washing, drying and packaging of the phosphorus particles, for different time intervals. The spectrofluorometric method was used for the quantification of the airborne concentration of the nano and microscale dusts. Presented method was also tested in terms of precision, LOD, LOQ, and stability. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first attempt to measure the airborne concentrations of the nano-scale luminescent phosphor particles and can easily be adopted for the quantification of other nanoscale- emitting particles in workplaces. Additionally, the offered design allows miniaturization since it is possible to excite the particles with cost-effective LED based light sources, integrate the system with fiber optics and detect the received optical response by photodiodes.
Exploration of Nonlinear Optical Enhancement and Interesting Optical Behavior with Pyrene Moiety as the Conjugated Donor and Efficient Modification in Acceptor Moieties
Authors: Khalid Muhammad , Khan Muhammad Usman , Azhar Nimra , Arshad Muhammad Nadeem , Asiri Abdullah M. , Braga Ataualpa Albert Carmo , Akhtar Muhammad Nadeem
Published: September 2021

Herein, a series of new pyrene based hexylcyanoacetate derivatives (HPPC1-HPPC8) with A–π–D–π–D configuration were designed by end-capped modeling of non-fullerene acceptors on the structure of reference compound named dihexyl 3,3'-(pyrene-1,6-diylbis(4,1-phenylene))(2E,2'E)-bis(2-cyanoacrylate) HPPCR. Quantum chemical calculations of HPPCR and HPPC1-HPPC8 were accomplished at M06/6-31G(d, p) level. The stability of molecules due to the strongest hyper conjugative interactions in HPPCR and HPPC1-HPPC8 was estimated through NBO study. Interestingly, HOMO-LUMO band-gap of HPPC1-HPPC8 was found smaller than HPPCR which resulted in large NLO response. Among all the investigated compounds HPPC7 showed the larger NLO response due to the presence of four cyanide (CN) groups which strengthens the bridge conjugation, and its band gap was found to be 2.11eV, smaller as compared to band gap of HPPCR (3.225 eV). The absorption spectra of HPPC1-HPPC8 compounds showed maximum absorption wavelengths (483–707 nm) than HPPCR (471.764nm). The designed compounds showed high NLO response than HPPCR. Amazingly, highest amplitude of linear polarizability < α>, first hyperpolarizability (βtotal) and second hyperpolarizability < γ > for HPPC7 were achieved to be 1331.191, 200112.2 and 4.131 ×107 (a.u), respectively. NLO response showed that the HPPC1-HPPC8 might be potential candidates for NLO applications.
Perceived Barriers of Learner Nurses Regarding Virtual Learning In A Rural-Based University In Limpopo Province
Authors: Mbombi Masenyani Oupa , Muthelo Livhuwani , Phukubye Thabo Arthur
Published: September 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic resultant in many universities suspending their academic activities, making virtual learning an option for saving the disrupted academic year. One rural-based university was forced to enhance its learning management system. The pandemic presented an opportunity to assessment the implementation of virtual learning at this university. The paper aims to describe the perceived barriers of virtual learning in a rural-based university of Limpopo Province.Method: A quantitative descriptive design was applied to describe the barriers of virtual learning in a rural university. The purposive convenience sampling method was used to select learner nurses from the School of Healthcare Sciences. An electronic survey questionnaire with open and closed-ended questions sent via WhatsApp messenger was used to collect data. Data were analyzed using descriptive statistics with SPSS version 26.Results: Learner nurses described various barriers for virtual learning such as; weak networks for connecting Blackboard, lack of ICT facilities such as laptops and tablets by learner nurses, lack of skills for using Blackboard, and aging.Conclusion: The study findings add knowledge regarding the use of virtual learning in a rural-based university. We conclude that virtual learning in a rural-based university is a significant transition process that comes with complex challenges such as network problems. There is a need to develop strategies to enhance virtual learning in rural-based university.
Approach of Total Water Quality And Total Human Health Hazard Indices For Health Risk Evaluation With Oral Intake Pathway of Groundwater Nitrate And Fluoride From a Rural Region of South India
Authors: Gugulothu Sakram , Rao Nandipati Subba , Das Rashmirekha , Duvva Laxman Kumar , Dhakate Ratnakar
Published: September 2021

Evaluation of the chemical quality of groundwater and associated health hazards is a prerequisite for taking remedial measures elsewhere. The rural region of South India was, thus, chosen for the present study to assess the total quality of groundwater and also to decipher the human health risk zones with respect to adults and children due to groundwater pollution with nitrate (NO-3) and fluoride (F-) ions. Groundwater samples collected from the study region were determined for various chemical parameters. According to the total water quality index, groundwater quality is suitable for drinking purposes. However, the NO-3 (0.4 to 585.20 mg/L) and F (0.22 to 5.41 mg/L) ions exceed the drinking water quality limits of 45 mg/L and 1.5 mg/L in 34% and 25% of the groundwater samples, respectively. Nitrate fertilizers appeared as the chief source of NO-3, and fluoride minerals as the main source of F- in the groundwater body, which is further supported by principal component analysis. The total human health hazard index (THHHI) was observed to be higher than its tolerable limit of 1.0 in 63% and 73% of the groundwater samples in respect of NO-3 and F- of adults and children, respectively. The intensity of human health risk zones of THHHI (>1.0) was 1.37 times higher in children (5.69) than in children (4.15), which cover an area of 71.75% and 66.73%, respectively. Thus, effective strategic measures were recommended for the protection of groundwater resources from pollution and also for improving human health conditions.
Comprehensive Analysis of the Prognosis of S100 Family Members and Their Relationship with Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Human Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Ren Yajun , Chen Bing , Zhang Meng , Xu Feng
Published: September 2021

