bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Direct Measurement of Surface Adhesion Between Thin Films of Nanocellulose and Urea–Formaldehyde Resin Adhesives
Authors: Wibowo Eko Setio , Park Byung-Dae
Published: March 2021

When applying an adhesive to wood, the chemical heterogeneity of the wood cell walls makes it difficult to understand the contribution they make to the interfacial adhesion between the adhesive and the wood as the adhesion is a very complex physical and chemical phenomenon. This study, for the first time, directly measured the surface adhesion between cellulose, a major component of wood, and urea–formaldehyde (UF) resin adhesives. The adhesion between thin, smooth nanocellulose films, such as cellulose nanofibrils (CNFs), carboxymethylated nanofibrils (CM)–CNFs, and carboxylated cellulose nanocrystals (C–CNCs), and UF resins with two formaldehyde to urea (F/U) molar ratios of 1.0 and 1.6 was measured using two approaches: 1) direct measurement of the adhesion force between nanocellulose films and liquid droplets of the UF resins, and 2) calculation of the work of adhesion between films of the nanocelluloses and UF resins using the contact angle and the van Oss–Chaudhury–Good (OCG) method. The results show that the total surface energies, either between the different nanocelluloses or between the two UF resins are somewhat similar, indicating the similarity in their surface properties. However, the adhesion force and work of adhesion of 1.6 UF resins with different types of nanocellulose are higher than those of 1.0 UF resins, which shows that van der Waals forces are dominant in their molecular interactions. These results suggest that the adhesion between 1.6 UF resins and nanocellulose is stronger than that when 1.0 UF resins are used because the 1.6 UF resins have a more branched structure, smoother surface, and higher surface energy.
The Role of PI3K and Wntsignaling Pathways and CSC Markers in Melanoma (B16F10) Therapy
Authors: javarsiani marjan hajimoradi , sajedianfard javad , Javanmard Shagayegh Haghjooy , Fiori Micol Eleonora
Published: March 2021

Background

Metformin has been the subject of recent studies aimed at the treatment of melanoma cancer. In this study, the anti-cancer effects of metformin, an antidiabetic drug, was investigated in-vitrousing the B16F10 melanoma cell line.
Methods

Melanoma cells were treated for 24 h with various concentrations of metformin, alone or incombination withdacarbazine. The effects of these two treatment agents on cell viability were evaluated by MTT assay. In addition, stemness and the activation of specific signaling pathways were evaluated by FACS and immunoblotting.
Results

Metformin induced β-catenin phosphorylation and decreasedmTOR and PARP expressions. Also, a normal dose of metformin was found toreducethe phosphorylation levels of4E-BP1, AKT, and S6rp.In this study, we evaluated the potential of metformin as a therapeutic agent against CSCs in the adjuvant setting.
Conclusion

Our data indicate that some transcriptional regulators and proteins in the above-mentioned pathwayswere associated with cancer progression and inhibited by adjuvant chemotherapy with metformin.Metformin significantly inhibited cell growth and proliferation pathways, including Wnt and PI3K/AKT/mTOR. These findings show the potential of metformin in cancer treatment.
Associations of Acute Exposure to Airborne Pollutants with COVID-19 Infection: Evidence from China
Authors: Lu Bingqing , Wu Na , Jiang Jiakui , Li Xiang
Published: March 2021

The outbreak of COVID-19, caused by SARS-CoV-2 has spread across many countries globally. Greatly limited study concerned the effect of airborne pollutants on COVID-19 infection, while exposure to airborne pollutants may harm human health. This paper aimed to examine the associations of acute exposure to ambient atmospheric pollutants to daily newly COVID-19 confirmed cases in 41 Chinese cities. Using a generalized additive model with Poisson distribution controlling for temperature and relative humidity, we evaluated the association between pollutant concentrations and daily COVID-19 confirmation at single-city level and multi-city level. We observed a 10 μg/m3 rise in levels of PM2.5 (lag 0−14), O3 (lag 0−1), SO2 (lag 0) and NO2 (lag 0−14) were positively associated with relative risks of 1.050 (95% CI: 1.028, 1.073), 1.011 (1.007, 1.015), 1.052 (1.022, 1.083) and 1.094 (1.028, 1.164) of daily newly confirmed cases, respectively. Further adjustment for other pollutants did not change the associations materially (excepting in the model for SO2). Our results indicated that COVID-19 incidence may be susceptible to airborne pollutants such as PM2.5, O3, SO2 and NO2, and mitigation strategies of environmental factors are required to prevent spreading.
Leather cutting waste minimization Techniques in Ethiopian footwear industry: case study ELICO -Universal Leather Products Industry
Authors: Solomon Biniyam Bekele
Published: March 2021

