bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Antenatal Care Visits of Child-Bearing Mothers Having a Child Five Years Preceding in the Survey and Associated Factors in Benchi-Sheko Zone, Southwestern Ethiopia: Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Gelaw Assaye Belay , Andargie Solomon Abebaw , Terefe Abiyot Negsh
Published: February 2021

Background

Antenatal care (ANC) is the service given by the caregiver for pregnant women to make safe the health of both pregnant women and babies during the pregnancy period
Objectives

The objective of the current study was to persuade high-quality public health service and plan the mothers and their households expressively and mentally for being motherhood by ever-increasing antenatal care visits from health institutions.
Methods

Community-based cross-sectional study design was applied. Cross-sectional survey design mainly used for the collection of information on the Utilization of Antenatal Care Visit of Women During Pregnancy and its Related Factors in Bench-Sheko Zone, South Nation Nationalities Peoples of Region, Southwestern Ethiopia: Cross-sectional study. The study populations are all populations who are living in the study area, South Nation Nationalities peoples of Region, Southwestern Ethiopia.
Results

Evidence tells us, one hundred twenty-nine (16.9%) of pregnant women were not visited by the caregiver during pregnancy. Around eighty-three percent of pregnant women were visited in health institutions at least once prior in the five years in the survey. The Poisson regression model was preferred to fit the data. As the output indicated in analysis, the odds ratio of women whose husband education status is illiterate is equal to exp(-0.272) = 0.76(95% CI:-0.507,-0.038) (other variables are adjusted), it indicates that the women whose husband education status is 0.76 less likely to ANC visit than women whose husband education status is higher and above.
Conclusions

The remark conclusion that the source of information, religion, educational status, birth order, knowledge of danger signs for pregnancy, and service satisfaction were significant at the alpha level of significance on the ANC visit of Women during pregnancy.
Orange Juice Processing Waste As a Biopolymer Base For Biodegradable Film Formation Reinforced With Cellulose Nanofiber and Activated With Nettle Essential Oil
Authors: Kalajahi Seyedeh Elham Mousavi , Alizadeh Ainaz , Hamishehkar Hamed , Almasi Hadi , Asefi Narmela
Published: February 2021

Concerns about environmental problems have led to the development of biodegradable packaging. Food wastes as a byproduct could be a good source for biopolymers. This study described the physical and antimicrobial features of nano biocomposite films based on orange waste powder (OWP) with different concentrations of nettle essential oil (NEO) (1.5 and 3 %) as an antibacterial agent and cellulose nanofiber (CNF) (3 and 6 %) as a structural reinforcement. Thus, tensile strength, elongation at break, water vapor permeability, FE-SEM, FTIR, XRD, DSC, and antimicrobial properties were investigated. As a result, adding CNF improved the tensile strength and water barrier properties of the samples. Compared to the control film, adding NEO (3 %) decreased the tensile strength but increased water vapor permeability and melting temperature. Moreover, the OWP film samples had an antimicrobial effect against five foodborne pathogens. Although, adding NEO increased antimicrobial properties, adding CNF did not exhibit antimicrobial effects. Consequently, orange waste could be used to produce an active film with improved physicomechanical and antibacterial properties by incorporating CNF and NEO.
Small-Diameter Magnetic and Metallic Nanowire Arrays Grown in Anodic Porous Alumina Templates Anodized in Selenic Acid
Authors: Ahmadzadeh Mahdieh , Kashi Mohammad Almasi , Noormohammadi Mohammad , Ramazani Abdolali
Published: February 2021

Despite the introduction of selenic acid for anodic porous alumina (APA) preparation with small nanopore diameters (< 20 nm), no attempt has been made to use it in the fabrication of small-diameter magnetic and metallic nanowire arrays. In this paper, considering the high cost of selenic acid, it has been attempted to initially use oxalic acid in preparation of an ordered pattern in the first anodization step, and then employ selenic acid for the second anodization step by matching the appropriate voltage. By investigating the nanopore formation pattern in both acids, it was shown that the nanopores formed in the selenic acid had considerably smaller diameter (13 nm) than that of oxalic acid (35 nm). Under optimized conditions of electrodeposition, various metals were then grown in the selenic APA templates in order to fabricate nanowires with small diameters. The pore filling percentage and crystalline properties were also investigated.
Phytochemical Screening of Cinnamon Cassia and Its Protective Effects Against Hepatotoxicity Induced By Difenoconazole in Male Albino Rats.
Authors: Mohamed Reda El-shaat , El-Said Magdy M. , Arief Mohamed M. H.
Published: February 2021

