bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
TREM2 is a prognostic biomarker and correlates in immune infiltrates in kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma and liver hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Xiang bin wen , Fang Sha , Ding peng yan , Liu min nuo , Wu chao hua , Yu Haijun
Published: February 2021

Background: TREM2 was identified as a marker for tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs) and monocytes. However, there is limited information concerning the TREM2 mRNA levels correlated with the outcome and tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes in different cancers.Methods: To explore the expression pattern and prognostic value of TREM2 in pan-cancer, We use multiple databases, including ONCOMINE, PrognoScan, Kaplan-Meier Plotter, GEPIA, and TIMER. we investigated the correlations between TREM1 expression and immune infiltration in cancers, especially kidney renal papillary cell carcinoma (KIRP), and liver hepatocellular carcinoma (LIHC)Results: According to the results from Oncomine and TIMER datasets, in a general way, TREM2 mRNA expression is higher in the majority of the tumor and is lower in lung cancer, compared with normal adjacent tissues. A high expression level of TREM2 was beneficial to the survival of LIHC patients. Both in KIRP and LIHC, TREM2 expression levels showed significant positive correlations with infiltrating levels of macrophages and dendritic cells. It also correlated with diverse immune marker sets. We can also find that TREM2 expression was modestly associated with CD8+T cells in KIRP. However, it is related to the Treg in LIHC.Conclusions: TREM2 may be a prognostic marker in the multitudinous tumor. Furthermore, TREM2 may interact with immune infiltration to influence patient survival in cancers like LIHC and KIRP.
Microbiota Modulation to Reduce Cardiovascular Risk in HIV Patients: A Systematic Review
Authors: Pablo Villoslada-Blanco , Patricia Pérez-Matute , A Oteo José
Published: February 2021

Background: human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection is associated with premature and accelerated aging linked to the development of several co-morbidities, such as cardiovascular events, even after controlling for traditional cardiovascular risk factors. Since both traditional and “novel” factors are involved in the increased cardiovascular risk (CVR) observed in HIV-infected patients, new biomarkers could be needed to diagnose, evaluate and prevent the evolution of these events. Furthermore, since microbiota disturbance is involved in HIV-associated co-morbidities, all strategies focused on reversing or modulating gut microbiota (GM) composition and/or functionality could be of interest. In this context, a solid scientific evidence based on well-designed clinical trials is needed to support the use of prebiotics, probiotics, symbiotics and fecal transplantation (FT) to modify GM in HIV-infected patients and, therefore, to reduce the incidence of cardiovascular disease (CVD) in this population.
Methods: a search in PubMed has been carried out covering all clinical trials (Clinical Trial filter) including adult humans (19+ years) and whose results have been published in the last 10 years. Besides, the results obtained from ClinicalTrials.gob have been included and described in the present review Thus, we have reviewed the main results obtained from 3 clinical trials concerning the effects of prebiotics, 25 concerning probiotics, 6 concerning symbiotics and 4 concerning FT.
Results: none of the trials included in this review investigated if these compounds were able to reduce cardiovascular events in HIV patients.
Conclusions: the huge variability observed in the type of compound used, the dose and the length of administration, makes difficult to analyse the results as a proper meta-3 analysis and, therefore, to adopt general recommendations. Thus, there is an urgent need to investigate in this direction through robust and well-designed clinical trials.
Clinical Association Between Behçet Syndrome, Cytopenia, and Acquired Trisomy 8: a New Clinical Syndrome?
Authors: Shen Yan , Luo Dan , Ma Hai-fen , Cai jian-fei , Zou Jun , Bao Zhi-jun , Guan Jian-long
Published: February 2021

Objectives: Behçet syndrome (BS) is heterogeneous with clinical variability across ethnicities and geographic locations. This study analyzed the clinical characteristics of BS associated with cytopenia and trisomy 8.Methods: This was a retrospective study of Chinese BS patients in the Shanghai Behçet’s disease database who were diagnosed with cytopenia and trisomy 8 between October 2012 and April 2019. All subjects fulfilled the International Study Group (ISG) criteria or the International Criteria for Behçet’s Disease (ICBD).Results: Twenty-one patients with BS had cytopenia with trisomy 8; 16 (16/21, 76.2%) were diagnosed with myelodysplastic syndrome (MDS). Compared with 1,147 patients with BS without cytopenia, patients with BS and trisomy 8/cytopenia were more likely to be female (23.8% vs 51.8%,p= 0.011), older (37.9 ± 12.8 vs 45.1 ± 12.0, p = 0.007), have fewer skin lesions (33.3% vs 56.7%,p= 0.033), fever (52.4% vs 1.1%, p < 0.001), have higher C-reactive protein, have higher erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR), and display a higher rate of gastrointestinal (GI) ulceration (61.9% vs 9.2%, p < 0.001). By contrast, they had a lower leukocyte count, lower hemoglobin levels, and a lower platelet count (p < 0.05 for all comparisons). Ulcers in the ileocecal region were more frequently seen in intestinal patients with BS with trisomy 8 than in patients with BS without cytopenia (100.0% vs 41.8%; p = 0.002). Compared with 54 patients with MDS without BS symptoms, those with BS and trisomy 8-cytopenia were more likely to be female (23.8% vs 70.4%, p< 0.001) and younger (37.9 ± 12.8 vs 67.2 ± 12.4, p= 0.001). In the follow-up, three patients with BS with trisomy 8 (3/21, 14.3%) died, which is a higher rate than in patients with BS (5/1147, 0.44%) and much lower than in patients with MDS (13/54, 24.1%).Conclusions: The data on patients with BS with cytopenia and trisomy 8 were different from BS or MDS in epidemiology, clinical performance, and prognosis. BS with cytopenia and acquired trisomy 8 may be a new clinical syndrome.
New Insights Into Hematological, Serum Biochemical and Histopathological Toxicity of Bisphenol a on Bighead Carp (Aristichthys Nobils) Under Long-Term Exposure
Authors: Akram Rabia , Iqbal Rehana , Hussain Riaz , Ali Muhammad
Published: February 2021

