bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessment of Surface Water Resources in Great Ruaha River Sub-Basin Tanzania: Application of WEAP Model for Water Allocation and Utilization Impacts Analysis
Authors: Gervas Rose , Mulungu Deogratias M.M. , Nobert Joel K.
Published: March 2021

The Great Ruaha River (GRR) sub-basin is one of the most important waterways in Tanzania as it supports important economic activities. The sub-basin is progressively faced with an inevitable situation of increasing water demand among competing users while the quantity and quality of water is diminishing. The focus of this study was to assess allocation of existing (2012) and future (up to 2025) quantities of surface water in the GRR sub-basin with consideration of priorities given in the Tanzania Water Resources Management Act, 2009 in the order: domestic, environment, agriculture, livestock and non-domestic. Simulation of water allocation scenarios of irrigation expansion (IE) and implementation of environmental flow requirements (EWD) and their impacts on met demands was done by using WEAP model. Results showed that under current and future conditions, available streamflows are sufficient for the first two water use priorities. Implementation of EWD and IE scenarios will change demands in comparison with reference scenario by 80%, -38% and 45% and shortages by 147%, 123% and 13% in Little Ruaha, Ndembera and Kisigo catchments respectively. To eliminate water shortages, construction of reservoirs, use of alternative supply sources (especially in agriculture) and water demand management measures are recommended.
Unexpected diagnosis in a patient with a liver mass: A case report
Authors: Ibrahim Mohamed Hassan
Published: March 2021

Sarcoidosis is a rare inflammatory disease. It is characterized by granulomatous formation. The liver is the second most common site of involvement after the lung. Sarcoidosis of the liver is usually asymptomatic. Symptomatic cases can present with jaundice, itching, elevated liver enzymes, and in rare situations, the development of portal hypertension. We, at this moment, submit a case of liver sarcoidosis in a patient with liver cirrhosis that presented with upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Upper digestive endoscopy revealed gastric varices. Ultrasonography of the abdomen revealed a liver mass that was suspicious for hepatocellular carcinoma. There is no nay cause of gastric varix in this patient apart from hepatic sarcoidosis (portal hypertension). Treatment of the patient with corticosteroids leads to the complete disappearance of the liver mass. Despite the high incidence of HCC in Egypt due to the high prevalence of HCV infection, it is crucial to search for the rare causes of hepatic masses.
Keywords: liver mass; sarcoidosis, gastric varix
Difficult To Treat Recurrent Esophageal Dysphagia Due To Secondary
Esophageal Motility Disorders: A 24 Weeks Follow Up Case Report
Authors: Sadek Ayman M.E.M
Published: March 2021

Limited data are available on the prevalence of esophageal motility disorders
(OMD) with a suggested range of 4-12% in cases with dysphagia. The
proposed pathophysiology is either impairment of inhibitory innervation or
overactivity of excitatory innervation. The optimal treatment is not defined until
now. This case represented one of the secondary OMD in a 70 years year
diabetic patient with ischemic cardiomyopathy, who was complaining of recurrent daily intermittent dysphagia to solids and fluids, with a previous
vague history of esophageal dilatation without available documentation. After
endoscopy with multiple biopsies and barium imaging, the picture of the
corkscrew esophagus was revealed. The patient, who was already on
nitrates, failed to respond to twice-daily proton pump inhibitor for two months
with a prokinetic drug, calcium channel blocker, and the first session of
endoscopic esophageal dilatation. After the second session of dilatation, we
add sodium alginate with the substitution of nitrates with sildenafil, and the
patient reported a gradual improvement of dysphagia especially to fluids with
decreasing in daily attacks. We learn from this case that there is a different
patient-to-patient response, which necessitates the use of different treatment
modalities even just switching between nitric oxide scavengers for each
patient.
Keywords: Case Report; Dysphagia; esophageal Motility Disorders.
Targeted drug delivery of capecitabine to mice xenograft gastric cancer by PAMAM dendrimer nanocarrier
Authors: Jafari Sharareh , Nabavizadeh Fatemeh , Vahedian Jalal , Ardestani Mehdi Shafie , Samandari Hedayat , Mehrjerdi Ali Zare
Published: March 2021

Aims:
In this study, we used an animal xenograft model of gastric cancer induction to
investigate the therapeutic effects of capecitabine polyamidoamine (PAMAM)
dendrimer complex against cancer, and its potential side effects.
Methods and Materials:
Human gastric cancer tissue was obtained from patients with gastric carcinoma
and transplanted into mice. Anticancer drug capecitabine was loaded into
PAMAM dendrimer nano-carrier and injected into the animals. All animals
received cyclosporine before the surgery.
Results:
Capecitabine-dendrimer complex reduced the size of the axillary implanted
tumor, the levels of AST and ALP, and the drug-induced adverse effects on other
body organs. Furthermore, it increased apoptotic and necrotic responses in the
grafted tumor, RBC, WBC, and platelet counts in comparison to free capecitabine.
Conclusions:
In the gastric cancer setting, PAMAM dendrimer drug delivery method effectively
improved therapeutic index and outcomes, and reduced undesirable side-effects
of the capecitabine.
Keywords: Gastric cancer, Xenograft, Capecitabine, Cyclosporine, Poly
amidoamine dendrimer (PAMAM), Mice.
Early complications in adult liver transplant recipients at the Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, South Africa
Authors: Chiba Sheetal , Lowman Warren , Schleicher Gunter
Published: March 2021

