bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mathematical Modelling of Power Skiving for General Profile based on Numerical Enveloping
Authors: Jia Kang , Guo Junkang , Ma Tao , Wan Shaoke
Published: February 2021

Power skiving is an effective generating machining method for internal parts like gears with respect its high productivity. The general mathematic modelling for power skiving is the basis for cutting tools design, machining precision evaluation, and machining process optimization. Currently, mainly studies are focus on the involute gear machining with adopting the analytical enveloping equation. However, these analytical methods have failed to deal with overcutting for general profile skiving tasks. Moreover, little attention has been devoted to investigate the power skiving process with taking variable configuration parameters, which is significant to control the machined surface topography. Herein, we introduce a mathematic modelling method for power skiving with general profile based on the numerical discrete enveloping. Firstly, the basic mathematic model of power skiving is established, in which the center distance is formulated as polynomial of time. With transforming the power skiving into a forming machining of the swept volume of cutting edge, a numerical algorithm is designed to distinguish the machined transverse profile via the discrete enveloping ideology. Especially, the precise instant contact curve is extracted according to the feed motion speed inversely. Finally, simulations for involute gear and cycloid wheel are carried out to verify the effectiveness of this method and investigate the influence of variable radial motions on the machined slot surface topography. The results show this method is capable to simulate the dynamic power skiving process with general profiles and to evaluate the machined results.
Tranexamic Acid Administration for the Prevention of Blood Loss After Vaginal Delivery in a High-Risk Pregnancy: A Double-blind Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Hasan Chro Sharef , Alalaf Shahla Kareem , Khoshnaw Sazgar Abdulla
Published: February 2021

Purpose: The purpose of this study was to examine the effectiveness of tranexamic acid administration for the prevention of postpartum hemorrhage in women with high-risk pregnancies. Tranexamic acid, with the recommended oxytocin, was administered in the third stage of labor to reduce vaginal blood loss and prevent postpartum hemorrhage.Methods: A double-blind randomized placebo-controlled trial with two parallel groups was conducted in women scheduled to undergo vaginal delivery at the Maternity Teaching Hospital, Erbil City, Kurdistan region, Iraq. The women were randomly assigned to receive tranexamic acid (97 women) or placebo (99 women) with oxytocin immediately after fetal delivery in the third stage of labor. We measured vaginal blood loss from fetal to placental delivery and the time from fetal to placental delivery.Results: The mean blood loss in the oxytocin alone group (group 1) was significantly higher than that in the tranexamic and oxytocin group (group 2). The incidence of postpartum hemorrhage (blood loss of ≥500 mL) and blood loss of ≥250 mL was significantly higher in group I than in group 2. The length of the third stage of labor was significantly longer in group 1 than in group 2.Conclusions: In the women who delivered vaginally and had risk factors of postpartum hemorrhage, the incidence rates of the primary outcome of postpartum hemorrhage and blood loss of <250 mL, and the time to placental delivery were significantly lower in the women who received tranexamic acid with active management of third stage labor than in those who received placebo.Trial registration number: ClinicalTrials.gov ID: NCT04201951, December 17, 2019
Cyperus Iria Aqueous-Ethanol Extract Ameliorated Hyperglycemia, Oxidative Stress and Regulated Inflammatory Cytokines in Streptozotocin Induced Diabetic Rats
Authors: Saeed Myeda , Sharif Ali , UlHassan Saeed , Akhtar Bushra , Muhammad Faqir , Malik Maryam
Published: February 2021

Present study is involved in identification of biophenolic and flavonoids from the aqueous-ethanol extract of Cyperus iria and appraisal of inflammatory and stress markers involved in endocrine dysfunction based upon its folktale use. Significantly higher quantities of phenolic (82.79 ± 0.003 mg/g GAE) and flavonoid (13.61 ± 0.002 mg/g QE) contents were present. Inhibitory concentration (IC50) exhibited an excellent potential for both antioxidant (IC50 = 3.22 µg/mL) and alpha amylase (IC50 = 36.29 µg/mL) inhibitory assays. High performance liquid chromatography (HPLC), confirmed the existence of myercetin, quercetin, kaempferol and ferullic acid. Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract exhibits good tolerance against glucose. Streptozotocin induced hyperglycemia declined along with improvement in inflammatory (TNF-α = 15.6 ± 0.2 g/l, COX-2 = 357 ± 0.396 U/l, IL-6 = 572 ± 0.99 pg/l) and oxidative stress markers (SOD = 163 ± 0.616 and GSH-ST = 95.8 ± 0.44 U/mL) along with biochemical parameters in a dose-dependent manner. Present study suggests that Cyperus iria aqueous-ethanol extract possess hypoglycemic potential which might be attributed to the presence of phenolics and flavonoids.
Effect of Cognitive Behavioral Therapy-Based Counseling on Perceived Stress in Pregnant Women with History of Primary Infertility: A Controlled Randomized Clinical Trial
Authors: Golshani Farideh , Hasanpour Shirin , Mirghafourvand Mojgan , Esmaeilpour Khalil
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGiven the prevalence of infertility and consequences of stress, anxiety, and depression during pregnancy and after childbirth, this study aimed to determine the effect of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)-based counseling on perceived stress (primary outcome), anxiety, depression, and quality of life (QoL) of pregnant women with a history of primary infertility (secondary outcome).Method:This controlled randomized clinical trial was conducted on 56 pregnant women with a history of primary infertility referred to Infertility Clinic of Al-Zahra Teaching Hospital of Tabriz. The participants were divided into the intervention (n = 28) and control (n = 28) groups using block randomization. The intervention group received group CBT-based counseling after the 14th week of the pregnancy: six in-person sessions and two telephone sessions once per week. The control group received routine care. The Perceived Stress Scale (PSS), Edinburgh Postnatal Depression Scale (EPDS), Van den Bergh’s Pregnancy-Related Anxiety Questionnaire (PRAQ), and Quality of Life in Pregnancy (Gravidarum) (QOL-GRAV) were completed through interviews before and four weeks after the intervention by the researcher.ResultsThere was not any between-group difference in socio-demographic characteristics, except the gestational age and husband educational level (p > 0.05). Both of these variables were adjusted in ANCOVA. After the intervention, the mean scores of perceived stress (mean difference: -7.3; confidence interval: 95%, from − 0.9 to -5.6; p < 0.001) and anxiety (mean difference:-14.7; confidence interval: 95%. from − 20.6 to − 8.8; p < 0.001) were significantly lower in the intervention group. The mean depression score in the intervention group was lower than the control; however, this between-group difference was not significant (mean difference: -1.95; confidence interval: 95% from − 3.9 to 0.2; p = 0.052). The mean score of quality of life in pregnancy was significantly higher in the intervention group than the control (mean difference: -5.4; confidence interval: 95% from 3.4 to 7.4; p < 0.001).ConclusionCBT counseling can affect the perceived stress, anxiety, and quality of life of pregnant women with a history of primary infertility. As a result, this counseling approach is recommended along with other counseling approaches to improve the mental health of pregnant women with a history of infertility.Trial RegistrationIRCT Registration Number: IRCT20111219008459N12, registered on 10/11/ 2018 (https://irct.ir/user/trial/34677)
Manganese in potable water of nine districts, Bangladesh: Human health risk
Authors: Rahman Md. Aminur , Hashem Md. Abul , Rana Md. Sohel , Islam Md. Rashidul
Published: February 2021

