bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic characteristics of Coxsackievirus A6 from children with hand, foot and mouth disease in Beijing, China, 2017–2019
Authors: Zhang Meng , Chen Xiangpeng , Wang Wei , Li Qi , Xie Zhengde
Published: March 2022

Object:
To investigate the evolutionary and genetic characteristics of Coxsackievirus A6 (CV-A6) which acted as the predominant pathogen of hand, foot and mouth disease (HFMD) in children in Beijing, China, during 2017–2019.
Methods
Throat swab specimens were collected for general Enterovirus (EV), EV-A71 and CV-A16 detection by Real-time PCR. These general EV-positive samples were identified by semi-nested RT-PCR method and sequencing. The CV-A6 VP1 gene and genome sequences were amplified sequenced. The phylogenetic, variation and recombination analyses were performed.
Results
A total of 1721 HFMD patients were enrolled in this study, with the male to female ratio of 1.62:1. The majority of cases were less than five years, which accounted for 73.50%. The overall detection rate of EV was 88.32% (1520/1721). A total of 8 EV types were identified (CV-A6 (55.86%), CV-A16 (26.32%), EV-A71 (2.24%), CV-A10 (2.04%), CV-A4 (1.05%), CV-A5 (0.59%), CV-A2 (0.33%), and CV-A8 (0.07%), while 175 (11.51%) EV were untyped. The main pathogen of HFMD is CV-A6 from 2017 to 2018, while CV-A6 and CV-A16 are the main causative pathogens in 2019. The nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities of the 120 CV-A6 complete VP1 gene sequences in this study were 91.2–100.0% and 97.7–100.0%, respectively. Compared with the prototype strain (Gdula) of CV-A6, the nucleotide and amino acid sequence identities were 81.7–84% and 94.7–96.3%, respectively. The phylogenetic tree indicated that all 120 CV-A6 sequences belonged to sub-genotype D3, while 119 CV-A6 sequences belonged to evolutionary branch D3a, except one from 2017 belonged to D3b. Recombination analyses based on the complete genome sequences showed that potential multiple recombination may have occurred in 2B and 3D protein coding regions with EV-A114.
Conclusions
The main pathogens of HFMD were CV-A6 and CV-A16 in Beijing, China between 2017 and 2019; while these CV-A6, as recombination strains, belonged to the D3a evolutionary branch.
Wave-Based Analysis of Jointed Elastic Bars: Nonlinear Periodic Response
Authors: Balaji Nidish Narayanaa , Brake Matthew R. W. , Leamy Michael Joseph
Published: March 2022

In this paper we develop two wave-based approaches for predicting the nonlinear periodic response of jointed elastic bars. First, we present a nonlinear wave-based vibration approach (WBVA) for studying jointed systems informed by re-usable, perturbation-derived scattering functions. This analytical approach can be used to predict the steady-state, forced response of jointed elastic bar structures incorporating any number and variety of nonlinear joints. As a second method, we present a nonlinear Plane-Wave Expansion (PWE) approach for analyzing periodic response in the same jointed bar structures. Both wave-based approaches have advantages and disadvantages when compared side-by-side. The WBVA results in a minimal set of equations and is re-usable following determination of the reflection and transmission functions, while the PWE formulation can be easily applied to new joint models and maintains solution accuracy to higher levels of nonlinearity. For example cases of two and three bars connected by linearly-damped joints with linear and cubic stiffness, the two wave-based approaches accurately predict the expected Duffing-like behavior in which multiple periodic responses occur in the near-resonant regime, in close agreement with reference finite element simulations. Lastly, we discuss extensions of the work to jointed structures composed of beam-like members, and propose follow-on studies addressing opportunities identified in the application of the methods presented.
Correlations between Diffusion-Weighted and Intravoxel Incoherent Motion Parameters with Ki-67 Index in Gastric Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Yuan Letian , Lin Xiangtao , Zhao Peng , Duan Shuai , Ma Hui , Diao Ruiyuan , Cai Shuo , Sun Shanshan
Published: March 2022

Background：Intravoxel incoherent motion imaging (IVIM) and DWI have been applied for gastric adenocarcinoma.Purpose: To investigate correlation between parameters of IVIM and DWI with Ki-67 in gastric adenocarcinoma.Materials and methods: A total of 64 gastric adenocarcinoma patients were enrolled into the research and received DWI and IVIM at 3.0T MRI before the surgery. Based on the setting of ROIs, the DWI and IVIM parameters (including ADC, ture diffusion coefficient (D), perfusion fraction (f) and pseudo-diffusion coefficient (D*)) of each patient's gastric adenocarcinoma were measured and calculated. According to expression of Ki-67, participated subjects were divided into two groups (low Ki-67 group and high Ki-67 group). The intraclass correlation coeffificient (ICC) was used to assess the consistency of each parameter measured by two radiologists. The independent-sample t-test was used to compare differences of each parameter between groups. Spearman correlation coefficient was calculated to reveal the correlation between Ki-67 with parameters. By using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, each parameter was compared. Results: The ADC, D and f values of high Ki-67 group were all lower than those of low Ki-67 group [(10.89±0.89) × 10−2 mm2/s vs. (14.65±0.46)× 10−2 mm2/s, (9.95±0.92) × 10−2 mm2/s vs. (12.48±0.83) × 10−2 mm2/s, (2.30±0.51) × 10−2 mm2/s vs. (3.75±0.85) × 10−2 mm2/s, all P < 0.05]. Except for D*, ADC, D and f were negatively correlated with the expression of Ki-67 (r = −0.725, −0.733, -0.666, all P < 0.05). The areas under the curve (AUC) of ADC, D and f were 0.901, 0.923 and 0.657 respectively (Table 5). The difference of AUC value between ADC and D was not statistically significant (AUCD = 0.923 vs. AUCADC= 0.901, Z=0.290, P=0.772). The difference of AUC value between ADC and f was statistically significant (AUCADC= 0.901 vs. AUCf= 0.657, Z=2.329, P=0.025). The difference of AUC value between D and f was statistically significant (AUCD= 0.923 vs. AUCf= 0.657, Z=2.124, P=0.034) (Table 6).Conclusions: DWI and IVIM can effectively reflect the proliferative characteristics of gastric adenocarcinoma. D and ADC have higher diagnostic efficiency than f.
Hydrometeorology influences the apparent temperature sensitivity of terrestrial carbon turnover times
Authors: Fan Naixin , Reichstein Markus , Koirala Sujan , Mahecha Miguel , Ahrens Bernhard , Carvalhais Nuno
Published: March 2022