Background
Deceased donor liver transplantation (DDLT) is the transplant modality performed routinely in adults at Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre (WDGMC). Infection, graft dysfunction, surgical and medical complications are common in the early post-transplant period, accounting for early morbidity and mortality.
Objectives
To provide a descriptive analysis of all complications in the first 30 days post DDLT.
To investigate associations between recipient demographic data, comorbid diabetes, MELD score, and subsequent complications.
Methods
A retrospective review of adult DDLT recipients for the first 30 days post-transplant performed at WDGMC for the period January 2015 - December 2016. Fischer’s exact test was used to assess relationships between demographic data and infectious complications, whilst an independent sample t-test was used for non-infectious complications.
Results
Seventy-eight DDLT were performed, with 6 (8%) mortalities in the first 30 days. The median age was 54 years; 54% were male. In total, 24 recipients (31%) developed infectious complications. Sixteen patients (67% of the infectious cohort) had intra-abdominal sepsis, 6 (25%) developed lower respiratory tract infections, 6 (25%) skin and soft tissue infections, and 3 (13%) urinary tract infections. Of all infectious complications, 7 patients (29%) developed bacteremia. Non-infectious complications developed in 55 patients (71%) of which renal complications were more common (67%). No significant association between age, gender, ascites, diabetes mellitus, MELD score, and any complications was found.
Conclusion
Non-infectious complications were more prominent than infectious complications in the first 30 days post-DDLT in adult recipients, with no significant association between recipient demographic data, comorbid diabetes, CMV status, and MELD score.
Keywords: Early complications, liver transplant recipients, Deceased donor liver transplantation, Wits Donald Gordon Medical Centre, Model for End-Stage Liver
Disease
Colorectal cancer screening: a minireview
Authors: Zaki Mahmoud Mohamed , said Mahmoud Abdallah Abdel , Mohamed Mahmoud Mohamed Ali , abdelrasheed Mahmoud Fayez , Adel Mahmoud , Farag Mahmoud Mohamed , Mohamed Mahmoud Talaat , Ali Mahmoud Mohamed , Eladly Mahmoud , Abdelwahab Mahmoud
Published: March 2021

Background: Colorectal cancer is increasing worldwide, especially in young populations. Objective: In
this minireview, we discussed the different methods used in the screening of colorectal cancer in the
general population. Conclusions: screening of colorectal cancer by different methods is an effective way to
diagnose colorectal cancer in the early stages.
Keywords: screening, colorectal cancer, minireview
Health Systems Determinants of Occurrence of Postpartum Hemorrhage Among Women of Reproductive Age 15-49 Years - Kenya
Authors: Ottoman Adel W. , Angira Charles , Owenga Jane , Ogendi Japheth
Published: March 2021

Postpartum hemorrhage constitutes 73% of all the obstetric hemorrhage globally. Thirty-four percent of maternal deaths occurring in Kenya are due to postpartum hemorrhage. In Homa Bay County, postpartum hemorrhage is the leading cause of maternal mortality contributing 38% of all maternal deaths despite several strategies by the ministry of health to reduce occurrence. Previous studies attribute this to poor provision and utilization of essential health services. The possible contextual contribution of health systems determinants of occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage has not been explored in the County. The objective of this study was to establish the health systems determinants of occurrence of postpartum hemorrhage among women of reproductive age 15-49 years in Homa Bay County. The specific objectives were: to identify the quality of health service delivery determinants, and: to describe the human resource for health determinants. This was a cross-sectional study design in which qualitative and quantitative methods were used. The quality health service delivery determinants found statistically significant was level of attention with Pearson chi-square = 5.2872 (P-value = 0.021), while the human resource for health determinants were: change of work stations with Pearson chi-square 6.929 (P-value = 0.008), and increased number of health workers with Pearson chi2(1) = 4.1205 (P-value = 0.042) and skills. The findings have significant importance in constructing and reviewing programs for women of reproductive age focusing on quality service delivery on level of attention, human resource for health change of station, increased number, and skills.
Is Peer Feedback Helpful When Learning Literature Review Writing? A Study of Feedback Features and Quantity
Authors: Eika Evelyn
Published: March 2021