Background: S100 family members(S100s) are small molecular EF hand calcium binding proteins and widely expressed in many tissues and organs. S100s are shown to be biomarkers of disease progression and prognosis in various types of cancers. Nevertheless, the expression patterns, function, prognostic values of S100s and its association with tumor-infiltrating immune cells in Pancreatic Adenocarcinoma(PAAD) patients have not been systematically clarified. Methods: we explored that the expression and roles of the entire twenty S100s in PAAD patients by using the following public databases: Oncomine, GEPIA, cBioPortal, Metascape, STRING, TIMER and GeneMANIA.Results: The S100A2/A3/A4/A6/A8/A9/A10/A11/A13/A14/A16/B/P mRNA expression were significantly upregulated in PAAD patients. The mRNA expression of S100A3/A4/A5/A6/A10/A11/A14/A16/Z were significantly negatively related with the tumor stage in PAAD patients. We found that the S100A2/A3/A5/A10/A11/A14/A16 were significantly correlated with poor OS, whereas the increased levels of S100A1/B/G/Z were strongly associated with good OS. We found significant correlations among S100s and Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells. Cox proportional risk models revealed that B cells, Dendritic cells and S100A1/A5/A6/A8/A9/A13/A14 were significantly related with outcomes in PAAD patients. Conclusions: S100A2/A3/A10/A11/A14/A16 may serve as new diagnostic and prognostic biomarkers for PAAD patients and provide new clues for immunotherapy in PAAD patients.
A Validated Model for Individualized Prediction of Live Birth in Patients With Adenomyosis Undergoing Frozen-Thawed Embryo Transfer
Authors: Wu Yaoqiu , Yang Rong , Lan Jie , Lin Haiyan , Cao Chunwei , Jiao Xuedan , Zhang Qingxue
Published: September 2021

Background
There is few predictive tools for live birth in women with adenomyosis, which provide further personalized and clinically specific information related to individualized decisions making during IVF/ICSI treatment.
Methods
A total of 424 patients with adenomyosis underwent frozen-thawed embryo transfer (FET) from Jan 2013 to Dec 2019 at a public university hospital were included. The patients were randomly divided into training (n = 265) and validation (n = 159) samples for the building and testing of the nomogram, respectively. Multivariate logistic regression (MLR) was developed on the basis of clinical covariates assessed for their association with live birth.
Results
In all, 183 (43.16%) patients became pregnant, and 114 (26.88%) had a live birth. In the multivariable analysis of the training cohort, probability of live birth was significantly correlated with the age < 37 years old (odds ratio [OR], 3.465; 95% CI, 1.215–9.885, P = 0.020), uterine volume prior ET < 102.02 cm3 (OR, 8.141; 95% CI, 2.170–10.542; P = 0.002), blastocyst transfer (OR, 3.231; 95% CI, 1.065–8.819, P = 0.023), twin pregnancy (OR, 0.328; 95% CI, 0.104–0.344, P = 0.005) and protocol in FET (P < 0.001). The statistical nomogram was built based on the five variates, age, uterine volume prior embryo transfer, twin pregnancy, stage of transferred embryo and protocol of FET, with an area under the curve (AUC) of 0.837 (95% confidence interval: 0.741–0.910) for the training cohort. The AUC for the validation cohort was 0.737 (95% confidence interval: 0.661–0.813), showing a satisfactory goodness-of-fit and discrimination ability in this nomogram.
Conclusions
Single blastocyst transfer, GnRH-a pretreated and smaller uterine size before embryo transfer contributed to increasing live birth rate in patients with adenomyosis. The user-friendly nomogram built on the risk factors of live birth in patients with adenomyosis, provides a useful guide for medical staff on individualized decisions making during the IVF/ICSI procedure.
Phylogenetic Analysis of Black Peper (Piper Spp.) Population Collected in Different Locations of Vietnam Based on the ITSU1-4 Gene Region
Authors: Rasphone Sonexay , Dang Long Thanh , Nguyen Hoan , Nguyen Ngoc Quang , Duong Oanh Thi , Nguyen Hung Van Phi , Nguyen Kim-Cuc Thi , Truong Hai Thi Hong , Ho Nhi Thi Hoang
Published: September 2021

Background: The internal transcribed spacer (ITS) of nuclear ribosomal DNA is one of the most commonly used DNA markers in plant phylogenetic and DNA barcoding analyses, and it has been recommended as a core plant DNA barcode. To compare and find out the analysis genetic diversity difference some pepper individuals collected in different localities in Vietnam when using the ITS of nuclear ribosomal DNA. The ITS gene region from the nuclear genomes were tested for their suitability as DNA barcoding regions of thirty-nine pepper individuals. Universal primers were used, and sequenced products were analyzed using the Maximum Likelihood method and Tamura-Nei model in the MEGA X program.Results: We did not observe high variability in intraspecific distance within the ITSu1-4 gene region between individuals, ranged from 0.000 to 0.155 (mean = 0.033). The size of the gene region has fluctuated from 667 to 685 bp between different individuals with the percentage (G + C) contained in the ITSu1-4 gene region was ranged from 54.776% to 60.805%, mean = 60.174%. The values of Fu’s Fs, D, Fu and Li’s D* and F* were negative as well (Fs = -0.209, D = -1.824; P < 0.05, D* = -1.205; not significant, P > 0.10 and F* = -1.699; not significant, 0.10 > P > 0.05), indicating an excess of recently derived haplotypes and suggesting that either population expansion or background selection has occurred. The value Strobeck’s S the obtained between individuals in a population is high (S = 0.684). The results of evolutionary relationships of taxa obtained 3 groups with the highest value of Fst is shown in the pairs of groups II and III (Fst = 0.151), and the lowest is in groups II and I (Fst = 0.015). All of the new sequences have been deposited in GeneBank under the following accession numbers MZ636718 to MZ636756.Conclusions: This database is an important resource for researchers working on Species of pepper in Vietnam and also provides a tool to create ITSu1-4 databases for any given taxonomy.
Research On Intervention of New Coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2) Based on Molecular Docking Technology on Mongolian Medicine Active Components
Authors: Yu Xianglin , Gao Jiali , Yu Jiuwang , Dong Zhiheng , Si Lengge , Wu Lan , Bao Lidao
Published: September 2021

