bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Perinatal Outcomes of Twin Pregnancies With Preterm Premature Rupture of the Membranes at 24–34 Weeks’ Gestation
Authors: Zhou Shuwei , Yang Yajun , Zhang XiaoYan , Mu Xiaoling , Quan Quan , Zhong Qimei , Mei Lingwei , Wang Lan
Published: July 2021

Objective: To describe the perinatal outcomes of twin pregnancies with preterm premature rupture of membranes (PPROM) before 34 weeks’ gestation and identify factors associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity.Methods: This study was conducted as a retrospective analysis of twin pregnancies with PPROM occurring at 24 0/7 to 33 6/7 weeks’ gestation. Perinatal outcomes were assessed by gestational age (GA) at PPROM. Factors associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity were identified using logistic regression analysis.Results: Of the 180 pregnancies (360 foetuses), only 17 (9.4%) women remained pregnant 7 days after PPROM. There were 10 (2.8%) cases of prenatal or neonatal death; 303 (84.2%) and 177 (49.2%) neonates were discharged without severe or moderate-severe morbidity, respectively. As GA at PPROM increased, the adverse obstetric and neonatal outcomes decreased, especially after 32 weeks. The GA at PPROM and latency period were both significantly associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity. Pregnancy complications and 5-min Apgar score < 7 increased severe neonatal morbidity.Conclusion: As GA at PPROM increased, the risk of adverse perinatal outcomes decreased. GA at PPROM and latency period were significantly associated with discharge without severe or moderate-severe neonatal morbidity.
Prognostic Factors for the Occurrence of Post-Operative Shoulder Stiffness After Arthroscopic Rotator Cuff Repair: A Systematic Review
Authors: Stojanov Thomas , Modler Linda , Müller Andreas M. , Aghlmandi Soheila , Appenzeller-Herzog Christian , Loucas Rafael , Loucas Marios , Audigé Laurent
Published: July 2021

BackgroundPost-operative shoulder stiffness (POSS) is one of the most frequent complications after arthroscopic rotator cuff repair (ARCR). Factors specifying clinical prediction models for the occurrence of POSS should rely on the literature and expert assessment. Our objective was to map prognostic factors for the occurrence of POSS in patients after an ARCR.MethodsLongitudinal studies of ARCR reporting prognostic factors for the occurrence of POSS with an endpoint of at least 6 months were included. We systematically searched Embase, Medline, and Scopus for articles published between January 1, 2014 and February 12, 2020 and screened cited and citing literature of eligible records and identified reviews. The risk of bias of included studies and the quality of evidence were assessed using the Quality in Prognosis Studies tool and an adapted Grading of Recommendations, Assessment, Development and Evaluations framework. A database was implemented to report the results of individual studies. The review was registered on PROSPERO (CRD42020199257).ResultsSeven cohort studies including 23 257 patients were included after screening 5013 records. POSS prevalence ranged from 0.51% to 8.75% with an endpoint ranging from 6 to 24 months. Due to scarcity of data, no meta-analysis could be performed. Overall risk of bias and quality of evidence was deemed high and low or very low, respectively. Twenty-two potential prognostic factors were identified. Increased age and male sex emerged as protective factors against POSS. Additional factors were reported but do require further analyses to determine their prognostic value.DiscussionAvailable evidence pointed to male sex and increased age as probable protective factors against POSS after ARCR. To establish a reliable pre-specified set of factors for clinical prediction models, our review results require complementation with an expert's opinion.
A Case Report of Primary Pulmonary Artery Intimal Sarcoma
Authors: Bai Xiaofang , Ruan Litao
Published: July 2021

Background: Pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma(PAS) is a very rare disease, the prevalence of it is about 0.001%-0.003%1. PAS is often misdiagnosed as acute or chronic pulmonary thromboembolism due to its clinical presentation and radiological findings. Thus early diagnosis is very crucial and may improve patient outcome.Case presentation: Here we report a case in a Chinese male which the symptom as presentation was episodes of shortness of breath. Transthoracic echocardiography showed a solid mass in the pulmonary valve orifice, which was demonstrated to be a pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma diagnosed by histopathology2. In this case the initial differential diagnosis included pulmonary embolism. Because the initial symptom of primary pulmonary artery sarcoma is extremely similiar to the pulmonary embolism. Half of them may be misdiagnosed as pulmonary embolism. Imaging studies are very helpful. Ultrasound and CT are the best due to their resolution and ability to assess the relationship of the mass with the surrounding structures. The final diagnosis is mostly made after surgical excision and this is the most effective treatment. At the same time, radiotherapy and chemotherapy after surgery is also a adjuvant treatment3.Conclusion: We report a very rare case of pulmonary artery intimal sarcoma, due to late diagnosis and delayed treatment in this case, the patient display a poor prognostic. Early diagnosis and right treatment can improve the prognosis of PAS and optimize overall health.
Does Same-Sex Marriage Legalization Invoke Childbearing Desire in Gay and Bisexual Men in Taiwan: A Panel Study
Authors: Huang Yu-Te , Lau Bobo Hi-Po , Forth Marty W. , Gietel-Basten Stuart
Published: July 2021

