bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Evaluating the Influences of Urban Expansion on the Concurrent Loss of Multiple Ecosystem Services in Drylands
Authors: Song Shixiong , He Chunyang , Liu Zhifeng , Qi Tao
Published: July 2021

Context Effectively estimating the influences of urban expansion on multiple ecosystem services (ESs) is of great importance for improving urban planning in drylands. However, there are some shortcomings in the existing urban expansion models, which lead to great uncertainties in the assessment of the influences of urban expansion on the concurrent loss of multiple ESs.Objectives This study sought to effectively estimate the influences of urban expansion on the concurrent loss of multiple ESs in drylands.Methods We combined the improved the urban expansion model and ES models to estimate the influences of urban expansion on five key ESs, including food production (FP), water retention (WR), air quality regulation (AQR), natural habitat quality (NHQ), and landscape aesthetic (LA).Results The results showed that (1) our method can effectively evaluate the influences of urban expansion on the concurrent loss of multiple ESs in drylands, and the accuracy increased by more than 20% on average. (2) Under the effect of future urban expansion, FP, WR, AQR, NHQ and LA will accelerate the decline. (3) These five ESs will show concurrent degradation, and the degree will be further intensified. (4) Future urban expansion will occupy more cropland and grassland which will be the dominating reason for the intensified degradation of multiple ESs. Conclusions We suggest that urban expansion through occupying a large amount of cropland and grassland should be strictly controlled via urban land planning to alleviate the potential influences of future urbanization on the concurrent loss of multiple ESs.
Personalized Model Predictive Control for Artificial Pancreas
Authors: Wang Weijie , Wang Shaoping , Zhang Yuwei , Geng Yixuan
Published: July 2021

This paper proposes a personalized model predictive control strategy for the artificial pancreas to guide insulin injection in diabetic therapy. To overcome the parameter uncertainty induced by inter and intra-individual variability, a new observable glucose-insulin dynamic model is established to describe the integrated metabolism of glucose and insulin, under which all model parameters can be extended to observable state variables. Subsequently, a particle filtering estimator is developed to identify not only the personalized parameters, but also the plasma glucose concentration. Concerning the time delay of glucose metabolism, model predictive control is employed to regulate the glucose concentration in plasma, instead of glucose concentration measured in interstitial tissue using continuous glucose monitor. For validation, the experiments are carried out on the 30 in-silico subjects produced by UVa/Padova simulator. The proposed algorithm shows promising performances on personalized identification and plasma glucose control (mean value of 6.64 mmol/L) without meal announcement. It shows that the proposed method has the potential for artificial pancreas in clinical treatment.
Reduction of SARS-CoV-2 Infectious Titers by Direct Contact with Cuprous-Oxide Impregnated Face Masks External Layers
Authors: Xu Wei , Gu Chenjian , Wang Qin , Lin Yanfan , Zhang Chi , Borkow Gadi
Published: July 2021

SARS-CoV-2 can remain viable on the protective face masks surface for several days. Mask touching, reuse and disposal occurs frequently, leading to increased risk of cross-contamination, infection and further transmission. Cuprous-oxide has potent virucidal properties. We determined the capacity of surgical face masks (type IIR) made with nonwoven fabric impregnated with cuprous-oxide microparticles (Test Fabric), to inactivate SARS-CoV-2 when in direct contact with the virus. The Test Fabric reduced the infectious titers of SARS-CoV-2 by 0.73, 3.02 and 4.19 log10 within 5, 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. In contrast, the infectious titers of the virus were reduced by Control Fabric by 0.24, 0.67 and 0.97 within 5, 30 and 60 minutes, respectively. The reductions were significantly higher in the Test Fabric than in the Control Fabric (0.49, 2.35 and 3.22 log difference, accordingly), reaching a statistically significant difference after 5 minutes (p < 0.01). The mask filtration properties were not affected by the presence of the cuprous oxide microparticles. We conclude that the use of cuprous-oxide containing face masks in the external layers of respiratory face masks may significantly reduce the risk of SARS-CoV-2 cross-contamination, transmission and infection, due to masks handling and disposal, especially when used by the general population.
The Relationship between Nutrition and Cancer in Elderly Hospitalized Patients: A Retrospective Chart Analysis
Authors: Yang Lina , Wu Lan
Published: July 2021

Background: The purpose of the present study was to retrospectively analyze the relationship between nutrition and cancer in elderly hospitalized patients. Methods: A total of 339 elderly patients were divided into cancer and non-cancer groups. Information regarding nutritional blood parameters (NBP), including TP, ALB, PA, TLC, and Hb; nutritional risk screening (NRS), including ADL, MNA-SF, WST; and polypharmacy was collected and analyzed.Results: Among the 339 patients, 94 (27.7%) were women, 81 (23.9%) were cancer patients, and 258 (76.1%) were non-cancer patients. Overall, 25.3% of patients were malnourished. Patients in the cancer group were younger, with higher rates of inflammation, lower rates of polypharmacy and swallow dysfunction, increased ADL, and decreased MNA-SF score. The BMI, TP, PA, Hb, and TLC were notably decreased in cancer patients. The MNA-SF score had a positive correlation with BMI, TP, ALB, PA, Hb, TLC, and ADL, but a negative correlation with CRP, WST score, polypharmacy, and age. Conclusion: There was a close relationship between nutritional status and cancer in elderly patients. Geriatric patients with cancer were more prone to a poor nutritional status. Nutritional screening, assessment, and intervention should be increased to improve the prognosis in cancer patients.
Potential Prognostic and Therapeutic Target of CDC7 in Hepatocellular Carcinoma
Authors: Liu Runze , Gan Lu , Zhang Zhikun , Liu Xiuli , Zhong Liping , Zhao Yongxiang , Huang Yong
Published: July 2021

