bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Mitigating Environmental Degradation With Institutional Quality and Foreign Direct Investment (FDI): New Evidence From Asymmetric Approach
Authors: Udemba Edmund Ntom
Published: March 2021

Chile is currently rated among the performing countries towards the achievement of the global goals of reducing carbon emission. It is on recorded that Chile as a country has moved from highly insufficient to insufficient and still working towards conforming to the recommend the region of 20C in quest of controlling climate change through carbon emission reduction. From this development, it is essential to investigate on the country’s strategies in achieving this success and equally make recommendation for other countries to adopt Chile’s strategy as a blue print in controlling carbon emission. To effectively do this and achieve the objective of this study, I adopt nonlinear and asymmetric approaches to have a combine (positive and negative) view of the reactions of the selected variable towards determining the impact of each variable towards curbing emission in Chile. Also, a careful selection of variable which includes economic growth (GDP per capita-Y), institutional quality, foreign direct investment (FDI), fossil fuels and renewable energy consumption was undertaken in this study. The focus was on the interaction of institutional quality and FDI towards ascertainment of environment performance. Chile’s quarterly data of 1996Q1 to 2018Q4 was utilized and the following findings were made: positive and negative shocks to the economic growth, institutional quality and renewable energy impacted favorably and negatively on Chile’s environment through reduction and promotion of emission respectively. In contrast, positive and negative shocks to FDI and fossil fuels impact both negatively on the Chile’s environment through increase in carbon emission. So institutional quality is vital in controlling the negative impact from FDI and fossil fuels.
Malignancy Risk of Immunoglobin G4-related Disease: Evidence From a Large Cohort Multicenter Study
Authors: Liu Yanying , Fu Jiangnan , Ning Xiaoran , Li Huijuan , Ma Xiangbo , Wang Kunkun , Bian Wenjie , Zhang Yuxin , Yu Guangyan , Li Zhanguo
Published: March 2021

Objective: To evaluate the prevalence of malignancies in a multicenter cohort of Chinese patients with immunoglobulin G4-related disease (IgG4-RD) and to identify the related risk factors of malignancy in IgG4-RD patients. Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 602 IgG4-RD patients who were recruited in 5 medical centers from 2009 to 2020. Standardized prevalence ratios (SPRs) against general Chinese population were calculated along with 95% confidence intervals (CIs). We identified the risk factors of malignancy in IgG4-RD and calculated the odds ratios (ORs) of different factors. Then, we developed and validated a prediction model for malignancy risk of IgG4-RD based on our cohort. Results: We observed a significantly increased prevalence of total malignancies in this cohort compared to general Chinese population (SPR 8.66 [95%CI 5.84, 12.31]). Logistic regression analysis indicated that eosinophil percentage (OR 1.096 [95%CI 1.019-1.179], P=0.016), serum albumin to globulin ratio (AGR) (OR 0.185 [95%CI 0.061-0.567], P=0.002) and autoimmune pancreatitis (OR 2.400 [95%CI 1.038-5.549], P=0.041) were three independent risk factors of malignancy in IgG4-RD patients. Four predictors were included in our final prediction model: age at IgG4-RD diagnosis, eosinophil percentage, AGR and autoimmune pancreatitis. The nomogram performed well in the internal validation cohort, with a concordance index (C-index) of 0.738.Conclusion: A significantly increased prevalence of total malignancies were observed in our multicenter cohort. Eosinophil percentage and autoimmune pancreatitis are risk factors, whereas AGR is negatively associated with malignancy in IgG4-RD. A prediction model for malignancy risk of IgG4-RD was first developed and validated in our study.
Perovskite Hybrid Surface Plasmon Waveguide
Authors: Li Wenchao , Wu Jiawei , Li Xin , Li Zhiquan
Published: March 2021

A novel perovskite hybrid surface plasmon waveguide structure is designed. Established its physical model and introduced its theoretical basis in detail. Based on the finite element method, the mode characteristics, quality factor, and gain threshold of the waveguide structure are analyzed with geometric parameters. The results show that the optical field constraint of the waveguide can reach a good deep sub-wavelength level under the optimal operating wavelength of 1550nm. By adjusting the waveguide design parameters, the high quality factor, low energy loss, low threshold limit and ultra small effective mode field area are obtained. Compared with the hybrid waveguide structure proposed in the current research results, this structure has stronger optical field limiting ability and microcavity binding ability. The waveguide structure can provide theoretical and technical support for the development of new efficient nano laser devices, and has a good application prospect.
A Novel Rat Model of Embolic Cerebral Ischemia Using a Microcatheter and Zirconia Ball Under Fluoroscopic Guidance
Authors: Komatsu Teppei , Ohta Hiroki , Motegi Haruhiko , Hata Junichi , Terawaki Koshiro , Koizumi Makoto , Muta Kanako , Okano Hirotaka James , Iguchi Yasuyuki
Published: March 2021

