bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of Triglyceride-glucose Index with Intra- and Extra-cranial Arterial Stenosis: A Combined Cross-sectional and Longitudinal Analysis
Authors: Wang Anxin , Tian Xue , Zuo Yingting , Chen Shuohua , Zhang Xiaoli , Guo Jiahuan , Wu Shouling , Zhao Xingquan
Published: February 2021

Background: Triglyceride-glucose (TyG) index, as a simple surrogate marker of insulin resistance, has been suggested to be associated with arterial stiffness. However, there is limited data regarding the effect of the TyG index on intra- and extra-cranial artery stenosis (ICAS and ECAS). This study aimed to assess the cross-sectional and longitudinal associations of the TyG index with ICAS and ECAS in Chinese adults.Methods: Participants were recruited from the Asymptomatic Polyvascular Abnormalities Community study, 5,381 participants were enrolled in the cross-sectional analysis, and then 3,447 and 1,853 participants were enrolled in the longitudinal analysis for incident ICAS and ECAS, respectively. The TyG index was calculated as ln [fasting triglyceride (mg/dL) × fasting glucose (mg/dL)/2]. Multivariable logistic analysis was used to assess the association of the TyG index with the outcomes by calculating odds ratio (OR) and 95% confidence interval (CI). Results: The results of cross-sectional and longitudinal analysis were basically the same, as the fully adjusted OR comparing participants in the highest tertile versus lowest tertile of the TyG index was 1.34 (95% CI, 1.13-1.59) for prevalence of ECAS and 1.85 (95% CI, 1.26-2.71) for incident ECAS, respectively. The addition of TyG index to a conventional model had an incremental effect on the predictive value for ECAS, the integrated discrimination improvement and category-free net reclassification was 0.20% (P=0.0011) and 9.14% (P=0.0008) in the cross-section analysis, 0.30% (P=0.0315) and 20.03% (P=0.0042) in the longitudinal analysis. However, we did not observed any significant association between the TyG index and ICAS. Conclusions: Elevated TyG index was significantly associated with a higher risk of ECAS, but not with ICAS in Chinese adults. This conclusion lends support to the clinical significant for the TyG index for the assessment of artery stenosis, especially for ECAS.
Prognostic Value of MUC1 and its Correlation with Tumor-Infiltrating Immune Cells in Breast Cancer
Authors: Xi Xiaomin , You Yilin , Huang Weidong , zhan jicheng
Published: February 2021

Background: MUC1 is a transmembrane glycoprotein, aberrantly glycosylated and overexpressed in a variety of epithelial cancers, and plays a crucial role in cancer progression, especially in breast cancer. It is also an essential regulator for immune functionality, but the mechanisms whereby it effects immune infiltration in breast cancer remain uncertain. Methods: In this research, MUC1 expression was analyzed by the Oncomine and TIMER database. The association between MUC1 and prognosis was evaluated by Kaplan-Meier plotter database. The correlations of MUC1 with immune infiltration and immunological markers were assessed by TIMER database. Results: We found that MUC1 expression was significantly correlated with outcomes in multiple cancers, with the effect being particularly pronounced in breast cancer. Pathologically, elevated MUC1 expression was related with worse prognosis depending on intrinsic subtypes, ER status, patient stage, lymph node and TP53 mutation status in breast cancer. Specifically, low level of MUC1 seemed to be more favorable to luminal B patients with systemic treatment. MUC1 expression had significant negative correlations with inﬁltrating levels of CD8+ T cells, CD4+ T cells, B cells, macrophages, neutrophils, monocytes and dendritic cells (DCs) in breast cancer. Besides, MUC1 displayed strong regulations on macrophage polarization and diverse immunological gene markers. The patients with lower MUC1 and deeper immune infiltration predicted better prognosis. Conclusions: MUC1 is significantly associated with clinical prognosis and potentially plays an essential role in modulating cytotoxic T lymphocytes (CTLs), tumor associated macrophages (TAMs), natural killer cells (NK cells) and DCs in breast tumors. Collectively, MUC1 could be served as a valuable biomarker of predicting prognosis and immune inﬁltration for breast cancer patients.
Epidemiological and Molecular Profile of Blood Donors Infected with HTLV-1/2 in the State of Pará, Northern Brazil
Authors: Maneschy Carolina de Alcântara , Barile Katarine Antonia dos Santos , Castro Jairo Augusto Américo de , Palmeira Maurício Koury , Castro Renata Bezerra Hermes de , Amaral Carlos Eduardo de Melo
Published: February 2021

Background: The Human T Cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV) is a retrovirus of the genus Deltaretrovirus, which belongs to the family Retroviridae. The most important types are HTLV-1 and HTLV-2. It is estimated that between five and 10 million individuals are infected with HTLV-1, worldwide. Studies in the state of Pará indicate that it has the third highest prevalence of HTLV infections of any Brazilian state. The present study describes the epidemiological, serological, and molecular profile of blood donors from the state of Pará, that were classified as unfit due to infection by HTLV-1 and 2. Methods: The present study is based on a descriptive, retrospective, and cross-sectional review of the epidemiological, serological, and molecular data on blood donations, between January 2015 and December 2019. The data were obtained from the blood bank system and were digitalized to form a database in the Statistical Package for Social Sciences program, version 20. Descriptive statistics were used to determine the absolute and relative frequencies of the qualitative variables. For the quantitative variables, the mean, standard deviation, and minimum and maximum values were calculated. A p < 0.05 significance level was adopted for all analyse. Results: A total of 632 samples were analyzed. The HTLV proviral DNA was detected primarily in females (69.1%), with a mean age of 40 years, with the highest frequencies of detection being recorded in single individuals (66.2%), first-time donors (74.3%), and individuals that had graduated high school (44.1%). The molecular confirmation of HTLV showed that three-quarters (78%) of the serologically reactive individuals were negative for either types 1 or 2, so the epidemiological profile of these individuals was significantly different from their detectable profile. Conclusions: The HTLV is neglected in Brazil, there is thus a clear need for further research in the area of regional hemotherapy and hematology services, in order to contribute to the definition of regional infection profiles, that will be fundamental to the development of effective prophylactic practises for the prevention of the infection and the dissemination of knowledge on the dangers of HTLV in the community.
Effects of gaseous environments on physicochemical properties of thermally exfoliated graphene oxides for hydrogen storage: A comparative study
Authors: Singh Sohan Bir , De Mahuya
Published: February 2021