Safe drinking water is directly linked to good human health. An excessive amount of manganese (Mn) in drinking water supplies causes people show symptoms of neurotoxicity. In this study, the level of Mn in potable water sourced from tube wells located in 9 (nine) districts of Bangladesh was monitored. In total 170 (one hundred and seventy) water samples were collected and Mn was quantified by atomic absorption spectroscopy (AAS). The levels of Mn found in the tube well water samples of Sirajganj, Meherpur, Chuadanga, Jhenaidah, Magura, Faridpur, Jashore, Satkhira, and Khulna were 0.37–1.86, 0.10–4.11, 0.30–0.76, 0.26–0.94, 0.01–0.18, 0.21–1.78, 0.08–1.23, 0.05–0.27 and 0.01–2.11 mg/L, respectively. Results revealed that Mn level was beyond the highest contaminated levels of 0.1 mg/L and 0.4 mg/L, which are recommended by Bangladesh Drinking Standard (BDS) and World Health Organization (WHO), respectively. The maximum Mn contaminated level reached up to 4.11 mg/L (mean: 0.53 mg/L). The Mn level in tube well water exceeded 51.1% and 75.9% set by the recommended value of WHO and BDS, respectively. Furthermore, the calculated hazard quotient (HQ) value for Mn was observed to be greater than unity, indicating both children and adults risked potential non-carcinogenic health issues. The water supply authorities should take steps to provide Mn-free drinking water for communities.
Genetic analysis by targeted next-generation sequencing and novel variation identification of maple syrup urine disease
Authors: Fang Xiaohua , Zhu Xiaofan , Feng Yin , Bai Ying , Zhao Xuechao , Kong Xiangdong , Liu Ning
Published: February 2021

Maple syrup urine disease (MSUD) is a rare autosomal recessive disorder that affects the degradation of branched chain amino acids (BCAAs). Only a few cases of MSUD have been documented in Mainland China. In this report, 8 patients (4 girls and 4 boys) with MSUD from 8 unrelated Chinese families were diagnosed at the age of 9 days to 1 year and 8 months. All the coding regions and exon/intron boundaries of BCKDHA, BCDKHB, DBT, DLD genes were analyzed by targeted NGS in the 8 MSUD pedigrees. Targeted NGS revealed 2 pedigrees with MSUD Ia, 5 pedigrees with Ib, 1 pedigree with MSUD II. Totally, 13 variants were detected, including 2 variants (p.Ala216Val and p.Gly281Arg) in BCKDHA gene，10 variants (p.Gly95Ala, p.Ser171Pro, p.Phe175Leu, p.Arg183Trp, p.Lys222Thr, p.Arg285Ter，p.Arg111Ter，p.S184Pfs*46, p.Arg170Cys, p.I160Ffs*25) in BCKDHB gene, 1 variants (p.Arg431Ter) in DBT gene. In addition, 4 previously unidentified variants (p.Gly281Arg in BCKDHA gene, p.Ser171Pro, p.Gly95Ala and p.Lys222Thr in BCKDHB gene) were found. NGS plus Sanger sequencing detection is effective and accurate for making gene diagnosis. Computational structural modeling indicated that these novel variations might affect structural stability.
Investigating the Burden of Mental Distress Among Nurses at A Provincial COVID-19 Referral Hospital In Indonesia: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Marthoenis Marthoenis , Maskur Maskur , Fathiariani Liza , Nassimbwa Jacqueline
Published: February 2021

