bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Low-dose Dexamethasone in the Prevention of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting After Total Joint Arthroplasty: a Retrospective Study
Authors: Mao Quan , Wu Yongcheng , Chen Bin
Published: October 2021

Background To investigate the clinical efficacy and safety of prophylactic low-dose dexamethasone for postoperative nausea and vomiting (PONV) after total joint arthroplasty. Methods a total of 100 patients who underwent primary total knee or hip arthroplasty were enrolled. Patients were divided into placebo group (received 1 ml normal saline), and Dexa group (received 5 mg dexamethasone). The incidence of PONV was recorded and divided into 4 levels for statistical comparison. The occurrences of postoperative complications, the numerical rating scales for pain, the consumption of analgesic and antiemetic rescue, and the patient satisfaction rate were counted and compared. Results In the Dexa group, patients had a lower incidence of level Ⅲ or higher PONV than those in the placebo group (p<0.05), as well as the amount of additional antiemetic drugs. The pain level and consumption of analgesics were similar in the two groups. No delayed wound healing or gastrointestinal hemorrhage was observed in either group. One patient in the placebo group got early surgical site infection occurred with no statistical significance. Patients in Dexa group had a higher subjective satisfaction rate.Conclusion The prophylactic application of 5 mg dexamethasone during induction of anesthesia can effectively reduce the incidence of severe PONV after the initial total joint replacement and the consumption of antiemetic drugs, improve the patient's care experience, and will not bring significant clinical harm.
Breeding Stage and Tissue Isotopic Consistency Suggests Colony-Level Flexibility in Niche Breadth of An Arctic Marine Bird
Authors: Parkinson Kyle J.L. , Hennin Holly L. , Gilchrist H. Grant , Hobson Keith A. , Hussey Nigel E. , Love Oliver P.
Published: October 2021

Organisms must overcome environmental limitations to optimize their investment in life history stages to maximize fitness. Human-induced climate change is generating increasingly variable environmental conditions, impacting the demography of prey items and therefore the ability of consumers to successfully access resources to fuel reproduction. While climate change effects are especially pronounced in the Arctic, it is unknown whether organisms can adjust foraging decisions to match such changes. We used a 9-year blood plasma δ13 C and δ15 N dataset from over 700 pre-breeding Arctic common eiders (Somateria mollissima) to assess breeding-stage and inter-annual variation in isotopic niche, and whether inferred trophic flexibility was related to colony-level breeding parameters and environmental variation. Eider blood isotope values varied both across years and breeding stages, and combined with only weak relationships between isotopic metrics and environmental conditions suggests that pre-breeding eiders can make flexible foraging decisions to overcome constraints imposed by local abiotic conditions. From an investment perspective, an inshore, smaller isotopic niche predicted a greater probability to invest in reproduction, but was not related to laying phenology. Proximately, our results provide evidence that eiders breeding in the Arctic can alter their diet at the onset of reproductive investment to overcome increases in the energetic demand of egg production. Ultimately, Arctic pre-breeding common eiders may have the stage- and year-related foraging flexibility to respond to abiotic variation to reproduce successfully.
Environmental Quality Assessment of The Agricultural Production Area Based on Heavy Metal Risk Analysis In Soils and Crops From a Typical Economic Region, Southeastern China
Authors: Mao Xinyu , Jiang Xiaosan , Yu Huaizhi , Zhai Senmao
Published: October 2021

BackgroundHeavy metal pollution in soil-crop system attracted great attention globally with rapid urbanization and intensive industrialization. Due to their accumulation and enrichment effects may pose a serious threat to food safety and human health, it is significant to assess environmental quality assessment of the agricultural production area before plantation. Numerous previous studies have been conducted to identify the total amount, distribution patterns and contamination levels of specific heavy metals in agricultural environment, while haven’t taken them in both soil and crop into account. Therefore, it is necessary to establish an evaluation approach to indicate the relationship between agricultural resources and farm produce, which considering the soil-crop system quality in relation to multiple heavy metals.MethodsThe soil and crop samples were collected from 370 sampling points in Taizhou City, which is a typical agricultural region located in the central of Jiangsu Province, China. After determination of heavy metals contents, the pollution status and risks of multiple heavy metals were analyzed through both single factor pollution index and Nemero comprehensive pollution index method. Subsequently, the spatial distribution and relevant risk potentials of heavy metals in both soils and crops were illustrated by using ArcGIS 10.3. The K-means clustering algorithm was then applied to quantitatively classify the environment partition with consideration of above results as main indicators. ResultsThe mean values of soil Cr, Pb, Cd, As and Hg were 66.78, 32.88, 0.23, 8.16 and 0.16 mg/kg which were much higher than their background values. Affecting by the anthropogenic activities, the average contents of soil Cd and Hg exceeded the risk screening value at a rate of 11.70% and 5.96%, respectively. The heavy metal pollution in soil and crop were inconsistent as more than 97% of the study soils were not polluted with toxic metals while 11-23% of the crop possessed safety risk with Cd and Pb. Based on the pollution assessment, approximately 83% of the study area possessed medium or higher environmental quality, which were preferable for agricultural production.ConclusionsOur results revealed that, the spatial distribution, pollution level of the heavy metals in soil-crop system were significantly influenced by industrial activities, followed by agricultural sources and transportation emissions etc. Therefore, continuous monitoring and source control for heavy metals, especially for Cd, should be conducted to ensure the environmental quality and food security.
Occupational Noise Exposure and Diabetes Mellitus: A 3-year Retrospective Multicenter Cohort Study
Authors: Yun Byung-Yoon , Sim Juho , Kim Changyoung , Lee Seunghyun , Oh Yeon Suh , Kim Seunghan , Cho Ara , Oh Juyeon , Lee Jiho , Yoon Jin-Ha
Published: October 2021