The objective of the present study has focused on the phytochemical analysis of Cinnamon cassia bark for determination of bioactive components, which have been associated with antioxidative stress induced by difenoconazole treatment in hepatic tissue of male albino rats. Ninety rats were assigned randomly to 9 groups, each group comprised of 10 animals. The first group served as control animals were administrated distilled water and the rest served as the experimental groups. Groups II and III animals were orally administrated with difenoconazole at doses of 58.9 and 117.8 mg/kg BW (represent of 1/20 and 1/10 of oral LD 50 , respectively) while the groups IV and V animals were received aqueous extract of cinnamon (AEC) at doses of 200 and 400 mg/kg BW , respectively . In addition groups VI and VII, animals were received AEC prior to 2h of administration with difenoconazole at low dose as well as groups VIII and IX, rats were received with AEC before treatments with high dose of difenoconazole for 28 days. Results of the present study indicated the presence of total phenolic, flavinoids and tannins as the main bioactive components in the AEC. Furthermore, the final body weight and liver index were increased markedly in difenoconazole-treated rats and these parameters values were comparable to control group following co-administration with AEC. However, difenoconazole-treatment induced a significant elevation in the level of (LPO) associated with adepletion of GSH level and an elevation in the activities of serum liver enzyme markers (i.e., AST ,ALT,ALP and GGT) was observed. These results confirmed with histopatlogical findings . In contrast, treatment with AEC in difenoconazole-treated rats elevated the level of endogenous hepatic antioxidant system (SOD, CAT and GSH) along with reducing the activities of serum liver enzymes. However, the hepatic protective property of AEC was further confirmed by histopathological findings. These findings may be attributed to the presence of total phenolic , flavoniods and tannins , which have anti-oxidative effect against oxidative injury- induced by tested fungicide.
Coping with Agricultural Income Risks from Natural Disasters: Efficacy of Formal and Informal Mechanisms in Vulnerable Region of India
Authors: kanwal vinita , Sirohi Smita
Published: February 2021

Based on our analysis it can be concluded that the formal risk aversion mechanism has limited scope in the disaster-prone areas of the country. Addressing the assessment and adequacy of compensation amount along with information asymmetry in the formal insurance market should be a top priority for improving the efficacy. The ex-post measures under formal risk coping also have limited impact, indicating the underdevelopment of insurance and commercial credit markets in the region. Ex-ante risk aversion mechanism, particularly climate-resilient technologies may be conducive to the stable increase of farmers’ income and the continuous development of rural economy in the long-run. Therefore, it is of great significance to provide farmers with assistance to address the income risk in better terms.
Baseline Malaria Prevalence at the Targeted Pre-elimination Districts in Ethiopia
Authors: Nega Desalegn , Abera Adugna , Gidey Bokretsion , Mekasha Sindew , Abebe Abnet , Dillu Dereje , Mehari Degu , Assefa Gudissa , Hailu Samuel , Haile Mebrahatom , Etana Kebede , Solomon Hiwot , Tesfaye Gezahagn , Nigatu Daniel , Destaw Zelalem , Tesfaye Berhane , Serda Belendia , Yeshiwondim Asnakew , Getachew Assefaw , Teka Hiwot , Nahusenay Honelegn , Abdulmenan Semira , Reda Hailemariam , Bekele Worku , Zewdie Ayele , Tollera Getachew , Assefa Ashenafi , Tassew Geremew , Woyessa Adugna , Abate Ebba
Published: February 2021

Background: Encouraged by the success in malaria control and prevention strategies, several malaria endemic countries have adopted elimination strategies worldwide. Accordingly, Ethiopian ministry of health launched malaria elimination with a stepwise approach by primarily targeting the low-transmission districts and their adjacent areas/zones in order to shrink the country’s malaria map progressively. Hence, this community survey was conducted to establish baseline malaria information at the preliminary phase of elimination for measuring future intervention success in elimination goal. Methods: Community based cross-sectional survey was conducted at twenty malaria elimination targeted districts selected from five regional states and one city administration in Ethiopia. The GPS enabled smart phones programmed with Open Data Kit were used to enumerate 9326 study households and collect data from 29,993 residents. Care Start™ Malaria HRP-2/PLDH Rapid Diagnostic Tests (RDTs) were used for blood testing at field level. Armpit digital thermometers were used to measure axillary temperature.Result: Overall malaria prevalence by RDTs was 1.17% (339/28973). The prevalence at district levels ranged from 0.0% to 4.7%. The total prevalence of febrile cases (axillary temperature >37.5oc) in the survey was 9.2% (2760/29993). Among the 2,510 febrile individuals tested with RDTs, only 3.35% (84/2510) were malaria positive. Among all study participants, 0.88% (255/28973) malaria positives were afebrile and 0.29% (84/28973) were febrile individuals. The 75.2% (255/339) of all malaria positives were afebrile. Of the total afebrile malaria cases, 10.2% (26/255) were under-five children and 89.8% (229/255) were above 5 years of age. Conclusion: The 1.17% malaria prevalence that ranges 0 to 4% in some districts by rapid diagnostic tests should be given due consideration by the elimination program. Especially the higher prevalence of afebrile individuals (0.88%) in these transmission settings indicates there may be sustaining hidden transmission. Therefore, active case detection with more sensitive diagnostic techniques than this conventional method is suggested to know more real magnitude of residual malaria in the elimination targeted low transmission areas and break the chain of transmission.
The MEK Inhibitor U0126 Ameliorates Diabetic Cardiomyopathy By Restricting Xbp1’s Phosphorylation Dependent SUMOylation
Authors: Wang Tao , Wu Jinhua , Dong Wei , Wang Mengwen , Zhong Xiaodan , Zhang Wenjun , Dai Lei , Xie Yang , Liu Yujian , He Xingwei , Liu Wanjun , Madhusudhan Thati , Zeng Hesong , Wang Hongjie
Published: February 2021