The ecosystem carbon turnover time (τ) is an emergent ecosystem property that partly determines the feedback between the terrestrial carbon cycle and climate which is strongly controlled by temperature1–3. However, it remains uncertain to what extent hydrometeorological conditions may influence the apparent temperature sensitivity of τ, defined as the change in the carbon turnover times with a 10ºC rise in temperature (Q10). Here, we show that Q10 is unlikely temperature dependent and that it converges to 1.6 ± 0.1 globally once hydrometeorological conditions are taken into account. By investigating the responses of τ to temperature and hydrometeorological factors using an ensemble of observation-based global datasets and a global compilation of in-situ measurements, we show that temperature and hydrometeorology are almost equally important in shaping the spatial pattern of τ, explaining 60% and 40% of its global variability, respectively. Our findings reveal a strong constraint on Q10 values with significant reduction in magnitude and uncertainties, by accounting for the hydrometeorological effects on spatial variability of τ. These findings suggest that hydrometeorological conditions modulate the apparent temperature sensitivity of terrestrial carbon turnover times, confounding the role of temperature in quantifying the response of carbon cycle to climate change.
How does consumer demand for new energy vehicles drive innovation? -- based on social network and text mining analysis
Authors: Huang Jun , cao chen , Huang Hancheng , Xiao Zihan , Huang Yunfan
Published: March 2022

Market demand is the internal source of technological innovation. Automobile enterprises get various information about product improvement from consumers, and consumer demand points out the direction of technological innovation for new energy automobile enterprises. First, Python was used to write a crawler to crawl the text data of consumer comments on new energy vehicles on Autohome website. Then, big data analysis is carried out based on social network, word cloud map, LDA topic model and other methods. Finally, the empirical study found that commuting, picking up children, appearance, space, appearance level, and interior are among the key factors affecting ordinary consumers to buy new energy vehicles; consumers are not satisfied with the new energy vehicles mainly for the trunk, abnormal sound, endurance, noise, and interior. Among the 8 themes of the LDA theme model, theme 6 (noise problem), theme 1 (brake problem) and theme 3 (odor problem) show high theme intensity, and mass consumers are increasingly dissatisfied with the low financial incentives and high prices of new energy vehicles. Finally, based on the findings of the above influencing factors, relevant management suggestions on product innovation are provided for new energy vehicle enterprises.
Mastectomy and Breast Conserving Therapy Share Comparable Survival and Efficacy on Patients with Occult Breast Cancer: A Retrospective Study in China
Authors: Li Jiayi , Jia Ziqi , Ren Fei , Li Jiaxin , Zhang Menglu , Liu Gang , Liu Jiaqi , Wang Xiang
Published: March 2022

Purpose This single-center retrospective study aimed to compare the efficacy of mastectomy and Breast Conserving Therapy (BCT) on overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) and examine prognostic factors of Occult Breast Cancer (OBC) in China. Methods We conducted a univariate Kaplan-Meier analysis and a multivariate Cox proportional hazards model on OBC patients in Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Science (CHCAMS), comparing prognostic factors including treatment plans, risk factors, TNM stages, metastasis, and recurrence. Results Seventy patients with OBC undergoing axillary lymph node dissection (ALND) were included with median follow-up of 84.0 months. No statistically significant differences in OS (HR, 1.64; 95% CI, 0.59-4.51; p=0.327) and DFS (HR, 1.83; 95% CI, 0.60-4.89; p=0.200) were observed between mastectomy (n=23) and BCT (n=37). Positive estrogen receptor and progesterone receptor suggested better survival in univariate analysis. Patients with more severe N stage presented inferior survival. The association between radiotherapy and worse survival was probably because patients with higher TNM stages tended to receive radiotherapy. Low Ki-67 level (≤14%) predicted worse outcomes in both univariate and multivariate analyses. Conclusion Mastectomy with ALND presented comparable prognosis outcomes to BCT with ALND for OBC patients.
Relationship between Rasi and Hyperkalemia in Maintenance Hemodialys Patients
Authors: Xie Weiji , He Shiting , Hong Guitian , Xiao Zeen , Dong Yejing , Xu Xiaochang , Zhang Yimin
Published: March 2022

