bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Effects of Modification and Co-Aging with Soils on Cd(II) Adsorption Behaviors and Quantitative Mechanisms by Biochar
Authors: Meng Zhuowen , Huang Shuang , Lin Zhongbing
Published: December 2021

In this study, original rice straw biochar and two KMnO4-modified biochars (pre- and postmodification) were prepared, which were all pyrolysed at 400℃. Premodified biochar had the largest Cd adsorption capacity, strongest acid and solute buffering capacity, which benefited from the increase of carbonate content, specific surface area and the emergence of Mn(II) and MnOx through modification. Original and premodified biochars were then conducted four types of aging process, namely, aging without soil, co-aging with acid (pH=5.00), neutral (pH=7.00) and alkaline (pH=8.30) soils, using an improved three-layer mesh method. The adsorption capacities of modified biochar were always larger than those of original biochar after aging processes. After four aging processes, Cd(II) adsorption capacities were basically in the order of aged biochar without soil > biochar co-aged with alkaline soil > biochar co-aged with neutral soil > biochar co-aged with acid soil, and KMnO4-modified biochar was always better than original biochar after co-aging with soils. The dominant adsorption mechanism of original and premodified biochars (fresh and aged) for Cd(II) was all the precipitation and adsorption with minerals (accounted for 58.55%~85.55%). In this study, we highlighted that biochar remediation for Cd should be evaluated by co-aging with soil instead of aging without soil participation.
Evaluation of the Clinical Characteristics of Dry Eye Secondary to Different Types of Liver Diseases
Authors: Li Shang , Li Ao , Ruan Fang , Zhang Wei , Chen Jie , Huang Chunyang , Jie Ying
Published: December 2021

PurposeComparing the clinical characteristics of dry eye secondary to primary biliary cholangitis (PBC), drug-induced liver injury (DILI) and viral hepatitis B(HBV) to evaluate the ocular surface damage caused by different types of liver diseases.Methods32 patients with secondary dry eye, included 10 cases of PBC, 10 cases of DILI and 12 cases of HBV. All patients were evaluated by SPEED questionnaire, corneal fluorescein staining(CFS), non-invasive tear breakup time(NIBUT), Schirmer I test(SIt), tear meniscus height test(TMH), the area of meibomian glands dropout(MG dropout) , partial blinking rate(PBR) and lipid layer thickness(LLT).ResultsCompared with DILI and HBV groups, PBC group had a lower SPEED questionnaire score, but the difference was not statistically significant (F=0.83, P=0.45); the CFS score was higher (c2=7.16,P=0.03), the PBR was higher (F=14.34, P=0.00), the SIt was lower (F=4.30,P=0.02), and the differences were statistically significant. The TMH of PBC and DILI groups was significantly lower than HBV group, and the difference was statistically significant (F=4.15, P=0.02). Compared with PBC group, the LLT of DILI group decreased, the difference was statistically significant (P=0.03). The NIBUT of three groups was lower than normal, but there was no statistical difference between groups (Ff=1.35,Pf=0.27;Fa=2.03,Pa=0.14).The area of meibomian glands dropout of three groups had mild to moderate defects, but there was no significant statistical difference between groups (F=0.32, P=0.73).ConclusionsThe PBC group was more prone to aqueous-deficient dry eye. The DILI group was more prone to obstructive meibomian gland dysfunction (MGD).The HBV group was more prone to non-obstructive MGD. The symptoms of dry eye in the PBC group are mild to moderate discomfort, but the degree of corneal damage is higher, indicating that the corneal sensitivity is reduced, which may be related to the high rate of partial blinking.
Segmental Spinal Neurofibromatosis 1: A Novel Phenotype
Authors: Fatima Nida , Dine Anna La , Barnard Zachary R , Lekovic Gregory P
Published: December 2021

Segmental neurofibromatosis (SNF) is a rare subtype of neurofibromatosis (NF). The disease is characterized by features circumscribed to one or more body cutaneous and/or subcutaneous segments. This is a classic example of somatic mosaicism which occurs by postzygotic mutation of the NF1 gene late in the course of embryonic development affecting localized neural crest lines in the fetus. Our case series reported three novel patients who had segmental spinal expression of the disease classified as true mosaic/segmental NF1, along with their management plan treated at one of the largest NF1 center.
All-in-one Superparamagnetic and SERS-active Niosomes for Dual-targeted in Vitro Detection of Breast Cancer Cells
Authors: Maurer Viktor , Zarinwall Ajmal , Wang Zunhao , Wundrack Stefan , Wundrack Nicole , Seleci Didem Ag , Helm Vivien , Otenko Daniil , Frank Claudia , Schaper Fred , Stosch Rainer , Garnweitner Georg
Published: December 2021