Background: Chronic diabetes accelerates vascular dysfunction often resulting in cardiomyopathy but underlying mechanisms remains unclear. Recent studies have shown that the deregulated unfolded protein response (UPR) dependent on highly conserved IRE1α-spliced X-box- binding protein (XBP1s) and the resulting endoplasmic reticulum stress (ER-Stress plays a crucial role in the occurrence and development of diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM). In the present study, we determined whether targeting MAPK/ERK pathway using MEK inhibitor U0126 could ameliorate DCM by regulating IRE1α-XBP1s pathway.Method: Three groups of 8-week-old C57/BL6 mice were studied: one group received saline injection as control (n=8) and two groups were made diabetic by streptozotocin (STZ) (n=10 each). 18 weeks after STZ injection and stable hyperglycemia, one group had saline treatment while the second group was treated with U0126 (5mg/kg/day), 8 weeks later, all groups were sacrificed. Cardiac function/histopathological changes were determined by echocardiogram examination, Millar catheter system, hematoxylin-eosin staining and western blot analysis. H9c2 cardiomyocytes were employed for in vitro studies.Results: Echocardiographic, hemodynamic and histological data showed overt myocardial hypertrophy and worsened cardiac function in diabetic mice. Chronic diabetic milieu enhanced SUMOylation and impaired nuclear translocation of XBP1s. Intriguingly, U0126 treatment significantly ameliorated progression of DCM, and this protective effect was achieved through enriching XBP1s’ nuclear accumulation. Mechanistically, U0126 inhibited XBP1s’ phosphorylation on S348 and SUMOylation on K276 promoting XBP1s’ nuclear translocation. Collectively, these results identify that MEK inhibition restores XBP1s-dependent UPR and protects against diabetes-induced cardiac remodeling. Conclusion: The current study identifies previously unknown function of MEK/ERK pathway in regulation of ER-stress in DCM. U0126 could be a therapeutic target for the treatment of DCM.
The Functional Impairment of Different Subtypes and Occupational States in Euthymic Patients With Bipolar Disorder
Authors: Liu Xinyu , Ma Xiaojuan , wang Wenchen , Zhang Jian , Sun Xia , Luo Xingguang , Zhang Yong
Published: February 2021

Background

The aim was to explore the associations between clinical symptoms, demographic variables, social and neurocognitive functioning in euthymic patients with bipolar disorder (BD) stratified by subgroups of DSM-IV BD (BD-type I and BD-type II) and occupational status(employed/unemployed), and to highlight the significance of occupational status when assessing social and neurocognitive functioning in euthymic BD patients.
Methods

A total of 81 euthymic BD patients were participated in the study. The severity of the depressive and manic/hypomanic symptoms was measured using the 17-item Hamilton Depression Rating Scale (HDRS-17) and the Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS), respectively. Social functioning and neurocognitive functioning were evaluated by the Functioning Assessment Short Test (FAST) and neurocognitive measures, respectively.
Results

Employed BD patients displayed greater social functioning (autonomy, occupational functioning, interpersonal relationship domain) and better verbal learning performance and speed of processing than unemployed BD patients. The correlation between neurocognitive functioning and social functioning was stronger in the employed group than in the unemployed group. There were no significant differences in neurocognitive and social functioning between the BD-I and BD-II groups, and the correlation between neurocognitive functioning and social functioning was similar between the BD-I and BD-II groups.
Conclusion

Employed BD patients may present greater occupational functioning and interpersonal relationships, as well as better verbal learning performance and speed of processing.
Orange-based and Lemon-based Adsorbents with Controlled Grain for an Efficient Elimination of Cationic and Anionic Dyes from Textile Dyeing Wastewater
Authors: Pascual G. , Riba-Moliner M. , Canal J. M. , Garcia-Raurich J.
Published: February 2021

Physically and chemically modified orange and lemon mesocarps are used as natural adsorbents for both cationic and anionic dyes from wastewaters of textile dyeing industry. Adsorptivity of the orange-based and lemon-based adsorbents to the dyes are studied simulating a batch and a continuous industrial process. Thus, the most suitable operating conditions to achieve the maximum adsorption yield are provided. Results demonstrate that treated orange and lemon mesocarps can be used as excellent reusable adsorbents to the removal of cationic and anionic dyes from aqueous solutions. Moreover, the recovery of the adsorbed dye is also reliable and proved.
Proteomic Comparison of Aged and OPTN E50K Retina in The Development of Normal Tension Glaucoma
Authors: Liu Xin-Na , Wang Qi , Shao Zheng-Bo , Zhang Shi-Qi , Hou Ming-Ying , Jiang Meng-Lu , Du Meng-Xian , Li Jing , Yuan Huiping
Published: February 2021

Background: Progressive degeneration of retinal ganglion cells (RGCs) is a major characteristic of glaucoma, whose underlying mechanisms are still largely unknown. An E50K mutation in the Optineurin (OPTN) gene is a leading cause of normal tension glaucoma (NTG), directly affecting RGCs without high intraocular pressure and causing severe glaucomatous symptoms in clinical settings. A systematic analysis of the NTG mouse model is crucial for better understanding of the underlying pathological mechanisms for glaucoma.Methods: To elucidate proteomic and biochemical pathway alterations during NTG development, we established an OPTN E50K mutant mouse model through CRISPR/Cas9. Retinal proteins from resulting mice exhibiting glaucomatous phenotypes were subject to tandem mass tag-labelled quantitative proteomics. Retinal proteomes were analyzed through bioinformatics methods to characterize the molecular and functional signatures of NTG. Results: We identified 6364 quantitative proteins in our proteomic analysis. Bioinformatics analysis revealed that OPTN E50K mice experienced protein synthesis dysregulation, age-dependent energy defects and autophagy-lysosome pathway dysfunction. Certain biological features, including amyloid deposition, RNA splicing, microglia activation and reduction of crystallin production, were similar to Alzheimer’s Disease (AD). Conclusions: Our study is the first to describe proteomic and biochemical pathway alterations in NTG pathogenesis during disease advancement. Several proteomic signatures overlapped with retinal changes found in the AD mice model, suggesting the presence of common mechanisms between age-related degenerative disorders, as well as prospective new targets for diagnostic and therapeutic strategies.
Assessment of the Effects of Ornamental Wetland Polyculture Combinations on Urban Sewage Treatment
Authors: Wang Min , Zhou Yujue , Xiang Lin , Ke Xiaoyang , Zhang Hui , Guo Li , Pan Yuanzhi , Ma Jun , Huang Zhuo , Li Xi
Published: February 2021