Bisphenol A (BPA) is one of the highest volume chemicals produced worldwide and is frequently used in dental sealants, water bottles, food and beverage packaging. Due to persistant application, BPA has become potential threat to variety of organisms including public health. In this study for the first time 80 bighead carps were randomly placed in different four groups (A-D). Fish in groups (B-D) were treated with BPA 60 days while fish in group A served as control group. Body weight, absolute and relative weight of different visceral organs of fish exposed to higher concentrations (1500 µg/L) of BPA decreased significantly (p < .05). Results on proximate analysis showed significantly decreased in crude proteins, lipid contents and moisture contents in muscles while increased ash contents. Red blood cells count, hemoglobin concentration, lymphocytes and monocytes were significantly decreased while leukocytes counts and neutrophil counts was significantly increased in treated fish. Results on different serum biochemistry parameters like serum albumin and total proteins decreased significantly (p < .05) while alanine aminotransferase (ALT), aspartate aminotransferase (AST) and alkaline phosphatase (ALP), urea creatinine, glucose, cholesterol and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) increased significantly (p < .05) in treated fish. Histopathological ailments like pyknosis, degeneration glomeruli, increased Bowman’s space, ceroid formation in kidneys while ceroid formation, hemorrhages, pyknosis, karyorrhexis, karyolysis, binucleated hepatocytes, nuclear hypertrophy and eccentric nuclei in liver were observed in treated fish. Histological observation of ndifferent sections of brain of treated fish exhibited degenerated neurons in cerebellum, lipofuscin deposition, microgliosis, necrotic neurons, inflammatory cell and severe hemorrhage. Results on light microscopic observation of different sections of heart of bighead carp revealed necrosis, inflammatory reaction, neutrophilic myocarditis and hemorrhages. In conclusion, it is suggested that BPA induces adverse effects on physical, blood-biochemical parameters and histopathological changes in multiple visceral tissues of exposed fish.
Oxycodone Enhances the Effects of Metformin Therapy in Mices With Painful Diabetic Neuropathy Induced by Alloxan
Authors: Askari Zahra , Boskabadi Seyed Javad , Mahdizade Amirhossein , Ataee Ramin
Published: February 2021

Background

DN (diabetic neuropathy) is a common disorder and two thirds of diabetic patients have clinical or subclinical neuropathy. Pain in DN can be spontaneous or stimulus induced and aggravate in nights. µ-opioid receptor make weak-reply to an antinociceptive effect of opioid agonist but κ-opioid receptors create antinociceptive response appropriately.
Methods

Diabetic animals were treated intraperitoneally for 3weeks in 9 groups including different doses of oxycodone and codeine with constant dose of metformin (200mg/kg). The normal saline group was considered as a negative control group and diabetic group as positive control. After 3 weeks Hot plate and tail flic test were done and fasting blood glucose was measured. After that Animals were sacrificed and oxidative stress biomarkers including lipid peroxidation, protein carbonyl content, and glutathione content were measured in brain and liver isolated mitochondria.
Conclusion

In this study finding demonstrated that Oxycodone (high dose 8mg/kg) with effect on both µ-opioid receptor and κ-opioid receptor significantly enhances the effects of metformin therapy in mices with painful diabetic neuropathy. In addition, opioid drugs induced stress oxidative and MDA formation in brain and liver.As well as, in diabetic mices, glucose level in all drug groups significantly decreased in compared to positive diabetic group.
The New Direction of Senolytic Drug Research Should Be on Cancer Prevention, Adjuvant Therapies in Cancer and Healthy Senescence in Cancer Survivors (Senolytics and Cancer)
Authors: Tanriverdi Ozgur , Turkcu Ummuhani Ozel
Published: February 2021

In cases where cellular senescence does not function properly, the use of drugs called senolytics in the prevention of chronic aging-related disorders such as cancer, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases has become a very interesting topic. There are studies showing that senolytic drugs can be used for the purpose of preventing cancer, preventing recurrence in individuals diagnosed with cancer, and delaying multimorbidity situations that may develop as long-term side effects of anti-cancer treatments. This article has been prepared with the aim of reminding general information about senolytic drugs and cellular senescence due to the fact that there are many controversial researches in the field of oncology in the future
The sociodemographic determinants of non-communicable diseases among the adult population of Dubai: self-reported data from Dubai household health survey, 2019
Authors: Alnakhi Wafa K. , Mamdouh Heba , Hussain Hamid Y. , Ibrahim Gamal M. , Ahmad Amar Sabri , Ali Raghib , Abdulle Abdishakur
Published: February 2021

