bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of The Mixed Effects Regression Model for Clustered Count Response Data
Authors: Aguade Aragaw Eshetie , Begari B.Muniswamy
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe Poisson regression model is useful for analyse count data, but, when the observations are correlated the Poisson estimate will be biased. Whereas, when the over-dispersion and heterogeneity problems occur the imposition of the Poisson model underestimate the standard error and overestimate the significance of the regression parameters. Therefore, the objective of this paper was to develop a test statistic to model and predict clustered count response data via the application and simulation data.MethodsThis paper concentrated on the clustered count data model to take into account heterogeneity. Accordingly, we developed a score test based on the multilevel Poisson model for testing heterogeneity with the alternative Poisson regression model. In addition, for the model application, we used the EDHS children`s data. Therefore, to evaluate the proposed model, we used both simulation and application data.ResultsSimulation results showed that the proposed score test has high power to predict and used to control heterogeneity between groups. Oromia, Amhara, and SNNPR are among the regions with the highest child mortality rates (Table 1). The results indicated that women who made marriage a mean age of 16 years and gave birth to the first child a mean age of 18 years and 8 months. Table 1 showed that 81% of all child deaths have recorded in rural areas. 78% of child families were illiterate, as a result, 75% of children don't have access to latrines and drinking water. Rivers and open-source waters are the common sources of drinking water, which comprised 79% of the total water supply. Therefore, from the research finding, it is possible to conclude that most child mortality is due to scarcity of water.ConclusionThe Power of test estimates indicated that the proposed method was better than the existing models. All covariant and dummy explanatory variables have a significant effect on the deaths of children. Hence, the multilevel Poisson model results indicated that there exists high variability among regions for the deaths of children. Therefore, this work suggested that the applications of the random-effects model provided a simple and robust means to predict the count response data model.
Sarcoma Molecular Pathological Diagnosis of FFPE Tissues without Dewaxing based on Lipidomic Profiles using SpiderMass Technology
Authors: Ogrinc Nina , Caux Pierre-Damien , Robin Yves-marie , Bouchaert Emmanuel , Fatou Benoit , Ziskind Mickael , Focsa Cristian , Bertin Delphine , Tierny Dominique , Takats Zoltan , Salzet Michel , Fournier Isabelle
Published: February 2021

Background :Formalin-fixation and paraffin-embedding (FFPE) is the worldwide gold standard for tissue preservation and routine pathology for general and cancer diagnostics. Despite robust histopathology methods, accurate diagnostic remains difficult for certain cases. Overall, the entire process is time-consuming, labor-intensive and doesn’t reach the right sensitivity and specificity. Lipids are central players in cancer, but they are not routinely used in diagnostics because of the sample processing which limits their detection, and lipid analysis directly from unprocessed FFPE tissues has never been reported. Methods :We present a new method for cancer diagnostics based on tissue-lipidomic signatures through rapid screening of FFPE without dewaxing using Water-Assisted Laser Desorption Ionization Mass Spectrometry (WALDI-MS) and deep-learning. Results :We show on a cohort of canine and human sarcoma tissues that classification for sarcoma sub-typing is possible and enables diagnosing blind samples in less than five minutes, with over 95% probability to discriminate specific subtypes. Conclusion: We have revealed the possibility to create a rapid diagnostic platform to screen clinical FFPE tissues with minimal sample preparation for molecular pathology.
Comparative Pathology of Experimental Avibacterium Paragallinarum Infection in Chicken and Japanese Quail
Authors: Balouria Aadish , Deshmukh Sidhartha , Banga Harmanjit Singh , Chawak Milind Madhukar , Dash Shakti Kant , Thakur Aneesh
Published: February 2021

IntroductionAvibacterium paragallinarum (Av.paragallinarum) is the causative agent of infectious coryza (IC) in chicken, an economically devastating disease of poultry industry. Despite the availability of effective vaccines against IC, the infection is rampant in unorganized poultry sector. Moreover, reports of wider host susceptibility in poultry farms and under field conditions are also emerging. Av.paragallinarum affects the upper respiratory tract of birds and has a predilection for the nasal turbinates. However, no study has systematically evaluated the early pathological changes and mucosal immune responses during Av. paragallinarum infection in the nasal turbinates of chicken. Furthermore, the use of Japanese quail as an alternate experimental animal model than chicken in IC remain unexplored. Here, we examined clinical signs, gross and histopathological changes at the nasal turbinates following experimental Av. paragallinarum infection in chicken and Japanese quail. MethodsWe developed a comprehensive scoring system for recording gross and histopathologic lesions during infection. ResultsOur data show that chicken have a higher susceptibility to Av.paragallinarum infection than the Japanese quail. Japanese quail had significantly lower gross as well as histopathology score in nasal turbinates as compared to infected chicken. Importantly, chicken at an early age i.e. 2.5 weeks were able to induce mucosal immune responses against Av. paragallinarum infection. ConclusionOur findings suggest that there are demonstrable differences in the disease pathology and host immune response to Av. paragallinarum infection in chicken and Japanese quail and warrant further investigation for the use of Japanese quail as an animal model for IC.
Piperazine-Substituted Chalcones: A New Class of MAO-B, AChE, and BACE-1 Inhibitors for the Treatment of Neurologic Al Disorders
Authors: Mathew Bijo , Oh Jong Min Min , Al-Rashed Sarah , Batiha Gaber El-Saber , Parambi Della Grace Thomas , Gambacorta Nicola , Nicolotti Orazio , Kim Hoon
Published: February 2021