The global prevalence of diabetes has been increasing. However, occupational environmental factors influencing it have been poorly studied. The effect of occupational noise exposure on diabetes is somewhat controversial. Thus, this study examines the relationship between occupational noise exposure (≥85 dBA) and diabetes incidence. Participants (n = 58,284) were recruited from a Common Data Model cohort of two hospitals from 2013 or 2014 and were annually followed up for three years. Drug history, clinical history of diabetes, and/or fasting glucose of 126 mg/dL or more were defined as new-onset diabetes. Multivariable time-dependent Cox proportional hazard models and Landmark analysis were implemented to estimate hazard ratios (HRs) and 95% confidence intervals (CIs). Pooled HRs and 95% CIs were calculated using the weight obtained through standard error. Of the participants, 4.65% developed diabetes during the follow-up. The final adjusted pooled HR of Cox models indicated a significant relationship between occupational noise exposure and increased risk of diabetes (Time-dependent Cox: HR 1.35 [95% CI 1.17–1.57]; Landmark: HR 1.22 [95% CI 1.10–1.35]). There is a significant relationship between occupational noise exposure and incidence of diabetes. Screening for diabetes, active management, and prevention may be necessary to improve the health of individuals exposed to occupational noise.
Prevalence of Neuropathic Pain Varies in Patients With Knee Osteoarthritis in Different Treatment Stages
Authors: Li Li , Zeng Zhaohui , Zhang Hanle , Lin Yuanyuan , Xu Linghui , Zhang Yu , Deng Ming , Fan Pei
Published: October 2021

Background: Pain is the main symptom of knee osteoarthritis (KOA) and can be classified as nociceptive pain and neuropathic pain (NP). However, the prevalence and risk factors of NP in patients with KOA at different treatment stages vary in countries and are still unclear in China.Methods: Patients in this retrospective study were divided into three groups according to treatment stage, including outpatient stage, preoperative total knee arthroplasty (pre-TKA) stage and postoperative TKA stage (post-TKA). A numeric rating scale (NRS) and PainDETECT questionnaire were used to evaluate nociceptive pain and NP. Patient demographics, radiological assessments using Kellgren-Lawrence (K-L) grades, and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis Index (WOMAC) scores were analyzed.Results: Of the 921 patients, the prevalence of possible and likely NP was 17.5% (56/320) and 2.5% (8/320) in the pre-TKA group compared with 3.4% (8/233) and 0.4% (1/233) in the outpatient group and 1.4% (5/368) and 0.5% (2/368) in the post-TKA group, respectively. In the pre-TKA group, higher NRS (NRS>3; OR=10.65, 95% CI: 3.25-34.92, p<0.001) and WOMAC pain (WOMAC>10; OR=4.88, 95% CI: 2.38-10.01, p<0.001) scores conferred an increased risk of unclear pain. Age, gender, BMI and K-L grade showed no significant differences among the unlikely, possible and likely NP groups.Discussion: Different prevalence of NP occur in KOA patients at different treatment stages. Due to the low prevalence of NP in the outpatient and post-TKA groups, we suggest not regularly screening for NP in these patients, while it may be essential to screen for NP in patients waiting for TKA. In the latter group, higher NRS and WOMAC pain scores are important risk factors of NP.
18F-fluorodeoxyglucose Positron Emission Tomography/computed Tomography Comparison of Gastric Lymphoma and Gastric Carcinoma
Authors: Xu Qiaoling , Wu Najing , He Huihui , Du Xiaoqing , Wang Yanjuan , Lou Kequan , Chen Liping , Zhang Yu , Yu Chunjing
Published: October 2021

ObjectiveThis study aimed to compare the characteristics of 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (18F-FDG PET/CT) in gastric lymphoma (GL) and gastric carcinoma (GC).METHODSPatients with newly diagnosed GL or GC who underwent 18F-FDG PET/CT prior to treatment were included in this study. The PET/CT features of gastric wall lesions, including FDG avidity, pattern, and intensity [maximal standard uptake value (SUVmax)] were reviewed and analyzed. The correlation of SUVmax with gastric clinicopathological variables was investigated by Student’s t test, Mann-Whitney U test, chi-square test, and receiver-operating characteristic (ROC) curve analysis to determine the differential diagnostic value of SUVmax-associated parameters in GL and GC.RESULTSA total of 68 patients with GL and 117 with GC were included in this study. Abnormal gastric FDG accumulation was found in 66 (97.05%) patients with GL and 109 (93.16%) patients with GC. Majority of the GL patients presented with type I and III lesions, whereas GC patients mainly with type II and III lesions. The SUVmax [14.89(6.56，22.12) vs 4.08(5.75，10.24), P<0.001) and SUVmax/THKmax (maximal thickness) [0.72(0.50,1,10) vs 0.39(0.28,0.64), P<0.000] were both higher in patients with GL when compared with GC. The SUVmax was higher in GL patients with DLBCL than in those with MALT (17.51±10.31 vs 4.97±2.92, P =0.0010) and higher in patients with advanced Lugano stage (II1/II2/IV) than in those with stage I (18.27±10.19 vs 9.92±9.22, P = 0.002). In GC patients, the SUVmax was higher in T3+T4 than in T1+T2 [6.79(4.47,12.41) vs 4.09(2.32,6.31), P = 0.000], but there were no significant differences between TNM stage I+II and TNM stage III+IV. The ROC curve analysis suggested a better performance of SUVmax/THKmax in evaluating gastric lesions between GL and GC when compared to SUVmax alone. The sensitivity of SUVmax and SUVmax/THKmax for differential diagnosis of GL and GC were 0.917 and 0.578, respectively. However, the specificity of SUVmax/THKmax for differential diagnosis of GL and GC was higher than that of SUVmax alone (0.894 VS 0.485).CONCLUSIONThe PET/CT features differed between GL and GC, and these can improve the evaluation of PET/CT of gastric wall lesions and help differentiate GL from GC.
Community-based Culturally Tailored Education Programs for Black Adults With Cardiovascular Disease, Diabetes, Hypertension, and Stroke: a Systematic Review Protocol
Authors: Fulton Joseph Hawkins , Singh Hardeep , Pakkal Oya , Uleryk Elizabeth , Nelson Michelle
Published: October 2021