Objective

This article intends to use molecular docking technology to find potential inhibitors that can cope with new coronaviruses from the active compounds of Mongolian drug Nagebu-9.
Methods

The TAGSP, ETCM database and literature mining methods were used to collect the active compounds of Nagebu-9; the Swiss Target Prediction and SUPERPRED servers were used to find the target of the compound. At the same time, Drugbank and Genecard databases were used to collect antiviral drug targets. The above targets were compared and analyzed, and the antiviral targets of Nagebu-9 were selected. The Metascape database platform was used to perform GO (Gene ontology) annotation and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis on the target. In view of the high homology between the RCD domain of the new coronavirus S-protein and the SARS virus gene sequence, as well as the similarity in the pathogenic mechanism and clinical manifestation of the two diseases. We used the Swiss-Model to establish a new coronavirus S protein model, use the ZDOCK protein docking software to dock the S protein with the human angiotensin ACE2 protein to find the key amino acids at the binding site. Using ACE2 as the receptor, AutoDock molecular docking software was used to conduct molecular docking studies on the active ingredients and the target protein. The interaction between the ligand and the receptor are used to provide options for screening anti-coronavirus drugs.
Results

A total of 262 active ingredients were screened from the nine ingredients of Mongolian medicine Nagebu-9, and through Metascape analysis: key candidate targets were significantly enriched in multiple pathways related to heterotoxins. These key candidate targets were mainly derived two compounds: Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Ferulic acid. Through the protein docking between S-protein and ACE2, it was found that Glu329 / Gln325 and Gln42 / Asp38 in ACE2 were played an important role in the binding process. The virtual calculation results of molecular docking show that Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Ferulic acid can stably bind to Gln325 and Gln42 / Asp38 in ACE2, respectively, hindering the affinity of S-protein to ACE2.
Conclusion

Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Ferulic acid can effectively interfere with the binding of the novel coronavirus S-protein to human ACE2 through a synergistic effect between molecules. Hydroxysafflor Yellow A and Ferulic acid can be used as potential inhibitors of SARS-CoV-2 for further research and development.
Prospective Longitudinal Study of Men Who Have Sex With Men and Transgender Women To Determine HIV Incidence in Two Provinces in Thailand
Authors: Namwat Chawestan , Leela-Apiradee Warong , Tiawilai Thawat , Dear Nicole , Wansom Tanyaporn , Kitsiripornchai Suchai , Akapirat Siriwat , Crowell Trevor A. , Francisco Leilani , Li Qun , Robb Merlin L. , Smith Kirsten , Heger Elizabeth A. , Fukuda Mark M. , O’Connell Robert J. , -Ngarm Supachai Rerks , Vasan Sandhya
Published: September 2021

Background
In Thailand, HIV transmission is well characterized in large urban centers such as Bangkok and Chiang Mai but less so outside of these areas. We assessed HIV incidence and associated risk factors in two other locations.
Methods
Participants assigned male sex at birth were enrolled in Nakhon Ratchasima and Ratchaburi. HIV and syphilis testing and sociobehavioral questionnaires occurred over 18 months. HIV incidence rates and 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were estimated using a Poisson distribution. Cox proportional hazards models were used to estimate unadjusted and adjusted hazard ratios (aHRs) and 95% CIs for associations between potential risk factors and HIV seroconversion.
Results
A total of 1003 participants were enrolled. Overall HIV incidence was 1.56 per 100 person-years (95% CI:1.02–2.44) and similar at both sites. In the fully adjusted model, receptive anal sex in the past 6 months was associated with seroconversion (aHR:3.05, 95% CI:1.00-9.32), while sex with a sex worker in the past six months was associated with reduced risk of seroconversion (aHR:0.11, 95% CI:0.01–0.80). In the parsimoniously adjusted model, receptive anal sex (aHR:3.35, 95% CI:1.30–8.63) and STI diagnosis in the past six months (aHR:3.39, 95% CI:1.11–10.29) were associated with seroconversion, while sex with a sex worker in the past six months was associated with reduced risk of seroconversion (aHR:0.12, 95% CI:0.02–0.70).
Conclusions
Recent receptive anal sex practices were associated with HIV acquisition in these populations, highlighting the continued need for interventions encouraging safer anal sex practices to reduce HIV incidence.
Changes in Oxidative Stress Parameters as Response to Supplementation With Vitamin E and Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Male Workers Exposed to High Level Noise
Authors: Mohammadi Hamzeh , Golbabaei Farideh , Dehghan Somayeh Farhang , Moradi Nariman , Chamari Maryam , Rad Maryam Afzali
Published: September 2021