This research paper mainly focused on the leather-cutting issues and waste minimization in footwear industry in Ethiopia. The footwear industry is developing every year. The quality is an important parameter for middle scale footwear sectors and lot of inline problems focused in this research process. The objectives of this study were to analyze leather waste scrapes in Ethiopia footwear industry, identifying and implementing advanced leather cutting techniques. The paper selected for an exploratory study, including in-depth raw data collocation for two months in the company by using a spread sheet, automated machine vision for Leather Defect Inspection machine and checklist and one expert group discussion with employees representing cutting departments and the research conduct the top management to analyze the current system those implanted in the company to reduce leather cutting waste. The data were complemented by documentary analysis, to compare and contrast after implementation of advanced cutting system in the company. The paper provides how much waste of leather scrap is producing cutting operations, and by what method they eliminating waste and controlling the waste in current time. The paper includes implications for the implementation-advanced techniques/method in cutting a section to reduce leather waste scrape through by giving training for operators. This paper fulfils an identified need to study how much Leather cutting waste generated and by what method and Techniques minimizing the waste in Ethiopian footwear industry: case study ELICO -Universal Leather Products. The analytical findings show that the application of Jigsaw Puzzle cutting method, tools, and techniques has been expanded beyond traditional cutting concepts and has improved Leather Shortage (Extra Norms) eliminated and Leather Saving Norms was increased and leather waste scrapes was reducing from 212.89 m2 to 151.09 m2 of leather.
Are Cities Developing Climate Change Awareness? Two Case Studies for Assessing and Developing Cities’ Climate Awareness Through a Framework
Authors: Iturriza Marta , Hernantes Josune , Labaka Leire
Published: March 2021

Cities are dealing with the challenge of climate change (CC). However, due to a lack of awareness on the part of certain city stakeholders, cities’ plans, strategies and studies dealing with CC have been hampered. Studies have demonstrated that city stakeholders become engaged and act collaboratively when they become aware of CC, yet the studies that highlight the need to become aware do not address how this awareness might be developed. This paper presents a framework to develop climate awareness in city stakeholders through a co-creation process that uses different research methods and 67 expert participation of different nationalities and backgrounds. The framework, under the name Climate Awareness Development framework, defines the city stakeholder climate awareness-development process through four attributes that are activated by four mechanisms during a four-step gradual process that leads to higher awareness levels. The steps are complemented by a set of nine policies that boost progression along the four-step process. The contribution of our research is highlighted through the comparison of two case studies in the city of Kristiansand (Norway) and Donostia (Spain).
Clinical Profile of Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy at A Tertiary Institute in North-East India
Authors: Das Dipankar , Kuri Ganesh Chandra , Deshmukh Saurabh , Bhattacharjee Harsha , Barman Manab Jyoti , Bharali Gayatri , Deka Apurba
Published: March 2021

Purpose: To study the clinical profile on non-arteritic ischemic optic neuropathy (NAION) and review of literature at a tertiary institute of northeast IndiaMethods: Retrospective analysis the records of all 61 patients diagnosed with NAION between September 2016 and December 2018. All the patients were dealt on an outpatient basis. Standard clinical details and findings were consistent with NAION. Visual field with 30-2 was done and in selected cases. All patient with optic neuritis, arteritic optic neuropathy, trauma, underlying malignancies were excluded from the studyResults: Of the 61 patients in the study, 41 (67.2%) were males and 20 (32.8%) were females. The mean age was 56 years. Duration of reporting to the institute less than 14 days was seen in 7cases (11.47%). Of the 61 patients, the right eye was affected in 30 (49.1%), left eye in 25 (41%) and both eyes in six (9.8%) patients. In this study we found that 18 (29.5%) patients had diabetes, 24 (39.3%) had hypertension, hypercholesterolemia in 13 (21.3%) cases and 18 (29.5%) cases gave a history of smoking. Two (3.27%) cases gave a history of using sildenafil. Associated macular oedema was seen in seven patients (11.47%)Conclusion: Early reporting (< 2weeks) of NAAION cases in a tertiary institute of northeast India was found to be low in the study. Macular edema in isolated cases was important where additional treatment was required. Lifestyle modifications of avoiding smoking and tobacco can be suggested in substance abuse cases.
Development and Validation of a 90-day Mortality Prediction Nomogram for AMI Patients: A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Yang Rui , Ma Wen , Huang Tao , Zhang Lu-Ming , Han Di-Di , Zheng Shuai , Dai Zhi-Jun , Lyu Jun
Published: March 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to identify the factors influencing the 90-day mortality of acute myocardial infarction(AMI) patients, and to establish a prognostic model for these patients based on the MIMIC-III database.Methods: Retrospective study methods were used to collect AMI patient data that met the inclusion criteria from the MIMIC-III database. Variable importance selection was determined using the random forest algorithm. Multiple logistic regression was used to determine AMI-related risk factors, with the results represented as a nomogram.Results: The baseline scores for the training and validation groups were very flat, and indicators for developing risk-model nomograms were obtained after random forest and multiple logistic regression. The AUC of the risk model was the highest (0.826 and 0.818 in the training and validation groups, respectively) . The Hosmer-Lemeshow goodness-of-fit test and standard curve both produced very consistent results. Both the NRI and IDI values indicated that the risk model had significant predictive power, and DCA results indicated that the risk model had good net benefits for clinical application.Conclusions: The results of this study indicated that age, troponinT, VT, VFI, MI_his, APS-III, bypass, and PCI were risk factors for 90-day mortality in AMI patients. Interactive nomograms could provide intuitive and concise personalized 90-day mortality predictions for AMI patients.
Socio-economic Characteristics Associated with Increased Suicide Risk Across 1887 Municipalities in Japan, 2009-2017.
Authors: Yoshioka Eiji , Hanley Sharon J.B. , Sato Yukihiro , Saijo Yasuaki
Published: March 2021