Background: Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) remains difficult to treat, owing to the lack of effective predictor and therapeutic targets. CDC7 is a critical gene that regulates cell cycle and highly expressed in patients with HCC. However, it remains unclear whether the expression levels of CDC7 predict survival for patients with HCC and direct impact on the tumor immune microenvironment (TIME). Methods: We then downloaded CDC7 expression and clinical characteristics from public databases and used R language and tools online for statistical analysis and graphical work. Results: Multivariate analyses showed that both high CDC7 expression and low immune scores was strongly correlated with worse disease-free survival (DFS) and overall survival (OS). CDC7 expression was positively correlated with infiltrating levels of CD4+ T cells, macrophages, dendritic cells (DCs) and M2 macrophages in HCC. Interestingly, analyses showed the high CDC7 expression was also closely related to the genes which contribute to HCC metastasis. Conclusions: Our study now, for the first time, provides an explanation of CDC7 with clinical characteristics and immune-related factors. High CDC7 expression might promote HCC metastasis and M2-polarized macrophages resulted in a poor prognosis. The predicting nomograms may help to estimate the survival of patients.
Assessment of Solar PV Potential and Performance of a Household System in Durban North, Durban, South Africa
Authors: Ebhota Williams S. , Tabakov Pavel Y.
Published: July 2021

A rooftop solar photovoltaic (PV) system is an alternative electricity source that is increasingly being used for households. The potential of solar PV is location dependent that needs to be assessed before installation. This study focuses on the assessment of a solar PV potential of a site on coordinates − 29.853762°, 031.00634°, at Glenmore Crescent, Durban North, South Africa. In addition, it evaluates the performance of a 6 kW installed capacity grid-connected rooftop solar PV system to supply electricity to a household. The results, obtained from PV design and simulation tools – PV*SOL, Solargis prospect and pvPlanner, were used to analyse and establish the site and PV system technical viability. The system’s configuration is as follows: load profile - a 2-Person household with 2-children, energy consumption − 3500 kWh, system size − 6 kWp, installation type - roof mount, PV module type - c-Si - monocrystalline silicon, efficiency − 18.9%, orientation of PV modules -Azimuth 0° and Tilt 30°, inverter 95.9% (Euro efficiency), and no transformer. The results show: meteorological parameters - global horizontal irradiation (GHI) 1659.3 kWh/m2, direct normal irradiation (DNI) 1610.6 kWh/m2, air temperature 20.6°C; performance parameters - annual PV energy 8639 kWh, Specific annual yield 1403 kWh/kWp, performance ratio (PR) 74.9%, avoided CO₂ emissions 5662 kg/year, and solar fraction 42.5 %. The analysis and benchmarking of the results show that the proposed solar PV system under the current conditions is technically viable for household electrification in Durban North, South Africa.
Dose-response Relationship Between Maternal Blood Pressure in Pregnancy and Preterm Birth: Based on the Monitoring Data of 212,941 Pregnant Women in China
Authors: Zhao Wei , Di Jiangli , Gong Xiao , Huang Aiqun , Yang Qi , Hu Huanqing , Chen Sidi
Published: July 2021

Background: Hypertensive disorders of pregnancy (HDP) is a generally accepted risk factor of preterm birth (PTB). Most related studies focus on the effects of various HDP on pregnancy outcomes. Based on large-scale maternal health monitoring data, this study analyzes the dose-response relationship between maternal Blood pressure (BP) in different trimesters and PTB.Methods: Through the Maternal and Newborn Health Monitoring System in China, a total of 212,941 single-fetus pregnant women who delivered during 2014-2018 in 13 counties of 6 provinces in China were included in this study. BP level, distribution and changes in each trimester were described with linear trend test. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was performed to estimate the associations between BP groups in different gestational trimesters and PTB. Then a restricted cubic spline (RCS) was used to delineate the dose-response relationships between BP (both diastolic and systolic) during each trimester and PTB.Results: The overall incidences of HDP and PTB were 7.07% and 4.04% respectively. The detection rates of HDP in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters were 1.03%, 2.06% and 6.23% respectively. Taking the group of normal BP as reference, the odds ratios(OR) of PTB for the groups of hypertension in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters was 3.23, 2.70 and 2.05 respectively (P<0.001). Hypotension in 3rd trimester was associated with a 1.5-fold higher risk of PTB (P<0.001). OR of PTB had a nonlinearly U-shaped association with SBP and DBP in the 1st, 2nd and 3rd trimesters.Conclusions: The risks of PTB varied among pregnant women with the same BP in different trimesters. An increase of BP within the normal range during pregnancy could prevent PTB. Hypotension in 3rd trimester was associated with a high risk of PTB.
Effect of Growth Regulators Concentrations on in Vitro Multiplication of Three Elite Sugarcane (Saccharum Officinarum L.) Genotypes using Shoottip Culture
Authors: Amente Gerema , Feyissa Tileye
Published: July 2021

