bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antibacterial Activity of Rhamnus prinoides extracts against Staphylococcus aureus and Escherichia coli
Authors: geta kindu , Kibret Mulugeta
Published: September 2021

Background: Infectious diseases caused by bacteria have a large impact on public health. Increasingly resistant microbial infections intensified the search for new, safer, and more efficacious agents to combat serious microbial infections. Plants have played a central part in combating many diseases in human and domestic animals in many local communities, including Africa. Rhamnus prinoides is Ethiopian medicinal plants that have been used traditionally for the treatment of diverse infectious diseases. Therefore, this research was carried out to evaluate the antibacterial activity of Rhamnus prinoides extracts against pathogenic bacteria. Methods: The antimicrobial activity tests were carried out by the agar well diffusion method. Broth dilution and streak plate methods were used to determine MIC and MBC values of extracts respectively. Results: The results revealed that ethanol extracts of fruits showed the highest antibacterial activity against standard strains of S. aureus with mean inhibition zone of 26± 0.58, 28.33±1.2 and 33.33± 0.9 mm at 25, 50 and 100 mg/ml respectively. The lowest mean MIC value (1.04 mg/ml) was recorded with ethanol extract of fruits against the standard strains of S. aureus and the lowest mean MBC value (2.08 mg/ml) was recorded with ethanol extract of fruits against the standard strains and clinical isolates of S. aureus. Conclusion: On the basis of the current findings, Rhamnus prinoides could be a good candidate in the search for new antibacterial agents from natural products against bacterial pathogens. Therefore, further studies are needed to study their toxicology and isolate the bio- active components from this plant.
Identification of Most Lethal Non-synonymous SNPs in Tollip gene- An In-Silico Analysis
Authors: Ghani Usman , Ullah Rahmat , Anjum Tayyaba , Ali Yasir , Sabar Muhammad Farooq , Khan Shehryar , Zulfiqar Iqra , Hussain Saddam
Published: September 2021

The Toll-interacting protein (TOLLIP), first detected by hybrid screening using Interleukin-1 receptor accessory protein in 2000, is ubiquitous and its TLR signaling cascade gets negatively regulated by TOLLIP in particular by impeding the TLR4 and TLR2 pathways. Toll-interacting protein facilitates TLR and TGF-β type 1 receptor intracellular localization and lysosomal degradation and exerts its anti-apoptosis and pro-autophagy effects through interaction with a target of Myb1 membrane trafficking protein 1 (TOM1) in autoimmunity. It also protects intestinal epithelial cells from apoptosis induced by (TNF-α) (IFN-γ) signaling and acts as a cargo adaptor linking (ATG8) autophagy gene 8 and microtubule-associated protein 1 light chain 3. Ubiquitin-modified cell debris along with coated autophagosomes removes harmful protein aggregates and maintains cellular homeostasis. It is therefore structurally and functionally important to detect TOLLIP polymorphisms to indicate the possible malfunctions and therapeutics. We have identified the gap of available data on nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene in previous studies. Hence, We have used a wide range of bioinformatic techniques in this study to identify the most destructive nsSNPs in the TOLLIP gene. The in-silico tools such as PROVEAN, SIFT, SNP&GO, PhD SNP, and PolyPhen2 have been used followed by I Mutant, MutPred, and ConSurf. The 3-D mapping was carried out with I-TASSER and Phyre2. Though, STRING and GeneMANIA proposed the gene to gene interaction of TOLLIP. Our study identified G19D (rs866744102), G32R (rs1308704061), D71N (rs777772934), and E72G (rs1202660177) as the four most lethal non-synonymous SNPs in TOLLIP genes, which may play an essential part in defects of TOLLIP Protein and probably cause a different type of diseases. This is the first study of its kind, and it could pave the way in the field of medical drugs in the future. The influence of these nsSNPs in the normal functioning of TOLLIP can also be evaluated in animal models to identify the underlying biochemical pathway involved in diseases.
LncRNA CRNED Hinders The Progression of Osteoarthritis By Epigenetic Regulation of DACT1
Authors: Zhang Ziqi , Yang Pei , Wang Chunsheng , Tian Run
Published: September 2021

Osteoarthritis (OA) is mainly characterized by articular cartilage degeneration, synovial fibrosis, and inflammation. LncRNA CRNED (colorectal neoplasia differentially expressed) has been reported to be down-regulated in age-related OA, but its role in injury-induced OA needs to be further explored. In this study, an OA rat model was established by using anterior cruciate ligament transection, and the adenovirus-mediated CRNED overexpression (Ad-CRNED) or DACT1 (dapper antagonist of catenin-1) interference (sh-DACT1) vectors were injected into the rat model via tail vein. Besides, chondrocyte‑like ATDC5 cells were treated with IL-1β (10 ng/mL) to simulate OA conditions in vitro. We found that overexpression of CRNED alleviated cartilage damage and synovitis in OA rats, and suppressed IL-1β-induced apoptosis, inflammation, and extracellular matrix (ECM) degradation in chondrocyte‑like ATDC5 cells, while silencing DACT1 effectively antagonized the protective effect of CRNED both in vivo and in vitro. Mechanism studies revealed that DACT1 could act as a downstream target of CRNED. By recruiting p300, CRNED promoted the enrichment of H3K27ac in the DACT1 promoter, thus promoting DACT1 transcription. In addition, CRNED hindered the activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway in IL-1β-stimulated cells by inducing DACT1 expression. In conclusion, CRNED promoted DACT1 expression through epigenetic modification and restrained the activation of Wnt/β-catenin signaling to impede the progression of OA.
Evaluating The Relationship Between The Primary Damages of Deoxyribonucleic Acid and Total Antioxidant Capacity With The Respiratory Exposure To The Benzene in One of The Oil Companies in Iran
Authors: Sakhvidi Mohammad Javad Zare , Zarei Abdorreza , Hachesu Vida Rezaei , Zolfaghari Ahmad
Published: September 2021