BackgroundIn vitro and in vivo biosensing through surface-enhanced Raman scattering often suffer from signal contamination diminishing both the limit of detection and quantification. However, overcoming the lack of specificity requires excessive nanoparticle concentrations, which may lead to adverse side effects if applied to patients. ResultsWe propose encapsulation of iron oxide (FexOy) and gold (Au) nanoparticles (NPs) into the bilayer structure of transferrin-modified niosomes. This approach enables achieving greatly enhanced and contamination-free SERS-signals in vitro as well as a dual-targeting functionality towards MCF-7 breast cancer cells. An in-depth characterization of FexOyNPs- and AuNPs-loaded niosomes (AuNPs/FexOyNPs/NIO) after magnetic downstream processing reveals defined hybrid niosome structures, which show a long-term SERS-signal stability in various media such as MCF-7 cell culture medium. In vitro 2D-SERS imaging unveil a successful incorporation of a non-toxic dose of hybrid NPs into MCF-7 cells, which leads to strong and almost contamination-free SERS-signals. The measured signal-to-noise ratio of the in vitro signal exceeds the values required by DIN 32645 for the successful validation of a detection method. ConclusionsThe hybrid niosomes can be considered a promising and efficient agent for the establishment and commercialization of a highly sensitive detection kit for monitoring cancerous tissue.
Reading Difficulty Dynamics and Interventions Within Community Schools in Ghana; Evidence From Banka Community Senior High School Using the OARP Protocol
Authors: Hamenoo Simon Victory Quarcson , King Rudith , Baah-Ennumh Theresa Yaaba , Mengba Jennifer Dokbila , Gyamfi Stephen Boadi
Published: December 2021

This study was designed to assess reading difficulty dynamics and develop the corresponding interventions for students in the Banka Community Senior High School within the Asante Akyem South Municipality of Ghana. The study used multiple research designs and research methods in soliciting data for the analysis. Both semi-structured questionnaires and interview guides were used for data collection. A 100-worded paragraph was taken from the introductory page of the Integrated Science Textbook for Senior High Schools to assess the reading difficulty of students using the One-Minute Administration of Reading Passages (OARP) protocol. Three sessions of readings were done; the first without intervention, and the subsequent readings with teacher interventions. The results of the study show that majority of the respondents had text recognition accuracy (TRA), text pronunciation accuracy (TPA) and reading speed (RS) problems. Thus, TRA, TPA, and RS scores were below the 80% benchmark in the first reading (without intervention). Nevertheless, TRA, TPA, and RS scores increased above the 80% benchmark for the second and third readings (with teacher interventions). Four causative factors for the reading difficulties (RDs), three locational dynamics, four durational dynamics, four reading frequency dynamics and four periodic dynamics of RDs were identified. The study concludes that RD reduces with teacher interventions. The findings of this study is not a generalization of reading difficulty dynamics and intervention in all community schools in Ghana but rather presents contributions to an emerging academic problem which could have implications on SDG 4 in the near future within community schools. Hence, the need for setting up reading clubs in community schools towards reducing reading difficulties among students.
Eleven-year Retrospective Study Characterizing Patients With Severe Brain Damage and Poor Neurological Prognosis -Role of Physicians’ Attitude Toward Life-Sustaining Treatment
Authors: Wakatake Haruaki , Hayashi Koichi , Kitano Yuka , Hsu Hsiang-Chin , Yoshida Toru , Masui Yoshihiro , Taira Yasuhiko , Fujitani Shigeki
Published: December 2021

BackgroundSevere brain hemorrhage/infarction and cardiac arrest constitute the most critical situations leading to poor neurological prognosis. Characterization of these patients is required to offer successful end-of-life care, but actual practice is affected by multiple confounding factors, including ethicolegal issues, particular in Japan and Asia. The aim of this study is to evaluate the clinical courses of patients with severe brain damage and to assess the preference of end-of-life care for these patients in Japanese hospitals.MethodsA retrospective observational study was conducted between 2008 and 2018. All intracranial hemorrhage/infarction and cardiac arrest out-patients (n=510) who were admitted to our two affiliated hospitals and survived but with poor neurologic outcomes were included. Demographic characteristics as well as prognosis and treatment policies were also assessed. Results Patients were divided into two categories; cases with absent brainstem reflex (BSR) (BSR[-]) and those with preserved BSR (BSR[+]). The survival rate was higher and the length of hospitalization was longer in patients with BSR[+] than in those with BSR[-]. Among three life-sustaining policies (i.e., aggressive treatment, withdrawal of treatment, and withholding of treatment), withholding of treatment was adopted to most patients. In BSR[-], the proportion of three treatment policies performed at the final decision did not differ from that at the initial diagnosis on neurological status (p=0.432). In contrast, this proportion tended to be altered in BSR[+] (p=0.072), with a decreasing tendency of aggressive treatment and a modest increasing tendency of withdrawal of treatment. Furthermore, the requests from patients’ families to withdraw life-sustaining treatment, including discontinuation of mechanical ventilation, increased, but actual implementation of withdrawal by physicians was less than half of the requests. ConclusionsBSR constitutes a crucial determinant of mortality and length of hospitalization in comatose patients with severe brain damage. Although the number of withdrawal of life-sustaining treatment tends to increase over time in BSR[+] patients, there are many more requests from patients’ families for withdrawal. Since physicians has a tendency to desist from withdrawing life-sustaining treatment, more in-depth communication between medical staff and patients’ families will facilitate mutual understanding over ethicolegal and religious issues and may thus improve end-of-life care.
Smoking Cessation Behaviors and Reasons for use of Electronic Cigarettes (EC) and Heated Tobacco Products (HTP) Among Romanian Adults: Implications for Comprehensive Tobacco Control Policy
Authors: Hussain Sumaira , Sreeramare Chandrashekhar T
Published: December 2021