Conventional vegetative propagation of sugarcane generally has low multiplication rate and allows distribution of diseases. Micropropagation is the only practical means of achieving rapid, large-scale production of disease-free quality planting material. Experiments on shoot tip culture initiation and shoot multiplication were laid out in completely randomized design with 2x3x3 and 4x5x3 factorial treatment arrangements respectively. Data was subjected to analysis of variance (ANOVA) and significant means were separated using Duncan's multiple range tests. With regard to shoot multiplication, genotype Q200 showed a maximum of 13.59 shoots per explant with 5.83cm shoot length on a medium fortified with 2 mg/l BAP alone, while genotype Q217 produced a maximum of 15.28 shoots per explant with 5.37cm mean shoot length on a medium supplied with 2.0 mg/l BAP and 0.25 mg/l kinetin. Likewise, Co-0238 produced maximum of 13.56 shoots per explant with mean shoot length 6.50 cm on medium fortified with 1.5 mg/l BAP + 0.5mg/l kinetin
Comparison of Eleven Anthropometric Indices for the Screening for Non-Alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease in Patients with Diabetes
Authors: Guo Xintong , Liang Min
Published: July 2021

Background & AimsNonalcoholic fatty liver disease (NAFLD) is considered as the main cause of chronic liver disease, so the prediction of NAFLD in high-risk cohort of patients would be valuable. Although evidence indicates that anthropometric clinical indicators has been a worthy choice in the prediction of NAFLD, there is no consensus on which is the best obesity indexes for the identification of NAFLD in high-risk patients. This study aimed to compare the screening ability for NAFLD of eleven anthropometric indices in patients with diabetes.MethodsThe sample included 905 type 2 diabetic patients diagnosed by US. We selected 11 formulas: triponderal mass index (TMI), triglyceride glucose index (TyG), a body shape index (ABSI), Clίnica Universidad de Navarra—body adiposity estimator (CUN-BAE), lipid accumulation product (LAP), visceral adiposity index (VAI), Hepatic Steatosis Index (HIS), Body Mass Index (BMI), conicity index (CI), Waist to Height ratio (WHtR), and Body Roundness Index (BRI), and calculated their performance of NAFLD screening.ResultsThe percentage of US reductions were, 49.55 (VAI), 58.70 (TyG), 50.70 (TMI), 54.80 (LAP), 67.10 (HIS), 32.40 (CUN-BAE), 28.24 (CI), 48.30 (BRI), 33.28 (ABSI), 43.57 (BMI), 48.30 (WHtR). The false negative percentage were 10.29 (VAI), 18.81 (TyG), 14.49 (TMI), 11.28 (LAP), 21.02 (HIS), 8.74 (CUN-BAE), 6.08 (CI), 9.96 (BRI), 9.62 (ABSI), 11.28 (BMI), 9.96 (WHtR).ConclusionTaking negative predictive value (NPV), positive predictive value (PPV), and other aspects into account, the best formula to use for NAFLD screening was LAP.
Nutrient Resorption Strategies of Three Oak Tree Species in Response to Interannual Climate Variability
Authors: Du Baoming , Ji Huawei , Liu Shirong , Kang Hongzhang , Yin Shan , Liu Chunjiang
Published: July 2021

Background：Nutrient resorption is critical for plants toward balancing their nutritional requirements and adapting to environmental variabilities, which further impacts litter quality and nutrient cycling. However, the interannual variability of nutrient resorption under climate change remains unclear.Methods: We investigated the five-year nutrient resorption efficiencies (NuRE, %) of 14 elements in three deciduous oak tree species, Quercus aliena var. acuteserrata, Q. glandulifera, and Q. variabilis species in a warm-temperate forest of Central China, and assessed their relationships with interannual climate and soil factors. Results：Nutrient resorption did not differ between species but varied significantly between different years. For each year, nucleic acid-protein elements (N, P, S, and K) were preferentially resorbed in all of the oak species in contrast to photosynthesis-enzymic (C, Mg, and Zn) and structural (Ca, Na, Mn, and Ba) elements, which were to some extent discriminated, and toxic (Al and Fe) elements that were completely excluded. Among the 14 elements, the NuRE of N, P, S, Ca, and Mg was closely associated with interannual climate in the three oak species, showing N and S resorption efficiency were reduced with temperature, while N, P, and S resorption efficiency initially decreased and then increased with precipitation. Moreover, the elemental coefficient variations between different years generally decreased with higher NuREs in all three oak species.Conclusions: Different oak species have analogous nutrient conservation strategies in response to annual climate variability, and interannual climate variations strongly impacted plant nutrient resorption. Deciduous plants may establish a trade-off mechanism to rebalance somatic nutrients for regrowth at the end of growing season.
BSA-Coated Gold Nanorods for NIR-II Photothermal Therapy
Authors: Zhao Shubi , Luo Yiqun , Chang Zong , Liu Chenchen , Li Tong , Gan Lu , Huang Yong , Sun Qinchao
Published: July 2021

The second near infrared window is considered to be the optimal optical window for medical imaging and therapy as the deep tissue penetration. A series gold nanorods with large aspect ratio have been synthesized. Strong plasma absorption in the second near infrared window from 1000 nm to 1300 nm could be observed. The biocompatibility of the synthesized gold nanorods is dramatically improved via coating by bovine serum albumin (BSA), while the optical properties of which remains. The breast cancer tumor-bearing mouse could be well treated by the prepared gold nanorods with the NIR-II light intensity as low as 0.75 W/cm2. In summary, these results prove the feasibility of using low dose to treat tumor in the NIR-II region.
A High-Quality Assembly Reveals Genomic Characteristics, 1 Phylogenetic Status and Causal Genes for White Feather of 2 Indian Peafowl
Authors: Liu shaojuan , Chen hao , Ouyang jing , Huang min , Zhang hui , Zheng sumei , Xi suwang , Tang hongbo , Gao yuren , Xiong yanpeng , Cheng di , Chen kaifeng , Liu bingbing , Li wanbo , Yan xueming , Mao huirong , Ren jun
Published: July 2021