Benzene is a carcinogenic chemical substance which causes the injuries and damages through producing the free radicals in DNA (deoxyribonucleic acid) and the antioxidants are the agents which reduce the impacts of DNA damages by inhibiting the free radicals. This study was conducted aiming at determination of primary damages of DNA and level of plasma oxidative stress markers resulting from the respiratory exposure to the benzene found in petroleum compounds among the workers at loading platforms of a petroleum products distribution center. This study was an analytical (case control) research conducted among the workers in a working shift serving at the loading platforms of petroleum products. The exposure group included the workers with a history of contact with benzene and the control group was composed of the persons with no history of exposure to benzene. To investigate the level of the personnel’s exposure to benzene, NIOSH-1501 method was utilized; to analyze the samples taken from the air, GC mass (Gas chromatography–mass spectrometry) was applied; and to determine the average of DNA primary damages, Comet Assay was used. To investigate %TAC (Total Antioxidant Capacity), the blood serum of the exposure and control groups was applied by using the photometry device in wavelength of 520 nm. Results indicate The average difference of parameters of Tail Length (TL), Tail Density (TD), Tail Momentum (TM), percentage of tail in the DNA (%DNA) and %TAC in control group was 78.59, 8.35, 1.20, 10.05 and 25.58 and in the exposure group was 59.21, 75.74, 57.74, 3.5 and 16.58, respectively. Determining the DNA damage using Comet Assay and examining %TAC by photometry showed that TL, %DNA and %TAC values decreased among the workers already exposed to benzene and TD and TM values increased. In comparing the averages between two studied groups, all study variables had statistically meaningful difference (P < 0.05). More studies are recommended to be conducted on using the methods which identify the special places of breakage and damage in DNA chain due to the exposure to benzene and consequently prevent the its complications and consequences.
On-Line Monitoring of The Axial Thermal Displacement of Machine Tools By Using A Laser Mouse Sensor
Authors: Cheng Wen-Nan , Cheng Chih-Chun , Tsai Chih-Ming , Kuo Yu-Hsin , Chen Wei-Ren
Published: September 2021

This paper presents a low-cost on-line system for monitoring the axial thermal displacement of machine tools. The proposed monitoring system includes an embedded optical sensor derived from a laser mouse; an image acquisition microcontroller; speckle patterns; and an edge computer that hosts software including an image display module, a displacement calculation module, an image enhancement module, and a data visualization module. The proposed sensing system can measure the displacement in two orthogonal directions simultaneously by employing digital image correlation; thus, the proposed system is a two-dimensional displacement sensor. The sensing system benefits from image enhancement techniques and customized optimal speckle patterns printed using a standard low-cost monochrome laser printer. Experimental results indicate that the proposed displacement sensing system has an accuracy and a precision of less than 5 mm in both orthogonal directions; however, the measurement range is only 1 mm for a static measurement. The two-dimensional displacement sensing system was used for the on-line monitoring of the thermal deformation of a feed drive system for machine tools, and the performance of the sensing system was assessed experimentally.
Mortality Rate of People Exposed to Mustard Gas During Iran-Iraq War in Sardasht, Iran: A 32 Years Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Rabiee Mohammad Hasan , Ghanei Mostafa , Amini Hossein , Akhlaghi Aliasghar
Published: September 2021

Background:Mustard gas is one of the mostwidely used chemical weapons in the past century.Howeverlittle information existsconcerning long-term mortality due to MG exposure. In this study we investigated mortality rate among civilian people exposed to mustard gas during Iran-Iraq war in sardasht in Iran after 32 years.Methods:In this retrospective cohort study, data related to all people exposed to mustard gas in sardasht in 1987 were extracted from the Veterans and Martyr Affair Foundation of Iran up to March 20, 2019. Mortality rate, cumulative mortality and standardized mortality ratio with 95 % confidence interval were calculated to explain mortality in the cohort and compare it with Iranian general population. Cox regression analysis used to indicatefactoraffected risk of death in the cohort. Results:Out of 1,203 exposed people at the beginning of the period, 148 people died by the end of the study, with an average age of 66.42 at the time of death. Total person-years of the people up to end of the study were 38198.63 and mortality rate was equal to 387 per 100,000 persons-years.Total number of observed deaths was less than expected death and theall-cause standardized mortality ratio (SMR) was 0.680.Cause-specific SMR showed that observed death due to respiratory diseases was higher than expected (SMR: 1.75). The results of univariate and multivariate cox regression analysis showed that increasing age and having severe latecomplication in lungincrease risk of death among people in the cohort.Conclusion:In general, this result indicated that acute exposure to mustard gas, even without wearing protective clothing and masks, will not increase all-cause mortality after 32 years if accompanied by special and ongoing carefor those exposed.
CT-Based Morphological Analysis of The Distal Femur In Patients With Trochlear Dysplasia
Authors: Li Weifeng , Wang Qian , Li Hui , Wang Shunyi
Published: September 2021

