bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Blocking Lithium Dendrite Growth in Solid-State Batteries with an Ultrathin Amorphous Li-La-Zr-O Solid Electrolyte
Authors: Sastre Jordi , Futscher Moritz , Pompizi Lea , Aribia Abdessalem , Priebe Agnieszka , Overbeck Jan , Stiefel Michael , Tiwari Ayodhya , Romanyuk Yaroslav
Published: February 2021

Lithium metal dendrites have become a roadblock in the realization of next-generation solid-state batteries with lithium metal as high-capacity anode. The presence of surface and bulk inhomogeneities with non-negligible electronic conductivity in crystalline electrolytes such as the lithium garnet Li7La3Zr2O12 (LLZO) facilitates the growth of lithium filaments, posing a critical safety risk. Here we explore the amorphous phase of LLZO (aLLZO) as a lithium dendrite shield owing to its grain-boundary-free microstructure, stability against metallic lithium, and high electronic insulation. We demonstrate that by tuning the lithium stoichiometry in sputtered aLLZO films, the ionic conductivity can be increased up to 10-7 S cm-1 while retaining an ultralow electronic conductivity of 10-14 S cm-1. In Li/aLLZO/Li symmetric cells, plating-stripping results in no degradation of the films and current densities up to 3.2 mA cm-2 can be applied with no signs of lithium penetration. The defect-free and conformal nature of the films enables microbatteries with an electrolyte thickness as low as 70 nm, which withstand charge-discharge at 0.2 mA cm-2 for over 500 cycles. Finally, we demonstrate that the application of aLLZO as a coating on crystalline LLZO lowers the interface resistance and significantly impedes the formation of lithium dendrites, increasing the critical current density of a symmetric cell up to 1.3 mA cm-2 at room temperature and without external pressure. The effectiveness of the amorphous Li-La-Zr-O as lithium dendrite blocking layer can accelerate the development of more powerful and safer solid-state batteries.
Rare hereditary nonspherocytic hemolytic anemia caused by novel homozygous mutation, c.301C>A, (Q101K) in the AK1 gene in an Indian family
Authors: Dongerdiye Rashmi , Sampagar Abhilasha , Devendra Rati , Warang Prashant , Kedar Prabhakar
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAdenylate kinase (AK) deficiency is an uncommon form of congenital non-spherocytic haemolytic anaemia. To date, only 13 families have been affected by this disorder exhibiting symptoms like chronic anaemia supported by recurrent blood transfusions, jaundice, hepatosplenomegaly, and mental and psychomotor retardation in exceptional cases. This study aimed to identify a pathogenic mutation in the undiagnosed case of haemolytic anemia and to offer a parental diagnosis in the subsequent pregnancy.MethodNext-generation sequencing (NGS) was performed to identify pathogenic variants in the patient. Prenatal diagnosis during the second pregnancy was performed on genetic testing was performed on chronic villus sample (CVS) collected in 11 weeks of pregnancy from the mother and intravenous blood was drawn from both the parents.ResultsNovel causative mutation (p. Gln101Lys) in the AK gene was identified in a 5-year-old male child with severe transfusion-dependent hemolytic anemia. Bioinformatics tools predicted the deleterious effect of the novel variant on the structure of the protein. Prenatal diagnosis of the fetus was found to be heterozygous for the mutation. Both the parents were heterozygous for the variant c.301C > A, p. Gln101Lys.ConclusionWe have presented a review of the literature and novel mutations in the AK1 gene (p. Gln101Lys) associated with adenylate kinase deficiency. It is first a prenatal diagnosis AK deficiency report from India where heterogeneity is too high in the population and custom of intra-community marriages are prevalent.
Effects of testosterone on intraocular pressure, thickness of retinal nerve fiber layer, ganglion cell complex, macula and on ocular blood flow in female-to-male transgender persons
Authors: Alpogan Oksan , Donmez Emin Erhan , Balık Ayşe Özlem , Vural Fisun , Kaplan Gizem
Published: February 2021

PurposeTo compare the effects of testosterone on intraocular pressure (IOP), retinal nerve fiber layer thickness (RNFL), ganglion cell complex (GCC), macular thickness (MT), and ocular blood flow between female-to-male transgender (FMT) persons who use testosterone and healthy women and healthy men.MethodThe study included 39 eyes of 20 FMT(group 1), 40 eyes of 20 healthy women (group 2), and 42 eyes of 21 healthy men (group 3). In all subjects, RNFL, GCC, MT were measured by optical coherence tomography (OCT). Ocular blood flow was measured by Colour Doppler Ultrasonography in all subjects.ResultsIOP levels in FMT were significantly higher than men (p = 0.02). Para superior (Sup), Para inferior (Inf) and Peri nasal (Nas) thickness in FMT were significantly higher than the group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.03, p = 0.01). Peri Sup thickness in FMT was significantly higher than group 3 (p = 0.01). Peri Inf thickness in FMT was significantly higher than group 2 and 3 (p = 0.03, p = 0.002). Mean thickness of RNFL Inf in FMT was significantly higher than the group 2 and 3 (p = 0.03, p = 0.03). Avg GCC, Inf GCC in FMT were significantly higher than group 2 (p = 0.02, p = 0.005). In correlation test, systole/diastole ratio(S/D) in Ophthalmic artery (OA) (r = 0.504, p = 0.028) and Inf RNLF thickness (r = 0.485, p = 0.035) were positively correlated with the serum levels of testosterone in FMT.ConclusionsWe found that the use of supraphysiologic testosterone dose increased IOP and the thickness of macula, RNFL and GCC in FMT. Serum testosterone level was positively correlated with S/D ratio in the OA.
Improved robustness in the junction region for postoperative breast cancer including supraclavicular nodes using hybrid VMAT
Authors: Miura Hideharu , Doi Yoshiko , Nakao Minoru , Ozawa Shuichi , Kenjo Masahiko , Nagata Yasushi
Published: February 2021