Background : Indian peafowl ( Pavo cristatus ) attracts people's attention because of the exclusively dazzling phenotypic characteristics. However, little is known about the phenotypic evolution and phylogeny of Indian peafowl at the whole-genome level. So far, there has been no report on the genetic mechanism of the formation of white feather in white feather peafowl. Results : This study assembled a draft genome of Indian peafowl with a genome size of 1.05 Gb (the sequencing depth is 362×), and N50 of the contig and scaffold was up to 6.2 Mb and 11.4 Mb, respectively. Compared with other birds, Indian peafowl changed in terms of metabolism, immunity, skeletal development and feather development, which provided a novel insight into the phenotypic evolution of peafowl, such as the large body size and feather morphologies. It was confirmed that the phylogeny of Indian peafowl was closer to that of turkey than that of chicken. Specially, it was identified that PMEL was a causal gene leading to the formation of white plumage in blue and white feather peafowl. Conclusions: This study provides a peafowl genome with high-quality as well as a novel understanding in the phenotypic evolution and phylogeny of peafowl among other birds. The results contribute a valuable reference genome to the study of the avian genome evolution. In addition, the discovery of the genetic mechanism of white plumage not only is a breakthrough in the exploration of peafowl plumage, but also provides clues and new ideas for further investigations of the avian plumage coloration and artificial breeding in peafowl.
Under Careful Construction: Combining Findings, Arguments, and Values Into Robust Health Care Coverage Decisions
Authors: Kleinhout-Vliek T.H. , de Bont A.A. , Boer A.
Published: July 2021

Background: Health care coverage decisions deal with health care technology provision or reimbursement on a national level. The coverage decision outcome, i.e., the publicly available document with reasons for the decision, may contain various elements: quantitative calculations like cost and clinical effectiveness analyses and formalised and non-formalised qualitative considerations. We know little about the process of combining these heterogeneous elements into robust decision outcomes.Methods: In this study, we describe a model for combining different elements into coverage decision outcomes. We build on two qualitative cases of coverage appraisals at the Dutch National Health Care Institute, for which we analysed observations at committee meetings (n=2, with field notes taken) and analysis of audio files (n=3), interviews with appraisal committee members (n=10 in seven interviews) and with Institute employees (n=5 in three interviews).Results: We conceptualise decision outcomes as combinations of elements, specifically (quantitative) findings and (qualitative) arguments and values. Our model contains three steps: 1) identifying elements; 2) designing the combinations of elements, which entails articulating links, broadening the scope of designed combinations, and black-boxing links; and 3) testing these combinations and choosing one as the final decision outcome. Conclusions: The proposed model highlights decision makers’ expertise in composing both elements and combinations. It also provides additional rationales for facilitating appeals and engaging patients and the public. Future research efforts could further explore the relationship between robustness and decision combination strength.
Metagenomic Outlooks of Microbial Dynamics Influenced by Organic Manure in Tea Garden Soils of North Bengal, India
Authors: Sarkar Indrani , Kar Pallab , Sen Gargi , Chhetri Saroja , Bhattacharya Malay , Bhattacharya Subires , Sen Arnab
Published: July 2021

Soil being the most heterogeneous and complex microbial habitat on earth exceeds the quantity of inhabiting microbial communities than other environments. Next-generation sequencing (NGS) based metagenomics provides us directs access to the uncultivated genomes. In this study, we targeted two very popular tea gardens of Darjeeling hills- Makaibari (Mak) and Castleton (Cas). The main difference between them is the type of manure they use. Mak is solely an organic tea garden using all organic manure and fertilizers whereas Cas uses inorganic pesticides and fertilizers. The main aim was to compare the effect of organic manure over chemical fertilizers on the soil microbiome as well as the health of tea garden workers. We have performed the 16s metagenomics analysis based on V3-V4 region. Downstream bioinformatics analysis including Reverse Ecology was performed. We found that the overall microbial diversity is higher in Mak rather than Cas. Moreover, the use of organic manure has reduced the population of pathogenic bacteria in Mak soil when compared to Cas soil thus having an indirect effect on the heath of the tea garden workers. From the observations made through the metagenomics analysis of Mak and Cas soil samples we may propose that the application of organic manure supports the population of good bacteria in the soil which eventually can have a better impact on the tea garden workers.
Anorectal Melanoma - Brownish Black Mass Not Always a Hemorrhoid
Authors: Nigam Jitendra Singh , . Nishit , Kumar Tarun , Singh Avinash , Tewari Prerna , Pandey Jagjit Kumar
Published: July 2021

The non-specific clinical symptoms of anorectal brownish-black mass do not help to differentiate colorectal cancer, hemorrhoids, rectal ulcers which result in a delayed diagnosis or lead to inadequate management of lethal anorectal melanoma. Primary malignant melanoma of the anorectal region is an uncommon tumor, constituting approximately 1% of anal canal tumors which may be misdiagnosed clinically as hemorrhoids. Because of aggressive behavior and poor prognosis, efficient and prompt diagnosis is required in these cases. We report the 2 cases of this rare tumor.
Influence of Multiple & Cooperative Hydrogen Bonding on the Acidity of Polyhydroxylated Piperidines: Electron Density Topological Analysis
Authors: Javan Marjan Jebeli
Published: July 2021