Background: The morphology of the femoral trochlear has been well investigated; however, to date, the distal femur morphological characteristics have not been studied. The research team posited the presence of morphological differences in the distal femur in trochlear dysplasia compared to a control group. They also postulated that the underlying pathology of distal femur dysplasia is a medial hypoplasia.Methods: Computed tomography (CT) scans of 80 knees with trochlear dysplasia and 80 knees with normal anatomy of the femoral trochlear were included. The following measurements were assessed by three observers: the distal femur angle, the percentage of medial distal femur height and the percentage of lateral distal femur height between the groups. The independent Student's t-test were used to evaluate the differences of the qualitative variables.Results: The distal femur angle was relatively larger compared to the control group (p<0.001). Percentage of the medial distal femur showed signifcant lower values in the study group (p<0.001). No signifcant diferences were evaluable for the percentage of lateral distal femur height (p=0.087). The study group have a bigger distal femur angle and a steep medial distal femur than the control group. Conclusion: Patients with trochlear dysplasia have a different distal femur compared with those without trochlear dysplasia. Compared to controls, patients with a dysplastic trochlea have a distal femur dysplasia, and the underlying pathology of a dysplastic distal femur is led by a medial distal femur hypoplasia.
Finite-Level Quantized Consensus of Multi-agent Networked Systems
Authors: Nuga Olubusola Olufunke , Amusa Kamoli , Matthew Simeon , Olanipekun Ayorinde Joseph , Abayomi-Alli Adebayo
Published: September 2021

This paper is concerned with the analysis of consensus multi-agent networked system. Adopted in the analysis is the finite-level logarithmic quantizer, for the transmission of the networked-agents state. Two protocols are utilised in the analysed multi-agent networked system: the consensus protocol, which is determined from the outputs and states of a set of encoder-decoder pair that is employed in the system, and convergence rate protocol that is precisely characterized via the use of a dynamic scaling factor. With information exchange among neighbouring agents, the asymptotic consensus can be reached. The proof of protocols is based on proper selection of parameters of the logarithmic quantizer chosen for the connected network. As a demonstration of the validity of the protocols, a four-agent networked system is used. It is shown that an undirected network exchange of information via a communication channel that is equipped with a set of encoder and decoder can lead to attainment of estimates of neighbour state protocol for the networked system. Furthermore, desired asymptotic convergence can be reached through appropriate choice of parameters of the logarithmic quantizer.
Dental Interns’ Perceptions of Their Training Experiences at Different Training Centers: A Look at Work Environment and Supervision
Authors: Alenezi Ali
Published: September 2021

Background: the aim of this study was to explore dental interns perceptions on their learning environment and supervision. Methods: This survey was in form of questioner in which interns are required to fill and submit at the end of each training rotation. The questionnaire includes 20 items and was divided into three main parts: the first part of the questionnaire evaluated the interns perception toward the learning outcomes obtained from the field experience and their development. The second part of the study assessed the interns' perceptions toward their supervisors. The third part of the questionnaire investigated the interns' perceptions toward training centers facilities. Results: A total number of 234 questioners were filled and submitted by interns in which 134 from male intern (57.3%) and 100 from female interns (42.7%). In general, the interns from both genders appeared very satisfied with their training experience. With all the questionnaire 20 items, more than 75% of the obtained answers was either agree or strongly agree with similar obtained from both male and female interns. Conclusions: High level of satisfaction can be obtained when the the field experience outcomes is clearly explained to the dental interns. In addition, the availability of supervisors with full awareness of learning outcomes will improve the learning experience of dental interns.
Experimental Study and Analysis of Light Scattering Patterns of Bragg Fibers Fabricated in PECVD
Authors: Naqvi Zeba , Her Tsing-Hua
Published: September 2021

Light scattering patterns are commonly used in industry
to assess fiber quality. In this work, scattering patterns
of Bragg fibers are studied. Optical fibers are
coated with alternating layers of Silicon Nitride and
Silica using Plasma Enhanced Chemical Vapor Deposition.
A laser beam incident perpendicular to the fiber
axis scatters off creating patterns distinct from that of
uncoated fibers which exhibit continuous front lobe. Effect
of variation in layer properties, polarization, wavelength
and fiber symmetry is observed in the patterns.
Anomalous suppression and enhancement in angular
scattering pattern is explained through a scattering angle
diagram. Features in the pattern are mapped to reflectance
of the Bragg stack and it is found that a stopband
creates the anomalous features in the scattering.
Transcriptome Analysis of Cervical Cancer Exosomes and Detection of HPVE6*I Transcripts in Exosomal RNA
Authors: Bhat Anjali , Yadav Joni , Thakur Kulbhushan , Aggarwal Nikita , Chhokar Arun , Tripathi Tanya , Singh Tejveer , Jadli Mohit , Veerapandian Veera Mohan , Bharti Alok Chandra
Published: September 2021