The present study compared the effect of different gaseous environments on physicochemical properties and subsequent hydrogen storage ability of thermally exfoliated graphene oxide (EGO). The reducing, inert or oxidizing environments were generated using hydrogen, argon or air as the carrier gas, respectively. The structure of thermally exfoliated graphene oxide depended on the type of gaseous environment. The EGO prepared in presence of Air showed the fluffiest layered structure having highest surface area. The surface area order was EGO(Air) (268 m2/g) > EGO(H2) (248 m2/g) > EGO(Ar) (155 m2/g). The average pore sizes of EGO(Air) and EGO(H2) were 2.9 and 2.8 nm, with pore volumes of 1.2 and 1.6 cm3/g, respectively. The average pore size for EGO(Ar) was highest at 4.1 nm, associated with presence of larger void space and lowest total pore volume of 1.0 cm3/g. Thus, presence of oxidative or reducing atmosphere seemed to be more conducive to exfoliation of layers by gradual removal of functional groups. The inert atmosphere of argon caused severe thermal separation of layers and functional groups, adversely affecting the layered structure as observed. The EGO(Air) also showed highest O/C ratio suggesting presence of significant amount of oxygen–containing functional groups on the surface. The hydrogen uptake order at 77 K and 30 bar was: EGO (Air) 3.34 wt.% > EGO (H2) 3.12 wt.% > EGO (Ar) 2.2 wt.%. The highest uptake of EGO(Air) might have resulted from highest surface area, highest O/C ratio and presence of considerable pore volume.
In Vitro Antimicrobial Activity of Fosfomycin, Rifampin, Vancomycin, Daptomycin Alone and in Combination Against Vancomycin-Resistant Enterococci
Authors: Yu Wei , Jiang Yiheng , Xu Hao , Zhang Li , Jin Xuehang , Ying Shuaibin , Qiu Yunqing
Published: February 2021

OBJECTIVESThe emergence of vancomycin resistant enterococci (VRE) is shortening the choices for clinical anti-infective therapy. The aim of this study was to investigate the mechanism of vancomycin resistance and evaluate the effect of fosfomycin (FM), rifampin (RIF), vancomycin (VAN), linezolid (LNZ), daptomycin (DAP) alone or in combination against VRE.METHODSEight VRE isolates were collected. A total of 18 antibiotics susceptibility tests were further done for VRE. Whole genome sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were performed. The effect of FM, RIF, VNA, LNZ, DAP alone or in combination was determined using anti-biofilm testing and the time-kill assay.RESULTSAll isolates were susceptible to LNZ and DPA. The high-level resistance determinant of VAN in these strains was due to VanA-type cassette. MLST revealed two different STs for vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecium (VREm) and four different STs for vancomycin-resistant E. faecalis (VREs). Virulence genes in VREs were more than VREm, especially for 4942 isolated from blood. Gene acm and uppS were only identified in VREm, while virulence genes related to cytolysin were only found in E. faecalis. Further in vitro anti-biofilm testing and time-kill assay found FM (83 mg/L) combined with DAP (20.6 mg/L) and DAP monotherapy (47.1 mg/L) showed bactericidal effect against 8 tested VRE strains at 24h. CONCLUSIONSThe high-level resistance determinant of VAN in these strains was due to VanA-type cassette. FM combined with DAP might be greater potential therapeutic option against VRE.
Discharge and Sediment Transport in a River Basin. Assessment Before and After the Construction of a Dam at the Upper Basin Boundary
Authors: Paschalidis George , IIordanidis Ilias , Anagnostopoulos Petros
Published: February 2021

The purpose of this study is the evaluation of runoff and sediment transport in the basin of the Nestos River (Northern Greece) downstream of the dam of Platanovrisi, constructed in 1998. The model used for the simulation was AGNPS, which is based on the Revised Universal Soil Loss Equation (RUSLE), combined with a GIS interface. Two different simulations were conducted, one for the years 1980-1990 and another for the period 2006-2030, before and after the construction of the dam respectively. For the simulation for the period 1980-1990 existing meteorological data were employed, and the results were in good agreement with those of a different study (Hrissanthou, 2002). The simulation for the period 2006-2030 was based on rainfall and climatic data generated from the software packages GlimClim and ClimGen. The mean runoff was by 5% lower and the mean annual sediment yield by 20% lower than the corresponding values for the period 1980-1990.
Early Risk Prediction of BCR-ABL Kinase Domain Acquired Mutations in Philadelphia Chromosome Positive Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Chen Rongrong , Wang Lulu , Shi Ting , Zhu Lixia , Ye Xiujin
Published: February 2021

Tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKI) resistance is a predominant cause of therapy failure of Philadelphia chromosome-positive acute lymphoblastic leukemia (Ph+ ALL). The mutation in the BCR-ABL kinase domain, as the indicator of drug resistance, suggested recurrence and poor prognosis. Our data aimed to evaluate the factors having significant roles in the prognostic value of the acquired BCR-ABL mutations. Three hundred and thirteen Ph+ ALL patients (64 patients with BCR-ABL mutations and 171 patients without BCR-ABL mutations) were enrolled in this study. Univariate and multivariable logistic regression analysis was used to evaluate the relationship between clinical features and BCR-ABL KD mutation. Univariate analysis showed that the patients with higher WBC (P=0.005), MMR after first induced chemotherapy (P=0.053), and Age≥45 years (P=0.072) were more likely to occur BCR-ABL mutations during the treatments. Finally, multivariable logistic regression indicated that higher WBC (≥22×109/L) was an independent risk of resistance to TKI and raise the possibility of KD mutations in Ph+ ALL patients. The happen of BCR-ABL mutations mean poor prognosis with shorter OS (P=0.000) and allogeneic hematopoietic stem-cell transplantation (allo-HSCT) would improve the long-term survival (OS: P=0.000). Conversely, for the defined low-risk populations, no significant difference was found between the transplant group and the non-transplant group in subgroup analysis, providing a rationale to potentially avoid allo-HSCT in this subgroup of patients.
Phylogeny and Biogeography of the Enigmatic Ghost Lineage Cylindrotomidae (Diptera: Nematocera)
Authors: Kania-Kłosok Iwona , Nel André , Szwedo Jacek , Jordan-Stasiło Wiktoria , Krzemiński Wiesław
Published: February 2021

Ghost lineages have always challenged the understanding of organism evolution. They participate in misinterpretations in phylogenetic, clade dating, biogeographic, and paleoecologic studies. They directly result from fossilization biases and organism biology. The Cylindrotomidae are a perfect example of an unexplained ghost lineage during the Mesozoic, as its sister family Tipulidae is already well diversified during the Cretaceous, while the oldest Cylindrotomidae are Paleogene representatives of the extant genus Cylindrotoma and of the enigmatic fossil genus Cyttaromyia. Here We clarify the phylogenetic position of Cyttaromyia in the stem group of the whole family, suggesting that the crown group of the Cylindrotomidae began to diversify during the Cenozoic, unlike their sister group Tipulidae. We make a comparative analysis of all species in Cyttaromyia, together with the descriptions of the two new species, C. gelhausi sp. nov. and C. freiwaldi sp. nov., and the revision of C. obdurescens. The cylindrotomid biogeography seems to be incongruent with the phylogenetic analysis, the apparently most derived subfamily Stibadocerinae having apparently a ‘Gondwanan’ distribution, with some genera only known from Australia or Chile, while the most inclusive Cylindrotominae are Holarctic.
Genetic Diversity of Porcine Circovirus 3 Strains and the First Detection of Two Different PCV3 Strains Coinfecting the Same Host in Minas Gerais, Brazil
Authors: Assao Viviane Sisdelli , Santos Marcus Rebouças , Rosado Nívia Carolina Lopes , Bressan Gustavo Costa , Fietto Juliana Lopes Rangel , Chang Yung-Fu , Vidigal Pedro Marcus Pereira , Junior Abelardo Silva
Published: February 2021

Porcine circovirus 3 (PCV3) is a recently emerged circovirus discovered in 2016, which since then has drawn the attention of the swine industry worldwide. In this study, we evaluated the genetic diversity of PCV3 strains in pig farms. A total of 261 samples from sows, weaning pigs, growing pigs, and stillborn/mummified fetuses were analyzed by quantitative real-time PCR. The results revealed that PCV3 strains have at least two main lineages circulating in Brazil. For the first time, it was possible to detect the presence of two different PCV3 strains in the same host.
Production of the Biocommodities Butanol and Acetone from Methanol with Fluorescent FAST-tagged Proteins using Metabolically Engineered Strains of Eubacterium Limosum
Authors: Flaiz Maximilian , Ludwig Gideon , Bengelsdorf Frank R. , Dürre Peter
Published: February 2021

Background: The interest in using methanol as a substrate to cultivate acetogens increased in recent years since it can be sustainably produced from syngas and has the additional benefit of reducing greenhouse gas emissions. Eubacterium limosum is one of the few acetogens that can utilize methanol, is genetically accessible and, therefore, a promising candidate for the recombinant production of biocommodities from this C1 carbon source. Although several genetic tools are already available for certain acetogens including E. limosum, the use of brightly fluorescent reporter proteins is still limited.Results: In this study, we expanded the genetic toolbox of E. limosum by implementing the fluorescence-activating and absorption shifting tag (FAST) as a fluorescent reporter protein. Recombinant E. limosum strains that expressed the gene encoding FAST in an inducible and constitutive manner were constructed. Cultivation of these recombinant strains resulted in brightly fluorescent cells even under anaerobic conditions. Moreover, we produced the biocommodities butanol and acetone from methanol with recombinant E. limosum strains. Therefore, we used E. limosum cultures that produced FAST-tagged fusion proteins of the bifunctional acetaldehyde/alcohol dehydrogenase or the acetoacetate decarboxylase, respectively, and determined the fluorescence intensity and product yields during growth.Conclusions: The addition of FAST as an oxygen-independent fluorescent reporter protein expands the genetic toolbox of E. limosum. Moreover, our results show that FAST-tagged fusion proteins can be constructed without negatively impacting the stability, functionality, and productivity of the resulting enzyme. Finally, butanol and acetone can be produced from methanol using recombinant E. limosum strains expressing genes encoding fluorescent FAST-tagged fusion proteins.
MSCs-Engineered Biomimetic PMAA Nanomedicines for Multiple Bioimaging-Guided and Photothermal-Enhanced Radiotherapy of NSCLC
Authors: Yin Yipengchen , Li Yongjing , Wang Sheng , Dong Ziliang , Liang Chao , Sun Jiaxin , Wang Changchun , Chai Rong , Fei Weiwei , Zhang Jianping , Qi Ming , Feng Liangzhu , Zhang Qin
Published: February 2021