Purpose

To improve the hybrid VMAT treatment plan robustness for postoperative breast cancer patients considering small patient motion shifts during treatment using a 3D-CRT with a dose gradient in the junction region.
Methods

Locoregional supraclavicular nodes of breast cancer patients were planned using 3D-CRT and VMAT. A 3D-CRT plan with a dose gradient on the cranial side was applied by shifting the jaw to reduce hot or cold spots. The VMAT plan was optimized based on the results of the 3D-CRT plan calculation. Hybrid plans were created by the sum of the 3D-CRT and VMAT plans. To simulate patient motion, the plans were recalculated with the VMAT plan simulating isocenter superiorly (separation) or inferiorly (overlap) shifted by 1, 2, and 3 mm. The shifted plans were compared with the non-shifted plans considering the clinical target volume (CTV) (D98% or D2%).
Results

The D2% value of the CTV with perfectly aligned fields for the hybrid VMAT plan with high- or low-dose gradients on the 3D-CRT plan increased from 102.8%/102.9–107.2%/105.7%, 114.9%/110.9%, and 122.2%/115.5% for each 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm overlapped shift, respectively. The value of D98% to the CTV with perfectly aligned fields decreased from 95.7%/95.6–90.0%/93.1%, 81.2%/88.4%, and 72.8%/83.5% for each 1 mm, 2 mm, and 3 mm separated shift, respectively.
Conclusions

By employing a 3D-CRT plan with a low dose gradient on the cranial side, the dose differences can be decreased. A more robust treatment delivery option can be achieved for breast cancer treatment using our proposed hybrid VMAT.
Spatio-temporal analysis of influenza-like illness and prediction of incidence in high-risk regions, in the United States from 2011 to 2020
Authors: Song Zhijuan , Jia Xiaocan , Bao Junzhe , Yang Yongli , Zhu Huili , Shi Xuezhong
Published: February 2021

Introduction:
About 8% of Americans get influenza during an average season from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention in the United States. It is necessary to strengthen the early warning of influenza and the prediction of public health.
Methods
In this study, we analyzed the characteristics of Influenza-like Illness (ILI) by Geographic Information System and SARIMA model, respectively. Spatio-temporal cluster analysis detected 23 clusters of ILI during the study period.
Results
The highest incidence of ILI was mainly concentrated in the states of Louisiana, District of Columbia and Virginia. The Local spatial autocorrelation analysis revealed the High-High cluster was mainly located in Louisiana and Mississippi. This means that if the influenza incidence is high in Louisiana and Mississippi, the neighboring states will also have higher influenza incidence rates. The regression model SARIMA(1, 0, 0)(1, 1, 0)52 with statistical significance was obtained to forecast the ILI incidence of Mississippi.
Conclusions
The study showed, the ILI incidence will begin to increase in the 45th week 2020 and peak in the 6th week 2021. To conclude, notable epidemiological differences were observed across states, indicating that some states should pay more attention to prevent and control respiratory infectious diseases.
Development of alternative splicing signature in lung squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Yan Jia-qing , Liu Min , Ma Yin-lin , Le Kai-di , Dong Bin , Li Guo-hui
Published: February 2021

Increasing evidence demonstrated that alternative splicing (AS) played a vital role in tumorigenesis and clinical outcome of patient. However, systematically analysis of AS in lung squamous cell carcinoma (LUSC) is lacking and greatly necessary. Thus, this study was to systematically estimate the function of AS events served as prognostic indicators in LUSC. Among 31,345 mRNA AS events in 9,633 genes, we detected 1,996 AS in 1,409 genes which have significantly connection with overall survival (OS) of LUSC patients. Then, prognostic model based on seven types of AS events were established and we further constructed a combined prognostic model. The Kaplan-Meier curve results suggested that seven types of AS signatures and the combined prognostic model could exhibit robust performance in predicting prognosis. Patients in the high risk group had significantly shorter OS than those in the low risk group. The ROC showed all prognostic models had high accuracy and powerful predictive performance with different AUC ranging from 0.837 to 0.978. Moreover, the combined prognostic model had highest performance in risk stratification and predictive accuracy than single prognostic models. Finally, a significant correlation network between survival-related AS genes and prognostic splicing factors (SFs) was established. In conclusion, our study provided several potential prognostic AS models and constructed splicing network between AS and SFs in LUSC, which could be used as potential indicators and treatment targets for LUSC patients.
Bisphenol A Adsorption from Aqueous Solution using Graphene Oxide-Alginate Beads
Authors: Fuzil Nurul Syazana , OTHMAN NUR HIDAYATI , Jamal Nur Ain Shazwani Roslee Ab. , Mustapa ANA NAJWA , ALIAS NUR HASHIMAH , DOLLAH 'AQILAH , HIM Nik Raikhan NIK , MARPANI FAUZIAH
Published: February 2021