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) are the leading causes of death worldwide. In the UAE, NCDs account for nearly 77% of all deaths. There is limited empirical research on this topic in the UAE. We aim to examine this association among the adult population in the Emirate of Dubai.Method: This study used data from the Dubai Household Health Survey (DHHS), 2019. In this survey, 2,247 families were interviewed and only adults aged 18+ were included for the analysis. The self-reported chronic disease was defined as reporting any chronic morbidities occurred during the past year that required ongoing medical attention and medical care. Sociodemographic characteristics covariates were age group, marital status, nationality, gender, education and working status. The quasi-binomial distribution was used to identify factors associated with chronic disease.Results: The prevalence of chronic diseases among the adult population of Dubai was 15.01%. Individuals aged 60+, local Arabs (Emirati), divorced and widowed individuals, and individuals who were not currently working reported a chronic disease more than the other groups. In the regression analysis, age (years) was the strongest predictor (OR 3.6, 95% CI: 2.8, 4.7). Males were more likely to report a chronic disease (OR 1.61, 95% CI: 1.277, 2.035). Unmarried individuals were less likely to report a chronic disease (OR 0.11, 95% CI: 0.02, 0.70). However, older individuals who were unmarried were more likely to report a chronic disease compared to the reference group (OR 2.8, 95% CI: 1.2, 6.1). Emiratis were more likely to report a chronic disease (OR 2.08, 95% CI: 1.62, 2.67).Conclusion: The self-reported rate of chronic disease was shown to be higher in older individuals, males, Emiratis, and older individuals who were unmarried. This is one of the few studies related to chronic diseases in Dubai. It is important to translate the current study findings into policies to help reduce the incidence of chronic diseases in Dubai and to minimize the negative impact of these illnesses, particularly among those with the sociodemographic risk factors identified here. In addition, healthcare services and resources should be reallocated to the population groups with greater health needs.
Rate of Viral Re-Suppression and Retention To Care Among HIV Infected Patients on Second Line Antiretroviral Therapy at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, Northeast Ethiopia.
Authors: Wedajo Shambel , Degu Getu , Deribew Amare , Ambaw Fentie
Published: February 2021

Background: In Ethiopia, first line antiretroviral therapy failure is growing rapidly. However, unlike first line therapy, to date, very little is known about the outcomes of second line therapy. Thus, this study assessed the rate of viral re-suppression and retention to care and their predictors among HIV infected patients on second line therapy. Methods: A retrospective cohort study was conducted among 642 HIV infected patients on second line therapy at Dessie Comprehensive Specialized Hospital, northeast Ethiopia from October 2016 to November 2019. Proportional Cox regression model was computed to explore predictors of viral re-suppression (Viral load less than 1000 copies/mL) and attrition to care. Results: Out of 642 subjects, 19 (3%), 44(6.9%), 70(10.9%), and 509(79.3%) patients were lost to follow up, died, transferred out, and alive on care, respectively. Similarly, 82.39 % (79.24 - 85.16%) patients had achieved viral re-suppression, with 96 per 100-person year rate of re-suppression in 550.16 year follow up. Patients who switched timely to second line therapy were at a high rate of viral re-suppression than patients who delayed to switch [Adjusted Hazard Rate, AHR = 1.43 (95%CI: 1.17-1.74)]. Not having drug substitution history [AHR =1.25 (95%CI: 1.02-1.52)] was positively associated with viral re-suppression, in contrast, being on anti-TB treatment [AHR = 0.67 (95% CI: 0.49 – 0.91)] negatively associated with viral re-suppression. By excluding transferred out cases, 63 (11%, 95% CI: 9.6 – 13.8%) out of 572 patients were failed to retain on care with 7.1 per 100 person year rate of attrition in 887.25 year observation. Patients who were ambulatory or bedridden at the time of therapy switch were more at risk of attrition to care as compared with workable patients [Adjusted Hazard Rate, AHR= 2.61 (95% CI: 1.40-4.87]. Similarly, being not virally re-suppressed [AHR= 6.87 (95% CI: 3.86-12.23)], CD4 count < = 450 cells/mm3 [AHR= 2.61 (95% CI: 1.40-4.87] were also positively associated with attrition to care. Conclusions: A significant number of patients had failed to achieve viral re-suppression and to retain on care. Most identified factors related to patient monitoring. Hence, patient centered intervention should be strengthen, besides treatment switch.
Optimization of Cultivation Condition of Newly Isolated Strain Chlorella Sorokiniana pa.91 for CO2 Bio-Fixation and Nutrients Removal From Real Municipal Wastewater: Impact of Temperature and Light Intensity
Authors: Yaqoubnejad Poone , Aminirad Hassan , Taghavijeloudar Mohsen
Published: February 2021

The cultivation conditions of a newly isolated strain Chlorella sorokiniana pa.91 were optimized for the first time by performing sixty batch cultivation experiments at various temperatures (20, 25, 30 and 35 °C) and light intensities (1000, 3000, 4000, 5000 and 7000 Lux) in three different culture mediums of BG-11, real settled municipal wastewater (RMWW) and synthetic wastewater (SWW). Additionally, to evaluate the capability of C. sorokiniana pa.91 in CO2 bio-fixation and wastewater treatment, the microalgae was cultivated in a flat-plate photobioreactor (CO2 = 16% and 0.6 vvm aeration) under the optimal condition. The optimization results suggested that at the culture conditions of 30 °C, 4000 Lux and RMWW (COD 211 mgL-1) microalgae had the best performance in growth and biomass productivity. Maximum biomass concentration and productivity of 3.21 gL-1 and 0.31 gL-1d-1were achieved, respectively, by cultivation of C. sorokiniana pa.91 in the photobioreactor under the optimized condition. Experimental results showed that C. sorokiniana pa.91 has a high capacity of CO2 bio-fixation (0.59 mgL-1d-1) and CO2 removal rate (35.6 %). Moreover, using C. sorokiniana pa.91 could efficiently remove 74% of NH3, 93% of NO3-, 83% of PO4-3 and 76% of COD from real municipal wastewater after eight days of cultivation in the photobioreactor.
Effects of CsSnxPb1-xI3 Quantum Dots as Interfacial Layer on Photovoltaic Performance of Carbon-Based Perovskite Solar Cells
Authors: Zhang Chi , He Zhiyuan , Luo Xuanhui , Meng Rangwei , Chen Mengwei , Lu Haifei , yang yingping
Published: February 2021