Background: Despite the globally rising recognition of same-sex relationships, sexual minority men continue to report lower childbearing desire and intention compared to their heterosexual counterparts, even though both groups tend to consider parenting as valuable. This study capitalized on the prospective process of legalization of same-sex marriage (SSM) in Taiwan to capture changes in gay and bisexual men’s desire and attitudes towards parenthood as a function of the legalization of SSM. Methods: 863 respondents (Mean age = 27.9 years ±5.8) completed an online survey shortly before and 1½ years after the legalization of SSM. They reported their childbearing desire, marital status, and attitudes towards childbearing and marriage. Results: Contrary to our expectation of an increase in childbearing desire due to enhanced legal recognition of same-sex relationships, our study found that fewer participants in the follow-up survey expressed a childbearing desire (59.0% vs 74.2%), and the perceived importance of childbearing dropped mildly (3.48 to 3.26, Cohen’s d=0.269). Those who expressed a consistent childbearing desire attached greater importance to SSM and regarded SSM as a source of a sense of security and recognition by friends/family. The perceived importance of SSM was mildly positively related to the perceived importance of childbearing. Conclusion: Although the decrease in childbearing desire and its perceived importance may be attributable to a lack of access to family building options (e.g., surrogacy and adoption) and the COVID-19 pandemic, our findings illustrate that parenthood can be a logical next-step for Taiwanese male same-sex couples and call for the development of affordable family building options for these men.
IL-11RA is a Prognostic Biomarker and Correlated with Immune Infiltration in Lung Adenocarcinoma
Authors: Nai Aitao , BASHIR SHOAIB , Jin Ling , He Zirui , Zeng Shuwen , Xu Meng
Published: July 2021

Background: Interleukin-11 receptor subunit alpha (IL-11RA) contributes to multiple biological processes in various tumors. However, the role of IL-11RA in Lung adenocarcinoma (LUAD) is still undetermined. The study aims to explore the role of IL-11RA in LUAD via an integrated bioinformatics analysis. Methods: TIMER, GEPIA, TCGA and HPA databases analysis were used to detect IL-11RA expression. UALCAN database was used to analysis the correlation between IL-11RA expression and clinicopathological parameters of LUAD. Kaplan-Meier Plotter, TCGA and GEO databases were used to analysis overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) of the LUAD patients. Univariate Cox regression analysis was used to assess the prognostic value of IL-11RA in different clinical characteristics. GSEA, and TIMER were used to investigate the relationship between IL-11RA and immune infiltration.Results: The expression of IL-11RA was down-regulated in LUAD tissues. Furthermore, IL-11RA expression was closely associated with clinical stage, lymph node stage and smoking habits. The patients with lower IL-11RA expression had poorer overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS). Lower IL-11RA expression was significantly associated with its hypermethylation, and the hypermethylation of CpG site at cg14609668 and cg21504624 was obviously correlated with poorer OS. Then, we found that IL-11RA may play an important role in LUAD progression and immune regulations. Notably, High expression of IL-11RA may suppress the progression of LUAD through inhibiting cell proliferation and immune cell infiltration, especially in B cells, CD4+ T cells, and Dendritic Cell. Conclusions: Decreased IL-11RA expression correlates with poor prognosis and immune infiltration in LUAD. Our work highlights IL-11RA might be a potential biomarker for prognosis and provide a new therapeutic target for LUAD patients.
Insulin Treatment Is Associated With Increased Mortality in Critically Ill Patients With Type 2 Diabetes in the Intensive Care Unit
Authors: Fan Rongping , Peng Xuemin , Yu Bo , Huang Jiaojiao , Yu Xuefeng , Wang Daowen , Yang Yan
Published: July 2021

Aims: Although insulin treatment is widely used in critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus in the intensive care unit (ICU), the clinical outcomes of insulin treatment remain unclear. This retrospective study aimed to explore the impact of insulin treatment on mortality and ICU stay among patients with type 2 diabetes. Methods: We consecutively recruited 578 ICU patients with type 2 diabetes, from 2011 to 2021. According to their medication history regarding insulin use before and after ICU admission, these patients were categorized into three groups: N-N (treated without insulin before and after ICU admission), N-I (treated without insulin before and with insulin after ICU admission) and I-I (treated with insulin before and after ICU admission). Clinical characteristics were analyzed, and clinical outcomes including mortality and the length of ICU stay were compared between the groups. Propensity score matching was performed to obtain comparable subpopulation and the Kaplan-Meier survival curves were graphed to describe the survival trend of different groups. Results: Compared with the N-N group, the N-I and I-I groups had significantly higher ICU mortality rates [20.0% (N-I) and 24.6% (I-I) vs. 0.0% (N-N); p < 0.001; respectively] and longer lengths of ICU stay [ 8.5 (N-I), 9 (I-I) vs. 6 (N-N), p < 0.05, respectively]. After propensity score matching, the N-I group had a significantly higher ICU mortality (15.4% vs. 0.0%, p = 0.025) and poorer survival rates (log-rank p = 0.040) than the N-N group. The length of ICU stay was significantly longer in the I-I group than in the N-N group (10 vs. 7, p = 0.026). Conclusions: Insulin treatment was associated with increased ICU mortality rate and longer length of ICU stay among critically ill patients with type 2 diabetes. Caution is warranted for the regular application of insulin in critical patients with type 2 diabetes.
First Evidence of Ommochromes in Bivalves: the Case of the Edible Oyster Crassostrea Gigas
Authors: Bonnard Michel , Boury Bruno , Parrot Isabelle
Published: July 2021

