bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic Factors of Patients with Left-sided Obstructive Colorectal Cancer: Post-hoc Analysis of a Retrospective Multi-center Study in the Japan Colonic Stent Safe Procedure Research Group
Authors: Endo Shungo , Isohata Noriyuki , Kojima Koichiro , Kadono Yoshihiro , Amano Kunihiko , Otsuka Hideo , Fujimoto Tatsuya , Egashira Hideto , Saida Yoshihisa
Published: September 2021

Background

There are many reports on the choice of treatment and prognosis of left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer; only few studies focus on the prognostic factors of LOCRC. Therefore, we analyzed the prognostic factors of left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer by post-hoc analysis of a retrospective multicenter study in the Japan Colonic Stent Safe Procedure Research Group.
Methods

This study was conducted as a post-hoc analysis of a retrospective multi-center observational study which enrolled a total of 301 patients, with the aim of investigating prognostic factors for relapse-free survival. The relationships among sex, age, decompression for bridge to surgery, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis, postoperative complications, adjuvant chemotherapy, carcinoembryonic antigen, carbohydrate antigen 19 − 9, neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and relapse-free survival were examined.
Results

T3 of depth of invasion, negative postoperative complication (grade 0–1 of Clavien-Dindo classification), and administration of adjuvant chemotherapy (in Stage III) indicated a significantly good prognosis using Cox’s univariate analyses. Lymph node metastasis was not selected as a prognostic factor. Then, excluding patients with < 12 harvested lymph nodes, which may indicate stage migration, lymph node metastasis was also determined to be a prognostic factor. Using Cox’s multivariate analysis, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis (excluding N0 cases with < 12 harvested lymph nodes), and adjuvant chemotherapy (all cases) were found to be prognostic factors.
Conclusions

In left-sided obstructive colorectal cancer, depth of invasion, lymph node metastasis and adjuvant chemotherapy were found to be prognostic factors, and patients with < 12 dissected lymph nodes could cause stage migration. This may result in disadvantages, such as not being able to receive adjuvant chemotherapy.
Effect of Angle Ply On The Mechanical Performance of Jute Fibre Woven Mat /Epoxy Composites With Varying Ageing Conditions
Authors: S. Satheeshkumar , P Sathishkumar T. , Nagarajan Rajini , P. Navaneethakrishnan , Ismail Sikiru O. , Siengchin Suchart , Mohammad Faruq , Al-Lohedan Hamad A.
Published: September 2021

The present work investigates the mechanical strengths retention and prediction of maximum service life of sets of laminated composites by analyzing their diffusion coefficients and activation energies, using Fick’s law and Arrhenius principle. Jute fiber woven mat reinforced epoxy laminated composites (JFMRLCs) were prepared by simple hand lay-up and compression molding methods. The layering patterns of 0º balanced laminate of [0º/0º/0º/0º/0º], 30º angle-ply laminate of [0º/+30º/0º/-30º/0º] and 45° angle-ply laminate of [0°/+45°/0°/-45°/0°] were used to prepare the composite samples, according to classical laminated plate theory (CLPT). The composites were immersed in water at different periods of 10, 20, 30 and 40 days aging. The effects of the various periods of aging on their mechanical properties were studied. The results showed that the weights of the composite samples increased by increasing the aging periods. The mechanical properties of aged (wet) composites were compared with the unaged (dry) counterparts to predict their strengths retention. The composite with 45° layering pattern exhibited the maximum strength retention. Also, the same composite sample with layering pattern of 45° produced the maximum activation energy, based on Arrhenius principle. The tensile fractured surfaces were analyzed to investigate into their fiber-matrix interfacial bonds through images obtained from scanning electron microscopy (SEM). Summarily, it was evident that optimum JFMRLCs with layering pattern of 45° exhibited best mechanical properties. Hence, they can act as suitable, sustainable, low cost and environmentally friendly composite materials for structural marine and other related engineering applications.
All-Optical Matter-Wave Lens using Time-Averaged Potentials
Authors: Albers Henning , Corgier Robin , Herbst Alexander , Rajagopalan Ashwin , Schubert Christian , Vogt Christian , Woltmann Marian , Lämmerzahl Claus , Herrmann Sven , Charron Eric , Ertmer Wolfgang , Rasel Ernst , Gaaloul Naceur , Schlippert Dennis
Published: September 2021

The stability of matter-wave sensors benefits from interrogating large-particle-number atomic ensembles at high cycle rates.
The use of quantum-degenerate gases with their low effective temperatures allows constraining systematic errors towards highest accuracy, but their production by evaporative cooling is costly with regard to both atom number and cycle rate.
In this work, we report on the creation of cold matter-waves using a crossed optical dipole trap and shaping it by means of an all-optical matter-wave lens.
We demonstrate the trade off between residual kinetic energy and atom number by short-cutting evaporative cooling and estimate the corresponding performance gain in matter-wave sensors.
Our method is implemented using time-averaged optical potentials and hence easily applicable in optical dipole trapping setups.
Southern Africa: The Missing Piece To The Dust Provenance Puzzle of East Antarctica?
Authors: Gili Stefania , Vanderstraeten Aubry , Chaput Amélie , King James , Gaiero Diego , Delmonte Barbara , Vallelonga Paul , Formenti Paola , Biagio Claudia Di , Cazanau Mathieu , Pangui Edouard , Doussin Jean-François , Mattielli Nadine
Published: September 2021