Eleven piperazine-containing 1,3-diphenylprop-2-en-1-one derivatives (PC1-PC11) were evaluated for their inhibitory activities against monoamine oxidases (MAOs), cholinesterases (ChEs), and β-site amyloid precursor protein cleaving enzyme 1 (BACE-1) with a view toward developing new treatments for neurological disorders. Compounds PC10 and PC11 remarkably inhibited MAO-B inhibition with IC50 values of 0.65 and 0.71 µM, respectively. Ten of the eleven compounds weakly inhibited AChE and BChE with > 50% of residual activities at 10 µM, although PC4 inhibited AChE by 56.6% (IC50 = 8.77 µM). Compound PC3 effectively inhibited BACE-1 (IC50 = 6.72 µM), and PC10 and PC11 moderately inhibited BACE-1 (IC50 =14.9 and 15.3 µM, respectively). Reversibility and kinetic studies showed that PC10 and PC11 were reversible and competitive inhibitors of MAO-B with Ki values of 0.63 ± 0.13 and 0.53 ± 0.068 µM, respectively. ADME predictions for lead compounds revealed that PC10 and PC11 have central nervous system (CNS) drug-likeness. Molecular docking simulations showed that fluorine atom and trifluoromethyl group on PC10 and PC11, respectively, interacted with the substrate cavity of the MAO-B active site. Our results suggested that PC10 and PC11 be considered potential candidates for the treatment of neurological disorders such as Alzheimer’s disease and Parkinson’s disease.
Impact of Educational Self-Efficacy Enhancement Program on Quality of Life, Pain Management, Self-Efficiency Behaviors and Its Impact of Satisfaction among Adults Diabetic Patients with Peripheral Neuropathy Pain: A Randomized Control Trial
Authors: Abu-Shennar Jawad AHMAD , Bayraktar Nurhan
Published: February 2021

Background: Peripheral neuropathy pain is common among adult diabetic patients worldwide. Lifestyle behavior modification such as proper diet and exercise, quitting smoking, weight control and regular follow up, as well as enhancement of self-efficacy among adult diabetic patients can be helpful in managing peripheral neuropathy pain and, therefore, improving their quality of life and satisfaction.Aims: This study aims to investigate educational self-efficacy enhancement program's impact on pain management, self-efficiency behaviors, quality of life and satisfaction among adult diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy pain.Materials and Methods: This randomized controlled study was conducted between October and March 2020 at the Jordanian Ministry of Health settings, where 72 adult diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy pain were randomly assigned into research group (n = 36) or control group (n = 36), after obtaining ethical approval and informed consents. An educational self-efficacy enhancement program was implemented in the research group only. The instrument used for data collection consisted of Demographic Data Form, Diabetes Pain Intensity Scale, Self-Efficacy Scale, Quality of Life Questionnaire (EQ-5D) and Patient Satisfaction Questionnaire.Results: Statistically significant improvements in pain levels (p = 0.020), self-efficacy score (p = 0.000), quality of life scores (p = 0.000) and best imagined health status (p = 0 .000) were found among research group participants. Furthermore, multiple-linear regression models showed that the implementation of educational self-efficacy enhancement program significantly increased the explained variance of self-efficacy scores (R2 = 0.746, p = 0.000) and quality of life scores (R2 = 0.746, p = 0.000). At the end of implementation, research group participants showed a high overall satisfaction levels (4.33 out of 5). Conclusion: The findings suggest that an educational self-efficacy enhancement program is effective in modifying adult diabetic patients’ lifestyle, enhancing self-efficacy behaviors, managing peripheral neuropathy pain, improving quality of life and satisfaction among adult diabetic patients. It is, therefore, recommended to expand the implementation of this program among adult diabetic patients with peripheral neuropathy pain.
Development of a Combination Fermentation Strategy to Simultaneously Increase Biomass and Enzyme Activity of D-amino acid Oxidase Expressed in Escherichia Coli
Authors: Xu Jian-Miao , Cao Hui-Ting , Wang Ming , Ma Bao-Jian , Wang Liu-Yu , Zhang Kai , Cheng Feng , Xue Yaping , Zheng Yu-Guo
Published: February 2021

d-amino acid oxidase (DAAO) is widely used in the industrial preparation of l-amino acids, and cultivating Escherichia coli (E. coli) expressing DAAO for the biosynthesis of l-phosphinothricin (l-PPT) is very attractive. At present, the biomass production of DAAO by fermentation is still limited in large-scale industrial applications because the expression of DAAO during the fermentation process inhibits the growth of host cells, which limits higher cell density. In this study, the factors that inhibit the growth of bacterial cells during a 5 L fed-batch fermentation process were explored, and the fermentation process was optimized by co-expressing catalase (CAT), by balancing the biomass and the enzyme activity, and by adding exogenous d-alanine (d-Ala) to relieve the limitation of DAAO on the cells and optimize fermentation. Under optimal conditions, the DO-STAT feeding mode with DO controlled at 30% ± 5% and the addition of 27.5 g/L lactose mixed with 2 g/L d-Ala during induction at 28 °C resulted in the production of 26.03 g dry cell weight (DCW)/L biomass and 390.0 U/g DCW specific activity of DAAO; an increase of 78% and 84%, respectively, compared with the initial fermentation conditions. The fermentation strategy was successfully scale-up to a 5000L fermenter.
Sexual function in premenopausal women with breast cancer
Authors: Pontes Filipa , Magalhaes Joana , Basto Raquel , Felix Rita , Mariano Monica , Sousa Gabriela
Published: February 2021