Background: Chronic conditions and stroke disproportionately affect Black adults in communities all around the world due patterns of systemic racism, disparities in care, and lack of resources. Culturally-tailored programs can meet the needs of the communities they serve, including Black adults who tend to have reduced access to postacute services. To address unequal care received by Black communities, a shift to community-based programs that deliver culturally-tailored programs may give an alternative to a healthcare model which reinforces health inequities. However, community-based culturally-tailored programs (CBCT) are relatively understudied but show promise to improve the delivery of services to marginalized communities. The objectives of this review are to: (i) synthesize key program characteristics and outcomes of CBCT programs that are designed to improve health outcomes in Black adults with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, or stroke and (ii) identify which of the five categories of culturally appropriate programs from Kreuter and colleagues have been used to implement CBCT programs.Methods: This is a protocol for a systematic review that will search MEDLINE, EMBASE and CINAHL databases to identify CBCT programs for Black adults with cardiovascular disease, hypertension, diabetes, or stroke.Discussion: Health inequities have disproportionately impacted Black communities and will continue to persist if adjustments are not prioritized within healthcare to provide services, care, and programs meant to address the specific barriers to better health. Many interventions meant to improve the health outcomes of marginalized groups are created using an outsider's perspective, with little input from target communities, leading to interventions that may not address the specific barriers contributing to poor health outcomes. The inclusion of community members in the design of CBCT programs allows for a deeper understanding of the issues facing the community and provides an opportunity to incorporate cultural values that may enhance the efficacy, relevance and appropriateness of programs to the target communities. Trial registration: PROSPERO CRD42021245772
Disparities in the Increases of Cervical Cancer Incidence Rates: Observations from a City-wide Population-based Study
Authors: Li Ke , Xu Huan , Wang Suixiang , Qin Pengzhe , Liang Boheng
Published: October 2021

Background: Globally cervical cancer incidence rate has been declining continuously. However, an unfavorable trend has been observed in China during the past decades, and the underlying reasons remain unclear. We hereby explore the recent trends of cervical cancer incidence, as well as the underlying determinants using data from Guangzhou, one of biggest cities in China. Methods：City-wide cancer registration data were obtained from the Guangzhou Center for Disease Prevention and Control from 2004 to 2018. We used the Joinpoint regression models to estimate the average annual percentage change (AAPC) of age-standardized and age-specific incidence rates by regions and by histological subtype. Age-period-cohort models were applied to analyze the period and birth cohort effects on the time trends. Results: The age-standardized rates (ASRs) of cervical cancer incidence increased at an annual rate of 2.1% [95% confidence interval (CI): 1.0%-3.2%] during 2004-2018. The largest increase in ASRs was found for rural regions, with AAPC of 6.6% [95% CI: 3.7%-9.5%], followed by the suburbs (2.2% [95% CI: 1.0%-3.4%]), while there was no statistically significant increase in urban regions. The ASRs of adenocarcinoma increased faster than those of the squamous cell carcinoma (AAPC=6.53% [95% CI: 5.0%-8.1%] versus 1.79% [95% CI: 0.8%-2.8%]). A downward trend in urban regions was found in the 20-49 age group, whereas an upward trend was found in the 50+ age group, especially in rural regions. An inverted V-shape was found for cohort effects, with the peak varied by regions, i.e., peaked in the 1966 and 1971 birth cohort in the urban and suburb regions, respectively. Period effects kept increasing during the study period. Conclusions: We systematically examine the disparities in the increases of cervical cancer incidence rates using city-wide data from Guangzhou. Extensive efforts are warranted to address the large urban-rural disparities in cervical cancer prevention. The combined strategies of vaccination, screening, and health education should be reinforced and locally customized.
Tropical Origins of the Record-breaking 2020 Summer Rainfall Extremes in East Asia
Authors: Kim Sunyong , Park Jae-Heung , Kug Jong-Seong
Published: October 2021