Background Although their security in terms of serum potassium is controversial, renin-angiotensin-aldosterone system inhibitors (RASi) have greater beneficial effects on protecting relative function of the heart and kidneys than other groups of antihypertensive drugs in hemodialysis ( HD ) patients. Therefore, the aim of our study was to investigate whether medications- angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor (ACEI) or angiotensin II receptor blocker (ARB) - would affect serum potassium in chronic HD patients. Methods We conducted a retrospective study of 166 adults HD patients to determine which factors including RASi were connected with hyperkalemia, defined as a pre-dialysis serum potassium concentration more than 5.0 mmol/L（K+＞ 5.0mmol/L）. And it was divided into two groups, normal group and hyperkalemia one, by the serum potassium value. Finally, we compared the differences in baseline data between two groups and explore causes leading serum potassium unstable in long-term hemodialysis patients. Results The median serum potassium value of all participants was 4.78 (4.28, 5.41) mmol/L, and 64 (38.6%) of them had experienced hyperkalemia. 82 (49.4%) patients were prescribed with RASi. Three variables - serum phosphorus (P＜0.01), albumin (P＜0.05), and using RASi (P＜0.01) – were more frequent in hyperkalemia group. Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that RASi (OR: 3.63, 95% CI: 1.78-7.40, P＜0.01), serum phosphorus (OR: 2.07, 95% CI: 1.29-3.34, P＜0.01),UCR (OR: 1.20, 95% CI: 1.05-1.37, P＜0.01), and age (OR: 0.98, 95% CI: 0.95-0.99, P＜0.05) were associated with hyperkalemia. Conclusion In this study, hyperkalemia is observed in 38.6% of HD patients. The use of RASi is associated with hyperkalemia in patients on prevalent HD. Also, patients with higher serum potassium or UCR and young age are likely to develop hyperkalemia during interdialysis interval.
Training nurse simulation educators at scale to improve maternal and newborn health: a case study from Bihar, India
Authors: Madriz Solange , Afulani Patience , Spindler Hilary , Ghosh Rakesh , Cohen Susanna R. , Subramaniam Nidhi , Mahapatra Tanmay , Das Aritra , Sonthalia Sunil , Gore Aboli , Dandu Seema , Walker Dilys
Published: March 2022

BackgroundSimulation has been shown to improve clinical and behavioral skills of birth attendants in low-resource settings at a low scale. Populous, low-resource settings such as Bihar, India, require large cadres of simulation educators to improve maternal and newborn health. It’s unknown if simulation facilitation skills can be adopted through a train of trainers’ cascade. To fill this gap, we designed a study to evaluate the simulation and debrief knowledge and skills of a cadre of 701 simulation educators in Bihar, India. In addition, we assessed the physical infrastructure where simulation takes place in primary healthcare facilities in Bihar, India.Methods We performed a 1 year before–after intervention study to assess the simulation facilitation strengths and weaknesses of a cadre of 700 nurses in Bihar, India. The data included 700 pre-post knowledge and self-efficacy tests; videos of simulations and associated debriefs conducted by 700 providers at 40 primary healthcare centersResults We observed a statistically significant difference in knowledge and self-efficacy scores before and after the 4-day PRONTO simulation educator training. The average number of participants in a simulation video was 5 participants (range 3-8). The average length of simulation videos was 10:21 minutes. The simulation educators under study, covered behavioral in 90% of debriefs and cognitive objectives were discussed in all debriefs. Conclusion This is the first study assessing the simulation and debrief facilitation knowledge and skills of a cadre of 700 nurses in a low-resource setting. Simulation was implemented by local nurses at 353 primary healthcare centers in Bihar, India. Primary healthcare centers have the physical infrastructure to conduct simulation training. Some simulation skills such as communication via whiteboard were widely adopted. Advanced skills such as eliciting constructive feedback without judgement require practice.
On the Coexistence, Switching Bifurcation and FPGA Implementation for a Non-smooth Rayleigh-Duffing-like System
Authors: Rui Zhi , Min Fuhong , Lu Lei , Ye Biaoming
Published: March 2022

In this paper, the oscillation behaviors of a non-smooth Rayleigh-Duffinglike system with periodically external excitation are studied through the theory of discontinuous dynamical system. From the switching conditions of the system through the boundary, the mapping structures of Duffing-like system are presented, and the dynamical mechanism of the switching motions in the Rayleigh-Diffing-like-system are investigated. The bifurcations, phase planes and double-parameter mapping diagrams are developed, and the coexistence and multistability phenomena of the systems on the switching boundary are also studied. Finally, the field-programmable gate array (FPGA) hardware circuit experiment is applied to realize the RayleighDuffing-like system, which is in consistent with the numerical simulation results.
The impact of Tamarix invasion on the soil physicochemical properties
Authors: Araya Tesfay , Mlahlwa Asiphe V. , Elbasit Mohamed A.M. Abd , Newete Solomon W.
Published: March 2022