Background: The recently developed biomimetic strategy is one of the mostly effective strategies for improving the theranostic efficacy of diverse nanomedicines, because nanoparticles coated with cell membranes can disguise as “self”, evade the surveillance of the immune system, and accumulate to the tumor sites actively.Results: Herein, we utilized mesenchymal stem cell memabranes (MSCs) to coat polymethacrylic acid (PMAA) nanoparticles loaded with Fe(III) and cypate—an derivative of indocyanine green to fabricate Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs, which featured high stability, desirable tumor-accumulation and intriguing photothermal conversion efficiency both in vitro and in vivo for the treatment of lung cancer. After intravenous administration of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs and Cyp-PMAA-Fe@RBCs (RBCs, red blood cell membranes) separately into tumor-bearing mice, the fluorescence signal in the MSCs group was 21% stronger than that in the RBCs group at the tumor sites in an in vivo fluorescence imaging system. Correspondingly, the T1-weighted magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) signal at the tumor site decreased 30% after intravenous injection of Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs. Importantly, the constructed Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs exhibited strong photothermal hyperthermia effect both in vitro and in vivo when exposed to 808 nm laser irradiation, thus it could be used for photothermal therapy. Furthermore, tumors on mice treated with phototermal therapy and radiotherapy shrank 32% more than those treated with only radiotherapy.Conclusions: These results proved that Cyp-PMAA-Fe@MSCs could realize fluorescence/MRI bimodal imaging, while be used in phototermal-therapy-enhanced radiotherapy, providing desirable nanoplatforms for tumor diagnosis and precise treatment of non-small cell lung cancer.
Multisegmental Versus Monosegmental Intramedullary Spinal Cord Ependymomas: Perioperative Neurological Functions and Surgical Outcomes
Authors: Yang Chenlong , Sun Jianjun , Xie Jingcheng , Liu Bin , Wang Tao , Chen Xiaodong , Wu Haibo , Zheng Mei , Chang Qing , Han Yunfeng , Yang Jun
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Multiple factors, such as tumor size, lateralization, tumor location, accompanying syringomyelia, and regional spinal cord atrophy, may affect the resectability and clinical prognosis of intramedullary spinal cord ependymomas. However, whether long-segmental involvement of the spinal cord may impair functional outcomes remains unclear. This study was aimed to compare perioperative neurological functions and long-term surgical outcomes between multisegmental ependymomas and their monosegmental counterparts.Methods: A total of 54 patients with intramedullary spinal cord ependymoma (WHO Grade II) were enrolled, and all of them underwent surgical resection. The patients were classified into the multisegmental group (n=40) and the monosegmental group (n=14). Perioperative and long-term (average follow-up period, 53.5 ± 18.2 months) neurological functions were evaluated using the modified McCormick (mMC) scale and the modified Japanese Orthopaedic Association (mJOA) scoring system.Results: Preoperative neurological functions in the multisegmental group were significantly worse than those in the monosegmental group (P < 0.05). However, postoperative short-term neurological functions, as well as long-term functional outcomes, were similar between the two groups (P > 0.05). Logistic regression analysis showed that only preoperative mMC and mJOA scores were significantly correlated with neurological improvement during the follow-up period (P < 0.05).Conclusion: Multisegmental involvement of the spinal cord is associated with worse neurological functions in patients with intramedullary spinal cord ependymoma, while the long-term prognosis is not affected. The preoperative neurological status of the patient is the only predictor of long-term functional improvement.
European Guidelines on Radiographic Image Quality in Chiropractic Practice – Proposal of a Cross-Sectional Graded Classification Reporting Principle
Authors: Doktor Klaus Knarberg , Vilholm Maria Lind , Hardardóttir Aldis , Christensen Henrik Wulff , Lauritsen Jens
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe Commission of the European Communities (CEC) has published: European Guidelines on Quality Criteria for Diagnostic Radiographic Images. These guidelines are considered a gold standard, recommended for use in quality assurance protocols. The objectives of this study: 1) Propose a graded classification format for Danish chiropractic clinics according to the CEC-quality criteria for diagnostic radiographic images of the lumbar spine. 2) Propose a reporting principle for quality of radiographic images. 3) Document variation in radiation exposure among clinics.MethodsThis is a cross-sectional study of image quality based on random sampling from 148 chiropractic clinics. Clinics were included if using: 1) Digital radiography and 2) The chiropractic picture and achieving system(KirPACS) at the Nordic Institute of Chiropractic and Clinical Biomechanics(NIKKB) in Denmark. A sample of 296 lumbar spine series were randomly collected from KirPACS. Two independent observers reviewed 50 lumbar spine series twice with a 4-week interval, testing intra- and inter-observer reproducibility. The same observers then reviewed the remaining 246 radiographic studies. All studies were evaluated up against the CEC Quality Criteria. Patient radiation dose values were retrieved from KirPACS. ResultsA reporting and classification principle of diagnostic image quality was used in 148 chiropractic clinics. Compliance with the 22 CEC Quality Criteria had proportions ranging from 0.72-0.96 for 18 criteria, while 4 criteria specifying detail and definition ranged between 0.20-0.66. The proposed rating system (A to E) revealed: 18 A clinics, 28 B clinics, 32 C clinics, 25 D clinics and 45 E clinics (A = highest quality; E= lowest quality). The patient radiation reference dose in Denmark is 7 mGy for the AP/PA lumbar spine. Very few clinics exceed the reference dose value, approximately 50 % of clinics were below 5 mGy.ConclusionA reporting principle is proposed for a graded classification format based on the CEC-quality criteria for diagnostic radiographic images of the lumbar spine. The Quality Criteria are for the most part met satisfactory in 148 Danish chiropractic clinics, but important image details are compromised, in most cases, because of low patient radiation doses. The results of a patient radiation dose survey enabled documentation of variation in radiation exposure among chiropractic clinics.
Management of Incarcerated Indirect Hernia in Pediatric Patients with Intra-abdominal Hypertension: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Qi Wenyan , Chen Baoling , Lei Bin , Zhan Min
Published: February 2021