Previous studies have shown that wetland plants can treat wastewater in a cost-effective and sustainable way, however, the studies on the performance of ornamental wetland plant diversity in treating urban sewage were scarce. Therefore, this study was conducted to assess and select wetland polyculture combination that was effective in urban sewage treatment in subtropical areas. We formed five combinations out of six ornamental wetland plant species including Thalia dealbata, Cyperus alternifolius, Iris pseudacorus, Lythrum sastlicaria, Nymphaea tetragona, and Zantedeschia aethiopica. The growth state and removal effects of each plant combination were systematically measured and assessed. The results indicated all the combinations exhibited remarkable total nitrogen (TN), total phosphorus (TP), ammonium nitrogen (NH­4+-N), and chemical oxygen demand chromium (CODcr) removal rate of 70.75%-77.67%, 63.86%-73.71%, 69.73%-76.85%, and 57.28%-75.69%, respectively. Additionally, pH was reduced to 7.54-8.00 in the sewage. The purification effect reached the best during 30-36th day. The comprehensive assessment showed the mixture of Thalia dealbata + Cyperus alternifolius, closely followed by Thalia dealbata + Cyperus alternifolius+ Lythrum sastlicaria, was highly effective at extracting various pollutants, and both of them could be used as favorable combinations to convert eutrophication and purify municipal wastewater. Linear regression showed that TP, TP, NH­4+-N, and CODcr. were significantly related to plant biomass, indicating that plant biomass essential indicator for screening purification plants. Our study highlighted the importance of plant diversity in biological wastewater treatment, however the competition between plants was suggested to take into consideration in future studies.
Utilization of Whey for Red Pigment Production by Monascus Purpureus in Submerged Fermentation
Authors: Mehri Dilara , Perendeci Altınay , Goksungur Yekta
Published: February 2021

Various biotechnological approaches have been employed to convert food waste into the value-added bioproducts through fermentation processes. Whey, a major waste generated by dairy industries, is considered an important environmental pollutant due to its massive production and high organic content. The purpose of this study is to produce red color pigment from whey by using Monascus purpureus. The submerged culture fermentation parameters have been optimized to produce the red Monascus pigment. Demineralized (DM), deproteinized (DP), and raw whey (W) powders were used as a substrate for pigment production by simultaneous hydrolysis and fermentation (SHF). The maximum red pigment production was obtained as 38.4 UA510nm at the optimized condition of SHF. Optimum conditions of SHF were 2 % (v/v) inoculation ratio, 75 g/l of lactose as C source, 25 g/l of MSG as N source, and fermentation medium pH of 7.0. The specific growth rate of Monascus purpureus on whey and the maximum pigment production yield values were 0.023 h-1 and 4.55 UAd-1, respectively. This study is the first in the literature to show that DM whey is a sustainable substrate in the fermentation process of the Monascus purpureus red pigment.
Original Research Production of Haploids and Doubled Haploids from Unfertilized Ovule Culture of Various Wild Species of Gentians (Gentiana spp.)
Authors: Takamura Yutaro , Takahashi Ryo , Hikage Takashi , Hatakeyama Katsunori , Takahata Yoshihito
Published: February 2021

The production of haploids and doubled haploids (DHs) on unfertilized ovule culture was examined in 19 wild species of gentians ( Gentiana ssp.) classified into eight sections. Of the 19 species including 35 strains, embryo-like structures (ELSs) were obtained in 15 species, and regenerated plants were produced in 11 species. ELS production has varied greatly among the15 species, i.e., 0.5%-79.2% frequency of responding flower buds and 0.01-1.99 ELSs per flower bud. Of the ELS-producing species, almost all were classified into the sects. Pneumonanthe or Cruciata . Species in sect. Pneumonanthe showed higher responses than those in sect. Cruciata . In examining the effect of flower bud stage on ELS production, more than twice as many ELSs were observed at the anther-dehiscent stage than that at the anther-indehiscent stage. Ploidy level was determined in 117 randomly selected regenerated plantlets, which suggests that most were haploid (32.5%) and diploid (46.2%). When 12 diploid plants were examined using simple sequence repeat (SSR) markers, 8 (66.7%) were DH. This study revealed that unfertilized ovule culture can be applied not only on cultivated gentian species but also on a number of wild species. The production of haploids and DHs in wild gentians provides novel prospects for ornamental and/or medicinal gentian breeding.
The Safety of Extracorporeal Shockwave Therapy in Hemophilic Arthropathy
Authors: Lo Wanshan , Sheen Jiunn-Ming , Chen Yu-Chieh , Wu Kuan-Ting , Wang Lin-Yi , Lau Yiu-Chung , Hsiao Chih-Chen , Ko Jih-Yang
Published: February 2021