Hydrogen bonds are the presiding concepts for arranging the three-dimensional forms of biological molecules like proteins, carbohydrates and nucleic acids, and acts as guides for proton transfer reactions. Gas-phase acidity and pKa calculations in dimethyl sulfoxide on a line of polyhydroxylated piperidines specify that multiple hydrogen bonds lead to enhance acidities.The gas-phase acidity (GPA) of polyhydroxylated piperidines was investigated by MP2/6-311++G(d,p)//B3LYP/6-311++G(d,p) method. For each structure, varied primary and secondary hydroxyl groups were deprotonated. The natural bond orbital (NBO) and quantum theory of atoms in molecules (QTAIM) analyses have also been used to realize the character of the hydrogen bonding interactions in these compounds. The results show by adding each hydroxyl group, ΔHacid in the gas phase (it becomes less endothermic) and pKa value in the solution phase was decreased. Therefore, intramolecular hydrogen bonds lead to enhance the acid strength. In both the gas phase and solution phase, the β-Nojrimycin-OH2 (β-1-OH2) was found to be the most acidic compound with calculated gas-phase acidity (GPA) of 349.4 kcal.mol-1 and the pKa value of 22.0 (8.0 pKa units more acidic than 1-propanol).It was also shown, applying the polarized continuum model (PCM), there is a superior linear correlation with the gas phase acidities (GPAs) of polyhydroxylated piperidines and their calculated pKa (DMSO) values.
A Comprehensive Systematic Review Protocol of Vaccine Hesitancy in Low- and Middle-Income Countries
Authors: Wiafe Ebenezer , Rameshwarnath Keiyara , Tyler Danielle , Mbanjwa Simo , Bux Nazeefah , Mbatha Ndumiso , Syed Tasmiyah , Devnarain Shweta , Mensah Kofi Boamah , Oosthuizen Frasia , Bangalee Varsha
Published: July 2021

Background: Vaccine hesitancy has presented to public health, especially the fight against vaccine-preventable diseases, a great challenge in promoting global health. In this coronavirus era, it has become important to examine the concept of vaccine resistance, and effect adequate measures to clamp down on vaccine hesitancy. In an attempt to address vaccine hesitancy, some studies have determined the causes of vaccine hesitancy, reported on the reasons why individuals in resource-constraint countries delay and ultimately reject vaccination interventions, and provided evidence on measures that have been successful at reducing vaccine hesitancy. This comprehensive review protocol, which has been developed as a teaching tool, aims to present a stepwise approach to examining these studies.Methods: The protocol will guide the conduct of the systematic review in an orderly manner and by the allocated number of reviewers: the search strategy development and testing (2); the database search (6); the titles and abstract screening (3); full-text screening (3); the data extraction (7); and the quality assessment of included studies (2). The search strategy has been tested with results in 3 databases from inception to June 30, 2021: MEDLINE via EBSCOhost (n=1364), CINAHL via EBSCOhost (n=91), and Web of Science (n=3472). The included research papers will be reviewed according to the convergent segregated approach as explained in the Joanna Briggs Institute’s (JBI) manual. Conclusion: The review protocol, when successfully applied to conduct the systematic review, will provide some guidance to policy-makers as we tackle coronavirus through vaccination intervention. Systematic review registration DOI: https://doi.org/10.17605/OSF.IO/BVP4S
Impact of Sarcopenia on Chemotherapy-Triggered Exacerbation of Interstitial Lung Disease in Patients With Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Kikuchi Ryota , Takoi Hiroyuki , Ishiwari Mayuko , Toriyama Kazutoshi , Kono Yuta , Togashi Yuki , Abe Shinji
Published: July 2021

Background: While recent evidence has suggested that sarcopenia could predict chemotoxicity, its association with chemotherapy-triggered interstitial lung disease (ILD) exacerbations has yet to be investigated. Thus, the present study sought to determine whether sarcopenia could predict ILD exacerbations and overall survival (OS) in patients with ILD-complicated non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC).Methods: From January 2010 to July 2020, 74 patients with ILD-complicated NSCLC who received chemotherapy were retrospectively investigated. After categorizing patients according to the presence or absence of sarcopenia based on the psoas muscle index, ILD exacerbation rates and OS were evaluated.Results: Among the included patients, 39 were included in the sarcopenia group. Moreover, 17 (22.9%) patients developed ILD exacerbations, with the sarcopenia and no-sarcopenia groups having an exacerbation rate of 33.3% and 11.4%, respectively (p = 0.025). Multivariate analysis identified sarcopenia as an independent predictor of ILD exacerbations (p = 0.039). Furthermore, patients with sarcopenia demonstrated a significantly shorter median OS compared to those without the same (9.2 vs. 13.3 months; p = 0.029).Conclusions: Sarcopenia predicted chemotherapy-triggered ILD exacerbation and OS in patients with ILD-complicated NSCLC, suggesting its utility in determining treatment approaches.Classifications: Pneumonology
Assessment of Mouse-Specific Pharmacokinetics in Kidneys Based on 131I Activity Measurements Using Micro-SPECT
Authors: Vargas Clarita Saldarriaga , Struelens Lara , D'Huyvetter Matthias , Caveliers Vicky , Covens Peter
Published: July 2021