The literature review is an important part of an academic text. It is common for students to learn literature review writing through reading and practice. This study explored peer feedback as an assisting interactive social tool that aims to provide formative assessment of literature reviews written by master students. The student reviewers’ feedback characteristics were identified and coded, and their relationships with writing performance were examined. Six assessment criteria and writing categories relevant to the literature reviews genre were employed for the writing process as well as a peer feedback process. The feedback patterns were analysed according to four dimensions: describing status or problems versus prescribing directions, abundant input versus uncritical/empty comments, high versus low level, and constructive versus negative. No correlations were found between review patterns, students’ performance mark, and quantity of feedback received. Significant correlations were observed between specific review patterns and separate category scores. The dimensions constructive vs. negative and high vs. low level correlated with most category scores. The findings show that the students were able to provide useful and high-level comments to assist their peers’ writing. Overall, it was found that peer feedback quality and quantity do not define the performance mark, but benefit individual aspects of literature reviews writing.
Language Shift From Arabic Into English With Regard to Techniques of Borrowing and Arabicization: An Empirical Study
Authors: Shehabat Abdullah K.
Published: March 2021

Due to the unexpected number of languages that are anticipated to be lost during the next century, the present paper investigates the matter of language shift in a bilingual speech community with regard to the techniques of borrowing and Arabicization. Twenty-six Arabic contexts with loanwords and/or Arabicized items were provided to Arabic and English linguists who were asked to judge the level of acceptability and readability of them. A google forms questionnaire was used as a tool to conduct this empirical study. We found that there is a general tendency towards rejecting the items that have a foreignized sense unless the alternatives function similar to the original ones. However, some subjects valued the responses that captured the communicative sense of the original message. In the meantime, we listed the sociolinguistic factors that play a major role in creating language shift along with their influence on Arabic language.
Cultural-Bound Meaning of Animal Names in Arabic
Authors: Issawi Juhaina Maen Al
Published: March 2021

The current study investigates the cultural-bound meaning of animal names in Arabic. The study aims at finding out the different meanings of these words fulfilled and how different cultures play a crucial role in altering these meanings. The study analyzed ten animal names qualitatively by providing the various meanings of Arabic literature: Quran, dictionaries, idioms, and proverbs. The study found out that these names have conveyed different meanings based on the culture and context by which they occur. It proves that each name has a denotative meaning that fixed and another connotative meaning that reflects the speakers' culture. The study also reveals that factors like appearances, behavior, intelligence, and characteristics usually trigger individuals to name humans after animal names. Moreover, the gender of the animal name is another factor that can alter the meaning completely.
Nigerian English Usage in Literature: A Sociolinguistic Study of Wole Soyinka’s The Beatification of Area Boy
Authors: Uwen God’sgift Ogban , Nta Eno Grace
Published: March 2021

This paper examined the imbalances created by social situations and captured in the English language usage by the characters in Wole Soyinka’s The beatification of area boy. The play, set in the busy city of Lagos, is a theatrical typification of the Nigerian society that creates variety differentiation in language use. The sociolinguistic data for the analysis were extracted from the primary text. The findings indicate that, in the play, Soyinka succinctly displays characters as linguistic pointers to showcase the peculiarities in Nigerian English usage that differentiate the linguistic behaviours of Nigerians from other Englishes. The study reveals the categorisation of the ‘spoken’ varieties into Nigerian Pidgin, Incipient bilingual, Local colour variety and the Nigerian literary variety. These features which manifest at the phonological, semantic, lexical, syntactic and pragmatic levels altogether combine to represent the typical linguistic situation in a non-native speaker environment. The linguistic variations, when juxtaposed with sociolinguistic variables, explicitly express the domestic adaptations and modifications in English language usage suggestive of the playwright’s representation of the Nigerian multilingual society.
Reviewer Acknowledgements for English Linguistics Research, Vol. 10, No. 1
Authors: Su Camille
Published: March 2021

English Linguistics Research (ELR) would like to acknowledge the following reviewers for their assistance with peer review of manuscripts for this issue. Many authors, regardless of whether ELR publishes their work, appreciate the helpful feedback provided by the reviewers. Their comments and suggestions were of great help to the authors in improving the quality of their papers. Each of the reviewers listed below returned at least one review for this issue. Reviewers for Volume 10, Number 1 Alina Andreea Dragoescu Urlica, University of Life Sciences, RomaniaKatherine Short-Meyerson, University of Wisconsin Oshkosh, USAPeace Chinwendu Israel, University of Education, GhanaWin Whelan, St. Bonaventure University, USAYuemin Wang, University of Chinese Academy of Sciences, China Best Regards,Camille SuEditorial Assistant, English Linguistics ResearchSciedu Press*************************************Add: 9140 Leslie St. Suite 110, Beaver Creek, Ontario, L4B 0A9, CanadaTel: 1-416-479-0028 ext. 210Fax: 1-416-642-8548E-mail 1: elr@sciedupress.com  E-mail 2: elr@sciedupress.org Website: http://elr.sciedupress.com
Islamic Finance and Its Role in Funding Small Enterprises in Jordan
Authors: Zyadat Ali Abdel Fattah Hamdan , Alrawashdeh Salah Turki Ateiwi
Published: March 2021