The East Asian countries have experienced heavy rainfalls in boreal summer 2020. Here, we investigate the dynamical processes driving the East Asian rainfall extremes during July and August. The Indian Ocean basin warming in June can be responsible for the anticyclonic anomalies in the western North Pacific (WNP), which contribute to the zonally-elongated rainfalls in East Asia during July through an atmospheric Rossby wave train. In August, the East Asian rainfall increase is also related to the anticyclonic anomalies in the subtropical WNP, although it is located further north. It is suggested that the north tropical Atlantic warming in June partly contributes to the subtropical WNP rainfall decrease in August through a subtropical teleconnection. The rainfall decrease in the subtropical WNP region during August drives the local anticyclonic anomalies that cause the rainfall increase in East Asia. The tropical Indian Ocean anomalously warmed in June and the subtropical WNP rainfall decreased in August 2020, which played a role in modulating the WNP anticyclonic anomalies. Therefore, the record-breaking rainfalls in East Asia occurred during July and August 2020 can potentially be explained by the teleconnections induced by the tropical origins, such as tropical Indian Ocean warming and subtropical WNP rainfall decrease.
MUC13 promotes the development of esophageal cancer by upregulating the expression of O-glycan process-related molecules
Authors: Chen Guangxia , Han Yi , Liu Shiyu , Zhou Guangqing , Xu Xinxin , Zhang Haihan , Li Zhentao , Wu Chuannan , Liu Yulan , Fang Kai , Chen Gang
Published: October 2021

Background
Esophageal cancer is one of the most common malignant tumor in the world, which is characterized by poor prognosis, aggressiveness and poor survival. Mucin 13 (MUC13) is a member of the membrane-bound mucin and located on chromosome 3q21.2 and consisted of α and β subunits. It has been found that MUC13 is overexpressed in a variety of tumor cells and acts a vital role in the invasiveness and malignant progression of several types of tumors. However, the role and regulatory mechanism of MUC13 in the progression of esophageal cancer remain unclear.
Methods
The expression level of MUC13 was detected in 15 esophageal cancer tissues and 15 pairs of adjacent non-tumor tissues by immunohistochemistry (IHC). In addition, the expression of MUC13 mRNA level in human esophageal cancer cell lines (EC9706 and ECA109 and TE-1) was measured by qRT-PCR. In vitro, after silencing MUC13 with lentiviral interference technology, CCK8 assay, clone formation assay and flow cytometry were applied to investigate the proliferation activity, clone formation ability and anti-apoptosis ability of EC9706 and ECA109 cells. The tumor xenograft growth assay was used to confirm the influence of MUC13 knockdown on the growth of esophageal tumors in vivo. The qRT-PCR assay and western blot experiments were taken to study the mechanism of MUC13 regulating the pro-proliferation and anti-apoptotic of esophageal cancer.
Results
The results showed that MUC13 was over-expressed in esophageal cancer tissues and cell lines (EC9706 and ECA109 and TE-1), especially in EC9706 and ECA109 cells, but low-expressed in the human esophageal epithelial cell line (HEEC). Next, silencing MUC13 inhibits the proliferation, blocks cell cycle progression and promotes cell apoptosis in vitro, and also restrains the growth of esophageal cancer tissues in vivo. Finally, MUC13 affects the pro-proliferation and anti-apoptotic by regulating the expression of GLANT14, MUC3A, MUC1, MUC12 and MUC4 that closely related to O-glycan process.
Conclusions
This study proved that MUC13 is an important molecule that regulates the O-glycan process and then affects the progress of esophageal cancer. MUC13 may be a novel therapeutic target for patients with esophageal cancer.
Integrated Profiling Identifies Key Molecule Drivers as Diagnostic Biomarkers and Therapeutic Targets in Acute Kidney Injury
Authors: Sun Tao , Cao Ying , Huang Tiancha , Sang Yiwen , Dai Yibei , Tao Zhihua
Published: October 2021

Background

Acute kidney injury is a common clinical problem with no sensitive and specific diagnostic biomarkers and definitive treatments. The underlying molecular mechanisms of acute kidney injury are unclear. Therefore, it is pivotal and urgent to explore the underlying mechanisms and screen for novel diagnostic biomarkers, as well as therapeutic targets.
Methods

The present study constructed scale-free network using WGCNA analysis. LASSO logistic regression analysis was used to explore the optimal diagnostic model of AKI. In addition, GO and KEGG pathway enrichment analysis were performed and TF-mRNA and miRNA-mRNA network analysis and immune infiltration analysis of hub genes were performed to reveal the underlying mechanisms of AKI.
Results

Fifteen hub genes were uncovered and constructed a diagnostic model by LASSO logistic regression analysis. GO and KEGG analysis revealed that the genes were enriched in oxidation-reduction process, cell adhesion, proliferation, migration, metabolic process, mitochondria and iron ion binding. The enriched TFs were BRD2, EP300, ETS1, MYC, SPI1 and ZNF263. The enriched miRNAs were miR-181c-5p, miR-218-5p, miR-485-5p, miR-532-5p and miR-6884-5p. The immune infiltration analysis showed that Macrophages M2 was decreasing significantly revealing a protective factor for further AKI treatment.
Conclusions

The present study identified fifteen hub genes, a diagnostic model, transcriptional factors, miRNAs, immune infiltration and pathways by analyzing gene expression profiles of AKI, which provides some basis for further experimental studies.
Modeling The Formation of Trihalomethanes In Rural And Semi Urban Drinking Water Distribution Networks of Costa Rica
Authors: Kelly-Coto Daniel Enrique , Gamboa-Jiménez Alejandra , Campos-Mora Diana , Salas-Jiménez Pablo , Silva-Narváez Basilio , Jiménez-Antillón Joaquín , Pino-Gómez Macario , Romero-Esqu Luis Guillermo
Published: October 2021