Background
Exosomes play a key role in cell-to-cell communication and are integral component of the tumor microenvironment. Recent observations suggest transfer of RNA through tumor-derived exosomes that can potentially translate into regulatory proteins in the recipient cells. Role of cervical cancer-derived exosomes and their transcript cargo is poorly understood.
Materials and Methods
The total RNA of exosomes from HPV-positive (SiHa and HeLa) and HPV-negative (C33a) cervical cancer cell lines were extracted and the transcripts were estimated using Illumina HiSeq X. Further, validation of HPV transcripts were performed using RT-PCR.
Results
3099 transcripts were found to be differentially-exported in HPV-positive vs. HPV-negative exosomes (p value < 0.05). Analysis of top 10 GO terms and KEGG pathways showed enrichment of transcripts belonging to axon guidance and tumor innervation in HPV-positive exosomes. Among top 20 overexpressed transcripts, EVC2, LUZP1 and ANKS1B were the most notable due to their involvement in Hh signaling, cellular migration and invasion, respectively. Further, low levels of HPV-specific reads were detected. RT-PCR validation revealed presence of E6*I splice variant of HPV18 in exosomal RNA of HeLa cells. The E6*I transcripts were consistently retained in exosomes obtained from HeLa cells undergoing 5-FU and cisplatin-induced oxidative stress.
Conclusion
Our data suggests the enrichment of poly-A RNA transcripts in the exosomal cargo of cervical cancer cells, which includes pro-tumorigenic cellular RNA and viral transcripts such as HPV E6, which may have clinical utility as potential exosomal biomarkers of cervical cancer.
Assessment of the Measurement Methods in Midshaft Clavicle Fracture
Authors: Lima Guilherme Vieira , Banca Vitor La , Murachovsky Joel , Nascimento Luis Gustavo Prata , Almeida Luiz Henrique Oliveira , Ikemoto Roberto Yukio
Published: September 2021

Background. Clavicle fractures account for approximately 5% of all fractures in adults and 75% of clavicle fractures occur in the midshaft. Shortening greater than two centimeters is an indicative of surgical treatment. Radiographic exams are often used to diagnose and evaluate clavicle fractures but computed tomography (CT) scan is currently considered the best method to assess these deformities and shortening. Goal. 1- To investigate whether different methods of performing the radiographic exam interfere with the measurement of the fractured clavicle length. Goal 2- Compare the clavicle length measurements obtained by the different radiographic exam methods with the CT scan measurements, used as a reference.Materials and Methods. Twenty-five patients with acute (< 3weeks) midshaft clavicle fracture were evaluated. Patients underwent six radiographic images: PA Thorax (standing and lying), AP Thorax (standing and lying) and at 10º cephalic tilt (standing and lying), and the computed tomography was used as reference.Results. There wasn't any significant statistical difference in the clavicle fracture length measurement among the variety of radiographic exam performances when compared to tomography.Conclusion. 1- There is no significant statistical difference in the clavicle fracture length measurement among the variety of radiographic exam performances. Conclusion. 2- The method that comes closest to computed tomography results is the PA thorax incidence, with the patient in the lying position.
Comparison of Bacterial Filtration Efficiency vs. Particle Filtration Efficiency to Assess the Performance of Non-Medical Face Masks in the Emergency Context of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Whyte Henrietta Essie , Montigaud Yoann , Audoux Estelle , Verhoeven Paul , Prier Amélie , Leclerc Lara , Sarry Gwendoline , Laurent Coralie , Coq Laurence Le , Joubert Aurélie , Pourchez Jérémie
Published: September 2021

As a result of the current COVID-19 pandemic, the use of facemasks has become commonplace. The performance of medical facemasks is assessed using Bacterial Filtration Efficiency (BFE) tests. However, as BFE tests, require specific expertise and equipment and are time-consuming, the performance of non-medical facemasks is assessed with non-biological Particle Filtration Efficiency (PFE) tests which are comparatively easier to implement. It is necessary to better understand the possible correlations between BFE and PFE to be able to compare the performances of the different types of masks (medical vs. non-medical). In this study BFE results obtained in accordance with the standard EN 14683 are compared to the results of PFE from a reference test protocol defined by AFNOR SPEC S76-001 with the aim to determine if BFE could be predicted from PFE. Our results showed a correlation between PFE and BFE. It was also observed that PFE values were higher than BFE and this was attributed to the difference in particle size distribution considered for efficiency calculation. In order to properly compare these test protocols for a better deduction, it would be interesting to compare the filtration efficiency for a similar granulometric range.
Applicability of a Semiautomated Volumetric Approach (5D CNS+™) for Detailed Antenatal Reconstruction of Abnormal Fetal CNS Anatomy
Authors: Welp Amrei , Gembicki Michael , Dracopoulos Christoph , Scharf Jann Lennard , Rody Achim , Weichert Jan
Published: September 2021