In this study, the potential of graphene oxide-alginate beads (GO-AB) as an adsorbent for bisphenol A (BPA) removal from aqueous solution was investigated. GO was first prepared via modified Hummers’ techniques and aerogel alginate bead with embedded GO was prepared using an extrusion dripping method, where calcium chloride was utilized as a curing agent. The physicochemical characteristics of GO-AB were investigated using XRD, FTIR, BET, TGA. The results revealed that crystal structure and the surface groups of GO and alginate were retained upon formation of GO-AB. A batch adsorption testing was carried out as a function of pH (3, 7, and 9), contact time (up to 420 mins) and initial concentration of BPA (50 - 200 mg·L-1). The adsorption rate was typically faster at the beginning of the adsorption process and started to level off after 180 mins. AB and GO-AB had better adsorption performances at neutral condition (pH 7) as compared to alkaline and acidic environments owing to repulsive electrostatic interaction between BPA and the adsorbent surface’s charge. The sorption kinetic data was observed fitted to the pseudo-second-order kinetics model (R2>0.98) and obeyed the Freundlich isotherm model adsorption behaviour as compared to Langmuir. However, the RL value of Langmuir model is between 0 to 1, which implies favourable adsorption process. The maximum BPA adsorption capacity for AB and GO-AB was found to be 250.00 and 384.62 mg·g-1, respectively indicating that GO-AB is a promising adsorbent for BPA removal from aqueous solution.
Intraoral and extraoral approach for surgical treatment of Eagle's syndrome: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Jing , Wang Zhibin , Yan KaiSheng , Liu Yan
Published: February 2021

Background
We evaluated the clinical characteristics and postoperative efficacy of 94 patients with Eagle’s syndrome based on their clinical symptoms, imageological examination, and physical examination. Through the multi center clinical study of Tongji Medical College and Dalian Medical University, we found some characteristics of Eagle’s syndrome in operation and imaging.
Methods
In total, 94 patients with Eagle’s syndrome (treated from January 2010 to January 2019) were retrospectively enrolled. The postoperative curative effect was analysed by three surgical methods: styloid process resection through the external cervical approach, tonsillectomy + styloidectomy, and preservation of the tonsil for styloidectomy.
Results
The average length of the styloid process was 33 mm (range, 25–61 mm). The patients were followed up for 3–36 months (average, 15 months). Of the 94 patients, 20 underwent styloid process resection through the external cervical approach, 45 underwent tonsillectomy and styloidectomy, and 29 underwent styloidectomy with preservation of the tonsil. The treatment cured 45 (48%) cases, was effective in 31 (33%), and ineffective in 18 (19%). The SPSS 19.0 software was used to conduct a rank sum test, and there was no significant difference between the three types of operations (H = 0.521, P = 0.771).
Conclusions
Operation is an effective method for treating Eagle’s syndrome. There were no significant differences between the effects of the intraoral and external cervical approaches. Imaging examination—especially CT scanning and 3D reconstruction of the styloid process—is very helpful for diagnosis, but not an absolute criterion for the selection of surgery protocol.
JAK2/STAT3 Signaling Pathway Plays a Key Role in Nicotine Mediated Neuroinflammation Suppression in an Ischemic Rat Model
Authors: Wang Qi , Han Tingting , Lai Ruihe , Zhang Dalong , Diao Yao , Du Yong , Yin Yafu
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTo explore the mechanism of nicotine mediated improvement of cognitive impairment in an established ischemic rat model. MethodsEndothelin-1 (ET-1) was injected into the left thalamic region in adult male Sprague-Dawley (SD) rats to establish ischemia model. 6 groups of rats (6 rats in each group) were then treated with nicotine, nicotine+DHβE, DHβE, AG490, nicotine +AG490 and saline respectively via intraperitoneal injection for 9 days. Another sham operation group was treated with saline as above. Morris Water Maze (MWM) test was performed for 6 consecutive days starting on the 4th day after operation to detect the cognitive function of rats in each group. 2-[18F]-A-85380 microPET imaging was performed on day 10 to evaluate the changes of α4β2 nAChRs in different brain regions of rats. Real-time PCR and Western blot were used to detect the amount of α4β2 nAChRs, JAK2, STAT3 and inflammatory factors in thalamus of rats in each group. ResultsThe results of MWM test showed the spatial learning and memory abilities of rats in the nicotine and sham operation groups were significantly better than the saline treating group in this ischemic rat model (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in other groups (p>0.05). MicroPET imaging showed more uptake of 2-[18F]-A-85380 in the nicotine, nicotine+AG490 and sham operation groups than in saline treating group, while there was no significant difference found in other groups (p>0.05). The expression of α4- and β2-nAChR in nicotine, nicotine+AG490 and sham operation groups was significantly higher than the saline treating group (p<0.05). In the nicotine group, the expression of p-JAK2 and p-STAT3 in left thalamus of rats was significantly higher than the saline treating group (p<0.05), and the expression of IL-1β and IL-6 protein was found to be lower than the saline treating group (p<0.05). While the expression of p-JAK2, p-STAT3 and inflammatory factors was not significantly different in all the other groups (p>0.05). ConclusionThe study suggests nicotine inhibits the expression of inflammatory factors by activating α4β2 nAChRs through the activation of JAK2-STAT3 signaling pathway to improve cognitive impairment in ischemic rats.
Laboratory Analysis and Ray Visualization of Diffractive Optics with Enhanced Intermediate Vision
Authors: Son Hyeck-Soo , Łabuz Grzegorz , Khoramnia Ramin , Yildirim Timur M. , Auffarth Gerd U.
Published: February 2021

