bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Depression, Anxiety and Stress Levels Among Allied Health Undergraduates in a Defence University, Sri Lanka
Authors: GAMAGE CHANDIMA KUMARA WALPITA , PERERA VITHANAGE BUDDHINI JAYATHRI , SIVENDRAN KAARTHIGA , PATABANDIGE DILSHARA KITHMINI JAYASURIYA , DEWAGE SUBASH DESHAPRIYA HEWA , FERNANDO NEIL FRANCIS JOSEPH
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDepression, Anxiety and Stress levels are considered indicators of psychological well-being. These mental disorders conflict with the healthy lives of young adults when entering critical life transitions like university life. Further, Allied Health Sciences undergraduates have been reported as a more vulnerable group in this regard. The main objective of this study was to assess Depression, Anxiety and Stress levels among the undergraduates of a defence university in Sri Lanka.MethodsThe study was conducted as a cross-sectional descriptive study among all the undergraduates (n=640) attached to FAHS, KDU. A general questionnaire was used to collect socio-demographic data, and DASS 21 was used to assess the level of stress, depression, and anxiety. The data analysis was performed using descriptive statistics, Spearman correlation test and Pearson Chi-square test in SPSS 25.0.ResultsThe majority were reported, normal level of depression (64.9%), anxiety (59.5%), stress (72.3%). However, 35.1 %, 40.5%, 27.7% were having mild to extremely severe depression, anxiety and stress levels, respectively. A significant strong positive relationship was identified between depression and anxiety (r= 0.707, p= 0.000), depression and stress (r=0.722, p= 0.000) and anxiety and stress (r=0.658, p= 0.000). The level of depression was statistically significant only with degree course (p=0.040). However, anxiety and stress levels had no significant associations with gender, academic year, and degree course. The current medical treatments had significant associations with depression (p= 0.002), anxiety (p= 0.000) and stress (p= 0.002). Moreover, history of psychological treatments had associations with anxiety (0.009) and stress (0.040). ConclusionThe majority of the participants had 'normal' levels of depression, anxiety, and stress among the study population. However, frequent assessment of the undergraduates' psychological profiles is essential to make necessary interventions to enhance their mental health status.
Cost-of-illness for Non-underweight Eating Disorders
Authors: Jenkins Paul
Published: May 2021

Purpose: This study examined economic costs associated with untreated eating disorders characterised by regular binge eating in the absence of low weight. Both direct and indirect costs were assessed, taking a partial societal perspective of economic impact.Methods: One-hundred and twenty-six adults seeking treatment for recurrent binge eating were asked to report impairment associated with an eating disorder. Total direct, indirect, and out-of-pocket costs were calculated using 2017 prices. Overall costs per individual were estimated, including an examination of variables correlated with costs.Results: Estimated costs for the year preceding assessment were £2,428.59 (€2,792.88) per person. Frequency of binge eating was associated with several elements of cost, and BMI was associated with productivity costs.Conclusion: The economic cost of eating disorders characterised by regular binge eating is significant, and underscores the need for efficacious and cost-effective treatments. Individuals with eating disorders report work impairment and healthcare usage that may cost the UK economy upwards of £2.6–3.5 billion (€3–4bn). Further studies should consider academic impairment and the economic impact on families.Level of evidenceLevel III: Evidence obtained from well-designed cohort or case-control analytic studies
Fungal Pretreatment of Sugarcane Bagasse: A Green Pathway to Improve Saccharification and Ethanol Production
Authors: Hartmann Caroline , Fontana Roselei Claudete , de Siqueira Félix Gonçalves , Camassola Marli
Published: May 2021

Biological pretreatment was investigated to increase ethanol production from lignocellulosic biomass, like sugarcane bagasse. Enzyme secretion, changes in substrate composition, enzymatic hydrolysis and ethanol yield after pretreatment by different basidiomycetes were evaluated. Analysis by Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy showed that P. pulmonarius PS2001 and T. villosa 82I6 promoted more extensive selective modifications in the lignin content. Glucose release during enzymatic hydrolysis of samples pretreated with P. pulmonarius PS2001 for 35, 42 and 49 days and with T. villosa 82I6 for 21, 28 and 49 days were higher than the control (48.5±2.38 mg/g), i.e. 68.4 ±0.7, 76.3 ±1.6 and 76.5±2.1 mg/g and 70.9±8.3, 77.8±5.8 and 77.6±4.2 mg/g, respectively. During the fermentation of hydrolysates of samples pretreated with T. villosa 82I6 for 28 and 49 days, a maximum ethanol yield of 19.1±2.8 and 20.2±0.5 mg/g, respectively, was achieved. A positive effect of biological pretreatment on hydrolysis and fermentation was demonstrated.
Grapeseed oil (Vitis Vinifera L.) treatment on polyester based fabrics to develop antibacterial and physiologically comfortable health-care and hygiene textiles
Authors: Joshi Shubham , Midha Vinay , Rajendran Subbiyan
Published: May 2021