The present study aimed to explore the extent to which small enterprises in Jordan benefit from Islamic finance formulas from the perspective of the owners of small enterprises. The researchers adopted a descriptive analytical approach. The sample consists from 300 owners of small enterprises in Jordan. The questionnaire forms were sent the members of the sample via e-mail. It was found that the size of the credit facilities granted to small enterprises in Jordan (in millions) during the period (2016- 2020) contributes to achieving growth. It is less than one billion JDs. It was found that the extent to which small enterprises benefited from Islamic finance is high. The researchers recommend developing the Islamic financing formulas offered by Islamic banks. That shall contribute to developing small enterprises.
A Case-control Study on Personal and Academic Determinants of Dropout among Health Profession Students
Authors: Aldahmashi Thamir , Algholaiqa Thekra , Alrajhi Ziyad , Althunayan Thamer , Anjum Irfan , Almuqbil Bader
Published: March 2021

An adequate number of healthcare providers is an essential factor in the prosperity of a population. One challenge faced by universities is student dropout. This case-control study aimed to examine the academic, psychological, medical, social, as well as female-related risk factors at a health-sciences university in Saudi Arabia in the academic year 2016-2017. The study included a total of 723 students, of whom 143 dropped out. A validated questionnaire was used to assess risk factors. Comparisons were made using chi-square test with the outcome of interest being dropout at the end of the academic year. Around 20% of students had dropped out by the end of the academic year 2016-2017. Significant risk factors for dropout included male gender, lack of previous university degree, having a primary as well as a secondary specialty choice, not matching into the first specialty choice, English language, and female-related risk factors, such as pregnancy. Health-care education is an inherently stressful environment where dropout is a concerning phenomenon. It is imperative to recognize risk factors and develop strategies to ensure students’ successful adaptation and progress. Policymakers should be aware of the impact of academic and gender-related factors to address and help limit the number of students dropping out of highly needed professions.
Welcoming Ain’t Belonging: A Case Study that Explores How Two-year Predominantly White Colleges Can Foster an Environment of Validation and Mattering for Men of Color
Authors: Turner Patrick , Zepeda Efren Miranda
Published: March 2021

The qualitative case study explored the factors that foster an atmosphere of belonging for men of color (MOC) attending a 2-year Predominantly White Institution. The pressing issue is the PWI colleges make the erroneous assumption that an extension or invitation of welcome is the same as fostering a sense of belonging for men of color (MOC). This led colleges to construct policies and practices that do not intentionally and deliberately create an atmosphere where MOC feel valued, validated, and visible. According to Maestas, Vaquera, and Zehr (2007), fostering a sense of belonging is paramount to the retention and graduation of students of color. The study surfaced three central themes: (a) experiencing an atmosphere of welcome, (b) desire for cultural representation and celebration (c) importance of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI) training. Though most colleges boast of creating a sense of belonging, the National Center for Education Statistics (2019) reports 25% of men of color graduate from a community college within 150 % or three-years of normal time. Additionally, the Community College Survey of Men (CCSM) reports a lack of validation, engagement, and high attrition rate for men of color attending these institutions (Harris & Wood, 2013). This can be problematic considering the majority of men of color began their academic journey by attending 2-year colleges. Community and 2-year colleges are critical to the educational system and positioned to improve access and equity for students of color, particularly males (Bailey, Jaggars, & Jenkins, 2015).
The Feasibility of Foreign Language Online Instruction During the Covid-19 Pandemic: A Qualitative Case Study of Instructors’ and Students’ Reflections
Authors: Jansem Anchalee
Published: March 2021

This small scale case study aimed at identifying the feasibility of foreign language online instruction during the abrupt change of teaching mode toward online platforms. The feasibility in this study involves the practicality and the possibility of and the concerns about language teaching and learning foreign language online as reflected by the instructors and the students. One instructor teaching as well as two students majoring each of the eight foreign languages including English, French, German, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Khmer, and Vietnamese from an autonomous university in Bangkok, Thailand, voluntarily took part in this study. Data collected via semi-structured interviews and post-interviews written reflections indicated three levels of the practicality. The data showed the conditional likeliness of the possibility to carry on online teaching. The last finding presented concerns about foreign language online instruction. Further research is needed for a more complete understanding of the effects of online foreign language instruction in different social contexts.
Robust trajectory tracking control for autonomous vehicle subject to velocity-varying and uncertain lateral disturbance
Authors: Wang Yuqiong , Gao Song , Wang Yuhai , Wang Pengwei , Zhou Yingchao , Xu Yi
Published: March 2021