Background. The aim of this study was to evaluate the accuracy and reliability of a semiautomated volumetric approach (5DCNS+) when examining fetuses with an apparent abnormal anatomy of the central nervous system (CNS).Methods. Stored 3D volumes of 91 fetuses with structural cerebral anomalies extracted from a cohort of >1.400 consecutive 2nd and 3rd trimester pregnancies (range 15-36 gestational weeks) were analyzed using the semiautomatic software tool 5DCNS+, enabling detailed reconstruction of nine diagnostic planes of the fetal brain. All 3D data sets were examined and judged for plane accuracy, the need for manual adjustment, and fetal CNS anomalies affecting successful plane reconstruction.Results. Based on our data, we were able to reveal a wide range of CNS anomalies with application of the 5DCNS+ technique. The corresponding anatomical features and consecutive changes of neighboring structures could be clearly demonstrated. Thus, a profound assessment of the entire altered CNS anatomy could be achieved in nearly all cases. The comparison with matched controls showed a significant difference in volume acquisition (p <0.001) and in need for manual adjustment (p < 0.001) but not in the drop-out rates (p = 0.677) of both groups.Conclusion. 5DCNS+ software is applicable in the majority of cases with brain lesions and constitutes a reliable tool even if the integrity of the fetal CNS is compromised by structural anomalies. Using volume data that were acquired in identical cutting sections needed for conventional biometry allows for detailed anatomic surveys grossly independent of the examiner’s experience.
Polychromatic-Light Irradiation Kinetics of Dacarbazine and Nifedipine. Application as New Reliable UVA-drug-actinometers.
Authors: Maafi Mounir , Al-Qarni Mohammed Ahmed
Published: September 2021

The photokinetic behaviour of materials driven by polychromatic light is an area that has not received a lot of attention in the literature. Most often, such photokinetic data is treated by thermal kinetic models (i.e., the classical 0th -, 1st - or 2nd -order equations). Such models were not analytically derived from the rate-laws of the photodegradation reactions. Polychromatic light kinetic modelling is hence of importance, as a means to providing adequate toolkits and metrics. This paper aims at proposing two reliable drug-actinometers useful for polychromatic UVA range. The general actinometric methodology offered here is also useful for any drugs/materials obeying a primary photoprocess where both reactant and photoproduct absorb the incident light, of the \(AB{\left(1{\Phi }\right)}_{{\epsilon }_{B}\ne 0}\) type. The present method has been consolidated by the η-order kinetics, a mathematical model analytically derived from the photosystem’s rate-law. This represents the first ever equation in the literature, to model polychromatic light of this reactive system. This framework further demonstrated the lamp-specificity of actinometers. Overall, Dacarbazine and Nifedipine photodegradations obeyed η-order kinetics, and stand as effective actinometers that can be recommended for the ICH Q1b photostability testing.
The Sustainment and Adaptation of an English School Intervention to Improve Behaviour, Health and Wellbeing: a Qualitative Longitudinal Case Study
Authors: Herlitz Lauren , Bonell Chris
Published: September 2021

Background: The sustainment of school-based interventions to improve students’ behaviour, health and wellbeing has been relatively unexplored compared to healthcare interventions. Discontinuing effective interventions prevents new practices from reaching new student cohorts and wastes implementation investment. This study examines the sustainment and adaptation of a school intervention to improve risk behaviours that aimed to enhance sustainability by encouraging school commitment, ownership and local adaptation.Method: A case study was conducted of the sustainment of ‘Learning Together’, an intervention to reduce multiple risk behaviours initiated in English secondary schools through an effectiveness trial. The intervention entailed restorative practice (RP), a staff-student action-group and a curriculum. Qualitative, longitudinal data were collected from five schools: interviews with multiple staff per school, and with students and external facilitators the first-year post-trial; interviews with one staff member per school two years post-trial; and descriptive data from the trial’s original process evaluation.Results: Learning Together, as a whole intervention, was not sustained two years post-trial. RP was the most successfully sustained component; all staff interviewed continued to use RP in some form in their individual practice in years 4 and 5 and was sustained at school-level in one school. The curriculum and action-groups were discontinued in all schools, though actions initiated by the groups were sustained in two schools. Staff were motivated to sustain an approach at an individual-level if they perceived it as more effective than existing practices at improving students’ wellbeing or behaviour and it was practically achievable. Elements designed to build commitment, ownership and local adaptation were largely ineffective at sustaining components, as sustainment at school-level required ongoing attention to changes to organisational practices, policies and systems, which was beyond the remit of individual staff. Conclusion: Schools need greater support from intervention developers to sustain interventions at school-level. Adaptation could help or hinder sustainment; schools need support to adapt components according to their theoretical rationale and develop different implementation options. Further methodologically strong primary research on sustainment and sustainability strategies is needed.
Subcutaneous Quadrantectomy Is A Safe Procedure in Management of Early Stage Breast Cancer.
Authors: Lieto Eva , Auricchio Annamaria , Erario Silvia , Sorbo Giovanni Del , Cardella Francesca
Published: September 2021