Previous studies have indicated that spatial variation in suicide mortality is associated with area-specific socio-economic characteristics, such as socio-economic deprivation and social fragmentation. However, most of these studies have been conducted in the West and findings from Asian countries are limited. This study aims to investigate associations between socio-economic characteristics and suicide mortality rates across 1887 municipalities in Japan between 2009 and 2017. Socio-economic characteristics were extracted from the 2010 census. We used single-person households and unmarried adults as indicators of social fragmentation, unemployment rate and educational attainment as indicators of socio-economic deprivation, and population density as an indicator of rurality. Bayesian hierarchical models were used to examine associations between socio-economic characteristics and suicide risk. Higher levels of both fragmentation and deprivation were significantly associated with higher rates of area-specific suicide risk. The strongest association was seen with educational attainment as an indicator of deprivation. Socio-economic status and suicide risk varied considerably by gender and age. Our results show that there are clear geographic and socio-economic inequalities associated with risk of suicide in Japan, which vary by gender and age. Suicide prevention in Japan should particularly focus on areas with high levels of deprivation.
Low pericardial fluid glucose concentration combined with computed tomography evaluation as a malignancy-related marker in symptomatic patients undergoing pericardiocentesis: a retrospective study
Authors: Nakamura Takashi , Okune Mana , Yasuda Masakazu , Watanabe Heitaro , Ueno Masafumi , Yamaji Kenji , Mizutani Kazuki , Kurita Takashi , Nakazawa Gaku
Published: March 2021

Background: We evaluated malignancy according to the characteristics of pericardial fluid in symptomatic Japanese patients undergoing pericardiocentesis and computed tomography (CT).Methods: This was a retrospective, single-center, observational study of 125 symptomatic patients undergoing pericardiocentesis. The patients were classified into two groups: a malignancy group and a non-malignancy group, according to the primary disease and cytology of the pericardial effusion (PE). We compared the pericardial fluid sample and CT measurements between both groups.Results: All patients were diagnosed as having exudative PE by Light’s criteria. PE with malignant cells was demonstrated in 76.8% of the malignancy group patients. A ratio of pericardial to serum lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) >0.6 as one of Light’s criteria, and lower serum brain natriuretic peptide (BNP: 126.9±89.8 pg/ml vs 409.2±97.7 pg/ml, malignancy vs non-malignancy groups, respectively; p = 0.037) were associated with malignancy (both, p < 0.05). A significant difference was observed in pericardial fluid glucose level between the malignancy and non-malignancy groups (pericardial fluid glucose: 78.25±48.29 mg/dl vs 98.41±44.85, respectively; p < 0.05). Moreover, CT attenuation values (Hounsfield units (HU)) tended to be higher in the malignancy group vs the non-malignancy group (22.7 [interquartile range (IQR), 17.4–26.0] vs 17.4 [IQR, 13.7–26.4], respectively; p = 0.08). Pericardial fluid glucose level ≤70 mg/dl and CT attenuation values >20 HU were strongly associated with malignancy.Conclusions: Lower pericardial fluid glucose level with higher CT attenuation values may suggest malignancy-related PE.
CRISPR/Cas9-mediated Targeted Mutagenesis in Japanese Cedar (Cryptomeria japonica D. Don)
Authors: Nanasato Yoshihiko , Mikami Masafumi , Futamura Norihiro , Endo Masaki , Nishiguchi Mitsuru , Ohmiya Yasunori , Konagaya Ken-ichi , Taniguchi Toru
Published: March 2021

Cryptomeria japonica (Japanese cedar or sugi) is one of the most important coniferous tree species in Japan and breeding programs for this species have been launched since 1950s. Genome editing technology can be used to shorten the breeding period. In this study, we performed targeted mutagenesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system in C. japonica. First, the CRISPR/Cas9 system was tested using green fluorescent protein (GFP)-expressing transgenic embryogenic tissue lines. Knock-out efficiency of GFP ranged from 3.1–41.4% depending on U6 promoters and target sequences. The GFP knock-out region was mottled in many lines, indicating genome editing in individual cells. However, in 102 of 103 mutated individuals (> 99%) from 6 GFP knock-out lines, embryos had a single mutation pattern. Next, we knocked out endogenous C. japonica magnesium chelatase subunit I (CjChlI) using two guide RNA targets. Green, pale green, and albino phenotypes were obtained in genome-edited cell lines. Sequence analysis revealed random deletions, insertions, and replacements in the target region. Thus, targeted mutagenesis using the CRISPR/Cas9 system can be used to modify the C. japonica genome.
Effect of Prebiotics from Mannan Oligosaccharides and Fructo-oligosaccharides on Physio-biochemical Indices, Antioxidant and Oxidative Stability of Broiler Chicken Meat
Authors: Biswas Avishek , Mohan Namit , Dev Kapil , Mir N A , Tiwari Ashok Kumar
Published: March 2021