Autonomous vehicles are the most advanced intelligent vehicles and will play an important role in reducing traffic accidents, saving energy and reducing emission. Motion control for trajectory tracking is one of the core issues in the field of autonomous vehicle research. According to the characteristics of strong nonlinearity, uncertainty and chang-ing longitudinal velocity for autonomous vehicles at high speed steering condition, the robust trajectory tracking control is studied. Firstly, the vehicle system models are established and the novel target longitudinal velocity planning is carried out. This velocity planning method can not only ensure that the autonomous vehicle operates in a strong nonlinear coupling state in bend, but also easy to be constructed. Then, taking the lateral location deviation minimiz-ing to zero as the lateral control objective, a robust active disturbance rejection control path tracking controller is designed along with an extended state observer which can deal with the varying velocity and uncertain lateral dis-turbance effectively. Additionally, the feedforward-feedback control method is adopted to control the total tire torque, which is distributed according to the steering characteristics of the vehicle for additional yaw moment to enhance vehicle handing stability. Finally, the robustness of the proposed controller is evaluated under velocity-varying condi-tion and sudden lateral disturbance. The single-lane change maneuver and double-lane change maneuver under vary longitudinal velocity and different road adhesions are both simulated. The simulation results based on Matlab/Simulink show that the proposed controller can accurately observe the external disturbances and have good performance in trajectory tracking and handing stability. The maximum lateral error reduces by 0.18 meters compared with a vehicle that controlled by a feedback-feedforward path tracking controller in the single-lane change maneuver. The lateral deviation is still very small even in the double lane change case of abrupt curvature. It should be noted that our proposed control algorithm is simple and robust, thus provide great potential for engineering application.
Static and dynamic examination of a locking plate in various setups for the stabilization of bone shaft fractures, including periprosthetic
Authors: Marczyński Wojciech , Sobolewski Andrzej
Published: March 2021

Introduction: Hip and knee arthroplasty, formerly known as the “gold standard” in the treatment of articular cartilage damage, after a period of being highly popular, are changing the way they are perceived over time due to their related complications. The number of complications is directly proportional to the number of prostheses placed. This is the case of numerus arthroplasty surgeries, also involving other joints. Since there is no tissue compatibility between the metal prosthesis and the bone tissue, the former represents a negative biological element that hinders the healing of the fracture.

Objective of the study: The study aims at addressing the following questions: 1. What is the elasticity of the fixation with a locking plate depending on the number of screws in both fragments, in the case of interfractural diastasis?, 2. What is the elasticity of the fixation with a locking plate depending on the number of screws in both fragments, in the case of fracture-on-fracture compression? 3. What is the difference in elasticity of the fixation using the cable system on a fracture with prosthesis?, 4. Determining the influence of different stabilization setups with the locking plate screws on the spacing of the fracture on the static and dynamic experimental model, 5. Is it possible to achieve elasticity of the stabilization stimulating bone union in a plate-based fixation, and when?

Material and methods: The study was performed in the research laboratory of ChM. The subject of the study was the ChM 5.0 ChLP straight narrow compression locking plate with limited contact L-238, holes-15. The plate was mounted using ChM 3.5 locking screws: 5.0 ChLP 3.5 x 18T self-tapping screw and 5.0 ChLP 3.5 x 36T self-tapping screw. The test was carried out under static and dynamic conditions.

Results and Conclusions: 1. The elasticity of the fixation with a locking plate at the interfractural diastasis is inversely proportional to the number of screws (plate deflection), 2. The elasticity of the fixation with a locking plate at the fracture-on-fracture compression is inversely proportional to the number of screws (fracture-on-fracture compression), 3. Application of the “cable system” on the fracture with prosthesis and the derotation screw optimizes the elasticity of the fixation and seems to be an optimal solution (in periprosthetic fractures), 4. Studies on the experimental static and dynamic model demonstrated that placing screws in all the openings of the plate is a restrained/clinically useless fixation. 5. The elasticity of the stabilization stimulating bone union can be obtained in the plate fixation supported by the "cable system".
The Association of Visual Impairments of Elite Soccer Players with Concussion and Sports Injuries: A Prospective Cohort Study
Authors: Hassanmirzaei Bahar , Fahimipour Farinaz , Haratian Zohreh , Moghadam Navid
Published: March 2021

Background: Visual skills play a pivotal role in athletic performance. However, in a professional setting, visual assessment is limited to a brief examination of visual acuity by the Snellen chart. This is while visual skills in sport comprise several other components. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the potential relationship between visual skills and sports injuries in professional soccer players. Methods: Through a prospective cohort study between September 2017 and October 2018, professional soccer league players were recruited for a complete eye examination including visual acuity, field of vision, and color discrimination as pre-competition examination. Any possible relationship between an abnormal eye finding and sports injury during the upcoming season was investigated. Results: A total of 386 male soccer players in 4 different playing positions were recruited from 16 league teams. Myopia, visual field defects, and green/blue/red color blindness were the most common visual impairments. Overall, there was no significant relationship between abnormal visual skills and the incidence of low back and upper extremity injuries among soccer players. However, a logistic regression model showed that the odds of quadriceps injury is 1.92 times higher (P-value: 0.005) for one diopter increase in both eyes' sum of refractive error. There is also an increased risk of concussion in players who have visual field defects (P-value < 0.005). Conclusions: Visual field defects can put soccer players at a higher risk for concussion. Moreover, uncorrected refractive eye errors will increase the incidence of lower limb injuries, mostly quadriceps injuries.
Association Between Serum Nitric Oxide Level and Changes in Thyroid Function Test in a Population-based Study: Tehran Thyroid Study Participants (TTS)
Authors: Ghazisaeidi Behnaz , Sarvghadi Farzaneh , Ghasemi Asghar , Tohidi Maryam , Azizi Fereidoun , Amouzegar Atieh
Published: March 2021