Background: Surgical treatment of breast cancer, the most frequent cancer in women, is deeply changed in the last years turning towards a progressive minimally invasion, both in extend of demolition and in axillary dissection completeness. This is due to the flexibility of the concept of radicality that today is taylored on the patient, rather than on the disease; If oncologic radicality is preserved, a less invasive operation on the breast is mandatory. In the era of mini-invasive surgery, a patient may ask for an aesthetic care without any additional health risk.Methods: In this article, we compared two groups of 75 consecutive patients undergoing conservative surgery for early stage breast cancer; the two groups were randomized for standard quadrantectomy and totally subcutaneous quadrantectomy. Statistical analysis was carried out for comparing data.Results: No difference in oncologic outcome was found with the different surgical procedures; the length of hospital stay and the incidence of late breast deformities were significantly less in subcutaneous quadrantectomy group. Conclusions: We conclude that, in early breast cancer, a totally subcutaneous surgical procedure of resection is feasible and safe and ensures an absolutely better aesthetical result, that involves patient’s quality of life.
Carbon emissions of Provincial Administrative Regions from the airlines in China
Authors: Cui Qiang , Li Ye
Published: September 2021

This paper seeks to calculate the overall emissions of China’s 413 main domestic routes in 2018, containing the Landing and Take-Off (LTO) emissions and Climb/Cruise/Descent (CCD) emissions. First, the standard calculation method of LTO emissions proposed by the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) is applied to calculate the LTO emissions of 413 routes and 40 airlines. Next, the modified Fuel Percentage Method (MFPM) is used to calculate the CCD emissions of main aircraft types at various distances. Then the overall emissions are split into the Provincial Administrative Regions (PARs) on the routes to discuss the probable carbon compensations, which is the core to build an aviation carbon trading mechanism. China Southern Airlines, China Eastern Airlines, and Air China are the top three airlines in emissions. Guangdong has the most carbon emissions from airlines, but it may get the third most carbon compensation from the airlines.
New risk models for predicting diabetes and prediabetes in the first-degree relatives of patients with type 2 diabetes and a comparison with the FINDRIC
Authors: Shahraki Parisa Khodabandeh , Feizi Awat , Aminorroaya Sima , Ghanbari Heshmatollah , Abyar Majid , Amini Massoud , Aminorroaya Ashraf
Published: September 2021

Background

We aimed to develop a risk model, monitoring the FDRs of patients with type 2 diabetes, who have normal glucose tolerance, to predict the onset of developing diabetes and prediabetes. In this study, 1765 FDRs of patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus, who had normal glucose tolerance, were subjected to statistical analysis. Diabetes risk factors including anthropometric indices, physical activity, fast plasma glucose, plasma glucose concentrations two-hour after oral glucose administration, glycosylated hemoglobin, blood pressure, and lipid profile at the baseline were considered as independent variables. Kaplan-Meier, log Rank test, univariate, and multivariable proportional hazard Cox regression were conducted. The optimal cut point for risk score was created according to receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) analysis.
Results

The best diabetes predictability was achieved by a model in which waist to hip ratio (WHR), HbA1c, OGTT and the lipid profile were included. The best prediabetes risk model included HbA1c, systolic blood pressure, the lipid profile, and the oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT). These multivariable risk models were compared with FPG, HbA1c, and OGTT. The predictive efficiencies of models were higher than FPG and HbA1c; however the best predictive model of the current study showed comparable predictive efficiency to OGTT-AUC. Additionally, both diabetes models showed better performance than FINDRISC.
Conclusion

We recommend regular tests for FDRs of patients with type 2 diabetes to predict the risk of diabetes and prediabetes by using the OGTT-AUC. As a health check assessment tool, our diabetes models showed a more precise predictor compared to FINDRISC in our population.
Effect of Cooling Rate During Thermal Processes on the Electrical Properties of Cast Multi-Crystalline Silicon
Authors: Zhou Panbing , Liu Shilong , Zhou Naigen , Wei Xiuqin , Zhou Lang
Published: September 2021

Photoluminescence（PL）imaging techniques and the minority carrier lifetime test system were employed to investigate the variation of the interstitial iron (Fei) concentration, the recombination activity of structural defects and the minority carrier lifetime of cast multicrystalline silicon (mc-Si) in response to the cooling rate after heating. The results showed that when the mc-Si wafers are heated to high-temperature (1000 °C) and then cooled to ambient temperature with different cooling rate, the Fei concentration, the number of recombination active dislocations and grain boundaries increased as the cooling rate rises while the minority carrier lifetime decreased. If cast mc-Si is heated followed by faster cooling at 30 °C/s, the Fei concentration increase by 223% and the electrical activity of grain boundaries, dislocations and intragrain increase significantly, that is to say, the whole wafer is heavily contaminated with metal impurities, and present extremely low minority carrier lifetime.
Study on Changes of 19 Steroids in Plasma From 9 Diagnosed Patients With P450 Oxidoreductase Deficiency
Authors: Sun Huiying , Hou Shenggen , Kong Xujing , Fan Xiaomin , Zhai Zheng , Zheng Yanhua , Chen Baorong
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Diagnostic of congenital adrenal hyperplasia (CAH) patients with P450 oxidoreductase deficiency (PORD) subtype is a difficult task as biochemical monitoring criteria is not well defined. For the identification of steroid hormone biomarkers in plasma to diagnose PORD. Methods: Study of the steroid hormone metabolic pathway, a novel method for the determination of 19 steroid hormone were established based on liquid chromatography–tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS). The measurement of 19 steroid hormones in plasma samples of clinical patients and normal reference population was carried out. A total of 9 clinically diagnosed patients (3 males, 6 females) with PORD were enrolled in the study. Results: In 9 patients with PORD, plasma pregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 11-deoxycortisol, and 21-deoxycortisol, were significantly (P<0.001) increased when compared with those of the normal control group at the initial diagnosis of PORD. The concentrations of androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate and estradiol in male patients with PORD were significantly (P<0.001) lower than those in control group. There were significant (P<0.001) differences between the female patients with PORD and the control group in the concentration of dihydrotestosterone and dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate. Conclusion: Pregnenolone, 17-hydroxyprogesterone, corticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosterone, 11-deoxycorticosteroid, 21-deoxycorticosteroid, androstenedione, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, dehydroepiandrosterone, estradiol, and the ratio of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone are important markers in the diagnosis of PORD.
Early intervention and lifelong treatment with GLP1 receptor agonist liraglutide in a Wolfram Syndrome rat model with an emphasis on visual neurodegeneration, sensorineural hearing loss and diabetic phenotype
Authors: Jagomäe Toomas , Seppa Kadri , Reimets Riin , Pastak Marko , Plaas Mihkel , Hickey Miriam A , Kukker Kaia Grete , Moons Lieve , De Groef Lies , Vasar Eero , Kaasik Allen , Terasmaa Anton , Plaas Mario
Published: September 2021