In this work, inorganic tin-doped perovskite quantum dots (PQDs) are incorporated into carbon-based perovskite solar cells (PSCs) to improve their photovoltaic performance. On the one hand, by controlling the content of Sn2+ doping, the energy level of the tin-doped PQDs can be adjusted, to realize optimized band alignment and enhanced separation of photogenerated electron-hole pairs. On the other hand, the incorporation of tin-doped PQDs provided with a relatively high acceptor concentration due to the self-p-type doping effect, is able to reduce the width of the depletion region near the back surface of the perovskite, thereby enhancing the hole extraction. Especially, after the addition of CsSn0.2Pb0.8I3 QDs, improvement of the power conversion efficiency (PCE) from 12.80% to 14.22% can be obtained, in comparison to the pristine device. Moreover, the experimental results are analyzed through the simulation of the one-dimensional perovskite/tin-doped PQDs heterojunction.
Accuracy of Intra-oral Radiography and Cone-beam CT in the Diagnosis of Buccal Bone Loss.
Authors: Christiaens Veronique , Pauwels Ruben , Mowafey Bassant , Jacobs Reinhilde
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe use of Cone Beam Computed Tomography (CBCT) in dentistry started in the maxillofacial field, where it was used for complex and comprehensive treatment planning. Due to the reduced radiation dose compared to a Computed Tomography (CT) scan, CBCT has become a frequently used diagnostic tool in dental practice. However, published data on the accuracy of CBCT in the diagnosis of the buccal bone level is lacking. The aim of this study was to compare the accuracy of intra-oral radiography (IOR) as well as CBCT in the diagnosis of the extent of buccal bone loss.MethodsA dry skull was used to create a buccal bone defect at the most coronal level of a first premolar; the defect was enlarged apically in steps of 1 mm. After each step, IOR and CBCT were taken. Based on CBCT data 2 observers jointly selected 3 axial slices at different levels of the buccal bone, as well as one transverse slice. Six dentists participated in radiographic observations. First, all observers received the 10 intra-oral radiographs and each observer was asked to rank the intra-oral radiographs on the extent of the buccal bone defect. Afterwards, the procedure was repeated with the CBCTs based on a combination of axial and transverse information. For the second part of the study, each observer was asked to evaluate axial as well as transverse CBCT slices on the presence or absence of a buccal bone defect. ResultsThe percentage of buccal bone defect progression rankings that were within 1 of the true rank was 32% for IOR and 42% for CBCT. On average, kappa values were increased by 0.384 for CBCT compared with intra-oral radiography. The overall sensitivity and specificity of CBCT in the diagnosis of the presence or absence of a buccal bone defect was 0.89 and 0.85, respectively. The average area under the curve (AUC) of the ROC was 0.892 for all observers.ConclusionWhen CBCT images are available for justified indications, other than bone level assessment, such 3D images are more accurate and thus preferred to 2D images to assess periodontal buccal bone. For other clinical applications, intra-oral radiography remains the standard method for radiographic evaluation.
Comprehensive Identification and Expression Analysis of the Members of the B-Box Gene Family of Cotton Involved in Flower bud Differentiation and Responses to Multiple Stresses
Authors: Feng Zhen , Li Mengyu , Li Yi , Yang Xu , Wei Hengling , Fu Xiaokang , Ma Liang , Lu Jianhua , Wang Hantao , Yu Shuxun
Published: February 2021

Background: B-BOX (BBX) proteins are zinc-finger transcription factors with one or two BBX domains and sometimes a CCT domain. These proteins play an essential role in regulating plant growth and development, as well as in resisting abiotic stress. So far, the BBX gene family has been widely studied in other crops. However, no one has systematically studied the BBX gene in cotton. Results: In the present study, 17, 18, 37 and 33 BBX genes were detected in Gossypium arboreum, G. raimondii, G. hirsutum and G. barbadense, respectively, via genome-wide identification. Phylogenetic analysis showed that all BBX genes were divided into 5 main categories. The protein motifs and exon/intron structures indicated that each group of BBX genes was highly conserved. Collinearity analysis revealed that the amplification of BBX gene family in Gossypium spp. was mainly through segmental replication. Nonsynonymous (Ka)/ synonymous (Ks) substitution ratios indicated that the BBX gene family had undergone purification selection throughout the long-term natural selection process. Moreover, transcriptomic data showed that some GhBBX genes were highly expressed in floral organs. Transcriptome data analysis and qRT-PCR verification showed that different GhBBX genes had different biological functions in flower bud differentiation, abiotic stress and stress response. Conclusions: Our comprehensive analysis of BBX in G. hirsutum provides a basis for further study on the molecular role of GhBBXs in regulating flowering and cotton resistance to abiotic stress.
Molecular dynamics simulation of multi-constituent gas diffusion properties in Venus atmosphere
Authors: Gao Wen , Yang Xiaoning , Wang Jing , Hou Quanwen , Bi Yanqiang , Lin Boying , Guo Qinliang
Published: February 2021