Among the great variety of pigments found in living beings in general, and more particularly in molluscs, the ommochromes are a family of unknown organic dyes and until now still too little studied. Several lines of physicochemical and structural evidence allowed us here to complete the composition of the purple colour of shell patterns of Crassostrea gigas, highlighting an intriguing association of ommochromes and porphyrins, corroborated by the presence of known genes associated with their biosynthetic pathways. We describe here our pathway to demonstrate for the first time the presence of ommochromes in a bivalve.
«PemIK (PemK/PemI) type II TA system from Klebsiella pneumoniae clinical strains inhibits lytic phage»
Authors: Bleriot Ines , Blasco Lucia , Pacios Olga , Fernández-García Laura , Ambroa Antón , López María , Ortiz-Cartagena Concha , Cuenca Felipe Fernández , Oteo Jesús , Pascual Álvaro , Martínez-Martínez Luis , Domingo-Calap Pilar , Wood Thomas K. , Tomás Maria
Published: July 2021

Since their discovery, toxin-antitoxin systems have captivated many scientists. Recent studies demonstrated that a key role of TA systems is phage inhibition. Therefore, the aim of this study was to investigate the role of the PemIK (PemK/PemI) type II TA system in phage inhibition by its intrinsic expression in clinical strains of Klebsiella pneumoniae carrying OXA-48 carbapenemase and by induced its expression in an IPTG-inducible plasmid in a reference strain of K. pneumoniae ATCC®10031™. qRT-PCR revealed that pemK toxin in clinical strain ST16-OXA48 was induced when phage did not infect the strain, whereas when phage infection was successful pemK toxin was not induced. In addition, induced expression of the whole system did not inhibit phage infection, whereas overexpression of the pemK toxin prevented infection during the first hours. To investigate the molecular mechanism involved in the PemK toxin-mediated inhibition of phage infection, an assay measuring metabolic activity was performed, which revealed that production of toxin PemK led to the dormancy of the bacteria. Thus, we demonstrate that the PemK/PemI TA system plays a role in phage infection, and that the action of the free toxin causes the cells to go into a dormant state resulting in inhibition of phage infections.
Prognostic Value of Myocardial Scar In Ischemic And Non-Ischemic Cardiomyopathy Using Cardiac Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Authors: Laymouna Reem , El-Sharkawy Eman , El-Tahan Salah , El-Fiky Mohamed
Published: July 2021

Purpose is to evaluate the prognostic value of myocardial scar/fibrosis using cardiac magnetic resonance (CMR) in patients with ischaemic cardiomyopathy (ICM) and non-ischaemic cardiomyopathy (NICM).Methods; 156 patients with either ICM or NICM underwent CMR with late gadolinium enhancement (LGE) sequences for assessment of left ventricular ejection fraction (EF), detection and quantification of any myocardial scar/fibrosis using three methods; a) manual, b) number of segments involved, c) percentage of scarred myocardium (segment based). Patients were followed up for at least 6 months for any clinical cardiac event.Results: Males were 56% (mean age 61 years), with minimal follow up (FU) of 6 months. Patients were divided into; group I; ICM (58%) and group II; NICM (36%). Clinical presentation was ranging from eventless (10%), chest pain (18%), heart failure (15%), hospitalization (35%), syncope (1%), ventricular tachycardia (<1%) and cardiac arrest (<1%). The scar mass was more in size in group I (17% ± 15) than in group II (8 % ± 13). Direct linear relationship was observed between scar size and event severity (P value < 0.001). Inverted relationship between LVEF and event severity in group I (P value of < 0.001) was detected, however, no significant correlation between LVEF and event severity in group II (P value 0.128).Conclusion: Myocardial scar size is a strong predictor for the clinical outcome in both ICM and NICM. EF is less reliable to predict morbidity in cardiomyopathy patients. Segments dependent methods for quantification of myocardial scar is comparable to the manual LGE quantifications.
Quercetin Potentiates the Chemosensitivity of Human Breast Cancer Cells to 5-Fluorouracil
Authors: Mawalizadeh Fatemeh , Mohammadzadeh Ghorban , khedri azam , rashidi mojtaba
Published: July 2021

Background: breast cancer is one of the leading causes of cancer mortality worldwide. 5-fluorouracil (5-FU) is one of the chemotherapy drugs to treat breast cancer, but it is associated with several side effects. Combination therapy is a way to increase the effectiveness of chemo drugs and decrease their usage dose. Quercetin (Quer) is one of the natural polyphenols with anti-cancer properties. This study investigated the apoptotic effect of 5-FU in combination with Quer compared with 5-FU alone on MCF7 breast cancer cells.Method and Results: Different single and combined concentrations of 5-FU and Quer were applied to MCF 7 cells for 48 hours. Cell viability, apoptosis, gene expression of Bax and Bcl2, and colony number were assessed using MTT assay, flow cytometry, quantitative real-time PCR, and Colony formation assay, respectively. The combination of 5-FU and Quer compared to 5-FU alone improved apoptosis by increasing and decreasing the gene expression of Bax and Bcl2, respectively, and decreased colony formation in MCF7 cells.Conclusion: Quer potentiates the sensitivity of breast cancer to 5-FU so that this combination may be proposed as a treatment for breast cancer. Therefore, this combination can be suggested for future in vivo studies.
Effects of Long-Term (44-years) Tillage Sequences on Wheat Grain Yield in a Dryland Farming System in South Africa
Authors: Tshuma Flackson , Swanepoel Pieter Andreas , Labuschagne Johan , Bennett James , Rayns Francis
Published: July 2021