Background: The present study aimed to assess the effects of the supplementation consumption of vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acid on the oxidative stress parameters among workers exposed to high levels of noise in an automobile parts manufacturing plant. Moreover, the effects of the exposure to noise on SOD, total oxidative stress (TAC) and MDA will be investigated. Methods: The participants were deployed into 4 groups (vitamin E (100 mg), Omega 3 fatty acids (180 mg EPA and 120 mg DHA), vitamin E+ Omega 3 and Placebo), as per the double-blind block randomization method. The oxidative stress parameters of the participants were analyzed before and after three month consumption of supplements via enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay method. The level of workers' exposure to noise, was measured according to ISO 9612. Results: Before intervention, mean MDA, SOD and TAC were 27.52 (7.46) nmol/ml, 58.84 (10.44) U/ml and 2.57 (0.67) mM respectively. After intervention, mean MDA, SOD and TAC were 24.57 (7.58) nmol/ml, 63.46 (11.02) U/ml and 2.70 (0.84) mM respectively. The use of supplement Omega 3 fatty acids had a significant decremental effect on MDA levels. The use of vitamin E alongside Omega 3 fatty acids had a significant incremental effect on SOD activity.Conclusion: Noise exposure had a decremental effect on TAC and SOD as well as an incremental effect on MDA, but this was only statistically significant for TAC. It appears that the simultaneous use of vitamin E and Omega 3 fatty acids for three months had a positive effect on the anti-oxidant performance of workers exposed to noise.
How to Predict Cancer-Specific Death of Patients with Chondrosarcoma: A Prognostic Model Based on Competing Risk
Authors: Zhu Binxiang , Dong Yinmin , Zhu Hongyu , Dong Zijian , Li Feng
Published: September 2021

Background. As chondrosarcoma is the second highest primary malignant tumor of bone, it is necessary to find a way to predict the prognosis of chondrosarcoma. But the current model rarely involves the study of competing risk. This is a retrospective study with the aim of establishing a prognostic model and a nomogram based on competing risk to predict the probability of cancer-specific death (CSD) at 3 and 5 years. The Fine and Gray regression is a targeted statistical method, which makes the results more authentic and reliable.Methods. A total of 1674 chondrosarcoma patients were identified from the SEER database, and they were divided into training cohort and validation cohort by year of diagnosis. These two cohorts were used to develop and validate the prognostic model to predict the 3-year and 5-year probabilities of CSD, with non-CSD as the competing risk. Model accuracy made use of some verification functions, such as C-index, receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC), calibration plot, area under curve (AUC) and Brier score.Results. According to the outcomes of the model: older age (subdistribution hazards ratio(95%CI): 1.02 (1.01-1.03); P<0.001), dedifferentiated CHS (SHR(95%CI): 2.16 (1.30-3.59); P=0.003), high grade (SHR(95%CI): 2.60 (1.83-3.68); P<0.001), Regional involvement (SHR(95%CI): 3.15 (2.01-4.93); P<0.001), Distant metastasis (SHR(95%CI): 11.56 (6.82-19.59); P<0.001), tumor excision (SHR(95%CI): 0.47 (0.25-0.87); P=0.02) and Radical resection (SHR(95%CI): 0.54 (0.32-0.90); P=0.02) were significantly. They obviously promoted the increase of CSD.Conclusion. This prognostic model considered the competing risks of chondrosarcoma, and the nomogram can effectively predict the probability of CSD in patients with chondrosarcoma, which is suitable for clinical application.
Modified Vein Clamping Technique for Renal Cell Carcinoma Complicated With Level I-II IVC Thrombus: A Study At A Single Center
Authors: Ma Jiaxing , Sun Wei , Qian Weiwei , Min Jie , Zhang Tao , Yu Dexin
Published: September 2021

Objectives

To share our initial experience with modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with the level I-II IVC thrombus
Methods

From March 2018 to April 2021, 11 patients with renal cell carcinoma (RCC) involving the IVC tumor thrombus were admitted to our hospital. Then, they all underwent laparoscopic radical nephrectomy and IVC thrombectomy (LRN-IVCTE) using modified vein clamping technique.
Results

All procedures were successfully completed without conversion to open surgery. The median operative time was 185 min (range 125–229 min); the median estimated blood loss was 200 ml (range 150–300 ml), and four patients received an intraoperative transfusion. Besides, the median IVC clamping time was 18 min (range 10–24 min); the median postoperative hospital stay was 6 days (range 4–8 days), while the median follow-up period was 28 months (range 2–36 months).
Conclusions

Modified vein clamping technique for the treatment of renal cell carcinoma complicated with the level I-II IVC thrombus may be a safe and technically feasible alternative technic.
Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS): Measurement Invariance Across Genders And Item Response Theory Examination
Authors: Marmara Joshua , Zarate Daniel , Vassallo Jeremy , Patten Rhiannon , Stavropoulos Vasileios
Published: September 2021

Background: The Warwick Edinburgh Mental Well-Being Scale (WEMWBS) is a measure of subjective well-being and assesses eudemonic and hedonic aspects of well-being. However, differential scoring of the WEMWBS across gender and its precision of measurement has not been examined. The present study assesses the psychometric properties of the WEMWBS using Measurement Invariance (MI) between males and females and Item Response Theory (IRT) analyses. Method: A community sample of 386 adults from the United States of America (USA), United Kingdom, Ireland, Australia, New Zealand, and Canada were assessed online (N = 394, 54.8% men, 43.1% women, Mage = 27.48, SD = 5.57). Results: MI analyses observed invariance across males and females at the configural level and metric level but non-invariance at the scalar level. The graded response model conducted to observe item properties indicated that all items demonstrated, although variable, sufficient discrimination capacity.Conclusions: Gender comparisons based on WEMWBS scores should be cautiously interpreted for specific items that demonstrate different scalar scales and similar scores indicate different severity. The items showed increased reliability for latent levels of ∓ 2 SD from the mean level of SWB. The WEMWBS may also not perform well for clinically low and high levels of SWB. Including assessments for clinical cases may optimise the use of the WEMWBS.
Proximity to sex work sites is not associated with higher HIV prevalence in the general population in Zimbabwe
Authors: Kloek Mariëlle , Bulstra Caroline , Chabata Sungai , Fearon Elizabeth , Taramusi Isaac , de Vlas Sake J. , Cowan Frances , Hontelez Jan
Published: September 2021