The exotic Tamarix species, T. ramosissima and T. chinensis, were introduced into South Africa in the early 1900s reportedly either for ornamental or soil wind erosion control purposes in the mines. They are, however, currently invading several riparian ecosystems in the country and threatening its biodiversity and proper functioning. The objective of this study was to assess the effects of the exotic Tamarix species on the soil physicochemical properties vis-à-vis the indigenous Tamarix at the Leeu River in the Western Cape Province, of South Africa where they are purvasive. Three transects were laid from the riverbank towards the outer land, where the exotic followed by the native Tamarix species predominantly occurred. Soil was sampled from three points per transect and three soil depths (0–10, 10–20 and 20–30 cm) per point in winter and summer to determine selected soil physicochemical properties. The results showed that total nitrogen (TN), total carbon (TC), Sodium (Na), Potassium (K) and Magnesium (Mg) concentrations under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly higher than those in the open land without Tamarix species. The salinity under the native and exotic Tamarix species was greater (P < 0.05) in the topsoils (0–10 cm) than in the deeper soils (20–30 cm) with 5.05 mS cm− 1 and 4.73 mS cm− 1, respectively. Soil electrical conductivity (EC) was higher (P < 0.05) during the winter season under the exotic Tamarix species (5.05 mS cm-1) followed by the native species (4.73 mS cm-1) and it was the lowest in the control (0.16 mS cm-1) at 0–10 cm soil depth. Similarly, sodium and sodium absorption ratios (SAR) under the native and exotic Tamarix species were significantly greater than those in the control. The highest levels (P < 0.05) of TC were recorded at the topsoil (0–10 cm soil depth) under the exotic Tamarix species (1.17%), followed by the native Tamarix (1.07%) with the control recording the lowest (0.53%). There were no significant differences (P < 0.05) in K, TC, TN and SOC concentrations at lower soil depths (20–30 cm). The soil texture was significantly affected by the Tamarix species. The soil bulk density was lower under the exotic Tamarix followed by native Tamarix species than the control soils. The soil volumetric water content was higher under the exotic Tamarix species compared to the control. This study concludes that the invasion of the exotic and native Tamarix species altered the soil properties underneath and created conducive soil conditions for their predominance.
Progress and Prognosis According to the Care Cascade in Patients Who Are Anti-HCV Positive
Authors: Yoo Sung Hwan , Kim Myung , Kim Sora , Lee Jung Il , Lee Kwan Sik , Lee Hyun Woong , Lim Jin Hong
Published: March 2022

Background
Few studies have analyzed the frequency of HCV RNA testing and actual treatment among anti-HCV positive patients in Korea, which has a low prevalence of HCV infection. This study aimed to analyze the diagnosis process, treatment results, and prognosis according to care cascade in patients who are anti-HCV positive.
Methods
3,253 anti-HCV positive patients presented to a tertiary hospital between January 2005 and December 2020. The number of patients who underwent HCV RNA testing, treatment, and proportion of sustained virologic response (SVR) according to the type of antivirals was investigated. We investigated the cumulative incidence of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) and liver cirrhosis.
Results
Of a total of 3,253 people, 1,177 (36.2%) underwent HCV RNA testing and 858 (72.9%) were positive for HCV RNA. 494 (57.6%) patients received antiviral treatment, and 443 (89.7%) experienced SVR without significant differences according to the type of antivirals. Of the 421 treated patients, 16 (14.2%) developed HCC. The cumulative incidence of HCC at 15 years was significantly different according to the presence of liver cirrhosis (10/83, 29.5% vs. 6/338, 10.8%, p < 0.001). The cumulative incidences of HCC or liver cirrhosis did not show significant differences according to the presence of SVR12 (14/388, 13.2% vs. 2/33, 52.5%, p = 0.084, 21/319, 15.0%, vs. 3/22, 28.7%, p = 0.051).
Conclusions
Owing to the introduction of direct-acting antivirals, high SVR12 was achieved, but the proportion of anti-HCV positive patients who received HCV RNA testing and treatment was not high. HCC surveillance after SVR12 is recommended for chronic hepatitis C patients with cirrhosis.
Construction and Investigation of an lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA Regulatory Network of Pancreatic Cancer via bioinformatics analysis
Authors: yang zilin , tang yuming , wu xuejiao , wang jiancheng , yao weiyan
Published: March 2022

PurposePancreatic cancer causes a malignant digestive tumour with an unfavourable prognosis and insidious onset. The regulation mechanisms of pancreatic cancer were connected to the abnormal accommodate of diverse signaling pathways. Studies had increasingly indicated that long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs), microRNAs (miRNAs), and messenger RNA (mRNAs) could play crucial roles during tumorigenesis. This study designs to detect functional genes and determine the potential molecular mechanisms of pancreatic cancer through bioinformatics.MethodsWe made a comprehensive comparison on the RNA-sequencing using the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) and established a dysregulated lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA network. In addition, several functional analyses in the competing endogenous RNAs (ceRNA) network were conducted by Gene Ontology (GO), Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG). In addition, survival analysis and clinical feature analysis were made by Gene Expression Profiling Interactive Analysis (GEPIA) and linkedOmics. Proliferation, migration tests were selected to examine the roles of mir-130b in pancreatic cancer. Results23 lncRNAs, 40 miRNAs and 1613 mRNAs were aberrantly expressed in pancreatic cancer. We constructed a dysregulated ceRNA network with 11 lncRNAs, 19 miRNAs, and 66 mRNAs. A group of 121 interconnections was constructed in the ceRNA network. These upregulated DEmRNAs were mainly enriched in the mitotic spindle, were involved the transcription by RNA polymerase II, were related to E-box binding and participated in bacterial invasion of epithelial cells and yersinia infection etc. in contrast, the these upregulated DEmiRNAs were mainly enriched in spanning component of the plasma membrane, were involved in pyrimidine nucleobase catabolic process, were related to pyridoxal phosphate binding and participated in beta-Alanine metabolism and propanoate metabolism etc.. The survival analysis showed that 1 lncRNAs, 4 miRNAs, and 18 mRNAs might be potential factors for the prognostic prediction of pancreatic cancer. The strong positive relationships were found between candidate lncRNAs and candidate mRNAs targeted by miR-130b, CYTOR interacts with FRMD6 and TCF4, while HOXA11-AS interacts with MET regulated by miR-130b. MiR-130b was found that its overexpression could inhibit the proliferation and migration of pancreatic cancer cells, and lower expression of miR-130b was connected with longer survival of pancreatic cancer patients.ConclusionOur research provided further acknowledges the molecular mechanisms underlying pancreatic cancer and laid strong ground for improving pancreatic cancer diagnosis and prognosis by establishing the lncRNA-miRNA-mRNA regulatory network via bioinformatics analysis.
Behavioural and Metabolic Reactions of Common Predatory Carabid Beetle to Thiamethoxam Intoxication
Authors: Tatalović Lara Ivanković , Mašek Tomislav , Jelaska Lucija Šerić
Published: March 2022