Mineral dust is a natural tracer of atmospheric composition and climate variability. Yet, there is still much to be known about the Southern Hemisphere dust cycle during the last Pleistocene. Major efforts have attempted to solve the ‘puzzle’ of the origin of the potential source areas that contribute dust to the Southern Ocean and East Antarctica (EA). Here we present a comprehensive geochemical characterization of an important potential source area, which role as a dust supplier to different environments of the SH has significantly been underestimated, that is, the Southern Africa (SAF) region. On the basis of Sr-Nd-Pb isotope ratios and rare earth element concentrations analyzed in sediments collected along the major dust-producing areas in the Namibian coast (Kuiseb, Omaruru and Huab riverbeds and the Namibian sand sea region), this study demonstrates for the first time that SAF emerges as the second most important dust source to EA during interglacial times.
Increased migration and motility in XIAP-null cells mediated by the C-RAF protein kinase
Authors: Russell Lauren G , Davis Lydia AK , Hunter Jill E , Perkins Neil D , Kenneth Niall S
Published: September 2021

The product encoded by the X-linked inhibitor of apoptosis (XIAP) gene is a multi-functional protein which not only controls caspase-dependent cell death, but also participates in inflammatory signalling, copper homeostasis, response to hypoxia and control of cell migration. Deregulation of XIAP, either by elevated expression or inherited genetic deletion, is associated with several human disease states. Reconciling XIAP-dependent signalling pathways with its role in disease progression is essential to understand how XIAP promotes the progression of human pathologies. In this study we have created a panel of genetically modified XIAP-null cell lines using TALENs and CRISPR/Cas9 to investigate the functional outcome of XIAP deletion. Surprisingly, in our genetically modified cells XIAP deletion had no effect on programmed cell death, but instead the primary phenotype we observed was a profound increase in cell migration rates. Furthermore, we found that XIAP-dependent suppression of cell migration was dependent on XIAP-dependent control of C-RAF levels, a protein kinase which controls cell signalling pathways that regulate the cytoskeleton. These results suggest that XIAP is not necessary for control of the apoptotic signalling cascade, however it does have a critical role in controlling cell migration and motility that cannot be compensated for in XIAP-knockout cells.
The relationship between visual function and performance in Para-swimming
Authors: Fortin-Guichard Daniel , Ravensbergen Rianne , Krabben Kai , Allen Peter M. , Mann David L.
Published: September 2021

Paralympic swimmers with vision impairment (VI) currently compete in one of three classes depending on their visual acuity (VA) and/or visual field. However, there is no evidence to suggest that a three-class system is the most legitimate approach for classification in swimming, or that the tests of VA and visual field are the most suitable. An evidence-based approach is required to establish the relationship between visual function and performance in the sport. Therefore, the aim of this study was to establish the relationship between visual function and performance in VI swimming. The swimming performance of 45 elite VI swimmers was evaluated during international competitions by measuring the total race time, start time, clean swim velocity, ability to swim in a straight line, turn time and finish time. Visual function was measured using a test battery that included VA, contrast sensitivity, light sensitivity, depth perception, visual search, and motion perception. Results revealed that VA was the best predictor of total race time, though the relationship was not linear. Decision-tree analysis suggested that only two classes were necessary for legitimate competition in VI swimming, with a single cut-off between 2.6–3.5 logMAR. No further significant association remained between visual function and performance in either of the two resulting classes. Results suggest that legitimate competition in VI swimming requires one class for partially sighted and another for functionally blind athletes.
Effect of Anti-Hypertensive Drugs in Geriatric Trauma Patients: A Single-Centre, Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Nagasawa Hiroki , Ishikawa Kouhei , Ota Souichirou , Muramatsu Ken-ichi , Kushida Yoshihiro , Jitsuiki Kei , Ohsaka Hiromichi , Yanagawa Youichi
Published: September 2021

Background: The relationship between the administration of oral anti-hypertensive drugs and mortality after hospitalisation in trauma patients has not yet been investigated. We conducted a single-centre, retrospective cohort study to determine the effect of anti-hypertensive drugs on mortality and complications in geriatric trauma patients.Methods: Trauma patients aged ≥ 65 years who were admitted to our hospital between January 2018 and December 2020 were analysed. Patients who had not received anti-hypertensive drugs before admission [AHT(–) group] and those who had received anti-hypertensive drugs before admission [AHT(+) group] were compared using 1:1 propensity score-matched analysis. The primary outcome was 28-day mortality, and the secondary outcomes were in-hospital mortality and the incidence of complications during hospitalisation. Outcomes were analysed by calculating the relative risk.Results: A total of 637 patients were included in our study. After propensity score matching, each study group had 223 patients. There was no significant difference in the primary outcome between the two groups [28-day mortality: AHT(–) group vs. AHT(+) group: 3.6% vs. 3.6%, respectively; adjusted relative risk: 1.00; 95% confidence interval: 0.38–2.62]. Regarding secondary outcomes, only the incidence of in-hospital delirium was significantly different between the AHT(–) group and the AHT(+) group (25.1% vs. 13.9%, respectively; adjusted relative risk: 0.55; 95% confidence interval: 0.37–0.82).Conclusions: Regular use of anti-hypertensive drugs did not affect the outcome of geriatric trauma patients. However, the incidence of in-hospital delirium was reduced in patients regularly receiving anti-hypertensive drugs.
A New Phenotypic Classification System for Dyslipidemias Based on the Standard Lipid Panel
Authors: Sampson Maureen , Ballout Rami , Soffer Daniel , Wolska Anna , Wilson Sierra , Meeusen Jeffrey , Donato Leslie , Fatica Erica , Otvos James , Brinton Eliot , Rosenson Robert , Wilson Peter , Amar Marcelo , Shamburek Robert , Karathanasis Sotirios , Remaley Alan
Published: September 2021