AimsTo determine the effects of the long-term (44-years) tillage practices on wheat grain yield in a dryland farming system. MethodsEffects of tillage on soil quality and crop productivity were assessed between 1976 and 2020 in South Africa’s Mediterranean climate zone. Seven tillage treatments were investigated: continuous mouldboard (MB) ploughing to a depth of 200 mm, tine-tillage to 150 mm, shallow tine-tillage (ST) to 75 mm, no-tillage (NT), ST conducted once in two years (ST-NT), ST conducted once in three years (ST-NT-NT), and ST conducted once in four years (ST-NT-NT-NT). Two crop management systems were also investigated: wheat monoculture and crop rotation. We evaluated the long-term wheat grain yield responses from the trial and hypothesised that, with time, the (i) monoculture system will lead to reduced grain yield, (ii) MB sequence will lead to reduced grain yield, (iii) infrequent tillage practices will improve grain yield relative to continuous NT.ResultsThe monoculture system led to reduced grain yield over time due to increased weeds. Compared to other tillage treatments in the monoculture system, the MB sequence led to higher (P<0.05) grain yields. However, in the crop rotation system, the NT treatment was the best option as it led to high yield and lower fuel usage. The infrequent tillage sequences failed to significantly improve the grain yield relative to continuous NT.Conclusions﻿The infrequent tillage sequences were no better than the NT practice. We recommend that farmers opt for NT and crop rotation to ensure sustainability and avoid intensive tillage.
Study Protocol Feasibility and Pilot Trial of Brief Behaviour Change Counseling Using Five as and a Guiding Style From Motivational Interviewing on Lifestyle Behaviour in Patients With Hypertension or Diabetes in Mangochi, Malawi: BBCC+5 A's+GS Quasi-experimental Study Protocol
Authors: Lutala prosper Mukobelwa , Muula Adamson
Published: July 2021

BackgroundDiabetes and hypertension and their lifestyle risk factors are on the increase in sub-Saharan Africa. Despite positive effects of behavioural intervention such as brief behaviour change in some African countries, there has not been significant implementation of the same in Malawi. We therefore decided to conduct this study aimed at implementing brief behaviour change counseling using 5 As and a guiding style from motivational interviewing (BBCC + 5 As + GS) in Mangochi with specific objectives of determining its feasibility and its efficacy.MethodsThis study is a mixed, quasi-experimental, feasibility study which comprises an exploratory 2 arms quantitative part with a qualitative component at the end of the trial. Fifty consecutive eligible participants will be recruited among patients attending two Non-Communicable Diseases (NCDs) clinics (Mangochi District Hospital and Monkey Bay Rural Hospital) and allocated equally to intervention group (receiving brief behaviour change counseling) and non-intervention (routine care only). In addition to a qualitative process evaluation at the end of the third time points, the groups will be assaessed at baseline - 12 weeks and 24 weeks’ post-implementation on the following factors: feasibility outcomes, sociodemographic factors, lifestyle factors, body mass index, waist circumference, hip to waist ratio, lipids (cholesterols, triglycerides), glycated hemoglobin, quality of life domains and theory of planned behaviour constructs’ changes and process evaluation. DiscussionIt is anticipated that the results of this pilot trial will help to determine and assess the feasibility and the provisional efficacy of this intervention, as well as key useful elements of this trial in order to develop it for further exploration in a larger trial.Registration and status of the trialTrial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04625452, registered 12 November 2020, https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04625452, and recruitment: June 1, 2021.
Consequences of Quantum Noise Control for the Relaxation Resonance Frequency and Phase Noise in Heterogeneous Silicon/III-V Lasers
Authors: Kim Dongwan , Harfouche Mark , Wang Huolei , Santis Christos T. , Vilenchik Yaakov , Satyan Naresh , Rakuljic George , Yariv Amnon
Published: July 2021

We have recently introduced a new semiconductor laser design which is based on an extreme, 99%, reduction of the laser mode absorption losses. This was achieved by a laser mode design which confines the great majority of the modal energy (> 99%) in a low-loss Silicon guiding layer rather than in highly-doped, thus lossy, III-V p+ and n+ layers, which is the case with traditional III-V lasers. The resulting reduced electron-field interaction leads directly to a commensurate reduction of the spontaneous emission rate by the excited conduction band electrons into the laser mode and thus to a reduction of the frequency noise spectral density of the laser field often characterized by the Schawlow-Townes linewidth. In this paper, we demonstrate theoretically and present experimental evidence of yet another major beneficial consequence of the new laser design: a near total elimination of the contribution of amplitude-phase coupling (the Henry α parameter) to the frequency noise at “high” frequencies. This is due to an order of magnitude lowering of the relaxation resonance frequency of the laser. The practical elimination of this coupling enables yet another order of magnitude reduction of the frequency noise at high frequencies, resulting in a quantum-limited frequency noise spectral density of 130 Hz2/Hz (linewidth of 0.4 kHz) for frequencies beyond 680 MHz. This development is of key importance in the drive to semiconductor lasers with higher coherence, particularly in the context of integrated photonics with a small laser footprint.
Treatment of Adult Metachromatic Leukodystrophy Model Mice Using Intrathecal Administration of Type 9 AAV Vector Encoding Arylsulfatase A
Authors: Miyake Noriko , Miyake Koichi , Sakai Atsushi , Yamamoto Motoko , Suzuki Hidenori , Shimada Takashi
Published: July 2021