Healthcare and hygiene products in the medical sector uphold a prime responsibility to prevent the passage of bacteria or other harmful organisms from non-sterile to sterile areas. This has been currently possible with increased awareness and concern about the healthcare/ hospital textiles. Along with protection, various products are accommodated with several functional properties such as comfort, odor-free, and hygiene aspects. This manuscript presents an insight into the development of such textiles by application of the grapeseed oil (Vitis vinifera L.), a by-product of the winemaking industry. The fabric structures chosen for the study are relevant to the end uses of textile products in the medical applications such as 100% texturized polyester, 100% micro-polyester, polyester/viscose and polyester/cotton woven fabrics. All polyester fabric samples have been pre-treated with an optimized concentration of trichloroacetic acid-methylene chloride (TCA-MC) solvent and further treated with four different grapeseed oil concentrations (5%, 10%, 15%, and 20%). The antibacterial and comfort properties of the treated fabric samples have been evaluated and analysed. The treated fabric samples show the substantial antibacterial activity of 48% and 39% respectively against S. aureus and E. coli bacteria after 50 home laundry washing cycles.
Male gender and obesity are risk factors of gallbladder polyps in a large northwest Chinese population
Authors: Liu Yao , Yin Jiajing , Qu Shen
Published: May 2021

Objectives

The aim of this study was to determine the prevalence and related risk factors of gallbladder polyps in a northwest Chinese population.
Methods

A retrospective investigation was conducted on the prevalence and risk factors of gallbladder polyps among subjects who underwent physical examination in Shanxi Harmony Healthy Examination Center, from January 2016 to December 2020. Demographic, serum biochemistry, and ultrasonography data were collected from all patients. The correlations between the prevalence of gallbladder polyps and sex, age, body mass index (BMI), serum biochemistry, liver viral markers were calculated for all patients.
Results

A total of 67438 people aged from 18 to 75 years were enrolled in the study. Overall prevalence of gallbladder polyps in northwest China was approximately 7.8% and with the highest prevalence among middle-aged men. Analysis risk factors for increased odds ratios (ORs) of gallbladder polyps development were female (OR = 0.746; 95%CI, 0.624–0.891, P = 0.001) and BMI(25-27.5kg/m2) (OR = 1.243; 95%CI, 1.035–1.494, P = 0.020), BMI(≥ 27.5 kg/m2) (OR = 1.274; 95%CI, 1.038–1.562, P = 0.020). Other demographic characteristic and serum biochemistry parameters, including blood pressure, blood lipids, liver and renal function, liver viral markers did not correlate with the prevalence of gallbladder polyps.
Conclusions

Prevalence of gallbladder polyps among northwest Chinese people are a little higher to those reported for other populations. Male gender and BMI were strong risk factors for gallbladder polyps formation.
Computational Study on Novel Natural Inhibitors Targeting Janus Kinase 3
Authors: Zhong Sheng , Li Weihang , Wu Bo , Zou Yujia , Li Hui , Li Weiye , Wang Dong , Zhang Shilei , Ding Ziyi
Published: May 2021

Objective: The aim of this study is to screen and identify novel leading compounds 5 which can inhibit protein Janus Kinase 3 (JAK3) from a drug library (ZINC database) 6 to provide precise target therapy for lung cancer. 7Methods: A set of computation-aided structural biology methods and chemical virtual 8 screening techniques were carried out to screen novel inhibitor compounds. Libdock 9 scores for potential inhibitors of JAK3 were calculated using fast docking method-10 virtual screening. Next, ADMET properties (absorption, distribution, metabolism, 11 excretion, and toxicity) were conducted to predict their pharmacological characteristics. 12 The binding affinity as well as the interactions between the candidate compounds and 13 JAK3 were calculated and visualized by precise molecular docking algorithm. 14 Ultimately, molecular dynamics simulation (MD) was performed to estimate the 15 stability of the ligand-JAK3 complex under natural environment. 16Results: After screening, two novel natural compounds, ZINC000014952116 and 17 ZINC00000393864, were finally selected as leading compounds from the ZINC15 18 database, which possessed less Ames mutagenicity, rodent carcinogenicity and 19 developmental toxicity potential than other candidate compounds. Additionally, they 20 didn’t inhibit the activity of CYP2D6. Molecular dynamics simulation analysis showed 21 that ZINC000014952116 and ZINC00000393864 could interact with JAK3 steadily, 22 and their ligand-JAK3 complexes could keep stable under natural situation, and act as 23 regulatory role to JAK3. 24Conclusion: This study analyzed that ZINC000014952116 and ZINC00000393864 25 were ideal natural inhibitors targeting JAK3 from the ZINC15 database, which could 26 also provide more options and resources for other cancer chemotherapy.
Kinetic electronics: Monolithic processing of a layered flexible robotic actuator film for simple film microrobot fabrication
Authors: Zhang Shiyi , Wang Joseph , Hayashi Kenshi , Sassa Fumihiro
Published: May 2021

Low-invasive soft robotic techniques can potentially be used for developing next-generation body–machine interfaces. Most soft robots require complicated fabrication processes involving 3D printing and bonding/assembling. In this letter, we describe a monolithic soft microrobot fabrication process for the mass production of soft film robots with a complex structure by simple 2D processing of a robotic actuator film. The 45 μg/mm^2 lightweight film robot can be driven at a voltage of CMOS compatible 5 V with 0.15 mm^-1 large curvature changes; it can generate a force 5.7 times greater than its self-weight. In a durability test, actuation could be carried out over 8000 times without degradation. To further demonstrate this technique, three types of film robots with multiple degrees of freedom and moving illuminator robot were fabricated. This technique can easily integrate various electrical circuits developed in the past to robotic systems and can be used for developing advanced wearable sensing devices; It can be called “Kinetic electronics.”
Dynamic Analysis and Looseness Evaluation of Bolted Connection Under Vibration of Machine Tools
Authors: Xu Wenxiang , Cheng Qiang , Yang Congbin , Li Ying
Published: May 2021