We report cessation behaviors, reasons for use of EC and HTP and association of their use with quit attempts and smoking intensity using Romania Global Adult Tobacco Survey 2018. Weighted estimates of EC and HTP by cigarette smoking (CS) status were assessed. ‘Quit attempts’, ‘intention to quit’, reasons for lack of intention to quit among current CS and reasons for current use of EC and HTP were estimated. Association of ‘ever use’ of EC and HTP with cigarette smoking intensity and quit attempts was explored using binary logistic regression. Of the total 4571 surveyed, 1243 (27.3%) were current CS, 300 (24.4%) made quit attempt in the past 12 months. Only 38 (12.5%) and 26 (8.6%) had used EC and HTP as an aid to quit. Among current CS, 512 (41.2%) had no intention to quit. Reasons for this were, ‘enjoy smoking’ (86.1%), ‘reduce stress’ (65.9%) and ‘staying alert’ (46.3%). Awareness and use of EC and HTP was significantly higher among current CS. ‘Dual use’ of EC and HTP with CS was manifolds higher than stand-alone use. Reasons for current use of EC and HTP were ‘enjoyment’, and ‘use in places where smoking was prohibited’.
Immune Combination Therapy With NK Cell and Pembrolizumab Showed Therapeutic Efficacy in Treating Advanced Solid Tumors
Authors: Jia Jiankun , Heng Gang , Wang Meiling , Wang Linling , Li Yunyan , Zhang Yingzi , Zhang Chengcheng , Yang Zhi , Ruan Zhihua , Qian Cheng
Published: December 2021

Background：Natural killer cells are innate cytotoxic lymphocytes that play an important role in the anti-tumor immune response. However, in the microenvironment of solid tumors, the effector functions of NK cells are often impaired by the induction of immune checkpoint inhibitors, including PD-1. Methods: In this study, we conducted a two-phase study treating advanced solid patients with NK cell therapy (phase 1) or NK and anti-PD-1 inhibitor, pembrolizumab (phase 2).Results: After treatment, only 3 of 9 patients achieved stable disease after accepting NK cell therapy in the phase 1 study. While in the phase 2 study, 4 patients achieved stable diseases and 1 patient achieved partial response. Remarkably, no severe adverse event was observed in patients treated by NK cell and pembrolizumab combination therapy.Conclusion: The results in our study indicated that immune combination therapy with NK cell and pembrolizumab might be a promising and safe approaches to treating advanced solid tumors.
Agro-Pastoralists’ Perception of Climate Change and Adaptation in the Qilian Mountains, China
Authors: Xie Shuntao , Ding Wenguang , Ye Weifeng , Deng Zhe
Published: December 2021

Global climate change affects all aspects of human society, especially agricultural and animal husbandry production. Northwest China has detrimentally affected by the climatic variations due to its high exposure to extreme climatic events. A number of studies have reported on agro-pastoralists' perceptions, adaptation and mitigation of climate change, but the current knowledge of agro-pastoralists' perceptions of climate change in China is insufficient. To fill this research gap, this study aims to investigate the cognition level of agro-pastoralists in Northwest China on climate change and related factors. Data were collected using a structured questionnaire based on household surveys of 554 study participants in four counties in Gansu Province, China. Raw data were collected using stratified random sampling. A probit model was used to analyze the respondents' understanding of climate change and its related socio-economic and demographic variables. Our results show that more than 70% of agro-pastoralists are perception of the changes of temperature and precipitation. Socioeconomic and demographic variables such as gender, farming experience, education level, cultivated land size, agricultural income, livestock, village cadre experience, access to weather information of agro-pastoralists are pertinently related to agro-pastoralists' awareness of climate change. Farming experience, education level, household size, grassland size, agricultural income, association membership, village cadre experience has a high impact on agro-pastoralists' adaptation to climate change. The results of this study will help guide government agencies and decision makers, and help arid and semi-arid areas to build sustainable adaptation measures under the framework of climate change.
Increased Rate of Enteric Bacteria As Cause of Periprosthetic Joint Infections In Patients With Liver Cirrhosis
Authors: Koepf Uta S. , Scheidt Sebastian , Strassburg Christian P. , Wirtz Dieter C. , Randau Thomas , Lutz Philipp
Published: December 2021

Introduction: Periprosthetic joint infections (PJI) are a major complication in joint-arthroplasty. While Rifampicin is one of the few antimicrobial agents, that penetrate the bacterial biofilm and therefore is often used as an additional agent to treat PJI, rifampicin-resistant pathogens are also known to be cross-resistant to other approved rifamycins (rifambutin, rifaximin and rifapentine). Moreover, rifaximin, a broad-spectrum antibiotic with poor intestinal absorption, is used to prevent episodes of hepatic encephalopathy. As transient resistances to rifampin may emerge in patients after taking rifaximin the aim of this study was to examine the microbial pattern of periprosthetic joint infections in cirrhotic patients and to test the hypothesis that intake of rifaximin increases the rate of resistance to rifampicin in periprosthetic joint infections. Methods: A cohort of cirrhotic patients and PJI (n=25) was analysed on the characteristics of bacterial isolates from sonication and tissue analysis. In a second step a subgroup analysis on the development of rifampicin resistant bacterial specimens, depending on the intake of rifaximin (8 rifaximin intake patients vs. 13 non rifaximin intake patients) was performed. Results: Gram-negative bacteria were found in nearly 30% of the specimens. By comparison of the single bacterial isolates, rifampicin resistance was detected in 69.2% (9/13) of the rifaximin-intake samples. In contrast, the non-rifaximin-intake isolates only were resistant to rifampicin in 22.2% (4/18) of the cases (p=0.01). The odds ratio for developing a rifampicin-resistance through rifaximin intake was calculated as OR=13.5.Conclusion: Periprosthetic joint infections have a high incidence of being caused by gram-negative bacteria in cirrhotic patients. Due to this change in microbial pattern and the innate resistance to rifampicin of most of gram-negative bacteria, the therapy with rifampicin should be carefully considered. The association between the use of rifaximin and developed resistance to rifampicin has a major impact on the treatment of PJI.
The Impact of The Government’s COVID-19 Restriction Policies On Human Mobility: Evidence From The United States
Authors: Zhou Yuxun , Mohammad Mafizur Rahman , Rasheda Khanam , Brad Robert Taylor
Published: December 2021

