bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Expression of the Yes-Associated Protein, β-Catenin, and Smoothened Protein and Their Clinical Significance in Invasive Breast Cancer
Authors: Liu Pengju , Zeng Jianfeng , Yang Gaohua
Published: November 2021

Background: The mechanism of the Yes-associated protein in the occurrence and development of breast cancer is still unclear. Here, we aimed to explore the relationship among the Yes-associated protein, β-catenin, and Smoothened signaling pathways to provide a theoretical basis for the clinical diagnosis and Treatment program of invasive breast cancer. Methods: Immunohistochemistry was used to detect the expression of Yes-associated protein, Smoothened protein, and β-catenin in breast cancer, adjacent, and normal tissues. The relationship between the expression of these three proteins and clinicopathological features of breast cancer patients was analyzed, and western blotting was used to detect differences in Yes-associated protein expression in MCF-7 and MDA-MB-231 cell lines. Results: The expression level of Yes-associated protein in breast cancer tissues was prominently Lower than that in normal breast tissues; the expression level of β-catenin in breast cancer tissues was prominently higher than that in normal tissues; and the expression level of Smoothened protein in cancer tissue was Prominently higher than that in normal breast tissue. The expression of Yes-associated protein in breast cancer tissues was correlated with the expression of the human epidermal growth factor receptor 2, progesterone receptor, and estrogen receptor; the expression of β-catenin and Smoothened protein in breast cancer tissues were all correlated with the human epidermal growth factor receptor expression. The expression level of Yes-associated protein in the MCF-7 cells was significantly higher than that in the MDA-MB-231 cells. There was a negative correlation between the Yes-associated protein and Smoothened protein expression in the breast cancer tissues.Conclusions: The Yes-associated protein, β-catenin, and Smoothened protein can be used as new targets in the treatment of invasive breast cancer or as reference indicators for prognostic judgment. The differences in expression of the three proteins in cancer adjacent, cancer, and normal tissues suggest that they may be of great significance in the process of breast-conserving surgery.
SLR Estimation Using CEEMDAN Near the Korean Peninsula
Authors: Kim Young Jin , Kwon Okyu , Song Hark-Soo , Kim Jongho , Kang Hyuk
Published: November 2021

The rise of sea levels due to global warming is a problem of concern at an international scope and the causes are already known relatively clearly. Every year, the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) creates a scenario for greenhouse gas emissions and predicts the global average sea-level rise rate accordingly. It is necessary to estimate the rate of sea-level rise to date in creating such a scenario. In particular, since the height of the sea level changes (SLC) continuously, the errors of SLC may occur due to various causes with a fragmental analysis. To estimate the sea-level rise accurately, we applied Complete Ensemble Empirical Mode Decomposition with Adaptive Noise (CEEMDAN) is based on the Empirical Mode Decomposition (EMD) to decompose the tidal level. Through this, we discover that the differences in the local sea-level rise rate occurred even within a small area. To understand each component of tide level decomposed through CEEMDAN, we confirm the component-wise/regional correlation between tidal stations. In addition, we looked at how local sea-level rise correlated with the global meteorological phenomenon, El Niño-Southern Oscillation (ENSO) which is one of the most influential recurring climate patterns Socioeconomically.
Hand-Held Dynamometry to Safely Measure Muscle Strength in Patients In Intensive Care
Authors: Júnior Balbino Rivail Ventura Nepomuceno , Santos Kamilla Ribeiro Bastos dos , Júnior Jailson de Souza Santos , de Almeida Deisimar Fernandes , de Barros Roberto Moreno , Neto Mansueto Gomes
Published: November 2021

Background: Intensive care unit-acquired weakness (ICU-AW) has been increasingly studied and associated with prognostic factors of negative outcomes during the hospitalization of critically ill patients. Therefore, it is essential to evaluate the muscle strength of patients in the intensive care unit (ICU) with accurate quantitative tools, such as the hand-held dynamometer (HHD), which directly measures the strength of large muscle groups, providing earlier and more accurate decision making. The objective of the present study was to evaluate the safety of using HHD to measure the strength of large muscle groups in ICU patients, in addition to determining the prevalence of muscle imbalance in these patients, and correlating HHD measures with the Medical Research Council (MRC) scale. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted, inferring the impact of strength measurement of the main muscle groups using HHD on vital signs, dyspnea, and pain. The occurrence of adverse events during the evaluation was also observed. Safety was assessed using the paired t-test, calculating the prevalence of muscle imbalance in the sample and Pearson’s correlation between the strength measurement instruments. Results: The sample consisted of 46 volunteers, and no clinically significant variability was observed for pre- and post-safety variables. A high prevalence of muscle imbalance was found in the sample, and there was a strong correlation between HHD and MRC. Discussion: Strength measurement using HHD in the ICU is safe and well-tolerated, providing information on the individual condition of large muscle groups and improving the ability to diagnose muscle imbalance in the ICU patients.
Callispheres® Drug-Eluting Beads Transarterial Chemoembolization Might be an Efficient and Safety Down-Staging Therapy in Unresectable Liver Cancer Patients
Authors: Peng Ning , Mao Linfeng , Tao Yiwen , Xiao Kaiyin , Yuan Guandou , He Songqing
Published: November 2021