Background: The current outbreak of COVID-19 pandemic distorts not only the physical, but also mental and psychological condition of healthcare providers, especially the nurses who directly working with the COVID-19 patients. This study aims to investigate the prevalence and risk factors of depression, anxiety and stress among nurses working in a COVID-19 referral hospital in Indonesia. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted. A self-administered questionnaire, DASS21, along with the demographic questions was used to screen the presence of psychological problems and their associated factors. Results: the prevalence of moderate to extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress was 8.7%, 20.7% and 5.8%, respectively. The prevalence rate was significantly higher among those with financial hardship during the COVID-19 pandemic, with 10.5%, 23.5% and 8.1% for depression, anxiety and anxiety (P<.05), respectively. Regression analysis confirmed that these mental problems were associated with the experience of social rejection, either by family or neighbor, because they were working in the hospital during the pandemic. Conclusions: The financial hardship experienced by the nurses during disease pandemic increases their burden of mental illness therefore, providing the financial subsidiary might reduce their financial uncertainty. Furthermore, the motivation to have a positive attitude toward the pandemic, promotion of healthy behavior such as the use of face mask and the provision of sufficient information on the diseases, may help them properly manage their mental distress.
Self-esteem, job insecurity and psychological distress among Chinese nurses
Authors: liu yun , yang chunyan , zou guiyuan
Published: February 2021

Background
Many studies have investigated the related variables of nurses’ psychological distress, but little is known about the underlying mechanism between job insecurity, self-esteem and psychological distress.
Aims
The purpose of this study examined the role of self-esteem as a mediator between job insecurity and psychological distress among Chinese nurses.
Methods
Questionnaires, assessing job insecurity, self-esteem and psychological distress, were collected from 462 nurses at a third-grade class-A hospital in Shandong Province, China.
Results
Results showed that the prevalence of psychological distress among nurses was 83.8%. Regression analysis showed that job insecurity was positively associated with psychological distress, explaining 17.5% of variance in psychological distress. Mediation analysis showed that self-esteem partially mediated the effect of the two dimensions of job insecurity on psychological distress.
Conclusions
Nurses with low self-esteem and high job insecurity deserved attention. Programs that reduce uncertainty and increase predictability and cultivate a supportive, cooperative work climate may promote nurse overall health and foster self-esteem.
Distinct Microbial Communities Colonize Tonsillar Squamous Cell Carcinoma
Authors: Ludewig Burkhard , Martin Angelina De , Lütge Mechthild , Stanossek Yves , Engetschwiler Céline , Cupovic Jovana , Brown Kirsty , Demmer Izadora , Broglie Martina A. , McCoy Kathy , Geuking Markus , Jochum Wolfram , Stoeckli Sandro J.
Published: February 2021

Background: Squamous cell carcinoma of the tonsil is one of the most frequent cancers of the oropharynx. The escalating rate of tonsil cancer during the last decades is associated with the increase of high risk-human papilloma virus (HR-HPV) infections. While the microbiome in oropharyngeal malignant diseases has been characterized to some extent, the microbial colonization of HR-HPV-associated tonsil cancer remains largely unknown.Results: Using 16S rRNA gene amplicon amplicon sequencing, we have characterized the microbiome of human palatine tonsil crypts in patients suffering from HR-HPV-associated tonsil cancer in comparison to an age-matched control cohort of sleep apnea patients. We found an increased abundance of the phyla Firmicutes and Actinobacteria in tumor patients, whereas the abundance of Spirochaetes and Synergistetes was significantly higher in the control cohort. Furthermore, the accumulation of several genera such as Veillonella, Streptococcus and Prevotella_7 in tonsillar crypts was associated with tonsil cancer. In contrast, Fusobacterium, Prevotella and Treponema_2 were enriched in sleep apnea patients. Machine learning-based bacterial species analysis indicated that a particular bacterial composition in tonsillar crypts is tumor-predictive. Species-specific PCR-based validation in extended patient cohorts confirmed that differential abundance of Filifactor alocis and Prevotella melaninogenica is a distinct trait of tonsil cancer.Conclusion: This study shows that tonsil cancer patients harbor a characteristic microbiome in the crypt environment that differs from the microbiome of sleep apnea patients on all phylogenetic levels. Moreover, our analysis indicates that profiling of microbial communities in distinct tonsillar niches provides microbiome-based avenues for the diagnosis of tonsil cancer.
Free electron Compton scattering produces the illusion of the universe expansion
Authors: Cheng GuanFeng
Published: February 2021

Because it is consistent with many astronomical phenomena and successfully predicted the cosmic microwave background radiation (CMBR) and cosmic abundance, the theory of universe expansion has been widely recognized by the scientific community. Hubble's law is the foundation of universe expansion theory, but 100 years of observations have shown that Hubble parameters are not constants, and with the improvement of Hubble parameter measurement accuracy, the problem of inconsistent Hubble parameters obtained by different star types and different methods has become more and more difficult to solve. So the cosmological redshift may not only be related to distance but also to other factors, and the universe may not be really expanding. The Compton effect of free electrons and low energy photons has been observed in the laboratory. Photons interact with a large number of free electrons on their way to us from a distant source (free electron Compton scattering FEC). FEC causes photons (plane electromagnetic waves) to redshift, and the photon beam to expand along the propagation direction, these produce the illusion of cosmic expansion, showing the same astronomical phenomena as the expansion of the universe (FEC model).
Morphological Traits and Nutrient Uptake of Dragon’s Head (Lallemantia Iberica Fish.): Effects of Sowing Seasons and Different Fertilizer Sources
Authors: Maddahi Shayesteh , Rahimi Amir , Moghaddam Sina Siavash , Pourakbar Latifeh , Popović-Djordjević Jelena
Published: February 2021