Background: Nitric oxide (NO) plays a key role in thyroid function regulation through the inhibition of iodide (I) uptake at the thyroidal sodium-iodide symporter (NIS) and impacts on the thyroid vascularity and blood flow. Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the association between serum NO metabolites (NOx) and thyroid-stimulating hormone (TSH), free thyroxin (FT4), and anti-thyroid peroxidase (TPOAb) changes. Also, it aimed at evaluating the correlation between serum NOx and the incidence of clinical hypothyroidism, characterized by elevated TSH level and decreased FT4 concentration, and subclinical hypothyroidism, characterized by mildly elevated TSH level despite FT4 concentration within the normal range, over three years of follow-up. Methods: This study included 1,137 participants of the Tehran Thyroid study (TTS), aged > 20 years old, for whom data on serum TSH, FT4, and TPOAb in the third and fourth phases, and serum NOx in the third phase were available. Changes in TSH (ΔTSH), FT4 (ΔFT4), and TPOAb (ΔTPO) between the third and fourth phases were calculated, and the associations between serum NOx and ΔTSH, ΔFT4, and ΔTPOAb were assessed after multivariable adjustment using linear regression analysis. Results: No significant association was found between serum NOx and ΔTSH, ΔFT4, and ΔTPOAb after the multivariable adjustment; neither was any observed in TPOAb split groups after multivariable adjustment. No significant association was found between serum NOx tertiles and clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism incidence in the fourth phase of TTS. Conclusions: There was no association between serum NOx levels and changes in TSH, FT4, and TPOAb and clinical and subclinical hypothyroidism incidence.
Comparison of Body Mass Index, Smoking, Vitamin E and Type of Oil Consumed Between Patients Suffering from Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease Versus Non-affected Patients: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Naghibeiranvand Mehran , Visskaramian Atefeh , Mehrabirad Fatemeh , Mohammadi Zahra
Published: March 2021

Background: Non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) has an increasing trend in the world and can lead to liver failure and death if left untreated. Lifestyle modification is very important in the treatment of this disease. Objectives: This study aimed to determine the comparison of body mass index (BMI), smoking, vitamin E consumption, and type of oil consumed by patients with NAFLD with non-alcoholic patients. Methods: The present study was a retrospective case-control study that was performed on 120 patients referred to the ultrasound unit of Shohaday Ashayer Hospital in Khorramabad. The participants were divided into two groups, including case (61 people) and control (59 people). The questionnaire consisted of three parts: (1) the first part was related to demographic information; (2) the second part was related to liver ultrasound results; (3) and the third part was related to height, weight, BMI, weekly vitamin E intake, daily smoking status, and type of oil consumed. Data were analyzed using SPSS-23 software and descriptive and inferential statistical methods. Results: Most of the participants in the study were 69 (55.8%) and 92 (76.66%) were married. The mean BMI of patients with NAFLD was significantly higher than non-alcoholic patients (P = 0.003). There was no statistically significant difference in daily smoking and weekly intake of vitamin E in patients with and without non-alcoholic fatty liver disease (P < 0.05). According to Fisher's exact test, it was found that there was a statistically significant difference in the frequency by patients with NAFLD and non-alcoholic (P = 0.014). Also, a statistically significant difference was observed in the frequency of the type of oil consumed by patients with NAFLD (P = 0.014). Conclusions: Consumption of olive and sesame oil along with weight loss is recommended. Smoking as a risk factor, as well as the use of vitamin E to prevent and treat NAFLD, require further studies with a larger sample size.
Development and application of the complex model of the cholinergic system
Authors: Vasylenko Volodymyr , Martynova Mariia , Mickevičius Saulius
Published: March 2021