BACKGROUND
Dyslipoproteinemias can be classified by their distinct lipoprotein patterns, which helps determine atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease (ASCVD) risk and directs lipid management but this has required advanced laboratory testing.
OBJECTIVE
To develop a new algorithm for classifying lipoprotein disorders that only relies on the standard lipid panel.
METHODS
Lipid thresholds for defining the different lipoprotein phenotypes were derived for Non-High-Density Lipoprotein-Cholesterol (NonHDL-C) and Triglycerides (TG) to be concordant when possible with the current US Multi-Society guidelines for blood cholesterol management.
RESULTS
The new classification method categorizes patients into all the classical Fredrickson-like phenotypes except for Type III dysbetalipoproteinemia. In addition, a new hypolipidemic phenotype (Type VI) due to genetic mutations in apoB-metabolism is described. The validity of the new algorithm was confirmed by lipid analysis by NMR (N = 11,365) and by concordance with classification by agarose gel electrophoresis/beta-quantification (N = 5504). Furthermore, based on the Atherosclerosis Risk in Communities (ARIC) cohort (N = 14742), the lipoprotein phenotypes differ in their association with ASCVD (TypeV > IIb > IVb > IIa > IVa > normolipidemic) and can be used prognostically as risk enhancer conditions in the management of patients.
CONCLUSIONS
We describe a clinically useful lipoprotein phenotyping system that is only dependent upon the standard lipid panel. It, therefore, can be easily implemented for increasing compliance with current guidelines and for improving the care of patients at risk for ASCVD.
Strain-Promoted Azide-Alkyne Cycloaddition-Based PSMA-Targeting Ligands For Multimodal Intraoperative Tumor Detection of Prostate Cancer
Authors: Derks Yvonne H.W. , Rijpkema Mark , Amatdjais-Groenen Helene I.V. , Loeff Cato , de Roode Kim E. , Kip Annemarie , Laverman Peter , Lütje Susanne , Heskamp Sandra , Löwik Dennis W.P.M.
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Strain-promoted azide-alkyne cycloaddition (SPAAC) is a straightforward and multipurpose conjugation strategy. Use of SPAAC to link different functional elements to prostate specific membrane antigen (PSMA) ligands would facilitate the development of a modular platform for PSMA-targeted imaging and therapy of prostate cancer (PCa). As a first proof-of-concept for the SPAAC chemistry platform we synthesized and characterized four dual-labeled PSMA ligands for intraoperative radiodetection and fluorescence imaging of PCa. Methods: Ligands were synthesized using solid phase chemistry and contained a chelator for 111In or 99mTc labeling. The fluorophore IRDye800CW was conjugated using SPAAC chemistry or conventional N-hydroxysuccinimide (NHS)-ester coupling. LogD values were measured and PSMA-specificity of these ligands was determined in LS174T-PSMA cells. Tumor targeting was evaluated in BALB/c nude mice with subcutaneous LS174T-PSMA and LS174T wildtype tumors using µSPECT/CT imaging, fluorescence imaging, and biodistribution studies. Results: SPAAC chemistry increased lipophilicity of the ligands (range LogD: -2.4 to -4.4). In vivo, SPAAC chemistry ligands showed high and specific accumulation in s.c. LS174T-PSMA tumors up to 24 hours after injection, enabling clear visualization using µSPECT/CT and fluorescence imaging. Overall, no significant differences between the SPAAC chemistry ligands and their NHS-based counterparts were found (2 h p.i., p > 0.05), while 111In-labeled ligands outperformed the 99mTc ligands. Conclusion: Here we demonstrate that our newly developed SPAAC-based PSMA ligands show high PSMA-specific tumor targeting. Use of click-chemistry in PSMA ligand development opens up the opportunity for fast, efficient and versatile conjugations of multiple imaging moieties and/or drugs.
Full-Length Gonad Transcriptome Analysis of Amur Sturgeon Dmrt Family Genes: Identification, Characterization and Expression Patterns During Gonadal Differentiation
Authors: Zhang Xiujuan , Li Guanyu , Zhou Jiabin , Lv Mei , Li Linmiao , Chen Jinping
Published: September 2021

The regulatory mechanisms that govern sex differentiation in sturgeon are still poorly understood. The doublesex and Mab-3-related transcription factor (Dmrt) gene family is known for its extensive roles in sex determination and differentiation across vertebrates. This study aimed to identify new members of sturgeon Dmrt family genes and core actors in the gonadal differentiation of Amur sturgeon. A full-length gonad transcriptome database was exploited to identify Dmrt gene orthologs. Analyses of phylogenetic relationships and selection pressure were performed, and tissue expression profiles and spatiotemporal expression patterns in gonads were then analyzed using real-time PCR. In total, five Dmrt family genes were identified from the full-length gonad transcriptome, including Dmrt2, DmrtA1, DmrtA2, DmrtB1a and DmrtB1b. Phylogenetic analysis showed that these genes were clustered into clades corresponding to the doublesex/Mav-3 (DM) genes of vertebrates. Furthermore, the analysis of evolutionary selective pressure indicated that DmrtB1a and DmrtB1b were subject to positive selection, suggesting the existence of adaptive evolution in sturgeon. The extensive tissues expression profiling of each Dmrt family gene revealed typical characteristics. Remarkably, according to a spatiotemporal expression pattern analysis, DmrtA1 and DmrtA2 were predominantly distributed in undifferentiated gonads (UGs) and developing ovaries, whereas DmrtB1b showed the lowest expression in UGs. In later stages, DmrtB1b expression continuously increased in testes and was significantly higher in testes than in ovaries at 24 months after hatching (M) and 36M, which strongly suggests that DmrtB1b is a core regulatory factor involved in sexual differentiation in sturgeon. This study provides a genetic resource of full-length Dmrt family genes and increases the understanding of Dmrt functions in sex differentiation in sturgeon.
Zoonotic potential of a novel bat morbillivirus
Authors: Lee Benhur , Ikegame Satoshi , Carmichael Jillian , Wells Heather , Furler Robert , Acklin Joshua , Chiu Hsin-Ping , Oguntuyo Kasopefoluwa , Cox Robert , Patel Aum , Kowdle Shreyas , Stevens Christian , Eckley Miles , Zhan Shijun , Lim Jean , Hashiguchi Takao , Durigon Edison Luís , Schountz Tony , Epstein Jonathan , Plemper Richard , Daszak Peter , Anthony Simon
Published: September 2021