Background: This cross-sectional study assessed Female Sexual Function Index (FSFI) scores in premenopausal women with breast cancer diagnosis. We aimed to determine variables that are associated with sexual dysfunction and if these thematic is being addressed by healthcare professionals.Methods: The FSFI questionnaire was administered to 199 premenopausal women 6 months after completing breast cancer initial treatment (surgery, radiation therapy or chemotherapy). A demographic questionnaire was administered. Scores were compared between sexually active women sub-groups. Questions, regarding FSFI acceptability and to find out if healthcare professionals are addressing these thematic were included.Results: The study included 199 women. Thirty-three were excluded from analysis because they declared no sexual activity in the 4 weeks before the survey. Ninety-seven women met the FSFI cutoff score for a sexual dysfunction. FSFI Scores were significantly lower in women treated with radiation therapy and in women treated with radical mastectomy and lumpectomy when compared with mastectomy with immediate reconstruction. One hundred and thirty-eight women were never or rarely questioned about their sexual health even though 71.2% reported feeling comfortable about sharing this problematic with doctors. Both sexually active and non-active women provided positive feedback about the FSFI.Conclusion: FSFI scores were compatible with sexual dysfunction in more than half of the sexually active women. Women treated with radiation therapy, radical mastectomy and lumpectomy had significant lower FSFI scores. With desirable acceptability, the FSFI is suitable for screening for sexual dysfunction in premenopausal women with
Dissociated Response and Clinical Impact in Patients Treated With Nivolumab Monotherapy
Authors: Sato Yuki , Morimoto Takeshi , Hara Shigeo , Nagata Kazuma , Hosoya Kazutaka , Nakagawa Atsushi , Tachikawa Ryo , Tomii Keisuke
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesImmune checkpoint inhibitors (ICIs) are effective for previously treated patients with advanced non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). However, an unconventional response pattern is sometimes encountered. A dissociated response (DR), characterized by some lesions shrinking and others growing, has been recognized with ICI treatment. In this study, we examined the characteristics and treatment outcomes of DR in previously treated NSCLC patients, receiving nivolumab monotherapy.Patients and MethodsWe conducted a retrospective cohort study of previously treated patients with advanced NSCLC who received nivolumab. We assessed the tumor response of each organ using the Response Evaluation Criteria in Solid Tumors (RECIST) criteria at the first radiologic evaluation. We investigated treatment outcome and compared overall survival using the Kaplan-Meier Method and log-rank tests. Further, we conducted the same analysis in patients who had previously received chemotherapy or tyrosine kinase inhibitor therapy in our hospital.ResultsBetween April 2016 and September 2018, 107 patients who received nivolumab fulfilled the inclusion criteria. Of them, 5 (5%) patients showed a DR. There were no specific differences in characteristics between DR and non-DR cases. Patients showing DR had significantly longer overall survival than those showing concordant progressive disease (46.9 vs. 8.2 months, p = 0.038). The frequencies of DR in the ICI, chemotherapy, and tyrosine kinase inhibitor-treated cohorts were 5%, 1%, and 4%, respectively.ConclusionDR was uncommon, but this presented a distinctive pattern of nivolumab response. Some patients might benefit from continuing nivolumab therapy and may achieve a longer overall survival.
Ultrasensitive in Vivo Fluorescence Imaging of Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Small Molecule-Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells in BALB/c mice.
Authors: Lee Sang Yeon , Han Ho-Seong , Kim Sang Tae , Kim Tae Hyun , Lee Kye Ho
Published: February 2021

BackgroundMesenchymal cell has been frequently used in clinical studies. Mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) are self-renewing, multipotent stem cells with the potential to differentiate into multiple mesoderm lineages. But MSC have limitation in clinical application for treating human diseases because they can differentiate several types of cell but not all types. PSL (Pluripotent Stem cell Like cell) are newly developed pluripotent stem cells from human mesenchymal stem cells (hMSC) induced by small molecule compounds. These cells have potential advantages for clinical cell treatment compared with ESCs and iPSCs.MethodsWe induced pluripotency from MSC using small molecules. It has tried to trace MSC and PSL in mice using bioluminescent techniques, which can detect visible light emitted from cells labeled with miRNA conjugated fluorescent molecules. ResultsMSCs predominantly migrate into the brain and testis. They also migrate to the liver, omentum, mesentery, kidneys and spleen. Migration of PSL is similar to MSCs, in that they go to the brain, testis and other intraperitoneal organs. Fluorescent images of explanted organs show that the intensity of brain images is higher in the PSL mouse group than the MSC mouse group. However, testis, image intensity is higher in MSC mouse group than the PSL mouse group. In PSL but not MSC mice, fluorescence persisted at the injection site in the tail.ConclusionsIn this study, injected MSCs and PSL predominantly migrated to the brain and testis. But, PSL migration was more than MSC migration in Brain. Both cell types had a similar migration pattern except for persistent fluorescence at injection site in the tail vein of PSL mice. We expect these cell therapy may have many potentials for clinical studies on these notable treatments.
The reality of employing the mathematics lab and its relationship to developing geometrical proof skills among high school students
Authors: Alshafey Gehan Ahmed Mahmoud , Aldosary Sara Saad
Published: February 2021