Bolted connections are widely used in the machine tool manufacturing and equipment. As it is well known, bolt preload will be attenuated by the vibration of machine tools, which will degenerate the working life of machine tools. In this paper, a new experimental design method is introduced into the study on bolt preload attenuation: the quadratic general rotary unitized design. The dynamic analysis of the bolted connection is carried out based on a finely fragmented numerical model to interpret the generation of fretting slip and the reason for the loosening of bolts. The alternating load cyclic vibration test, implemented on the bolted joints, can provide the vibration response under the influence of different working factors. Statistical test and analysis are performed on the quadratic regression mathematical model of the bolt preload attenuation, and the principal working factor that affecting the bolt preload attenuation under vibration can be obtained. Based on the analytical result, the combination of the working factors at the lowest bolt preload attenuation rate, which can effectively slow the bolt looseness, is investigated. The results of this study can provide an experimental basis for improving the machining stiffness of machine tools.
Metal Cyamelurates: Structural Diversity Caused by Kinetic and Thermodynamic Controls
Authors: Isbjakowa Albina S. , Chernyshev Vladimir V , Tafeenko Victor A , Aslanov Leonid A
Published: May 2021

The kinetic control of chemical reactions makes it possible both to isolate metastable substances with properties different from those of thermodynamically stable phases, and to obtain information useful for studying the crystal nucleation and further transformations of metastable phases into stable ones. Metal cyamelurates are suitable subjects for kinetic control in synthesis due to their easy crystallization and short reaction times. In this work cobalt, manganese, magnesium, copper, aluminum, chromium, calcium and lead cyamelurates were obtained and their crystal structures were determined. Most syntheses at room temperature take place under kinetic control, and this often leads to a mixture of phases. KM(C6N7O3)·5H2O (M=Co(II), Mn(II)) powders consisted of one crystalline compound. An increase in temperature leads to thermodynamic control, which is proved by registration of Mn(C6N7O3H)·5H2O and KMg(C6N7O3)·5H2O crystalline phases. It was possible to isolate Ca(C6 N7O3H)·6H2O and Pb(C6N7O3H)·3H2O from the mixture by washing samples with a weak acid solution. As a result of the work, five different structural types were obtained, including KCu(C6N7O3)∙2H2O and KM(C6N7O3H) 2 ·6H2O (M=Al, Cr(III)). Despite the diversity of salts obtained as a result of thermodynamic or kinetic control, practically the same building blocks form the crystal structure of cyamelurates. The hypothesis of nucleation in a colloidal micelle with electric double layer can be applied to the compounds listed above.
Task Sharing to Support Paediatric Service Delivery in Low- and Middle-income Countries: Current Practice and a Scoping Review of Emerging Opportunities
Authors: Zhao Yingxi , Hagel Christiane , Tweheyo Raymond , Sirili Nathanael , Gathara David , English Mike
Published: May 2021

BackgroundDemographic and epidemiological changes have prompted thinking on the need to broaden the child health agenda to include care for complex and chronic conditions in the 0-19 years (paediatric) age range. The general and skilled paediatric workforce shortage especially in low- and middle-income countries (LMICs) will impede the provision of additional paediatric services. This paper examines experiences with task sharing as part of the solution to this human resources challenge in LMICs and specifically looks beyond the provision of care for acute infectious diseases and malnutrition that are widely and historically shifted. MethodsWe (1) reviewed the Global Burden of Diseases study to understand which conditions may need to be prioritised; (2) investigated training opportunities and national policies related to task sharing (current practice) in five purposefully selected African countries (Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Malawi and South Africa); and (3) summarised reported experience of task sharing and paediatric service delivery through a scoping review of research literature in LMICs published between 1990-2019 using MEDLINE, Embase, Global Health, PsycINFO, CINAHL and the Cochrane Library. ResultsWe found that while some training opportunities nominally support emerging roles for non-physician clinicians and nurses, formal scopes of practices often remain rather restricted and neither training nor policy seems well aligned with probable needs from high-burden complex and chronic conditions. From 83 studies in 24 LMICs, and aside from the historically shifted conditions, we found there is some evidence available for task sharing for a small set of specific conditions (circumcision, some complex surgery, rheumatic heart diseases, epilepsy, mental health). ConclusionAs child health strategies are further redesigned to address the previously unmet needs careful strategic thinking on the development of an appropriate paediatric workforce is needed. To achieve coverage at scale countries may need to transform their paediatric workforce including possible new roles for mid-level cadres to support safe, accessible and high-quality care.
Abnormal Fractional Amplitude of Low-frequency Fluctuation Changes in Patients With Diabetic Optic Neuropathy: a Functional MRI Study
Authors: Liu Wenfeng , Yu Chen-Yu , Pan Yi-Cong , Shu Hui-Ye , Zhang Li-Juan , Li Qiu-Yu , Ge Qian-Min , Liang Rong-Bin , Shao Yi
Published: May 2021