Background and Purpose: The failure of neuroprotective treatment-related clinical trials may be partially caused by unestablished animal models. Existing animal models are less likely to provide occlusion confined to the middle cerebral artery (MCA), making transarterial intervention difficult. We aimed to develop a novel focal stroke model using a microcatheter and zirconium dioxide that is non-magnetic under fluoroscopic guidance, which can monitor MCA occlusion and can improve hemorrhagic complications. Methods: Using male Sprague Dawley rats (n=8), a microcatheter was navigated from the caudal ventral artery to the left internal carotid artery using digital subtraction angiography to establish local occlusion. Results: All rat cerebral angiographies were successful. No rats had hemorrhagic complications. Six (75%) rats underwent occlusion of the MCA bifurcation by zirconium dioxide. Accidentally, the left posterior cerebral artery was failure embolized in 2 rats (25%) via the posterior communicating artery. The median operating time was 8.5 min. Moreover, 2% 2,3,5-triphenyl tetrazolium chloride staining showed that the median infarct volume (mm3) was 280 (interquartile range; 267-333) 24 hours after the left MCA bifurcation occlusion. Conclusions: We present a novel rat model for focal stroke using a microcatheter and zirconium dioxide which does not affect the MRI. The model is predictable and reproducible, which is well confined within the territory supplied by the MCA. Fluoroscopy was able to identify which the MCA occlusion and model success while creating the model. It permitted exclusion of animals with complications from the experiment.
Oncological and functional outcomes of supratotal resection of IDH1 wild-type glioblastoma based on 11C-methionine PET: a retrospective, single-center study
Authors: Hirono Seiichiro , Ozaki Ko , Kobayashi Masayoshi , Hara Ayaka , Yamaki Tomohiro , Matsutani Tomoo , Iwadate Yasuo
Published: March 2021

Purpose. The oncological and functional outcomes in glioblastoma (GBM) patients following supratotal resection (SupTR), involving complete resection of contrast-enhancing enhanced (CE) tumors and areas of methionine (Met) uptake on 11C-met positron emission tomography (Met-PET), are unknown.Methods. We conducted a retrospective review in newly diagnosed, IDH1 wild-type GBM patients, comparing SupTR with gross total resection (GTR), in which only CE tumor tissue was resected. All patients underwent standard radiotherapy and temozolomide treatment, and were followed for tumor recurrence and overall survival (OS).Results. Among the 30 patients included in this study, 7 underwent SupTR and 23 underwent GTR. Awake craniotomy with cortical and subcortical mapping was more frequently performed in the SupTR group than in the GTR group. During the follow-up period, significantly different patterns of disease progression were observed between groups. Although more than 80% of recurrences were local in the GTR group, all recurrences in the SupTR group were distant. Median OS in the GTR and SupTR groups was 18.5 months (95% confidence interval [CI], 14.2-35.1) and not reached (95% CI, 30.5-not estimable), respectively; this difference was statistically significant (p=0.03 by log-rank test). No postoperative neurocognitive decline was evident in patients who underwent SupTR.Conclusion. Compared to GTR alone, aggressive resection of both CE tumors and areas with Met uptake (SupTR) under awake craniotomy with functional mapping results in a survival benefit associated with better local control and neurocognitive preservation.
Highly-Efficient thin Film LiNbO3 Surface Couplers Connected by Ridge-Waveguide Subwavelength Gratings
Authors: Yang Sipan , Xu Jinbin , Li Yaqian , Wu Liying , Quan Xueling , Fu Liucheng , Liu Min , Wang Zhengjie , Cheng Xiulan
Published: March 2021

The ridge waveguide integrated grating couplers (GCs) in lithium niobate on insulator (LiNbO 3 , LNOI) were designed, fabricated and characterized. Two ends of the gratings structures were connected through the middle photonic rib-waveguide of a sub-micrometric-diameter, which was nanostructured with the geometry of side-wall corrugated subwavelength gratings structure. A high coupling efficiency of -5.1 dB for the best thin film LiNbO 3 (TFLN) grating coupler was measured at the telecommunication wavelength of 1561 nm for quasi-transverse-electric (TE) polarized signals, with a broad 3-dB optical bandwidth of wider than 95 nm. All the devices structure patterns for the integrated LNOI GCs could be simultaneously defined by one step of electron-beam lithography, and then easily fabricated by the dry-etching processes. This compact component exhibited magnificent performance, and might show the potential functionalities for the TFLN-based integrated optical waveguide devices.
The extra 1.5 cm makes the differences: reduced incidence of vaginal intraepithelial neoplasia after modified hysterectomy for CIN3/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) patients
Authors: Li Lei , Song Xiaoyan , Feng Xiaojie , Li Xiaofeng , Zhang Zhenzhong , Liu Ruonan , Liang Dongxia
Published: March 2021

Objectives

To assess whether modified hysterectomy can improve locoregional control compared to the standard extrafascial hysterectomy for cervical high grade intraepithelial neoplasia 3 (CIN3)/adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS) patients.
Methods

A total of 135 CIN3/AIS patients from May 2014 to March 2018 were enrolled and randomized to different hysterectomy group and finally 128 patients were eligible for analysis, in which 60 patients received standard extrafascial hysterectomy and 68 patients received modified hysterectomy by removing extra 1.5cm of vagina. Intra-operative variables including operative time, estimated amount of blood loss, urinary catheter time, hospital stay time and postoperative complications, most importantly the postoperative recurrence and disease free survival (DFS) were compared and analyzed.
Results

Age, BMI and histology grade were comparable between these two groups. No significant differences were found at median surgical times, blood loss and postoperative hospital stay neither laparoscopicly nor abdominally, and neither was found about the incidences of fistulas, or other surgical complications. No incidences of prolonged urinary retention were found in both groups. With a median follow-up of 47.3 months (range 11–64 months), the modified hysterectomy group and had a significantly improved in DFS rate compared to the standard extrafascial hysterectomy group (P = 0.026). No disease related death occurred in the follow-up time.
Conclusion