Bats are significant reservoir hosts for many viruses with zoonotic potential1. SARS-CoV-2, Ebola virus, and Nipah virus are examples of such viruses that have caused deadly epidemics and pandemics when spilled over from bats into human and animal populations2,3. Careful surveillance of viruses in bats is critical for identifying potential zoonotic pathogens. However, metagenomic surveys in bats often do not result in full-length viral sequences that can be used to regenerate such viruses for targeted characterization4. Here, we identify and characterize a novel morbillivirus from a vespertilionid bat species (Myotis riparius) in Brazil, which we term myotis bat morbillivirus (MBaMV). There are 7 species of morbilliviruses including measles virus (MeV), canine distemper virus (CDV) and rinderpest virus (RPV)5. All morbilliviruses cause severe disease in their natural hosts6–10, and pathogenicity is largely determined by species specific expression of canonical morbillivirus receptors, CD150/SLAMF111 and NECTIN412. MBaMV used Myotis spp CD150 much better than human and dog CD150 in fusion assays. We confirmed this using live MBaMV that was rescued by reverse genetics. Surprisingly, MBaMV replicated efficiently in primary human myeloid but not lymphoid cells. Furthermore, MBaMV replicated in human epithelial cells and used human NECTIN4 almost as well as MeV. Our results demonstrate the unusual ability of MBaMV to infect and replicate in some human cells that are critical for MeV pathogenesis and transmission. This raises the specter of zoonotic transmission of a bat morbillivirus.
Highly efficient blue light-emitting diodes with tunable wavelength using vertically graded bandgap quasi-2D perovskite films
Authors: Fan Zhiyong , Shu Lei , Zhang Qianpeng , Poddar Swapnadeep , Zhang Daquan , Fu Yu , Cao Bryan , Ding Yucheng
Published: September 2021

Metal halide perovskite materials have emerged as a unique class of solution process compatible semiconductors and alluring candidates for high-performance optoelectronic applications1,2,3, especially light-emitting diodes (LEDs), owing to high quantum efficiency, facile color tunability, narrow emission line widths, as well as cost-effectiveness4,5,6. Despite of the great successes on green and red perovskite LEDs (PeLEDs), the advancement of external quantum efficiency (EQE) of blue PeLEDs still lags far behind those of green and red PeLEDs7,8. Here, we demonstrate color-tunable blue PeLEDs devices with high EQE of 16.1% and 10% for emission wavelengths of 472 nm and 461 nm, respectively. The efficient tunable wavelength electroluminescence (EL) and high (EQE) originate from the optimization of the recombination zone position to reach the charge injection balance in the vertically graded bandgap quasi-2D perovskite materials. Under the synergetic effect of lead chloride (PbCl2) doping and propane-1,3-diammonium (PDABr2) incorporation, the vertically graded bandgap perovskite materials can be prepared by the self-regulation of the reduced-dimensional perovskite during the annealing process. Our work here has significantly elevated the performance of the current blue PeLEDs. It opens up a novel avenue to fabricate high-performance blue PeLEDs that can match up the performance of the green and red PeLEDs for future lighting and display applications.
A Study on the Diagnostic Abilities of Ultrasound Scans in Assessing the Uterine Fibroids Against Magnetic Resonance Imaging Findings in the Same Subject Population
Authors: Omran Bedoor Al , Mehad Amal Mohamed , Matoi Simbarashe , Qadir Seemal Maqsood Abdul , Peluola Ayomide , O’Sullivan Robin , Dayoub Nawal
Published: September 2021

Background: This study was designed to evaluate the matching percentage among findings of the ultrasound scans to the magnetic resonance imaging in women with fibroids in Bahrain.Methods: This descriptive, retrospective study was conducted from January 2016 to December 2018 including all the female patients referred from the Gynaecological Department to the Radiological Department in the Bahrain Defense Force Hospital for magnetic resonance imaging and ultrasound scan for fibroid evaluation.The data collected included their age, parity and nationality. The StatsDirect software was used to analyze the fibroids according to the site, size, type and number. Results: The average age of the recruited 205 female patients for the study was 43 years, with 81.5%as Bahraini citizens and a mean parity of 2.3. Ultrasound scan findings matched the Magnetic Resonance Imaging in the posterior fibroid sites in 52.5% of cases, followed by anterior (38.1%) and fundal (21.8%). For fibroid size, Ultrasound scans matched Magnetic Resonance Imaging findings in 83.3% for fibroids between >5 to ≤ 10 cm, in 78.3% for fibroids between >2 to ≤ 5cm, and in 36.8% for fibroids sized ≤ 2 cm. Fibroids more than 10cm in size were in agreement for 33.33% of fibroids. Submucosal fibroids matched in just 29.4% of cases, but for the subserosal fibroids, it was 44.8%. The matching score for more than 4 fibroids was 61.8%, followed by single fibroids (54.8%) and lastly for two fibroids (34.8%).Conclusions: Fibroid site and size had the highest matching rates amongst all the categories.
Psychological and Emotional Impact of COVID-19 Pandemic on People Living With Chronic Disease: HIV and Cancer.
Authors: Focà Emanuele , Fornari Chiara , Arsuffi Stefania , Vetrano Maria Chiara , Calza Stefano , Renzetti Stefano , Copeta Silvia , Berruti Alfredo , Castelli Francesco , Compostella Silvia , Quiros-Roldan Eugenia
Published: September 2021