Carabids (Coleoptera: Carabidae) are abundant predators in ecosystems that act as agents in biocontrol against pest species in agroecosystems and forestry. Studies have shown that exposure to pesticides, including neonicotinoids, can cause lethal and sub-lethal effects on their behaviour and physiology, which can impact predation efficiency. Here we test the impact of thiamethoxam, among the most used neonicotinoids on the feeding rate, locomotion, metabolomics, and oxidative stress level in a predatory carabid, Abax parallelus. Beetles were exposed to increasing concentrations of thiamethoxam by dipping method, and left to feed overnight. The mass of the consumed food per body weight was calculated for each beetle. The locomotor ability was observed for 48 hours after the treatment. Metabolomics profile and superoxide dismutase (SOD) levels in their tissue were scanned. The results showed that individuals treated with higher concentrations (20 and 40 mg/L) had significantly lower feeding rates and a higher share of intoxicated and moribund individuals. Feeding rate and locomotion did not differ significantly between control and groups treated with lower concentrations of thiamethoxam. There are statistically significant differences in concentrations of some metabolites between treated individuals and control group, primary in succinate and d-glucose, indicating a disruption in energy production. On the other hand, there is no statistically significant differences in SOD activity among the groups. To conclude, short-term exposure to thiamethoxam can result in negative sub-lethal effects in predatory activity, behaviour and energy budget, while the effects of long-term exposure to lower doses require further research.
Readiness Of Health Facilities To Deliver Non-Communicable Diseases Services In Kenya: A National Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Wami Welcome Mkhululi , Ammoun Rita , Otieno Peter , Schultsz Constance , Kyobutungi Catherine , Asiki Gershim
Published: March 2022

Background: Non-communicable diseases (NCDs) account for an estimated 71% of all global deaths annually and nearly 80% of these deaths occur in low- and middle-income countries. This study aimed to assess the readiness of existing healthcare systems at different levels of care in delivering NCDs management and prevention services in Kenya.Methods: A cross-sectional survey of 258 facilities was conducted between June 2019 and December 2020 using multistage sampling, examining facility readiness based on the availability of indicators such as equipment, diagnostic capacity, medicines and commodities, trained staff and guidelines for NCDs management. Readiness scores were calculated as the mean availability of tracer items expressed as a percentage and a cut-off threshold of ≥70% was used to classify facilities as “ready” to manage NCDs. Descriptive and bivariate analyses were performed to assess the readiness of facilities by type, level, and location settings. Logistic regressions were used to identify factors associated with the readiness of facilities to provide disease-specific services. Results: Of the surveyed facilities, 94% offered chronic respiratory disease (CRD) diagnosis and/or management services, 82% diabetes, 65% cardiovascular disease (CVD), and only 24% cervical cancer screening services. The mean readiness scores for diabetes (74%; 95% CI: 70-77) and CVD (69%; 95% CI: 66-72) were relatively high. Although CRD services were reportedly the most widely available, its mean readiness score was low (48%; 95% CI: 45-50). The majority of facilities offering cervical cancer services had all the necessary tracer items available to provide these services. Modeling results revealed that private facilities were more likely to be “ready” to offer NCDs services than public facilities. Similarly, hospitals were more “ready” to provide NCDs services compared to primary health facilities. These disparities in service readiness extended to the regional and urban/rural divide.Conclusions: Important gaps in the current readiness of facilities to manage NCDs in Kenya at different levels of care were revealed, showing variations by disease and healthcare facility type. A collective approach is therefore needed to bridge the gap between resource availability and population healthcare needs.
Exposure To Persistent Organic Pollutants Alters The Serum Metabolome In Non-Obese Diabetic Mice
Authors: Sinioja Tim , Bodin Johanna , Duberg Daniel , Dirven Hubert , Berntsen Hanne Friis , Zimmer Karin , Nygaard Unni C. , Orešič Matej , Hyötyläinen Tuulia
Published: March 2022

Autoimmune disorders such as type 1 diabetes (T1D) are believed to be caused by the interplay between several genetic and environmental factors. Elucidation of the role of environmental factors in metabolic and immune dysfunction leading to autoimmune disease is not yet well characterized. Here we investigated the impact of exposure to a mixture of persistent organic pollutants (POPs) on the metabolome in non-obese diabetic (NOD) mice, an experimental model of T1D. The mixture contained organochlorides, organobromides, and per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Analysis of molecular lipids (lipidomics) and bile acids in serum samples was performed by UPLC-Q-TOF/MS, while polar metabolites were analyzed by GC-Q-TOF/MS. Experimental exposure to the POP mixture in these mice led to several metabolic changes, which were similar to those previously reported as associated with PFAS exposure, as well as risk of T1D in human studies. This included an increase in the levels of sugar derivatives, triacylglycerols and lithocholic acid, and a decrease in long chain fatty acids and several lipid classes, including phosphatidylcholines, lysophosphatidylcholines and sphingomyelins. Taken together, our study demonstrates that exposure to POPs results in an altered metabolic signature previously associated with autoimmunity.
The circulating miRNA-34a, miRNA -143 and miRNA -212 are promising biomarkers in ovarian cancer
Authors: Kheirandish Shahnaz , Zarezade Zeynab , Yavari Mahdie , Sheikhha Mohammad Hasan , Kalantar Seyyed Mahdi , Sahami-Fard Mohammad Hossein , Hasani Shahrzad Sheikh , Ghasemi Nasrin , Jahantigh Hamid Reza
Published: March 2022

