bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
ABCD Approach At The #7119 Center, Telephone Triage System in Tokyo, Japan; A Retrospective Cohort Study
Authors: Sakurai Atsushi , Ohta Sachiko , Oda Jun , Muguruma Takashi , Abe Takeru , Morimura Naoto
Published: October 2021

Background
The algorithm and protocol of the #7119 telephone triage in Tokyo, Japan, had been originally established and consists of three steps. In this study, we investigated the outcome of patients treated with physiological abnormality (ABCD approach: A, airway; B, breathing; C, circulation, and D, dysfunction of central nervous system) in step 2 during the #7119 telephone triage and clarified the meaning of evaluation of this approach.
Methods
We retrospectively reviewed data from the Tokyo Fire Department from January 2016 to December 2017. Almost all the patients triaged using the ABCD approach were transferred to the hospital by ambulance and assigned severity by a physician. We divided patients into groups with combinations of 15 patterns including A, B, C, D, AB, AC, AD, BC, BD, CD, ABC, ABD, ACD, BCD, and ABCD. We compared the proportion of severe cases in each group using a Fisher's exact test, followed by residual analysis..
Results
We analyzed 13,793 cases triaged using the ABCD approach. In this analysis, 31% of total cases were assessed as severe cases. Groupwise analysis showed that the proportion of severe cases was significantly higher in the AD, BC, CD, ABD, and ABCD groups, while it was significantly less in the C and AB groups than in the total cases.
Conclusion
At the #7119 telephone triage, we can pick up the severe cases by the ABCD approach. This may contribute to the prompt transportation of severe patients to hospitals by dispatching ambulance cars using the #7119 telephone triage methods.
Study on the Correlation Between Homocysteine-related Dietary Patterns and Gestational Diabetes Mellitus Based on Reduced-rank Regression Analysis
Authors: Liu Yu-hong , Lu Ling-peng , Yi Min-hui , Shen Chun-yan , Wang Si-yu , Lu Gu-qin , Wu Hui
Published: October 2021

Background: This study aimed to evaluate the association between homocysteine-related dietary patterns and gestational diabetes mellitus. Methods: A total of 488 pregnant women at 24–28 weeks of gestation between January 2019 and December 2020 were included. Demographic characteristics, dietary intake, and multivitamin supplement intake information were collected using a food frequency questionnaire (FFQ); fasting venous blood samples were collected for serum index detection. Serum homocysteine (Hcy), folic acid, and B12 were selected as response variables, and hyperhomocysteinemia (hHcy)-related dietary patterns were extracted using the descending rank regression method. The relationship between the score of hHcy-related dietary patterns and GDM was analyzed using a multivariate logistic regression model. Results: Three hHcy-related dietary patterns were extracted. Only mode 2 had a positive and significant relationship with the risk of developing GDM. After adjusting for confounding factors, the risk of GDM was significantly increased in the highest quartile array compared with the lowest quartile of the pattern (OR=2.96, 95% Confidence Interval: 0.939–9.356, P=0.004). There was no significant correlation between dietary pattern 1 and GDM risk (P>0.05). Conclusions: Homocysteine-related dietary patterns were positively associated with gestational diabetes mellitus. Adjusting dietary patterns may contribute to the intervention and prevention of GDM.
Disrupting Cholesterol-FOXO3-KRT14 axis suppresses metastasis of triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Dong Jie , Kong Lingkai , Xia Mao , Wei Jiwu
Published: October 2021

High metastatic propensity is a devastating challenge to effective therapy of solid tumors, including triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC). In this study, we performed a genome-scale screen and found that cholesterol homeostasis is essential for tumor progression in immunocompetent mice. In an orthotopic TNBC model, intracellular cholesterol promoted lung metastasis by sustaining the expression of keratin 14 (KRT14) and decreasing MHC II, which was indispensable for the cluster metastasis of TNBC. Mechanistic studies demonstrated that FOXO3a regulated the transcription of KRT14. FOXO3a recognized and directly bound to the promoter of KRT14 to inhibit its expression. Cholesterol disrupted the nuclear translocation of FOXO3a by sustaining its phosphorylation, which was regulated by IKK, one of the major upstream kinases of FOXO3a. Apolipoprotein A1 (ApoA1) increased cholesterol efflux and inhibited TNBC metastasis by regulating the IKK-FOXO3a-KRT14 axis. The recombinant adenovirus encoding ApoA1 (ADV-ApoA1) promoted cholesterol efflux, dampened metastasis, and prolonged survival in mice bearing TNBC. Finally, we provided preliminary data showing that high doses of ADV-ApoA1 were well tolerated in rhesus monkeys and Syrian hamsters injected both intravenously and hypodermically. Taken together, cholesterol promotes metastasis via the IKK-FOXO3a-KRT14 axis in TNBC, and facilitating cholesterol efflux from TNBC cells is a promising therapeutic strategy for TNBC clinical treatment.
The Impact of Zinc Supplementation on Oxidative Stress and Inflammatory Biomarkers in Opioid Addicts-Withdrawal Syndrome: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Trial
Authors: Keshavarzi Amir , Hassanalizade Ali , Ranjbar Akram , Ghaleiha Ali , Vafaei Seyed Yaser , Rezaei Sara , Amini Shiva , Faryadras Mohammad , Moridi Heresh , Ghaffari Fatemeh , Ataei Sara
Published: October 2021