Purpose: The purpose was to explore the effect of drug-eluting beads transarterial chemoembolization (DEB-TACE) on down-staging in unresectable liver cancer patients.Methods: 15 unresectable liver cancer patients received DEB-TACE as a down-staging treatment before hepatectomy were enrolled. Data (including demographics, histories, clinical features at diagnosis and cycles of DEB-TACE before hepatectomy) were collected. Treatment response was evaluated at one month after DEB-TACE. Tumor diameter was evaluated by abdominal computed tomography scan. The residual liver volume was evaluated by IQQA liver system, Relapse-free survival (RFS) and overall survival (OS) were calculated by Kaplan-Meier curves.Results: After DEB-TACE, 3 (20.0%) patients achieved complete response (CR) and 10 (66.7%) patients achieved objective response rate (ORR), meanwhile, 5 (27.8%) tumors achieved CR and 12 (66.7%) tumors achieved ORR. Tumor diameter was decreased after DEB-TACE compared to before DEB-TACE (9.4±3.3 vs. 5.4±3.5 cm) (P<0.01). As to residual liver volume, it was increased after DEB-TACE compared to before DEB-TACE (1066.2 cm3 vs. 1172.5 cm3) (P=0.007). More importantly, 15 (100%) patients could receive resection after DEB-TACE, (including 14 (93.3%) patients with curative resection and 1 (6.7%) patient with palliative resection). For survival, the median RFS was 26.0 months, and the percentage of 5-year accumulating RFS was 20%. As to OS, the median OS was 54.5 months, and the percentage of 5-year accumulating OS was 40%. For safety profiles, 5 patients had postoperative pain, 7 patients had fever, and 1 had nausea and vomiting.Conclusion: DEB-TACE might be an efficient and safety down-staging treatment in unresectable liver cancer patients.
Building evidence into youth health policy: a case study of the access 3 knowledge translation forum
Authors: Waller Daniel , Robards Fiona , Schneider Carmen Huckel , Sanci Lena , Steinbeck Katharine , Gibson Sally , Usherwood Tim , Hawke Catherine , Jan Stephen , Kong Marlene , Kang Melissa
Published: November 2021

Background

Effective integration of research evidence and youth perspectives into policy is crucial for supporting the future health and wellbeing of young people. The aim of this project was to translate findings from the Access 3 research studies to support development of a new state policy on youth health and wellbeing within New South Wales, Australia. Ensuring the active contribution of young people within policy development was a key objective of the knowledge translation process.
Methods

The knowledge translation activity consisted of a one-day facilitated workshop with 64 purposively sampled stakeholders. Participants included eight young people, fourteen policymakers, fifteen academics, twenty-two clinicians or managers from New South Wales (NSW) health services, four general practitioners and one mental health service worker. The design of the workshop was guided by the knowledge translation frameworks of Lavis et al [1] and Grimshaw et al [2]. Research findings to be translated came from the NSW Access 3 studies. Participant satisfaction with the workshop was evaluated using a brief self-report survey. Policy uptake was examined through exploratory document analysis of the subsequent NSW Youth Health Framework 2017-2024.
Results

A total of twenty-five policy recommendations were established through the workshop and these were grouped into six themes. The six policy themes were: 1) Technology solutions, 2) Integrated care and investment to build capacity, 3) Adolescent health checks, 4) Workforce, 5) Youth participation, and 6) Youth health indicators. Forum members were asked to vote on the importance of individual recommendations. These policy recommendations were subsequently presented to the NSW Ministry of Health with some evidence of policy uptake identified. The majority of participants rated the forum positively.
Conclusions

The utilisation of knowledge translation theories and active youth engagement led to the successful transfer of research evidence and youth perspectives into NSW youth health policy. Future research should examine the implementation of policy arising from these knowledge translation efforts.
Mechanical Properties And Joining Mechanism of Magnetic Pulse Welded Aluminum To Titanium
Authors: Chen Shujun , Han Yang , Gong Wentao , Yuan Tao , Jiang Xiaoqing
Published: November 2021

Magnetic pulse welding of dissimilar aluminum and titanium was investigated to optimize process parameters in terms of discharge voltage, radial gap and overlapping length. Moreover, impacting modes at different overlapping lengths were discussed. The joining mechanism was analyzed from aspects of microstructure, composition and hardness distribution. The shear strength increased with increasing discharge voltages, whereas shear strength decreased at first and then increased with the increasing radial gap, which has a more significant influence on shear strength than discharge voltage. Three impacting modes were proposed as bidirectional impacting, overall impacting and single-orientation impacting. However, the single-orientation impacting mode has the highest effective joining ratio. The welded joints were divided into four transition layer interfaces: continuous transition zone, transition zone with cracks, intermittent transition zone, and non-transition zone. Waves and intermetallic compounds are the two characteristics of the Al-Ti joint welded by magnetic pulse welding. The metal's hardness near the joint surface is higher than that of the base metal. In addition, Al3Ti and aluminum base metal were found in the transition layer of the joint.
Novel and Real-Time GPU Accelerated Speed Violation Detection and License Plate Identification System
Authors: Dampage Udaya , Hasantha KKN , Gimhana HADS , Bandara HMTYN , Maddumage SV
Published: November 2021