Objective
Ovarian cancer is one of the most common gynaecological malignancies among females worldwide. Early diagnostic of ovarian cancer is challenging, and miRNAs could serve as a potential biomarker for early detection of ovarian cancer regarding easy to detect. The present study investigated the expression profile of miRNA-34a, miRNA-143, miRNA-212, Sox4, BCL-2, and E2f5 in the serum of participants to find new biomarkers for early diagnosis of ovarian cancer.
Materials and Methods
Five milliliters of whole blood were collected from each patient (n = 30) and control (n = 30), and total RNA was extracted using Ambion™ TRIzol™ Reagent. Real-time PCR methods evaluated the expression of targeted miRNAs and their targeted genes.
Result
The Disease status of all ovarian cancer patients were classified as FIGO stage III (21) and (IV 9) according to imaging studies and surgical pathological findings. Our results showed that expression levels of miRNA-34a (p < 0.0001), miRNA-143 (p = 0.028), and miRNA-212 (p < 0.0001) were significantly decreased in patients with ovarian cancer compared to controls and expression levels of Sox4(p < 0.0001), BCL-2(p < 0.0001) and E2f5(p < 0.0001) were significantly increased in patients with ovarian cancer compared to controls. In addition, Receiver Operating Characteristic (ROC) curve revealed that the expression profile of miRNA-34a (AUC = 0.82; P < 0.0001), miRNA-143 (AUC = 0.66; P = 0.026) and miRNA-212 (AUC = 0.78; P = 0.0001) could be used as potential biomarker for discriminating patients with ovarian cancer.
Conclusion
In conclusion, our data showed that the expression profile of miRNA-34a, miRNA-143, and miRNA-212 could act as a potential biomarker for diagnosing ovarian cancer patients.
Improved Antibacterial Activity by Incorporation of Silver Sulfadiazine on Nanoporous Cu-BTC Metal-Organic-Framework
Authors: Soltani Sajjad , Akhbari Kamran , Phuruangrat Anukorn
Published: March 2022

Silver sulfadiazine (SSD) as an antibacterial agent is widely used in the topical treatment of wound infections. Metal-organic frameworks (MOFs) have also been considered in the field of drug delivery in recent years due to their attractive properties. In this work, in order to increase the antibacterial efficiency, the Cu-BTC MOF was used as a platform for the incorporation of silver sulfadiazine. Physical characterization of compounds was performed using FT-IR, PXRD, SEM, TEM, EDX-mapping, N2 adsorption-desorption and TGA techniques. The performance of the compounds against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli bacterium was assessed by agar well diffusion and plate colony count bioassays. SSD loading on the Cu-BTC MOF resulted in a synergistic effect in antibacterial activity.
Expression analysis of oncogene transcript in human Aberrant Crypt foci, in comparison to the normal colonic mucosa and colorectal carcinoma from formalin-fixed paraffin-embedded tissue samples: A Pilot Study
Authors: Sulaiman Mohamed , Sarangi Jayati , Ahmed Aijaz , Ghosh Shouriyo , Mehra Lailta , Gupta Brijnandan , Upadhyay Ashish Datt , Pal Sujoy , Dash Nihar R , Ahuja Vineet , Yadav Rajni , Sharma Atul , Deo SVS , Gupta Siddhartha Datta , DAS PRASENJIT
Published: March 2022

Purpose: Aberrant Crypt Foci (ACF) are microscopic preneoplastic lesions in human colon detectable by magnified chromoendoscopy. Our aim was to analyze the expression of a chosen gene transcript in harvested colonic ACF, corresponding colorectal carcinomas (CRC) and normal mucosa. Methods: A total of 35 cases having ACF >4 in number/ 4 mm2 colonic mucosa were selected from 302 fresh colectomy samples screened along with the corresponding CRC (35) and normal colonic mucosal shavings (20). Gene expression analysis was performed by reverse transcriptase-polymerase chain reaction in these 3-groups. The gene expression data were correlated with histological and topographical ACF types, lymph node metastasis, site, size, and stage of tumors. Results: The KRAS, CDKN1A, CDKN2A, MLH1, VEGFA, and CCL5 gene expressions were significantly altered in ACF compared to controls (p <0.01), while the genes CDNK2A, PTEN (p 0.01), and SMAD4 (p 0.05) were significantly altered in CRC than in controls. The gene expression profile of the mucosal ACF and corresponding CRC foci were similar. No definitive correlation was found between topographic and histological types of ACF and gene expressions. Up-regulation of IGF1 and EGFR genes in ACF were associated with higher lymph node metastases and larger tumor sizes respectively, while down-regulation of RB1 and Bcl2 genes were associated with smaller tumor size. Conclusions The molecular pathogenesis of ACF is as complex as that like advanced CRC foci. Our observation is fascinating as it brings forth the complex pathogenesis of these early mucosa lesions and defies sequential molecular accumulation hypothesis.
The Wellbeing In Place Perceptions Scale: Structure, Validity, Reliability and Correlates during COVID times.
Authors: Corcoran Rhiannon , Gomez Katalin Ujhelyi , Simpson Grace , Goodall Mark , Bennett Kate M , Gabbay Mark , Wilson Tim , Obe Dorcas Akeju , Pennington Andy , Bagnall Anne-Marie , South Jane
Published: March 2022