BackgroundWolfram syndrome (WS), also known as a DIDMOAD (Diabetes Insipidus, early-onset Diabetes Mellitus, Optic nerve Atrophy and Deafness) is a rare autosomal disorder caused by mutations in the Wolframin1 ( WFS1 ) gene. Previous studies revealed that glucagonlike peptide-1 receptor agonist (GLP1 RA) anti-diabetic drugs are effective in delaying and restoring glucose control in WS animal models and patients. The GLP1 RA liraglutide has also been shown to have neuroprotective properties in aged WS rats, reducing neuroinflammation, retinal ganglion cell death and optic nerve degeneration. WS is an early-onset, chronical condition and, therefore, early diagnosis and lifelong pharmacological treatment is the best solution to control disease progression in WS patients. Hence, the aim of this study was to evaluate the efficacy of the long-term liraglutide treatment on progression of WS symptoms. For this purpose, 2-month-old WS rats were treated with liraglutide (0.4mg/kg/day) up to the age of 18 months and changes in diabetes markers, visual acuity, hearing sensitivity were monitored in vivo over the course of the 16-month treatment period. ResultsEarly and chronic (16-month) intervention with the GLP-1 RA liraglutide delayed the development of glucose intolerance in WS rats. At the end of the experiment, 91% of saline- and 55% of liraglutide-treated WS rats needed daily insulin supplementation. Liraglutide administration was effective in maintaining visual acuity in WS rats by stalling the progression of cataract, degeneration of retinal ganglion cells and of optic nerve atrophy. Prolonged liraglutide therapy could not prevent sensorineural hearing loss at low frequencies. ConclusionThe rat model of WS used in this study is an excellent predictive model for preclinical trials as it closely recapitulates the relative onset and severity of the main symptoms of WS observed in human patients. We found that a 16-month treatment with GLP1 receptor agonist liraglutide delays or prevents the onset of diabetes and protects against vision loss in a rat model of Wolfram syndrome. Therefore, early diagnosis and prophylactic treatment with the GLP-1R agonist liraglutide may also prove to be a promising treatment option for Wolfram syndrome patients by increasing the quality of life of WS patients.
ATR-FTIR Spectroscopy Combined with Chemometric Methods for the Classification of Polyethylene Residues Containing Different Contaminants
Authors: Silva Daniel José da , Wiebeck Hélio
Published: September 2021

Low density polyethylene (LDPE) and high density polyethylene (HDPE) are the principal plastics present in solid plastic waste and are found out as the main components of microplastics in marine and terrestrial environments. Currently, efforts have been made to develop new and effective methods to ensure the identification and separation of plastics in waste, ensuring the necessary purity to obtain quality and economically competitive recycled products. In this contribution, we investigated the usage of Fourier-Transform Infrared Spectroscopy in attenuated total reflection mode (ATR-FTIR) combined with Principal Component Analysis (PCA), Linear Partial Least Squares Regression by Intervals (iPLS-R) and Competitive Adaptive Weighted Sampling (CARS/PLS-R) as chemometric methods to classify and determine the compositional fraction of the pristine and recycled mixtures of HDPE and LDPE from plastic waste in São Paulo, Brazil. The 3D PCA plots do not make it possible to classify the different polyethylenes and their polymer blends using the three Principal Components (PC), except for the 2D PCA diagram using PC1 and PC3. The iPLS-R presents the best predictive ability than CARS/PLS-R to determine the LDPE content in HDPE/LDPE recycled blends. However, the presence of different contaminants (in 5 wt%), such as silicon dioxide (SiO2), calcium carbonate (CaCO3), recycled polypropylene (PP), and recycled poly(ethylene terephthalate) (PET), reduces the potential usage of the iPLS-R models as identification tools for LDPE and HDPE sorting in industrial recycling processes.
Who Was at Risk for COVID-19 Late in the US Pandemic? Insights From a Population Health Machine Learning Model
Authors: Adeoye Elijah A. , Rozenfeld Yelena , Beam Jennifer , Boudreau Karen , Cox Emily , Scanlan James M.
Published: September 2021