Metachromatic leukodystrophy (MLD) is a lysosomal storage disease caused by an arylsulfatase A (ASA) deficiency and characterized by severe neurological symptoms resulting from demyelination within the central and peripheral nervous systems. We investigated the feasibility and efficacy of intrathecal administration of a type 9 adeno-associated viral vector encoding ASA (AAV9/ASA) for the treatment of 6-week-old MLD model mice, which are presymptomatic, and 1-year-old mice, which exhibit neurological abnormalities. Immunohistochemical analysis following AAV9/ASA administration showed ASA expression within the brain, with highest activities in the cerebellum and olfactory bulbs. In mice treated at 1 year, alcian blue staining and quantitative analysis revealed significant decreases in stored sulfatide within the hindbrain but not forebrain. Behaviorally, mice treated at 1 year showed no improvement in their ability to traverse narrow balance beams as compared to untreated mice. By contrast, MLD mice treated at 6 weeks showed significant decreases in stored sulfatide throughout the entire brain and improved ability to traverse narrow balance beams. These findings suggest intrathecal administration of an AAV9/ASA vector is a promising approach to treating genetic diseases of the central nervous system, including MLD, though it may be essential to begin therapy before the onset of neurological symptoms.
Accuracy of Artificial Intelligence-Assisted Landmark Identification in Serial Lateral Cephalograms of Class III Patients Who Underwent Two-Jaw Orthognathic Surgery
Authors: Hong Mihee , Kim Inhwan , Cho Jin-Hyoung , Kang Kyung-Hwa , Kim Minji , Kim Su-Jung , Kim Yoon-Ji , Sung Sang-Jin , Kim Young Ho , Lim Sung-Hoon , Kim Namkug , Baek Seung-Hak
Published: July 2021

To compare the accuracy of artificial intelligence-assisted landmark identification in serial lateral cephalograms of Class III patients who underwent two-jaw orthognathic surgery using a convolutional neural network (CNN) algorithm. 3,188 lateral cephalograms of Class III patients were allocated into the training and validation sets (3,004 cephalograms of 751 patients) and test set (184 cephalograms of 46 patients; subdivided into the genioplasty and non-genioplasty groups, n=23 per group)]. Each patient in the test set had four cephalograms: initial (T0), pre-surgery [T1, presence of orthodontic brackets (OBs)], post-surgery [T2, presence of OBs and surgical plates and screws (S-PS)], and debonding [T3, presence of S-PS and fixed retainers (FR)]. Statistical analysis was performed using mean errors of 20 landmarks between human gold standard and the CNN model. The total mean error was 1.17 mm without significant difference among four time-points. Before and after surgery, ANS, A point, and B point showed an increased error, while Mx6D and Md6D showed a decreased error. No difference in errors existed at B point, Pogonion, Menton, Md1C, and Md1R between the genioplasty and non-genioplasty groups. The CNN model can be used for landmark identification in serial cephalograms despite presence of OB, S-PS, FR, genioplasty, and bone remodeling.
Macrolide Susceptibility and Molecular Characteristics of Bordetella Pertussis
Authors: zhang juansheng , zhang diqiang , wang xiaoqiang , wei xiaoguang , li hao , zhao yuewan , li fang , han ruijun , liu ying
Published: July 2021

ObjectiveTo compare the macrolide resistance and molecular characteristics of clinical isolated Bordetella pertussis, and explore the relationship between the macrolide-resistance and genotypes. MethodsErythromycin、azithromycin and clarithromycin susceptibility of clinical isolates during 2018-2020 was determined by E-test. The A2047G of the 23S rRNA genes was sequenced for drug-resistance mutation. Multilocus antigen sequence typing (MAST)、Multiple Locus Variable-number tandem repeat Analysis (MLVA) and Pulsed field gel electrophoresis (PFGE) methods were employed to do molecular typing for the strains. Results58 strains were isolated in this study, 46 of them were macrolide-resistant and 12 sensitive. All macrolide-resistant strains carried a genetic mutation at the A2047G site, genotype was prn1/ptxP1/ptxA1/fim3-1/fim2-1, the MLVA types were identified as MT195、MT55 and MT104, PFGE profiles were classified into BPSR23 and BpFINR9 types. However, no mutations were found in all macrolide-sensitive strains whose genotypes were (prn9 or prn2)/ptxP1/ptxA1/fim3-1/fim2-1 and MT27, and PFGE classified other profiles. Conclusions﻿The clinical isolated Bordetella pertussis has serious resistance to erythromycin and began to spread to other macrolides. There were differences between macrolide-resistant and -sensitive Bordetella pertussis in genotypes. The acquisition of macrolide resistance may be associated with change of specific molecular types.
Spectroscopic Properties of Alumina Borosilicate Glassesw Alkaline Oxides Doped with Sm2O3 for Display Laser Emission
Authors: Elkhoshkhany Nehal , Marzouk Samir , Sherbiny Muhamed El , Atef Marihan , Alqahtani Mohammed , Algarni Hamed , Reben Manuela , Yousef El Sayed
Published: July 2021