Antibiotics have revolutionized the intensive poultry production system as a feed additive by promoting growth, production and meat quality through improving gut health and reduction of sub-clinical infections during last five decades. However, currently, the usage of antibiotics in poultry production is under severe scientific and public scrutiny, because antibiotic growth promoter (AGP) has been linked to the possible development of antibiotic-resistant pathogens, which may pose a threat to human health. After European Union ban on in feed antibiotics as growth promoter in poultry, since 2006, prebiotics offer a potential substitute to in feed antibiotics. In this effort, the objective of this present study was to investigate the potentiality of prebiotics (mannan oligosaccharides-MOS and fructo-oligosaccharides-FOS) in replacement of antibiotic growth promoter and their relationship with physio-biochemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass traits of broiler chickens meat. 240 day-old broiler chicks (1 d) of uniform body weight were divided into 30 replicate groups having 8 birds in each. Six corn based dietary treatments were formulated viz. T1 (control diet), T2 (T1 + Bacitracin methylene di-salicylate @ 20 mg/kg diet), T3 (T1 + 0.1% MOS), T4 (T1 + 0.2% MOS), T5 (T1 + 0.1% FOS), and T6 (T1 + 0.2% FOS). Significant (P<0.05) increase in cut up part yields (%) and reduction in cholesterol and fat content in T4 (0.2 % MOS) group. The water holding capacity (WHC) and extract release volume (ERV) were increase (P<0.05) in 0.1 or 0.2 % MOS supplemented group. DPPH (1, 1-diphenyl-2-picrylhydrazy) was higher (P<0.05) and lipid oxidation (free fatty acid and thio-barbituric acid reactive substances) was lower (P<0.05) in T4 group. The standard plate count (SPC), staphylococcus and coliform counts were decreased (P<0.05) in T3 or T4 group. Thus, it can be concluded that mannan oligosaccharides (MOS) may be incorporated at 0.2% level in diet for improved physio-biochemical indices, antioxidant and oxidative stability and carcass characteristics of broiler chickens meat and it may be suitable replacer of antibiotic growth promoter.
Reduced free asparagine in wheat grain resulting from a natural deletion of TaASN-B2: investigating and exploiting diversity in the asparagine synthetase gene family to improve wheat quality
Authors: Oddy Joseph , Alárcon-Reverte Rocio , Wilkinson Mark , Ravet Karl , Raffan Sarah , Minter Andrea , Mead Andrew , Elmore J. Stephen , Almeida Isabel Moreira , Cryer Nicholas C. , Halford Nigel G. , Pearce Stephen
Published: March 2021

Background: Understanding the determinants of free asparagine concentration in wheat grain is necessary to reduce levels of the processing contaminant acrylamide in baked and toasted wheat products. Although crop management strategies can help reduce asparagine levels, breeders have limited options to select for genetic variation underlying this trait. Asparagine synthetase enzymes catalyse a critical step in asparagine biosynthesis in plants and, in wheat, are encoded by five homeologous gene triads that exhibit distinct expression profiles. Within this family, TaASN2 genes are highly expressed during grain development but TaASN-B2 is absent in some varieties. Results: Natural genetic diversity in the asparagine synthetase gene family was assessed in different wheat varieties revealing instances of presence/absence variation and other polymorphisms, including some predicted to affect the function of the encoded protein. The presence and absence of TaASN-B2 was determined across a range of UK and global common wheat varieties and related species, showing that the deletion encompassing this gene was already present in some wild emmer wheat genotypes. Expression profiling confirmed that TaASN2 transcripts were only detectable in the grain, while TaASN3.1 genes were highly expressed during the early stages of grain development. TaASN-A2 was the most highly expressed TaASN2 homeologue in most assayed wheat varieties. TaASN-B2 and TaASN-D2 were expressed at similar, lower levels in varieties possessing TaASN-B2. Expression of TaASN-A2 and TaASN-D2 did not increase to compensate for the absence of TaASN-B2, so total TaASN2 expression was lower in varieties lacking TaASN-B2. Consequently, free asparagine levels in field-produced grain were, on average, lower in varieties lacking TaASN-B2, although the effect was lost when free asparagine accumulated to very high levels as a result of sulphur deficiency.Conclusions: Selecting wheat genotypes lacking the TaASN-B2 gene may be a simple and rapid way for breeders to reduce free asparagine levels in commercial wheat grain.
Whole genome sequencing of live attenuated bovine adenovirus type 7 vaccine strain TS-GT reveals biomarkers for virulence attenuation
Authors: Kumagai Asuka , Kajikawa Sayo , Miyazaki Ayako , Hatama Shinichi
Published: March 2021

Bovine adenovirus type 7 (BAdV-7) is one of the most important respiratory and enteric pathogens in the cattle industry. Although live attenuated vaccines are used to control the virus in Japan, limited information is available on the genomic regions that determine viral pathogenicity. Here we analyzed the attenuated strain TS-GT after isolation of the virus from the hexavalent bovine respiratory disease vaccine Cattlewin-6 lot #40-1. The complete genome sequence of TS-GT was determined using next-generation sequencing. The genome is 30,052 bp long and contains 45-bp inverted terminal repeats (ITR) and 30 predicted genes. A genome sequence comparison showed that 99.9% of the TS-GT genome is identical to the prototypic and pathogenic BAdV-7 strain Fukuroi; however, the TS-GT genome contains a novel mutation and four indels. A mutation in TS-GT of the minor capsid protein pVI causes an amino acid change, and possibly induces an alteration of its membrane-lytic function; this may underlie the temperature-specific growth characteristic of this strain. A 19-bp insertion in the 3’ ITR may affect its promoter activity and change the expression of downstream coding genes. In this way, the insertion may play important roles in the attenuation of the virus. Although further mutational and functional analyses are required, our results provide insights into the molecular basis of BAdV-7 attenuation and open new avenues for future analyses.
Energy Transition and Challenges of Bakeries' Cooking Choices in Abidjan, Côte D'Ivoire
Authors: BERTE Salimata , ADOU Djane Dit Fatogoma
Published: March 2021