Commuters lose a lot of time and effort due to the inefficiency of traffic management. Although nowadays most of the processes are automated, it seems a speed violation detection is the least focused area apart from using speed guns which the RADAR may make mistakes and yet, doing such will benefit people by saving their time and let them escape from the troublesome situations. To address this issue, a real-time solution by fully automating the process of detecting the speed violation and the license plates of the offenders is proposed in this paper. A vehicle approaching a specific area will be automatically identified and tracked from a reference starting point. Within the covered range of the camera according to the traffic density present at that instance, the maximum speed for a vehicle is estimated and the vehicles that exceed the stipulated limit are identified as a violation. The core part of the proposed system is license plate recognition. To properly extract the license plate with the best view to proceed with the identification process is another problem that needs to be focused on. We utilized deep neural networks in a novel way for the aforesaid purpose. As these neural networks consist of numerous parameters, we utilized GPU for processing to gain smoothness in real-time. Using our novel segmentation free license plate identification method which utilizes object detection principle to fully capture the speed violation along with its offender. Numerous field trials proved that the proposed methodology provides far superior performance levels compared to the conventional systems and the other existing methodologies, which will certainly cater to the demanding requirements of Transportation 4.0.
Scaling-up filariasis lymphoedema management into the Primary Health Care System in Kerala State, Southern India - an example of equity in healthcare.
Authors: Krishnasastry Suma , Mackenzie Charles D. , Sadanandan Rajeev
Published: November 2021

Background: Lymphatic filariasis remains one the world’s most debilitating parasitic infections and is a major contributor to poor health in many endemic countries. The provision of continuing care for all those affected by this infection and its consequences is an important component of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. The World Health Organization’s recommendation for achieving this goal is for countries to integration their lymphedema care into the primary health care system. Methods:To fulfil the WHO recommendation for providing care for all those affected with lymphoedema caused by lymphatic filariasis, selected health care providers from each of the endemic districts in Kerala participated in intensive training sessions endorsed by the State’s medical administration. The six training sessions included appropriate self-care information and the development of individual plans for each participating institution to provide instruction and care for their lymphoedema patients. The learning achieved by attendees was assessed during the training sessions by pre- and post-training testing. The number of lymphoedema patients receiving care and instruction from the post-training activities of each participating institution was assessed from local records, six months after the conclusion of the training sessions.Results:One hundred and eighty-four medical personnel (91 doctors and 93 staff nurses) from 82 medical institutions were trained which quickly led to the establishment of active lymphoedema clinics providing the essential package of care (EPC) for lymphoedema patients at all the participating institutions. Six months after the training sessions the number of previously unidentified lymphoedema patients registered and receiving care at these clinics ranged from 296 to almost 400 per clinic, with a total of 3477 new patients receiving training in the EPC during this period.Conclusions:Generalist health personnel, when appropriately trained, can provide quality lymphoedema care in public health settings, and that patients, when provided services close to their home, are willing to access these services. This approach is a feasible strategy for integrating long term care for LF patients into a national health system, and is a clear example of moving towards equity in health care for the medically underserved, and thus successfully addresses a major goal of the global program to eliminate lymphatic filariasis (GPELF).
In-vitro seed germination Trial for the population Terminalia ivorensis Collected from Benchi-Maji zone, south western Ethiopia
Authors: Adefa Mohammed , Mengesha Yigardu , Ayalew Semaigzer , Nigatu Marshet , Kebede Wondu
Published: November 2021

Tree seeds exhibit some degree of dormancy. Similarly, the seeds of Terminalia ivorensis germinate with great difficulties. To break the dormancy and improve the germination capability of seeds, different types of mechanical and physiological approaches can be followed. Accordingly, the seeds of T. ivorensis were subjected to two pre-sowing treatments (one is with seeds soaked in water for 24 hours and the other is with seeds soaked for 10 minutes in 80% concentrated H2SO4 then abundantly rinsed in running water for 20 minutes) in addition to the control one. So, a total of 100 seeds divided into 4 replications (25 seeds per tray) were tested for each treatment. Then, treated seeds were sown in sand tray to seed the germination characteristic of the different treatments. The sown seeds were followed up for 5 months with proper watering, and the germination record was taken accordingly. Analysis of the germination of the different treatments shows that seeds that were not treated exhibits better mean germination percentages (62%) followed by the one with seeds soaked for 24 hours (47%). However, seeds treated with 80% [H2SO4] for 10 minutes then abundantly rinsed in running water for 20 minutes showed no germination. So, both the 62% and 47% germination recorded are fairly accepted results considering the low germination capacity of T. ivorensis in laboratory and natural conditions. However, other possible pre-sowing treatment techniques can be studied and incorporated for increasing the seed germination of T. ivorensis in-vitro in addition to the records obtained in this trial.
Acidic Skin Care Promotes Cutaneous Microbiome Recovery And Skin Physiology in An Acute Stratum Corneum Stress Model
Authors: Fluhr Joachim W. , Menzel Peter , Schwarzer Rolf , Kaestle Benjamin , Arens-Corell Michaela , Praefke Lina , Tsankov Nikolai , Nikolaeva Dessislava G. , Miséry Laurent , Darlenski Razvigor
Published: November 2021