The study aimed to reveal the reality of employing the mathematics laboratory and its relation to the development of geometrical proof skills among high school students. Descriptive and semi-experimental methods were used to answer the research questions, and the study conducted a questionnaire administered to the secondary school teachers aimed at revealing the reality of employing the mathematics laboratory from their point of view and a list of geometrical proof skills necessary for high school students. A random sample was selected and represented by the research community that includes female teachers and female students in the secondary stage in Jubail city. The research sample consisted of (12 teachers and 58 students) divided into two groups, the first group included 28 students who studied geometrical proof by employing the mathematics laboratory, and the second group included 29 students who studied geometrical proof without employing the mathematics lab. The results showed that the reality of employing the mathematics laboratory from the point of view of the secondary school teachers in Jubail city was generally moderate, as there are statistically significant differences at the level of (0.01) of the means of scores between the first group and the second group in the skill of inferring relationships and the skill of the evaluation of proof due to the employment of the mathematics laboratory.
The Design of the Emission Layer for Electron Multipliers
Authors: Wang Yuman , Yan Baojun , Wen Kaile , Liu Shulin , Qi Ming , Zhang Binting , Gu Jianyu , Yao Wenjing
Published: February 2021

The electron multipliers gain is closely related to the secondary electron emission coefficient (SEE) of the emission layer materials. The SEE is closely related to the thickness of the emission layer. If the emission layer is thin, the low SEE causes the low gain of electron multipliers. If the emission layer is thick, the conductive layer can't timely supplement charge to the emission layer, the electronic amplifier gain is low too. The electron multipliers usually choose Al2O3 and MgO film as the emission layer because of the high SEE level. MgO easy deliquescence into Mg(OH)2 resulting in the lower SEE level. The SEE level of Al2O3 is lower than MgO, but Al2O3 is stable. We designed a spherical system for testing the SEE level of materials, and proposed to use lowenergy secondary electrons instead of low-energy electron beam for neutralization to measuring the SEE level of Al2O3, MgO, MgO/Al2O3, Al2O3/MgO, and precisely control the film thickness by using atomic layer deposition (ALD). We propose to compare the SEE under the adjacent incident electrons energy to partition the SEE value of the material, and obtain four empirical formula for the relationship between SEE and thickness. Through experiments and calculations, we put forward a new emission layer for electron multipliers, including 2~3 nm Al2O3 buffer layer, 9nm MgO main-body layer, 1nm protective layer or 0.3nm enhancement layer. We can apply this new emission layer to channel electron multiplier (CEM), microchannel plate (MCP), separate electron multiplier.
Genome Sequence, Transcriptome, and Annotation of Rodent Malaria Parasite Plasmodium Yoelii Nigeriensis N67
Authors: Zhang Cui , Oguz Cihan , Huse Sue , Xia Lu , Wu Jian , Peng Yu-Chih , Smith Margaret , Chen Jack , Long Carole A. , Lack Justin , Su Xin-zhuan
Published: February 2021

Background: Rodent malaria parasites are important models for studying host-malaria parasite interactions such as host immune response, mechanisms of parasite evasion of host killing, and vaccine development. One of the rodent malaria parasites is Plasmodium yoelii, and multiple P. yoelii strains or subspecies that cause different disease phenotypes have been widely employed in various studies. The genomes and transcriptomes of several P. yoelii strains have been analyzed and annotated, including the lethal strains of Plasmodium y. yoelii YM (or 17XL) and non-lethal strains of Plasmodium y. yoelii 17XNL/17X. Genomic DNA sequences and cDNA reads from another subspecies P. y. nigeriensis N67 have been reported for studies of genetic polymorphisms and parasite response to drugs, but its genome has not been assembled and annotated. Results: We performed genome sequencing of the N67 parasite using the PacBio long-read sequencing technology, de novo assembled its genome and transcriptome, and predicted 5,383 genes with high overall annotation quality. Comparison of the annotated genome of the N67 parasite with those of YM and 17X parasites revealed a set of genes with N67-specific orthology, expansion of gene families, particularly the homologs of the Plasmodium chabaudi erythrocyte membrane antigen, large numbers of SNPs and indels, and proteins predicted to interact with host immune responses based on their functional domains. Conclusions: The genomes of N67 and 17X parasites are highly diverse, having approximately one polymorphic site per 50 base pairs of DNA. The annotated N67 genome and transcriptome provide searchable databases for fast retrieval of genes and proteins, which will greatly facilitate our efforts in studying the parasite biology and gene function and in developing effective control measures against malaria.
WITHDRAWN: Amelioration of hippocampal neuronal morphology and function by mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes in APP/PS1 transgenic mice
Authors: Wang Han , Liu Yuqi , Li Junchen , Wang Tian , Hei Yue , Li Huiming , Wang Xue , Wang Lina , Zhao Ruijing , Baskys Andrius , Liu Weiping , Long Qianfa
Published: February 2021

Mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes (MSC-EXO), as a therapeutic agent, have shown great promise in the treatment of neurological diseases. To date, the therapeutic effects and underlying mechanism(s) of MSC-EXO in Alzheimer's disease (AD) are not well understood. The aim of this study was to investigate the action of MSC-EXO on hippocampal neuronal structure and function in APPswe/PS1dE9 (APP/PS1) transgenic mice. Here, the APP/PS1 transgenic mice received a single-dose of MSC-EXO via a tail vein injection, and were then assessed for pathological changes, neuronal morphology alterations, electrophysiological variations, and behavioral deficits. Additionally, the nuclear factor E2-related factor 2 (Nrf2, a key mediator of oxidative injury) signaling pathway was probed by Western blotting in H2O2-stimulated hippocampal neurons and a mouse model of AD. Our results showed that MSC-EXO therapy inhibited β-amyloid protein (Aβ) aggregation by reducing protein expression of 6E10 (marker of deposited amyloid plaques), repaired the synapses and dendritic spines of hippocampal neurons, restored action potentials in hippocampal pyramidal cells, improved cognitive abilities, and reduced memory impairments in a mouse model of AD. Additionally, we found that the Nrf2 signaling pathway participated in the actions of MSC-EXO, both in vitro and in vivo. Together, these data indicate that MSC-derived exosomes ameliorate the deficits in hippocampal neuronal structure and function associated with the Nrf2 signaling pathway in APP/PS1 transgenic mice, suggesting the MSC-EXO as a functional therapeutic agent in AD.
Genome Sequence of Lactobacillus Plantarum Phage P2
Authors: Ma Ruirui , Zhao Jie , Guo She , Chen Xia
Published: February 2021

Lactobacillus plantarum phage P2 was isolated and purified from failed fermentation broth of Lactobacillus plantarum IMAU10120. Its morphology showed this phage belongs to Siphoviridae. The genome size of this phage was 77,937 bp in length with an average G+C content of 39.28 %, including 96 coding sequences (CDS) and 2 tRNA genes. Genomic and phylogenetic analysis revealed that phage P2 is a novel phage. Its predicted functional proteins including structural protein and protein involved in DNA replication and packaging, virus metabolism and host adsorption or lysis are presented.
"You Can Collaborate and Go Together to Do Family Planning”: A Qualitative Endline Evaluation Study of Male Engagement in Promoting Reproductive, Maternal, Newborn and Child Health Services in Rural Kenya.
Authors: Lusambili Adelaide M , Wisofschi Stefania , Shumba Constance , Muriuki Peter , Obure Jerim , Mantel Michaela , Mossman Lindsay , Pell Rachel , Nyaga Lucy , Ngugi Anthony , Orwa James , Luchters Stanley , Mulama Kennedy , Wade Terrance , Temmerman Marleen
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUNDGlobally, male involvement in reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health (RMNCH) is associated with increased benefits for women, their children, and their communities. Between 2016 and 2020, the Aga Khan University has been implementing the Access to Quality of Care through Extending and Strengthening Health Systems (AQCESS), project funded by the Government of Canada and Aga Khan Foundation Canada (AKFC). A key component of the project was to encourage greater male engagement in RMNCH in rural Kisii and Kilifi, two predominantly patriarchal communities in Kenya, through a wide range of interventions. Towards the end of the project, we conducted a qualitative evaluation to explore how male engagement strategies influenced access to and utilization of RMNCH services. This paper presents the endline evaluative study findings on how male engagement influenced reproductive, maternal, newborn and child health in rural Kisii and Kilifi.METHODSThe study used complementing qualitative methods in the AQCESS intervention areas. We conducted 10 focus group discussions with the community members across four groups including adult women, adult men, adolescent girls, and adolescent boys. We also conducted 11 key informant interviews with facility health managers, and sub county and county officials who were aware of the AQCESS project.RESULTSMale engagement activities in Kisii and Kilifi counties were linked to improved knowledge and uptake of family planning, spousal/partner accompaniment to facility care and defeminization of social and gender roles.CONCLUSIONThis study supports the importance of male involvement in RMNCH in facilitating decisions on women and children’s health as well as in improving spousal support for use of family planning methods.
Design and Analysis of AlGaN/InGaN/GaN and InAlN/InGaN/GaN HEMTs for High-Power Wide Bandwidth Applications
Authors: A REVATHY , Boopathi C.S. , Nirmal D.
Published: February 2021