Background
In order to acquire accurate drug pharmacokinetic information, such as that required for tissue dosimetry, micro-SPECT must be quantitative and allow an accurate assessment of radioligand activity in the relevant tissue. This study investigates the feasibility of deriving accurate mouse-specific time-integrated drug pharmacokinetic data in mouse kidneys from activity measurements using micro-SPECT.
Methods
An animal experiment was done to evaluate the accuracy of 131I activity quantification in mouse kidneys using a micro-SPECT system against conventional ex vivo gamma counting (GC) in a NaI(Tl) detector. The imaging setting investigated was that of the mouse biodistribution of a 131I-labelled single-domain antibody fragment (sdAb) currently being investigated for targeted radionuclide therapy of HER2-expressing cancer. SPECT imaging of 131I 365-keV photons was done with a VECTor/CT system (MILabs, Netherlands) using a high-energy mouse collimator with 1.6-mm-diameter pinholes. For each activity quantification technique, the pharmacokinetic profile from approximately 1 to 73 h p.i. of the radioligand was derived and the time-integrated activity coefficient per gram of tissue (ã/M) was estimated. Additionally, SPECT activity recovery coefficients were determined in a phantom setting.
Results
SPECT activities underestimate the reference activities by an amount that is dependent on the 131I activity concentration in the kidney, and thus on the time point of the pharmacokinetic profile. This underestimation is around − 12% at 1.5 h (2.78 MBq.mL− 1 mean reference activity concentration), -13% at 6.6 h (143 kBq.mL− 1), -40% at 24 h (15 kBq.mL− 1) and − 46% at 73 h (5 kBq.mL− 1) p.i. The ã/M value estimated from SPECT activities is, nevertheless, within − 15% from the reference (GC) ã/M value. Furthermore, better quantitative accuracy (within 2% from GC) in the SPECT ã/M value is achieved when SPECT activities are compensated for partial recovery with a phantom-based correction factor.
Conclusion
The SPECT imaging system used, together with a robust activity quantification methodology, allows an accurate estimation of time-integrated pharmacokinetic information of the 131I-labelled sdAb in mouse kidneys. This opens the possibility to perform mouse-specific kidney-tissue dosimetry based on pharmacokinetic data acquired in vivo on the same mice used in nephrotoxicity studies.
Impact of 16S rRNA gene redundancy and primer pair selection on the quantification and classification of oral microbiota in next-generation sequencing
Authors: Regueira-Iglesias Alba , Vázquez-González Lara , Balsa-Castro Carlos , Blanco-Pintos Triana , Vila-Blanco Nicolás , Carreira María José , Tomás Inmaculada
Published: July 2021

Background: The identification, at least at the species level, is highly desirable in 16S rRNA sequencing-based studies of the oral microbiota. However, no study in the oral microbiology field has examined the impact of which primer pair is selected to detect redundant and matching amplicons. Consequently, our aims were to: 1) evaluate the number of 16S rRNA genes in the complete genomes of all the bacterial and archaeal species ever detected in the human oral cavity; and 2) assess how the use of different primer pairs would affect the detection and classification of redundant amplicons and matching amplicons (MA) from different taxa. Results: A total of 709 complete genomes (518 bacteria, 191 archaea) were downloaded from the NCBI database, and their complete 16S rRNA genes were extracted. 94.1% of oral bacteria and 52.59% of oral archaea had more than one 16S rRNA gene in their respective genomes. Next, 33 primer pairs identified in previous research and 6 commonly used in the literature were used against all the genomes to obtain amplicons. Between 46.67%-1.29% of the bacterial species and between 38.89%-4.65% of the archaeal species had MA, affecting relevant genera present in the oral environment such as Actinomyces, Fusobacterium, Lactobacillus, Methanosarcina, Staphylococcus, and Streptococcus. The best primer pairs were (the species coverage with no MA values, SC-NMA; region; primer pair position for Escherichia coli J01859.1): KP_F048-OP_R030 for bacteria (93.55%; 3-7; 342-1079), KP_F018-KP_R063 for archaea (89.63%; 3-9; undefined-1506), and OP_F114_OP_R121 for both bacteria and archaea (92.52%; 3-9; 340-1405). Conclusions : In addition to the 16S rRNA gene redundancy, the considerable presence of matching amplicons must be controlled to ensure the accurate interpretation of microbial diversity data. The SC-NMA is a more useful parameter than the conventional coverage percentage for selecting the best primer pairs. The performance of the primer pairs to detect no MA species increases as the average length of the amplicons increases; none of these being the most widely used primer pairs in the oral literature. The choice of primer pair affects significantly diversity estimates and taxonomic classification, conditioning the comparability of oral microbiome studies using different primer pairs.
Future Health Spending Forecast in Leading Emerging BRICS Markets in 2030 - Health Policy Implications
Authors: Jakovljevic Mihajlo , Lamnissos Demetrios , Westerman Ronny , Chattu Vijay Kumar , Cerda Arcadio
Published: July 2021