This research investigates the influence of the concentration of Sm+ 3 ions on the features of a new borosilicate glass system with the composition 50B2O3– 14SiO2- 20Li2O– 15Na2O– 1.0Al2O3-x(Sm2O3), where x = 100, 200, 300, 400, and 500 ppm. The glasses are characterized by XRD, FTIR, UV- Vis- NIR, and photoluminescence spectra. The XRD results proved that all prepared glass has amorphous nature. Moreover, it was found that the value of density, ρ, and refractive index,n, increase with increasing of Sm+ 3 content. Otherwise, the value of molar volume, optical energy gap, and boron-boron distance decrease by increasing sm+ 3 concentration. The structure of glasses studied was investigated by computing \(Internuclear \left({r}_{i}\right)\), Polaron radius \(\left({r}_{p}\right)\), field strength \(\left(F\right)\) and the deconvolution of FTIR spectra. Judd-Ofelt theory applied to clarify the structural changes and nature of the bonds of prepared glasses. Moreover, A spectroscopic quality factor, the branching ratio (βr), and lifetime (τ) are calculated via the parameters of Judd-Ofelt. The color chromaticity of the present glasses evidenced that the emission was in the white-reddish orange region under 402nm excitation depended on the concentration of Sm3+ ions incorporated into the host glasses. From photoluminescence emission, stimulated emission cross-section, and CIE chromaticity leads to these glasses are promising for light-emitting diode (LED) as; laser material in a wide range.
Identification Hub Genes of Consensus Molecular Subtype Correlation with Immune Infiltration and Predict Prognosis in Gastric Cancer
Authors: Yu Bin , Yu Xin , Xiong Jianping , Ma Mei
Published: July 2021

Gastric Cancer (GC) has a great fatality rate, meanwhile, there is still a lack of available biomarkers for prognosis. The goal of the research was to discover key and novel potential biomarkers for GC. We screened for the expression of significantly altered genes based on survival rates from two consensus molecular subtypes (CMS) of GC. Subsequently, functional enrichment analysis showed these genes involved in many cancers. And we picked 6 hub genes that could both secreted in the tumor microenvironment and expression enhanced in immune cells. Then, Kaplan Meier survival and expression detected in the tumor pathological stage were utilized to clarify the prognostic of these 6 hub genes. The results indicated that OGN, CHRDL2, C2orf40, THBS4, CHRDL1, and ANGPTL1, respectively, were significantly associated with poor OS in GC patients. And their expression increased with cancer advanced. Moreover, immune infiltration analysis displayed that those hub genes expression positively with M2 macrophage, CD8+ T Cell, most immune inhibitors, and majority immunostimulators. In summary, our results suggested that OGN, CHRDL2, C2orf40, THBS4, CHRDL1, and ANGPTL1 were all potential biomarkers for GC prognosis and might also be potential therapeutic targets for GC.
Encouraging the work process of oral health teams can favour the planning of their actions in Primary Health Care
Authors: Probst Livia Fernandes , Melo Estêvão Azevedo , Tagliaferro Elaine Pereira da Silva , De-Carli Alessandro Diogo , Pereira Antonio Carlos
Published: July 2021

Background

The social determinants of health are strongly related to dental care needs. Therefore, oral health services in primary health care (PHC) must be planned to be more responsive to the needs of their local populations. The aim of this study was to evaluate the variables that are associated with planning actions by oral health teams (OHTs) in PHC.
Methods

This analytical, cross-sectional study used data from the external evaluation of the third cycle of the National Program for Improving Access and Quality of Primary Care (PMAQ-AB), carried out between 2017 and 2018, in Brazil. The final sample consisted of 22,268 OHTs from 4,679 Brazilian municipalities. The outcome variable was action planning by the OHTs and the independent variables included characteristics of the OHTs and municipal PHC Management, in addition to municipal socioeconomic indicators. Five models were sequentially built for statistical analysis, namely: an empty model (with the intercept, only), a multiple model with variables related to OHTs, a multiple model with variables related to municipal management in PHC, a multiple model with the municipal indicators, and a multilevel logistic regression model with variables at the level of OHTs and municipalities.
Results

It was observed that 32.5% of the OHTs did not plan their actions. In the final adjusted model the characteristics of OHTs were more significant for the outcome than the variables related to municipal PHC Management and municipal socioeconomic indicators. Moreover, participating in meetings together with the PHC team and carrying out case and therapeutic project discussions were the variables with the greatest effect on the outcome, that is, adjusted OR of 3.75 (95%CI: 3.42–4.10) and adjusted OR of 3.74 (95%CI: 3.46–4.05), respectively.
Conclusions

It is concluded that the indicators complicating the planning of actions by the OHTs were mainly the characteristics inherent to the work process of the OHTs, particularly the failure to hold meetings together with the PHC team, case and therapeutic project discussions, self-assessment, as well as the embracement protocols.
Design of Cold Plasma Based Ternary Photonic Crystal for Microwave Applications
Authors: Kumar Narendra , Kaliramna Sonu , Singh Mahima
Published: July 2021

In this paper, we propose a Silicon/Plasma/Air ternary 1D photonic crystal, whose transmission and reflection properties have been studied. We draw the transmittance and reflectance versus frequency spectra in microwave region (GHz) for RHP Plasma based ternary PC by changing the angle of incidence for a fixed value of unit cells, magnetic field, layer thickness, collision frequency, and electron density. It is observed that with increase in angle of incidence, there is increase in photonic bandgap obtained in low and high frequency regions. With increase in angle, the photonic bandgaps shift towards higher frequencies. At angle 89° there are multiple sharp peaks of transmission are obtained. By comparing this ternary PC with a binary silicon/plasma PC, it is observed that this proposed PC has higher number of bands for smaller angles which makes them a good candidate for making multi-channel tunable filters, and for higher angle it behaves like broadband reflector. The proposed structure may also be a good candidate for many applications in making other microwave devices.
Association Between Cancer Cachexia and Prognosis in Patients with Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Who Received Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Hayashi Naomi , Sato Yasuyoshi , Fujiwara Yu , Fukuda Naoki , Wang Xiaofei , Nakano Kenji , Urasaki Tetsuya , Ohmoto Akihiro , Ono Makiko , Tomomatsu Junichi , Sato Yukiko , Mitani Hiroki , Toshiyasu Takashi , Takahashi Shunji
Published: July 2021