In Zimbabwe, as in other East and Southern African countries, HIV prevalence is largely geographically heterogeneous. We determined if, and to what extent, this heterogeneity is associated with proximity to sex work sites by type of site (city, economic growth point, international, seasonal, or transport), using Demographic and Health Surveys location-specific HIV prevalence data—including 16,121 individuals (aged 15-49 years) from 400 sample locations—and Centre for Sexual Health and HIV/AIDS Research data on locations of 56 sex work sites throughout Zimbabwe. We conducted univariate and multivariate multilevel logistic regression to determine the association between sex work proximity—calculated as the shortest distance by road from each survey sample location to the nearest sex work site—and HIV seropositivity. We found no association between locations of sex work and heterogeneity in HIV prevalence in the general population, possibly explained by the mobile nature of both female sex workers and their clients as individual-level indicators of sex work were still significantly associated with HIV.
The Roles of S100B , IL-1β and IL-2 as Neuroinflammation Biomarkers in Generalized Anxiety Disorder
Authors: Shen Zhongxia , Cui Lijun , Ren Lie , Qian Mincai , Yuan Yonggui , Shen Xinhua
Published: September 2021

Introduction: S100B is a neurotrophic factor regulates neuronal growth and plasticity via activating astrocytes and microglia through production of neuro-inflammatory molecules like interleukin (IL)-1β involved in many mental disorders, few studies have combined S100B and cytokines to explore their roles as neuro-inflammatory biomarkers in Generalized Anxiety Disorder (GAD). Methods: Serum S100B and cytokines (IL-1β , IL-2, IL-4 and IL-10) of 108 untreated GAD cases and 123 healthy controls were determined by enzyme linked-immuno-sorbent assay (ELISA) and then compared, while Hamilton Anxiety Rating Scale (HAMA) scores were measured to evaluate anxiety severity. Results: The serum S100B and IL-1β, IL-2 levels of GAD cases were lower than HC significantly (P<0.001), the IL-4 level of GAD were higher than HC (P<0.001), while IL-10 had no significant difference between two groups (P=0.215). The ROC area of S100B, IL-1β, IL-2 and IL-4 in diagnosis of GAD was (0.740 ± 0.032) , (0.900 ± 0.021) , (0.920 ± 0.018) and (0.696 ± 0.037) , all of them suggested a good predicting value (P < 0.001) , while the ROC area of IL-10 was (0.544 ± 0.038) (P = 0.251). The sensitivity of S-100B, IL-1β, IL-2 in diagnosis of GAD was 73.1%, 80.6%, 85.2%, while the specificity was 61.0%, 86.2%, 80.5%. The combination ROC area of S100B, IL-1β , IL-2 and IL-4 was (0.985 ± 0.006)(P < 0.001). Serum S100B was positively correlated with IL-2 and IL-4 (P <0.05)., while was negatively with HAMA scores (P <0.001). Conclusion: The serum S-100B, IL-1β, IL-2 levels of GAD were down-regulated while IL-4 was up-regulated, both IL-2 and IL-4 had a good diagnosis value in GAD separately while the combination of S100B and cytokines had a better diagnosis value which means the neuro-inflammation in GAD is a network regulated by many factors.
Correlation Analysis of Nodular Sonographic Parameters with Cervical Lymph Node Metastasis in Papillary Thyroid Carcinoma
Authors: Zhou Liuhua , Zhu Qiaodan , Yao Jincao , Yang Chen , Xu Dong
Published: September 2021

Objective

Papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC) is the most common thyroid carcinoma, and is prone to cervical lymph node metastasis (CLNM). We aim to analyze the correlation between clinical information, ultrasonic parameters of PTC and CLNM.
Methods

1335 patients who had pathologically confirmed unifocal PTC were enrolled. Univariate and multivariate logistic analysis were performed to predict CLNM in PTC patients. The receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve was used to evaluate the diagnostic performance.
Results

Univariate analysis showed that gender, age, maximum tumor diameter and volume, cross-sectional and longitudinal aspect ratio were related to CLNM (P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic analysis showed that gender, age, maximum tumor diameter and volume were independent correlative factors, cross-sectional aspect ratio had significant difference for PTC patients excluding PTMC to predict CLNM. The area under the curve (AUC) of the maximum tumor diameter and volume was 0.738 and 0.733, respectively. Maximum tumor diameter and volume, and cross-sectional and longitudinal aspect ratio were statistically significant following analysis of variance (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

Younger age, male, and larger tumor were high risk factors for CLNM in patients with unifocal PTC. Cross-sectional aspect ratio had a more effective predictive value for CLNM in patients with larger thyroid tumors.
Regional and Age Epidemiological Analysis of Hepatitis A Viral in China, 2004-2017
Authors: Xu Yan , Tang Ruiti , Li Weiming
Published: September 2021