The present study was to assess the spontaneous changes in brain activity in patients with DON using functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI). 14 DON patients and 14 healthy controls (HCs) were enrolled. All participants underwent resting-state fMRI (rs-fMRI). The fractional amplitude of low-frequency fluctuation (fALFF) method was applied to evaluate neural activity changes. The Hospital Anxiety and Depression Scale (HADS) was used to assess the anxiety and depression status of participants. The independent sample t test and chi-squared test were applied to analyze demographics of DON patients and HCs. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curves were applied to analyze the variation in mean fALFF values between DON patients and HCs. The relationships between the fALFF values of brain regions and clinical behaviors in the DON group were analyzed using Pearson’s correlation analysis. In contrast to HCs, the fALFF value of DON patients was significantly higher in the right precentral gyrus (RPCG). However, the fALFF values in right anterior cingulate gyrus (RACG) and left middle cingulate gyrus (LMCG) were markedly decreased in DON patients. The area under the curve (AUC) of ROCs for each brain region showed high accuracy. Pearson's correlation analysis showed that fALFF values of the right anterior cingulate gyrus and left middle cingulate gyrus were negatively correlated with HADS scores, while fALFF values of the left middle cingulate gyrus were negatively correlated with DON disease duration. To sum up, we found abnormal spontaneous brain activities in regions related to cognitive and emotional dysfunction, eye movement disorder, and vision loss in patients with DON. These results may indicate the underlying neuropathological mechanisms of DON, and show that fALFF may be an effective method by which to distinguish patients with DON from healthy individuals.
An Experimental Investigation on Short and Long Fiber Reinforcement in Tampico and Palymira Reinforced LLDPE Produced by Rotational Moulding Process.
Authors: Abhilash S S , Singaravelu D.Lenin
Published: May 2021

Rotational moulding is a powder processing technology widely used to manufacture hollow plastic products. It is a well-known process used for the manufacturing of large containers, water tanks, fuel tanks, refrigerated containers etc. The present work aimed at the incorporation of Tampico and Palmyra fibers as reinforcement in Linear Low-Density Polyethylene (LLDPE) matrix. The effect of fiber length on various properties like mechanical, morphological and vibration damping characteristics of the composites were investigated. The fibers were initially treated with 5% NaOH solution for better reinforcing efficiency and to improve the degradation temperature. Thermo Gravimetry Analysis (TGA) reported that a sufficient increment in degradation temperature is achieved by NaOH treatment on fibers. The short fiber composites considered for the study has obtained better mechanical strength than long fiber reinforced LLDPE composites. The results proved that fiber length has less effect on the vibration damping characteristics of the composites, but the percentage of fiber content is a significant factor for improving the natural frequency of the composites.
Is edema zone volume associated with Ki-67 index in glioblastoma patients?
Authors: Caramanti Ricardo , Chaddad-Neto Feres , de Morais Dionei , Rocha Carlos , Marques Lúcia Neves , Tognola Waldir , Góes Mário José
Published: May 2021

Purpose: Despite all the progress with genetic mapping and multimodal treatment, the prognosis of GBM remains poor, with median overall survival (OS) of only 12 to 15 months. Several studies showed correlations between clinical features and prognosis, however the same don`t occurs with radiological features. The purpose of this study is to determine possible correlations between the volumetric analysis of glioblastoma compartments and the proliferation index represented by Ki-67. Methods: We performed a retrospective analysis of MRI studies of 70 patients with glioblastoma multiforme acquired up to one week before surgery. The tumor compartments were divided in enhancing zone; edema zone and tumor total zone. Each compartment was submitted to volumetric analysis using Horos Project software. Linear regression model was used to assess correlations between ki-67 index and volume of each compartment with p value of 0,05. Results: Male/female ratio in our study was 1.7:1, at a mean age of 60.7 ± 14.6 years. Tumor predominant location was the temporal lobe with 25% of cases and cystic morphology was present in 17%. The median of Ki-67 was 40%. The average tumor compartment volume was 40.8 cm3 for contrast-enhancing zone, 62.7 cm3 for edema zone and 103.5 cm3 for total tumor volume. A significant association between Ki-67 index and edema zone volume (p=0.02). Conclusion: Volumetric analysis of the edema zone in ​​patients with MRI scans suggestive of glioblastoma could offer the possibility of predicting tumor aggressiveness through correlation with Ki-67 index.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions and Cardiovascular Risk Factors in US Racial/Ethnic Minority Populations: A Systematic Review of Implementation Data to Address Health Disparities
Authors: Sanchez Tonya Faye , Santamaria E. Karina , Rubenstein Dana , Brewer Judson , Operario Don
Published: May 2021

Cardiovascular disease (CVD) is a persistent public health challenge. Mindfulness-based Interventions (MBI) have been researched for CVD risk factors, though their effectiveness, generalizability, and potential for implementation to racial and ethnic minorities remain unclear. This review examines studies of MBI on CVD risk for characteristics of and variations in implementation (i.e., intervention design, delivery, uptake, and contextual factors) and analyzes potential barriers and challenges to implementation. A systematic review in February 2020 identified 30 studies from 5 databases and hand searches. Included studies were randomized controlled trials testing meditation or mindfulness-based interventions against any control to measure change or improvement in cardiovascular health measures or risk behaviors in adults living in the United States or territories. Analysis of the implementation characteristics and contextual factors of included studies was conducted using the Oxford Implementation Index. Thirty reports from 26 distinct trials were selected for inclusion, examining outcomes related to diet (k [number of studies] = 13), smoking (k = 11), obesity (k = 9), exercise (k = 4), diabetes (k = 3), and blood lipids (k = 2). All studies were published between 2011 and 2020 and correspond to early stages of research. As such, numerous limitations and implementation characteristics with potential consequence for CVD risk disparities were reported. This review outlines several potential targets for future research. Based on reported findings across all included studies, MBI could be of benefit for cardiovascular disease risk. Further research is needed to explore acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness in minority populations.
The Effect of Alkaline Earth (Ba, Sr and Ca) Doped Iron Bismuth Glasses on The Structural, Thermoelectric and Electrical Properties
Authors: Hannora Ahmed , Ali A. M. , El-Falaky E. , El-Desoky M. M.
Published: May 2021