Chlorination is one of the most important stages in the treatment of drinking water due to its effectiveness in the inactivation of pathogenic organisms. However, the reaction between chlorine and natural organic matter (NOM) generates harmful disinfection by-products (DBPs), such as trihalomethanes (THMs). In this research, drinking water quality data was collected from the distribution networks of 19 rural and semi urban systems that use water sources as: springs, surfaces, and a mixture of both, in three provinces of the Pacific slope of Costa Rica during April 2018 to September 2019. Twelve models were developed from four data sets: all water sources, spring, surface, and mixture of spring and surface waters. Linear, logarithmic, and exponential multivariate regression models were developed for each data set to predict the concentration of total trihalomethanes (TTHMs) in the distribution networks. Concentrations of TTHMs were found between < 0.20 to 91.31 µg/L, with chloroform being the dominant species accounting for 62% of TTHMs on average. Turbidity, free residual chlorine, total organic carbon (TOC), dissolved organic carbon (DOC) and ultraviolet absorbance at 254 nm (UV254) showed a significant correlation with TTHMs. In all the data sets the linear models presented the best goodness-of-fit and were moderately robust. Four models, the best of each data set, were validated with data from the same systems, and, according to the criteria of R2, SE, MSE and MAE, spring water and mixed spring/surface water models showed a satisfactory level of explanation of the variability of the data. Moreover, the models seem to better predict TTHMs concentrations below 30 µg/L. These models were satisfactory and could be useful for decision-making in drinking water supply systems and be considered in possible modifications in current legislation.
Gait Seed and Sagittal Abdominal Diameter: The Results from the Handan Eye Study
Authors: Liu Juping , Hao Jie , Zhang Ye , Cao Kai , Li Xiaorong , Wang Ningli
Published: October 2021

Background

The sagittal abdominal diameter (SAD) is more precise than body mass index (BMI) for predicting adverse events in elderly. While physical function and BMI is related, the relationship is uncertain. BMI and gait speed (GS) is related and have a U-shaped distribution. The objective was to examine the relationship between GS and SAD in men and women aged 50 years and older.
Methods

This was a cross-sectional analysis. Data from the Handan Eye Study (HES), a Chinese prospective longitudinal study with participants randomly selected from the Yongnian county. Usual GS was measured over a 4 meters-track. SAD was categorized by interquartile: <18.0cm; 18.0-19.79cm; 19.8-21.89cm; ≥21.9cm. Unadjusted and adjusted analyses of covariance were performed to estimate the gender-specific means (and 95% CI) of GS (in m/s) according to SAD categories.
Results

The current analyses were performed in 2852 participants. Mean age was 56.16 years for women and 56.54 years for men. The unadjusted means of GS were 0.995 (95% CI 0.972-1.019) m/s in SAD Q1 participants, 0.991 (95% CI 0.968-1.014) m/s in SAD Q2, 0.986 (95% CI 0.964-1.007) m/s in SAD Q3 and 0.961 (95% CI 0.937-0.985) m/s in SAD Q4 individuals in women. The similar trend presented in men [Q1: 0.993 (95%CI 0.969-1.016) m/s; Q2: 0.980 (95%CI 0.956-1.004); Q3: 0.944 (95%CI 0.918-0.970); Q4: 0.948 (95%CI 0.923-0.973)]. After adjustment for age, the reported trends between GS and SAD in categories were largely confirmed in women, but not in men.
Conclusions

Age and gender should be considered when we explore the relationship between GS and SAD in elderly.
Health Inequalities in Unmet Need for Family Planning Among Ugandan Women: Repeated Cross Sectional Surveys in the Years 2014 to 2018.
Authors: Wanyana Mercy Wendy
Published: October 2021

Background: Health inequalities in unmet need for family planning have been documented in Uganda, however, little is known about their magnitude and whether these have remained the same. Objective This study sought to examine health inequalities in unmet need for family planning among Ugandan women between 15-49 years of age in the years 2014 to 2018. Methods: Five data sets of the Performance Monitoring Accountability 2020 family planning cross-sectional surveys were used to assess health inequalities in unmet need for family planning across four socio-economic position variables (age, education, wealth status and geographical location) at five time points (2014 to 2018).Chi-square (χ 2 ) test and a logistic regression-based measure, the Relative Index of Inequality (RII) were used to assess differences and relative health inequalities respectively. Results: The data of 19,670 women aged 15 to 49 years were analysed. Between 2014 and 2018, unmet need for family planning (limiting, spacing and total) were 2 or more times more prevalent among the uneducated (RII value range:1.94 to 2.73), and poorest women(RII value range:1.90 to 3.78), in comparison with women with post-secondary education and richest women respectively. Unmet need for family planning was more prevalent among women older than 35 years (RII between 0.41 and 0.63). No geographic-related health inequalities were observed. Education-related inequalities reduced, wealth-related health inequalities increased, while age-related inequalities remained fairly consistent. Conclusion: Age, education and wealth related health inequalities were observed in unmet need for family planning. The magnitude of health inequalities varied between 2014 and 2018, with largest inequalities based on wealth status variable.
The Effect of General Anesthesia On Test-Retest Reliability of Resting-State FMRI Metrics And Optimization of Scan Length
Authors: Vedaei Faezeh , Alizadeh Mahdi , Romo Victor M , Mohamed Feroze B. , Wu Chengyuan
Published: October 2021