Background: The skin microbiome and skin physiology are important indicators of the epidermal homeostasis status. Stress models are used to reveal pathological conditions and modulating effects. The recovery phase served to investigate the cutaneous microbiome in relation to skin physiology after mild tape stripping without treatment compared to two cosmetic leave-on lotions (pH 5.5 vs. pH 9.3). Material and MethodsThe prospective, randomized, controlled study was performed in 25 healthy volunteers: The microbiome was assessed via swabs and subsequent 16S-rRNA-gene amplicon sequencing. Skin physiology was analyzed in terms of barrier function, stratum corneum hydration, surface-pH, skin color non-invasively. All parameters were assessed before and immediately after 2hrs., 2 days and 7 days after tape stripping. Lotion A (pH 5.5) and the identical lotion B (pH 9.3) were applied 2-times per day for 7 days on the volar forearm.ResultsTape stripping reduced the alpha diversity with a recovery over 7 days without treatment. Both lotions significantly accelerated the recovery of the alphadiversity already after 2 days with a slightly higher rate for lotion A (pH 5.5). After tape stripping, the relative abundance of Proteobacteria was increased, whereas Actinobacteria were reduced. Further, mean relative abundances of typical skin-associated genera were reduced after tape stripping. Taxa compositions returned to normal levels after 7 days in all treatment groups, and an accelerated normalization could be observerd with treatment by both lotions already after tow days. A significant difference in skin-pH was observed at day2 and day7 with an increased pH in lotion B treatment. Both lotions induced an increase in stratum corneum hydration. Barrier function was only changed by tape stripping. DiscussionThe study proved the suitability of an experimental stress model in the assessment of skin surface microbiome in relation to skin physiology. Stratum corneum hydration increased significantly with both lotions already at day 2. Microbiome parameters (alpha-diversity, mean relative taxa, abundance of selected genera) normalized over 2-7 days. Three potential mechanisms could be responsible for the accelerated normalization: a) optimized hydration during the recovery phase b) the composition of the lotion, c) acidic pH of the lotion.
TNF-α activates WNT5A, which recruits osteoclast precursors by MCP-1 production, but not directly activates osteoclastogenesis, in psoriatic arthritis
Authors: Lin Shang-Hung , Ho Ji-Chen , Hsu Chung-Yuan , Li Sung-Chou , Chou Wen-Yi , Hsiao Chang Chun , Lee Chih-Hung
Published: November 2021

Background:

Psoriatic arthritis (PsA) results from joint destruction by osteoclasts. Promising efficacy of TNF-α blockage indicates its important role in osteoclastogenesis of PsA. WNT ligands actively regulate osteoclastogenesis. We investigated how WNT ligands activate osteoclasts amid the TNF-α milieu in PsA.
Methods:

We first profiled the expression of WNT ligands in CD14+ monocyte-derived osteoclasts (MDOC) from 3 PsA patients and 3 healthy controls (HC) and then validated the candidate WNT ligands in 32 PsA patients and 16 HC. Through RNA interference against WNT ligands in MDOC, we determined the mechanisms by which TNF-α exerts its effects on osteclastogenesis or chemotaxis.
Results:

The results showed numbers of CD68+WNT5A+ osteoclasts are increased in PsA joints. WNT5A was selectively upregulated by TNF-α in MDOC from PsA patients. However, direct osteoclastogenesis effect (RANK expression) by TNF-αwas not inhibited by WNT5A siRNA. Instead, CXCL1, CXCL16, and MCP-1 was selectively increased in supernatants of MDOC from PsA patients. RNA interference against WNT5A abolished the increased MCP-1 from MDOC and THP-1-cell-derived osteoclasts. The increased migration of osteoclast precursors (OCP) induced by supernatant from PsA MDOC was abolished by MCP-1 neutralizing antibody. WNT5A and MCP-1 expressions were decreased in MDOC from PsA patients treated by biologics against TNF-a but not IL-17.
Conclusion:

We conclude TNF-α recruits OCP by WNT5A-mediated MCP-1 production but not directly activates osteoclastogenesis in PsA.
Feedback Control Based Active Cooling With Pre-estimated Reliability For Stabilizing The Thermal Error of a Precision Mechanical Spindle
Authors: Lei Mohan , Gao Feng , Li Yan , Xia Ping , Wang Mengchao , Yang Jun
Published: November 2021

Thermal error stability (STE) of the spindle determines the machining accuracy of a precision machine tool. Here we propose a thermal error feedback control based active cooling strategy for stabilizing the spindle thermal error in long-term. The strategy employs a cooling system as actuator and a thermal error regression model to output feedback. Structural temperature measurements are considerably interfered by the active cooling, so the regression models trained with experimental data might output inaccurate feedbacks in unseen work conditions. Such inaccurate feedbacks are the major cause for excessive fluctuations and failures of the thermal error control processes. Independence of the thermal data is analyzed, and a V-C (Vapnik-Chervonenkis) dimension based approach is presented to estimate the generalization error bound of the regression models. Then, the model which is most likely to give acceptable performance can be selected, the reliability of the feedbacks can be pre-estimated, and the risk of unsatisfactory control effect will be largely reduced. Experiments under different work conditions are conducted to verify the proposed strategy, the thermal error is stabilized to be within a range smaller than 1.637μm, and thermal equilibrium time is advanced by more than 78.3%.
Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 SNPs as the common genetic loci and optimal early identification genetic markers for COVID-19
Authors: Zou Heng , Li Qiuyue , Chen Jun , Liu Songmei , Liu Shanshan , Ma Yan , He Xiaomeng , Ling Yun , Zheng Jianghua , Corpe Christopher , Lu Hongzhou , Wang Jin
Published: November 2021