Purpose – In responding to COVID-19, governments around the world have imposed various restrictions with different levels of success. One important aspect of pandemic control is the willingness of individuals to stay home when possible. The purpose of this paper is to study the impact of government restrictions on human mobility in the United StatesMethodology/approach – Structural equation modelling is used to explore the issue. First, we use path regression analysis and factor analysis to identify the main factors that influence mobility. Second, we use total effect decomposition to investigate the deeper relationship between government restrictions and human mobility.Finding – Two important findings are revealed First, the economic environment is the fundamental and direct factor affecting human mobility. There is a significant negative relationship between economic environment and human mobility, meaning that where economic conditions are bad mobility is greater. Second, government restrictions and the scale of the pandemic do not directly affect human mobility. Government restriction indirectly influences human mobility through economic environment as a mediating variable. Therefore, the economic environment has a significant mediating effect.Originality/value – Existing literature lacks research on the mediating effect between government restrictions and human mobility. This paper provides new empirical evidence for the research topic by studying the mediating effect between government restrictions and human mobility. This provides policymakers with a more detailed picture of the processes through which policies operate.
A Retrospective Comparative Analysis of Factors Affecting the Decision and Outcome of Initial Intravenous Immunoglobulin Alone or Intravenous Immunoglobulin Plus Methylprednisolone Use in Children With the Multisystem Inflammatory Syndrome
Authors: Devrim İlker , Böncüoğlu Elif , Kıymet Elif , Şahinkaya Şahika , Çelebi Miray Yılmaz , Cem Ela , Düzgöl Mine , Arıkan Kamile Ötiken , Kara Aybüke Akaslan , Besin Dorukhan , Vuran Gamze , Seven Pınar , Meşe Timur , Ağın Hasan , Bayram Nuri
Published: December 2021

Background: Use of intravenous immunoglobulins (IVIG) with or without methylprednisolone is the most preferred therapeutic strategy for the multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children (MIS-C). This study aimed to compare the use of IVIG plus methylprednisolone vs IVIG alone in children with MIS-C. Methods: This retrospective cohort study was conducted during the period between April 1, 2020, and November 1, 2021. All children with MIS-C were included in the study. The patients were divided in two groups according to whether they were administered IVIG alone or IVIG plus methylprednisolone as an initial treatment for MIS-C. While the patients in group I were administered IVIG with a dosage of 2 gr/kg, the patients in group II were administered IVIG (dosage of 2 gr/kg) plus methylprednisolone (2 mg/kg/day). The re-occurrence of fever, duration of hospital stay, admission to pediatric intensive care unit were compared between these two groups. Results: A cohort of 91 patients under 18 years old and diagnosed as MIS-C was included in the study. Of these patients, 42 (46.2%) were in IVIG alone group. (group I) and 49 (53.8%) were in IVIG plus methylprednisolone (group II). The ratio of severe MIS-C was 36.7% for patients in the group II and significantly higher compared to the rate of severe MIS-C patients in the group I (9.5%) (p=0.01). The rate of hypotension was significantly higher in the group II (30.6 %) compared to the group I (9.5%) (p=0.014). Moreover, the mean serum levels of C-reactive protein were significantly higher for the patients in group II. The re-occurrence of fever was 26.5% in the group II and 33.3% in the group, however this difference was not statistically significant (p>0.05). Conclusions: The decision of the treatment choice of patients with MIS-C should be individually evaluated. In the clinically severe MIS-C patients who were with hypotension, and/or admitted to PICU should be treated with IVIG plus methylprednisolone. However, randomized double-blind studies are required for the treatment modalities of children with MIS-C.
Profile of The Judicialization In Pharmaceutical Assistance And Expenses With Antineoplastics: A Cross-Sectional, Descriptive Study Based On A Set of All The Lawsuits Filed Between The Years 2016 To 2018 In of A State In Northeastern Brazil
Authors: Oliveira Fábio Henrique Cavalcanti , Sobrinho José Eudes de Lorena , Mendes Antônio da Cruz Gouveia , Gutman Haynne Magalhães Santos , Filho Geraldo Jorge , Montarroyos Ulisses Ramos
Published: December 2021