Glasses with nominal composition 70Bi2O3-30Fe2O3 and 10A-60Bi2O3-30Fe2O3 (mol%); (A = Ba, Sr and Ca) were prepared by the conventional melt quenching technique. X-ray diffraction (XRD) and Differential scanning calorimeter (DSC) confirm the amorphous nature of the glass samples. The iron-bismuth glasses show good solubility of alkaline earth elements ions. In temperatures range of 310–450 K, the dc conductivity of the glass samples containing alkaline earth elements enhanced. Glass sample containing Sr shows interesting electrical properties. All glass samples showed a transition from negative to positive Seebeck coefficient, this means that the conduction is mixed of electrons and holes charge carriers. The conduction mechanism of all samples obeys non-adiabatic small polaron hopping model of electron between iron ions. The calculated small polaron coupling constant, (γp) was found to be in the range of 10.25–17.28. Also, the calculated hopping mobility (µ) and carrier density (Nc) of glasses were in the range of 4.65\(\times {10}^{- 7}\)- 4.11\(\times {10}^{-3}\left({\text{c}\text{m}}^{2}{\text{V}}^{-1}{\text{s}}^{-1}\right)\) and 0.029-10 \(\left({\times {10}^{1 7}\text{c}\text{m}}^{-3}\right)\) at 333 K, respectively.
Distribution and conservation of the species of Marmosini (Didelphimorphia, Didelphidae) from Colombia
Authors: González Baltazar , Brook Federico , Martin Gabriel M.
Published: May 2021

Marmosini species were taxonomically revised recently, however, little is known about their distribution and conservation. The aim of this research was to delimit the distribution of all species of Marmosini that inhabit Colombia, and analyze their conservation using potential distributions, protected areas, and human pressure data of the country. We used the widely known ecological niche modeling algorithm maxent to model the distribution of each species using two approaches to estimate the modeling area: a buffer-derived and an ecoregion-derived. After selecting a final model, we used data on protected areas and human pressure specific to Colombia, and analyze their conservation and pressure scenarios. Finally, we generated a species richness map for Marmosini in Colombia. We found that most species of Marmosini from Colombia co-occur at mid-elevations of the Andes with an upper elevation limit of maximum richness at ~ 2000 m. Marmosini species’ distribution covers 91% of the country's continental area, and the maximum area protected for any species of this group is between 29–5.4% of their modeled distribution. Most of the protected areas under strict and national conservation types presented small areas of high human pressure, while other categories (conservation units under managed resources and other conservation types) presented large areas of high human pressure. These species are poorly protected by the Natural Protected Areas of Colombia. Future reserves that cover Andean regions below 2000 m could help optimize their conservation.
BATF2 and PDK4 As Diagnostic Molecular Markers of Sarcoidosis and Their Relationship With Immune Infiltration
Authors: Li Xiaoyan , Zhou Jing , He Jie
Published: May 2021

Background: Sarcoidosis (SA) is an immune disorder disease featured with granulomas formation. The work purposed to uncover potential markers for sarcoidosis (SA) diagnosis and explore how immune cell infiltration contributes to the pathogenesis of SA.Methods: Sarcoidosis GSE83456 samples and GSE42834 from Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) were analyzed as the training and external validation sets, respectively. R statistical software was employed to uncover the differentially expressed genes (DEGs) of GSE83456. SVM algorithms and LASSO logistic regression were applied for screening and verification of the diagnostic markers for key module genes. The infiltration of immune cells in sarcoidosis patients’ blood samples was assessed by CIBERSORT. The expression of serum BATF2 and PDK4 was detected by RT-qPCR method, and the value of BATF2 and PDK4 mRNA expression in the diagnosis of pulmonary sarcoidosis was analyzed.Results: In total, 580 DEGs were identified from the key module. PDK4 (AUC=0.942) and BATF4 (AUC=0.980) were revealed as diagnostic markers of sarcoidosis. We found that monocytes, T cells regulatory (Tregs), mast cells, macrophages，NK cells, and dendritic cells may contribute to sarcoidosis development. In addition, PDK4 and BATF4 were closely associated with these immune cells. BATF2 and PDK4 were highly expressed in pulmonary sarcoidosis. BATF2 and PDK4 combined to predict the area under the ROC curve of pulmonary sarcoidosis was 0.922.Conclusions: PDK4 and BATF4 could be used as diagnostic markers of sarcoidosis, and immune cell infiltration severs an important role in sarcoidosis.
Management of Lung Cancer-Associated Malignant Pericardial Effusion With Intrapericardial Administration of Carboplatin: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Imai Hisao , Kaira Kyoichi , Masubuchi Ken , Minato Koichi
Published: May 2021