BackgroundTo assess the optical behavior of a new diffractive intraocular lens (IOL) and compare its performance to that of an established extended-depth-of-focus (EDOF) IOL.MethodsThis study assessed the Proming EDOF Multifocal AM2UX [Eyebright Medical Technology (Beijing) Co., Ltd., China] and the AT LARA 829MP [Carl Zeiss Meditec, Germany]. An experimental set-up with 0.01% fluorescein solution and monochromatic light (532nm) was used to visualize the IOLs’ ray propagation. In addition, the optical quality of the IOLs was assessed by measuring the modulation transfer function (MTF) values at 50lp/mm and 3.0 and 4.5mm apertures on the optical bench OptiSpheric® IOL PRO II [Trioptics GmbH, Germany]. ResultsThe ray propagation of the two IOLs showed two distinct foci. Light intensity assessment revealed that both IOLs allocate more energy to primary than secondary focus. At 3.0mm pupil, the MTF values at 50lp/mm for the primary focus were 0.39 and 0.37, and for the secondary focus, 0.29 and 0.26 for the AT LARA and Proming IOLs, respectively. At 4.5mm pupil, the single-frequency MTF for the primary focus was 0.51 and 0.24 and for the secondary focus 0.21 and 0.15 for the AT LARA and Proming IOLs, respectively.ConclusionsFrom the optical point of view, the Proming behaved as a low-add bifocal lens; however, its properties did not differ much from the well-established AT LARA EDOF IOL. The AT LARA outperformed the Proming at low defocus (up to 2D), while the latter demonstrated better image quality in the 2-3D range.
p62 promotes HIV-1 gp120 V3 loop-mediated microglial inflammation by promoting noncanonical activation of Nrf2
Authors: Liu Sisi , Yan Xueqin , He Hanyang , Pan Rui , Tang Haijie , Wang Huili , Wen Saixian , Gan Limeng , Li Guangming , Fu Yongmei , Dong Jun
Published: February 2021

Combined antiretroviral therapy (cART) has significantly increased the life expectancy of AIDS patients; however, the prevalence of the neurocognitive impairment associated with HIV-1 continues to rise. HIV-1 gp120, an important subunit of the envelope spikes that decorate the surface of virions, is found to activate microglia in central nervous system (CNS) which leads to the cognitive and behavioral dysfunction known as HIV-1 associated neurocognitive disorder(HAND), and the V3 loop is the most important toxic domain of gp120. A study has shown that autophagy plays key role in the activation of microglia, p62 is an important autophagy substrate protein that is elevated in neuroinflammation. In this study, we sought to explore the role of p62 in gp120 V3 loop-mediated microglial activation. Our results demonstrated that exposure of CHME-5 cells to the gp120 V3 loop resulted in elevated inflammatory cytokines, accompanied by autophagy dysfunction and p62 upregulation. Subsequently, we found that the p62-dependent Nrf2 noncanonical signaling pathway was activated and that HO-1, the target protein of Nrf2, was also upregulated. Interestingly, the elevation of inflammatory factors caused by the gp120 V3 loop was significantly alleviated after knocking down p62, Nrf2 and HO-1. Further investigation revealed that in the microglial inflammation induced by the gp120 V3 loop, up-regulated HO-1 promoted the expression of iNOS by interacting with iNOS, while enhanced autophagy by RAPA promoted the degradation of iNOS and alleviated inflammation. These findings provide a new perspective on the relationship between noncanonical Nrf2 activation and autophagy in microglial inflammation and an experimental basis for HAND prevention and treatment.
Bufalin suppresses tumour microenvironment-mediated angiogenesis by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway
Authors: Xu Ke , Fang Kai , Zhan Yueping , Wang Yuqian , Wu Chengqi , Zhu Ruiqiu , Sun Min , Qiu Yanyan , Yuan Zeting , Liang Xin , Yin Peihao
Published: February 2021

Background

Anti-angiogenesis therapy has increasingly become an important strategy for the treatment of colorectal cancer. Recent studies have shown that tumor microenvironment (TME) promotes tumour angiogenesis. Bufalin is an active compound whose anti-tumor efficacy has been proven by previous studies. However, there are very few studies on the anti-angiogenic effects of bufalin.
Methods

Herein, human umbilical vein endothelial cells (HUVEC) tube formation, migration and adhesion test were used to assess angiogenesis in vitro. Western blot and quantitative PCR were used to detect relevant protein levels and the expressions of mRNAs. Subcutaneous xenograft tumor model and hepatic metastasis model in mice were established to investigate the influence of bufalin on angiogenesis-mediated by TME in vivo.
Results

We found that the angiogenesis mediated by tumor microenvironment cells was significantly inhibited in the present of bufalin. The results demonstrated that the pro-angiogenic gene in HUVEC such as VEGF, PDGFA, E-selectin and P-selectin were downregulated by bufalin, and the downregulation was regulated by inhibiting the STAT3 pathway. Overexpression STAT3 could reverse the inhibitory effect of bufalin on angiogenesis. What is more, few reduction of angiogenesis when bufalin directly acted on tumor microenvironment cells.
Conclusion

Our findings demonstrate that bufalin suppresses tumour microenvironment-mediated angiogenesis by inhibiting the STAT3 signaling pathway of vascular endothelial cells, which reveals that bufalin may be used as a new anti-angiogenic adjuvant therapy medicine in the treatment of colorectal cancer.
Targeting Lactate Dehydrogenase A Improves Radiotherapy Efficacy in Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer: From Bedside to Bench
Authors: Yang Yang , Chong Yu , Chen Mengyuan , Dai Wumin , Zhou Xia , Ji Yongling , Qiu Guoqin , Du Xianghui
Published: February 2021