Resting-state functional magnetic resonance imaging (rs-fMRI) has been known as a powerful tool in neuroscience. However, exploring the test-retest reliability of the metrics derived from rs-fMRI BOLD signal is essential particularly in the studies of patients with neurological development. Two factors affecting reliability of rs-fMRI measurements including the effect of anesthesia and scan length have been estimated in this study. A total of 9 patients with drug-resistant epilepsy (DRE) of requiring interstitial thermal therapy (LITT) were scanned in two states of awake and under anesthesia. At each state, two rs-fMRI sessions were obtained that each one lasted 15 minutes, and the effect of scan length was evaluated. Voxel-wise rs-fMRI metrics including amplitude of low fractional frequency fluctuation (ALFF), amplitude of low fractional frequency fluctuation (fALFF), functional connectivity (FC), and regional homogeneity (ReHo) were measured. Intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) was calculated to estimate the reliability between two sessions of scanning for both states. Overall, our finding revealed that reliability improves under anesthesia as well as by increasing the scanning length of the scanning sessions. Furthermore, we showed that the optimal scan length to achieve reliable rs-fMRI measurements was 3.1 – 7.5 minutes shorter in an anesthetized, compared to wakeful state.
Program Evaluation of a Nationwide Continuing Professional Development (CPD) Program in Korean Public Health and Medical Institutions
Authors: Kim Claire Junga , Mo Hyojung , Lee Ji Young
Published: October 2021

Background: Education & Training Centre for Public Healthcare of the National Medical Centre plays a key role in providing continuing professional development (CPD) to 221 public health and medical institutions in South Korea. To assess the realisation of the Center’s core value and of the intended chages, program evaluations is needed. The context, input, process, and product (CIPP) model is particularly suitable for evaluating CPD in public sector as it allows to recognise the dynamic nature of the programme environment.Methods: This research applied the CIPP model to the evaluation of CPD programmes, particulary abdominal and thracic ultrasond programme implemented in 2017 and 2018. Data were collected from 2017 to 2019. The programme and its feedback were reviewed in context evaluation. Based on this, the subsequent programme strategy was established in input evaulation. Observing the programme in real time and recording progress was followed in process evaluation. Finally, the outcome and impact of the programme were reviewed and compared with baseline data in product evaluation. Results: In context evaluation, the educational needs of the recipients of the Centre’s CPD programme, impediments that inhibit participation in education, and resources that the Centre can utilise were identified through online survey, focus group interviews, expert consultation. Through input evaluation, we identified the best alternative that satisfied all pre-selected criteria, which were responsiveness to priority system needs, potential effectiveness, fit with existing services, affordability, and administrative feasibility. Observing the programme in real time and recording progress was conducted in process evaluation and shows that the improved programme went as planned, and even had to be expanded due to increased demand. The impact of the programme was measured, interpreted, and assessed in the product evaluation. As the review committee decided that the intended change has occurred, the Centre decided to maintain the program. Conclusions: Thorough evaluations are necessary to unlock the potential benefits of CPD. The CIPP methodology is valuable to execute formative as well as summative evaluations. The CIPP model is especially useful for securing accountability data for large-scale nation-wide educational programmes supplied by public funds.
FAM83A is a Potential Biomarker for Breast Cancer Initiation
Authors: Marino Natascia , German Rana , Podicheti Ram , Rockey Pam , Sandusky George E. , Temm Constance J. , Nakshatri Harikrishna , Addison Rebekah J. , Selman Bryce , Althouse Sandra K. , Storniolo Anna Maria V.
Published: October 2021

Background: Family with sequence similarity 83 member A (FAM83A) presents oncogenic properties in several cancers including breast cancer (BC). Recently, we reported FAM83A overexpression in normal breast tissues from women at high risk of breast cancer. We now hypothesize that FAM83A is a key factor in BC initiation. Methods: Immunohistochemical staining was used to evaluate FAM83A protein levels in both a normal breast tissue microarray (TMA, N=411) and a breast tumor TMA (N=349). EGFR staining and its correlation with FAM83A expression were also assessed. Lentivirus-mediated manipulation of FAM83A expression in primary and hTERT-immortalized breast epithelial cells was employed. Biological and molecular alterations upon FAM83A overexpression/downregulation and FAM83A’s interaction partners were investigated.Results: TMA analysis revealed a 1.5-fold increase in FAM83A expression level in BC cases as compared with normal breast tissues (p<0.0001). FAM83A protein expression was directly correlated with EGFR level in both normal and BC tissues. In in vitro assays, exogenous expression of FAM83A in either primary or immortalized breast epithelial cells promoted cell viability and proliferation. Additionally, Ingenuity Pathway Analysis (IPA) revealed that in normal cells FAM83A is involved in cellular morphology and metabolism. Mass spectrometry analysis identified DDX3X and LAMB3 as potential FAM83A interaction partners in primary cells, while we detected FAM83A interaction with cytoskeleton reorganization factors, including LIMA1, MYH10, PLEC, MYL6 in the immortalized cells.Conclusions: This study shows that FAM83A promotes metabolic activation in primary epithelial cells and survival in immortalized cells. These findings support its role in early breast oncogenesis.
Circulating Cell Free DNA and Citrullinated Histone H3 As Useful Biomarkers of NETosis In Endometrial Cancer.
Authors: Ronchetti Livia , Terrenato Irene , Corrado Giacomo , Goeman Frauke , Donzelli Sara , Mandoj Chiara , Merola Roberta , Zampa Ashanti , Carosi Mariantonia , Blandino Giovanni , Conti Laura , Lobascio Anna Maria , Iacobelli Marcello , Vizza Enrico , Piaggio Giulia , Gurtner Aymone
Published: October 2021