Background: Intra-abdominal hypertension (IAH) is a critical condition that can be induced by incarcerated indirect inguinal hernia (IIIH). There are currently no specific guidelines for laparotomy in children. To determine whether laparotomy should be performed during the management in pediatric patients with IIIH combined with IAH.Methods: This is a retrospective study of pediatric patients with IIIH and IAH who were admitted and treated at the Department of General Surgery of Jiangxi Provincial Children’s Hospital from 01/2010 to 06/2020. The patients were divided into Group A (intra-abdominal pressure (IAP) of 10-20 mmHg) and Group B (IAP ≥ 21 mmHg). Each group was further subdivided into Group 1 (decompression) and Group 2 (no decompression) depending on whether decompressive laparotomy was performed or not. The last follow-up was three months after discharge.Results: A total of 49 patients were enrolled, and divided into group A1 (n = 21), A2 (n = 10), B1 (n = 4), B2 (n = 14). Compared with patients in group A1, those who had decompression (group A2) has longer hospital stay (7.5 ± 1.9 vs. 5.2 ± 2.1, p = 0.01), higher 24h-postoperative IAP (11.3 ± 2.4 vs 9.5 ± 2.1, p = 0.03), longer PICU stay (2.1 ± 0.9 vs. 1.1 ± 0.5, p = 0.001), and more perioperative complications. In contrast, among patients with IAP higher than 20mmHg, those who had decompresion via laparotomy (group B2) had comparable hospital stay (7.1 ± 5.1 vs. 8.5 ± 4.1, p = 0.57), a shorter PICU stay (3.0 ± 1.4 vs. 4.7 ± 1.3, p = 0.04) and lower mortality rate (7.1% vs. 50%, p = 0.04) than patients in group B1.Conclusions: The selection of appropriate surgical methods according to IAP and based on clinical diagnosis can relieve the pain of children, shorten hospital stay, and reduce the mortality rate.
Fear and Depression during the COVID-19 Outbreak in Cameroon: A Nation-wide Observational Study
Authors: Fodjo Joseph Nelson Siewe , Ngarka Leonard , Njamnshi Yembe W , Nfor Leonard N , Mengnjo Michel K , Mendo Edwige Laure , Angwafor Samuel A , Basseguin Jonas Guy Atchou , Nkouonlack Cyril , Njit Edith N , Ahidjo Nene , Chokote Eric S , Dema Fidele , Fonsah Julius Y , Tatah Godwin Y , Palmer Nancy , Etet Paul F Seke , Palmer Dennis , Nsagha Dickson S , Etya’ale Daniel E , Perrig Stephen , Sztajzel Roman , Annoni Jean-Marie , Bissek Anne-Cécile Zoung -Kanyi , Leke Rose GF , Ondoua Marie-Thérèse Obama , Nkengasong John N , Colebunders Robert , Njamnshi Alfred K
Published: February 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has been associated with significant psychological and social distress worldwide. We investigated fear and depression among adults in Cameroon during different phases of the COVID-19 outbreak.Methods: An online survey was conducted in Cameroon from June–December 2020 using a structured questionnaire. Socio-demographic data and information regarding COVID-19 history were obtained. Fear and depressive symptoms were assessed using the Fear of COVID-19 score (FCV-19S) and the Patient Health Questionnaire (PHQ-9), respectively. Responses were clustered in weeks to better appreciate their evolution over time.Results: Overall, 7381 responses from all ten regions of Cameroon were analysed (median age: 30 years, 73.3% male). The prevalence of depression (PHQ-9 score ≥10) was 8.4%, and that of high fear of COVID-19 (FCV-19S scores ≥19) was 57.4%. These rates were similar across genders, age-groups, and region of residence. While mean weekly PHQ-9 scores remained fairly stable throughout the study period (range: 2.53 – 3.21; p=0.101), mean FCV-19S scores were highest during the early weeks but decreased significantly thereafter (from 20.31 to 18.34; p <0.001). Multivariate analyses revealed that having a postgraduate degree, a history of quarantine, flu-like symptoms during the past 14 days, and higher FCV-19S scores were associated with more severe depressive symptoms, while obtaining COVID-19 information from various sources reduced the odds for depression. Conclusion: Depression amidst the COVID-19 crisis is less prevalent in Cameroon than in other countries. Prompt and widespread dissemination of adequate COVID-19 information may reduce the risks for depression by dispelling fear and anxiety among Cameroonians.
Sodium Nitroprusside Enhances Biomass And Gymnemic Acids Production In Cell Suspension of Gymnema Sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. Ex. Sm.
Authors: Mahendran Ganesan , Kumar Deepak , Verma Sanjeet Kumar , Chandran Ashish , Warsi Zafar Iqbal , Hussain Zakir , Rout Prasant Kumar , Rahman Laiq Ur
Published: February 2021