Purpose: It has been reported that 5.1-7.0% of acute pericarditis is carcinomatous pericarditis. Malignant pericardial effusion (MPE) can progress to cardiac tamponade, which is a life-threatening condition. The effectiveness and feasibility of intrapericardial instillation of carboplatin (CBDCA; 150 mg/body) have never been evaluated in patients with lung cancer, which is the most common cause of MPE. Therefore, we evaluated the effectiveness and feasibility of intrapericardial administration of CBDCA following catheter drainage in patients with lung cancer-associated MPE.Methods: In this retrospective study, 21 patients with symptomatic lung cancer-associated MPE, who were administered intrapericardial CBDCA (150 mg/body) at Gunma Prefectural Cancer Center between January 2005 and March 2018, were included. The patients’ characteristics, response to treatment, and toxicity incidence were evaluated.Results: Thirty days after the intrapericardial administration of CBDCA, MPE was controlled in 66.7% of the cases. The median survival period from the day of administration until death or last follow-up was 71 days (range: 10–2435 days). Grade 1–2 pain, nausea, fever, and neutropenia were noted after intrapericardial CBDCA administration. No treatment-related deaths were noted in current study.Conclusions: Intrapericardial administration of CBDCA (150 mg/body) did not cause serious toxicity, and patients exhibited promising responses to lung cancer-associated MPE. Prospective studies using larger sample sizes are needed to explore the efficacy and safety of this treatment for managing lung cancer-associated MPE.
Mitogenomic analysis of extant condor species provides insight into the molecular evolution of vultures
Authors: De Panis Diego , Lambertucci Sergio , Wiemeyer Guillermo , Dopazo Hernán , Almeida Francisca , Mazzoni Camila , Gut Marta , Gut Ivo , Padró Julián
Published: May 2021

The evolution of large vultures linked to mountainous habitats was accompanied by extreme physiological and behavioral specializations for energetically efficient flights. However, little is known on the genetic traits associated with the evolution of these obligate soaring scavengers. Mitochondrial DNA plays a vital role in regulating oxidative stress and energy production, and hence may be an important target of selection for flight performance. Herein, we characterized the first mitogenomes of the Andean and California condors, the world’s heaviest flying birds and the only living representative of Vultur and Gymnogyps genus. We reconstructed the phylogenetic relationships and evaluated possible footprints of convergent evolution associated to the life-history traits and distributional range of vultures. Our phylogenomic analyses supported the independent evolution of vultures, with the origin of Cathartidae in the early Paleogene (~ 59 Mya), and estimated the radiation of extant condors during the late Miocene (~ 10 Mya). Selection analyses indicated that vultures exhibit signals of relaxation of purifying selection relative to other accipitrimorph raptors, possibly indicating the degeneration of flapping flight ability. Overall, our results suggest that the extreme specialization of vultures for efficient soaring flight has compensated the evolution of large body sizes mitigating the selection pressure on mtDNA.
Polymorphism in FASN, SCD1 and ANXA9 Genes: A Preliminary Study of Markers Which May Serve As Genetic Predictors of the Fatty Acid Profile of Sheep Milk
Authors: Pecka-Kiełb Ewa , Kowalewska-Łuczak Inga , Czerniawska-Piątkowska Ewa , Króliczewska Bożena
Published: May 2021

In this study, single nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) in the ANXA9 (annexin 9), FASN (fatty acid synthase) and SCD1 (stearoyl-CoA desaturase 1) genes were analyzed as factors influencing fatty acid profiles in milk from Zošľachtená valaška sheep. SNP in selected genes was identified using polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and restriction fragment length polymorphism (PCR-RFLP). The long-chain fatty acids profile in sheep milk was identified by gas chromatography. Statistical analysis of the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism showed that the milk of the homozygous AA animals was characterized by a lower (P < 0.05) share of C4:0, C6:0, C8:0, C10:0, C12:0, C14:0 in comparison to the homozygous CC sheep. The milk of heterozygous sheep was characterized by a higher (P < 0.05) proportion of C13:0 acid compared to the milk of sheep with the homozygous AA type. A higher (P < 0.05) level of saturated fatty acids (SFA) was found in the milk of CC genotype sheep compared to the AA genotype. Our results lead to the conclusion that the greatest changes were observed for the SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the least significant ones for FASN/AciI. Moreover, it is the first evidence that milk from sheep with SCD1/Cfr13I polymorphism and the homozygous AA genotype showed the most desirable fatty acids profile.
Sinanaerobacter Chloroacetimidivorans Sp. Nov., An Obligate Anaerobic Bacterium Isolated From Anaerobic Sludge
Authors: Bao Yixuan , Liu Junwei , Zhang Xuan , Lei Peng , Qiu Jiguo , He Jian , Li Na
Published: May 2021