Background: To describe the prevalence features, including age, regions, morbidity and mortality of hepatitis A viral in China from 2004 to 2017 by searching the China Public Health Sciences Data Center with the keyword “Hepatitis A virus (HAV)”.Methods: In this study, HAV morbidity and mortality data were retrieved from China Public Health Science Data Center (CPHSD) using HAV as a keyword. HAV infection data from 2004 to 2017, HAV cases and HAV-related deaths were retrieved from 31 regions in China, except Taiwan, Hong Kong and Macau. SPSS 18 is used for statistical analysis. GraphPad Prism 5 is used to draw line graphs and histograms. Microsoft PowerPoint 2016 and Adobe Illustrator CS 6 are used for drawing geographically distributed China maps.Results: From 2004 to 2017, the rates of hepatitis A viral morbidity and mortality in China were keeping decrease annually (7.1997 and 3.0772 in 2004; 2.6430 and 0.2997 in 2010; 1.3679 and 0.2899 in 2017, respectively, 1/100,000) (p<0.001). The HAV infection rate of children (0-10 years old) was higher than that of the elderly (>50 years old) (p<0.001). The geographical distribution of HAV prevalence showed significant regional differences which showed that hepatitis A patients were more prevalent in Sichuan and Xinjiang provinces (averaged number >4,000/ year). HAV-related death does not differ much between regions (averaged number 0~2.1/ year)Conclusions: Our analysis of viral hepatitis A prevalence features over past 14 years suggests that the incidence and mortality of HAV are decreased annually in China.
Incidence and Immunomic Features of Apyretic COVID-19 in Patients Affected by Solid Tumors: A Prospective Cohort Study.
Authors: Ravera Francesco , Borea Roberto , Cirmena Gabriella , Dameri Martina , Ferrando Lorenzo , Gallo Maurizio , Casini Cecilia , Fallani Neri , Barbero Valentina , Murialdo Roberto , Tixi Lucia , Cappuccio Margherita , Cuboni Andrea , Sivieri Irene , Fornarini Giuseppe , De Maria Andrea , Ballestrero Alberto , Zoppoli Gabriele
Published: September 2021

Background and rationale: Little is known about SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion in asymptomatic patients affected by solid cancer, and whether it is associated with specific transcriptomics changes in peripheral blood mononuclear cells (PBMC).Methods: patients affected by solid cancer treated in a top comprehensive cancer center in Italy during the first COVID-19 pandemic wave, and negative for COVID-19-symptoms since the first detection of COVID-19 in Italy, were prospectively evaluated by SARS-CoV-2 serology in the period between April 14th and June 23rd 2020. Follow-up serologies were performed, every 21-28 days, until August 23rd, 2020. All SARS-CoV-2 IgM+ patients underwent confirmatory nasopharyngeal swab (NPS). PBMCs from a subset of SARS-CoV-2 IgM+ patients were collected at baseline, at 2 months, and at 7 months for transcriptome sequencing.Results: SARS-CoV-2 serology was performed on 446 of the 466 recruited patients. A total of 14 patients (3.14 %) tested positive for at least one SARS-CoV-2 immunoglobulin in the period between April 14th and August 23rd 2020. Viral RNA could not be detected in any of the NPS. PBMC serial transcriptomic analysis showed progressive downregulation of interleukin 6 upregulated signatures, chemokine-mediated signaling and chemokine-chemokine receptor KEGG pathways. B- and T-cell receptor pathways (p-values = 0.0002 and 0.017 respectively) were progressively upregulated.Conclusions: SARS-CoV-2 seroconversion rate in asymptomatic patients affected by solid cancer is consistent with that of asymptomatic COVID-19 assessed in the general population through NPS at the peak of the first wave. Transcriptomic features over time in IgM+ asymptomatic cases are strongly indicative of previous viral exposure.
A Single Session of Exercise Reduces Blood Pressure Reactivity to Stress: a Systematic Review With Meta-analysis
Authors: Mariano Igor M. , Amaral Ana Luiza , Ribeiro Paula A. B. , Puga Guilherme M.
Published: September 2021

Stressful situations are common in everyday life and disturb homeostasis. So, an exercise session is a strategy to mitigate blood pressure (BP) peaks in response to stress (i.e., BP reactivity), decreasing the cardiovascular risk of these individuals. This is a systematic review with a meta-analysis that aims to verify the effects of a single session of physical exercises on BP reactivity to stress. The searches were realized in digital databases (PUBMED, LILACS, EMBASE and PsycInfo) and 28 studies were included, totaling 846 individuals (meta-analysis stage: k = 24, n = 710). As for exercise characteristics, 23 of the 28 studies focused on aerobic exercises, and 24 studies focused on low to moderate intensities. Favorable metanalytic results (standardized mean differences through random-effects approach) for the exercises were found, with attenuated reactivity in systolic BP (pooled effect size = -0.35 [-0.46; -0.23], representing average reductions of 3.8 ± 3.5 mmHg), diastolic BP (pooled effect size = -0.49 [-0.68; -0.30], representing average reductions of 3.1 ± 3.6 mmHg), and mean BP (pooled effect size = -0.48 [-0.70; -0.26], representing average reductions of 4.1 ± 3.0 mmHg). So, acute physical exercise lowers systolic, diastolic, and mean blood pressure reactivity in response to stressor tasks.
Value of Cardiac Cine MRI in Comparison to Contrast Transcranial Doppler Sonography for Patent Foramen Ovale Assessment in Patients with Cerebral Disorders
Authors: Li Zhiming , Liu Shunli , Yan Tingfei , Hu Yabin , Zhang Chuanyu , Ju Zhiguo , Zhao Hongqin , Liu Guangzhen
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To investigate the clinical feasibility of diagnosing and classifying patent foramen ovale (PFO) in patients with cerebral disorders by cardiac cine MRI (CCMRI) without contrast.Materials and Methods: Forty-four patients (24 males and 20 females; mean age, 41.3 years; range, 21–64 years) with cerebral disorders underwent contrast transcranial Doppler sonography (cTCD) and non-enhanced CCMRI examinations between October 2019 and March 2020. CCMRI was performed with a 3.0T magnetic resonance (MR) scanner using the OBL FIESTA CINE 4CH sequence. The scanning direction was perpendicular to the interatrial septum (IAS). The obtained MR images were analyzed by AW station 4.4. Pseudo-color coding was performed based on the different phases. The blood shunt condition was observed and recorded, noting the PFO length and width and whether it was complicated by IAS aneurysm or secondary septum thickening.Results: Thirty-nine of the 44 patients with cerebral disorders were confirmed to have right-to-left shunt by cTCD, and 37 of them were diagnosed with PFO by CCMRI. Two of the five remaining patients were also diagnosed with PFO by CCMRI. Compared with cTCD as a standard, CCMRI assessment resulted in the following: sensitivity, 94.9%; specificity, 60.0%; accuracy, 90.9%; positive predictive value, 94.9%; negative predictive value, 60.0%; area under the curve, 0.774. Using pseudo-color coding, a right-to-left color jet was observed in 34 patients, and a two-way shunt was found in five. IAS aneurysm and secondary septum thickening were found in five and three patients (11.4% and 6.8%), respectively. The maximum PFO diameters ranged from 1.7 to 16.8 mm, and the mean diameter was 5.4 ± 3.4 mm.Conclusion: The noninvasive CCMRI without contrast proved an excellent method for PFO identification, evaluation, and classification, with high sensibility (92.85%) and concordance (90.9%) compared to cTCD.
Analysis of Deformation Characteristics of Reverse Slope Under The Influence of Reservoir Water Based On Community Detection
Authors: Xie Liangfu , cui jianbin , Qin Yongjun , Qiu Liewang
Published: September 2021