BackgroundHeavy dependence on firewood, associated with the demographic factor, logging, agricultural expansion and the repercussions of political instability are presented as factors of deforestation and forest degradation in Côte d'Ivoire. Faced with this situation, the country has been striving for many years to put in place a policy favorable to the protection of the environment through the promotion of alternative energy sources to firewood. However, observations are emerging in the field of bakery activity and call into question the social logic of the choice of baking energy. The bakery sector is presented as one of the main contributors to the erosion in the capital forest of the country because of its propensity to use firewood for cooking. Despite the policy of using butane and the tendency to promote "clean" energy at State level, fuelwood is by far the most widely used fuel in Abidjan. Until now, the social determinants of the continued use of firewood in these bakeries have rarely been considered.MethodThis study used a qualitative approach and the main data collection techniques used were semi-structured interviews, observation, and literature. Different interview guides were sent to two types of actors such as state and non-state actors. At the state level, sampled actors was determined through "snowball" sampling technique. Thematic content analysis was the technique used to analyze the data collected from interview guides.ResultEnergy transition in the subsector of bakery in Abidjan is hindered by the plurality of actors and the lack of clarity in the energy governance led to the higher consumption of firewood and other practices developed around bread production.ConclusionThree elements which structure the adoption of clean energies in bakeries in Abidjan which are the multi-level political willingness of the State and its long-term bilateral and multilateral partners, the immediate social pressure linked to the wood resource and the availability of infrastructures
Deficiency of Klc2 induces Low-Frequency Sensorineural Hearing Loss in C57BL/6J Mice and Human
Authors: Fu Xiaolong , An Yachun , Wang Hongyang , Li Peipei , Lin Jing , Yuan Jia , Yue Rongyu , Jin Yecheng , Gao Jiangang , Chai Renjie
Published: March 2021

The transport system in cochlear hair cells (HCs) is important for their function, and the kinesin family of proteins transport numerous cellular cargos via the microtubule network in the cytoplasm. Here, we found that Klc2 (kinesin light chain 2), the light chain of kinesin-1 that mediates cargo binding and regulates kinesin-1 motility, is essential for cochlear function. We generated mice lacking Klc2, and they suffered from low-frequency hearing loss as early as 1 month of age. We demonstrated that deficiency of Klc2 resulted in abnormal transport of mitochondria and the down-regulation of the GABAA receptor family. In addition, Whole genome sequencing(WGS) of patient showed KLC2 was related to low-frequency hearing in human. Hence, to explore therapeutic approaches, we developed adeno-associated virus containing the Klc2 wide-type cDNA sequence, and Klc2-null mice delivered virus showed apparent recovery, including decreased ABR threshold and reduced Out Hair Cell (OHC) loss. In summary, we show that the kinesin transport system plays an indispensable and special role in cochlear HC function in mice and human, and that mitochondrial localization is essential for HC survival.
Effects of Sodium-Glucose Co-Transporter-2 (Sglt2) Inhibitors on Major Cardiovascular Events in Type 2 Diabetic Patients a Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials
Authors: Gargiulo Paola , Paolillo Stefania , Bruzzese Dario , Poccia Alessandra , Napoli Pierfrancesco Di , Dell’Aversana Simona , Esposito Immacolata , Bardi Luca , Diana Gaetano , Ambrosio Antonio , Prastaro Maria , Asile Gaetano , Marciano Caterina , Dellegrotttaglie Santo , Perrone-Filardi Pasquale
Published: March 2021

Background: Sodium-glucose co-transporter-2 inhibitors (SGLT2i) reduce cardiovascular (CV) events in diabetic patients, with a consistent effect on heart failure (HF) related outcomes. However, the effects on ischemic CV events appear less certain, in particular in patients with history of HF. The aim of this meta-analysis is to investigate CV benefits of SGLT2i and to assess the effects in patients with and without established atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD), with and without HF, and with estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR) < or ³60 ml/min.Methods: We searched PubMed, Embase, Cochrane, ISI Web of Science, SCOPUS, and clinicaltrial.gov databases. We performed a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised, placebo-controlled, cardiovascular outcome trials (CVOT) of SGLT2i in diabetic patients, assessing the effects of SGLT2i on 3-point major adverse cardiac events (MACE) (CV death, non fatal myocardial infarction (MI), non fatal stroke) and composite of HF hospitalization or CV death.Of 205 articles, 7 CVOTs were included in the meta-analysis. Results: Compared to placebo, SGLT2i significantly reduced by 10% the risk of 3-point MACE (HR 0.90; p=0.025) and the risk of CV death or HF hospitalization by 24% (Hazard Ratio (HR) 0.76; p<0.001). SGLT2i significantly reduced HF hospitalization by 30% (HR 0.70; p<0.001), with consistent effects in all subgroups analyzed, CV death by 17% (HR 0.83; p=0.035) and all-cause mortality by 18% (HR 0.82; p=0.024). No significant effects were observed on MI and stroke.Conclusions: SGLT2i significantly reduce CV outcome in diabetic patients. SGLT2i remarkably and consistently reduce HF hospitalization, in patients with and without HF at baseline and independently on the presence of ASCVD.
Energy Efficient Full Swing GDI based Adder Architecture for Arithmetic Applications
Authors: Aggarwal Pratibha , Garg Bharat
Published: March 2021