An obligate anaerobic bacterial strain (BAD-6T) capable of degrading acetochlor and butachlor was isolated from an anaerobic acetochlor-degrading reactor. Cells were Gram-positive, straight to gently curved rods with flagella. The major fermentation products in peptone-yeast (PY) broth were acetate and butyrate. The optimum temperature and pH for growth was 30 °C and 7.2−7.5, respectively. The major cellular fatty acids (>10%) were C14:0 FAME, C16:0 FAME and cyc-9,10-C19:0 DMA. Genome sequencing revealed a genome size of 4.80 Mb, a G+C content of 43.6 mol% and 4741 protein-coding genes. The most closely related described species on the basis of 16S rRNA gene sequences was Anaerovorax odorimutans NorPutT in the order Clostridiales of the class Clostridia with sequence similarity of 94.9 %. The nucleotide identity (ANI) value and digital DNA–DNA hybridization (dDDH) between the genomes of strain BAD-6T and Ana. odorimutans NorPutT are 70.9% and 15.9%, respectively. Based on the distinct differences in phylogenetic and phenotypic characteristics between strain BAD-6T and related species, Sinanaerobacter chloroacetimidivorans gen. nov., sp. nov. is proposed to accommodate the strain. Strain BAD-10T is the type strain (= CCTCC AB 2021092T = KCTC 72521T).
Catheter, Surgical, or Hybrid Procedure: What Future for Atrial Fibrillation Ablation?
Authors: Nasso Giuseppe , Lorusso Roberto , Moscarelli Marco , De Martino Giuseppe , Dell’Aquila Angelo M. , Motekallemi Arash , Bari Nicola Di , Condello Ignazio , Mastroroberto Pasquale , Santarpino Giuseppe , Speziale Giuseppe
Published: May 2021

Background - The debate on the best treatment strategy for AF has expanded following the introduction of the so-called “hybrid procedure” that combines minimally invasive epicardial ablation with endocardial catheter ablation. However, the advantage of the hybrid approach over conventional epicardial ablation remains to be established.Methods -From June 2008 to December 2020, 609 surgical AF ablation procedures through a right minithoracotomy were performed at our institution. From 2008 to 2011, a unipolar radiofrequency (RF) device was used, whereas from 2011 to 2020 a bipolar RF device was used. In addition, between September 2016 and April 2017, 60 patients underwent endocardial completion of epicardial linear ablation. In 30 of these latter patients, surgical isolation of the Bachmann’s bundle (BB) was also performed. Starting from 2021, surviving patients at follow-up were asked to undergo ECG evaluation and left ventricular function assessment and to complete a questionnaire addressing quality of life and predisposing factors for recurrent AF. Results - The ablation procedure was completed in all patients. Upon discharge, 30 (4.9%) patients showed recurrence of AF, whereas the remaining patients (95.1%) were in sinus rhythm. All patients in whom a hybrid approach was used either with or without BB ablation were discharged in sinus rhythm. After a mean follow-up of 74 months, 122 (20%) patients developed recurrent AF, including 19.9% in whom a unipolar RF device was used, 21% in whom a bipolar RF device was used, 23% who had undergone a hybrid procedure without BB ablation and 3.3% who had undergone a hybrid procedure. On multivariate analysis, reduced left ventricular ejection fraction, worsening of EHRA symptom class, and cognitive impairment or depression during follow-up were found to be significantly associated with AF recurrence. Conclusions - Surgical AF ablation through a right minithoracotomy is safe and may allow the creation of additional linear lesions, particularly in the BB. The placement of adjunctive linear lesions in the setting of a hybrid procedure is more effective in reducing the risk for AF recurrence than isolated surgical ablation or hybrid ablation without the addition of further linear lesions, with no incremental risk to the patient.
Detecting Schistosoma Haematobium Infection by Microscopy and Polymerase Chain Reaction (Pcr) In School Children In The Three Senatorial Districts of Cross River State, Nigeria
Authors: Esiere Rosemary Kaiso , Ibeneme Emmanuel onyekachukwu , Effanga Emmanuel Offiong , Imalele Edema Enogiomwan , Esiere Miracle Kaiso , Inyang-Etoh Paul Columba , Alaribe Ambrose Anyanwu
Published: May 2021

As a result of the poor sensitivity and specificity of the standard parasitological diagnostic methods currently being used, this study was conducted to compare the standard parasitological diagnostic methods and Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) in determining the prevalence of urinary schistosomiasis in Cross River State (CRS). The study was conducted between April 2015 and March 2016. Seven hundred and seventy seven (777) urine samples were randomly collected from selected school-age children. The urine samples were subjected to standard parasitological and molecular examinations. Chi-square test was used to test the differences between the data on subgroups and the results from specimen examinations. An overall prevalence of 1.7% was recorded using microscopy and 34.7% recorded using PCR. The highest prevalence of infection by microscopy occurred in the Southern Senatorial District (2.3%), while the Northern Senatorial District recorded the highest prevalence of infection by PCR (53.2%) (p < 0.05). Males were more infected (2.4%) than females (0.6%) using microscopy. With PCR, males were also more infected (35.7%) compared to females (33.3%) (p < 0.05). The highest prevalence of infection using microscopy and PCR both occurred in school-age children aged 5–8 years (3.6% and 47.8% respectively), while the lowest prevalence for both methods occurred in participants aged 17–20 years (0% for both methods) (p < 0.05). This study has shown PCR to be effective in detecting schistosomiasis infection and also re-affirms the endemicity of urinary schistosomiasis in the three Senatorial Districts of CRS.
The Parental Perspective of Thalassaemia in Bangladesh: Lack of knowledge, Regret, and Barriers
Authors: Hossain Mohammad Sorowar , Hasan Md. Mahbub , Petrou Mary , Telfer Paul , Mosabbir Abdullah Al
Published: May 2021