The purpose of studying the Venus’s atmosphere is to model and simulate Venus’s environment. One of the key parameters of the Venus’s atmosphere is diffusion coefficient. Experimental measurements of diffusion coefficients are particularly difficult under Venus’s environmental conditions. Molecular dynamics have become an important method for studying the properties and dynamics of microscopic systems. In this paper, the equilibrium molecular dynamics (EMD) simulations are used to calculate the interdiffusion coefficients of carbon dioxide (CO2) and nitrogen (N2) at room temperature and pressure in combination with Darken's equation. And the results are compared with experimental values and empirical equations to verify the rationality of the calculation method and the accuracy of the results. The interdiffusion coefficients of trace gases on the surface of Venus for the CO2 system in different states and the CO2-N2 interdiffusion coefficients with altitude in the Venus environment are given. The results show that the diffusion coefficients of the gases on the surface of Venus are two orders of magnitude smaller than those in the Earth's atmosphere and molecular dynamics simulations can well predict the diffusion characteristics of the Venus’s atmosphere and support the simulation of the Venus’s surface environment and the Venus’s atmosphere model.
Clinical effect on the alveolar bone of maxillary molar after rapid maxillary expansion: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zhang Bowen , Wang Mengqiao , Zhao Fenglu , Zhang Zijie , Wei Fulan
Published: February 2021

Background

This study assessed the effects of rapid maxillary expansion (RME) on alveolar bone cortical thickness and vertical bone level of maxillary first molar.
Material and methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials (CENTRAL), Scopus and a manual search in reference lists of the included studies were searched up to November 2020. The data extraction and risk of bias assessment were performed independently by two authors. Review Manager 5 was used for quantitative analysis.
Results

Eight studies were selected for the systematic review, and six studies were statistically selected in meta-analysis. The thickness of the distal buccal alveolar bone was significantly reduced of both left (MD 0.53;95% CI:0.15–0.90) and right (MD 0.61;95% CI:0.28–0.94) sides of the maxillary first molar after RME. The same was true for the left (MD 0.63;95% CI:0.28–0.98) and right (MD 0.63;95% CI:0.36–0.91) sides of the mesial buccal side. And the vertical distance between the cusp tip and the buccal alveolar crest increased significantly after RME (SMD − 0.92;95% CI: -1.20–0.64). However, the study of palatal cortical thickness of maxillary first molar needs more clinical trials because of its high heterogeneity (left: I2 = 92%; right: I2 = 86%).
Conclusions

According to current studies, RME can reduce the buccal cortical thickness of maxillary first molars and increase vertical bone loss. More research is needed to determine the stability of the results. However, it is advisable to evaluate the alveolar bone before treatment.
ANFIS-Net for Automatic Detection of COVID-19
Authors: Al-ali Afnan , Elharrouss Omar , Qidwai Uvais , Al-Maaddeed Somaya
Published: February 2021

Among the most leading causes of mortality across the globe is infectious diseases. Human Immunodeficiency Virus infection and Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome (HIV/AIDS), H1N1 influenza and Poliomyelitis, Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) are all infectious diseases that has cost tremendous lives with the latest being coronavirus (COVID-19) that has become the most recent challenging issue. The extreme nature of this infectious virus and its ability to spread without control, has made it mandatory to find an efficient auto-diagnosis system to assist the people who work in touch with the patients. As Fuzzy logic is considered a powerful technique for modeling vagueness in medical practice, Adaptive Neuro-Fuzzy Inference System (ANFIS) was proposed in this paper as a key rule for automatic detection of chest X-ray Images based on the characteristics derived by texture analysis using gray level co-occurrence matrix (GLCM) technique. The results were promising, reaching 98.67% accuracy compared with the other state-of-the-art techniques.
Research on Automatic Labelling of Imbalanced Texts of Customer Complaints Based on Text Enhancement and Layer-By-Layer Semantic Matching
Authors: TANG XIAOBO , MOU HAO , LIU JIANGNAN , Du Xin
Published: February 2021

[Purpose/meaning] Due to its potential impact on business efficiency, automated customer complaint labeling and classification are of great importance for management decisions and business-level applications. The majority of the current research on automated labeling uses large and well-balanced datasets. However, customer complaints' labels are hierarchical in structure, with many labels at the lowest hierarchy level. Relying on lower-level labels leads to small and imbalanced samples, thus rendering the current automatic labeling practices not applicable to customer complaints. [Methodology/process] This article proposes an automatic labeling model incorporating the BERT and Word2Vec methods. The model is validated on electric utility customer complaints data. Within the model, the BERT method serves to obtain shallow-level text tags. Further, text enhancement is used to mitigate the problem of uneven samples that emerges when the number of labels is large. Finally, the Word2Vec model is utilized for the deep-level text analysis. [Findings/conclusions] The experiments demonstrate the proposed model's efficiency in automating customer complaint labeling. Consequently, the proposed model supports the enterprises in improving their service quality while simultaneously reducing labor costs.
From Training to Practice: An Experience of Professional Capacity Development in Health Research in West Africa
Authors: Sombié Issiaka , Bamouni Sophie Fatoumata , Somé Donmozoun Télesphore , Johnson Ermel A. K.
Published: February 2021