Gymnema sylvestre (Retz.) R.Br. ex Sm. is widely used as an efficient Ayurvedic traditional medicine for the treatment of diabetes. Phytochemical investigations of this plant showed gymnemic acids (a group of triterpenoid saponins) as the main active components. The present study aims to investigate the effectiveness of sodium nitroprusside (SNP) treatment for enhancement of cell suspension culture biomass and to evaluate their deacylgymnemic acid, gymnemagenin, gymnemic acid IV and gymnemic acid XVII contents of G. sylvestre. Callus was obtained from in vitro derived leaves of G. sylvestre on MS medium fortified with 3.0 mg/L 2, 4-D (2, 4-dichlorophenoxyacetic acid) and 2.0 mg/L Kn (Kinetin), and the same were used further to produce cell suspension cultures. Cell suspensions were exposed to different concentrations of SNP (5, 10, 20 and 40 µM) and data were collected at 20, 30 and 40 days. Out of the tested concentrations, 20 µM SNP had the highest level of cell culture growth (398.94 ± 8.32 g/L FCW and 40.00 ± 0.75 g/L DCW) on 40-day as compared to control. High-performance liquid chromatography analysis showed that maximum accumulation of deacylgymnemic acid (5.51 mg/g DCW), gymnemagenin (2.80 mg/g DCW) and gymnemic acid XVII (2.08 mg/g DCW) in 20 µM SNP treatment which is (13.43, 13.86 and17.33 folds) higher than the respective control at 40 days exposure. This research suggests that G. sylvestre cell suspension culture with optimal SNP elicitation treatment could be used as a good strategy for the large-scale production of these secondary metabolites at the industrial level.
A novel Synthesis, Chemical Characterization and Biological Activities of Metal-Leather Protein Hydrolysate Chelates
Authors: Jacob Rania , Hassan Hazem , Afify Adel , Gabr Gamal
Published: February 2021

Leather industries covers a wide chain of production and indirectly contributes to the economic flow. The different stages used in leather processing led to produce huge solid waste volumes. Because of the great effectiveness of amino acids as naturally chelates for minerals, the present study was carried out to recycling leather waste into its protein hydrolysate by CaO hydrolysis. The Leather protein hydrolysates (LPHs) was used to prepare metal-leather protein hydrolysate chelates (Cu2+-, Zn2+-& Fe2+-LPHCs) and some of their physical properties (i.e. λ-max, FTIR spectra, color, melting point) and biochemical properties as its antibacterial activity, as well as using as micronutrient elements for plant were evaluated. Results showed that the Cu2+-LPHC gave the highest value of melting point and λ-max than other chelates. All chelates shifted the vibration bands toward a higher frequency than LPH/CaO. Metal-leather protein hydrolysate (M-LPHCs) had antibacterial activities against E. coli, B. cereus and Micrococcus spp. mostly with Zn-LPHC and Fe-LPHC. These complexes also increased the growth characteristics and mineral absorption of spinach plants in hydroponic nutrient solution than that of mineral salts (CuSO4, ZnSO4 and FeSO4). Finally, the study concluded that M-LPHCs can be used as antimicrobial agent, micronutrients for plant and support the minerals bioavailability in animals.
The Influence of Linkages, Feedback Mechanisms, and Caregivers’ Mobility on Immunization Follow-Up Visits in Lideta Sub-City of Addis Ababa, Ethiopia: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Shay Thewodros Zewde , Teklu Alula Meresa , Hunde Diriba Bedada , Sultan Yoseph Tsehaye
Published: February 2021

BackgroundLosing children to follow-up is one of the major barriers identified in Ethiopia’s immunization program. In many urban slum areas like Lideta sub-city, Addis Ababa, several demand- and supply-side factors affect the follow-up visits for routine immunization services, so this study aimed to explore the influence of linkages, a feedback mechanism, and caregivers' mobility on immunization follow-up visits.MethodsThe study team employed a qualitative method and conducted 30 in-depth interviews with caregivers, 26 interviews with key informants, and five focus group discussions with health officials and decision-makers. A deductive content and thematic analysis was carried out by importing the transcripts into OpenCodes, applying the a priori codes, and identifying new codes and themes.ResultsThe linkages among health facilities included those from hospitals to health centers, from hospitals to hospitals, and from health centers to health centers within and outside of the sub-city. Using these linkages, most vaccinators transfer caregivers without providing multi-dose vial (MDV) vaccines, mainly BCG and MCV, ‘to minimize wastage’ and thus successfully reduce vaccine wastage rates; yet most caregivers wasted their time, energy, and money traveling from one health facility to another. Despite some efforts to transfer caregivers using ‘transferal slips’ and informal phone calls to vaccinators’ friends, unfortunately, there was no formally established system for getting feedback about the arrival of caregivers and continuation of the follow-up visits. Overall, the transfer process lacked uniformity, used various approaches, and was not systematic.ConclusionsTransferal of caregivers for the sake of minimizing wastage of MDV vaccines without checking the vaccination schedules of the receiving health facilities, using various informal types of tools and approaches, along with a poor follow-up and feedback system were major identified challenges, which cost caregivers extra money, energy, and time in getting timely immunization services. Therefore, the Federal Ministry of Health should strengthen the linkages among facilities, ensure the establishment of formal communications by developing guidelines and standardized tools—transferal slips and approaches—and initiate a fast feedback provision system using SMS text messages.
Realization of Attenuator and Amplifier Using Photonic Crystal Fiber
Authors: Mishra Chandra Sekhar , Nayak Chittaranjan , Nayak Manas Ranjan , Palai G
Published: February 2021