With similar intra-operative variables operative time, modified hysterectomy appeared to provide the most reliable specimens and significantly reduced the postoperative vaginal recurrence rate for CIN3/AIS patients who choose remove their uterus when compared with standard extrafascial hysterectomy.
Development and Comparison of the Techniques for Solving the Inverse Problem in Photoacoustics
Authors: Nesic Mioljub Vojislav , Popovic Marica , Djordjevic Katarina , Miletic Vesna , Jordovic-Pavlovic Miroslava , Markushev Dragan , Galovic Slobodanka
Published: March 2021

In this work, theoretically/mathematically simulated (TMS) model is presented for the photoacoustic (PA) frequency response of a semiconductor in a minimum volume PA cell. By analyzing of the TMS model, the influences of thermal diffusivity and linear coefficient of thermal expansion on silicon sample PA frequency response were investigated and two methods were developed for their estimation. The first one is a self consistent inverse procedure (SCIP) for solving the exponential problems of mathematical physics, based on regression. The second one, a well trained three-layer perceptron with back propagation, based upon theory of artificial neural networks (ANN), is developed and presented. These two inverse problem solving concepts are applied to thermo-elastic characterization of silicon, compared and discussed in the domain of semiconductor characterization.
Student Profile: Motivations, Contributions and Barriers to Engage in Extracurricular Activities
Authors: Fujii Renata Nunes Achar , Kobayasi Renata , Enns Sylvia Claassen , Tempski Patrícia Zen
Published: March 2021

Background: Extracurricular activities in medical education and are defined as any social, philanthropic, non-mandatory and unpaid activity. Some of these activities allow students to interact with the community providing care, learning and experiences for both. The purpose of this study is to describe the motivational aspects, the learnings and the barriers involved in the practice of these activities. Methods: This is a cross-sectional study with medical students attending the first to the fifth year of medicine. We used qualitative and quantitative analyses to understand the motivating aspects, barriers and contributions involved in the practice of extracurricular activities. Results: Of the 586 students regularly enrolled in the medical course, 462 students accepted to participate in the research (Response rate: 78.43%), with 159 male students (34, 4%) and 303 female students (65.6%). Most of medical students (58,01%) participate in extracurricular activities with less participation during the first year (10,9%) and internship (35,4%). Among the motivating factors, students reported the desire to contribute to society, support their professional choice and learning. The students mentioned as learnings: integration of knowledge, life experiences, and development of communication, teamwork, leadership, responsibility, empathy and resilience. The barriers mentioned were the limited spots, the selection, the lack of support from those involved, personal, time management and possible losses in academic performance, physical and financial resources. Conclusion: Extracurricular activities allow medical students to develop skills and attitudes that are important to their future as a doctor. Students are motivated to participate in these activities to contribute to society, support their future professional choice and improve their learning.
Sequential HBV Treatment With Tenofovir Alafenamide for Patients With Chronic Hepatitis B: Week 96 Results From a Real-world, Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Ogawa Eiichi , Nakamuta Makoto , Koyanagi Toshimasa , Ooho Aritsune , Furusyo Norihiro , Kajiwara Eiji , Dohmen Kazufumi , Kawano Akira , Satoh Takeaki , Takahashi Kazuhiro , Azuma Koichi , Yamashita Nobuyuki , Yamashita Naoki , Sugimoto Rie , Amagase Hiromasa , Kuniyoshi Masami , Ichiki Yasunori , Morita Chie , Shimoda Shinji , Nomura Hideyuki , Hayashi Jun
Published: March 2021

Background and AimsOutcome data of sequential hepatitis B virus treatment with tenofovir alafenamide (TAF) are limited. We aimed to assess the effectiveness and renal safety of TAF in chronic hepatitis B (CHB) patients who were previously treated with entecavir (ETV), tenofovir disoproxil fumarate (TDF), or nucleos(t)ide analog (NA) combination. MethodsThis multicenter, retrospective, cohort study included 458 consecutive CHB patients who switched to TAF monotherapy after at least two years of treatment with another NA. The longitudinal virological/laboratory responses were evaluated up to 96 weeks after switchover. Chronic kidney disease (CKD) was defined as an estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR)<60 mL/min/1.73m2. ResultsThe proportions of HBV DNA suppression (HBV DNA<20 IU/mL) at week 96 were 99.0%, 97.8%, and 98.4% in the prior ETV (n=198), TDF (n=137), and NA combination (n=123) groups, respectively. Almost all patients with HBV DNA of 20-2000 IU/mL at baseline achieved HBV DNA suppression at week 96. On multivariable generalized estimated equation (GEE) analysis, a low quantitative hepatitis surface antigen (qHBsAg) level at baseline was associated with a lower follow-up qHBsAg level (coefficient 0.81, P<0.001). The eGFR showed greater improvement in patients with CKD compared to those with non-CKD according to the multivariable GEE analysis (coefficient 21.7, P<0.001). However, the increase of eGFR reached a peak between weeks 24 and 48. ConclusionsBased on this longitudinal data analysis up to 96 weeks, sequential NA therapy with a switch to TAF is a good option to better achieve high viral suppression and renal safety.
Cellulose based fluorescent macromolecular sensors and their ability in 2, 4, 6-trinitrophenol detection
Authors: Jiao Xinyue , Li Heyi , Cheng Xinjian
Published: March 2021