Background: COVID-19 pandemic changes the lifestyle and inducted negative emotions. People living with chronic disease (PLWCD) are the frailest social category, both for the risk of severe COVID-19 illness and for the pandemic impact on the continuum of care. Aim of this study was to analyze coping strategies and resilience in people living with HIV (PLWH) compared to people living with oncological diseases (PLWOD) during COVID-19 pandemic. Methods: In this observational study based on the administration of an anonymous questionnaire, we explored the emotional experience, the clinical and demographic factors linked to a COVID-19-related stress syndrome, the patient’s perception about the adequacy of clinical and psychological undertaking from the hospital and the level of resilience through a validated resilience scale. We performed a Kruskal-Wallis and a chi-squared test to compare the characteristics between PLWH and PLWOD and a linear regression to assess the factors associated to higher resilience. Results: We analyzed 324 questionnaires (PLWH n=167, PLWOD n=157). There were no significant differences in prevalence of psychological distress, anxiety, and fear among the whole cohort; however, PLWOD were calmer (p=0.039), less troubled (p=0.014), and more serene (p=0.026) than PLWH. Moreover, PLWH smoked more (p<0.001), ate more (p=0.003) and thus gained more weight (p=0.013) than PLWOD. 62% of patients didn’t have more feelings of solitude than usual (p=0.130) and 71,3% continued to take pleasure from their activities (p=0.511). No differences in resilience were found between the groups, however in the whole cohort lower levels of resilience were found in patients that were unemployed (-3.52; 95% CI = [-6.68 -0.35]; p=0.029), with history of psychological disorders (-2.18; 95% CI = [-3.17 -1.18]; p<0.001) and in those who experienced more feelings of anger (-1.76; 95% CI = [-2.67 -0.85]; p<0.001), anxiety and concern (-1.56; 95% CI = [-2.30 -0.82]; p<0.001). Conclusions: PLWCD had high level of resilience, preserved in general their psychological well-being, and activated adaptive coping during the pandemic. However, PLWH showed higher distress than PLWOD according to comparable resilience score. Patients with psychological problems, feelings of anger and concern deserve more attention as they show lower levels of resilience.
TGF-β2 Levels in the Aqueous Humor are Elevated in the Second Eye of High Myopia Within Two Weeks After Sequential Cataract Surgery
Authors: Yan Weijia , Zhang Yaping , Yan Hong
Published: September 2021

Purpose: To evaluate the level of transforming growth factors (TGFs) in the aqueous humor (AH) in the second eye of highly myopic cataract patients after receiving sequential cataract surgery and to study the correction between TGFs and axial length (AL) in myopic eyes.Methods: The study included 13 patients (26 eyes) with high myopia with cataracts and 10 non-myopic patients (10 eyes) with cataracts. AH samples were used to detect the levels of TGF-β1, 2, and 3 in both groups. An array was used for verification of TGF-β expression in AH samples obtained from 26 eyes of highly myopic patients with cataracts and 10 eyes of non-myopic patients with cataracts. According to AL, the samples were divided into three groups: A (AL<28 mm), B (AL=28-31 mm), and C (AL>31 mm).Results: The level of TGF-β2 in the AH sample of the second eye was significantly higher than that in the first eye in high myopia cataract patients (p=0.0147). Compared with the non-myopic cataracts patient group, the highly myopic cataracts group had a significantly higher TGF-β2 concentration in the AH in the second eye (p=0.0156). Both TGF-β1 and TGF-β3 were expressed at low levels and had no difference between the two groups. Axial elongation in high myopia did not show a correlation with the AH concentration of TGF-β2 levels.Conclusions: In patients with high myopia undergoing sequential cataract surgery, the AH of the second-surgery eye had a higher level of TGF-β2 than that of the first-surgery eye, and it also had a significantly higher TGF-β2 concentration than that of the control eye. This implies that high myopia could cause changes in the microenvironment of the eyes, and a protective mechanism was created to prevent the second eye from undergoing a sympathetic immune response.
Porphyria Cutanea Tarda and Patterns of Long-term Sick Leave and Disability Pension: a 24-year Nationwide Matched Cohort Study
Authors: Baravelli Carl Michael , Aarsand Aasne Karine , Sandberg Sverre , Tollånes Mette Christophersen
Published: September 2021