Background. Cancer mortality is mainly caused by organ failure and thrombotic events. It has been demonstrated that NETosis, a chromatin release mechanism implemented by neutrophils, may contribute to these lethal systemic effects. Our aim was to investigate NETosis biomarkers in endometrial cancer (EC).Methods. The experiments were conducted on 21 healthy subject (HS) with no gynecological conditions, and on 63 EC patients. To assess the presence of NETosis features IHC and IF was performed using antibodies against citrullinated histone H3 (citH3), neutrophil elastase (NE) and H2B. Serum levels of cell free DNA (cfDNA), cell free mitochondrial DNA (cfmtDNA) and citH3 were measured by qPCR using one microliter of deactivated serum, and by ELISA assay respectively. Fragmentation pattern of serum cfDNA was analyzed using the Agilent 2100 Bioanalyzer and High Sensitivity DNA Chips. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify a cut off for cfDNA and cfmtDNA values able to discriminate between ECs and HSs. Correlation analysis and multiple correspondance analysis (MCA), between cfDNA, mitcfDNA, citH3 and blood parameters were used to identify the potential association among serum parameters in EC grades. Results. We demonstrated the presence of NETosis features in tissues from all EC grades. Serum cfDNA and cfmtDNA levels discriminate ECs from HSs and a direct correlation between citH3 and cfDNA content and an inverse correlation between cfmtDNA and citH3 in EC sera was observed, not detectable in HSs. MCA indicates cfDNA, cfmtDNA and citH3 as features associated to G1 and G2 grades. A correlation between increased levels of cfDNA, citH3 and inflammation features was found. Finally, serum nucleosomal cfDNA fragmentation pattern varies in EC sera and correlates with increased levels of cfDNA, citH3, lymphocytes and fibrinogen.Conclusion. Our data highlight the occurrence of NETosis in EC and indicate serum cfDNA and citH3 as noninvasive biomarkers of tumor-induced systemic effects in endometrial cancer.
One-Dimensional Bis(dipyrrinato)zinc(II)-Linked Porphyrinatozinc(II) Polymer: Synthesis, Exfoliation Into Single Wires, and Photofunctionality
Authors: Mustafar Suzaliza , Ogino Yasuyo , Nishihara Hiroshi
Published: October 2021

One-dimensional bis(dipyrrinato)zinc(II)-linked porphyrinatozinc(II) polymer, 2 were synthesized by facile metal complexation reaction between 5,15-bis(3,5-dioctyloxyphenyl)-10,20-bis(dipyrrinato)porphyrinatozinc(II),1 and zinc(II) acetate. The bulky substituents on the porphyrin units allows 2 to be exfoliated into single molecular wires with a 2.8 nm height and 1.4 Om length. 2 exhibited promising photofunctionality derived from electronic interaction between bis(dipyrrinato)zinc and porphyrinatozinc(II) moieties, which can be engaged in energy transfer system such as photonic molecular wires.
Characterization of the Different Subtypes of Immune Cells Infiltration to Aid Immunotherapy
Authors: Li Zhenqing , Mao Kai , Xue Qun
Published: October 2021

Backgroup：PD-1 ablation or PD-L1 specific monoclonal antibody (mAb) against PD-1 can recruit the accumulation of functional T cells, leading to tumor rejection in microenvironment and significantly improving the prognosis of various cancers. Despite these unprecedented clinical successes, intervention remission rates remain low after treatment, rarely exceeding 40%. The observation of PD-1/L1 blocking in patients is undoubtedly multifactorial, but the infiltrating degree of CD8+T cell may be an important factor for immunotherapeutic resistance.Method: We proposed two computational algorithms to reveal the immune cell infiltration (ICI) landscape of 1646 lung adenocarcinoma patients. Three ICI patterns were defined and the relative ICI scoring were depended on principal-component analysis.Result: A high ICI score was associated with the increased tumor mutation burden (TMB) and cell proliferation-related signaling pathways. Different cellular signaling pathways were observed in low ICI score subtypes, indicating cell proliferation active, and may be associated with poor prognosis. Conclusion: Our research identified that the ICI scores worked as an effective immunotherapy index, which may provide a promising therapeutic strategies on immune therapeutic for lung adenocarcinoma.
A SIMPLE ONE-POT SYNTHESIS OF PYRIMIDO[4,5-C]PYRIDAZINES AND IN SILICO STUDIES OF HUMAN AKT1 INHIBITORS
Authors:   Department of Chemistry, Govt. Serchhip College, Serchhip-796181, Mizoram, India., Khiangte Laldingluaia
Published: October 2021

A simple one-pot and efficient synthetic method for the synthesis of pyrimido[4,5-c]pyridazine by a multicomponent reaction. The synthesis compounds are study for their inhibitory activities towards AKT1 pathways by using in silico method. It was found that all compounds have binding energy lower than -7.9 kcal/mol and compound 3a is the most active with binding energy -9.65 kcal/mol, which have been performed using autodock vina.
CUTANEOUS LEISHMANIASIS INFECTION AMONG PATIENTSIN AL-MADINA AL-MUNAWARAH, KSA
Authors:   OhudGeneral Hospital- Al-Madina Al-Munawarah, KSA., Mohammad Raji Al-Hussayni Shady , Oudah Eid Al-Harbi Sami ,   OhudGeneral Hospital- Al-Madina Al-Munawarah, KSA., Hassan Amer Omar ,   Department of Parasitology, Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Zagazig University, Zagazig, Egypt.
Published: October 2021