This article deals with three cellulose-based fluorescent macromolecular sensors by introducing 1,8-naphthimide fluorophore to cellulose. Firstly, through the etherification reaction of cellulose with BrCH2CH2NH2, -NH2 group bearing cellulose CS 1 was obtained. And then -NH2 group reacts with 4-bromo-1,8-naphthalic anhydride to synthesize a naphthalimide cellulose derivative (CS 2). Finally, recognition group was introduced by substituting Br atoms, and three cellulose fluorescent probes (CS 3, CS 4, CS 5) were obtained eventually. Structure and fluorescence properties of the macromolecular sensors were characterized and confirmed. Fluorescence detection measurements show that these probes can be used as selective and sensitive fluorescent sensors to 2,4,6-trinitrophenol (TNP). The detection limits are 0.52µM, 0.76µM and 0.81µM, respectively, indicating good detection performance. This work provides a new method for the selective detection of TNP and also a method to enlarge the application scope of cellulose.
Adsorption and pH values determine the distribution of cadmium in terrestrial and marine soils in the Nansha area, Pearl River Delta
Authors: Wang Fangting , Bao Ke , Huang Changsheng , Han Wenjing , Yin Zhibin , Chen Zhihua , Zhao Xinwen
Published: March 2021

Cadmium is a toxic element with a half-life of several decades, which can accumulate in the human body by entering the food chain and seriously harm health. Coastal zones are located in the transitional zone between land and sea, and large amounts of terrigenous material input have important environmental effects on this ecosystem. The pH, Eh, hydrodynamic conditions, soil organic matter(SOM) and other factors defining the sea-land interaction within the sedimentary environment are significantly different from those defining land facies. It was found that the adsorption constant KF and the Cd2+adsorption capacity of marine soils were higher than those of terrestrial soils. However, the saturation adsorption of cadmium in terrestrial sediments was higher than in marine sediments. In order to study the key factors affecting cadmium adsorption in soils at the sea-land interface in the Nansha area of the Pearl River Delta, a test was conducted on a column of undisturbed soil. The results showed that soil pH was an important factor affecting cadmium adsorption capacity in both terrestrial and marine sediments. Neutral and alkaline topsoil conditions inhibited the vertical migration of cadmium, while the acidic environment favored it. The higher the clay and SOM were, the stronger the Cd2+ adsorption capacity of the soil was. These findings suggest that the distribution of cadmium in marine and continental sedimentary soils is not only related to adsorption, but also to the physical and chemical processes occurring in different sedimentary environments.
Production of Electroconductive, Superhydrphobic and Flame-Retardant Cotton Fibers via Pad-Dry-Cure Process using Silicone Rubber and Ammonium Polyphosphate
Authors: Al-Enizi Abdullah M. , Alothman Asma A. , Ubaidullah Mohd , Nafady Ayman
Published: March 2021

Although pyrovatex has been widely utilized as commercial flame-retardant material, the discharge of poisonous formaldehyde is still a major concern. On the other side, fluorine-based materials have been successfully used to impart superhydrophobic textile surfaces, but they are highly expensive and extremely toxic. Based on these challenging concerns, we report a simple one-step method for the production of flame-retardant and water-repellent coating onto an electroconductive cotton-nickel (Cot-Ni) blend fabric. Firstly, the electroconductive cotton was prepared by weaving nickel strip twisted around cotton core yarns, which were then weaved with pure cotton yarns to introduce Cot-Ni blend fabric. Secondly a composite comprising ammonium polyphosphate (APP) and room-temperature vulcanized silicone rubber (RTV) was applied onto the electroconductive cotton fabrics via one-step pad-dry-cure technique. Results showed that the flame-retardant effect of cotton was enhanced due to the high binding of RTV with both APP and cotton fibers. Thus, different concentrations of APP were implemented in the composite to establish that only 100 g/L of APP with RTV presented an improved fire-retardancy. The surface of Cot-Ni fabric displayed different hierarchical morphologies relying on the concentration of APP. Moreover, RTV further enhanced the superhydrphobic nature of cotton surface. Importantly, the superhydrophobic activity was characterized by static water contact angle of the coated Cot-Ni blend. The CIE Lab colorimetric measurements of the coated Cot-Ni blend were also explored. The comfort characteristics of the coated Cot-Ni blend were assessed by measuring their air permeability and stiffness. Ultimately, these multifunctional cotton-nickel (Cot-Ni)/RTV-APP treated fabrics could be suitable for diverse applications, including firefighters’ wear, car seat mats, and grain storage containers.
Frequent Promoter Hypermethylation and Down Regulation of BNIP3: An Early Event During Gallbladder Cancer Progression
Authors: Bharti Amisha , Singh Deepika , Ansari Mumtaz A , Tewari Mallika , Narayan Gopeshwar , Singh Sunita
Published: March 2021

Epigenetic alterations have been reported as one of the risk factors of Gallbladder cancer (GBC). Promoter hypermethylation is associated with high incidence and poor prognosis of GBC. Bcl‑2/adenovirus E1B 19 kDa interacting protein 3 (BNIP3) is a pro-apoptotic protein member of Bcl‑2 family. Present study was aimed to investigate expression profile and promoter methylation status of BNIP3 in GBC and its correlation with clinico-pathological parameters. We demonstrate down regulation of BNIP3 in 56% of the GBC samples. BNIP3 promoter is also frequently hypermethylated (69%) in GBC samples. Interestingly, we found that 69% (40/58) of the BNIP3 promoter hypermethylated samples had also reduced expression of BNIP3. Our data demonstrate significant correlation of the mRNA expression and promoter hypermethylation with late stage and nodal metastasis. Hypermethylation of BNIP3 promoter is associated with low overall survival period. Our results suggest that promoter hypermethylation is an early event and can be a frequent mechanism for down regulation of BNIP3 in GBC. BNIP3 can be a good prognostic and diagnostic marker of GBC.
Influence of Heat Generation/Absorption and Stagnation point on Polystyrene -TiO2/H 2 O Hybrid Nanofluid
Authors: Masood Sadaf , Farooq Muhammad
Published: March 2021