The effects of sowing seasons and chemical, organic and biological fertilizer sources were explored on morphological traits of dragon’s head (Lallemantia iberica Fish.) in a field experiment based on a randomized complete block design in three replications and six treatments. The fertilization treatments included organic fertilizers (vermicompost, manure, and humic acid), biological fertilizer (Thiobacillus mixed with sulfur), chemical fertilizer (macro NPK), and control (no-fertilization). The recorded traits included leaf area index, plant height, number of flower cycles per plant, number of achenes per plant, number of seeds per plant, 1000-seed weight, number of auxiliary branches, plant diameter, and the uptake of nitrogen, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and sodium. The results showed that the winter sowing outperformed the spring sowing by a wide margin and results obtained for morphological traits were significantly higher than those of the spring sowing. The fertilization of the plants in both sowing seasons, especially in the winter sowing, improved yield and yield components. The uptake of N and K was not influenced by the sowing season and fertilizer type, whereas the uptake of P, Ca, and Na was influenced by these factors but with a slight difference. It can, so, be inferred that the uptake of nutrients in dragon’s heads is less influenced by the environment. Overall results indicated that the improvement of morphological traits in the ecological conditions of Azerbaijan region (Iran) was most notable for winter sowing of dragon’s heads with the use of Thiobacillus and vermicompost fertilizers.
A Likelihood Ratio Test For The Homogeneity of Between-Study Variance in Network Meta-Analysis
Authors: Hu Dapeng , Wang Chong , O'Connor Annette
Published: February 2021

Background: Network meta-analysis (NMA) is a statistical method used to combine results from several clinical trials and simultaneously compare multiple treatments using direct and indirect evidence. Statistical heterogeneity is a characteristic describing the variability in the intervention effects being evaluated in the different studies in network meta-analysis. One approach to dealing with statistical heterogeneity is to perform a random effects network meta-analysis that incorporates a between-study variance into the statistical model. A common assumption in the random effects model for network meta-analysis is the homogeneity of between-study variance across all interventions. However, there are applications of NMA where the single between-study assumption is potentially incorrect and instead the model should incorporate more than one between-study variances. Methods: In this paper, we develop an approach to testing the homogeneity of between-study variance assumption based on a likelihood ratio test. A simulation study was conducted to assess the type I error and power of the proposed test. This method is then applied to a network meta-analysis of antibiotic treatments for Bovine respiratory disease (BRD). Results: The type I error rate was well controlled in the Monte Carlo simulation. The homogeneous between-study variance assumption is unrealistic both statistically and practically in the network meta-analysis BRD. The point estimate and conffdence interval of relative effect sizes are strongly inuenced by this assumption. Conclusions: Since homogeneous between-study variance assumption is a strong assumption, it is crucial to test the validity of this assumption before conducting a network meta-analysis. Here we propose and validate a method for testing this single between-study variance assumption which is widely used for many NMA.
Real-world Safety Profile of Darunavir and its Boosted Agents: An Analysis of FDA Adverse Event Reporting System Database
Authors: Tian Xiaojiang , Yao Yao , He Guanglin , Jia Yuntao , Wang Kejing , Chen Lin
Published: February 2021

This current investigation was aimed to generate signals for adverse drug events of darunavir-containing agents by data mining using the US Food and Drug Administration Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS). All adverse event (AE) reports for darunavir, darunavir/ritonavir, or darunavir/cobicistat between July 2006 and December 2019 were identified. The reporting Odds Ratio (ROR), proportional reporting ratio(PRR), Bayesian confidence propagation neural network(BCPNN) were used to detect the risk signals. A suspicious signal was generated only if the results of the three algorithms were all positive. A total of 10756 AE reports were identified commonly observed in cardiovascular, endocrine, musculoskeletal, gastrointestinal, hepatobiliary, metabolic, and nutrition system. 40 suspicious signals were generated, and therein 20 signals were not included in the label. Severe high signals (i.e. progressive extraocular muscle paralysis, acute pancreatitis, exfoliative dermatitis, acquired lipodystrophy and mitochondrial toxicity) were identified. In pregnant women, umbilical cord abnormality, fetal growth restriction, low birth weight, stillbirth, premature rupture of membranes, premature birth and spontaneous abortion showed positive signals. Darunavir and its boosted agents induced AEs in various organs/tissues, and were shown to be associated with multiple adverse pregnancy conditions. This study highlighted some novel and severe AEs of darunavir which need to be monitored prospectively.
Deep learning-based tumor segmentation on digital images of histopathology slides for microdosimetry applications
Authors: Weishaupt Luca L. , Torres Jose , Camilleri-Broët Sophie , Rayes Roni F. , Spicer Jonathan D. , Maldonado Sabrina Côté , Enger Shirin A.
Published: February 2021