The present paper realises the attenuator and amplifier of electromagnetic signals with silicon-based, square-type photonic crystal fiber. In this research, the input signal varies from 30 eV to 30,000 eV, which lies within the x-ray regime. The operational mechanism deals with the electric field distribution in the structure, which is carried out using the plane wave expansion technique. The numerical outcomes affirm that the increasing and decreasing amplitudes of incident signals occur at the output end of the fiber. The intrinsic mechanism of such an interesting result is nonlinear properties of field distribution at a different value of lattice spacing and the diameter of the proposed fiber's air holes. Finally, the immediate upshot's outcome resembles the amplifier and attenuator about the optical system.
A Unified Model of Drain Current Local Variability due to Channel Length Fluctuation for an n-Channel EδDC MOS Transistor
Authors: Sengupta Sarmista , Pandit Soumya
Published: February 2021

A drain current local variability compact model due to random fluctuation of channel length induced by line edge roughness/line width roughness ( LER / LWR ) is derived here. The random fluctuation of channel length leads to correlated fluctuations of threshold voltage and effective mobility of the current carriers. Therefore, an unified compact model is required to combine all the causes. Our model is based on the principle of propagation of variance. For the model verification purpose, calibrated technology computer aided design ( TCAD ) simulation platform is extensively used for all possible bias regions and several LER profile parameters. Channel profile optimization is critically studied aiming reduction of ID variability. The model is further extended for SOI (Silicon-on-insulator) transistor and validated with literature data of threshold voltage and on-current variability.
Technical Feasibility and Oncological Safety of Low and High Ligation of the Inferior Mesenteric Artery in Colorectal Cancer Surgery for Asian Populations: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Ye Weipeng , Zhu Zhipeng , Wu Xiaofang , Lin Sihao , Xu Jiuhua , Li Lulu , Huang Zhengjie
Published: February 2021

Background: The level of ligation of the inferior mesenteric artery (IMA) is controversial. There is still no consensus on whether to preserve the left colon artery (LCA). The aim of this updated meta-analysis was to compare the technical feasibility and oncological safety of low ligation (LL) and high ligation (HL) of IMA in the treatment of colorectal cancer for Asian populations.Methods: A systematic search was conducted in the PubMed, Embase, Web of Science and China Biomedical Literature Database (CBM) for relevant studies that compared HL and LL for sigmoid or rectal cancer were published between January 2010 and August 2020 from Asian countries. The outcomes of interest include anastomotic leak, operation time, blood loss, early complications, the postoperative first anal exhaust time, lymph node yield outcomes and involvement state, 5-year overall survival (OS), 5-year disease-free survival (DFS), and overall recurrence.Results: Twenty-one studies including 8 randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and 13 retrospective cohort studies (non-RCTs) with a total of 5947 patients (2519 patients in LL group and 3428 patients in HL group) were involved in this meta-analysis. LL group showed a lower incidence of anastomotic leakage (WMD=0.59; 95%CI=0.46~0.76; P<0.05) and earlier postoperative first anal exhaust time (WMD=-4.55; 95%CI=-8.87~-0.24; P<0.05). In term of operation time, blood loss, early complications, the first postoperative anal exhaust time, lymph node yield outcomes and involvement state, 5-year OS, 5-year DFS, and overall recurrence, there were no significant differences between LL and HL group.Conclusions: Compared with HL, LL significantly reduced the incidence of anastomotic leakage and accelerated the postoperative recovery time of bowel function in Asian populations. What's more, LL can obtain equivalent lymph node yield and long-term survival benefit as compared to HL.
Epidemiology of Gastrointestinal Worm Infections in Pigs Reared in Enugu State, Nigeria 
Authors: Bernard Sunday .N. , Njoga Emmanuel Okechukwu , Abonyi Festus Otaka , Ozioko Ikenna .E. , Ugwuoke Christian .U , Nnadi P.A
Published: February 2021

Gastrointestinal worm infections (GWI) constrain pig production and zoonotic pig parasites make pork unsafe for human consumption. This study determined the distributions, determinants and dynamics of GWI and also the effect of the infection on production parameters in pigs reared in Enugu State, Nigeria. The GWI were determined by faecal egg counts following standard procedure. Sixty piggeries and 564 pigs were randomly selected for the study. Questionnaire survey was conducted to obtain data on some production parameters and risk practices aiding GWI in the piggeries. An overall prevalence of 88.3% (53/60) and 68.1% (384/564) at farm and individual pig levels respectively were recorded. High egg counts of single and mixed infections involving Strongyle, Ascaris and Trichuris species were found. The infection predominated in young (74.1%, 240/324) and female (72.3%, 272/376) pigs during the rainy/wet season (74.5%, 204/274). Rearing pigs of different ages together, feeding pigs with untreated abattoir/poultry waste, and unhygienic on-farm feed compounding were the major risk practices underpinning acquisition and spread of GWI. Infected piggeries had less litter weight and reduced mean weight at weaning and maturity. Pre-weaning piglet mortality was 15.5%. The seasonality and preponderance of the infection in young and female pigs are useful epidemiological findings which could be exploited for development of an effective control strategy against the parasitic infections. An overhaul of parasitic disease control measures in piggeries in Enugu State is imperative for greater productivity and profitability in swine production, and to boost availability of safe and wholesome pork for human consumption.
Using Robinson-Foulds Supertrees in Divide-and-Conquer Phylogeny Estimation
Authors: Yu Xilin , Le Thien , Christensen Sarah A. , Molloy Erin K. , Warnow Tandy
Published: February 2021