Background: Porphyria cutanea tarda (PCT) is a skin disorder caused by a defect in the liver enzyme uroporphyrinogen decarboxylase and is associated with hepatitis C virus infection, high alcohol intake, smoking and iron overload. Data on the long-term morbidity of PCT is lacking. Methods: We conducted a nationwide matched cohort study over a 24-year period. The study sample included 534 persons aged 18-67 years with a biochemically confirmed PCT diagnosis and a sample of 21,360 persons randomly selected from the working age population, matched on age, sex and educational attainment. We investigated if persons with sporadic and familial PCT had an increased risk of long-term sick leave (LTSL) or disability pension. We further assessed risk before (pre-PCT), during (during-PCT) and after (post-PCT) the typical period of first onset to diagnosis, treatment and remission. Results: Overall, persons with PCT had a 40% increased risk (hazard ratio [HR]=1.4, 95% confidence interval [CI]=1.3, 1.5) of LTSL and a 50% increased risk (HR=1.5, CI=1.3, 1.7) of disability pension. Risk of disability pension was increased pre-PCT (HR=1.3, CI: 1.3 (1.0, 1.6), during-PCT (HR: 1.5, CI: 1.0, 2.2) and post-PCT (HR=2.0, CI: 1.5, 2.6). For LTSL, risk was increased pre-PCT (HR=1.3, CI: 1.1, 1.4) and during-PCT (HR=1.5, CI: 1.1, 2.1), but not post-PCT. Risk was greatest in persons with sporadic than familial PCT. Diagnostic reasons for disability pension that were increased compared to matched controls were PCT or skin disease in 11 of 199 cases (PCT: n=7, incident rate ratios [IRR]=49.2, CI=38.8, 62.4; diseases of the skin & subcutaneous tissue, n=4, IRR=4.2, CI=1.6, 11.0). The vast majority of diagnostic reasons for accessing disability pension were related to comorbidities, PCT susceptibility factors and more general health issues such as: malignant neoplasms (n=12, IRR=2.4, CI=1.4, 4.2), substance and alcohol dependence (n=7, IRR=5.0, CI=2.5, 10.1), neurotic and mood – disorders (n=21, IRR=1.7, CI=1.1, 2.6), and diseases of the musculoskeletal system & connective tissue (n=71, IRR=2.5, CI=1.9, 3.2).Conclusions: Persons with PCT have an increased risk of LTSL and disability pension indicating significant morbidity in this patient group. Appropriate long-term follow-up and monitoring for relapses and co-morbid diseases are recommended.
Simulation of the Uniaxial Mechanical Properties and Crack Evolution of Coal Pillar-artificial Dam in Abandoned Mines
Authors: Lyu Xin , Yang Ke , Fang Juejing , Zhang Zhainan , Wang Yu , Fu Qiang
Published: September 2021

The key to the construction of underground reservoirs in abandoned mines is the construction of coal pillar-artificial dams, and the choice of bonding parameters between the coal pillars and artificial dams is the deciding factor that determines the engineering stability. Based on the analysis of the force state of coal pillar-artificial dams, the influence of the interface angle was analyzed. Seven sets of coal pillar-artificial dam specimens were prepared and a PFC3D numerical model was constructed to carry out the uniaxial compression test without lateral pressure. Based on the strength, deformation, and energy evolution characteristics of the coal pillar-artificial dam, the influence of the angle of the coal pillar-artificial dam interface on the performance of the specimen was analyzed. The PFC3D model was used to investigate crack evolution, particle displacement, and spatial distribution. The research results showed that the force state of the coal pillar-artificial dam can be divided into three types: split bearing, shared bearing, and coordinated bearing, corresponding to three different constitutive models. The composite simulation curve showed obvious post-peak viscosity. The compressive strength, peak strain, and average dissipated energy curves of the coal pillar-artificial dam showed a unimodal trend that first increased and then decreased. The total energy and elastic energy of the coal pillar-artificial dam showed an increasing trend during loading. The dissipation energy curve increased obviously in the early stage, then flattened, and finally, decayed. The simulated initiation stress and damage stress of the coal pillar-artificial dam specimens were intermediate to that of the coal pillars and the artificial dams, which first increased and then decreased with the increase in inclination, reaching the peak at 70°. The failures of the single and combined models were both dominated by monoclinic splitting. As the inclination increased, the position of the main cracks gradually shifted downwards and then upwards.
The Association of Propranolol with 2DG Reduces the Metabolism and the Proliferation of Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma A431 Cell Line
Authors: Almeida Carolina Vieira , Buscemi Marianna , Lulli Matteo , Soldani Giorgio , Losi Paola
Published: September 2021

The non-selective β-blocking (±)-Propranolol Hydrochloride was demonstrated to improve the progression-free survival of patients and to reduce the incidence of different cancer types. Since the expression of β-adrenoceptors (β-AR) in the A431 squamous cell carcinoma (cSCC) human cells was described, we had suggested that cSCC proliferation may be controlled by using β-AR-blockers. Thus, we hypothesized that the topical application of a β-AR-blocker over the tumor lesion may decrease/restrain its extension before the surgical excision becoming an adjuvant\therapy against cSCC. However, it is known that β-AR-blocker anti-cancer activity as a single agent is limited. Hence, we suggested that the combination of Propranolol with the glucose analog 2-Deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG) could improve its antiproliferative effect through the induction of metabolic stress. Our results have demonstrated that the addition of 2DG to (±)-Propranolol Hydrochloride therapy can improve its effect on A431 cells metabolism and proliferation, suggesting that the combination of (±)-Propranolol Hydrochloride with low dose of 2DG could be a promising treatment to be topically applied as an adjuvant pre-surgical therapy against cSCC, aiming to decrease the size of the injury before the surgical procedure, avoiding systemic adverse effects to the patient.
Assessment of factors associated with Tobacco smoking among patients with pulmonary TB attending health facilities in Rwanda: A case control study
Authors: Migambi Patrick , Dushime Augustin , Karame Prosper , Nsabimana Murego , Semakula Muhammed , Ndishimye Pacifique , Nshimiyimana Ladislas , Bitunguhari Leopold , Birungi Francine , Mutagoma Mwumvaneza
Published: September 2021