Adders are one of the most important digital components used in any arithmetic applications. Many improvements in past have been made to improve its architecture. In this paper, we present two new symmetric designs for Energy efficient full adder cells featuring GDI (Gate-Diffusion Input) logic. The main design objectives for these adder modules are to operate at Low-Power with reduced area but also provide full-voltage swing. In the first (AEG-FA) design, a new approach of Inverted and Non-Inverted Carry-ins were taken to give complementary Carry-out and Sum with desired performance. These were then applied in different combinations to form higher bit width Adder architecture. This provides a higher degree of design freedom to target a wide range of applications, hence reducing design efforts. The second (PEG-FA) design is based on conventional approach which tries to reduce the critical path delay and lower switching activity in GDI circuit, providing Low-Power and high speed digital component at full voltage swing circuit. Many of the previously reported adders in literature suffered from the problems of low-swing and high noise when operated at low supply voltages. These two new designs successfully operate at low voltage with high signal integrity and driving capability. In order to evaluate the performance of proposed full adders, we incorporated 8-bit ripple carry adders. The studied circuits are optimized for energy efficiency using 45 nm CMOS process technology. The comparison between these novel circuits with standard full adder cells shows improvement in terms of Area, Delay, Power and Power-Delay-Product (PDP), Area-Delay Product (ADP), Area-Power Product (APP). At architecture level proposed adder shows 12.8% over CMOS, 14.8% over hybrid and 11.4% over other GDI logic power savings, by having almost 55% reduction in area.
Simulation of the Ductile Machining Mode of Silicon
Authors: Klippel Hagen , Süssmaier Stefan , Röthlin Matthias , Afrasiabi Mohamadreza , Pala Uygar , Wegener Konrad
Published: March 2021

Diamond wire sawing has been developed to reduce the cutting loss when cutting silicon wafers from ingots. The surface of silicon solar cells must be flawless in order to achieve the highest possible efficiency. However, thesurface is damaged during sawing. The extent of the damage depends primarily on the material removal mode. Undercertain conditions the generally brittle material can be machined in ductile mode, whereby considerably fewer cracksoccur in the surface than with brittle material removal. In the presented paper a numerical model is developed in orderto support the optimization of the machining process regarding the transition between ductile and brittle materialremoval. The simulations are performed with an GPUaccelerated in–house developed code using mesh-free methodswhich easily handle large deformations while classic methods like FEM would require intensive remeshing. Thesimulation results are compared with results obtained from single grain scratch experiments.
Effect of peer-assisted learning on enhancing clinical research skills among medical students: students’ and tutors’ perceptions
Authors: Jawhari Abdulkarim A. , Safhi Maha A. , Magadmi Mawadah M. , Alobaidi Rajwa H. , Alghamdi Khaled M. , Basyouni Reem N. , Saggaf Omar M. , Yasawy Murad A. , Magadmi Rania M.
Published: March 2021

Background

Research methodology is an essential part of evidence-based medicine. Many educational programs include clinical research methodology within their curriculum. Moreover, students’ preferences for learning methods are different to before, as they now prefer alternative methods, such as peer teaching. Peer-assisted learning enhances students’ tutoring skills. Thus, the current study aimed to evaluate the effect of peer teaching on enhancing clinical research skills.
Methods

Peer-assisted learning was evaluated during a four-week online research methodology course designed for medical students at King Abdulaziz University. A total of 121 students’ and 38 tutors’ attitudes and perceptions of peer teaching were evaluated using a self-administered questionnaire. The effectiveness of peer teaching was assessed using pre- and post-course knowledge tests. Chi-square used to assess the association of qualitative data and Mann-Whitney U test and Wilcoxon rank test are used as nonparametric test for the variables that are not normally distributed.
Results

The post-course knowledge score was significantly higher than the pre-test score. Students had a positive perception of peer-assisted learning. Over 90% of the students preferred peer-assisted learning to traditional teaching. Similarly, the tutors had significantly positive perceptions of peer-assisted teaching. Younger students who had higher post-test mean knowledge scores had a good perception of peer teaching.
Conclusions

The current study demonstrates students' and tutors' positive perceptions of peer-assisted learning as well as the effectiveness of peer learning. Medical schools should pay more attention to students and prepare them for peer-teacher roles.
Educational Behaviors of Pregnant Women in the Bronx During Zika’s International Emerging Epidemic: “First Mom … and then I’d Google. And then my Doctor”
Authors: Rodriguez Miguel , Danvers Antoinette A. , Sanabia Carolina , Dolan Siobhan M.
Published: March 2021