The goal of this study was (i) to use artificial intelligence to automate the traditionally labor-intensive process of manual segmentation of tumor regions in pathology slides performed by a pathologist and (ii) to validate the use of a deep learning architecture. Automation will reduce the human error involved in the manual process, increase efficiency, and result in more accurate and reproducible segmentation. This advancement will alleviate the bottleneck in the workflow in clinical and research applications due to a lack of pathologist time. Our application is patient-specific microdosimetry and radiobiological modeling, which builds on the contoured pathology slides. A deep neural network named UNet was used to segment tumor regions in pathology core biopsies of lung tissue with adenocarcinoma stained using hematoxylin and eosin. A pathologist manually contoured the tumor regions in 56 images with binary masks for training. To overcome memory limitations overlapping and non-overlapping patch extraction with various patch sizes and image downsampling were investigated individually. Data augmentation was used to reduce overfitting and artificially create more data for training. Using this deep learning approach, the UNet achieved accuracy of 0.91±0.06, specificity of 0.90±0.08, sensitivity of 0.92±0.07, and precision of 0.8±0.1. The F1/DICE score was 0.85±0.07, with a segmentation time of 3.24±0.03 seconds per image, thus achieving a 370±3 times increased efficiency over manual segmentation, which took 20 minutes per image on average. In some cases, the neural network correctly delineated the tumor's stroma from its epithelial component in tumor regions that were classified as tumor by the pathologist. The UNet architecture can segment images with a level of efficiency and accuracy that makes it suitable for tumor segmentation of histopathological images in fields such as radiotherapy dosimetry, specifically in the subfields of microdosimetry.
Impacts of Antioxidant Vitamins, Curry Consumption and Heavy Metal Levels on The Metabolic Syndrome With Comorbidities: A National Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Duc Hai Nguyen , Oh Hojin , Kim Min-Sun
Published: February 2021

The burden of metabolic syndrome (MetS) is increasing worldwide especially in the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19). This phenomenon can be related to environmental, dietary, and lifestyle risk factors. We aimed to determine the association between the levels of serum heavy metals, vitamins, and curry intake, subsequently predict the risks for MetS by margin effects. Daily intake of vitamins was measured by 24-h recall was calculated using a food frequency questionnaire. Heavy metals were quantified by graphite furnace atomic absorption spectrometry, and mercury analyzer. The risk of MetS was significantly lower in the high curry consumption than in the low curry consumption, risks of Mets were reduced by 7%, 13%, 1%, and 1%, when the levels of vitamin B1, B2, B3, and C intake increased by one mg, respectively. However, risks of Mets were increased by 9%, 3%, 5%, when the levels of serum Pb, Hg, and CRP increased by one unit. The potential health benefits resulting from vitamin and curry supplementation could guard the public against the dual burden of communicable and non-communicable diseases. Further works are required to thwart risk factors related to heavy metals and determine the mechanistic dual effects of vitamins and curry in MetS.
Effects of different treatment of faecal microbiota transplantation techniques on ulcerative colitis in rats
Authors: Zhu Fangyuan , Ke Yifan , Luo Yiting , Wu Jiaqian , Wu Pei , Ma Fangxiao , Liu Yingchao
Published: February 2021

Background: Ulcerative colitis (UC) is a chronic non-specific inflammatory bowel disease with abdominal pain, mucus, pus, and blood in the stool as the main clinical manifestations. The pathogenesis of UC is still not completely clear, and multiple factors such as genetic susceptibility, immune response, intestinal microecological changes, and environmental factors together lead to the onset of UC. In recent years, the role of intestinal flora disturbance on the pathogenesis of UC has received widespread attention. Therefore, fecal microbiota transplantation(FMT), which changes the intestinal microecological environment of UC patients by transplantation of normal fecal bacteria, has attracted increasing attention from researchers. However, there are no guidelines at home and abroad to recommend fresh FMT or frozen FMT in the treatment of UC, and there are a few studies on this. Therefore the purpose of this experiment was to explore the effects of fresh and frozen fecal microbiota transplantation methods on the treatment of experimental ulcerative colitis models in rats.Results: Compared with the model control group, all faecal microbiota transplantation groups achieved better efficacy, mainly manifested as weight gain by the rats, improvements in faecal characteristics and blood stools, reduced inflammatory factors, and normal bacterial flora. The efficacy of the frozen faecal microbiota transplantation group was better than that of the fresh faecal microbiota transplantation group in terms of behaviour and colon length .Conclusions: FMT is a feasible method for treating UC. The mechanism of action may be via competitive inhibition of pathogenic microorganisms, improved immune metabolism, and reduced inflammatory response to mitigate the damage to the intestinal barrier and cause UC remission. Compared with fresh FMT, the therapeutic effect of frozen FMT may be greater.
Nomograms individually predict the overall survival and cancer-specific survival of adult patients with hemispheres lower-grade gliomas: A SEER-Based Study
Authors: Che Wenqiang , Li Chengzhuo , Lyu Jun , Wang Xiangyu
Published: February 2021

(1) Background: The 2016 WHO classification of Tumors of the Central Nervous System brought an escalating research interest in lower-grade gliomas (LGGs). This study aims to establish individualized prognostic nomograms to predict the overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) of patients with LGGs;(2) Methods: We searched the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database for adult patients diagnosed with LGGs from 1998 to 2016. The patient data set selected from SEER was randomly divided into training and validation data sets at a ratio of 7:3. The significant prognostic factors were identified by using multivariate regression models in the training dataset. Then OS and CSS nomograms were developed and internally validated;(3) Results: After the inclusion and exclusion criteria set, a total of 12,630 patients were enrolled in our research. The prognosticators for OS contained age, sex, race, marital status, surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy, tumor size/site, laterality, WHO grade, while only chemotherapy among the 11 indicators mentioned above was not related to CSS. The c-indexes of OS and CSS of the validation cohort were 0.749 and 0.761, respectively. The calibration curve plots showed that the predicted probability of 3-, 5-, and 8-years survival rates corresponded well with the actual observed OS and CSS rates;(4) Conclusion: The present study using the SEER database constructed and internally validated prognostic nomograms to predict the OS and CSS of patients with LGGs. The nomograms showed perfect predictive abilities and may be useful clinical tools for decision aids and better supporting patient counselling.
Comparison of Methods to Improve Fracture Risk Assessment in Chinese Diabetic Postmenopausal Women: A Case-Control Study
Authors: Wen Zhangxin , Na Ding , Rong Chen , Liu Shuyin , Wang Qinyi , Zhifeng Sheng , Sheng Zhifeng , Hong Liu
Published: February 2021