IntroductionThe World Health Organization reported that one third of global population was tobacco smoker. In countries with a high tuberculosis burden, a big proportion was attributed to tobacco smoking. In the general population of Rwanda, the prevalence of tobacco smoking was higher among males (14%) compared to females (3%). We conducted a second analysis to assess factor associated with tobacco smoking among patient with TB attending Health Facilities.MethodologyA retrospective case-control study in Centres of Diagnosis and Treatment of tuberculosis (CDT). Cases were patients with bacteriological TB confirmation; controls were persons with signs and symptoms without TB confirmation. Proportions and logistic regression were used in data analysis.ResultsThe total number of tobacco smokers was 680. Among tobacco smokers, 88.1% tobacco smokers were males, 94.3% tobacco smokers had at least 25 years old and 64.6% were living in union. By education, 84.9% tobacco smokers were illiterate or attained primary school. Almost all tobacco smokers (97.0%) ever drunk alcohol while 67.9% used illicit drugs and 25.3% had low BMI (≤ 18.5) with increased proportion among cases (29.1%). A proportion of 38.3% in tobacco smokers had history of imprisonment. In multivariable logistic regression data analysis, males compared to females (aOR = 3.49[95%CI:1.76–6.94]), ever drunk alcohol compared to never drank alcohol (aOR = 6.39[95%CI:2.67–15.31]) and ever used illicit drugs compared to never used illicit drugs (aOR = 9.89[95%CI:3.87–25.25]) were associated with high odds of tobacco smoking. In addition, illiterate people or people who attained only primary school education level compared to people having primary education level and above (aOR = 0.39[95%CI:0.23–0.69]) were associated with low odds of tobacco smoking.ConclusionTobacco smoking is common in pulmonary TB patients. Males were more likely using tobacco smoking compared to females. Alcohol drinkers and illicit drug users were associated to tobacco smoking. A campaign on tobacco cessation, focusing on males, should be conducted in the general population starting by people on TB treatment.
Deformation Regulations and Failure Mechanism of High and Steep Layered Rock Slopes with Upper Steep and Lower Gentle Style Induced by Step-by-Step Excavations
Authors: Yang Zhiquan , Fan Xianglong , Yang Yi , Hou Kepeng , Du Jun , Chen Xinggui , Mi Yapeng , Jiang Chunping , Jiang Jie , Guo Yongfa
Published: September 2021

High and steep layered rock slopes with upper steep and lower gentle style is a typical layered rock slope in Western region of China. Deformation regulations and failure mechanism of this kind of slope induced by step-by-step excavations were investigated in this study. By FLAC3D, excavation process is simulated according to actual situation (the first three phases) and planned excavation order (the last two phases). For the first three phases, through comparing simulation results and actual slope form, rationality of the model has been checked. For the last two phases, failure characteristics have been analyzed by simulation results. During the whole process of excavation, deformation can be summarized as "slip-bend-shear", and most dangerous slip surface of composite-style has been developed gradually into the slope. This research can provide theoretical support and guidance for the stability analysis, quantitative excavation design and pre-warning system of this type of slope in the process of western development in China.
Approximate Solutions, Thermodynamic Properties and Expectation Values With the Hua Plus Modified Eckart (HPME) Potential
Authors: Njoku I. J. , Okereke C. J. , Onyenegecha C. P. , Onyeocha E. , Nwaokafor P. , Nwaneho F. U.
Published: September 2021

The approximate solutions of Schrodinger equation for the Hua plus modified Eckart (HPME) potential is obtained via the Formula method. The vibrational partition function and other thermodynamic properties were investigated. Using the Hellmann-Feynman theorem, the expectation values of r -2, T and p2 and their numerical values are also presented. Some cases of this potential are also studied. The results of our study are consistent with those in literature.
TIFA Promotes CRC Cell Proliferation via RSK- and PRAS40- Dependent Manner
Authors: Shen Wenzhi , Du Wenfei , Li Yanping , Huang Yongming , Jiang Xinyu , Yang Chenglong , Tang Jiaping , Yang Rui , Wang Shanshan , Yan Siyuan , Liu Huan , Luo Na , Zhang Xiaoyuan , Zhang Zhixin
Published: September 2021

Background: Previous studies have shown that TIFA (TNF receptor associated factor (TRAF)-interacting protein with a Forkhead-associated (FHA) domain) plays different roles in various tumor types. However, the function of TIFA in colorectal cancer (CRC) remains unclear. The goal of this study is to uncover the biological function and molecular mechanism of TIFA in CRC.Methods: Tissue microarrays were used to evaluate TIFA expression. Cancer cell proferation assays were performed in TIFA knockdown and overexpressing cells in vitro and in a xenograft model in vivo. Human phosphokinase array, immunoprecipitation assays were performed to explore the underlying mechanism.Results: We disclosed that the expression of TIFA was marked increased in CRC versus normal tissue, and positively correlated with CRC TNM stages. In agreement, we found that the CRC cell lines show increased TIFA expression levels versus normal control. The knockdown of TIFA inhibited cell proliferation but have no effects on cell apoptosis in vitro and in vivo. Moreover, the ectopic expression of TIFA enhanced cell proliferation ability in vitro and in vivo. In contrast, the expression of mutant TIFA (T9A, oligomerization site mutation; D6, TRAF6 binding site deletion) alternatively abolished TIFA mediated cell proliferation enhancement. Exploration of the underlying mechanism demonstrated that the protein synthesis associated kinase RSK and PRAS40 activation were all responsible for TIFA mediated CRC progression. Conclusions: The above results described a model of TIFA in mediating CRC progression. This may provide a promising target for CRC therapy.
Differences in the Microarchitectural and Histomorphologic Characteristics Between Glucocorticoid-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head and Alcohol-induced Osteonecrosis of Femoral Head
Authors: Chen Yiwei , Liu Kexin , Miao Yu , Zhu Bin , Xue Feng , Yin Junhui , Zheng Minghao , li guangyi , Zhang Changqing
Published: September 2021