Background

Between 2008 and 2013, the West African Health Organisation (WAHO) conducted a series of post-graduate capacity building in research methodology in West Africa. This work evaluated the contribution of these trainings in terms of knowledge acquisition and influence of research and policy practice.
Methods

Cooke's conceptual framework for assessing research capacity building was used with three data sources to construct the indicators (training reports, research project implementation reports and WAHO research programme evaluation report).
Results

There was an improvement in the knowledge of the 84 participants between the pre- and post-test. At the end of the training, the learners developed 19 protocols, 14 of which were finalised, financed and implemented, reflecting the learners' confidence to engage in research at the end of the training. The implementation of the protocols was conducted with the partnership and collaboration between the agents of the control programmes and the research centres. Some research results have been disseminated and a small portion used to strengthen the programmes.
Conclusion

This evaluation showed that the training was linked to practice with little publication and use of the results to improve the programmes. This regional capacity building programme should be maintained and strengthened by adding modules in data analysis, scientific communication and knowledge transfer.
Combination Therapy Revives Hope for Patients with Diabetic Foot Ulcer: A Case Report
Authors: Parizad Naser , Hajimohammadi Kazem , Goli Rasoul
Published: February 2021

BackgroundDiabetic foot ulcers, as one of the most debilitating complications of diabetes, can lead to amputation. Treatment and management of diabetic foot ulcers are among the most critical challenges for the patients and their families. Case presentationThe present case report is of a 63-year-old man with a 5-year history of uncontrolled type 2 diabetes who has had diabetic foot ulcers for the past three years on three sites of the left external ankle in the form of two deep circular ulcers with sizes of 6×4 cm and 6×8 cm, the sole as a superficial ulcer with a size of 6×3 cm, and the left heel as a deep skin groove. Moreover, the left hallux was completely gangrenous. The patient's ulcers were infected with Staphylococcus aureus and multidrug-resistant Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Despite antibiotic therapy and routine dressing changes, the patient showed no improvement during the hospital stay. Accordingly, the patient was transferred to our service after consulting with the wound management team. Diabetic foot ulcers were treated and managed using a combination of maggot therapy, the Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT), and silver foam dressing. After three months and ten days, the patient's ulcers completely healed, and he was discharged from our service with the excellent and stable condition. Conclusions﻿Based on the present case report study's clinical results, wound-care teams can use the combination therapy applied in this study to treat refractory diabetic foot ulcers.
Association of firearm exposure during youth with lifetime incidence of suicide ideation and suicide attempts
Authors: Bryan Craig J. , Bryan AnnaBelle O. , Anestis Michael D.
Published: February 2021

Background: Preliminary evidence suggests firearm availability may increase the risk for suicide ideation and attempts, two common precursors to suicide death. Little is known about which aspects of firearm availability may account for this association. The primary purpose of this study was to examine associations among multiple dimensions of firearm availability with lifetime history of suicide ideation and attempts.Methods: A cross-sectional, anonymous survey was administered to 6200 U.S. adults from March 5, 2020, to March 17, 2020. Participants were asked to report firearm availability, firearm use, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors over the lifespan. Results: Rates of lifetime suicide ideation were significantly elevated among participants reporting a firearm in their childhood home (odds ratio [OR]=1.3, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.1-1.5). Rates of lifetime suicide attempt were significantly elevated among participants reporting a firearm in their childhood home (OR=1.8, 95% CI=1.5-2.2) and participants who first acquired a firearm before the age of 11 (OR=3.8, 95% CI=2.6-5.8). Among participant with a lifetime history of suicide ideation, rates of lifetime suicide attempt were significantly elevated among participants who first acquired a firearm before the age of 11 (OR=3.0, 95% CI=1.4-6.4), but this relationship was no longer significant when adjusting for demographics and negative affectivity (OR=2.4, 95% CI=0.96-6.0). Conclusions: Adults who were raised in a home with a firearm and/or first acquired a firearm were significantly more likely to have attempted suicide during their lives. Additional research examining the mechanisms by which early life firearm exposure might increase suicide risk across the lifespan is warranted.
Optimizing Combinatory Drugs using Markov Chain-Based Models
Authors: Ma Shuang , Dang Dan , Wang Wenxue , Wang Yuechao , Liu Lianqing
Published: February 2021

Background: Combinatory drug therapy for complex diseases, such as HSV infection and cancers, has a more significant efficacy than single-drug treatment. However, one key challenge is how to effectively and efficiently determine the optimal concentrations of combinatory drugs because the number of drug combinations increases exponentially with the types of drugs. Results: In this study, a searching method based on Markov chain is presented to optimize the combinatory drug concentrations. Its performance is compared with four stochastic optimization algorithms as benchmark methods by simulation and biological experiements. Both simulation results and experimental data demonstrate that the Markov Chain-based approach is more reliable and efficient than the benchmark algorithms.Conclusion: This article provides a versatile method for combinatory drug screening, which is of great significance for clinical drug combination therapy.
Evaluation and Discussion of Genetics Content in Museums
Authors: Howell Abigail , Reisenauer Keighley , Valkanas Michelle , Carter Katherine
Published: February 2021