We present the stable transconductance operation of InGaN/GaN composite channel based HEMTs. LG = 55 nm AlGaN/InGaN/GaN (Device A) and InAlN/InGaN/GaN (Device B) HEMTs were proposed and investigated its operational characteristics using numerical simulation. Existence of deeper potential well, the proposed HEMTs possesses high 2DEG (two-dimensional electron gas) density, enhanced electron confinement, and improved electron mobility. As a result, the device shows enhanced current density, and high linearity operation. Furthermore, Al0.04Ga0.96N superlative back-barrier significantly reduces the buffer leakage current resulting in improved breakdown voltage (VBR). The proposed device A (device B) exhibited 2.81 (5) A/mm of output current density, 0.669 (0.7273) S/mm, 4 (7) V of GVS (gate voltage swing), 55.3 (43.5) V of breakdown voltage, and 252/263 (275/289) GHz of FT/FMAX. This excellent device performances illustrates the potential of InGaN/GaN channel HEMTs for future wide-band telecommunication, radio astronomy, radar and space applications.
Maternal Folic Acid Supplementation, Dietary Folate Intake and Low Birth Weight: A Birth Cohort Study
Authors: Yang LiPing , Wang Wenjuan , Mao Baohong , Qiu Jie , Guo Huaqi , Yi Bin , He Xiaochun , Lin Xiaojuan , Lv Ling , Xu XiaoYing , Liu Qing , Cheng Yiming , Cao Yongchun
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTo investigate the independent and collective effects of maternal folic acid supplementation or dietary folate intake upon the risk of low birth weight (LBW), and to further comprehensively examine the joint associations of folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake with LBW by various clinical subtypes.DesignParticipants were recruited in Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital. A standardized and structured questionnaire was distributed to collect demographic factors, reproductive and medical history, occupational and residential history, physical activity and diet. Data on pregnancy-related complications and birth outcomes were extracted from medical records. Unconditional logistic regression models were used to estimate odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (95%CI) for single and joint associations of folic acid supplementation and dietary folate intake with LBW. SettingA birth cohort data analysis using the 2010–2012 Gansu Provincial Maternity and Child Care Hospital in Lanzhou, China.Participants9231 pregnant women and their children were enrolled in the study. ResultsCompared to non-users, folic acid supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of LBW (OR: 0.80, 95%CI: 0.66-0.97), and the reduced risk was mainly seen for term-LBW (OR: 0.59, 95%CI: 0.41-0.85), and multiparous-LBW (OR: 0.72, 95%CI: 0.54-0.94). For dietary folate intake, there were no significant associations with LBW, and there was no interaction of folic acid supplement and dietary folate intake on LBW.Conclusions﻿Our study results indicated that folic acid supplementation was associated with a reduced risk of LBW, and there was not interaction of folic acid supplement and dietary folate intake on LBW.
Numerical Modelling of The Behavior of Tunnel in Soft Surrounding Rock. A Case Study of Djebel El-Ouahch Tunnel, Algeria.
Authors: Aicha Barkane , Mezhoud Sami
Published: February 2021

The response of a massif to stresses generated by tunnel excavation depends essentially on the geological conditions, the geometry of the tunnel and its underground position. The major problem related to the construction of these structures is to ensure the stability of the whole tunnel-ground, by controlling the various deformation generated during the constructionIn this context, the present paper examines the effect of these conditions on the behavior of tunnels and the surrounding soil. The study is applied to a real tunnel, in this case the tunnel of Djebel El Ouahch, Algeria was taken as a reference model. The research includes a parametric study to evaluate the effect of several parameters on the behavior of the tunnel and surrounding soil such as the tunnel anchoring depth, the tunnel-soil interface rate, and the shape of the tunnel cross section. The analysis is performed using the PLAXIS 3D TUNNEL calculation code with an elastoplastic Mohr-coulomb model for the soil behavior. The results show that the strongest and most stable position is the mid-deep tunnel with a circular section, with a non-slip interface between the tunnel and the ground. These outcomes can help to understand the effects of various influences parameters which control the stability of the tunnel in a soil with bad characteristics.
Yield Advantage of a Maize-peanut Intercropping System
Authors: Li Yan-hong , Wang Lei , Shi De-yang , Dong Shu-ting
Published: February 2021

Maize-peanut intercropping is an important element of China’s agricultural planting model, as it confers ecological benefits, promotes species diversity, and increases economic efficiency and yield. The aim of this study was to explore the yield differences between intercropping and monoculture, and to determine the mechanism underlying the high yield efficiency of the intercropping system using the 13C isotope tracer labelling method. The early maturing corn hybrid Denghai 618 and the early maturing and high-yielding peanut variety Huayu 22 were used as test materials. Three kinds of planting methods were employed, i.e. the sole maize (SM), the sole peanut (SP) and maize–peanut intercropping (intercropped maize, IM; intercropped peanut, IP), for two consecutive years. IM increased yield by 59.7% and 62.3% comparing with SM in 2015 and 2016, respectively. IP reduced yield by 31.3% and 32.3% comparing with SP in 2015 and 2016, respectively. IM significantly increased the photosynthetic rate, leaf area, 13C assimilation distribution, and dry matter accumulation of summer maize, which led to an increase in kernel number, resulting in an increased yield. The decrease in intercropped peanut yield was mainly caused by a decrease in the percent of plump pod and number of pods per plant. The decrease in peanut yield did not affect the production of intercropping, because of the large intercropping advantage and land equivalence ratio. Maize-peanut intercropping provided greater economic benefits than monoculture. These results showed the utility of the peanut-maize intercropping model.
Single-Port Thoracoscopic Anatomic Resection for Chronic Inflammatory Lung Disease.
Authors: Wu Chen-Yu , Chen Ying-Yuan , Chang Chao-Chun , Yen Yi-Ting , Lai Wu-Wei , Huang Wei-Li , Tseng Yau-Lin
Published: February 2021