This article focuses on hybrid nanofluid flow induced by stretched surface. The present context covers stagnation point flow of a hybrid nanofluid with the effect of heat gen-eration/absorption. Currently most famous class of nanofluids is Hybrid nanofluid. It contains polystyrene and titanium oxide as a nanoparticles and water as a base fluid. First time attributes of heat transfer are evaluated by utilizing polystyrene-TiO 2 / H 2 O hybrid nanofluid with heat gen-eration/absorption. Partial differential equations are converted into ordinary differential equation by using appropriate transformations for heat and velocity. Homotopy analysis method is operated for solution of ordinary differential equations. Flow and heat are disclosed graphically for unlike parameters. Resistive force and heat transfer rate is deliberated mathematically and graphically. It is deduced that velocity field enhanced for velocity ratio parameter whereas temperature field decays for heat generation/absorption coefficient. To judge the production of any engineering system entropy generation is also calculated. It is noticed that entropy generation grows for Prandtl number and Eckert number while it shows opposite behaviour for temperature difference parameter.
Health Promoting Lifestyle Behaviors and Associated Predictors Among Clinical Nurses in China: A Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Zeng Wen , Fang Qian , He Shan , An Qiping , Li Juan , Yao Yuanrong
Published: March 2021

Background: Nurses play a core role and encompass the main workforce in health care systems. Their role model of health promoting behaviors would directly or indirectly affect their clients’ beliefs or attitudes of health promotion. There is limited evidence on health promoting lifestyle behaviors in clinical registered nurses. To explore the health promoting lifestyle behaviors and associated influencing factors among clinical registered nurses in China.Methods: A multi-center cross-sectional anonymous online survey was conducted in 2020. Participants were asked to complete social demographic information as well as the revised Chinese edition of Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile. Independent-Sample T Test, One-Way ANOVA and categorical regression (optimal scaling regression) were main methods to analysis the relationship between demographic data and score of health promoting lifestyle behaviors.Results: 19422 nurses were included in the study. The mean score of self-actualization, health responsibility/physical activity, nutrition, job safety, interpersonal support and overall Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile were, 27.61±5.42 out of a score of 36, 22.71±7.77 out of a score of 44, 10.43±2.97 out of a score of 16, 22.05±3.97 out of a score of 28, 20.19±4.67 out of a score of 28, and 102.99±19.93 out of a score of 144, respectively. There was a significant relationship among Hospital levels, working years, nightshift status, and monthly income per person and mean score of all subscales and the overall Health Promoting Lifestyle Profile (P<0.05).Conclusions: Nurses participated in the study presented moderate level of health promoting lifestyle behaviors. Hospital levels, working years, nightshift status, and monthly income per person were predictors for all subscales and overall HPLP.
MicroRNA-17-5p Downregulation Inhibits Autophagy and Myocardial Remodeling after Myocardial Infarction by Targeting STAT3
Authors: Chen Bo , Yang Yinjun , Wu Jinbo , Song Jianjiang , Lu Jia
Published: March 2021

Objective: Myocardial infarction (MI) is acknowledged as a major cause of heart disease related death in the world. This study aims to explore the function and mechanism of miR-17-5p-induced STAT3 in myocardial remodeling after MI.Methods: MI mice were infected by lentivirus antago-miR-17-5p vector. The expression of miR-17-5p in myocardial tissues was detected. The levels of STAT3 and specific markers of autophagy LC3-II/LC3-I, Beclin-1 and p62 were measured. Myocardial remodeling and scar size were assessed and cell apoptosis was determined. The binding of miR-17-5p and STAT3 was analyzed. The functions of miR-17-5p and STAT3 in autophagy and myocardial remodeling after MI were confirmed by functional rescue experiment after injecting STAT3 inhibitor S31-20.Results: Decreased fractional shortening, increased left ventricular systolic diameter and ventricular filling velocity were detected in MI mice. High expression of miR-17-5p was found in myocardial tissues after MI. The inhibition of miR-17-5p expression led to reduction of fibrosis of myocardial tissues, scarring, cardiomyocyte apoptosis, and expressions of LC3-II/LC3-I and Beclin-1, and increased p62 expression after MI. miR-17-5p targeted STAT3 and negatively regulated its expression. Inhibition of STAT3 level reversed the improving effect of antago-miR-17-5p on MI.Conclusion: Inhibition of miR-17-5p can inhibit myocardial autophagy through targeting STAT3, and then inhibit myocardial remodeling, thereby protecting myocardium after MI.
Realistic Advantages of Early Surgical Drain Removal after Pancreatoduodenectomy: A Single-institution Retrospective Study
Authors: Yoon So Jeong , Shin Sang Hyun , Yoon So Kyung , Jung Ji Hye , Han In Woong , Choi Dong Wook , Heo Jin Seok
Published: March 2021