The influence of place-based factors on the physical and mental health of residents is well established and acknowledged within the population health approach to addressing health and wellbeing inequalities. The COVID-19 pandemic brought to the fore the issues that global communities face. The current UK policy context of ‘levelling up’ represents these concerns and the need to address them. This research examines perceptions of community wellbeing and its determinants as collected within a city region of the North West Coast of England during COVID restrictions between June and August 2020. The paper aims to establish the structure, construct validity and reliability of a new measure of community wellbeing - the Wellbeing in Place Perceptions Scale. Further, it aims to examine how this measure of community wellbeing correlated with symptoms of common mental health as reported by residents of this relatively disadvantaged city region during this unprecedented time. Results indicate that the WIPPS has a reliable and valid structure, correlating significantly with another widely used measure of sense of community and with the Index of Multiple Deprivation. Its relationship to self-reported common mental distress is also clear. Though in need of replication and longitudinal testing, the findings reported here on this new measure remind us that individual and place-based factors combine to influence wellbeing and that community needs to have an increasingly influential role to sustainably prevent future mental health challenges.
Identification of biological processes and signaling pathways in bone tissues from mice with diabetes
Authors: Wang Mengyao , Wang Mengshan , Wang Xiu-ying
Published: March 2022

Diabetic patients have a higher fracture risk than expected by their bone mineral density (BMD), but the mechanism is still unknown. Here, our objective is to identify the functional molecules and signaling pathways by analyzing the RNA-seq data. The GSE189112 was created by the BGISEQ-500 (Mus musculus). The KEGG and GO analyses showed the generation of precursor metabolites and energy and energy derivation by oxidation of organic compounds are the major biological processes in the monocytes of diabetes mice. Moreover, we also identified the ten interacting molecules including RPS27A, RPS3, UBC, GNB2L1, RPS18, RPL23A, RPL5, RPLP0, RPS4X, RPL13. Therefore, this study may help understand diabetes-induced bone dysfunction.
A simple AuNPs-based colorimetric aptasensor for chlorpyrifos detection
Authors: Liu Yuan , Li Taotao , Yang Gaojian , Deng Yan , Mou Xianbo , He Nongyue
Published: March 2022

In this work, a simple gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) based colorimetric biosensor was developed for chlorpyrifos (Chl) detection using an aptamer as the capture probe. The Chl-aptamer with low dissociation constant (Kd) of 58.59 ± 6.08 (nmol/L) was selected by ssDNA library immobilized systematic evolution of ligands by enrichment (SELEX). In the absence of Chl, the Chl-aptamer acted as the stabilizer for AuNPs in salt solution. In the presence of Chl, the highly specific Chl-aptamer bound with Chl targets immediately, thus a self-aggregation of AuNPs induced by salt was displayed. The fabricated colorimetric aptasensor exhibited an excellent sensitivity for Chl detection with the LOD as low as 14.46 nmol/L. In addition, the aptasensor was applied to test Chl in tap water, cucumber and cabbage samples, the excellent recoveries with acceptable RSD values below 5% demonstrated that the method can be considered as a promising tool for simple, rapid Chl detection.
A new approach in qualitative zoning of groundwater to assessment suitable irrigation water using fuzzy logic spatial modeling via GIS
Authors: Tafreshi Amin Mohebbi , Tafreshi Ghazaleh Mohebbi
Published: March 2022

Water quality must be tested before it can be used for agricultural purposes since difficulties might arise in terms of increased soil salinity, decreased soil permeability, and decreased water absorption by plant roots; leading to reduced agricultural productivity. The aim of this study was to assessment suitable irrigation water based on a new approach in Asalem region, Iran. For reduce the uncertainty, fuzzy logic spatial modeling via GIS was applied. To receive these aims, four stages were performed. In stage 1, we calculate the values of nine conventional and effective parameters used for agricultural water quality classification upon analyzing the statistical quality data regarding various ions existing in 15 sample wells dug in 2015. In stage 2, interpolate these parameters by kriging method via ArcGIS software. In stage 3, parameter standardization with fuzzy membership function were done. And in stage 4, for Aggregation parameters, several fuzzy overlay operations were used. Finally, to identify the best operation, the correlations between the fuzzy membership and operation maps were used. Results showed that the "GAMMA 0.9" with six high correlation above 80%, is the best overly operation in our study area. According to the best operation map, only west and northwest parts of the study area have "good" to "excellent" groundwater quality for irrigation water and in other parts, the quality is within "poor" to "fair".
A comparative study of percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy and transforaminal discectomy for L5-S1 calcified lumbar disc herniation
Authors: Cheng Yuanpei , Cheng Xiaokang , Wu Han
Published: March 2022