Background

Angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) is implicated as a host cell receptor that causes infection in the pathogenesis of Coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19), and its genetic polymorphisms in the ACE2 gene may promote cardiovascular disease and systemic inflammatory injury in COVID-19. Hence, genetic background may potentially explain the broad inter-individual variation of disease susceptibility and/or severity.
Methods

The genetic susceptibility to COVID-19 by examining single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) of ACE2 was analyzed in 196 patients with COVID-19 and 210 normal controls using TaqMan genotyping assay.
Results

We demonstrated that ACE2 SNP rs4646142, rs6632677, and rs2074192 were associated with COVID-19 (all P < 0.05), and the differences of ACE2 SNPs rs4646142 and rs6632677 were correlated with COVID-19 related systemic inflammatory injury and cardiovascular risk. Specially, rs4646142 was associated with high-sensitive C-reactive protein (hs-CRP), prealbumin (PAB), apolipoprotein A (APOA), high-density lipoprotein (HDL), and acid glycoprotein (AGP). Rs6632677 was also associated with elevated CRP and haptoglobin (HPT).
Conclusions

Our results suggest that early identification of these individuals can provide a possible strategy for preventing the spread of the COVID-19, and ACE2 SNPs rs4646142 and rs6632677 may be a common genetic loci and optimal early identification genetic marker for COVID-19 with cardiovascular risks.
Quercetin inhibits the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer cells through downregulation of hsa_circ_0006990
Authors: Chen Bin , Xiao Haijuan , Wu Linguangjin , Wang Ting , Wang Shuyun , Yu Hongjie , Wan Guangsheng , Xie Manli , He Xinhong , Xu Wen , Zhang Ruijuan , Deng Wanli
Published: November 2021

Background

This study was intended to investigate the function of Quercetin in chemoresistant colorectal cancer (CRC) cells. In addition, this research aimed to explore the mechanism by which Quercetin regulates the malignant behavior of CRC cells.
Methods

To induce THP-1 cells into M2 tumor-associated macrophages (M2-TAMs), THP-1 cells were stimulated by PMA and IL-4. MDC staining was used to investigate the autophagy in M2-TAMs. Meanwhile, cell proliferation was tested by colony formation assay. In addition, wound healing and transwell assay were performed to detect the cell migration and invasion, respectively. Dual luciferase assay was used to investigate the correlation between hsa_circ_0006990 and miR-132-3p/miR-532-3p. Furthermore, mRNA and protein levels were detected by RT-qPCR and western blot, respectively.
Results

Quercetin suppressed autophagy of M2-TAMs. In addition, M2-TAMs significantly inhibited the apoptosis and promoted the proliferation of CRC cells, while this phenomenon was reversed by Quercetin. Meanwhile, the expression of hsa_circ_0006990 in CRC cells was decreased by M2-TAMs, while Quercetin reversed this phenomenon. Furthermore, overexpression of hsa_circ_0006990 significantly reversed the anti-tumor effect of Quercetin on CRC.
Conclusion

Quercetin inhibited the tumorigenesis of colorectal cancer cells through downregulation of hsa_circ_0006990. Thus, our study might shed new lights on exploring the new strategies against CRC.
The Association between Season and Hypertensive Disorders of Pregnancy: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Liao Lingyun , Wei Xiaohong , Liu Min , Gao Yijie , Yin Yangxue , Zhou Rong
Published: November 2021

Background: There is increasing and inconsistent evidence of a relationship between hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) and season of delivery or conception.Methods: Four databases, the Cochrane Library, PubMed, EMBASE and Web of Science, were searched until September 29th, 2021. Two authors extracted data independently. A random effects model and the Mantel-Haenszel method were used to calculate pooled ORs and 95% CIs.Results: Twenty articles were included in the systematic review, and 11 articles were included in the meta-analysis. The quantitative analysis of the association between delivery season and HDP showed that the odds of HDP was higher in women who deliver in winter than in those who delivered in summer (OR=1.18, 95% CI 1.02-1.38, p < 0.001) and all other seasons (OR = 1.17, 95% CI 1.03-1.34, p <0.001). In the qualitative analysis of the association between conception season and HDP, 4 of 7 studies suggested that women who conceived in summer had a higher risk of HDP than those who conceived in other seasons.Conclusions: Based on the evidence to date, we found weakly positive relationships between HDP and summer conception and winter delivery.
Drought and the Changing Pattern in Sheep Breeds in Sokoto-Rima River Basin, Nigeria
Authors: Adejuwon Joseph Omoniyi
Published: November 2021