In order to study the deformation characteristics of reverse slope, this paper took the slope of Xiaodongcao as the research object, applied the Louvain community detection algorithm, considered the influence of reservoir water level change, partitioned the slope deformation characteristics. The deformation characteristic zoning result was superimposed with the slope displacement cloud map and three types of geological geometric characteristic factor zoning map obtained by ArcGIS. The results show that：Community detection can quickly identify the closely connected part of slope network, and the specific location of this part is affected by reservoir water. After the community detection result is superimposed with the displacement cloud map, the areas with large deformation and close connection in the slope can be identified. It is found that the community with severe deformation have at least 5% more displacement and up to 21% more displacement than that with slow deformation. In addition, the location of leader nodes can be identified, and the number of leader nodes does not exceed 20% of the total nodes in the community, and its average displacement is at least 10% more than that of ordinary nodes, up to 36%. After the community detection result is superimposed with the zoning map of slope grade, it can be concluded that the slope grade within the community with severe deformation is greater than 60°, indicating that the larger slope grade is more sensitive to the bank slope deformation.
Eight-Year Longitudinal Associations of the Onset of Prediabetes and Diabetes with Cognitive Function Decline Among Chinese Adults Aged 45 Years or Older
Authors: Wang Xiaojie , Li Xiuwen , Wang Wanxin , Shi Guangduoji , Wu Ruipeng , Guo Lan , Lu Ciyong
Published: September 2021

Background

With the population aging, diabetes and cognitive function decline are increasingly common among older adults worldwide. However, the evidence about the effects and mechanism of prediabetes and diabetes on cognitive function is still limited. The purposes of this longitudinal study were to estimate the longitudinal associations of the onset of prediabetes and diabetes status with cognitive function among Chinese adults aged 45 years or older during an 8-year period; to estimate the clinical risk factors associated with cognitive function among patients with prediabetes and diabetes.
Methods

Participants were enrolled between 2011 and 2012, and followed up between 2018 and 2019 in the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study. In this study, we focused on newly diagnosed diabetic status, and those diagnosed with diabetes before or not providing fasting blood samples were excluded. Diabetic status was assessed according to the 2010 American Diabetes Association (ADA) guidelines. The general cognitive function, demographic characteristics, and clinical and biochemical factors were also measured.
Results

At baseline, 849 (21.3%) participants were first diagnosed with prediabetes, and 444 (11.1%) were diabetes patients. After adjusting for age, gender, marital status, education level, ever smoking, ever drinking, self-comment about health, hypertension, dyslipidemia, depressive symptoms, cognitive function, and clinical and biochemical measurements at baseline, diabetes status was a significant risk factor for subsequent cognitive decline (unstandardized β estimate=-0.47, 95% CI=-0.91~-0.04). Further stratification analyses found that only triglyceride concentrations were negatively associated with cognitive function among prediabetes patients (unstandardized β estimate=-0.004, 95% CI=-0.007~-0.001), and only creatine reactive protein was significantly associated with cognitive decline among diabetes patients (unstandardized β estimate=-0.065, 95% CI=-0.122~-0.009).
Conclusions

There is a positive longitudinal association between the onset of diabetes and cognitive decline among middle-aged and elderly Chinese. The management of triglycerides through lifestyle modification for prediabetes and specific adjunctive anti-inflammatory therapy for diabetes could benefit cognitive performance.
Toxicity, Pharmacokinetics, And Antitumor Activity Study of a Novel Long-Acting Paclitaxel Nanodrug Delivery System Constructed On a Curcumin Derivative Carrier
Authors: Pi chao , Zeng Mingtang , Ma Jingwen , Guo Pu , Shen Hongping , Zhang Xiaomei , Zou Yonggen , Guo Yongcan , Li Ke , Zhao Wenmei , Wei Yumeng , Zhao Ling
Published: September 2021