BackgroundThe hemophilic arthropathy was caused by repeated joint bleeding, which resulted in joint synovium hyperplasia, cartilage damage and bone deformity. Extracorporeal shockwave treatment (ESWT) is a non-invasive treatment with high safety and has been widely used in the treatment of various musculoskeletal conditions. This study was aimed to evaluate the safety of ESWT in hemophilic arthropathy of the knee.MethodsThis is a prospective single blind randomized control study conducted between 2019/08/01 and 2020/07/31. Hemophilia and Von Willebrand disease patients were enrolled and randomized for extracorporeal shock wave therapy to the left or right knee joint and energy-free sham therapy to the other knee joint at the 1st and 2nd month after prophylactic coagulation factor administration. As safety evaluation, hemophilia joint health score (HJHS), knee score scale (KSS), visual analog scale (VAS) and ultrasound (HEAD-US) were checked at the beginning, 1st, 2nd, 3rd and 6th month. Knee MRI was examined at the beginning and 6th month.ResultsHJHS score of the knee receiving real ESWT did not elevate in 9 patients (75%). KSS demonstrated neither significant improvement nor deterioration after ESWT. VAS declined after two sessions of ESWT. Ultrasound and MRI showed no breakthrough joint bleeding nor progression of previously existed effusion and hemarthrosis.ConclusionESWT might be a safe treatment for hemophilic arthropathy once prophylactic coagulation factors are adequately administrated before ESWT. Further well-controlled study enrolling more hemophilia patients might be needed for the effectiveness of ESWT on these patients.
Tunable Omnidirectional Band Gap Properties of 1D Plasma Annular Periodic Multilayer Structure Based on an Improved Fibonacci Topological Structure
Authors: Peng Hong-Mei , Wan Bao-Fei , Wang Peng-Xiang , Zhang Dan , Zhang Hai-Feng
Published: February 2021

In this paper, the characteristics of the omnidirectional band gap (OBG) for one-dimensional (1D) plasma cylindrical photonic crystals (PCPCs) are based on an improved Fibonacci topological (IFT) structure are studied. The influences of the azimuthal mode number, incident angle, plasma thickness, and plasma frequency on the OBG are discussed. It is concluded that increasing the azimuth modulus can significantly expand the bandwidth of the OBG, and the OBG can be moved to the low-frequency direction by increasing the plasma frequency. In addition, an interesting phenomenon can be found that when the number of azimuthal modes is equal to 2, the TM wave can produce an extra high reflection zone. It provides a theoretical support for designing the narrowband filters without introducing any physical defect layers in the structure.
A Nomogram Predicting Central Lymph Node Metastasis for Patients with Papillary Thyroid Cancer
Authors: Min Yu , Feng Yang , Xiang Ke , Chen Hang , Wang Xing , Yin Guobing
Published: February 2021

PurposeCentral lymph node metastasis (CLNM) has been regarded as a predictor of relatively poor prognosis in patients with papillary thyroid carcinoma (PTC). Our study aimed to identify the risk factors for CLNM and develop a nomogram helping clinical decisions.MethodA total of 1,054 patients underwent thyroidectomy between January 2019 and September 2020 in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Chongqing Medical University. Among these patients, 747 patients with histopathologically confirmed PTC were included in this retrospective study. The perioperative clinical data of these patients were reviewed and analyzed. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression were used to analyze the correlation between clinicopathological characteristics and CLNM. A nomogram model was subsequently established and validated by a decision curve analysis (DCA) curve.Result33.6% (251/747) patients with PTC were confirmed with CLNM. And the CLNM was determined in 31.4% (168/535) non- Hashimoto’s thyroiditis (HT) patients and 39.2% (83/212) HT patients, respectively. 4 clinicopathological factors including gender, age, size, and HT were confirmed significantly associated with CLNM. The established nomogram showed promising discrimination and consistency in the study group with a C-index of 0.703. The decision curve analysis showed the nomogram has clinical feasibility.Conclusion﻿Our data suggested that male gender, younger age, larger tumor size, and HT condition played a pivotal role in promoting the CLNM of PTC patients. And the nomogram we developed can help surgeons make the individualized clinical decision in PTC patients during preoperative and interoperative management.
Twin-Field Quantum Key Distribution over 511 km Optical Fiber Linking two Distant Metropolitans
Authors: Chen Jiu-Peng , Zhang Chi , Liu Yang , Jiang Cong , Zhang Weijun , Han Zhi-Yong , Ma Shi-Zhao , Hu Xiao-Long , Li Yu-Huai , Liu Hui , Zhou Fei , Jiang Hai-Feng , Chen Teng-Yun , Li Hao , You Lixing , Wang Zhen , Wang Xiang-Bin , Zhang Qiang , Pan Jian-Wei
Published: February 2021

The basic principle of quantum mechanics guarantee the unconditional security of quantum key distribution (QKD) at the cost of inability of amplification of quantum state. As a result, despite remarkable progress in worldwide metropolitan QKD networks over the past decades, long haul fiber QKD network without trustful relay has not been achieved yet. Here, through sending-or-not-sending (SNS) protocol, we complete a twin field QKD (TF-QKD) and distribute secure keys without any trusted repeater over a 511 km long haul fiber trunk linking two distant metropolitans. Our secure key rate is around 3 orders of magnitudes greater than what is expected if the previous QKD field test system over the same length were applied. The efficient quantum-state transmission and stable single-photon interference over such a long distance deployed fiber paves the way to large-scale fiber quantum networks.
Incorporating and Evaluating Citizen Engagement in Health Research: a Scoping Review Protocol
Authors: Shahid Anmol , Rosgen Brianna K , Krewulak Karla K , Lorenzetti Diane L , Foster Nadine , Sept Bonnie G , Leigh Jeanna Parsons , Stelfox Henry T , Fiest Kirsten M
Published: February 2021