Drought is a global environmental hazard that impacts livestock production adversely. It is a major problem in the Sokoto-Rima River Basin (Semi-arid agro-ecological zone), Nigeria. However, existing literature suffers a knowledge gap on the effect of drought on the changing pattern in sheep breeds. The cluster sampling technique was used to administer the questionnaire to 450 farmers who were sampled from 15 agricultural settlements in fifteen local governments in the basin. Data were analysed using qualitative methods and the Standardised Precipitation Index. Farmers and quantitative reasoning confirmed the frequency, severity, and extremity of drought on sheep. The drought accounted for 56.67% of all rainfall anomalies. Four breeds of sheep were discovered, while responses showed that more than half of the farmers in the basin reared sheep, and single breed accounted for over three-quarters of breeds. Balami was the most reared sheep breed and 4.44%, 7.26%, and 32.26% more than Yankasa, Uda, and Hausawa, respectively. This breed with Uda was more reared than other combined sheep breed. Most farmers changed breed due to drought effect, with half of them formerly rearing Yankasa. Farmers were affected in the range of one to five drought impacts. The size reduction was the greatest consequence of drought on sheep while death of sheep, reduction in offspring and milk yield, and infertility in rams were also important. Understanding drought characteristics, its’ effect on changing of sheep breed, and the nature of drought impact on sheep will aid drought planning. This paper makes recommendations for mitigation and management strategies in Sokoto-Rima River Basin.
Prospects of Genetics and Breeding for Low Phosphate Tolerance: an Integrated Approach from Soil to Cell
Authors: Ojeda-Rivera Jonathan Odilón , Alejo-Jacuinde Gerardo , Nájera-González Héctor-Rogelio , López-Arredondo Damar
Published: November 2021

Due to the importance of Phosphorus (P) on plant development and reproduction, global P security has emerged as a key factor towards global food security. Together with multiple agrochemicals, P-based fertilizers have become the pillars that sustain our food production systems. Therefore, improving the genetics and biology of key crops such as maize, rice, wheat and soybean to develop varieties better adapted to thrive under environments that present low phosphate (Pi) availability and that possess higher Pi-fertilizer use efficiency is imperative. In this review, we summarize the current understanding of Pi nutrition in plants, with particular focus on crops, and provide new perspectives on how to harness the ample repertoire of genetic mechanisms behind plant low-Pi adaptive responses that can be utilized to design smart low-Pi tolerant plants. We discuss on the potential of implementing more integrative, versatile and effective strategies by incorporating genome editing and synthetic biology approaches to reduce Pi-fertilizer input and enable global food security in a more sustainable way.
Association Between Neurological Outcomes and Extreme Hyperoxia in Patients with Out-of-Hospital Cardiac Arrest Who Underwent Extracorporeal Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation: A Retrospective Observational Study from a Multicenter Registry
Authors: Kashiura Masahiro , Yasuda Hideto , Kishihara Yuki , Tominaga Keiichiro , Nishihara Masaaki , Hiasa Ken-ichi , Tsutsui Hiroyuki , Moriya Takashi
Published: November 2021

Background: To investigate the impact of hyperoxia that developed immediately after extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO)-assisted cardiopulmonary resuscitation (ECPR) on patients’ 30-day neurological outcomes after out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA). Methods: This study retrospectively analyzed data from the Japanese OHCA registry from June 2014 to December 2017. We analyzed adult patients (18 years or older) who had undergone ECPR. Eligible patients were divided into the following three groups based on their initial partial pressure of oxygen in arterial blood (PaO2) levels after ECMO pump-on: normoxia group, PaO2 ≤ 200 mm Hg; moderate hyperoxia group, 200 mm Hg < PaO2 ≤ 400 mm Hg; and extreme hyperoxia group, PaO2 > 400 mm Hg. The primary and secondary outcomes were 30-day favorable neurological outcomes. Logistic regression statistical analysis model of 30-day favorable neurological outcomes was performed after adjusting for multiple propensity scores calculated using pre-ECPR covariates and for confounding factors post-ECPR.Results: Of the 34 754 patients with OHCA enrolled in the registry, 847 were included. The median PaO2 level was 300 mm Hg (interquartile range: 148–427 mm Hg). Among the eligible patients, 277, 313, and 257 were categorized as normoxic, moderately hyperoxic, and extremely hyperoxic, respectively. Moderate hyperoxia was not significantly associated with neurologically favorable outcomes compared with normoxia as a reference (adjusted odds ratio, 0.86; 95% confidence interval: 0.55–1.35; p = 0.51). However, extreme hyperoxia was associated with less neurologically favorable outcomes when compared with normoxia (adjusted odds ratio, 0.48; 95% confidence interval: 0.29–0.82; p = 0.007).Conclusions: For patients with OHCA who received ECPR, extreme hyperoxia (PaO2 > 400 mm Hg) was associated with poor neurological outcomes. Avoidance of extreme hyperoxia may improve neurological outcomes in patients with OHCA treated with ECPR.
Oxford Phase 3 Unicompartmental Knee Arthroplasty in Thailand: Distribution of Prosthetic Size and Height Based on Gender Distribution of Femoral Component Size
Authors: Ruangsomboon Pakpoom , Paugchawee Jirayu , Narkbunnam Rapeepat , Chareancholvanich Keerati , Pornrattanamaneewong Chaturong
Published: November 2021