Objectives: This retrospective observational study is conducted to evaluate the association between cancer cachexia and prognosis in head and neck cancer patients treated with chemoradiotherapy using skeletal muscle mass index at the level of the third lumbar vertebra with computed tomography.Methods: Two hundred forty-two patients were enrolled and categorized into the following four groups based on cancer cachexia criteria and treatment setting: definitive chemoradiotherapy with cachexia, definitive chemoradiotherapy without cachexia, adjuvant chemoradiotherapy with cachexia, and adjuvant chemoradiotherapy without cachexia. Progression-free survival (PFS) and overall survival (OS) between cachexia and non-cachexia groups were compared by treatment setting using the long-rank test. Prognostic factors were evaluated using the Cox proportional hazards model.Results: Fifty patients were diagnosed with cancer cachexia (20.7%). In the definitive setting, both PFS and OS were significantly shorter in the cachexia group (median PFS, 15.5 months vs. not reached, p < 0.01; median OS, 48.4 months vs. not reached. p < 0.01). Conversely, there was no significant difference between the two groups in the adjuvant setting. UICC Stage IV, base of albumin of <4, and cachexia were significant poor prognostic factors in the definitive setting. However, no prognostic factors were detected in the adjuvant setting.Conclusion: Cancer cachexia was negatively related with prognosis in patients with head and neck squamous cell carcinoma who received definitive chemoradiotherapy. Nutritional intervention during chemoradiotherapy may improve survival in these patients. Further research is warranted.
A Framework to Predict the Load-Settlement Behavior of Shallow Foundations in a Range of Soils from Silty Clays to Sands using CPT Records
Authors: MolaAbasi Hossein , Khajeh Aghileh , CHENARI REZA JAMSHIDI , Payan Meghdad
Published: July 2021

Using a set of cone penetration test (CPT) records,the current paper develops a general framework based on regression analyses to model the load-settlement (q-s) behavior of shallow foundations resting on a variety of soils ranging from silty clays to sands.A three-parameter hyperbolic function is employed to rigorously examine the obtainedq-s curves, and to determine the model parameters.Also, the results of someCPT soundings, including the corrected cone tip resistance (qt) and the skin friction (Rf),are adopted to predict the results of plate load tests(PLT). The findingscorroborate the high accuracy of the proposed model, thereasonable performance of the hyperbolic function and the use of the Volterra series to predict the q-s curves.Moreover, the obtained curves from the newly developed model arecompared to those from other methods in the literature which cross-confirms the efficacyof the current model. Asensitivity analysis isalso conductedand the exclusive effects of all the contributing parameters are assessed among which Rfis shown to be the most influential. Ultimately, simple solutionsare adoptedto determine variouskey geotechnical parameters, like the ultimate bearing capacity (qult), the allowable bearing capacity (qa) andthe modulus of subgrade reaction (ks).
SARS-CoV-2 genome variants epidemiology surveillance in Ethiopia and dynamic mutational changes of structural S Spike protein through computational analysis
Authors: Flifl Ayele Abaysew , Singh Rita Majumdar , Sitotaw Yohannes , Tarekegn Tesfaye Adisu
Published: July 2021

Objective: This study aims to identify the variants of SARS-CoV-2 that were circulating in Ethiopia and spot dynamic mutational changes of spike antigenicity based on genome data analysis to put forward preventative measurement against pandemic. Results: The SARS-CoV-2 genomes from Ethiopia were confirmed to be evolutionary related to RaTG13 and SL- bat coronavirus and Spike receptor sites were conserved. The clade distribution of the genome was reflected as GH, GR and other O and intended for new variants. 3 female samples were detected as Variants of Interest VUI202012/01GRY B.1.1.7 which Pango linage B.1.1.7 was originated from the UK. Despite 21 notable mutations, 71% D614G, 28% D614X, 35% N501Y and 21% NSP5-S284G mutation occurred predominantly in our genome samples and could have antigenicity and infectivity effects. Mutation on N440K was perceived as antigenic-drift in a sample and potency resist SER-52 antibody neutralization and vaccine escape.
Serum glial fibrillary acidic protein and S100 calcium-binding protein B correlates cerebral vessel reactivity following carotid artery stenting
Authors: Yuan Xiaofan , Guo Lei , Wang Jianhong , Wang Duozi , Yang Shu , Guo Fuqiang
Published: July 2021