Background: Citizen engagement in research is an emerging practice that involves members of the general public in research processes such as priority-setting, planning, decision-making, research conduct, implementation, evaluation, and dissemination. Engaging citizens in research, particularly health research, increases the relevance of study findings, minimizes waste by facilitating stewardship over resources, and builds public trust in the research. While several existing frameworks guide the application of citizen engagement principles to health research, it is unclear how citizen engagement can be utilized to maximize benefits and minimize risks and challenges in health research. To address the gaps in knowledge around citizen engagement in health research, we propose a scoping review to synthesize the state of knowledge on methods to incorporate and evaluate citizen engagement in research. A protocol is presented in this manuscript. Methods: The methodology for our scoping review is guided by Arksey and O’ Malley’s framework for scoping reviews, and additional recommendations by Levac and colleagues. We will include peer-reviewed and grey literature that report on citizen engagement in health research (including biomedical, clinical, health systems and services, and social, cultural, environmental and population health) and report method(s) to conduct, measure, or evaluate citizen engagement. We will systematically search electronic databases (MEDLINE, EMBASE, CINAHL, JSTOR, PsycINFO, Scopus, and Science Direct) and relevant organizations’ websites for additional studies, frameworks, and reports on citizen engagement. Title and abstract and full-text citations will be screened independently and in duplicate. Data will be extracted independently and in duplicate, including: document characteristics, citizen engagement definitions and goals, and outcomes of citizen engagement (e.g., impact, barriers, facilitators). Discussion: This review will synthesize the definitions, goals, methods, outcomes, and significance of citizen engagement in health research, as well as any potential barriers, facilitators, and challenges outlined in existing literature. The findings will provide an evidence-based foundation for developing new or improved guidance for citizen engagement in health research. Overall, we anticipate that our scoping review will be a preliminary step to meaningful engagement of citizens in research and strengthen the relationship between the scientific community and the public through transparency and collaboration.SYSTEMATIC REVIEW REGISTRATION: Not applicable.
Clinical Characteristics of Severe COVID-19 in China: A Case Series and Meta-analysis
Authors: Teng Geling , Hu Hua , Wang Xia , Wang Junsheng , Zhang Hongmei , Chen Ying
Published: February 2021

Background: There have been inconsistent reports regarding the unique manifestations of severe coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) occurring in China. This study analyzed the clinical manifestation of 13 severe COVID-19 cases at a single institution and compared the data to previously reported characteristics of severe COVID-19 in China. Methods: This retrospective case study included patients with severe COVID-19 who were admitted to the isolation ward of the Shandong Chest Hospital from January 2020 to February 2020. The clinical signs and symptoms, laboratory examination results, imaging features, treatment strategies, and patient prognoses were summarized. A database search was then conducted for studies published through December 2020 documenting characteristics of severe COVID-19 cases in China. The pooled results for severe COVID-19 patients in China were calculated by using the random-effects model.Results: A total of 4 severe and 9 critical patients were included from Shandong Chest Hospital. The average patient age was 55.3 (range 23-88) years, and 61.5% of patients were male. Chest computed tomography for all patients showed multiple lesions as ground-glass shadows in both lungs. All patients presented bacterial infection and various degrees of liver and myocardial injury. The treatment strategies for patients included antibiotics, immunoglobulin, and glucocorticoids, and mechanical ventilation was used in all patients for respiratory failure. Two patients died, and 11 recovered. In the pooled data for severe COVID-19 patients, the most common comorbidities were hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease. The common signs in these patients were fever, cough, fatigue, chest tightness, and a leukocyte count > 10. Conclusions: Older males with hypertension, diabetes mellitus, and coronary heart disease may be at higher risk of developing severe COVID-19. Patients should be assessed for concomitant bacterial infections. Cardiac and liver enzymes, fever, cough, fatigue, chest tightness, and leukocytosis should be monitored for signs of disease progression.
A Nomogram for Distinction and Potential Prediction of Lung Metastasis in Thyroid Cancer Patients
Authors: ou zhenfei , Zhang Xuejuan
Published: February 2021

Background:The prognosis of thyroid cancer with lung metastasis is poor. Our aim is to develop a reliable tool to identify and predict lung metastasis (LM) in patients with thyroid cancer (TC), thereby assisting in clinical diagnosis and treatment. The aim of this study was to establish an effective Nomogram method for predicting overall survival (OS) and cancer-specific survival (CSS) in TC patients with LM. Methods: A total of 544 patients with known distant metastatic status and epidemiological variables from the SEER database were enrolled and assigned randomly to training and validating groups in this study. Logistic regression was used to screen variables and a nomogram was established. After multivariate logistic regression age, histologic type, grade, tumor size, liver metastasis, Radiotherapy, Surgery were the important variables to construct the nomogram. Results: The nomogram used to identify and predict the OS and CSS in TCLM patients passed the calibration and validation steps. The calibration curve and receiver operating characteristic curves(ROC) indicated the good performance of the nomogram.Conclusions: Our nomogram is a reliable and robust tool for the identification and prediction of LM in TC patients, thus helping to better select medical examinations and optimize treatment in collaboration with medical oncologists and surgeons.
Impacts of Acquisition and Reconstruction Parameters on the Absolute Technetium Quantification of the Cadmium-zinc-telluride Based SPECT/CT System: A Phantom Study
Authors: Zhang Ruyi , Wang Miao , Zhou Yaqian , Wang Shen , Shen Yiming , Li Ning , Wang Peng , Tan Jian , Meng Zhaowei , Jia Qiang
Published: February 2021