The latest guidelines from the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery (ERAS®) Society stated that early drain removal after pancreatoduodenectomy (PD) is beneficial in decreasing the complications including postoperative pancreatic fistulas (POPFs). This study aimed to ascertain the actual benefits of early drain removal after PD. The data of 450 patients who underwent PD between 2018 and 2020 were retrospectively reviewed. The surgical outcomes were compared between patients whose drains were removed within postoperative 3 days (early removal group) and after 5 days (late removal group). Logistic regression analysis was performed to identify the risk factors for clinically relevant POPFs (CR-POPFs). Among 338 patients with drain fluid amylase levels of less than 5000 IU on the first day after surgery, the early removal group (n=81) had fewer complications and shorter hospital stays than the late removal group (n=257) (30.9% vs 54.5%, p < 0.001; 9.8 days vs 12.5 days, p = 0.030, respectively). The incidence rates of specific complications including CR-POPFs were comparable between the two groups. Risk factor analysis showed that early drain removal did not increase the risk of CR-POPFs (p = 0.163). Although early drain removal after PD has not been identified as apparently beneficial, this study showed that it may contribute to an early return to normal life without increasing complications.
The Clinical Desire for Pressurized Intraperitoneal Aerosol Chemotherapy in South Korea: An Electronic Survey-based Study
Authors: Lee Eun Ji , Park Soo Jin , Mun Jaehee , Paik Haerin , Lee Jeesun , Seol Aeran , Kim Junhwan , Lee Nara , Chang Suk-Joon , Kim Hee Seung
Published: March 2021

Background: Pressurized intraperitoneal aerosol chemotherapy (PIPAC) is effective for treating peritoneal metastasis. However, it is currently used in the limited areas. Thus, we performed a survey to evaluate the clinical desire for PIPAC in South Korea, one of the many countries where PIPAC has not yet been introduced.Methods: We performed an online survey between November and December 2019. The questionnaire consisted of 20 questions, which were divided into comprehensive, procedure, and cost inquiries including five, 13 and two questions, respectively. Results: A total of 164 respondents who answered the questionnaire. Among respondents, 41.7-50% majoring in ovarian cancer, pseudomyxoma peritonei, and malignant mesothelioma preferred PIPAC for the curative treatment of primary diseases, whereas 32.7-33.3% majoring in colorectal and hepatobiliary cancers chose it for the palliative treatment of recurrent diseases. Moreover, 66.7-95.2% considered PIPAC appropriate for the cancers the specialized in, and 76-78.7% expected a treatment response of more than 50% and considered grade 1 or 2 minor surgical complications acceptable. Finally, most of the respondents answered the reasonable costs to purchase and implement PIPAC once at between 1,000,000-5,000,000 KRW. Conclusions: This surgery may reflect on the availability, scope, and reasonable cost of PIPAC treatment in South Korea for introducing PIPAC.
Traffic-related activities driven dust-bound magnetic pollution in urban road-system: Case study of Xiamen island, China
Authors: Yang Dan , Wu Jiajia , Hong Hualong , Liu Jingchun , Yan Chongling , Lu Haoliang
Published: March 2021

Sources of magnetic phases in urban dust include traffic-related activities, industrial products and detrital minerals. Exposure to magnetic phases in urban dust co-associated with trace metals is associated with respiratory ailments in sensitive organisms. Here, we collected samples of surface roadside dust and topsoil from Xiamen island, Fujian, China and then magnetic properties were determined using rock-magnetic methods. Magnetic particle concentrations in surface roadside dust was found to be significantly high compared with magnetic content in topsoil using magnetic susceptibility (𝜒LF), saturation isothermal remanent magnetization (SIRM) and susceptibility of anhysteretic remanent magnetization (𝜒ARM). Roadside dusts had much lower percent frequency-dependent susceptibility (1.83 ± 0.12%) than topsoil (2.96 ± 0.14%). Given the 𝜒ARM/SIRM vs 𝜒fd% and first-order reversal curves, most of the magnetic particles in roadside dust were large than in topsoil. Variable temperature dependence of magnetization, isothermal remanent magnetization decomposition spectra and first-order reversal curves suggested the enhancement of dust 𝜒LF, SIRM and 𝜒ARM were related to the exogenous pseudo-single-domain magnetite-like materials. This study provides a better understanding of magnetic ageing of dust particles in coastal cities. These results will be useful in optimizing environmental policies aimed at regulating magnetic dust particles pollution in coastal cities.
The Relationship Between TNF-Like Protein 1A and Coronary Artery Aneurysms in Children With Kawasaki Disease
Authors: zhang jing , Weng Haobo , Pei Qiongfei , Yang Penghui , Fan Wentao , Liu Ruixi , Yi Qijian
Published: March 2021

Background: Kawasaki disease (KD) is an acute, systemic vasculitis of unknown etiology that occurs predominantly in infants and children, and the most crucial complication of KD is coronary artery aneurysm (CAA). Tumor necrosis factor (TNF)-like protein 1A (TL1A) is a member of the TNF superfamily, which possesses the ability of maintaining vascular homeostasis and regulating immune response. This study aims to examine the serum TL1A levels in KD patients, and to investigate the relationship between TL1A and CAAs in children with KD.Methods: Blood samples were recruited from 119 KD patients, 35 febrile controls (FCs) and 37 healthy controls (HCs). The KD group was further divided into KD with CAAs (KD-CAAs) and KD non-CAAs (KD-NCAAs) groups. Serum TL1A levels were measured using enzyme-linked immunosorbent assays, and clinical parameters were collected in KD patients. Results: Serum TL1A levels in the acute phase of KD patients were significantly higher than that in the FC and HC groups. In particular, serum TL1A were substantially increased in the KD-CAA group than that in the KD-NCAA group. Furthermore, TL1A levels were positively correlated with the duration of fever, time point of IVIG and WBC levels, but negatively correlated with levels of RBC, Hb and Albumin in the KD group. Conclusions: TL1A might be involved in the KD-associated vasculitis, and might be a factor in the development process of CAAs.
Exploring the Active Compounds of Traditional Mongolian Medicine Baolier Capsule (BLEC) in Patients with CAD Based on Network Pharmacology Analysis and Molecular Docking Method
Authors: Wei Mengqiu , Liu Jun , Lai Jun , Leng Meifang , Ye Zebing , Guo Kai
Published: March 2021