Using detection markers in serum has the advantages of simplicity, repeatability and the capability. This study combined the use of serum glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) and S100B protein (S100B) with imaging tools to confirm the role of serum biomarkers in evaluating the cerebral vessel reactivity after carotid artery stenting (CAS). After CAS, the serum concentrations of GFAP and S100B increased to the peak at 24 hours after operation, and then gradually decreased. The mean flow velocity (MFV) (pre-operation, post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 47.65 ± 17.24 cm/s, 62.37 ± 18.25 cm/s, 70.29 ± 16.89 cm/s; P < 0.05) and pulsatility index (PI) (pre-operation, post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 0.78 ± 0.21, 0.98 ± 0.19, 1.02 ± 0.20; P < 0.05) increased significantly in the ipsilateral middle cerebral artery after CAS. At the 30-day follow-up, the cerebrovascular reserve (CVR) (post-operation, 30 days follow-up: 27.47 ± 12.13 cm/s, 31.92 ± 10.94 cm/s; P < 0.05) improved significantly. In patients with different degrees of stenosis, the more severe the stenosis in the carotid artery, the more obvious the improvement of CVR at the 30 days of follow-up (CVR changes: 11.08 ± 7.95 cm/s, Kendall’s tau-b = 0.645, P < 0.001). And the serum concentrations of GFAP (r = – 0.629, P < 0.0001) and S100B (r = − 0.604, P < 0.0001) correlated negatively with CVR at 30 days after CAS. Therefore, we recommend using the biomarkers GFAP and S100B associated with imaging tools such as transcranial Doppler (TCD) and Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) to evaluate the cerebral vessel reactivity following CAS.
Improvement of sleep patterns and serum melatonin levels in children with autism spectrum disorders after consumption of beta-1,3/1,6-glucan in a pilot clinical study
Authors: Raghavan Kadalraja , Dedeepiya Vidyasagar Devaprasad , Kandaswamy Ramesh Shankar , Balamurugan Mangaleswaran , Ikewaki Nobunao , Sonoda Tohru , Kurosawa Gene , Iwasaki Masaru , Preethy Senthilkumar , Abraham Samuel JK
Published: July 2021

Study objectives:

Poor sleep quality is a major problem that patients with autism spectrum disorders (ASD) face, which is attributed to their low melatonin levels. Melatonin supplementation is recommended, but its effectiveness is varied. Beta-glucans have previously been reported to improve melatonin levels in animal studies. Therefore, we examined the effectiveness of Aureobasidium pullulans (Nichi Glucan), a species of black yeast that contains beta-1,3/1,6-glucan, in a pilot study of children with ASD.
Methods

Thirteen children (age = 2.5 to 13 years) with ASD were recruited into the study. The control group consisted of four patients (Gr. 1), while nine patients were in the treatment group (Gr. 2). Gr. 2 received 1 g of Nichi Glucan along with conventional therapy, whereas Gr. 1 underwent conventional therapy alone for 90 days. The serum melatonin levels and sleep patterns, assessed using a subjective questionnaire, were evaluated before and after treatment.
Results

In Gr. 2, the average serum melatonin level increased from 238.85 ng/dl pre-intervention to 394.72 ng/dl post-intervention. Eight out of nine subjects (88%) in Gr. 2 group showed and improvement in their sleep pattern and quality, while this improvement was not observed in the control group.
Conclusions

Our study is the first in the literature to report that consumption of Nichi Glucan for 90 days showed visible improvement in sleep quality, sleep pattern, and serum melatonin levels. A larger multicentre study is warranted to validate our findings.
Short-time traffic flow prediction based on improved LSSVM
Authors: Ueda K. , Abe S. , Shen Z.
Published: July 2021

In order to improve the accuracy of short-time traffic flow prediction, an improved LSSVM-based short-time traffic flow prediction model is proposed. To address the problem that the traditional hybrid frog-jumping algorithm (SFLA) easily falls into local optimum, an improved hybrid frog-jumping algorithm (ISFLA) based on a new local update strategy is proposed, which is combined with the least squares support vector machine (LSSVM) to improve the prediction capability of LSSVM by using this algorithm to optimize the key parameters of LSSVM. The model and algorithm are simulated and analyzed with examples to prove the feasibility of the model and the effectiveness of the algorithm.
Unmet Needs in Clinical Practice: A Proposal and Application of A Diagnostic and Severity Scale to Grade Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome
Authors: Ricci Federica , D'Alessandro Rossella , Somà Alessandra , Salvalaggio Anna , Rossi Francesca , Rampone Sara , Davico Chiara , Peretta Paola , Cacciacarne Mario , Gaglini Pierpaolo , Pacca Paolo , Pilloni Giulia , Ragazzi Paola , Bertin Daniele , Vallero Stefano G. , Fagioli Franca , Vitiello Benedetto
Published: July 2021

BACKGROUND: The post-operative Pediatric Cerebellar Mutism Syndrome (CMS) affects about one-third of children and adolescents following surgical removal of a posterior fossa tumor (PFT). According to the Posterior Fossa Society consensus working definition, CMS is characterized by delayed onset mutism/reduced speech and emotional lability after cerebellar or 4th ventricle tumor surgery in children, with additional common features that include hypotonia and oropharyngeal dysfunction/dysphagia. The main objective of this work was to propose a diagnostic scale to grade CMS duration and severity.METHOD: Thirty consecutive subjects, aged 1-17 years (median 8 years, IQR 7) were evaluated with the proposed Post-Operative Pediatric CMS Survey after surgical resection of a PFT and, in cases of CMS, for the next 30 days after the onset (T0) or until symptom remission. At day 30th (T1), CMS was classified into mild, moderate, or severe according to the proposed Scale.RESULTS: CMS occurred in 13 patients (43.3%, 95% C.I.: 25.5-62.6%), with mild severity in 4 cases (31%), moderate in 4 (31%), and severe in 5 (38%). At T1, longer symptom persistence was associated with greater severity (p=0.01). Greater severity at T0 predicted greater severity at T1 (p=0.0001). Children with a midline tumor location and those aged under 5 years at diagnosis were at higher risk of CMS (p=0.025 and p=0.008, respectively).CONCLUSIONS: The proposed scale is a simple and applicable tool for estimating the severity of CMS at its onset, monitoring its course over time, and providing an early prognostic stratification to guide treatment decisions.