Background: The judicialization of healthcare for acquiring medication is not an isolated occurrence in Brazil, it may also be observed in other Latin American countries, regardless of the existence of a universal health system, in Brazil, the Unified Health System. The search for justice, in terms of medications, has existed ever since the high demand for treating the Acquired Immunodeficiency Syndrome, while currently, the protagonist is cancer. Since pharmaceutical assistance is the area within Unified Health System, which is responsible for maintaining access to medications, the aim of this article is to describe the profile of judicialization in the pharmaceutical assistance of a state in Northeastern Brazil of economic significance, according to the characteristics of the lawsuits, regarding: the plaintiff filing the lawsuit; the medical and health information; the expenditure on acquiring the requested medications; and the relevance of spending on antineoplastic drugs. Methods: This was a cross-sectional, descriptive study based on a set of lawsuits filed between 2016-2018 at the Litigation Center in the State Health Department of Pernambuco.Results: A total of 2,947 lawsuits were analyzed that contained at least one requested medication, with a predominance of males (51.7%); and in which 49.8% of the requests originated in the Unified Health System, and were primarily from patients in the Metropolitan region of the state capital. The most frequent ICDs for cancer were C61, C71 and C50. The median overall expense of the lawsuits was U$1,734.94. Considering only antineoplastic drugs, expenditure exceeded U$7,500 per lawsuit over the three years, given that the median unit price of antineoplastic drugs is approximately U$65.00 compared to U$4.00 for non-antineoplastic drugs. Conclusion: The present study is of relevance as a matter of public health, and how the profile of judicialization behaves as a tool for managing and improving decision-making in times of economic austerity.
An Object-based Climatology of Precipitation Systems in Sydney, Australia
Authors: Ayat Hooman , Evans Jason P. , Sherwood Steven C. , Soderholm Joshua
Published: December 2021

The climate is warming and this is changing some aspects of storms, but we have relatively little knowledge of storm characteristics beyond intensity, which limits our understanding of storms overall. In this study, we apply a cell-tracking algorithm to 20 years of radar data at a mid-latitude coastal-site (Sydney, Australia), to establish a regional precipitation system climatology. The results show that extreme storms in terms of translation-speed, size and rainfall intensity usually occur in the warm season, and are slower and more intense over land between ~10am and ~8pm (AEST), peaking in the afternoon. Precipitation systems are more frequent in the cold season and often initiate over the ocean and move northward, leading to precipitation mostly over the ocean. Using clustering algorithms, we have found five precipitation system types with distinct properties, occurring throughout the year but peaking in different seasons. While overall rainfall statistics don't show any link to climate modes, links do appear for some system types using a multivariate approach. This climatology for a variety of precipitation system characteristics will allow future study of any changes in these characteristics due to climate change.
New Explicit and Exact Traveling Waves Solutions To The Modified Complex Ginzburg Landau Equation
Authors: Depelair Bienvenue , Houwe Alphonse , Rezazadeh Hadi , Bekir Ahmet , Nsangou Mama , Betchewe Gambo
Published: December 2021

This paper applies function transformation method to obtain under certain conditions bright, dark, kink and W-shaped dark solitons waves solutions to the modified complex Ginzburg Landau Equation (CGLE). These new obtained solutions can be useful in many applications such as communication, medicine, hydrodynamic, thermodynamic just to name a few and can allow to explain physical phenomena.
Production of biosurfactants using Egyptian soil fungi
Authors: Hamed Shimaa R. , Al-Wasify Raed S. , Ragab Samar
Published: December 2021

Soil fungi have unique physiological and metabolic features, and are considered as an important source of biomolecules. The present research aims to study the ability of local soil fungal isolates for the production of biosurfactants and to study the stability of these biosurfactants under different temperatures (50, 70, 90, 110, and 121 ºC), different pH values (2, 3, 6, 10, 12, and 15), and different salinity concentrations (5, 10, 15, 20, and 25% NaCl) depending on the formation of clear zone using oil displacement area (ODA) test. The research also aims to study the enhancement effect of four vegetable oils including sunflower oil, waste frying oil, olive oil, and corn oil on the activity of the produced biosurfactants. The obtained results showed that Aspergillus flavus, Aspergillus wentii and Fusarium sp. had the maximum biosurfactants production. The stability of biosurfactants occurred at alkaline pH, wide range of temperatures, and under high salinity (15%). Sunflower oil had the maximum enhancement effect on the activity of the produced biosurfactants, while corn oil showed lower enhancement effect. Depending on the obtained results, it can be concluded that local soil fungal isolates are considered as a promising source for production of biosurfactants.
Eradication of Cervical Canal Colonization In Treatment Associated With Prophylactic Cervical Cerclage: The LOOK FURTHER Study
Authors: Sroka-Ostrow Natalia , Pietrzak Radosław , Pykało-Gawińska Dominika , Zaręba-Szczudlik Julia , Czajkowski Krzysztof , Romejko-Wolniewicz Ewa
Published: December 2021