BackgroundThe objective of the study was to understand how pregnant women learned about Zika infection and to identify what sources of information were likely to influence them during their pregnancy.MethodsWe conducted 13 semi-structed interviews in English and Spanish with women receiving prenatal care who were tested for Zika virus infection. We analyzed the qualitative data using grounded theory.ResultsPregnant women in the Bronx learned about Zika from family, television, the internet and their doctor. Informational sources played different roles. Television, specifically Spanish language networks, was often the initial source of information. Women searched the internet for additional information about Zika. Later, they engaged in further discussions with their healthcare providers.ConclusionsTelevision played an important role in providing awareness about Zika to pregnant women in the Bronx, but that information was incomplete. The internet and healthcare providers were sources of more complete information and are likely the most influential. Efforts to educate pregnant women about emerging infectious diseases will benefit from using a variety of approaches including television messages that promote public awareness followed up by reliable information via the internet and healthcare providers.
Comparison of translabial three-dimensional ultrasonography and magnetic resonance imaging for the grading of levator ani defects
Authors: Luo Yijia , Yang Linxin , Lin Ning , Fan Zhihua , Dong Chenshan
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Levator ani defect (LAD) closely correlates with pelvic organ prolapse. This study aimed to compare the LAD grading between 3-dimensional ultrasonography (3D-US) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and investigate the reasons for the difference using 3-dimensional pelvic models. Methods: Seventy-two Chinese women who were to undergo repair surgery were assessed by the prolapse staging, 3D-US and MRI. LAD was graded according to the grading systems described with regard to 3D-US (Dietz et al.) and MRI (Delancey et al.) The puborectalis attachment width and the puborectalis thickness were measured on the reconstructed pelvic models offline within the software. The results were analyzed using the weighted kappa and the ANOVA test. Results: The grading systems used for 3D-US and MRI showed the good agreement (k=0.75), whereas the consensus of the extent (ie, partial or complete) of tears showed the moderate agreement (k=0.56). Additionally, iliococcygeus tears detected by MRI (n=3) accompanied with complete puborectalis tears on the same side. The averaged width of intact puborectalis attachment was 13.75±3.43mm. The width of intact puborectalis attachment was remarkably higher than that of the injured attachment (P=.005). The averaged puborectalis thickness was 9.85±2.13mm. Conclusions: Comparison of 3D-US and MRI showed the good agreement on LAD grading. The moderate agreement in assessing partial or complete tears resulted from the grading criteria of 3D-US. The morphological characteristics of puborectalis assisted in identifying complete tears.
Exploring competencies of military nurses in general hospitals in China: A qualitative content analysis
Authors: Ma Huijuan , Lin Li , Zhang Suofei , Lei Lei , Huang Jinyu , Lu Fang , Luo Yu
Published: March 2021

Background: Military nurses should possess the competency to provide quality care in both clinical and military nursing contexts. This study aimed to identify the competencies of military nurses in general hospitals. Methods: A qualitative design based on the content analysis approach was employed. We purposefully sampled and interviewed 21 nurses in general hospitals in China.Results: The data analysis revealed 40 competencies, which were categorised into four main categories according to the onion model. These categories were motive (mission commitment), traits (perseverance, flexibility, etc.), self-identity of dual roles (obedience, empathy, etc.), as well as knowledge, skills and abilities (clinical and military nursing knowledge and skills, basic nursing ability, professional development ability, leadership and management ability).Conclusion: Existing knowledge of competencies of military nurses in general hospitals is limited. A detailed exploration of this topic can provide guidance for recruitment, competency assessment, and competency building.
Sound Trapping in an Open Resonator
Authors: Huang Lujun , Chiang Yan Kei , Huang Sibo , Shen Chen , Deng Fu , Cheng Yi , Jia Bin , Li Yong , Powell David , Miroshnichenko Andrey
Published: March 2021

The ability of extreme sound energy confinement with high-quality factor (Q-factor) resonance is of vital importance for acoustic devices requiring high intensity and hypersensitivity in biological ultrasonics, enhanced collimated sound emission (i.e. sound laser) and high-resolution sensing. However, structures reported so far demonstrated a limited quality factor (Q-factor) of acoustic resonances, up to several tens in an open resonator. The emergence of bound states in the continuum (BIC) makes it possible to realize high-Q factor acoustic modes. Here, we report the theoretical design and experimental demonstration of acoustic BICs supported by a single open resonator. We predicted that such an open acoustic resonator could simultaneously support three types of BICs, including symmetry protected BIC, Friedrich-Wintgen BIC induced by mode interference, as well as a new kind of BIC: mirror-symmetry induced BIC. We also experimentally demonstrated the existence of all three types of BIC with Q-factor up to one order of magnitude greater than the highest Q-factor reported in an open resonator.
Prediction of Chemoresistance Trait of Cancer Cell Lines using Machine Learning Algorithms and Systems Biology Analysis
Authors: Ataei Atousa , Majidi Niloufar Seyed , Zahiri Javad , Rostami Mehrdad , Arab Seyed Shahriar , Rizvanov Albert A.
Published: March 2021