BackgroundLDHA is overexpressed in many kinds of cancer, and associated with poor prognosis. In the current study, we evaluated the prognostic value of LDHA expression in non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC), and tested whether LDHA inhibition might improve radiotherapy efficacy in NSCLC.MethodsLDHA mRNA expression was investigated in NSCLC patients, using online database and further verified by immunohistochemistry. The prognostic value of LDHA was evaluated using Kaplan-Meier plotter database. In vitro, two NSCLC cell lines were pretreated with oxamate, an inhibitor of LDHA, and colony formation method was performed to determine cellular radiosensitivity. Comet assay was used to detect DNA damage after irradiation. Flow cytometry was applied to test cell cycle progression and apoptosis, and autophagy was examined by monodansylcadaverin (MDC) staining.ResultsBoth mRNA and protein levels of LDHA expression were up-regulated in NSCLC tissues. High LDHA expression was a poor prognostic factor and associated with radioresistance in NSCLC patients. LDHA inhibition by oxamate remarkably increased radiosensitivity in both A549 and H1975 cancer cells, and enhanced ionizing radiation (IR)-induced apoptosis and autophagy, accompanied by cell cycle distribution alternations. Furthermore, LDHA inhibition induced reactive oxygen species (ROS) accumulation and cellular ATP depletion, which might increase DNA injury and hinder DNA repair activity.Conclusions﻿Our study suggests inhibition of LDHA may be a potential strategy to improve radiotherapy efficacy in NSCLC patients, which needs to be further tested by clinical trials.
Molecular Characterization of the FCoV-like Canine Coronavirus HLJ-071 in China
Authors: Tian Zhige , Zheng Miaomiao , Deng Ying , Gou Dandan , Guo Peng , Cong Feng , Hu Xiaoliang
Published: February 2021

Background
According to differences in antigens and genetic composition, canine coronavirus (CCoV) consists of two genotypes, CCoV-Ⅰ and CCoV-Ⅱ. Recently, CCoVs with mutant variations have been found to be pantropic and pathogenic in dogs.
Results
In this study, we isolated a CCoV, designated HLJ-071, from a dead 5-week-old female Welsh Corgi with severe diarrhea and vomiting. Sequence analysis suggested that HLJ-071 bears a complete ORF3abc when compared with classic CCoV isolates (1–71, K378 and S378). In addition, a variable region was located between the S gene and the open reading frames (ORF) 3a gene, in which HLJ-071 has a deletion of 104 nucleotides (nts) when compared with classic CCoV strains 1–71, S378 and K378. Phylogenetic analysis based on the S gene and complete sequences showed that HLJ-071 is closely related to Feline Coronavirus (FCoV) II. Recombination analysis suggested that HLJ-071 originated from the recombination of FCoV 79-1683, FCoV DF2 and CCoV A76. Finally, cell tropism experiments suggested that HLJ-071 is able to replicate in canine macrophages/monocytes.
Conclusion
The present study involved the isolation and genetic characterization of a variant CCoV strain. The spike protein and ORF3abc of CCoV might play a key role in viral tropism, which could affect replication in monocyte/macrophage cells. This will provide essential information for further understanding the evolution of CCoV in China.
A New Perspective For Improving The Human Resource Development of Primary Medical and Health Care Institutions: A Structural Equation Model Study
Authors: Jia Huanhuan , Cao Peng , Yu Jianxing , Zhang Jingru , Jiang Hairui , Zhao Qize , Yu Xihe
Published: February 2021

Background: In China, primary health care is rarely utilized because of medical personnel shortages at primary medical and health care institutions (PMHCIs). Several studies suggest that the most effective solution is to guide qualified doctors and medical graduates to work in PMHCIs, but the studies and measures have been formulated only from the perspective of the government and PMHCIs; few have considered the subjective willingness of medical personnel.Methods: From the perspective of the guided objects, this research was divided into two parts based on implicit theory and a lexical method. The first part takes hospital clinical graduates and interns as the survey subjects and collects the factors affecting their choosing PMHCIs for employment. The second part takes candidates for the medical licensing examination as the survey object and uses exploratory factor analysis (EFA), confirmatory factor analysis (CFA) and structural equation modeling (SEM) to explore the dimensions and paths of the influencing factors.Results: Seven factors were obtained from the EFA, and the SEM hypothesis fits the data well. Internal Organization Development, Patient Factor, Remuneration and Development, and Family Support had a significantly positive effect on the Sense of Gain of medical personnel seeking employment at PMHCIs, whereas both Job Responsibilities and Condition of the City Where the PMHCI Is Located had no significant effect. In addition, the indirect effects of Internal Organization Development and Condition of the City Where the PMHCI Is Located on the Sense of Gain were significant. The Patient Factor, Family Support, and Remuneration and Development significantly mediated the relationship between the internal and external environment of the institution and the Sense of Gain, whereas the mediating effect of Job Responsibilities was not significant.Conclusions: The improvement of family support, remuneration and development and patient factors increases the willingness of medical personnel to seek employment at PMHCIs. In addition, the internal and external environments of a PMHCI play a vital role in guiding medical personnel to PMHCIs for employment. This research provides theoretical support for improving the development of human resources, guiding medical personnel to work in PMHCIs, and promoting the implementation of medical and health system reform in China.
Antitumor Effects of Dihydromyricetin on the Proliferation, Migration and Apoptosis of Human Hepatocellular Carcinoma Hep3B Cells
Authors: Jiang Lianggui , Ye Wen-Chu , Li Zuobiao , Yang Yongguang , Dai Wei , Li Mingyi
Published: February 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) represents a serious public health problem worldwide and has high morbidity and mortality. Dihydromyricetin (DHM) exhibits anti-tumor effect on a variety of malignancies, but its antitumor function of DHM in HCC has been unclear. The aim of this study was designed to investigate the antitumor effect of DHM on cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration and invasion of hepatoma carcinoma cells. Methods: Cultured Hep3B cells were treated with different DHM concentrations, follow by cell apoptosis, proliferation, migration and invasion were examined by CCK-8, colony formation assay, wound healing, Transwell and flow cytometry, respectively. The mRNA and protein expression of apoptosis-associated genes and Bcl-2/Caspase-9 signaling pathway were validated by RT-PCR and western blot. Results: DHM markedly suppressed proliferation, migration, invasion and facilitated apoptosis in Hep3B cells. Mechanistically, DHM significantly downregulated the Bcl-2 expression, and upregulated the mRNA and protein levels of Cleaved-Caspase 3, Cleaved- Caspase 9, Bak, Bax and Bad. Furthermore, in the nude mice tumorigenic model, DHM treatment greatly decreased the weight of the HCC tumors compared to the weights in control and NDP group. Conclusions: DHM could suppress cell proliferation, migration, invasion, and facilitated apoptosis in Hep3B cells. These findings could provide novel insights to develop potential therapeutic strategy for the clinical treatment of HCC.
Large Mural Thrombus in the Non-Aneurysmal and Non-atherosclerotic Ascending Aorta: A Case Report
Authors: Dai Xiaoyi , Ni Chengyao , Luo Wenzong , Miao Sihan , Ma Liang
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe mural thrombus in the ascending aorta is rare, most of which are associated with aneurysm or atherosclerotic lesions, with high risks of causing catastrophic thrombotic events. A mural thrombus in the non-aneurysmal and non-atherosclerotic ascending aorta is exceptionally uncommon.Case PresentationWe reported a large mural thrombus in normal ascending aorta of an asymptomatic patient. Preoperative imaging confirmed the presence of the sessile thrombus located at the left anterior wall of ascending aorta. Given that it had the potential to cause fatal thrombotic complications, surgical removal and segment of ascending aorta replacement were executed. The patient had an uneventful recovery and discharged 14 days after surgery.ConclusionsAnticoagulant is the therapeutic cornerstone of ascending aortic thrombus, but surgery should be performed aggressively when the thrombus is large or floating to avoid severe embolic complications or recurrence.
Ultrafast rechargeable room-temperature solid-state sodium ion battery based on graphene-based liquid alloy
Authors: Zhao QianQian , Tian Haoqing , Liu Shan , Wang Ling , Dai Lei
Published: February 2021