Background: Percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD) is a relatively safe and effective minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of calcified lumbar disc herniation (CLDH). However, studies on percutaneous endoscopic interlaminar discectomy (PEID) and percutaneous endoscopic transforaminal discectomy (PETD) for CLDH have rarely been reported. This research aimed to compare the clinical efficacy of PEID and PETD for L5-S1 CLDH.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 54 consecutive patients with L5-S1 CLDH treated with PELD at our institution from August 2016 to August 2020. Patients were divided into PEID group (n = 28) and PETD (n = 26) group according to the surgical methods. The demographic characteristics and surgical results of the two groups were compared. Clinical outcomes were estimated by the visual analog scale (VAS) for leg pain, Oswestry disability index (ODI) and modified MacNab criteria.Results: All patients were successfully operated on by PEID or PETD. No significant differences in the demographic characteristics, intraoperative blood loss, postoperative hospital stay and complication rate were noted between the PEID and PETD groups. The excellent and good rates in the PEID group were similar to those in the PETD group (89.29% vs 88.46%, P = 1.000), whereas the PEID group exhibited superior results for operative time (min) (64.61 ± 5.60 vs 85.58 ± 8.52, P < 0.001) and fluoroscopy times (n) (2.93 ± 0.90 vs 13.35 ± 2.30, P < 0.001) compared with the PETD group.Conclusions: PEID has achieved good clinical efficacy as PETD for L5-S1 CLDH. Compared with PETD, PEID has the advantages of shorter operative time and a reduced number of fluoroscopy times in the treatment of CLDH.
Current tobacco use and susceptibility to using tobacco among non-users of tobacco: a cross-sectional study among school-going adolescents in Sierra Leone.
Authors: James Peter Bai , Kabba John Alimamy , Bah Abdulai Jawo , Idriss Ayesha , Kitchen Chenai , Conteh Eugene B , Lahai Michael , Dalinjong Philip Ayizem
Published: March 2022

IntroductionTobacco use is a global health threat associated with a high disease burden and deaths. Studies concerning current tobacco use and susceptibility to using tobacco products among adolescents who are potential adult tobacco users in Sierra Leone have not been explored. We aimed to estimate the prevalence and correlates of current tobacco use and tobacco non-users susceptibility to using tobacco amongst Sierra Leonean high-school students.MethodWe used data obtained from the 2017 Sierra Leone Global Youth Tobacco Survey (GYTS), which presented information collected from 6680 students aged 11-17years nationwide. Gender-based correlates of current use and susceptibility to using tobacco among non-tobacco users were determined by complex sample logistic regression analyses. Adjusted odds ratios (AOR) and respective 95% confidence intervals (CIs) were reported. p-values less than 0.005 were considered significant.ResultsThe prevalence of current tobacco use among high school adolescents in Sierra Leone was 24.6% and was higher in males (27.9%) than in females (18.6%). Male [AOR=1.50 (95%CI: 1.18-1.91)], parental smoking [AOR=1.73(95%CI:1.32-2.26)] exposure to household secondhand smoke [AOR=1.82(95%CI:1.27-2.62)], having peers who smoke [AOR=2.24(1.51-3.31)] were more likely to be currently using tobacco. On the other hand, adolescents exposed to antismoking media messages were less likely to be current tobacco users [AOR=0.67(95%CI: 0.52-0.85)]. The overall tobacco non-users susceptibility to using tobacco among adolescents in Sierra Leone was 18.2% [male (18.0%), female (18.5%)]. Exposure to tobacco promotion [AOR =1.50(95%CI:1.06-2.10)] and non-exposure to antismoking education [AOR =1.39(95%CI:1.05-1.86)] were significantly associated with tobacco non-users’ susceptibility to using tobacco.ConclusionOur study suggests that one-in-four school-going adolescents currently use tobacco, with nearly one in five non-users susceptible to using tobacco. Given the high prevalence of tobacco product use among Sierra Leonean adults, our findings highlight the need for policies and interventions to prevent tobacco use behaviour among adolescents aimed at averting tobacco use in adulthood.
Beyond PT-symmetry: Towards a symmetry-metric relation for time-dependent non-Hermitian Hamiltonians
Authors: Alves da Silva Luís F. , Dourado Rodrigo , Moussa Miled
Published: March 2022

In this work we first propose a method for the derivation of a
general continuous antilinear time-dependent (TD) symmetry operator
I(t)I(t)
for a TD non-Hermitian Hamiltonian H(t)H(t).
Assuming H(t)H(t)
to be simultaneously \rho(t)ρ(t)-pseudo-Hermitian
and \Xi(t)Ξ(t)-anti-pseudo-Hermitian,
we also derive the antilinear symmetry I(t)=\Xi^{-1}(t)\rho(t)I(t)=Ξ−1(t)ρ(t),
which retrieves an important result obtained by Mostafazadeh [J. Math,
Phys. 43, 3944 (2002)] for the time-independent (TI) scenario. We apply
our method for the derivation of the symmetries associated with TD
non-Hermitian linear and quadratic Hamiltonians. The computed TD
symmetry operators for both cases are then particularized for their
equivalent TI Hamiltonians and PT -symmetric restrictions. In the TI
scenario we retrieve the well-known Bender-Berry-Mandilara result for
the symmetry operator: I^{2k}=1I2k=1
with kk
odd [J. Phys. A 35, L467 (2002)]. The results here derived allow us to
propose a useful symmetry-metric relation for TD non-Hermitian
Hamiltonians. From this relation the TD metric is automatically derived
from the TD symmetry of the problem. Then, when placed in perspective
with the antilinear symmetry I(t)=\Xi^{-1}(t)\rho(t)I(t)=Ξ−1(t)ρ(t),
the symmetry-metric relation finally allow us to derive the
\Xi(t)Ξ(t)-anti-pseudo-Hermitian
operator. Our results reinforce the prospects of going beyond
\mathcal{PT}𝒫𝒯-symmetric
quantum mechanics making the field of pseudo-Hermiticity even more
comprehensive and promising.