Introduction: Survivorship of Oxford phase 3 unicompartmental knee arthroplasty (OUKA) is strongly influenced by the size of the femoral component (Fc) and the tibial component (Tc) that are selected. The distribution of prosthetic size, and guidelines to determine the ideal Fc size have been mainly studied in Western population. The aim of this study was to determine the distribution of OUKA prosthetic size, and to investigate the factors that significantly influence the selection of Fc size in Thai patients.Methods: This retrospective study included 773 OUKA that were performed using Oxford Microplasty® Instrumentation during 2003-2019. Patient age, gender, side, body weight (BW), height, body mass index (BMI), size of femoral and tibial components, and the matching between components were recorded. The distribution of implant size and their matching was analyzed. Patient characteristics were compared among the Fc sizes. Area under the receiver operating characteristic (AuROC) curve was calculated to measure the performance of significant continuous variables for determining Fc size.Results: The distribution of Fc size was extra-small (XS) 6.5%, small (S) 65.7%, medium (M) 20.6%, large (L) 7.2%, and extra-large (XL) 0%. The distribution of Tc size included AA 20.2%, A 31.6%, B 24.3%, C 16.3%, D 6.0%, E 1.7%, and F 0%. The most common Fc and Tc sizes in females was S and A, respectively, and in males M and C, respectively. The most common matching pattern used in females and males was S-A (32.3%) and M-C (27.6%), respectively. Concerning factors that influence Fc prediction, we found significant differences in gender, BW, height, and BMI among the Fc sizes. After calculating the AuROC for BW, height, and BMI, we found height to have the highest AuROC with statistical significance. Height based on gender distribution was also analyzed.Conclusion: In Thai patients, the predominant size of Fc was S for females, and M for males. The predominant size of Tc was A for females, and C for males. The most common matching pattern was S-A for females, and M-C for males. Gender and height were identified as the factors that most strongly influence the prediction of Fc size.
Identification of SnoRNAs Predicting Prognosis for Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhu Wenjing , Zhang Tao , Luan Shaohong , Kong Qingnuan , Hu Wenmin , Zou Xin , Zheng Feibo , Han Wei
Published: November 2021

Background: Increasing evidence has been confirmed that small nucleolar RNAs (SnoRNAs) play critical roles in tumorigenesis and exhibit prognostic value in clinical practice. However, there is short of systematic research on SnoRNAs in ovarian cancer (OV).Material/methods: 379 OV patients with RNA-Seq and clinical parameters from TCGA database and 5 paired clinical OV tissues were embedded in our study. Cox regression analysis was used to identify prognostic SnoRNAs and construct prediction model. SNORic database was adopted to examine the copy number variation of snoRNAs. ROC curves and KM plot curves were applied to validate the prediction model. Besides, the model was validated in 5 paired clinical tissues by real-time PCR, H&E staining and immunohistochemistry. Results: A prognostic model was constructed on the basis of SnoRNAs in OV patients.Patients with higher RiskScore had poor clinicopathological parameters, including higher age, larger tumorsize, advanced stage and with tumor status. KM plot analysis confirmed that patients with high RiskScore had poorer prognosis in subgroup of age, tumor size and stage. 7 of 9 snoRNAs in the prognostic model had positive correlation with their host genes. Moreover, 5 of 9 snoRNAs in the prognostic model correlated with their CNVs, and SNORD105B had the strongest correction with its CNVs. ROC curve showed that the RiskScore had excellent specificity and accuracy. Further, H&E staining and immunohistochemistry of Ki67, P53 and P16 were confirmed that patients with higher RiskScore are more malignant. Conclusions: In summary, we identified a nine-snoRNAs signature as an independent indicator to predict prognosis of OV, providing a prospective prognostic biomarker and potential therapeutic targets for ovarian cancer.
Planning and Budgeting of Medical Devices among Ethiopian Public Hospitals
Authors: Gamessa Tadesse Waktola , Obse Regassa Bayisa , Ibrahim Mahdi Abdella , Simegn Gizeaddis Lamesgin
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPlanning and budgeting of medical devices allow a healthcare institution to properly utilize funds, acquire quality and efficient medical devices, and improve service delivery. Planning and budgeting help to control technology development direction and obtain the right balance within the budget between various needs. Developing countries including Ethiopia have very limited resources for procurement and management of medical devices. Lack of proper policy in the procurement and management of medical devices causes inappropriate utilization of funds and impedes the quality of a product. In this study, a survey was conducted in all regional public hospitals of Ethiopia to assess the current status of the medical devices management system, identify the gaps, and provide suggestions for areas of improvement. MethodsA descriptive cross-sectional design and qualitative approaches were used for the assessment. The qualitative assessment components were structured based on the life cycle of medical devices as recommended by World Health Organization. The quantitative data assessment was used to explore the availability of medical devices policies, guidelines, strategies, development plans, annual plans, and budgets in public hospitals. The involvements of Biomedical Engineers/Technicians in medical devices planning and technical specifications were also explored using the quantitative data collection method. ResultsAccording to this assessment, the availability of medical equipment development plans, budgeting, and spare parts were found to be below 50% in public hospitals. Moreover, this assessment showed that there is no proper medical devices procurement plan and technical specification preparations trend in Ethiopian public hospitals. ConclusionsDeveloping policies, directives, and strategies for proper use of funds in the procurement of medical devices at the national level, involving Biomedical Engineering professionals in the planning, procurement, management, and utilization of medical devices could help to improve the quality, fair distribution, and efficiency of medical devices and ultimately to improve the service delivery in health care facilities.
Efficient Energy Balancing Across Multiple Harmonics of Nonlinear Normal Modes
Authors: Hong Dongxiao , Hill Thomas L. , Neild Simon A.
Published: November 2021