Solid state sodium ion batteries have attracted great attentions due to its high safety and high energy density. However, the poor wettability between sodium and solid electrolytes (point-contact) seriously limits its application at room temperature. Here, we use a graphene-based Na-K alloy instead of pure sodium as anode to improve the wettability, which allows the batteries to be operated with ultrahigh rate capability at room temperature. The reduced interfacial resistance and accelerated charge transfer kinetics between alloy anode and NASICON electrolyte (face-contact) made the batteries stable cycle more than 220 hours with a small voltage hysteresis at a high current density of 25 mA cm-2 at room temperature, even increased the current density to 65 mA cm-2, the batteries can still operate well. These results proved that the feasibility of using liquid alloy in room-temperature solid-state sodium ion batteries. This work will pave the way for the development of high-rate, dendrite-free and long-life solid-state sodium ion batteries.
Simultaneous Craniotomies for Multiple Intracranial Aneurysm Clippings – One-stage Surgery with Multiple Craniotomies
Authors: Seo Dongwook , Jo Hyunjun , Jeong Han-Gil , Kim Young Deok , Lee Si Un , Ban Seung Pil , Kim Tackeun , Kwon O-Ki , Oh Chang Wan , Bang Jae Seung
Published: February 2021

The treatment of multiple intracranial aneurysms (MIAs) involves various modalities and sometimes requires staged operations. This study aimed to prove the efficacy and safety of one-stage multiple craniotomies (OSMC) for multiple cerebral aneurysms. We retrospectively reviewed the medical records of the patients who underwent surgical clipping of an intracranial aneurysm at Seoul National University Bundang Hospital between 2003 and April 2020. The surgical results, complications, and lengths of hospital stay were compared between the patients who underwent OSMC and those who underwent multi-stage multiple craniotomies (MSMC). The demographic characteristics of the OSMC and MSMC groups (n = 82 and 43, respectively) were similar. There were no statistically significant differences between the two groups when the amount of blood transfused, complications, and surgical results were compared (p = 0.925, p = 0.528, and p = 0.898, respectively); however, the operation time and hospitalization period (353.9 min vs. 490.3 min and 12.3 days vs. 21.8 days, respectively; p < 0.0001 for both) were shorter in the OSMC group. The treatment cost (17,000 USD vs. 22,000 USD, p < 0.0001) was lower in the OSMC group. OSMC for aneurysm clipping in patients with MIAs is a relatively safe and economical method. Furthermore, it has good clinical outcomes. This new surgical method is well worthwhile in that it can be applied to patients who are afraid to undergo multiple surgeries, and it is considered an option that can be tried for neurosurgeon who are contemplating how to treat mUIA patients.
The Impact of an Intervention on the Medical, Dental and Health Sciences Students About Interprofessional Education and Collaboration; A Quasi-experimental Study
Authors: Guraya Salman Yousuf , David Leena R. , Hashir Shermin , Mousa Noha A. , Albayatti Saad W. , Hasswan Ahmed Abd Alrazzak , Kaouas Mujtaba
Published: February 2021