PurposeThis study compared the performance of three proposed Fracture Risk Assessment Tool (FRAX) alternatives to the current standard Chinese FRAX in predicting bone fracture risk in type 2 diabetic (T2DM) postmenopausal women, and to explore the optimal strategy to better predicted fracture risk in postmenopausal women with diabetes in China.MethodsWe recruited 434 patients from community-medical centers, 217 with T2DM and 217 without T2DM (non-T2DM). All participants completed self-reported questionnaires detailing their characteristics and risk factors. Bone mineral density (BMD) and spinal radiographs were evaluated. The China FRAX model calculated all scores. The area under the receiver operator characteristic curve (ROC-AUC) evaluated the sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy for predicting 10-year risk for major (MOF) and hip (OHF) osteoporotic fractures in T2DM patients. ResultsT2DM patients had higher BMD but lower average FRAX values than non-T2DM patients. The unadjusted FRAX ROC-AUC was 0.774, significantly smaller than that for 0.5-unit femoral neck T-score-adjusted FRAX (0.800; p = 0.004). Rheumatoid arthritis (RA; AUC = 0.810, p = 0.033) and T-score (AUC = 0.816, p = 0.002) adjustments significantly improved fracture prediction in T2DM patients. Conclusions: Femoral neck T-score adjustment might be the preferred method for predicting MOF and OHF in Chinese diabetic postmenopausal women, while RA adjustment only effectively predicted HF risk.Conclusions﻿Femoral neck T-score adjustment might be the preferred method for predicting MOF and OHF in Chinese diabetic postmenopausal women, while RA adjustment only effectively predicted HF risk.
Preoperative Detection of the TERT Promoter Mutations in Papillary Thyroid Carcinomas
Authors: Nakao Tomoe , Matsuse Michiko , Saenko Vladimir , Rogounovitch Tatiana , Tanaka Aya , Suzuki Keiji , Higuchi Miyoko , Sasai Hisanori , Sano Tsutomu , Hirokawa Mitsuyoshi , Miyauchi Akira , Kawakami Atsushi , Mitsutake Norisato
Published: February 2021

Telomerase reverse transcriptase promoter (TERT-p) mutations are strongly associated with tumor aggressiveness and worse prognosis in papillary thyroid carcinomas (PTCs). Since the TERT-p promoter mutations have been reported to be subclonal, it is unclear how accurately they can be detected by preoperative fine needle aspiration (FNA). The objective of this study was to analyze the concordance rate of the TERT-p mutations between preoperative FNA and corresponding postoperative surgical specimens. The mutational status of the TERT-p in FNA samples detected by our ddPCR assay was highly concordant with that in postoperative FFPE specimens. The TERT-p mutation was significantly associated with age, tumor size, extrathyroidal extension, and the Ki-67 labeling index in multivariate analysis in both FNA and FFPE samples. The detection of the TERT-p mutations using FNA samples has a good ability to predict disease aggressiveness and, therefore, could be clinically useful in the determination of PTC management.
Effect of High Blood Cortisol Concentration on the Spectroscopically Determined Secondary Structure of Proteins and Lipid Balance on the Example of Elite Women Volleyball Players
Authors: Depciuch Joanna , Czarny Wojciech , Szuszkiewicz Wojciech , Reich Adam , Klebowski Bartosz , Bajorek Wojciech , Płonka Artur , Łuszczewska-Sierakowska Iwona , Cebulski Jozef , Król Paweł
Published: February 2021

Cortisol is a stress hormone plays a crucial role in the balance between phospholipids and lipids level. In consequence, it affects the secondary structure of proteins. Currently cortisol concentration in plasma is determined by biochemical analysis. A new, optical method to estimate stress level is proposed in this work. Infrared and Raman spectroscopies were used to determine quantitative and qualitative changes in the lipids and proteins fraction in function of cortisol concentration in 49 samples of plasma collected from volleyball players at various stages of preparation for the competition. With the cortisol level increase, a decrease of structures related to PO2- phospholipids groups and amides III, II and I bonds was noticed in the transmission spectra. Changes in the secondary structure of protein were indicated as a frequency shift of α-helix and β-sheet vibrations observed in Raman spectra and second derivative of transmission spectra. Pearson correlation test presented positive correlations between phospholipids and proteins level and between cortisol concentration and phospholipids in transmittance spectra. Negative correlations between cortisol concentration and proteins and phospholipids level was observed in the Raman spectra. Both optical techniques are considered to become effective tools for estimating the concentration of cortisol in the plasma.
Management of Liver Hydatid Cysts: A Cross-Sectional Retrospective Analysis of 293 Cases From Southern Iran
Authors: Erfani Amirhossein , shahriarirad Reza , Eskandarisani Mehrdad , Rastegarian Mohammad , Sarkari Bahador
Published: February 2021