Predicting the forced responses of nonlinear systems is a topic that attracts extensive studies.
The energy balancing method considers the net energy transfer in and out of the system over one period, and establishes connections between forced responses and nonlinear normal modes (NNMs).
In this paper, we consider the energy balancing across multiple harmonics of NNMs for predicting forced resonances.
This technique is constructed by combining the energy balancing mechanism with restrictions (established via excitation scenarios) on external forcing and harmonic phase-shifts;
a semi-analytical framework is derived to achieve both accurate/robust results and efficient computations.
With known inputs from NNM solutions, the required forcing amplitudes to reach NNMs at resonances, along with their discrepancy, i.e. the harmonic phase-shifts, are computed via a one-step scheme.
Several examples are presented for different excitation scenarios to demonstrate the applicability of this method, and to show its capability in accurately predicting the existence of an isola where multiple harmonics play a significant part in the response.
Insight into the structure of black coatings of ancient Egyptian mummies by advanced Electron magnetic resonance of vanadyl complexes
Authors: Dutoit Charles E. , Binet Laurent , Vezin Hervé , Anduze Océane , Lattuati-Derieux Agnès , Gourier Didier
Published: November 2021

Advanced EPR techniques such as ENDOR and pulsed EPR are used to investigate the enigmatic black coatings of ancient Egyptian mummies, consisting in a complex and heterogeneous mixtures of conifer resins, wax, fat and oil with variable amounts of bitumen. Natural bitumen always contains traces of vanadyl porphyrin complexes that we used here as internal probes to explore the nanoscale environment of V4+ ions in these black coatings by hyperfine spectroscopy. Four types of vanadyl porphyrins were identified from the analysis of 14N hyperfine interactions. Three types (referred to as VO-P1, VO-P2 and VO-P3) are present in natural bitumen from the Dead Sea, among which VO-P1 and VO-P2 are also present in black coatings of mummies. The absence of VO-P3 in mummies, which is replaced by another complex VO-P4, may be due to its transformation during preparation of the black matter for embalming. Analysis of 1H hyperfine interaction shows that bitumen and other natural substances are intimately mixed in these black coatings, with bitumen aggregate sizes not larger than a few nanometres.
Theoretical And Experimental Investigations of Ultrasonic Vibration Assisted Boring For Titanium Alloy
Authors: Lu Danni , Shi Yaoyao , Zhao Pan
Published: November 2021

For effective replying the hard machinability challenges of hole caused by difficult-to-cut materials and high processing standards in aviation field, ultrasonic vibration assisted boring (UB) methods with different modes are proposed. In this paper, the kinematics characteristics of UB were analyzed, the motion trajectory of tool was discussed. The comparison experiment of conventional boring and UB with longitudinal vibration and longitudinal-torsional vibration were performed to study the effect of ultrasonic field on the boring process, the influence of main parameters on boring force and surface roughness were investigated. The results show that UB can reduce boring force and surface roughness effectively, especially with the help of longitudinal-torsional vibration, compared with the conventional boring, the boring force could be reduced by 38.04%~43.77% and the surface roughness could be reduced by 25.48%~41.47%. This study proves the feasibility of UB and provides theoretical and experimental reference for improving the surface quality of difficult-to machine holes.
Genetic Diversity of Plasmodium vivax Reticulocyte Binding Protein 2b in Global Parasite Populations
Authors: zhang xuexing , Wei Haichao , Zhang Yangminghui , Zhao Yan , Wang Lin , Hu Yubing , Nguitragool Wang , Sattabongkot Jetsumon , Adams John , Cui Liwang , Cao Yaming , Wang Qinghui
Published: November 2021

BackgroundPlasmodium vivax reticulocyte binding protein 2b (PvRBP2b) plays a critical role in parasite invasion of reticulocytes by binding the transferring receptor 1. PvRBP2b is a vaccine candidate since the antibody titers against PvRBP2b recombinant proteins are negatively correlated with the parasitemia and risk of vivax malaria. This study aims to analyze the genetic diversity of the PvRBP2b gene in the global P. vivax populations. MethodsThe near full-length PvRBP2b nucleotide sequences (190-8349 bp) were obtained from 88 P. vivax isolates collected from the China–Myanmar border (n=44) and Thailand (n=44). Additional 224 sequences of PvRBP2b were retrieved from genome sequences from the global parasite populations. The genetic diversity, neutral selections, haplotypes distribution and genetic differentiation of PvRBP2b were examined. ResultsThe genetic diversity of PvRBP2b was distributed unevenly with the peak in the reticulocyte binding region in the N-terminus and subjected to the balancing selection. Several amino acid variants were found in all or nearly all endemic fields. However, the critical residues responsible for reticulocyte binding were highly conserved. There was substantial population differentiation according to the geographical separation. The distribution of haplotypes in the reticulocyte binding region varied among regions; even the two major haplotypes Hap_6 and Hap_8 were found in only five populations. Conclusions﻿Our data showed considerable genetic variations of PvRBPb in global parasite populations, and the geographic divergence may pose a challenge to PvRBP2b-based vaccine development.