BackgroundGenetics literacy is crucial for making informed personal decisions. With rapid advances in genetic technology, a foundational understanding of genetics is now more important than ever for meaningful engagement with questions surrounding health, privacy, and policy. However, genetic content engagement barriers, including geographic unavailability, lack of prior education, and misleading media narratives, can make it difficult to reach diverse populations. Furthermore, with growing mistrust in science and genetic information, interventions to improve genetics literacy, particularly to those beyond a K – 12 classroom, require an approach centered on building science trust and self-efficacy. ResultsFor the meta-analysis, we found genetics content in 88 of the 691 museums queried, typically in science (n=37) and natural history (n=25) exhibits. While genetics content was present in 42 states, there were large portions of the country that were more than 150 miles away from any museum featuring genetics. We found a high concentration of genetics content in sponsored exhibits and a low concentration of content within children’s museums, reinforcing narratives of genetic technology as product and genetics as difficult, respectively. In framing devices, museums fell into one of three categories. Museums with the meta-narrative “Genetics is Fun” focused on interactivity and volunteer facilitation, and emphasized specific inherited traits and genetics tools and technology. Museums highlighting the meta-narrative “Genetics is Relevant” highlighted DNA basics and health testing. Finally, museums with the meta-narrative “Genetics is Discovery” featured heavy use of fishbowl-style genetics labs, highly visible museum collections, and an emphasis on visitor participation in science research. ConclusionWhile each of these meta-narratives leads to high engagement with genetics topics, they also all lead to construction of different personal identities around these topics. For example, watching a diverse set of scientists work in a fishbowl lab broadens definitions of who can be a scientist, but active participation in a genetics experiment through volunteer facilitation builds science self-efficacy. Furthermore, narratives focusing on technological breakthroughs alone may inadvertently send a message that genetics is complex and impersonal. Exhibit creators should consider the design ramifications of each of these choices when creating an impactful genetics exhibit.
A Novel Somatic Frameshift Mutation in PIK3CA Causes CLOVES Syndrome by Provoking PI3K/AKT/mTOR Pathway
Authors: Yan Wei , Zhang Bin , Wang Huijun , Mo Ran , Jiang Xingyuan , Qin Wen , Ma Lin , Lin Zhimiao
Published: February 2021

BackgroundCLOVES syndrome(OMIM#612918) is a rare overgrowth disorder resulted from mosaic gain-of-function mutations in the PIK3CA gene. All the reported CLOVES-associated PIK3CA mutations are missense mutations affecting certain residues. To investigate underlying mutation and its pathogenicity in a patient with CLOVES syndrome and to evaluate the inhibitory effect of ARQ092, one of the PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway inhibitors. ResultsWe performed whole-exome sequencing (WES) and Sanger sequencing to detect underlying somatic mutations in the skin lesion of the patient. Quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) was employed to evaluate the mRNA abundance of PIK3CA in the patient’s skin lesion. AKT phosphorylation level assessed by Western blot was performed to evaluate the PIK3CA mutations and inhibitory effects of ARQ092. A novel somatic frameshift mutation c.3206_3207insG (p.X1069Trpfs*4) in PIK3CA was identified in the genomic DNA extracted from the vascular malformation sample of the patient. This mutation affects the canonical stop codon of PIK3CA (NM_006218.4 ) and is predicted to produce a prolonged protein with four additional residues. qRT-PCR demonstrated that the mRNA expression levels of the patient’s affected skin tissue were comparable compared to the normal control. In vitro studies revealed that p.X1069Trpfs*4 mutant exhibited increased AKT phosphorylation significantly compared to that of the wildtype, which could be inhibited by ARQ092. ConclusionsWe have identified the first frameshift mutation in PIK3CA, which overactivated PI3K/AKT/mTOR pathway to cause CLOVES syndrome. We also provided evidence of ARQ092 to be a potential therapeutic option for PROS in vitro.
SELEX-Based Direct Enzyme-Linked Aptamer Assay (DELAA) for Diagnosis of Toxoplasmosis by Detection of SAG1 Protein in Mice and Humans
Authors: Shen Jilong , Wang Wei , Xu Yuanhong , Shen Xuhang , Cui Wen , Wang Cong , Cudjoe Obed , Wang Qizhi , Bibi Asma , Zhao Liang , Tao Qing , Yu Li , Du Jian
Published: February 2021

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a single-celled parasite commonly found in mammals. Diagnosis of toxoplasmosis largely depends on measurements of the antibody and/or antigen and Toxoplasma-derived DNAs due to the presence of tissue dwelling duplicating tachyzoites, or quiescent cysts in latent infection of the parasite. As a major surface antigen of T.gondii tachyzoites, SAG1 is a key marker for laboratory diagnosis. However, there are no methods available yet for SAG1 detection using aptamer-based technology.Methods: Recombinant truncated SAG1（r-SAG1）of Toxoplasma WH3 strain (type Chinese 1) was prokaryotically expressed and subjected to the synthetic oligonucleotide library for selection of nucleic acid aptamers which target the r-SAG1, with systematic evolution of ligands by exponential enrichment (SELEX) strategy. The specific aptamer-2 was screened out and used in direct enzyme-linked aptamer assay (DELAA) for detection of native SAG1 obtained from tachyzoite lysates (n-SAG1), mouse sera of acute infection, and human sera that had been verified to be positive for Toxoplasma DNAs by PCR amplification. Results: The soluble r-SAG1 protein was obtained from E.coli lysates by purification and identification with immunoblotting, and then labelled with biotin. The selected aptamers were amplified by PCR, followed by DNA sequencing. The results showed that the aptamer-2, with the highest affinity to n-SAG1 in the sera of animals in the four aptamer candidates, has a high specificity and sensitivity when used in detection of n-SAG1 in the sera of humans when compared with the commercial kit of ELISA for Toxoplasma circulating antigen test.Conclusions: A new direct enzyme-linked aptamer assay (DELAA), with aptamer-2 as the recognition probe, was developed for detection of native SAG1 protein of Toxoplasma. With increased sensitivity and specificity, stability, easy and cheap preparation, the aptamer-based technology is considered as a efficient method for the diagnosis of active and reactivated toxoplasmosis.
Mapping strong electronic coupling in metavalent PbS moiré superlattices
Authors: Zheng Haimei , Wang Yu , Song Zhigang , Wan Jiawei , Betzler Sophia , Xie Yujun , Ophus Colin , Bustillo Karen , Ercius Peter , Wang Lin-wang
Published: February 2021