Background: Cutaneous leishmaniosis (CL) is a major tropical infection of public health importance. It is caused by a group of protozoanintracellular parasites.Coinfected individuals with Leishmania-HIV have high risk of having a complete clinical illness and high recurrence rates and mortality. Antiretroviral therapy lowers disease onset, delays relapse, and boosts coinfected patients survival. In Brazil, Ethiopia and the Bihar region in India, high Leishmania-HIV coinfections are recorded.CL is considered as a distinct public health hazard due to the catastrophic effects on the patient. With an estimated yearly average rate of 321,300 cases, in the Middle East and throughout central Asia, CL is endemic. Among the countries of this region, Saudi Arabia has reported an estimated incidence between 9600 and 15,800 cases per year as the fourth endemic focus on zoonotic CL in Afghanistan, Iran and Pakistan. Objective: our present retrospective investigation aims to describe the epidemiology profile of CL in Madinah province. Methods: Human data were collected from the dermatology service of AL-Meqat Hospital. Results: A total of 203 cases of CL confirmed were examined. The seasonal distribution of the phlebotomine fly is followed by cutaneous leishmaniasis. Non-Saudi patients are reported to be more infected with CL (145) than Saudi individuals (58). Conclusion: This study indicates that CL is endemic in Al-Madinah Almonawarah region.CL is a major health problem occur in variable clinical forms.
Apoio para Triagem da Infecção por COVID-19 Através de Aprendizagem Profunda Sobre Imagens Segmentadas de Raio-X do Tórax
Authors: Costa Cecília de Moura , Seixas José Manoel , Gutfilen Bianca , Souza Sergio Augusto Lopes , Oliveira Susie Medeiros , Regis Carlos Danilo Miranda , Farias Ricardo de Sousa , Oliveira Kaique Rijkaard de Sousa
Published: October 2021

A busca por eficiência na triagem de pacientes com indicativo de infecção por COVID-19 tem impulsionado pesquisadores de diversas áreas no desenvolvimento de sistemas de apoio, com particular ênfase noaprendizado profundo. Neste trabalho, consideramos as imagens de Raio-X de tórax, que são segmentadas para identificar os pulmões como região de interesse. Para tal, o modelo MultiResUnet é utilizado, obtendo um Índice de Jaccard de 93,34% e Coeficiente Dice de 96,53%. As imagens segmentadas alimentaram três modelos profundos com diferentes níveis de complexidade sendo um baseado em uma Máquina de Vetores de Suporte ( SVM) do tipo Classe Única. Os modelos de aprendizado profundo apresentaram desempenho superior, quando comparados ao SVM, obtendo uma sensibilidade de 98% para a identificação da COVID-19. Porém, observou-se que o aumento da complexidade não propiciou ganhos expressivos de desempenho.
Aprendizagem Profunda Aplicada à Classificação do SARS-CoV-2
Authors: Azevedo Karolayne , Barbosa Raquel , Fernandes Marcelo
Published: October 2021

Este artigo propõe uma técnica, baseada em aprendizado de máquina, que faz uso de uma rede neural convolucional (Convolutional Neural Network – CNN) profunda de uma dimensão (1D), destinada à classificação de genomas virais, capaz de identificar corretamente o vírus SARS-CoV-2, causador da doença COVID-19. Como entrada, foi utilizado amostras genômicas completas de DNAc (DNA complementar) do vírus da família Coronaviridae, extraídas a partir do repositório 2019 Novel Coronavirus Resource (2019nCoVR). A base de dados utilizada neste trabalho, contém 17.893 amostras de DNAc, cujo tamanho varia entre 26.342 bp e 31.029 bp (base-pair – bp). Ao contrário da maioria das abordagens apresentadas na literatura, os resultados obtidos por esta técnica, revelam valores máximos de precisão, sensibilidade, especificidade e F1-score, aplicados numa validação cruzada quíntupla, usada para avaliar o modelo. Os resultados obtidos, mostram-se mais confiáveis se comparados com os trabalhos discutidos no estado da arte, indicando que a ferramenta pode ser aplicada para a classificação de vírus da família Coronaviridae.
Increasing the energy efficiency of auxiliary machines of AC electric locomotive
Authors: Kulinich Yu. M. , Shukharev S. A. , Gulyaev A. V.
Published: October 2021

Currently, an asynchronous variable frequency drive based on semiconductor converters is widely used due to the relative simplicity and reliability of the design. The use of digital microprocessor systems ensures high accuracy and flexibility of drive control. On the domestic rolling stock, the widespread introduction of asynchronous motors began to replace DC traction motors with sequential excitation. In particular, scalar-controlled asynchronous motors are used on serially produced 2TE25A diesel locomotives and EP20 electric locomotives. The auxiliary asynchronous machines of these locomotives are controlled by the vector control method. The use of a new type of engine on the rolling stock makes it possible to achieve a significant increase in the quality of consumed energy and reduce the consumption of electricity for traction of trains. Ensuring the energy efficiency of the drive in a wide range of loads requires further research. In this regard, the issue of saving energy resources becomes very urgent. The article proposes a vector control scheme for asynchronous motors of auxiliary machines of an electric locomotive, which implements an extreme method of control according to the criterion of minimizing the consumed current. The analysis of the engine operation is carried out based on its mathematical model in a rotating coordinate system d — q, which is implemented in the MatLab/Simulink software package. As a result of simulation modeling, it was found that the extreme control system with a variable step allows for each fixed value of the electromagnetic moment of the motor in the minimum time to find the optimal (extreme) value of the magnetic flux of the motor rotor, which corresponds to the minimum value of the stator current. The developed model of the motor with vector control is supplemented with an extreme regulator device, which allows achieving the best energy performance of the motor and reducing electrical losses in all operating modes with a minimum search time. The presented research results can be used in the development of energy-saving control systems for an asynchronous motor.