AimsTo analyze microarchitecture and histomorphology characteristics of different regions in femoral heads from patients with glucocorticoid-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (GIONFH) and alcohol-induced osteonecrosis of femoral head (AIONFH). MethodsPatients diagnosed with GIONFH and AIONFH were recruited. Femoral heads were obtained after total hip replacement. Micro-CT was applied to evaluate the microstructure of 9 regions of interest (ROIs) in the femoral head. Along the supero-inferior orientation, the femoral head was divided into necrotic region, reactive interface, and normal region; along the medio-lateral orientation, the femoral head was divided into medial region, central region and lateral region. Decalcified and undecalcified bone histology were then performed to assess histopathological alterations and ﻿bone remodeling levels. Results42 GIONFH patients (50 hips) and 43 AIONFH patients (50 hips) anticipated in the study. In the necrotic region, most of the microarchitectural parameters did not differ significantly between GIONFH and AIONFH, whereas both the reactive interface and normal region illustrated significant differences in the microstructure and histomorphometry. The reactive interface and normal region exhibited a less sclerotic microarchitecture, but a higher bone remodeling level in GIONFH as compared with AIONFH. Despite similar necrotic pathological manifestations, subchondral trabecular microfracture in the necrotic region was more severe and vasculature of the reactive interface was more abundant in GIONFH. ConclusionsAlthough these two subtypes of ONFH shared similar microarchitecture and pathological features in the necrotic region, GIONFH exhibited a less sclerotic microarchitecture and a more active bone metabolic status in both the reactive interface and normal region.
Machine Learning Models with Time-Series Clinical Features to Predict Radiographic Progression in Patients with Ankylosing Spondylitis
Authors: Koo Bon San , Jang Miso , Oh Ji Seon , Shin Keewon , Lee Seunghun , Joo Kyung Bin , Kim Namkug , Kim Tae-Hwan
Published: September 2021

Background: Radiographic progression in patients with ankylosing spondylitis (AS) varies between individuals, and its evaluation requires a long period of time. Previous statistical studies for radiographic progression have limitations in integrating and analyzing multiple variables of various types. The purpose of this study was to establish the application of machine learning models for predicting radiographic progression in patients with AS using time-series data from electronic medical records (EMRs).Methods: EMR data, including baseline characteristics, laboratory finding, drug administration, and modified Stoke Ankylosing Spondylitis Spine Score (mSASSS), were collected from 1,123 AS patients who were followed up for 18 years at a common center at the time of first (T1), second (T2), and third (T3) visits. The radiographic progression of the (n + 1)th visit (Pn+1 = (mSASSSn+1 – mSASSSn) / (Tn+1 – Tn) ≥ 1 unit per year) was predicted using follow-up visit datasets from T1 to Tn. Three machine learning methods (logistic regression with least absolute shrinkage and selection operation, random forest, and extreme gradient boosting algorithms) with three-fold cross validation were used. Results: The random forest model using the T1 EMR dataset showed the highest performance in predicting the radioactive progression P2 among all the machine learning models tested. The mean accuracy and the area under the curves were 73.73% and 0.79, respectively. Among the variables of T1, the most important variables for predicting radiographic progression were in the order of total mSASSS, age, and alkaline phosphatase. Conclusion: Prognosis predictive models using time-series data showed reasonable performance with clinical features of the first visit dataset for predicting radiographic progression. Additional feature data such as spine radiographs or life-log data may improve the performance of these models.
Optimization of the Dewatering Process for Concentrate Pressure Filtering by Support Vector Regression
Authors: LIU Huizhon , YOU Keshun
Published: September 2021

In order to better improve the efficiency of the concentrate filter press dehydration operation, this paper studies the mechanism and optimization methods of the filter press dehydration process. Machine learning models of RBF-OLS, RBF-GRNN and support vector regression (SVR) are constructed respectively, and Perform laboratory simulation and industrial simulation separately. SVR achieves the best accuracy in industrial simulation, the simulated mean relative error (MRE) of moisture and processing capacity are respectively 1.57% and 3.81%. Finally, a simulation model of the filter press dehydration process established by SVR, and the optimtical simulation results Obtained by optimization method based on control variables. The results show that the machine learning method of SVR and optimization methods based on control variables are applied to industry, which can not only ensure the stability of expected production indicators, but also shorten the filter press dehydration cycle to less than 85% of the original.
Tunning the Physical Properties of PVDF/PVC/ Zinc Ferrite Nanocomposites Films for More Efficient Adsorption of Cd (II)
Authors: Ramadan Rania , Ismail Asmaa
Published: September 2021

This work studies the enhancement of the physical properties PVDF/PVC blend by adding ZnFe2O4 with different weight percent (from 0% up to 10%) as a nanofiller. The effect of ZnFe2O4 on behavior of PVDF/PVC was studied through XRD, FTIR, FESEM and UV-Visible spectroscopy. The PVDF/PVC/ 10% ZnFe2O4 nanocomposite film was represented the optimum sample. As it shows maximum crystallinity, roughness average (414 nm) and root mean square roughness (113nm) on another hand this sample has also the lowest value of energy band gap for direct and indirect transition. The removal efficiency of Cd(II) by using PVDF/PVC/ 10% ZnFe2O4 reached to about 50 % at pH 6 after 60min. the absorption mechanism as well as kinetics isotherm have been studied.