BACKGROUND: The perioperative management of the cervical cerclage procedure is not unified. Controlling microbiome cervical status does not affect obstetric outcomes in general population, but it can be beneficial in cervical insufficiency. Eliminating cervical pathogens in those patients may increase the effectiveness, resulting in prevention of miscarriage or preterm labor and delivery of a baby capable of normal development.METHODS: Thirty five patients undergoing cervical cerclage at the 2nd Department of Obstetrics and Gynecology, Medical University of Warsaw, were included in the study. The procedure was performed only after receiving a negative culture from the cervical canal.RESULTS: Thirty one (88.5%) patients delivered after the 34th and 28 (80%) after the 37th week of gestation. The colonization of genital tract was found in 31% of patients prior to the procedure, 42% in the subsequent course of pregnancy and 48% before delivery. Eighty five percent of patients who had miscarriage or delivered prematurely had abnormal cervical cultures. In patients with normal cervical cultures 91.67% women delivered at term. There were no abnormalities in children’s development.CONCLUSIONS: Controlling microbiological status of the cervical canal results in better or similar outcomes to those reported by other authors in terms of obstetric and neonatal outcomes. Active eradication of the reproductive tract colonization potentially increases the effectiveness of the cervical cerclage placement.
Exploration of a Modified Stage for pN0 Colon Cancer Patients
Authors: Liu Yunxiao , Zhang Hao , Wang Yuliuming , Zheng Mingyu , Wang Chunlin , Hu Hanqing , Tang Qingchao , Wang Guiyu
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Exploring a modified stage (mStage) for pN0 colon cancer patients.Methods: 39637 pN0 colon cancer patients were collected from the SEER database (2010-2015) (development cohort) and 455 pN0 colon cancer patients from the Second Affiliated Hospital of Harbin Medical University (2011-2015) (validation cohort). The optimal lymph nodes examined (LNE) stratification for cancer-specific survival (CSS) was obtained by X-tile software. LNE is combined with conventional T stage to form the mStage.Results: The novel N stage was built based on the LNE (N0a: LNE ≥ 26, N0b: LNE = 10-25 and N0c: LNE < 10). The mStage include mStageA (T1N0a, T1N0b, T1N0c and T2N0a), mStageB (T2N0b, T2N0c and T3N0a), mStageC (T3N0b), mStageD (T3N0c, T4aN0a and T4bN0a), mStageE (T4aN0b and T4bN0b) and mStageF (T4aN0c and T4bN0c). Cox regression model showed that mStage was an independent prognostic factor. AUC showed that the predictive accuracy of mStage was better than the conventional T stage for 5-year CSS in the development (0.700 vs 0.678, P < 0.001) and validation cohort (0.649 vs 0.603, P = 0.018). The C-index also showed that mStage had a superior model-fitting.Conclusions: For pN0 colon cancer patients, mStage might be superior to conventional T stage in predicting the prognosis.
Caffeine Prevalence, Daily Consumption, and Factors Associated with Use among Active Duty United States Military Personnel
Authors: Knapik Joseph J , Steelman Ryan A , Trone Daniel W. , Farina Emily K. , Lieberman Harris R.
Published: December 2021

Background: Although representative data on caffeine intake in Americans are available these data do not include US service members (SMs). The few previous investigations in military personnel largely involve convenience samples. This cross-sectional study examined prevalence of caffeine use, daily consumption, and factors associated with use among United States active duty military service members (SMs). Methods: A stratified random sample of 200,000 SMs were asked to complete a questionnaire on their personal characteristics and consumption of caffeinated products. Eighteen percent (n=26,680) of successfully contacted SMs (n=146,365) completed the questionnaire. Results: Overall, 87% reported consuming caffeinated products ≥1 time/week. Mean ± standard error per-capita consumption (all participants) was 218±2 and 167±3 mg/day for men and women, respectively. Caffeine consumers ingested 243±2 mg/day (251±2 mg/day men, 195±3 mg/day women). On a body-weight basis, men and women consumed respectively similar caffeine amounts (2.93 vs 2.85 mg/day/kg; p=0.12). Among individual caffeinated products, coffee had the highest prevalence (68%), followed by sodas (42%), teas (29%), energy drinks (29%) and gums/candy/medications (4%). In multivariable logistic regression, characteristics independently associated with higher use prevalence (≥1 time/week) included female gender, older age, white race/ethnicity, higher body mass index, tobacco use or former use, greater alcohol intake, and higher enlisted or officer rank. Conclusion: Compared to National Health and Nutrition Survey Examination data, daily consumption (mg/day) by SMs was higher, perhaps reflecting higher mental and physical occupational demands on SMs.
Head-Down Tilt Bed Rest Improves Executive Function Amongst Younger Adults: A Pilot Project
Authors: Mekari Said , Murphy René , MacKinnon Andrew , Hollohan Quinn , Macdougall Samantha , Courish Molly , Kimmerly Derek , Neyedli Heather
Published: December 2021

Purpose

Microgravity has been shown to be a significant stressor on the cardiovascular system and the brain due to the redistribution of fluids that occurs in the absence of gravitational force, but there is scarce literature surrounding the effects of microgravity on cerebral hemodynamics and cognition. Understanding the early effects that simulated gravity has on cognitive function is essential for developing proper physical and cognitive countermeasures to assure safe and effective cognitive/decisions making while astronauts prepare for the initial launch or when they arrive in a microgravity environment. Therefore, this study aims to determine how an acute simulation of microgravity would alter cerebral oxygenation and executive functions.
Methods

Sixty-five young healthy participants (22±6 years, 21 females) completed a thirty (30) minute horizontal (00 tilt) followed by a 90-min -6° head-down-tilt (HDT) protocol. Cerebral oxygenation in the prefrontal cortex was monitored throughout the testing session using near-infrared spectroscopy. Cognition was also measured using a computerized Stroop Task.
Results

Our results demonstrate that cerebral oxygenation was higher during HDT compared to the horizontal supine position (9.11±1.3 vs 7.51±1.8, p=0.02). For the cognitive results, the non-executive performance of the Stroop task remained stable during HDT (652.46± 19.3 vs. 632.49±14.5, p=0.09). However, reaction time during the executive task performance was improved after the HDT (1058±195 msec to 950±158 msec, p<0.01).
Conclusion