BackgroundInterprofessional education and collaboration (IPEC) fosters patient safety and encompasses integration, communication, mutual trust and shared decision-making. Despite its crucial role, the IPEC has not gained its anticipated popularity. This study aims to determine the impact of an educational intervention about IPEC on medical, dental and health sciences students in the University of Sharjah. MethodsThis quasi-experimental research was conducted in three phases; a pre-intervention phase where the Readiness for Interprofessional Learning Scale (RIPLS) inventory was administered online to the medical, dental and health sciences students of the University of Sharjah; an intervention phase where an online workshop was organized via Microsoft Teams®; and a post-intervention phase where RIPLS was used to gather the students’ attitudes towards IPEC. The independent t test was used to compare the responses between genders and junior and senior students. A paired sample t test was used to determine the impact of the intervention on the students’ understandings. ResultsOut of 800 students invited to participate in this study, 530 students responded to the pre-intervention RIPLS survey. A comparison of the pre-post intervention for the RIPLS subscales of teamwork and collaboration, professional identification, and professional roles showed a significant improvement of the students’ attitudes with p-values 0.03, 0.00 and 0.00, respectively. All workshop moderators scored a median of 4 or 5 to the essential elements of IPEC during intervention except for a median of 3 for group dynamics.ConclusionIn this study, the present data derived from the application of a brief educational intervention highlight the challenges of IPEC implementation in the medical field. However, the demonstrated student readiness and positive impact of the intervention support the development of a structured curriculum to enhance the receptiveness and application of IPEC in clinical training and practice.
Trends from the Field: Impact of Telecommuting on Clinician Absenteeism in Primary Care
Authors: Caron Aleece , Bauchens Kim , Russo Francesca , Teng Kathryn
Published: February 2021

Provider burnout is a challenge faced by most large healthcare systems. Like many hospital systems, our system has struggled with burnout and turnover in our primary care clinician workforce. In March 2020 due to COVID, our large safety-net system had to rapidly transform from primarily in-person care to primarily telehealth visits. We sought to understand how this change in our model of healthcare delivery to enable telecommuting would affect absenteeism among primary care clinicians. We transitioned all 192 primary care nurse practitioners and physicians in the fields of Internal medicine, Family medicine, Medicine-Pediatrics, and Geriatrics across our health system to predominately a remote telehealth schedule. During March-May 2019, the percentage of telehealth visits was less than 1%. The shift to telehealth Mid-March 2020, shows an increase in telehealth by 35.9%. Telehealth visit volumes shifted to 87.4% for the month of April 2020 while leveling to 58.4% in May 2020 as patients needed services that required in person visits. Our analysis shows that the average decrease in call off rate from March- May 2019 compared to 2020 was 40.8%. Telehealth includes telecommunication through a variety of platforms. For primary care clinicians, telehealth provides an additional tool to manage panels of patients with potentially greater ease and efficiency. We know that clinicians want to provide high quality care for their patients, and they want some flexibility and autonomy to do so. Telecommuting may offer those benefits to providers.
Does Treatment Impact on the Quality of Life in Breast Cancer Patients? A Comparative Study Between Treatments
Authors: Hermoso Lorena Gutiérrez , Furlong Lilian Velasco , Román Sofía Sánchez , Pérez Elisabeth Berzal , Castillejos Natasha Alcocer , Friedman Paulina Quiroz
Published: February 2021

BackgroundBreast cancer involves complicated emotional processes. One of the factors that impacts the psychological symptoms and decreases QoL is the side effects of treatment. This study compared the psychological and physical impacts of women with early stages of breast cancer (stages I to III) being treated with chemotherapy versus hormone therapy. This study also intended to identify which symptoms could predict a decrease in quality of life (QoL) and functionality according to the treatment. MethodThis study had a cross-sectional design. The participant sample comprised 129 women with breast cancer (63 receiving chemotherapy and 66 hormone therapy). ResultsSignificant differences were found in groups regarding QoL, functionality, symptomatology (fatigue and nausea), coping strategies, and alexithymia. Furthermore, in patients receiving chemotherapy, both symptomatologies explained the variance in QoL, but only fatigue explained role functioning. For patients receiving hormone therapy, fatigue was the symptom that explained the variance for both QoL and role functioning. ConclusionsThe results confirmed that women undergoing chemotherapy are more physically and psychologically impacted. For both treatments, fatigue was a crucial symptom that affected QoL and role functioning. These results show the need to help women alleviate their psychological symptoms because they can affect their physical condition.
TRIM27 interacts with Iκbα to promote the growth of human renal cancer cells through regulating the NF-κB pathway
Authors: Xiao Chengwu , Zhang Wei , Hua Meimian , Chen Huan , Yang Bin , Wang Ye , Yang Qing
Published: February 2021

Background: The tripartite motif (TRIM) family proteins exhibit oncogenic roles in various cancers. The roles of TRIM27, a member of the TRIM super family, in renal cell carcinoma (RCC) remained unexplored. In the current study, we aimed to investigate the clinical impact and roles of TRIM27 in the development of RCC. Methods: The mRNA levels of TRIM27 and Kaplan–Meier survival of RCC were analyzed from The Cancer Genome Atlas database. Real-time PCR and Western blotting were used to measure the mRNA and protein levels of TRIM27 both in vivo and in vitro. siRNA and TRIM27 were exogenously overexpressed in RCC cell lines to manipulate TRIM27 expression. Results: We discovered that TRIM27 was elevated in RCC patients, and the expression of TRIM27 was closely correlated with poor prognosis. The loss of function and gain of function results illustrated that TRIM27 promotes cell proliferation and inhibits apoptosis in RCC cell lines. Furthermore, TRIM27 expression was positively associated with NF-κB expression in patients with RCC. Blocking the activity of NF-κB attenuated the TRIM27-mediated enhancement of proliferation and inhibition of apoptosis. TRIM27 directly interacted with Iκbα, an inhibitor of NF-κB, to promote its ubiquitination, and the inhibitory effects of TRIM27 on Iκbα led to NF-κB activation.Conclusions: Our results suggest that TRIM27 exhibits an oncogenic role in RCC by regulating NF-κB signaling. TRIM27 serves as a specific prognostic indicator for RCC, and strategies targeting the suppression of TRIM27 function may shed light on future therapeutic approaches.
Pediatric Preseptal and Orbital Cellulitis: Analysis of Clinical, Laboratory and Imaging Findings of 123 Cases.
Authors: Bülbül Lida , Saglam Neslihan Ozkul , Elitok Gizem Kara , Yazıcı Zahide Mine , Hatipoglu Nevin , Hatipoglu Sami , Palabıyık Figen Bakırtaş , Yigit Ulviye , Bülbül Ali
Published: February 2021