Introduction: BRICS leading Emerging Markets are increasingly shaping the landscape of global health sector demand and supply for medical goods and services. BRICS’ share of global health spending and future projections will play a prominent role during upcoming 2020s. The purpose of current research was to examine decades long, underlying historical trends in BRICS’ nations health spending and explore these data as the grounds for reliable forecasting of their health expenditures up to 2030.Methods: BRICS’ health spending data spanning 1995 - 2017 were extracted from IHME’s Financing Global Health 2019 database. Total health expenditure, government, prepaid private and out-of-pocket spending per capita and GDP share of total health spending, were forecasted 2018 - 2030. The ARIMA (Autoregressive Integrated Moving Average) models were used to obtain future projection based on time series analysis.Results: Per capita health spending in 2030 is projected to be: Brazil: $1767 (95% PI: 1615, 1977) ; Russia: $1933 (95% PI: 1549, 2317); India: $468 (95% PI: 400.4, 535) ; China: $1707 (95% PI: 1079, 2334); South Africa $1379 (95% PI: 755, 2004). Health spending %GDP shares in 2030 are projected to be: Brazil: 8.4% (95% PI: 7.5, 9.4) ; Russia: 5.2% (95% PI: 4.5, 5.9) ; India: 3.5% (95% PI: 2.9%,4.1%) ; China: 5.9% (95% PI: 4.9, 7.0) ; South Africa: 10.4% (95% PI: 5.5, 15.3).Conclusions: All BRICS expose long term trend to increase their per capita spending in PPP (purchase power parity) terms. India and Russia are highly likely to maintain stable total health spending GDP% share until 2030. China, as the major driver of global economic growth will be capable of significantly expanding its investment into the health sector across an array of indicators. Brazil is the only large nation whose GDP% share of health expenditure is about to contract substantially during the third decade of the 21st century. The steepest curve of increase in per capita spending until 2030 seems to be attributable to India while Russia should achieve the highest values in absolute terms. Health policy implications of long term trends in health spending indicate the need for Health Technology Assessment dissemination among BRICS ministries of health and national health insurance funds. Matters of cost-effective allocation of limited resources shall remain the core challenge in 2030 as well.
Trends in COVID-19 Infected Cases Based on Panel Data Regression Modelling
Authors: RAJARATHINAM A. , TAMILSELVAN P
Published: July 2021

Background and Objective: The novel coronavirus pandemic, known as COVID-19, could not have been more predictable; thus, the world encountered health crises and substantial economic crises. This paper analysed the trends in COVID-19 cases in October 2020 in four southern districts of Tamil Nadu state, India, using a panel regression model. Materials and Methods: Panel data on the number of COVID-19-infected cases were collected from daily bulletins published through the official website www.stopcorona.tn.gov.in maintained by the Government of Tamil Nadu state, India. Panel data regression models were employed to study the trends. EViews Ver.11. Software was used to estimate the model and its parameters. Results: In all four districts, the COVID-19-infected case data followed a normal distribution. Maximum numbers of COVID-19-infected cases were registered in Kanniyakumari, followed by Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Tenkasi districts. The fewest COVID-19 cases were registered in Tenkasi, followed by Tirunelveli, Thoothukudi and Kanniyakumari districts. A random effects model was found to be an appropriate model to study the trend.Conclusion: The panel data regression model is found to be more appropriate than traditional models. The Hausman test and Wald test confirmed the selection of the random effects model. The Jarque-Bera normality test ensured the normality of the residuals. In all four districts under study, the number of COVID-19 infections showed a decreasing trend at a rate of 1.68% during October 2020.
A New Primer Pair for Barcoding Bees (Hymenoptera, Anthophila) Without Amplifying the Homologous Wolbachia Gene
Authors: Bleidorn Christoph , Henze Katharina
Published: July 2021

ObjectivesDNA barcoding became an important method for the identification and monitoring of bees. However, standard primer pairs used for barcoding often result in (co-) amplification of bacterial endosymbionts of the genus Wolbachia, which are widespread among bee species. Here we designed a new primer pair and compared it with the performance of the standard Folmer-primers for small sample set of bees representing the main taxonomic groups of bees.ResultsThe newly designed primer pair (BeeCox1F1/BeeCox1R2) clearly outperformed the standard barcoding primer (LCO1490/HCO2198). By generating barcodes for a small test set of bees we found that the new primer pair produced in all cases clear sequences for unambiguous species identification using BOLD. In contrast, the standard barcoding primers often resulted in the amplification of the homologous Wolbachia gene, which either resulted in a mixed chromatogram signal or identification of the bacterial endosymbiont instead of the host.
Effects of cannabis ingestion on endometriosis-associated pelvic pain and related symptoms.
Authors: Sinclair Justin , Collett Laura , Abbott Jason , Pate David W. , Sarris Jerome , Armour Mike
Published: July 2021

Background

The use of cannabis for symptoms of endometriosis was investigated utilising retrospective archival data from Strainprint Technologies Ltd., a Canadian data technology company with a mobile phone application that tracks a range of data including dose, mode of administration, chemovar and their effect on various self-reported outcomes, including pelvic pain.
Methods

A retrospective, electronic record-based cohort study of Strainprint™ users with self-reported endometriosis was conducted. Self-rated cannabis efficacy, defined as a function of initial and final symptom ratings, was investigated across the included symptom clusters of cramps, pelvic pain, gastrointestinal pain, nausea, depression, and low libido. Cannabis dosage form, dose and cannabinoid ratio information was also recorded.
Results

A total number of 252 participants identifying as suffering endometriosis recorded 16193 sessions using cannabis between April 2017 and February 2020. The most common method of ingestion was inhalation (n = 10914, 67.4%) with pain as the most common reported symptom being treated by cannabis (n = 9281, 57.3%). Gastrointestinal symptoms, though a less common reason for cannabis usage (15.2%), had the greatest self-reported improvement after use. Inhaled forms had higher efficacy for pain, while oral forms were superior for mood and gastrointestinal symptoms. Dosage varied across ingestion methods, with a median dose of 9 inhalations (IQR 5 to 11) for inhaled dosage forms and 1 mg/mL (IQR 0.5 to 2) for other ingested dosage forms. The ratio of THC to CBD had a statistically significant, yet clinically small, differential effect on efficacy, depending on method of ingestion.
Conclusions