Moiré superlattices are twisted bilayer materials, in which the long-range superlattice potentials from interlayer interactions can create quantum confinement in each layer. The quantum confinement can slow down or localize electrons in moiré superlattices, providing a tunable platform for studying strongly correlated physics1–4, such as superconductivity5–8, Mott insulators9, and interacting topological insulators10,11. Previously, moiré superlattices were built exclusively using materials with weak van der Waals interactions12 and fabrication of moiré superlattices with strong interlayer chemical bonding (e.g., covalent, metavalent, or ionic bonding) was considered to be impractical13. Here using lead sulfide (PbS) as an example, we report a strategy for synthesizing moiré superlattices coupled by strong metavalent bonding. We use water-soluble ligands as a removable template to obtain free-standing ultra-thin PbS nanosheets and assemble them into direct-contact bilayers with various twist angles. Atomic-resolution imaging shows the interlayer distance is approximately equal to the Pb–S bond length, rendering a strong metavalent coupling. Spatial mapping by electron energy loss spectroscopy reveals a strong localization of electronic states in small-angle twisted bilayers, which agrees with our DFT calculations. This study opens a new door to exploration of deep energy modulations within moiré superlattices alternative to van der Waals twistronics.
The physiological effects of massage before breast pumping on blood flow, temperature, and tension – A pilot study
Authors: Leow Mabel Qi He , Tay Peter Kai Chai , Afif Azaizah Binte Mohamed , Wong Boh Boi , Leong Lester Chee Hao
Published: February 2021

Aim: To test the feasibility of our ultrasound protocol in evaluating the physiological changes during breast milk expression, and the impact of breast massage on temperature, blood flow and tension.Method: Breast massage was used for the right breast, and the left breast had no massage. Temperature was measured at baseline, post massage (for right breast), and post pump. The ultrasound scans were performed using a Toshiba Aplio 500 system (Toshiba Medical Systems, Otawara, Japan). B-mode, doppler ultrasound and shear wave elastography (SWE) were used. Blood flow of the IMA and LTA were measured at baseline, post massage (for right breast), 10 minutes into pump (relaxation and tension phase), and post pump. SWE was used to measure breast tension during the tension and relaxation phase of breast pump, after the breast milk was completely drained.Results: There was a slight decrease in breast temperature post massage, and further decreased post pump. With breast massage, the SWE values were higher at relaxation phase compared to no massage (left breast). However, with massage, the tension phase also showed less increase of SWE values compared to no massage, and appeared to be lower than no massage. Blood flow of IMA did not appear to follow a particular trend, with and without massage. Conclusion: Breast massage prior to pumping breast milk helped to reduce the temperature of the breast, showing that it has an effect in relieving breast engorgement. Massage also reduced the tension of the breast during the pump tension (suction) phase. There was no observable trend of massage on blood flow in both the IMQ and LTA.
Second-order hyperpolarizability, Figure of merit and nonlinear optical properties of novel organic compound doped conducting polymer film
Authors: Badran Hussain Ali , Al-Hazam Hanan A. , Alfahed Raeed K. , Ajeel Khalid I.
Published: February 2021

The structural characterization of a new organic compound (3, 5-bis (4-chlorophenyl)-4,5-dihydro-1H-Pyrazole) was analyzed experimentally by 1HNMR and FT-IR spectroscopic technique. The analysis of HOMO-LUMO and natural bond orbital are investigated to study the charge transfer interactions which is leading to the properties of nonlinear behavior. linear optical properties of anew organic compound / Poly (O- Methoxyaniline) (POMA) film was studied using Wemble and Didomenico (WD) technique to estimate the refractive index n and other optical constant such as the oscillation energy E0, the dispersion energy Ed, and the lattice dielectric constant. Measurements of the thermally induced optical nonlinearity of novel organic compound (3, 5-bis (4-chlorophenyl)-4, 5-dihydro-1H- Pyrazole) in an organic solvent (N-methyl-2-pyrrolidone) NMP)) was studied through an excitation source (continuous wave diode laser at the wavelength of 473 nm) in the case of the solution and a conducting polymer film. The Z-scan technique was used to measure the nonlinear refractive index )) to obtain the optical response of prepared material. The prepared sample illustrated negative and large values in the order of 10− 7 cm2/W and reverse saturable absorption )RSA) with large values of the nonlinear absorption coefficient in the order of 10− 3 cm/W. The nonlinear refractive index was determined and varied as a response to different concentrations. The determination of the figure of merit (W) and nonlinear coefficients indicate that the compound is a promising candidate for applications in the nonlinear optics field.