Background Thalassaemia, a hereditary haemoglobin disorder, is a major public health concern in some parts of the world. Despite Bangladesh is located in the world’s thalassaemia belt, the information on this disease is scarce. Besides, the awareness on this life threatening but potentially preventable disease is surprisingly poor. However, mass awareness is pivotal for developing an effective preventive strategy. In this context, the understanding of parental perspectives is essential to realize the magnitude of the problem. Therefore, this study aimed to investigate the parental knowledge gaps and perceptions regarding thalassemia, the barriers confronted by the parents for caring for their thalassaemic children and their attitude to prenatal screening and prenatal diagnosis. MethodsThis cross-sectional study was conducted between January 2018 and December 2018 at a dedicated thalassemia hospital located in Dhaka. A structured questionnaire was used for face-to-face interviews with parents of thalassaemic children. Descriptive statistics were used to analyze data.ResultsOf 365 respondents, nearly all respondents (97%) had not heard about the term, ‘thalassemia’ before the disease was diagnosed in their children; all (100%) were unscreened for carrier status prior to marriage. Mean knowledge scores were significantly higher in respondents with higher income and education. Most respondents (~ 91%) had a guilty feeling for not undergoing premarital screening. Only around 36% of them had heard about prenatal diagnosis. Approximately 25% participants would consider prenatal diagnosis in a future pregnancy, while 70% of them were unsure and only ~ 5% would decline prenatal diagnosis. Only 9.3% mothers had prenatal diagnosis in a previous pregnancy. Nearly 80% of the parents faced difficulty for obtaining blood donors regularly and a similar proportion (~81%) of them did not receive support from any organized blood clubs. More than 40% of the parents reported they felt socially stigmatized. ConclusionThis study suggests poor parental knowledge on thalassaemia including prenatal diagnosis and the challenges they are facing while caring for their children. These findings would be of paramount importance in planning and devising effective prevention and intervention strategies in Bangladesh as well as in other countries with similar sociocultural setting.
Rapid construct superhydrophobic microcracks on the open-surface platform for droplet manipulations
Authors: Lin Wan-Shiuan , Chen Chien-Wei , Wang Sheng-Hang , Li Bor-Ran
Published: May 2021

Droplet-based transport driven by surface tension has been explored as an automated pumping source for several biomedical applications. This paper presented a simple and fast superhydrophobic modify and patterning approach to fabricate various open-surface platforms to manipulate droplets to achieve transport, mixing, concentration, and rebounding control. Several commercial reagents were tested in our approach, and the Glaco reagent was selected to create a superhydrophobic layer; laser cutters are utilized to scan on these superhydrophobic surface to create gradient hydrophilic micro-patterns. Implementing back-and-forth vibrations on the predetermined parallel patterns, droplets can be transported and mixed successfully. Colorimetry of horseradish peroxidase (HRP) mixing with substrates also reduced the reaction time by more than 5-times with the help of superhydrophobic patterned chips. Besides, patterned superhydrophobic chips can significantly improve the sensitivity of colorimetric glucose-sensing by more than 10 times. Moreover, all bioassays were distributed homogeneously within the region of hydrophilic micropatterns without the coffee-ring effect. In addition, to discuss further applications of the surface wettability, the way of controlling the droplet impacting and rebounding phenomenon was also demonstrated. This work reports a rapid approach to modify and pattering superhydrophobic films to perform droplet-based manipulations with a lower technical barrier, higher efficiency, and easier operation. It holds the potential to broaden the applications of open microfluidics in the future.
Earth's balanced climates in view of their energy budgets
Authors: Anderl Thomas
Published: May 2021

Earth’s well-known energy budget scheme is subjected to variations representing changes of insolation and atmospheric absorption. The Charney Report variability cases of doubled atmospheric CO2 concentration and insolation increase by 2 % are found reproducible. The planetary emissivity is revealed linear to surface temperature, conformant with measurements. Atmospheric water vapor with its characteristic concentration-temperature dependency appears as a major component in Earth’s energy balancing mechanisms. From this, shift towards fewer and stronger rainfall events is prescribed for rising temperatures.
Development of methods for determining the coordinates of firing positions of roving mortars by a network of counter-battery radars
Authors: Khudov Hennadii , Yuzova Iryna , Lisohorskyi Bohdan , Solomonenko Yuriy , Mykus Serhii , Irkha Artem , Onishchuk Volodymyr , Sukonko Serhii , Semiv Galina , Bondarenko Semen
Published: May 2021

The mathematical formulation of the problem of determining the coordinates of targets in the network of counter-battery radars is formulated. It has been established that the problem of estimating the coordinates of targets in the network of counter-battery radars for an excessive number of estimates of primary coordinates should be considered as a statistical problem. The method for determining the coordinates of the firing positions of roving mortars has been improved, in which, in contrast to the known ones, the coordinates of targets on the flight trajectory are coordinated with space and time and the information is processed by a network of counter-battery radars. The developed simulation mathematical model for determining the coordinates of the firing positions of roving mortars by a network of counter-battery radars. Simulation modeling of the method for determining the coordinates of the firing positions of roving mortars by a network of counter-battery radars has been carried out. It has been established that the use of a network of radars makes it possible to increase the accuracy of determining the coordinates of the firing means on average from 23 % to 71 %, depending on the number of counter-battery radars in the network. It has also been found that the appropriate number of counter-battery warfare radars in the network is three or four. A further increase in the number of counter-battery warfare radars in the network does not lead to a significant increase in the accuracy of determining the coordinates of artillery and mortar firing positions. In carrying out further research, it is necessary to develop a method for the spatial separation of elements of a group of targets and interfering objects by a network of counter-battery warfare radars