Background: The current study aimed to evaluate the therapeutic features and complications of liver hydatid cyst in patients who underwent surgery for CE in Fars province, southern Iran.Methods: A total of 293 patients who underwent surgery for liver hydatid cyst from 2004 to 2018 in Fars Province, southern Iran, were retrospectively evaluated. The clinical records of patients were reviewed and the demographic and clinical characteristics of each patient were assessed.Results: Of the total of 293 cases, 178 (60.9%) were females and 115 (39.1%) were males. The mean age of the subjects was 37.22 (±20.55) years. The mean size of the liver hydatid cyst was 9.18 (± 4.365). Of the 293 patients studied, 227 (77.4%) had hydatid cysts only in the liver, while 55 (9.4%) had both liver and lung cysts. More than half of the liver cysts (65.9%) were located in the right portion of the liver (segment 5 to 8). Of the 293 cases, 52 (17.7%) underwent radical surgery while 241 (82.3%) underwent conservative surgery. Recurrence of hydatid cyst was recorded in 46 (15%) of cases. Patients who were treated with radical surgery in comparison with those who had conservative surgery had a lower recurrence rate but a longer duration of hospital stay (p<0.05). Conclusion: Recurrence remains as one of the major challenges in the management of hydatid cyst. Radical surgery reduces the chance of recurrence, although this procedure increases the length of hospital stay.This study was registered at Clinicaltrials.gov with registration ID of NCT04363151. https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04363151?cntry=IR&city=Shiraz&draw=2&rank=1
GC-TOF/MS-Based Metabolomics Analysis to Investigate the Antimicrobial Activity of N-Acetylcysteine in the Plant-Pathogen Xanthomonas Citri Subsp. Citri
Authors: Picchi Simone Cristina , Silva Mariana Souza e , Saldanha Luiz Leonardo , Ferreira Henrique , Takita Marco Aurélio , Caldana Camila , Souza Alessandra Alves
Published: February 2021

N-Acetylcysteine (NAC) is an antioxidant, anti-adhesive, and antimicrobial compound. Even though there is much information regarding the role of NAC as an antioxidant and anti-adhesive agent, little is known about its antimicrobial activity. In order to assess its mode of action in bacterial cells, we investigated the metabolic responses triggered by NAC at neutral pH. As a model organism, we chose the Gram-negative plant pathogen Xanthomonas citri subsp. citri (X. citri), the causal agent of citrus canker disease, due to the potential use of NAC as a sustainable molecule against phytopathogens dissemination in citrus cultivated areas. In presence of NAC, cell proliferation was affected after 4 hours, but damages to the cell membrane were observed only after 24 hours. Targeted metabolite profiling analysis using GC-MS/TOF unravelled that NAC seems to be metabolized by the cells affecting cysteine metabolism. Intriguingly, glutamine, a marker for nitrogen status, was not detected among the cells treated with NAC. The absence of glutamine was followed by a decrease in the levels of the majority of the proteinogenic amino acids, suggesting that the reduced availability of amino acids affect protein synthesis and consequently cell proliferation.
Chromosome Karyotype and Stability Identification of New Synthetic Hexaploid Wheat
Authors: Wang Yajuan , Wang Siwen , Jia Xiujuan , Tian Zengrong , Wang Yongfu , Wang Changyou , Zhang Hong , Liu Xinlun , Zhao Jixin , Deng Pingchuan , Wanquan Ji
Published: February 2021

Synthetic hexaploid wheats offer breeder ready access to potentially novel genetic variations in wild ancestral species. In present study, we used MY3478 (2n = 4x = 28, AABB) as female crossing with SY41 (2n = 2x = 14, DD) of stripe rust resistant as male through natural chromosome doubling to constructed the new hexaploid wheat line NA0928. Agronomic traits and cytological analysis were characterized in NA0928 of S8-S9 generations. The major study and results were described as follows, agronomic character variation coefficient in NA0928 of S8 generation showed that the effective tiller number (55.3%) > spike length (15.3%) > number of spikelets (13.9%) > plant height (8.7). It is suggested that the effective tiller number and spike length have great utilization value in breeding. Cytological observation and fluorescence in situ hybridization (FISH) results showed that the chromosome number and configuration have rich variations in S9 of NA0928. Chromosome number variation range of 36–44. Numerous chromosome karyotype variations were almost detected in A and B subgenomes. In addition, more diverse types of chromosomal structure variations were observed in the stripe rust resistant strains with more excellent performance than susceptible strains in agronomic traits. Especially, the tillering number of the resistant strains were much higher. Here, Meiosis stage of pollen mother cells and multicolor-GISH (Mc-GISH) results showed that two new synthetic hexaploid wheat lines were obtained, which showed genetic stability, one line was resistance to stripe rust, and the other one line was susceptible stripe rust, at the same time, there had two excellent characteristics with high 1000-grain weight and multiple tillers. They will be valuable germplasm materials in wheat breeding utilization.
Anlotinib in the treatment of advanced hepatocellular carcinoma: an open label phase II study (ALTER-0802 study)
Authors: Sun Yongkun , Zhou Aiping , Zhang Wen , Jiang Zhichao , Chen Bo , Zhao Jianjun , Li Zhiyu , Wang Liming , Bi Xinyu , Zhao Hong , Liu Kan
Published: February 2021