Purpose/Background: Paclitaxel (PTX) has been widely used in the clinic to treat breast cancer. However, its poor water solubility and intolerable toxicity greatly reduce the efficacy and medication safety. In this paper, a curcumin derivative (CUD) synthesized by the research group was used as a carrier to prepare a new type of PTX nanodrug delivery system (CUD-PTX-LN), thereby improving the safety of PTX medication and enhancing the anti-tumor effect.Methods: CUD-PTX-LN was prepared by solid dispersion technology and the dialysis method was adopted to investigate the release behavior of CUD-PTX-LN in vitro. Meanwhile, the dynamic process of nanoparticles in vivo was analyzed by pharmacokinetic experiments. Hemolysis experiment, acute toxicity and cumulative toxicity were conducted in mice to evaluate the safety of CUD-PTX-LN. Subsequently, the anti-tumor activity of CUD-PTX-LN was investigated using in vitro and in vivo breast cancer cell models.Results: The average particle size, PDI, and Zeta potential of CUD-PTX-LN were 238.5 ± 4.79 nm, 0.225 ± 0.011 and -33.8 ± 1.26 mV, respectively. CUD-PTX-LN had an encapsulation efficiency (%EE) of 94.20 ± 0.49% and an achievable drug loading (%DL) of 10.98 ± 0.31%. This nanoparticle was stable for up to half a year when the lyophilized powder was stored at room temperature. Cytotoxicity test on MCF-7 cells demonstrated the stronger cytotoxic activity of nanoparticles in comparison to free PTX. CUD-PTX-LN significantly prolonged the half-life and retention time of PTX. The area under the curve (AUC) of CUD-PTX-LN was 14.72 mg/L × h, which was 6 times that of the free PTX group (2.38 mg/L × h). In anti-tumor experiments in vivo, CUD-PTX-LN possessed the advantages of improving the antitumor efficacy and reducing the toxic side effects of drugs. Importantly, CUD-PTX-LN is safer than free PTX in terms of assessing hemolytic, acute and cumulative toxicity.Conclusion: A novel PTX nanodrug delivery system constructed based on CUD as a carrier holds great potential in improving breast cancer treatment.
Development and Validation of a Novel Diagnostic Model for Initially Clinical Diagnosed Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors Using An Extreme Gradient-Boosting Machine
Authors: Hu Bozhi , Wang Chao , Jiang Kewei , Shen Zhanlong , Yang Xiaodong , Yin Mujun , Liang Bin , Xie Qiwei , Ye Yingjiang , Gao Zhidong
Published: September 2021

INTRODUCTION
Gastrointestinal stromal tumor (GIST) is the most common gastrointestinal soft tissue tumor. Clinical diagnosis mainly relies on enhanced CT, endoscopy and endoscopic ultrasound (EUS), but the misdiagnosis rate is still high without fine needle aspiration biopsy. We aim to develop a novel diagnostic model by analyzing the preoperative data of the patients.
METHODS
We used the data of patients who were initially diagnosed as gastric GIST and underwent partial gastrectomy. The patients were randomly divided into training dataset and test dataset at a ratio of 3 to 1. After pre-experimental screening, max depth = 2, eta = 0.1, gamma = 0.5, and nrounds = 200 were defined as the best parameters, and in this way we developed the initial extreme gradient-boosting (XGBoost) model. Based on the importance of the features in the initial model, we improved the model by excluding the hematological features. In this way we obtained the final XGBoost model and underwent validation using the test dataset.
RESULTS
In the initial XGBoost model, we found that the hematological indicators (including inflammation and nutritional indicators) examined before the surgery had little effect on the outcome, so we subsequently excluded the hematological indicators. Similarly, we also screened the features from enhanced CT and ultrasound gastroscopy, and finally determined the 6 most important predictors for GIST diagnosis, including the ratio of long and short diameter under CT, the CT value of the tumor, the enhancement of the tumor in arterial period and venous period, existence of liquid area and calcific area inside the tumor under EUS. Round or round-like tumors with a CT value of around 30 (25–37) and delayed enhancement, as well as liquid but not calcific area inside the tumor best indicate the diagnosis of GIST.
CONCLUSIONS
We developed a model to further differential diagnose GIST from other tumors in initially clinical diagnosed gastric GIST patients by analyzing the results of clinical examinations that most patients should have completed before surgical resection.
Palladium Supported On Ethylenediaminetetraacetic Acid Functionalized Cellulose: Synthesis, Characterization, And Its Application In Carbon−Carbon Cross-Coupling Reactions
Authors: Xu Zhian , Xu Jinxi , Zheng Waner , Li Yiqun
Published: September 2021

Through the esterification of cellulose (Cell) with ethylenediaminetetraacetic dianhydride, ethylenediaminetetraacetic acid-functionalized cellulose (Cell-EDTA) was conveniently obtained. Furtherly a novel and efficient Cell-EDTA-supported palladium catalyst (Pd@Cell-EDTA) was easily prepared via coordination of Cell-EDTA with PdCl2. The as-prepared Pd@Cell-EDTA was fully characterized by inductively coupled plasma atomic emission spectrometry (ICP-AES), X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS), Flourier transform infrared spectra (FTIR), energy-dispersive spectroscopy (EDS), scanning electron microscopy, transmission electron microscopy (SEM), thermogravimetric analysis (TGA) and derivative thermogravimetric analysis (DTG) techniques. Then Pd@Cell-EDTA were successfully exerted as catalysts in Suzuki reactions and Sonogashira reactions. Due to the interactions of carboxylic groups, nitrogen atoms, and hydroxyl groups on cellulose, the Pd complex showed excellent activity towards these carbon-carbon cross-coupling reactions. The catalyst recycling experiment for Suzuki model reaction showed that the catalyst can be reused at least five times without significant losing its catalytic performance. The present cellulose-based Pd@Cell-EDTA catalyst offers the salient features of wide application, excellent catalytic activity, good reusability, tolerance of broad scope of substrate, and environmental benign.