Background: Notable discrepancies in vulnerability to COVID-19 infection have been identified between specific population groups and regions in the United States. The purpose of this study was estimate likelihood of COVID-19 infection using a machine-learning algorithm that can be updated continuously based on health care data.Methods: Patient records were extracted for all COVID-19 nasal swab PCR tests performed within the Providence St. Joseph Health system from February to October of 2020. Several different machine learning models were tested to evaluate effects of sociodemographic, environmental, and medical history factors on risk of initial COVID-19 infection.Results: A total of 316,599 participants were included in this study and approximately 7.7% (n = 24,358) tested positive for COVID-19. A gradient boosting model, LightGBM (LGBM), predicted risk of initial infection with an area under the receiver operating characteristic curve of 0.819. Factors that predicted infection were cough, fever, being a member of the Hispanic or Latino community, being Spanish speaking, having a history of diabetes or dementia, and living in a neighborhood with housing insecurity. Conclusion: A model trained on sociodemographic, environmental, and medical history data performed well in predicting risk of a positive COVID-19 test. This model could be used to tailor education, public health policy, and resources for communities that are at the greatest risk of infection.
High Expression of TTYH3 Predicts Poor Outcome in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Gui Yonghui , Xu Yuanhong , Yang Peng
Published: September 2021

Objective Analyze the expression level of TTYH3 gene in liver cancer, promoter methylation, gene mutation, co-expression, Immune infiltration, protein interaction and overall survival by database mining. Methods We utilized the UALCAN, GEPIA, cBioPortal, Metascape, STRING, TIMER, TISIDB, and MEXPRESS databases to investigate the transcription level, genetic alteration, methylation, and biological function of TTYH3 in HCC patients, and its association with the occurrence, progress, prognosis, and immune cell infiltration in patients with HCC. Results Multiple databases have confirmed that the mRNA level of TTYH3 in liver cancer tissues is significantly higher than that in normal tissues. UALCAN and GEPIA confirmed that the overexpression of TTYH3 mRNA was associated with clinical stage, and the expression of TTYH3 mRNA increased with the increase of stage (P<0.05). Multiple databases confirmed that the overexpression of TTYH3 gene was associated with low survival rate (P<0.05). cBioPortal database analysis showed that TTYH3 gene mutation was associated with low survival rate and poor prognosis (P<0.05). GEPIA search for genes co-expressed with TTYH3. Timer database showed that TTYH3 was involved in inflammatory response and immune cell infiltration. Methylation data from MEXPRESS indicate significant probe level variation of CpG island methylation status of the gene TTYH3, which was associated with low survival rate (P<0.05), Moreover, we also found that the expression of TTYH3 was significantly correlated with tumor-infiltrating lymphocytes and immunomodulators, The STRING protein analysis network showed that TTYH3 may interact with BEST1, BEST2, BEST3, BEST4, ZnF467, CLCC1, GLRB, ANO1, IQCE, ANO2 and other proteins. Conclusion Through a variety of databases, it was found that TTYH3 was highly expressed in liver cancer, and the expression level was related to the survival and prognosis of liver cancer patients. Found TTYH3 involved in inflammation and immune cell infiltration and influence the outcomes in patients with liver cancer clinical, TTYH3 promoter methylation of meaningful expression differences in liver cancer, the co-expressed genes, proteins interaction can be in-depth study, as well as TTYH3 gene and the relationship between the liver cancer, for the prognosis of liver cancer biomarkers and therapeutic targets.
Plasma Kynurenine Level is Associated With Left DLPFC Activity and Can Predict Treatment Response in Major Depressive Disorder
Authors: Kamishikiryo Toshiharu , Okada Go , Itai Eri , Masuda Yoshikazu , Yokoyama Satoshi , Takamura Masahiro , Fuchikami Manabu , Yoshino Atsuo , Mawatari Kazuaki , Numata Shusuke , Takahashi Akira , Ohmori Tetsuro , Okamoto Yasumasa
Published: September 2021

To establish treatment response biomarkers that reflect the pathophysiology of depression, it is important to use an integrated set of features that are promising as biomarkers. This study aimed to determine the relationship between blood metabolites related to treatment response to escitalopram and regional brain activity at rest and to find the characteristics of depression that respond to treatment. Blood metabolite levels and resting brain activity were measured in patients with depression (N = 65) before and after 6 weeks treatment with escitalopram and healthy controls (N = 36). Thirty-two patients (49.2%) showed clinical response (>50% reduction in Hamilton Rating Scale for Depression score) and were classified as Responders, and the remaining 33 patients were classified as Nonresponders. Pretreatment plasma kynurenine level and fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuations (fALFF) of the left dorsolateral prefrontal cortex (DLPFC) were lower in Responders, and their elevations after treatment were correlated with improvement in symptoms. Moreover, fALFF of the left DLPFC was significantly correlated with plasma kynurenine level in pretreatment patients with depression and healthy controls. Decreased kynurenine level and resting-state regional brain activity of the left DLPFC may be involved in the pathophysiology of depression in response to escitalopram treatment.