Our results suggest that an acute bout of simulated microgravity can enhance executive functioning.
Mapping the Deformability of Natural and Designed Cellulosomes in solution
Authors: Dorival Jonathan , Moraïs Sarah , Labourel Aurore , Rozycki Bartosz , Cazade Pierre A , Dabin Jérôme , Setter-Lamed Eva , Mizrahi Itzhak , Thompson Damien , Thureau Aurélien , Bayer Edward A , Czjzek Mirjam
Published: December 2021

Background : Natural cellulosome multi-enzyme complexes, their components, and engineered ‘designer cellulosomes’ (DCs) promise an efficient means of breaking down cellulosic substrates into valuable biofuel products. Their broad uptake in biotechnology relies on boosting proximity-based synergy among the resident enzymes but the modular architecture challenges structure determination and rational design.Results: We used small angle X-ray scattering combined with molecular modeling to study the solution structure of cellulosomal components. These include three dockerin-bearing cellulases with distinct substrate specificities, original scaffoldins from the human gut bacterium Ruminococcus champanellensis (ScaA, ScaH and ScaK) and a trivalent cohesin-bearing designer scaffoldin (Scaf20L), followed by cellulosomal complexes comprising these components, and the nonavalent fully loaded Clostridium thermocellum CipA in complex with Cel8A from the same bacterium. The size analysis of Rg and Dmax values deduced from the scattering curves and corresponding molecular models highlight their variable aspects, depending on composition, size and spatial organization of the objects in solution.Conclusion: Our data quantifies variability of form and compactness of cellulosomal components in water and confirms that this native plasticity may well be related to speciation with respect to the substrate that is targeted. By showing that scaffoldins or components display enhanced compactness compared to the free objects, we provide new routes to rationally enhance their stability and performance in their environment of action.
Absence of Consistent Pattern Between Seasons or Among Species in Effects of Leaf Size on Insect Herbivory
Authors: Zhang Xiang , Feng Li , Lu Zhiyun , Wang Bo
Published: December 2021

Insect herbivory on plant leaves is a major determinant of plant fitness, especially the growth and survival of tree seedlings in forests. Leaf size is believed to significantly affect the intensity of herbivory. Studies often assume the relationship between leaf size and herbivory to be monotonic; however, it is influenced by many factors—the magnitude and direction of whose effects are different—indicating a complex non-monotonic pattern. In this study, we investigated the herbivory of 5754 leaves of 422 seedlings belonging to 43 subtropical tree species over two seasons in southwest China. The effects of leaf size on herbivory differed among seasons; a hump-shaped pattern was detected in December, while a pattern of monotonic increase was detected in September. A variety of patterns including complex non-monotonic patterns presenting U-shaped and hump-shaped patterns, as well as patterns indicating monotonic decrease and increase existed, although most species displayed a leaf-size-independent pattern. The relationship between leaf size and insect herbivory does not follow a constant rule, but differs across species and seasons, indicating that the effects of leaf size on the foraging preferences of insect herbivores may be contingent on both external (e.g., temperature) and intrinsic (e.g., other leaf traits) factors. Therefore, a one-off survey focusing a few species may provide misleading understanding on the overall pattern of the effect of leaf size on herbivory. Similar variations may also exist in other ecological processes, which should be given due consideration in future studies on biotic interactions.
Methodological Quality and Risk of Bias of Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses on Stem Cells for Knee Osteoarthritis: A Cross-Sectional Survey
Authors: Liu Aifeng , Yu Weijie , Chen Jixin , Guo Tianci , Niu Puyu , Feng Huichuan , Jia Yizhen
Published: December 2021

Background: Clinical guidelines need high-quality studies to support clinical decision-making, in which the evidence often was collected from systematic reviews (SRs) and/or meta-analyses (MAs). At present, the methodological quality and risk of bias (RoB) of SRs/MAs on stem cell therapy for the treatment of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) has been poorly investigated. This study aims to strictly evaluate the methodological quality and RoB in SRs/MAs of stem cell therapy for KOA.Methods: Four electronic databases (PubMed, Embase, Cochrane Library, and Web of Science databases) were searched, from inception to October 5th, 2021. SRs/MAs involving RCTs or cohort studies on stem cell therapy for the treatment of KOA were included. The methodological quality and RoB were assessed using AMSTAR 2 and ROBIS tool respectively. Results: In total, 22 SRs/MAs were included. According to the results obtained by AMSTAR 2 tool, all SRs/MAs were rated as “Critically low”. Main methodological weaknesses were as follows: eight items accounted for more than 50% of “No”, including Items 2 Protocol registration (81.82%), Item 7 Study exclusion and justification (86.36%) and Item 15 Investigation and discussion of publication bias (63.64%) were critical items. ROBIS-based RoB assessment showed that all the SRs/MAs were rated as “High”.Conclusions: The overall methodological quality of the SRs/MAs concerning the application of stem cell therapy in treating KOA is “Critically low”, while the RoB is high. It is difficult to provide effective evidence for the formulation of guidelines for KOA treatment. We suggest that the relevant methodological quality assessment should be carried out in the future before the SRs/MAs are used as clinical evidence.PROSPERO registration number: CRD42021246924
Turning C1-gases to Isobutanol Towards a Great Environmental and Economic Sustainability via Innovative Biological Routes: Two Birds With One Stone
Authors: Liang Bobo , Fu Rongzhan , Ma Yingqun , Hu Lizhen , Fei Qiang , Xing Xinhui
Published: December 2021