BackgroundVarious acquisition and reconstruction parameters may affect the accuracy of the absolute SPECT quantification. However, many of the impacts of these parameters have not well been studied. This study aimed to evaluate the impacts of acquisition parameters (main energy window and acquisition time per frame) and reconstruction parameters (the number of iterations and subsets in iterative reconstruction, post-filter, and image correction methods) on the technetium quantification of the cadmium-zinc-telluride based SPECT/CT system. MethodsA phantom (PET NEMA/IEC image quality, USA) was filled with a 16:1 sphere-to-background activity concentration ratio of technetium and all spheres had 132400.81Bq/ml of radioactivity. Mean uptake values (calculated mean concentrations for spheres) were measured to evaluate the recovery coefficient (RC) changes under different acquisition and reconstruction parameters. Corresponding standard deviations of mean uptake values were also measured to evaluate the quantification error. Image quality was evaluated using the National Electrical Manufacturers Association (NEMA) NU 2-2012 standard.ResultsFor six spheres of the phantom, significant correlations were found between iterations and RCs (r=0.60~0.98 for 1~35 iterations, r=0.96~0.99 for 35~90 iterations, all P-values <0.05) as well as between the full width at half maximum (FWHM) of the Gauss filter and RCs (r=-0.90～-1.00, all P-values <0.05). 1~35 iterations had higher regression coefficients compared with those of 35~90 iterations (0.67~1.16 vs. 0.02~0.17). The AC (attenuation correction)+SC (scatter correction) +RR (resolution recovery correction) combination had more close to 100% RCs (42.42%~98.04%) with better image quality (31.52%~83.57%) than those of other correction combinations (all P-values <0.05). No significant statistical difference was found between the 15% energy window and the 20% energy window (P-value=0.061), nor between the 5 seconds/frame and 120 seconds/frame of acquisition time (P-value=0.943) in terms of RCs. ConclusionsThe CZT-SPECT/CT showed a good quantification accuracy of technetium. The favorable acquisition parameters may be 15% energy window and 40 seconds/frame of acquisition time. The favorable reconstruction parameters could be 35 iterations, 20 subsets, the AC+SC+RR correction combination, and FWHM 0.7mm of Gauss filter.
KDM6A mutations promote acute cytoplasmic DNA release, DNA damage response and mitosis defects
Authors: Koch Julian , Lang Alexander , Whongsiri Patcharawalai , Schulz Wolfgang A. , Hoffmann Michele Janine , Greife Annemarie
Published: February 2021

Background

KDM6A, encoding a histone demethylase, is one of the top ten mutated epigenetic cancer genes. The effect of mutations on its structure and function are however poorly characterized.
Methods

Database search identified nonsense and missense mutations in the N-terminal TPR motifs and the C-terminal, catalytic JmjC domain, but also in the intrinsically disordered region connecting both well-structured domains. KDM6A variants with cancer-derived mutations were generated using site directed mutagenesis and fused to eGFP, which served as an all-in-one affinity and fluorescence tag to study demethylase activity by an ELISA based assay in vitro, complex assembly by Co-immunoprecipitation and localization by microscopy in cellulo.
Results

Independent of the mutation and demethylase activity, all KDM6A variants were detectable in the nucleus. KDM6A truncations displayed changes in complex assemblies: affecting (1) known interactions with the COMPASS complex component RBBP5 and (2) KDM6A-DNA associated assemblies with the nucleolar protein Nucleophosmin. Furthermore, we observed a severe cellular phenotype characterized by multiple acute effects on nuclear integrity, namely, release of nuclear DNA into the cytoplasm, increased level of DNA damage indicators RAD51 and p-γH2A.X, and hence mitosis defects.
Conclusion

These observations reveal novel effects of pathogenic variants pointing at new specific functions of KDM6A as well as at a dominant negative effect of KDM6A truncation variants. The underlying mechanisms and affected pathways have to be investigated in future research to understand how tumor cells cope with and benefit from KDM6A truncations.
Clinical Features of And Risk Factors for Normoalbuminuric Diabetic Kidney Disease In Hospitalized Patients With Type 2 Diabetes Mellitus: A Retrospective Cross-Sectional Study
Authors: Dai Qi , Chen Nan , Zeng Ling , Lin Xin-Jie , Jiang Feng-Xiu , Zhuang Xiong-Jie , Lu Ze-yuan
Published: February 2021