Cannabis appears to be effective for pelvic pain, gastrointestinal issues and mood, with effectiveness differing based on method of ingestion. The greater propensity for use of an inhaled dosage delivery may be due to the rapid onset of pain-relieving effects versus the slower onset of oral products. Oral forms appeared to be superior compared to inhaled forms in the less commonly reported mood or gastrointestinal categories. Clinical trials investigating the tolerability and effectiveness of cannabis for endometriosis pain and associated symptoms are urgently required.
Optimierung als digital-kapitalistisch
Authors: Allert Heidrun
Published: July 2021

Der Beitrag verortet die Optimierung des Individuums innerhalb einer digital-kapitalistischen Logik. Dazu betrachtet er die Lebensform ortsunabhängig lebender, selbstständig online arbeitender Menschen, die ihr Einkommen unter Verwendung datenbasierter, algorithmisch getriebener Plattformen generieren. Selbst nennen sie sich Digitale Nomaden. Der gefundene Zusammenhang von selbstermächtigendem Individualismus und Entstaatlichung lässt sich bis früh in die Netzwerkentwicklung zurückverfolgen. Der Beitrag basiert auf einer empirischen Studie in Form einer online Ethnographie. Die Untersuchung nimmt eine praxis-theoretische Perspektive ein. Sie betrachtet digitalen Kapitalismus nicht von der Analyse des Wirtschaftens grosser Konzerne oder der Äusserungen herausragender Unternehmensgründerinnen und -gründer, sondern aus der Sicht von Familien, Alleinerziehenden und jungen Erwachsenen, die individuelle Lösungen für herausfordernde Lebenslagen suchen und deren Individualismus politisch wird.
Anais 3º Congresso Odontológico Londrinense 9º COUEL
Authors: Borges Hedelson Odenir Iecher , Takahama Junior Ademar , Silva Adriana de Oliveira , Gonini Junior Alcides , Vessoni Barbosa Kasuya Amanda , Pagani Martins Caroline Pagani Martins , Luiz Pereira Stabile Cecília Luiz Pereira Stabile , Cortez Douglas Giordani Negreiros , Nakanishi Fernanda , Stabile Glaykon Alex Vitti , Lino Junior Helion Leão , Fabre Hebert Samuel Carrafa , Favaro Jaqueline , Tanaka Jefferson  Luis Oshiro , Andraus Luciana Prado Maia , Inagaki Luciana Tiemi , Carreiro Luiz Sérgio , Hoepnner Márcio Grama , Pedriali Maria Beatriz Bergonse Pereira , Kasai Maria Luiza Iwakura , Botelho Maria Paula Jacobucci , Caldarelli Pablo Guilherme , Tondelli Pedro Marcelo , Guiraldo Ricardo Danil , Silva Ricardo Henrique Alves da , Pires Willian Ricardo , Chuí Thaís Bedôr Jardim , Silva Ana Julia Furlan da , Takeda Ângela Sayuri Maruyama , Trovo Anna Luiza Januska , Caputo Camila Rossin , Gomes Guilherme Borsato , Pereira Isadora de Lima , Correia Leticia Sassaki , Oliveira Lucas Fernando , Gonçalves Lukas Martyniak Ometi , Bueno Maria Eduarda , Silva Natalia Cristina Candido da , Fernandes Tuane Consalter de Mello , Postigo Victoria , Souza Vitoria Iaros
Published: July 2021

Editorial

Caros(as) leitores(as)

O Congresso Odontológico Londrinese (COL) é um evento científico realizado pelos graduandos do 5º ano do curso de Odontologia da Universidade Estadual de Londrina (UEL), que tem como objetivo contribuir cientificamente para a formação dos acadêmicos e profissionais da área.

Na sua 9ª edição, a comissão organizadora contou com participação do professor Dr. Hedelson Odenir Iecher Borges como presidente e professores de todas as áreas da Odontologia da UEL, a fim de consolidar uma interação de toda a comunidade acadêmica.

O 3º COL e 9º COUEL foi realizado no período de 19 a 22 de maio de 2021 em um formato 100% online. A grade cientifíca foi composta por palestras ministradas por professores e profissionais de reconhecida importância nacional e internacional, além de apresentações de trabalhos.

Comissão Organizadora

3º Congresso Odontológico Londrinense – 9º COUEL/Edição Online - UEL – Universidade Estadual de Londrina - 2021
The Yin and Yang of 24 Season Drums for Physical and Musical Literacy among Medical Students: A Narrative Review
Authors: Tee Vincent , Kuan Garry
Published: July 2021

Physical literacy can be defined as having an individual’s mind and body in a state of harmony.
Previous studies introduced circus arts and actor training as a way to encourage physical literacy.
Musical literacy is the “perception of music as a whole”, where it requires the interpretation of its
meaning, the aesthetic values and the ideas that the musician wanted to convey. Correspondingly,
the yin-yang was a representation of two polar forces coming together and harmonising together
as one in Eastern tradition. This study aimed to introduce new ways and possibilities in endorsing
physical and musical literacy, through the extensive use of 24 Season Drums. This study would further
explore how 24 Season Drums, a musical performance originated from Malaysia, can enhance one’s
development in terms of their musical (the yin) and physical (the yang) embodiment. This is followed
by a comprehensive explanation of why drumming training is relevant in developing a holistic and
well-rounded medical student. The literature search was performed using databases from PubMed,
ResearchGate, ScienceDirect, Google Scholar and Google search engine using specific keywords,
ranging from May 2000 to September 2020. We hope that this article could pave the way for more
future studies on the effects of 24 Season Drums training in terms of an individual’s physical and
musical literacy.