One of the Grand Challenges in Science is the construction of the Tree of Life , an evolutionary tree containing several million species, spanning all life on earth. However, the construction of the Tree of Life is enormously computationally challenging, as all the current most accurate methods are either heuristics for NP -hard optimization problems or Bayesian MCMC methods that sample from tree space.
One of the most promising approaches for improving scalability and accuracy for phylogeny estimation uses divide-and-conquer: a set of species is divided into overlapping subsets, trees are constructed on the subsets, and then merged together using a ``supertree method".
Here, we present Exact-RFS-2, the first polynomial-time algorithm to find an optimal supertree of two trees, using the Robinson-Foulds Supertree (RFS) criterion (a major approach in supertree estimation that is related to maximum likelihood supertrees), and we prove that finding the RFS of three input trees is NP -hard.
We also present GreedyRFS (a greedy heuristic that operates by repeatedly using Exact-RFS-2 on pairs of trees, until all the trees are merged into a single supertree).
We evaluate Exact-RFS-2 and GreedyRFS, and show that they have better accuracy than the current leading heuristic for RFS.
Exact-RFS-2 and GreedyRFS are available in open source form on Github at github.com/yuxilin51/GreedyRFS
A Method for Measuring Time Spent in Bradykinesia and Dyskinesia in People With Parkinson’s Disease Using an Ambulatory Monitor
Authors: Khodakarami Hamid , Shokouhi Navid , Horne Malcolm
Published: February 2021

BackgroundFluctuations in motor function in Parkinson’s Disease (PD) are frequent and cause significant disability. Frequently device assisted therapies are required to treat them. Currently, fluctuations are self-reported through diaries and history yet frequently people with PD do not accurately identify and report fluctuations. As the management of fluctuations and the outcomes of many clinical trials depend on accurately measuring fluctuations a means of objectively measuring time spent with bradykinesia or dyskinesia would be important. The aim of this study was to present a system that uses wearable sensors to measure the percentage of time that bradykinesia or dyskinesia scores are above a target as a means for assessing levels of treatment and fluctuations in PD.MethodsData in a database of 228 people with Parkinson’s Disease and 157 control subjects, who had worn the Parkinsons Kinetigraph ((PKG, Global Kinetics CorporationTM, Australia) and scores from the Unified Parkinsons Disease Rating Scale (UPDRS) and other clinic scales were used. The PKG’s provided score for bradykinesia and dyskinesia every two minutes and these were compared to a previously established target range representing a UPDRS III score of 35. The proportion of these scores above target over the 6days that the PKG was worn were used to derive the percent time in bradykinesia (PTB) and percent time in dyskinesia (PTD). As well, a previously describe algorithm for estimating the amplitude of the levodopa response was used to determine whether a subject was a fluctuator or non-fluctuator. ResultsUsing this approach, a normal range of PTB and PTD based on Control subject was developed. The level of PTB and PTD experienced by people with PD was compared with their levels of fluctuation. There was a correlation (Pearsons ρ=0.4) between UPDRS II scores and PTB: the correlation between Parkinson Disease Questionnaire scores and UPDRS Total scores and PTB and slightly lower. PTB and PTD fell in response to treatment for bradykinesia or dyskinesia (respectively) with greater sensitivity than clinical scales.ConclusionsThis approach provides an objective assessment of the severity of fluctuations in Parkinsons Disease that could readily easily be used in routine care and in clinical trials.
Opposition Based Joint Grey Wolf-whale Optimization Algorithm Based Attribute Based Encryption in Secure Wireless Communication
Authors: M Raja , s Dhanasekaran , v Vasudevan
Published: February 2021

At present times, medical image security becomes a hot research topic in the healthcare sector. This paper presents an efficient lightweight image encryption model based on the Dynamic key generating Attribute based encryption (ABE) method with Opposition based joint Grey Wolf-Whale Optimization Algorithm (OjGW-WOA). The proposed encryption method undergoes certain pre-encryption steps like rotation and random column addition steps. Once the pre-encryption steps are done, ABE with OjGW-WOA is incorporated, where the optimal key is generated based on entropy value. In addition, the oppositional based learning (OBL) concept is introduced to enhance the convergence rate and searching process of GWO and WOA algorithms. Next, the proposed encryption method is designed with a dynamic key generating model that generates updated keys during every time period. Therefore, during decryption, two-level key verification is done. At the first decryption stage, the key corresponding to that particular time period is required, then the original key is generated from that key and then employed for decrypting the original data. The proposed method is simulated using MATLAB tool and a detailed comparative results analysis is carried out. The performance of the proposed work is validated with the aid of performance metrics like Peak Signal to Noise Ratio (PSNR), number of changing pixel rate (NPCR) and unified averaged changed intensity (UACI). The experimental results stated that the presented model has resulted to a higher PSNR of 62.29dB, NPCR of 99.23%, and UACI of 23.67%.