The vital activity of organisms is regulated by biochemical processes. Even minor disruptions or incorrect intervention in these processes leads to serious, often irreversible, consequences. The study of the cholinergic system and its modulators is of particular interest. Reasonable influence on the metabolism of acetylcholine can help in solving a wide range of veterinary, medical, and fundamental biochemical problems. Currently, not all mechanisms of biological effects on the cholinergic system have been studied. Limited laboratory methods are the main obstacle to further study of these processes. The results of in vitro and in vivo studies can most often be questioned due to the significant influence of external factors, high variability of variables, and difficulties in processing large volumes of biochemical data. In recent years, more and more researchers have emphasized the need to introduce new methods and research methods in the area of biological sciences. Without innovative approaches in applied research, it is no longer possible to obtain a reliable and satisfactory result. It is necessary to set a goal to find and develop safe modulators of the cholinergic system both in the direction of catalytic reactions and its inhibition by using the methods of computational biology. Existing software products give positive results in solving highly specific issues, but they do not offer a comprehensive solution to the existing problems of biomodelling. This article examines examples of the existing modelling techniques and considers the possibility of creating a universal software product for the integral construction and analysis of the cholinergic system.
Substitutions of the NBS1 gene and clinicopathological characteristics of young breast cancer patients
Authors: Vadeikienė Roberta , Savukaitytė Aistė , Ugenskienė Rasa , Gudaitienė Jurgita , Juozaitytė Elona
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to determine characteristics potentially related to NBS1 mutations and polymorphisms in young (≤50 years of age) breast cancer patients. Blood from 80 breast cancer patients was collected. NBS1 mutations c.657_661del, p.R215W, p.I171V, and polymorphisms c.8360G>C, c.30537G>C were genotyped by the PCR-RFLP method. Two-sided Chi-square test was used for univariate analysis and logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the odds ratio. No carriers of the c.657_661del, p.R215W and p.I171V mutations were found. NBS1 c.8360G>C logistic regression analysis showed that GC and CC genotypes compared with GG genotype had decreased risk of low grade tumour, 2.885-fold (OR = 2.885, 95% CI 0.173–0.735, P = 0.005) and 2.186-fold (OR = 2.186, 95% CI 0.188–0.888, P = 0.024), respectively. 8360 CC genotype (OR = 3.034, 95% CI 0.156–0.778, P = 0.010) significantly increased the chances of HER2 amplification compared to GG genotype. NBS1 8360 GC genotype had a higher risk for breast cancer progression (OR = 1.673, 95% CI 0.233–0.915, P = 0.027). The homozygote 8360 CC carriers had approximately a six times higher risk for the disease progress (OR = 5.946, 95% CI 0.098–0.585, P = 0.002). The prevalence of triple negative breast cancer type was significantly higher in individuals with NBS1 8360 CC genotype (OR = 2.186, 95% CI 0.188–0.888, P = 0.024). Regarding c.30537G>C polymorphism, none of the genotypes had a significant influence on pathological characteristics. NBS1 gene c.8360G>C polymorphism might be associated with breast cancer aggressiveness in young breast cancer patients.
Utilization of spare substances of Zea mays L. seeds during germination under the combined effect of growth regulators and presence or absence of light
Authors: Kuryata Volodymyr , Kuts Bohdana , Prysedsky Yuriy
Published: March 2021

Functional changes in the source-sink system of maize sprouts under combination of external (light/dark) and hormonal (gibberellic acid/retardant) factors during germination were studied. It was found that the phytohormone action significantly increased the coleoptile, root and seedling length, dry matter mass of organs, both in light and in dark. Tebuconazole caused the opposite effect due to its retardant action. The inactivation of endogenous phytohormone was confirmed by less intensive use of seed substances, the minimum dry matter of root and coleoptile and lower reserve utilization rates under tebuconazole influence, in particular under photomorphogenesis condition. The non-maximum mass of cotyledons may indicate a kind of optimization of use of reserves under tebuconazole treatment. Gibberellin stimulated starch breakdown in both light and dark, but starch usage was higher in dark. The lower content of sugar in the seeds of skotomorphic plants in control and under gibberellin action was explained by intense outflow for the organogenesis needs. Gibberellin stimulated the hydrolysis of reserve protein after intensive starch hydrolysis in dark. Specific gibberellin regulation of phosphorus outflow for the organogenesis processes under the photo- and skotomorphogenesis conditions and no regulation for potassium under photomorphogenesis conditions were found.
A systematic review of inequalities in the uptake of, adherence to and effectiveness of behavioural weight management interventions
Authors: Birch Jack , Jones Rebecca , Mueller Julia , McDonald Matthew , Richards Rebecca , Kelly Michael , Griffin Simon , Ahern Amy
Published: March 2021

Background: It has been suggested that interventions focusing on individual behaviour change, such as behavioural weight management interventions, may exacerbate health inequalities. These intervention-generated inequalities may occur at different stages, including intervention uptake, adherence and effectiveness. We conducted a systematic review to synthesise evidence on how different measures of inequality moderate the uptake of, adherence to and effectiveness of behavioural weight management interventions in adults. Methods: We updated a previous systematic literature review from the US Preventive Services Taskforce to identify trials of behavioural weight management interventions in adults that could be conducted in or recruited from primary care. Medline, Cochrane database (CENTRAL) and PsycINFO were searched. Only randomised controlled trials and cluster-randomised controlled trials were included. Two investigators independently screened articles for eligibility and conducted risk of bias assessment. We curated publication families for eligible trials. The PROGRESS-Plus acronym (place of residence, race/ethnicity, occupation, gender, religion, education, socioeconomic status, social capital, plus other discriminating factors) was used to consider a comprehensive range of health inequalities. Data on trial uptake, intervention adherence, weight change, and PROGRESS-Plus related-data were extracted. Results: Data extraction in currently underway. A total of 108 studies are included in the review. Data will be synthesised narratively and through the use of Harvest Plots. A Harvest plot for each PROGRESS-Plus criterion will be presented, showing whether each trial found a negative, positive or no health inequality gradient. We will also identify potential sources of unpublished original research data on these factors which can be synthesised through a future individual participant data meta- analysis. Conclusions and implications: The review findings will contribute towards the consideration of intervention-generated inequalities by researchers, policy makers and healthcare and public health practitioners. Authors of trials included in the completed systematic review may be invited to collaborate on a future IPD meta-analysis. PROSPERO registration number: CRD42020173242
The Choroid Plexus Is Permissive for a Preactivated Antigen-Experienced Memory B Cell Subset in Multiple Sclerosis
Authors: Costa Leonardo , Haas Jürgen , Rudolph Henriette , Libicher Saskia , Jarius Sven , Tenenbaum Tobias , Schroten Horst , Brigitte Wildemann Brigitte
Published: March 2021