Background: Normoalbuminuric diabetic kidney disease (NADKD) is a newly defined DKD, the clinical features and pathogenesis for which are still being understood. This study aimed to investigate the features and risk factors for NADKD in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM).Methods: A retrospective cross-sectional study was conducted. The related clinical and laboratory data of patients with T2DM hospitalized between August 2012 and January 2020 were collected for statistical analysis. We classified the patients with T2DM into four groups on the basis of the presence or absence of albuminuria and reduced estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). Analysis of variance, the Kruskal–Wallis test, and the chi-square test were used to compare the groups. Binary logistic regression analyses with a forward stepwise method were performed to explore the risk factors for renal dysfunction in hospitalized patients with normoalbuminuric T2DM.Results: Among the 1620 patients evaluated, 500 (30.9%) had DKD, of which 9% had NADKD. The prevalence of stroke, cardiovascular events, carotid plaque, and peripheral arterial disease in NADKD was significantly higher than in a non-DKD control group (normoalbuminuric T2DM patients with eGFR of ≥60 ml/min/1.73 m2). Regression analyses revealed that three significant independent factors were associated with NADKD: age (OR = 1.089, confidence interval [CI] 95% [1.055−1.123], p < 0.001), previous use of renin−angiotensin system inhibitors (RASIs; OR = 2.330, CI 95% [1.212−4.481], p = 0.011), and glycated hemoglobin (HbA1c; OR = 0.839, CI 95% [0.716−0.983], p = 0.03). Conclusions: NADKD is mainly associated with macrovascular rather than microvascular complications. NADKD is more common in patients with normoalbuminuric T2DM with older age, previous use of RASIs, and good glycemic control.
Bridging the Gap Between Diabetes Care and Mental Health: Perspectives of the Mental health IN DiabeteS Optimal Health Program (MINDS OHP)
Authors: Ferrier Lucienne , Ski Chantal F , O’Brien Casey , Jenkins Zoe , Thompson David R. , Moore Gaye , Ward Glenn , Castle David J.
Published: February 2021

Background and Objective Mental health problems are highly prevalent in people with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1DM), which adversely impacts physical health and quality of life. Therefore, the objective of this study was to explore the experiences of adults with T1DM toward the Mental health IN DiabeteS Optimal Health Program (MINDS OHP), a novel intervention developed to bridge the gap between physical and mental health care.Method We conducted semi-structured interviews among adults with T1DM. Participants were recruited from outpatient and community settings and invited to be interviewed face-to-face or in a focus group. Interviews were audio-recorded and transcribed verbatim. Thematic content analysis was used and identified themes were cross-validated by researchers and member-checked by participants.Results Ten people with TIDM were included. Two key themes emerged: ‘MINDS OHP experiences’ and ‘lived experiences of diabetes’. MINDS OHP experiences included five sub-themes: program benefits, follow-up and timing, suggested improvements, collaborative partners, and materials suitability. Lived experiences also included five sub-themes: bridging the gap between mental and physical health, support networks, stigma and shame, management intrusiveness, and adolescence and critical life points.Conclusions Recommendations for the MINDS OHP for people with T1DM are made for improved targeting in regard to early intervention, and expansion to include families. Consideration should also be given to the routine inclusion of such a program in diabetes management in primary care.
Attitudes of Medical Workers Toward Artificial Intelligence in Ophthalmology: A Comparative Survey
Authors: Zheng Bo , Wu Maonian , Zhu Shaojun , Zhou Hongxia , Hao Xiulan , Fei Fangqin , Jia Yun , Wu Jian , Pan Xueping , Yang Weihua
Published: February 2021

Background: In the development of artificial intelligence in ophthalmology, the ophthalmic AI-related recognition issues are prominent, but there is a lack of research into people's familiarity with and their attitudes toward ophthalmic AI. This survey aims to assess medical workers’ and other professional technicians’ familiarity with, attitudes toward, and concerns about AI in ophthalmology.Methods: An electronic questionnaire was designed through the app Questionnaire Star, and was sent to participants through WeChat, China’s version of Facebook or WhatsApp. The participation was voluntary and anonymous. The questionnaire consisted of four parts, namely the participant’s background, their basic understanding of AI, their attitudes toward AI, and their concerns about AI. A total of 562 participants were counted, with 562 valid questionnaires returned. The results of the questionnaires are displayed in an Excel 2003 form.Results: A total of 562 participants completed the questionnaire, of whom 291 were medical workers and 271 were other professional technicians. About 1/3 of the participants understood AI and ophthalmic AI. The percentages of people who understood ophthalmic AI among medical workers and other professional technicians were about 42.61% and 15.6%, respectively. About 66.01% of the participants thought that AI in ophthalmology would partly replace doctors, with about 59.07% still having a relatively high acceptance level of ophthalmic AI. Meanwhile, among those with AI in ophthalmology application experiences (30.6%), above 70% of participants held a full acceptance attitude toward AI in ophthalmology. The participants expressed medical ethics concerns about AI in ophthalmology. And among the participants who understood AI in ophthalmology, almost all the people said that there was a need to increase the study of medical ethics issues in the ophthalmic AI field.Conclusions: The survey results revealed that the medical workers had a higher understanding level of AI in ophthalmology than other professional technicians, making it necessary to popularize ophthalmic AI education among other professional technicians. Most of the participants did not have any experience in ophthalmic AI but generally had a relatively high acceptance level of AI in ophthalmology, and there was a need to strengthen research into medical ethics issues of the field.
Oxidation behavior of SiC fiber reinforced SiC-Ti3SiC2 matrix composite at high temperature
Authors: Fu Zeyu , Liu Yu , Liu Kun , Huang Xiaozhong , Shi Yuan , Yang Haitang
Published: February 2021

Three different SiCf/SiC-Ti3SiC2 composites were prepared by slurry impregnation pyrolysis and reactive melt infiltration. The oxidation behavior of the composites at 1300 °C from 2h to100h was studied. These samples were examined by using scanning electron microscopy, energy dispersive X-ray spectrometry and X-ray diffraction analysis. Then, three-point bending and nano indentation test were carried out to investigate the mechanical performance of the composites with and without oxidization. The results revealed that the Max phase Ti3SiC2 can improve the strength and toughness of the composites. After oxidation at 1300 °C, Max phase still existed in the matrix, and the strength highest retention rate of the material was 83%. Furthermore, the possible oxidation mechanism was proposed on the basis of the results.