Baolier Capsule (BLEC) is a Traditional Mongolian Medicine comprising of fifteen herbs. In China, this medicine has been used to treat CAD for many years. However, the molecular mechanism of BLEC in the treatment of CAD is not yet fully understood. Hence, this study aims to illustrate the synergistic mechanism of BLEC in the treatment of CAD by using network pharmacology method and molecular docking. Searching and screening the active ingredients of different herbs in BLEC and target genes related to CAD in multiple databases. Subsequently, STRING and Cytoscape were used to analyze and construct the PPI network. In addition, clustering and topological analysis are used to analyze the PPI network. Then, using R project for GO and KEGG enrichment analysis. Finally, AutoDock was used to verify the binding ability between the active ingredient and the key target through molecular docking. There are 144 active components and 80 CAD-related targets that are identified in BLEC in the treatment of CAD. What is more, 8 core genes (AKT1, EGFR, FOS, etc.) were obtained by clustering and topological analysis. Further, GO and KEGG analysis showed that fluid shear stress and atherosclerosis is the key pathways for RWW to treat CAD. These results were validated by molecular docking method. Our research firstly revealed the basic pharmacological effects and relevant mechanisms of the BLEC in the treatment of CAD. The prediction results might facilitate the development of BLEC or its active compounds as alternative therapy for CAD. Our research first revealed the basic pharmacological effects and related mechanisms of BLEC in the treatment of CAD. The predicted results provide some theoretical support for BLEC or its important active ingredients to treat CAD.
Willingness for COVID-19 Vaccination and Influencing factors in Nurses from Tangshan City, China: A Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Wang Yunlong , Dong Lihuan , Liang Yajing , Guo Zonghai , Cheng Jie , Liu Yujing , Li Yanying
Published: March 2021

Background: To understand the willingness of nurses from Tangshan City to undergo Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) vaccination and identify its influencing factors.Methods: In January 2021, 255 nurses from five medical institutions across Tangshan City were investigated through convenience sampling on a network platform of Sojump. Furthermore, SPSS Statistics v24.0 software was used for general descriptive analysis, rank-sum test and binary logistic regression analysis to analyse willingness rates for COVID-19 vaccination and corresponding influencing factors.Results: A total of 255 valid questionnaires were collected (recovery rate, 85.71%). Among the 255 nurses surveyed, the willingness rate was 67.8%. The major reasons for willingness to undergo COVID-19 vaccination included a high-risk work environment necessitating COVID-19 vaccination (87.9%), expected benefits to themselves and others (72.8%) and worries regarding COVID-19 infection (66.5%). Meanwhile, reasons for unwillingness to undergo COVID-19 vaccination in 82 nurses included concerns regarding safety (89.0%), effectiveness (62.2%) and the possibility of fake vaccines (32.9%). Furthermore, among the 255 nurses, 43.9% were willing to recommend COVID-19 vaccination (n = 112), with the main reasons being prevention of COVID-19 infection (100.0%) and herd immunity via universal vaccination (90.2%). Moreover, the main reasons for unwillingness to recommend COVID-19 vaccination included poor popularity and wait-and-see attitude (85.3%) and hesitancy to recommend given the absence of COVID-19 vaccines (67.1%). With regard to attitude towards COVID-19 vaccine marketing, 149 (58.5%) nurses expressed favour, 101 (39.6%) nurses took a neutral position and 5 (1.9%) expressed displeasure. Univariate analysis revealed that male nurses, as well as those who actively inquired and sought information on COVID-19 vaccines, had significantly higher willingness for vaccination compared to female nurses and those not actively seeking information (P < 0.05). Meanwhile, binary logistic regression analysis indicated that gender, degree of education, working years and active inquiry or search for vaccine information were associated with willingness for COVID-19 vaccination (P < 0.05).Conclusion: This study highlights the need for further improving the willingness of nurses from Tangshan City to undergo and recommend COVID-19 vaccination. Relevant departments should therefore publicise information regarding COVID-19 vaccines for medical staff to ensure the safe and effective promotion thereof.
The Relationship among Negative Peer Pressure, Drinking alcohol and Early sexual engagement among secondary school students’ in Assosa Zone, West of Ethiopia
Authors: Wubet Demelash
Published: March 2021