Background: The role of B cells in multiple sclerosis (MS) is increasingly recognized. B cells undergo compartmentalized redistribution in blood and cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) during active MS, whereby memory B cells accumulate in the CSF. While B-cell trafficking across the blood– brain barrier has been intensely investigated, cellular diapedesis through the blood–CSF barrier (BCSFB) is incompletely understood. Objectives: To investigate how B cells interact with the choroid plexus to transmigrate into the CSF, we isolated circulating B cells from healthy donors (HC) and MS patients, utilized an inverted cell culture filter system of human choroid plexus papilloma (HIBCPP) cells to determine transmigration rates of B-cell subsets, immunofluorescence, and electron microscopy to analyze migration routes, and qRT-PCR to determine cytokines/chemokines mediating B-cell diapedesis. We also screened the transcriptome of intrathecal B cells from MS patients. Results: We found that spontaneous transmigration of HC- and MS-derived B cells was scant yet increased significantly in response to B-cell specific chemokines CXCL-12/CXCL-13, was further boosted upon pre-activation and occurred via paracellular and transcellular pathways. Migrating cells exhibited upregulation of several genes involved in B-cell activation/migration and enhanced expression of chemokine receptors CXCR4/CXCR5 and were predominantly of isotype class switched memory phenotype. This antigen-experienced migratory subset displayed more pronounced chemotactic activities in MS than in HC and was retrieved in intrathecal B cells from patients with active MS. Trafficking of class-switched memory B cells was downscaled in a small cohort of natalizumab-exposed MS patients and the proportions of these phenotypes were reduced in peripheral blood yet were enriched intrathecally in patients who experienced recurrence of disease activity after withdrawal of natalizumab. Conclusion: Our findings highlight the relevance of the BCSFB as an important gate for the entry of potentially harmful activated B cells into the CSF.
A Computational Model of Cancer Metabolism for Personalised Medicine
Authors: Occhipinti Annalisa , Angione Claudio
Published: March 2021

Cancer cells must rewrite their ‘‘internal code’’ to satisfy the demand for growth and proliferation. Such changes are driven by a combination of genetic (e.g., genes’ mutations) and non-genetic factors (e.g., tumour microenvironment) that result in an alteration of cellular metabolism. For this reason, understanding the metabolic and genomic changes of a cancer cell can provide useful insight on cancer progression and survival outcomes. In our work, we present a computational framework that uses patient-specific data to investigate cancer metabolism and provide personalised survival predictions and cancer development outcomes. The proposed model integrates patient-specific multi-omics data (i.e., genomic, metabolomic and clinical data) into a metabolic model of cancer to produce a list of metabolic reactions affecting cancer progression. Quantitative and predictive analysis, through survival analysis and machine learning techniques, is then performed on the list of selected reactions. Since our model performs an analysis of patient-specific data, the outcome of our pipeline provides a personalised prediction of survival outcome and cancer development based on a subset of identified multi-omics features (genomic, metabolomic and clinical data). In particular, our work aims to develop a computational pipeline for clinicians that relates the omic profile of each patient to their survival probability, based on a combination of machine learning and metabolic modelling techniques. The model provides patient-specific predictions on cancer development and survival outcomes towards the development of personalised medicine.
The drivers of overdiagnosis within modern healthcare systems - An interdisciplinary analysis
Authors: Vodden Alice
Published: March 2021

“Overdiagnosis” - when people are labelled with or treated for a disease that would never cause them harm - is increasingly highlighted as a significant issue within contemporary healthcare, yet one which to date, has received little attention outside of the medical context. As a society, our collective enthusiasm to diagnose and treat disease has paradoxically been shown to potentially do more harm than good, impacting individuals whilst simultaneously increasing financial costs to the health system. As health systems across the world continue to face unprecedented pressures, tackling this phenomenon represents an important step in reducing the proliferation of low-value care inherent within the practice of modern medicine, and contributing towards the development of sustainable health systems. This research represents the first interdisciplinary analysis of the factors contributing towards overdiagnosis within modern healthcare systems. The analysis finds that individual disciplines of a medical and non-medical origin elude to important insights in relation to the drivers of overdiagnosis which are not necessarily reflected across multiple disciplines. Drivers identified within literature which lies beyond the medical context likely represent new knowledge in relation to the causes of overdiagnosis, and collectively provide a starting point from which to consider the role of patients and clinicians in influencing overdiagnosis, the nature of the interaction between the drivers of overdiagnosis, and the role of the different models of health in providing a unique perspective of the wider phenomenon. These findings highlight the importance of interdisciplinarity within health research and contribute towards efforts to reduce the rise of low value care within modern healthcare, fostering the development of sustainable health systems.