BackgroundThe dramatic increase in emissions of greenhouse gases (GHGs) has led to an irreversible effect on the ecosystem, which in turn caused significant harm to human beings and other species. Exploring innovative and effective approaches to neutralizing GHGs is urgently needed. Considering the advancement of synthetic biology and the bioconversion process, C1-utilizing cell factories (CUCFs) have been modified to be able to effectively convert C1-gases includes biogas, natural gas, and carbon dioxide (CO2) into chemicals or fuels via biological routes, which greatly facilitates the inedible carbon sources used in biomanufacturing, increases the potential value of GHGs and meanwhile reduces the GHG emissions. Process design and resultsEven though the current experimental results are satisfactory in lab-scale research, the evaluation of economic feasibility as well as applications of CUCFs in industrial-scale still need to be analyzed. This study designed three scenarios of CUCFs-based conversion of biogas, natural gas, and CO2 into isobutanol, the detailed techno-economic analyses of these scenarios were conducted with the comparisons of capital cost, operating cost, and minimum isobutanol selling price (MISP). Results revealed that direct bio-conversion of CO2 by CUCFs into isobutanol exhibited the best economic performance with a MISP of $1.38/kg isobutanol. The single sensitivity analysis showed that the gas utilization rate, flow rate, and CO2 cost are the three most significant economic-driving forces on MISP of CO2-derived biological isobutanol. Multiple-point sensitivity analysis presented that the MISP for the long-term case can be as low as 0.99 $/kg with using ideal targets. ConclusionsOur findings provide a comprehensive assessment of bio-conversion of C1-gases via CUCFs to isobutanol in terms of the bioprocess design, mass/energy calculation, capital investment, operating expense, sensitivity analysis, and environmental impact. It is expected that this study may lead to the paradigm shift in isobutanol synthesis with C1-gases as substrates.
Optimizing Acquisition Times for Total-Body Positron-Emission Tomography/Computed Tomography with Half-Dose 18F-Fluorodeoxyglucose in Oncology Patients
Authors: He Yibo , Gu Yushen , Yu Haojun , Wu Bing , Wang Siyang , Tan Hui , Cao Yanyan , Chen Shuguang , Sui Xiuli , Zhang Yiqiu , Shi Hongcheng
Published: December 2021

Purpose
The present study aimed to explore the boundary of acquisition time and propose an optimized acquisition time for total-body positron emission tomography (PET)/computed tomography (CT) oncological imaging using half-dose 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose (FDG) activity based on clinical diagnostic needs.
Methods
In this retrospective study, an exploration cohort (October 2019 to December 2019) of 46 oncology patients was first studied. The acquisition time for all patients was 15 min and the acquired images were reconstructed and further split into 15-, 8-, 5-, 3-, 2, 1-min duration groups (abbreviated as G15, G8, G5, G3, G2, and G1). The image quality and lesion detectability of reconstructed PET images with different acquisition times were evaluated subjectively (5-point scale, lesion-detection rate) and objectively (standardized uptake values, target-to-background ratio). In the same way, the filtered protocols were further validated in a cohort of 147 oncology patients (December 2019 to June 2021).
Results
In the exploration dataset, the subjective scores for G1, G2, G3, G5, and G8 were 2.0 ± 0.2, 2.8 ± 0.3, 3.1 ± 0.2, 3.9 ± 0.3, and 4.1 ± 0.2, respectively. Two cases in G1 were rated as 1 point. No significant difference in scores was observed between G5 and G8 (p = 0.89). In general, groups with a longer acquisition time showed lower background uptake and lesion conspicuity. Compared with G15, lesion-detection rate significantly reduced to 85.3% in G1. In the validation dataset, the subjective score was 2.9 ± 0.2 for G2, 3.0 ± 0.0 for G3, 3.5 ± 0.4 for G5, 4.0 ± 0.2 for G8, and 4.5 ± 0.4 for Gs. Only the scores between G2 and G3 were not significantly different (p > 0.99). The detection rates (204 lesions) significantly reduced to 94.1-89.7% in G3 and G2 (all p < 0.001).
Conclusion
A 2-min acquisition protocol provided acceptable performance in certain groups and specific medical situations. And protocols with acquisition times ≥ 5 min could provide comparable lesion detectability as regular protocols, showing better compatibility and feasibility with clinical practice.
Evaluating Agripreneurs’ Satisfaction: Exploring the Effect of Demographics and Emporographics
Authors: YOGANANDAN G. , Rahman Abdul Aziz Abdul , Vasan M. , Meero Abdelrhman
Published: December 2021

This paper attempts to gauge the satisfaction of agripreneurs and seeks to explore the effect of demographics and emporographics on the agripreneurs’ satisfaction. This study proposes a seven-dimension survey instrument, called AprenSAT, for measuring agripreneurs’ satisfaction. Responses from 784 agripreneurs are analyzed by applying exploratory and confirmatory factor analysis and multiple linear regression. The extraction of seven factors confirms that agripreneurs’ satisfaction is influenced by material availability, government support, farm growth, farm income, market performance, cultivation & production and perceived farm image. The linear regression result delineates that demographic factors such as age, education level and farming experience significantly influence the agripreneurs’ satisfaction. Similarly, variables of emporographics such as farm age, farm size, annual income, land ownership, sources of funds, and intercropping have a substantial influence on agripreneurs’ satisfaction. We recommend information dissemination, hands-on training, the creation of adequate infrastructure and technology adoption to enhance agripreneurs’ satisfaction and rural development.