Background: Sexual and reproductive health problems are the main causes of death, psychological abnormality, disability, and disease among young people in the world particularly in Ethiopia. Adolescents represent one of the groups at highest risk for HIV infection.Objectives: Examined the relationship among negative peer pressure, drinking alcohol and early sexual engagement.Methods: This study employed correlation research design and closed – ended questionnaires for 355 randomly selected (177 females and 178 males).Results: Negative peer pressure was significantly correlated with drinking alcohol and early sexual engagement (r =-.193, p = .010) and (r = .167, p = .006) respectively. Additionally, drinking alcohol also was correlated significantly and positively with early sexual engagement (r =.151, p= .000). But, there was no statistically significant gender difference on negative peer pressure, drinking alcohol and early sexual engagement (p > 0.05). The variables, negative peer pressure and drinking alcohol jointly contributed .532 (53.2%) of the variance on early sexual engagement (p <0.05). Relative contribution of negative peer pressure and drinking alcohol on early sexual engagement is-.362 (36.2%) and-.454 (45.4%) respectively.Conclusions: as negative peer pressure increases students' drinking alcohol and early sexual engagement also increases. Similarly, when drinking alcohol increases students' early sexual engagement also increases. Both negative peer pressure and drinking alcohol were the contributing factors of early sexual engagement.
Prognostic Value of Admission Blood Urea Nitrogen/Creatinine Ratio in Patients with STEMI Undergoing Late Percutaneous Coronary Intervention
Authors: Dong Caijuan , Xue Yanbo , Fan Yan , Zhang Ruochen , Feng Yunfei , Wang Yamei , Kou Puqing , Li Guoli , Ma Aiqun , Wang Tingzhong
Published: March 2021

Objective: Numerous patients with ST-segment elevation myocardial infarction (STEMI), especially in developing countries, undergo late percutaneous coronary intervention (PCI), defined as time of PCI > 24 hours from symptom onset. This study is aimed to identify the predictive value of admission blood urea nitrogen/creatinine ratio (BUN/Cr) on long-term all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality in STEMI patients receiving late PCI. Methods: Eligible STEMI patients who received late PCI between 2009 and 2011 were consecutively enrolled. They were classified into two groups based on the median BUN/Cr: low BUN/Cr group and high BUN/Cr group. Patients were followed up by phone or face to face interviews and medical records review. The primary endpoint was defined as all-cause mortality and cardiac mortality. Results: 780 STEMI patients were enrolled finally. The median BUN/Cr was 14.29. The median follow-up period was 41 months, with 37 all-cause deaths and 25 cardiac deaths. Compared to the low BUN/Cr group, high BUN/Cr group had higher all-cause mortality (6.4% vs. 3.1%, P=0.029), and cardiac mortality (6.3% vs. 1.5%, P<0.001). The Cox proportional hazard analysis revealed that high BUN/Cr at admission was an independent predictor of long-term cardiac mortality (P=0.003), but not of all-cause mortality (P=0.077). Conclusions: High BUN/Cr ratio at admission was an independent predictor of cardiac mortality in STEMI patients receiving late PCI. Brief Summary: In a retrospective study of STEMI patients receiving late PCI, we found that high BUN/Cr ratio (BUN/Cr>14.29) at admission was an independent predictor of long-term cardiac mortality, but not of all-cause mortality. The study showed that BUN/Cr ratio could be a potential indicator of risk stratification models for STEMI patients undergoing late PCI.
Production of Transgenic Chimeric Chicken from Cryopreserved Primordial Germ Cells and its Validation by Developing shRNA Transgenic Chicken Chimera
Authors: Divya D , Shukla R , Chatterjee RN , Sagar G , Prasad A Rajendra , Bhattacharya Tarun K
Published: March 2021

Primordial germ cells (PGCs) are precursors of gametes in birds. For ex-situ conservation and production of transgenic birds, there is a limitation for preservation of oocytes in birds as compared to other mammalian species. To overcome those limitations, PGCs have been used as candidate cells, which have been cryopreserved and manipulated and used as to produce transgenic birds. In this study, cryo-preserved PGCs were used to produce transgenic birds. The protocol for production of transgenic birds with cryo-preserved PGCs was developed and the success rate for production of transgenics 16.7% in the protocols established in the study. The same gene transfer protocol through PGCs was validated by transferring shRNA molecule of SREBP-1 gene to the host genome to produce transgenic chimeric birds and the success rate for production of transgenic chimeric chicken was 40%. Finally, it is concluded that a standard protocol for ex-situ conservation of birds through PGCs and production of transgenic birds from cryo-preserved PGCs and knock down birds from PGCs were developed. It may be suggested that these protocols for resurrecting live birds from cryo-preserved PGCs may be applied as model for protecting the endangered birds from their extinction.
How may COVID-19 viral membrane resist when exposed radiation to treatment : effects on Phospholipids and cholesterol
Authors: Khattari Z. , Sayyed M.
Published: March 2021

In this report, we have investigated the ability of the essential phospholipids and cholesterol found viral membrane of SARS-COV-2 to protect it from the radiation exposure. The applied mehod was Geometric Progression fitting procedure to obtained numerically the atomic number equivalenace (Zeq), for any photon energy absorption exposure (EBF) and absorption (EABF) buildup factors. The used energy range E∈ [0.015,15] MeV up to an ultimate penetration length of 40 mpf for viral membrane essential components phospholipids and cholesterol. Most importantly, the calculated Zeq values were found to vary with incident photon energy and phospholipids compositions. Also, both EBF and EABF were depend strongly on the photon energy and penetration depths. For phospholipids, these two factors almost coincide in the energy range studied while it slightly different for cholesterol. At energies < 150 keV, both buildup factors were found to to inversely proportional to Zeq values of the phospholipids and cholesterol. The buildup factors EABF and EBF were found to be larger for cholesterol than other phospholipids at nearly 60 keV for COVID-19 viral membrane. The above results have shown that the viral membrane can resist the radiation effects and prevent the coronavirus form being inactivated when exposed to γ- or X-rays radiotherapy treatment in medical trails except for a specific radiation energy depending on the mfp (i.e., 60 keV at 5 mfp).