Background

Opioid withdrawal can induce oxidative stress in opioid addicts. This interventional study aimed to investigate the effect of zinc supplementation on the oxidative profile of patients with an opioid withdrawal syndrome.
Methods

In the current study, 40 patients aged 18 to 65 years with opioid withdrawal syndrome were randomly assigned to intervention and control groups, each with 20 subjects. In addition to standard treatment, the intervention group received 30 mg of zinc daily, while the control group was given a placebo for one month. They were evaluated using Beck Depression Inventory (BDI), Clinical Opiate Withdrawal Scale (COWS), and Young Mania Rating Scale (YMRS) for withdrawal symptoms. Moreover, other parameters included catalase (CAT), superoxide dismutase (SOD), and glutathione peroxidase (GPx) and levels of total antioxidant capacity (TAC), total thiol groups (TTG), tumor necrosis factor-α (TNF-α), and malondialdehyde (MDA).
Results

The rate of withdrawal symptoms (COWS) was statistically significantly lower in the treated group in comparison to the control group (P < 0.05). In the treatment group, the levels of TAC, CAT, SOD, and GPx increased significantly compared to the control group (P < 0.05). In the treatment group compared to the control group, there was a statistically significant decrease in hs-CRP, MDA, and TNFα (P < 0.05).
Conclusions

The results revealed that zinc supplementation could effectively reduce withdrawal symptoms by increasing antioxidant activity and reducing the lipid peroxidation index.
Carrying G allele in rs786204926 involved in alternative splicing of PTEN is associated with chemosensitivity in breast cancer
Authors: Wang Jing , Zhang Shasha , Zhang Jiaxin , Zhang Zhongliang , Ma Qinglong , Fu Wenkang , Chen Xiaohua , Zhao Dapeng , Zhao Meie , Wang Chunwei , Di Cuixia , Xie Xiaodong
Published: October 2021

Background

Chemoresistance is still the main reason for the failure of breast cancer treatment and is the main cause of death of breast cancer patients. Although many studies have shown the association between genetic polymorphisms of PTEN and chemoresistance, the molecular mechanism of breast cancer chemotherapy has not been further studied. This study aims to investigate the potential association between novel PTEN gene polymorphism and breast chemoresistance in Chinese population, and explore whether alternative splicing of the PTEN gene is affected by the gene polymorphism.
Methods

The study included 234 patients with breast cancer chemotherapy, 157 chemosensitive cases and 77 chemoresistant case. rs786204926, rs701848, rs12402181, rs35770269 were analysed using Sanger sequence and Sequenom MassArray typing technology. Silicon analysis was used to predict whether and how the polymorphism affects alternative splicing. Semi-quantitative RT-PCR and Western blot were further used to validate the silicon analysis.
Results

It is showed that there was a significant association between rs786204926 polymorphism and breast cancer chemoresistance. Carrying G allele or AG genotype will increase the risk of chemosensitivity in breast cancer. Additionally, Logistic multivariate regression analysis showed that age, lymph node metastasis and rs786204926 genotype are risk factors for breast cancer chemoresistance. Furthermore, Silico analysis showed that carrying G allele or AG genotype in chemosensitivity samples produced a new receptor site of alternative splicing, which increases the possibility of a new mutant PTEN isoform production. Interestingly, further experiments also verify this possibility.
Conclusion

We speculate that the mechanism of breast cancer chemosensitivity might be caused by a change in alternative splicing caused by the rs786204926 of PTEN gene. Thus, our study might provide theoretical guidance for the individualized treatment of clinical breast cancer patients.
Ten Years Trend of Malaria Prevalence in Ziway Dugda District, Arsi Zone, Ethiopia 2011-2020
Authors: Mesfun Million Getachew , Ayalneh Shimelis Teshome
Published: October 2021