BackgroundIt is difficult to proceed thoracoscopic anatomic resection when encountering severe adhesion or calcified lymphadenopathy. Compared with open thoracotomy or three-port video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery (VATS), single-port (SP-) VATS is preferred. In the present study, we reported the surgical results of chronic inflammatory lung disease and shared some useful SP-VATS techniques.MethodsWe retrospectively assessed the surgical results of chronic inflammatory lung disease, primarily bronchiectasis, and mycobacterial infection, at our institution between 2010 and 2018. The patients who underwent SP-VATS anatomic resection were compared with those who underwent multi-port (MP) procedures. We analyzed the baseline characteristics, perioperative data, and postoperative outcomes, and used four special techniques depending on the situation: flexible hook electrocautery, hilum-first technique, application of Satinsky vascular clamp, and staged closure of bronchial stump method.ResultsWe classified 170 consecutive patients undergoing thoracoscopic anatomic resection into SP and MP groups, which had significant between-group differences in operation time and overall complication rate (P = 0.037 and 0.018, respectively). Compared to the MP-VATS group, the operation time of SP-VATS was shorter, and the conversion rate of SP-VATS was relatively lower (3.1% vs. 10.5%, P = 0.135). The most common complication was prolonged air leakage (SP-VATS, 10.8%; MP-VATS, 2.9%, P = 0.045). ConclusionsFor chronic inflammatory lung disease, certain surgical techniques render SP-VATS anatomic resection feasible and practical with a low conversion rate.
Relationship Between Serum C-reactive protein Levels and Apolipoprotein E Gene Polymorphism: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Wang Lei , He Xiaoyin , He Yuanyuan , Zhang Lihua , Wang Runkun , Shi Shaokui
Published: February 2021

Background and Aim: Apolipoprotein E refers to a polymorphic protein involved in lipoprotein transport and metabolism. However, the relationship between Apo E gene polymorphism and serum CRP levels remains unclear. The present meta-analysis aimed to comprehensively assess the relationships between Apo E gene polymorphism and serum CRP levels. Method: Comprehensive search of all relevant documents published in PubMed, EMBASE, Web of science, Cochrane Library before April 2020. Calculate the standard deviation of mean (SMD) and 95% confidence interval (CI) with a random effects model. Compare serum CRP levels between different Apo E genotypes and isoforms. Use funnel plots to assess publication bias of studies involved. Results: On the whole, 9 studies including 173 different Apo E genotypes comparisons were involved in the present meta-analysis. Overall, the serum CRP level of the apo E ε3ε4 and ε4ε4 genotypes exhibit lower CRP levels as compared with ε3ε3 (OR= -0.21, 95% CI: -0.25, -0.16, P<0.00001; OR= -0.32, 95% CI： -0.39， -0.25, P<0.00001); Apo E ε2ε2 and ε2ε4 display higher CRP levels as compared with ε4ε4 (OR= 0.38, 95% CI: 0.16, 0.60, P=0.0006; OR= 0.38, 95% CI: 0.27, 0.49, P<0.00001). Moreover, Apo E E4 isoforms achieve lower CRP levels than E2 and E3 (OR= 0.22, 95% CI: 0.17, 0.26, P<0.00001; OR= 0.22, 95% CI: 0.15， 0.29, P<0.00001). Conclusions: As revealed from the present meta-analysis, serum CRP levels are different between different Apo E gene polymorphism, and Apo E genotypes with a higher risk of atherosclerosis exhibit lower serum CRP levels.
Identification of Eleven Novel BRCA Mutations in Tunisia: Impact on the Clinical Management of BRCA Related Cancers
Authors: Hamdi Yosr , Mighri Najah , Boujemaa Maroua , Mejri Nesrine , Nasr Sonia Ben , Rekaya Mariem Ben , Messaoud Olfa , Bouaziz Hanen , Berrazega Yosra , Rachdi Haifa , Jaidane Olfa , Daoud Nouha , Zribi Aref , Ayari Jihene , Benna Houda El , Labidi Soumaya , Hassouna Jamel Ben , Haddaoui Abderazzek , Rahal Khaled , Benna Farouk , Mrad Ridha , Ahmed Slim Ben , Boussen Hamouda , Boubaker Samir , Abdelhak Sonia
Published: February 2021

Background Breast cancer is the world's most common cancer among women. It is becoming an increasingly urgent problem in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) where a large fraction of women is diagnosed with advanced-stage disease and have no access to treatment or basic palliative care. About 5-10% of all breast cancers can be attributed to hereditary genetic components and up to 25% of familial cases are due to mutations in BRCA1/2 genes. Since their discovery in 1994 and 1995, as few as 18 mutations have been identified in BRCA genes in the Tunisian population. The aim of this study is to identify additional BRCA mutations, to estimate their contribution to the hereditary breast and ovarian cancers in Tunisia and to investigate the clinicopathological signatures associated with BRCA mutations. Methods A total of 354 patients diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancers, including 5 male breast cancer cases, have been investigated for BRCA1/2 mutations using traditional and/or next generation sequencing technologies. Clinicopathological signatures associated with BRCA mutations have been also investigated. Results 16 distinct mutations were detected: 10 in BRCA1 and 6 in BRCA2, of which 11 are described for the first time in Tunisia including 3 variations that have not been reported previously in public databases namely BRCA1_c.915T>A; BRCA2_c.-227-?_7805+? and BRCA2_c.249delG. Early age at onset, family history of ovarian cancer and high tumor grade were significantly associated with BRCA status. BRCA1 carriers were more likely to be triple negative breast cancer compared to BRCA2 carriers. A relatively high frequency of contralateral breast cancer and ovarian cancer occurrence was observed among BRCA carriers and was more frequent in patients carrying BRCA1 mutations. Conclusion Our study provides new insights into breast and ovarian cancer genetic landscape in the under-represented North African populations. The prevalence assessment of novel and recurrent BRCA1/2 pathogenic mutations will enhance the use of personalized treatment and precise screening strategies by both affected and unaffected North African cancer cases.
Effect of Psoralen on the Intestinal Barrier and Alveolar Bone Loss in Rats With Chronic Periodontitis
Authors: Liu Hua , Xu Yingjie , Cui Qi , Liu Ning , Chu Fuhang , Cong Beibei , Wu Yingtao
Published: February 2021