Most of the current cancer treatment approaches are invasive along with a broad spectrum of side effects. Furthermore, cancer drug resistance known as chemoresistance is a huge obstacle during treatment. This study aims to predict the resistance of several cancer cell-lines to a drug known as Cisplatin. In this papers the NCBI GEO database was used to obtain data and then the harvested data was normalized and its batch effects were corrected by the Combat software. In order to select the appropriate features for machine learning, the feature selection/reduction was performed based on the Fisher Score method. Six different algorithms were then used as machine learning algorithms to detect Cisplatin resistant and sensitive samples in cancer cell lines. Moreover, Differentially Expressed Genes (DEGs) between all the sensitive and resistance samples were harvested. The selected genes were enriched in biological pathways by the enrichr database. Topological analysis was then performed on the constructed networks using Cytoscape software. Finally, the biological description of the output genes from the performed analyses was investigated through literature review. Among the six classifiers which were trained to distinguish between cisplatin resistance samples and the sensitive ones, the KNN and the Naïve Bayes algorithms were proposed as the most convenient machines according to some calculated measures. Furthermore, the results of the systems biology analysis determined several potential chemoresistance genes among which PTGER3, YWHAH, CTNNB1, ANKRD50, EDNRB, ACSL6, IFNG and, CTNNB1 are topologically more important than others. These predictions pave the way for further experimental researches.
De novo Biosynthesis of Tyrosol Acetate and Hydroxytyrosol Acetate from Glucose in Engineered Escherichia Coli
Authors: Guo Daoyi , Fu Xiao , Sun Yue , Li Xun , Pan Hong
Published: March 2021

Background: Tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol derived from virgin olive oil and olives extract, have wide applications both as functional food components and as nutraceuticals. However, they have low bioavailability due to their low absorption and high metabolism in human liver and small intestine. Acetylation of tyrosol and hydroxytyrosol can effectively improve their bioavailability and thus increase their potential use in the food and cosmeceutical industries. There is no report on the bioproductin of tyrosol acetate and hydroxytyrosol acetate so far. Thus, it is of great significance to develop microbial cell factories for achieving tyrosol acetate or hydroxytyrosol acetate biosynthesis.Results: In this study, two de novo biosynthetic pathways for the production of tyrosol acetate and hydroxytyrosol acetate were constructed in Escherichia coli. First, an engineered E. coli that allows production of tyrosol from simple carbon sources was established. Four aldehyde reductases were compared, and it was found that yeaE is the best aldehyde reductase for tyrosol accumulation. Subsequently, the pathway was extended for tyrosol acetate production by further overexpression of alcohol acetyltransferase ATF1 for the conversion of tyrosol to tyrosol acetate. Finally, the pathway was further extended for hydroxytyrosol acetate production by overexpression of 4-hydroxyphenylacetate 3-hydroxylase HpaBC.Conclusion: We have successfully established the artificial biosynthetic pathway of tyrosol acetate and hydroxytyrosol acetate from fermentable sugars and demonstrated for the first time the direct fermentative production of tyrosol acetate and hydroxytyrosol acetate from glucose in engineered E. coli
Age-stratified Analysis of Associations Between Participant’s Characteristics and NAFLD
Authors: Naqvi Syed H. , Nunes Anthony P.
Published: March 2021

Background: Nonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is highly prevalent and a leading cause of liver transplantation. In clinical settings, diagnosis is often inferred based on patient attributes and generalized algorithms that haven’t been tailored to patients’ age. This study aims to understand age-dependent associations between NAFLD and patient characteristics. Methods: Subjects were identified from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES) 2007-2016. NAFLD status was established through the U.S. Fatty Liver Index in the absence of excessive alcohol consumption and viral etiology. Descriptive patient attributes' distributions are reported relying on the mean and standard deviation for continuous variables and proportions for categorical variables. Prevalence estimates and prevalence ratios for NAFLD are provided in the following age stratifications: 18 and younger, 19-49, 50-64, 65-74, and 75+. Results: A total of 4,560 NHANES participants from 2007-2016 were included, with a mean age of 42.9. Prevalence ratios of NAFLD in the context of clinical/demographic characteristics varied between age groups. The NAFLD prevalence ratio for Mexican Americans compared to Non-Hispanic White was 3.44 in respondents 18 years old or younger (95%CI: 2.48-4.77) and 1.60 in respondents 75 or older (95%CI: 1.30-1.97). The magnitude of the association between albumin and NAFLD was negative. It ranged from a prevalence ratio of 0.32 (0.20 – 0.51) for respondents under 19 years of age to 1.15 (0.86-1.53) over the age of 74. Conclusion: The significant differences between participant characteristics and NAFLD within different age groups suggest that age plays an essential role in the magnitude of the association between risk factors and NAFLD. This study highlights that the accuracy of a NAFLD diagnosis in the absence of imaging and histological conformation may depend on the patients' age. Additional work should evaluate the need for diagnostic and management guidelines formally tailored to patients’ age.
Research on Dual-Channel and Dual-core Plasmonic Sensor Based Photonic Crystal Fiber for Refractive Index Sensing
Authors: Jiao Shenxi , Ren Xiaolei , Yang Hanrui , Xu Shibo
Published: March 2021

A dual-core photonic crystal fiber (PCF) with dual-channel based surface plasmon resonance (SPR) sensor is designed. The silver and gold films are severally coated in the inner walls of two large ring detection channels to excite the plasmon modes, which can make the designed sensor achieve the dual-channel sensing. The effect of structure parameters on the sensing properties and loss spectrum is numerically analyzed by finite element method (FEM). When the analyte refractive index (RI) changes from 1.340 to 1.360, the average spectral sensitivities of 4280 and 3940 nm/RIU are obtained for the left and right channels, corresponding to the RI resolutions of 2.34×10-5 and 2.54×10-5 RIU, respectively. The simulation results suggest that the designed dual-channel sensor can realize highly sensitive detection of two analytes simultaneously, which has a wide application in the fields of biomedical analysis and environmental monitoring.