Background: To compare the clinical and laboratory characteristics and imaging methods of patients diagnosed with preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis in the pediatric age group. Methods: The study was designed retrospectively and the medical records of all patients who were hospitalized with the diagnosis of preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis were reviewed. The findings of preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis groups were compared. The risk factors for the development of orbital involvement were analyzed. Results: A total of 123 patients were included, 90.2% with preseptal cellulitis and 9.8% with cellulitis. The male gender ratio was 60.2% and the mean age was 72±43 months. While all patients had eyelid swelling and redness 20.3% had fever. Ocular involvement was 51.2% in the right eye and 4.9% in both eyes. The most common predisposing factor was rhinosinusitis (56.1%). Radiological imaging (Computed tomography/magnetic resonance imaging) was performed in 83.7% of the patients. Subperiostal abscess were detected in 7 cases (5.6%) which three of the cases were managed surgically and four were treated with medically. The levels of c-reactive protein were significantly higher in patients with orbital involvement (p:0.033) but there was no difference between the presence of fever, leukocyte and platelet values. Conclusions: Rhinosinusitis was the most common predisposing factor in the development of preseptal cellulitis and orbital cellulitis. Orbital involvement was present in 9.8% of the patients. It was determined that high c-reactive protein value could be used to predict orbital involvement. Keywords: Childhood, preseptal cellulit, rhinosinusit, orbital cellulit, subperiostal abscess.
Predictive Value of Small Dense Low-density Lipoprotein Cholesterol for Cardiovascular Events in Chinese Elder Diabetes Mellitus Patients
Authors: Xu Li , Chen Xu , Lu Jingfen , Xu Yan , Yang Honglin , Zhou Xuewen , Xu Jianhong , shen Hao
Published: February 2021

BackgroundAs a subcomponent of lipoprotein cholesterol (LDL-C), small dense LDL-C (sdLDL-C) has been suggested to be a better predictor of cardiovascular diseases (CVD). The aim of this research was to evaluate the predictive value of the sdLDL-C in cardiovascular events (CVs) in Chinese elder type 2 diabetes mellitus (DM) patients.MethodsA total of 386 consecutive type 2 DM patients were included into this study during December 2014 to December 2016. The serum sdLDL-C level of each subject was measured by homogeneous method. During a period of 48-month’s follow-up, the occurrence of CVs and associated clinical information were recorded. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were used to assess the predictive value of serum sdLDL-C to occurrence of major CVs.ResultsA total of 92 CVs occurred during the study period. The ROC curve analysis manifested that sdLDL-C in the study population had a matchable discriminatory power (AUC for sdLDL-C was 0.7366, P = 0.003). In addition, Kaplan-Meier event-free survival curves displayed an obvious increase of CVs risk for sdLDL‐C≧26 mg/dL (log-rank = 9.10，P = 0.003). This phenomenon had analogous results in patients who received statins at baseline (log rank = 7.336，P = 0.007). Cox regression analysis revealed that the increase in HbA1c, glucose, LDL-C, sdLDL-C, non-HDL-C and ApoB and the decrease in ApoAI were obviously interrelated with heightened CVs risk . Multiple Cox regression demonstrated that the increase of sdLDL-C and HbA1c was significantly correlated with CVs. The results of the study indicated that high sdLDL-C level (＞10 mg/dL) was a risk factor for CVs in the multivariate model (HR 1.281, 95% CI 1.225-16.032; P<0.01).ConclusionsdLDL-C level could be an effective predictor in predicting the future CVs for Chinese elder type 2 DM patients with dyslipidemia.
Enhanced Saccharfication of Pomegranate Peel by Trichoderma Reesei and Statiscal Optimization of Medium Composition by Response Surface Methodology
Authors: PANCHAMOORTHY P.SARAVANAN , Kannan R.Rajesh
Published: February 2021

In this work, pomegranate peels (PPs) otherwise considered as waste is used as substrates for producing cellulase. Pomegranate peel was employed as a carbon source to be produced of cellulase in submerged state fermentation (SmF). Statistical experimental designs were employed to screen the nutrients and optimize the media composition for cellulase production by Trichoderma reesei. Nine nutrients were selected by the preliminary screening of medium component production by plackett –burman design (PBD) technique. Four nutrients have been found to be important for cellulase production and optimized by central component design (CCD). The best media component for submerged fermentation of cellulase using pomegranate peel were avicel– 24.812 g/l, KH2PO4 – 4.626 g/l, soybean cake flour – 20.7 g/l and MnSO4.H2O-1.036 g/l. Under these optimum conditions, the production of cellulase was found to be 9.3 IU/mL. The optimum factors acquired from the statistical model were further confirmed using the experimental results.