ObjectivesTo study the effects of psoralen on the intestinal barrier and alveolar bone loss (ABL) in rats with chronic periodontitis.MethodsFifty-two 8-week-old specific pathogen-free (SPF) male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats were randomly divided into the following four groups: Control group (Control), Psoralen group of healthy rats (Pso), Periodontitis model group (Model), and Psoralen group of periodontitis rats (Peri+Pso). The alveolar bone resorption of maxillary molars was observed via hematoxylin-eosin staining and micro-computed tomography. The expression level of receptor activator of nuclear factor-κB ligand (RANKL) and osteoprotegerin (OPG) in periodontal tissues were evaluated by immunofluorescence staining. The changes in serum tumour necrosis factor (TNF)-α, interleukin (IL)-10, IL-6, intestinal mucosal occludin and claudin-5 were detected using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA). The level of intestinal mucosal NOD2 was detected using immunohistochemical methods. DNA was extracted from the intestinal contents and the 16s rRNA gene was sequenced using an Illumina Miseq platform.ResultsThe expression of NOD2 protein in the intestinal tract of periodontitis rats decreased after intragastric psoralen administration. Psoralen increased the intestinal microbiota diversity of rats. The level of serum pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α decreased and the level of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10 increased. ABL was observed to be significantly decreased in rats treated with psoralen. Psoralen decreased the RANKL/OPG ratio of periodontitis rats.ConclusionsPsoralen may affect the intestinal immune barrier and ecological barrier, mediate immune response, promote the secretion of anti-inflammatory factor IL-10, and reduce the secretion of the pro-inflammatory factor TNF-α, thus reducing ABL in experimental periodontitis in rats.
Comparison of Pre- and Postoperative Histopathology Results in Patients with Endometrial Carcinoma
Authors: Zhang Yinglan , Zhao Yu , Li Yuan
Published: February 2021

Background: Preoperative histopathology is considered the most effective method for evaluation of endometrial carcinoma, and plays a crucial role in deciding the extent of surgical resection. In this study, we analysed clinical data to evaluate the accuracy of preoperative diagnosis by comparing preoperative hysteroscopic biopsy results with postoperative histopathological results. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, retrospective study of patients who underwent hysteroscopic biopsy and subsequent hysterectomy for endometrial carcinoma. Clinical data were collected for 289 patients who were diagnosed with endometrial carcinoma based on hysteroscopy. We compared the histotype and tumour differentiation grade to evaluate the accuracy of diagnosis based on preoperative hysteroscopic biopsy.Results: Compared with the postoperative histotype results, the overall accuracy of the preoperative histotype results was 94.8%, and the kappa value was 0.725 (p < 0.001). The weighted kappa value for agreement between preoperative and postoperative histopathological grade was 0.616, indicating the level of agreement was “substantial” (95% CI 0.538–0.695). The rate of misdiagnosis based on hysteroscopy was significantly higher for grade 3 cancer than for grade 1 cancer, and there was no significant difference for grade 2 cancer compared with the other two grades.Conclusions: Hysteroscopy is a reliable method for preoperative diagnosis of endometrial carcinoma. Preoperative assessment of histotype by hysteroscopy showed high consistency with postoperative results. However, there was a significantly higher rate of misdiagnosis for patients with poorly differentiated tumour, which may lead to overtreatment. For these patients, we recommend analysing frozen sections before determining a final treatment strategy.
Analysis of Influencing Factors of Residual Low Back Pain After PVP
Authors: Qin Fengwei , Zhang Wencai , Wang Shuai , Jiao feng , Feng yonghui , Zhang zhaofei , Xie chunliang , Liu donghua , Zhang sineng , Liang jie
Published: February 2021

Background: PVP (Percutaneous vertebroplasty) has been used to treat patients with OVCFs, however, we found that some patients did not significantly relieve back pain after surgery. The purpose of this paper is to explore the possible risk factors for residual low back pain after PVP and to Method: A retrospective study was conducted on 1120 patients hospitalized for osteoporotic vertebral compression fracture (OVCF) and treated with PVP between from July 2014 to June 2020 at our hospital. Baseline, clinical and surgical data were collected to analyze the factors associated with residual low back pain after PVP.Results: A total of 61 patients complained of residual low back pain, and the prevalence was 5.4%. Among the observed indices included, there were significant differences in preoperative thoracolumbar fascia injury (TFI) and a liquefaction signal on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the affected vertebrae; the number of responsible vertebrae and the distribution of bone cement were different between the two groups (P<0.05). Multivariate analysis revealed that preoperative TFI (OR=5.378, 95% CI: 1.713-16.888, P=0.004), a liquefaction signal on MRI of the affected vertebrae (OR=6.111, 95% CI：1.898-19.673, P=0.002), the number of responsible vertebrae (OR=0.098, 95% CI: 0.039-0.249, P=0.004), and the distribution of bone cement (OR=0.253, 95% CI: 0.079-0.810, P=0.021) were risk factors for residual low back pain after PVP.Conclusion: TFI, a liquefaction signal on MRI of the affected vertebrae, the number of responsible vertebrae and the distribution pattern of bone cement could be risk factors for residual low back pain after PVP.