Purpose: This study aimed to assess efficacy and safety of anlotinib as a first- or second-line treatment for advanced or metastatic hepatocellular carcinoma (aHCC) and to identify the predictive plasma cytokines on efficacy of anlotinib.Methods: It was a phase II clinical study. Patients with aHCC were recruited from October 2016 to April 2019 and divided into two cohorts according to previous tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) therapy. Those without or with prior TKIs were in Cohort 1 or 2, respectively. All patients took anlotinib (12mg/day, Day1–14, three weeks per cycle). The primary endpoint was 12-week progression free survival (PFS) rate. Relationship between series plasma cytokine level and efficacy of anlotinib was analyzed.Results: Enrolled 26 patients in Cohort 1 and 24 in Cohort 2. In Cohort 1, the 12-week PFS rate was 80.8% (95% confidence interval [CI]; 59.8%–91.5%) and median time to progression (TTP) was 5.9 months (95% CI; 4.8–6.9). In Cohort 2, the 12-week PFS rate and median TTP was 72.5% (95% CI; 48.7%–86.6%) and 4.6 months (95% CI; 2.7–10.0), respectively. The median TTP on patients with baseline plasma level of CXCL1 (C-X-C motif chemokine ligand 1) less than 7.6 ng/μl was significant longer in both cohorts. The most common grade 3–5 adverse events were hypertension (8%), diarrhea (8%) and hand-foot syndrome (6%). Conclusion: Anlotinib showed promising efficacy and safety as a first- or second-line treatment with a continuous TKIs treatment strategy in aHCC. The plasma CXCL1 might be a predictor for efficacy of anlotinib.
Morphological Changes of Anak Krakatau after the 22 December 2018 Flank Collapsed
Authors: Darmawan Herlan , Worosuprojo Suratman , Wahyudi Wahyudi , Harijoko Agung , Wibowo Haryo Edi , Mutaqin Bachtiar W. , Haerani Nia , Syarifuddin Syarifuddin , Albab Milya Aflah Ulul , Jati Raditya , Asriningrum Wikanti
Published: February 2021

After the 22 December 2018 flank collapse, series of hydrothermal, phreatomagmatic, and effusive eruptions occurred and changed the morphology of Anak Krakatau. The ejected volcanic materials enlarge and increase the elevation of the west flank, which may indicate a reconstruction phase of the Anak Krakatau edifice. Here, we investigated the morphological changes of Anak Krakatau between 2019 and 2020 by using drone SfM photogrammetry, Sentinel and Pleiades satellite imageries, and fieldworks photograph data. The result shows volcaniclastic deposit due to the hydrothermal and/or phreatomagmatic eruptions that covered 0.08 km2 around an active crater lake at Anak Krakatau between February and January 2020. The large phreatomagmatic and effusive eruptions on 10 April 2020 produced tephra and lava flow deposits that significantly changed the morphology of Anak Krakatau. The deposit of tephra covered 0.815 km2 at the north – northwest flanks of Anak Krakatau, while the lava flow emplaced 0.2 km2 and elongated around 742 m from the pre-existing crater lake to the west shoreline of Anak Krakatau. The lava flow has a blocky surface and highly fractured that possibly formed due to compression – extension stresses during lava flow emplacement. The emplacement of the massive lava flow at the pre-existing crater lake may change the future eruption style at Anak Krakatau, which was previously dominated by hydrovolcanism activities, such as hydrothermal and phreatomagmatic events.
Rewilding With Large Herbivores Helped Increase Plant Species Richness in Dry Grasslands.
Authors: Dvorský Miroslav , Mudrák Ondřej , Doležal Jiří , Jirků Miloslav
Published: February 2021

Rewilding is a form of environmental conservation and ecological restoration that has the potential to enhance biodiversity and create self-sustainable natural environments. The key approach is reintroducing lost keystone animal species, e.g. large herbivores and predators. One of the few places in all Central Europe where such efforts can be seen in practice is located in Milovice, Czech Republic, where European bison, Exmoor pony, and Tauros cattle have been introduced in 2015-2016 to a former military training area, now NATURA 2000 site and National nature monument Milovice-Mlada. The prevailing vegetation type is a forest-steppe with Bromus erectus dominated dry grasslands mixed with deciduous shrubs and trees. After the cessation of military use, the area was mostly left unmanaged during 1989-2010 which led to successional changes and increased dominance of tall grasses, and bush encroachment. We monitored grassland vegetation in 2017–2019 in 30 randomly distributed plots (2×2 m) inside the grazed area and in ungrazed control plots. Natural grazing increased species richness and the cover of forbs, while the proportion of grasses and legumes remained little affected. Grazing promoted small-statured species while ungrazed plots harboured taller ones. Large herbivores thus made the grassland shorter and richer both in overall species and flowering forbs. We can conclude that the introduction of large herbivores has had a beneficial effect on species richness and helped in restoring forest-steppe vegetation of better quality and conservational value.
Rigid Impacts of Three-dimensional Rocking Structures
Authors: Várkonyi Péter László , Ther Tamás , Kocsis Márton
Published: February 2021

Studies of rocking motion aim to explain the remarkable earthquake resistence of rocking structures . State - of - the -art assessment methods are mostly based on planar models , despite ongoing efforts to understand the significance of three - dimensionality . Impacts are essential components of rocking motion . We present experimental measurements of free -rocking blocks , focusing on extreme sensitivity of impacts to geometric imperfections , unpredictability , and the emergence of three - dimensional motion via spontaneous symmetry breaking . These results inspire the development of new impact models of three dimensional facet and edge impacts of polyhedral objects . Our model is a natural generalization of existing planar models based on the seminal work of George W. Housner . Model parameters are estimated empirically for rectangular blocks . Finally , new perspectives in earthquake assessment of rocking structures are discussed .