Background: Malaria has been one of the major public health problems in Ethiopia for decades. Recent reports from different part of the country showed that the trend of malaria is declining. However, there is a need for periodic assessing the trend of malaria in different malaria endemic areas of the country as part of the planed malaria elimination strategies. Methods: Ten years retrospective data of blood film examination was collected from the laboratory registration book and monthly report of Ogolcho health center and analyzed to assess the trend of malaria prevalence in Ziway dugda distric, one of the malaria endemic areas in Arsi zone, Ethiopia. Result: From the total of 38,094 malaria suspected patients, 4,863(12.8%) patients were malaria positive microscopically, with 3,301(67.9%) P.vivax, 1545(31.8%) P.falciparum and 17(0.35%) mixed infection. There was a fluctuating trend of malaria within the last ten years, with annual total cases of malaria ranged from 1685 in 2013 to 103 in 2020 and there was successive reduction in malaria prevalence from 2013 onwards. Conclusion: Trend of malaria was declining in Ziway dugda district with shift in dominancy of the circulating species (P.vivax).
Hyperthermia Affects Immune and Oxidative Stress Indices of Immune Organs of Broilers by Changing the Expressions of ABCG2, SVCT-2 and MCU
Authors: Xue Xiuheng , Ren Chunhuan , Wang Luping , Xu Mengzhu Xu , Fan Caiyun , Fang Fugui , Peng Mengling , Cheng Jianbo , Wang Juhua
Published: October 2021

Background: As global temperatures rise, heat stress has become one of the major environmental stressors in the poultry industry. The purpose of the study was to investigate the effects of heat stress on immune function and oxidative stress, and further reveal the possible mechanisms of oxidative stress induced by heat stress for thymus and spleen of broilers. Methods: At the age of 28 days, thirty broilers were randomly divided into the control group (25 ± 2°C; 24 h/day) and the heat stress group (36 ± 2°C; 8 h/day); the experience was lasted for 1 week. At the end of the experience, the broilers per group were respectively euthanized and collected some samples, then to be analyzed. Results: The results showed that the levels of heat shock proteins 70 (HSP70,P＜ 0.01), corticosterone (CORT,P＜ 0.01), the contents of malondialdehyde (MDA, P＜ 0.05), interleukin-6 (IL-6, P＜ 0.01) and tumor necrosis factor-alpha (TNF-α, P＜ 0.01) in serum were significantly higher in heat stress group than that in the control group; The activities of total antioxidant capacity (T-AOC), glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) and superoxide dismutase (SOD) and contents of glutathione (GSH) in heat stress group significantly reduced (P＜ 0.05) in serum. Compared with the control group, the birds subjected to heat stress reduced the weight (P＜ 0.01) and the indices of thymus (P＜ 0.01), the activities of T-AOC (P＜ 0.01) and SOD (P＜ 0.05) of spleen, and levels of IL-10 (P＜ 0.05) and the GSH-PX (P＜ 0.05) in thymus and spleen, and increased the IL-6 content of thymus (P＜ 0.05), the MDA content (P＜ 0.01), and the reactive oxygen species (ROS) levels (P＜ 0.01) in thymus and spleen. Moreover, the expression of immunoglobulin G (IgG) gene in thymus and spleen of heat stressed broiler significantly increased by reverse transcription-polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) and real time RT-PCR (qRT-PCR; P＜ 0.05); However, the expression of immunoglobulin M (IgM) gene in spleen significantly increased (P＜ 0.05), and had no significant difference (P＞ 0.05) in thymus of heat-stressed broiler. Furthermore, the relative expression of ATP binding cassette subfamily G member 2 (ABCG2) in thymus and spleen (P＜ 0.05), sodium dependent vitamin C transporter-2 (SVCT-2, P＜ 0.01) and mitochondria calcium uniporter (MCU, P＜ 0.01) mRNA in thymus of heat stressed broilers significantly increased; and the expression of ABCG2 (P＜ 0.05), SVCT-2 (P＜ 0.01) and MCU (P＜ 0.01) protein of thymus and spleen in the heat-stressed broiler increased significantly compared with the control group. Conclusions: In summary, the study confirmed that heat stress caused oxidative stress to immune organs of broilers, further reduced immune function. Moreover, the potential mechanisms of heat stress-induced oxidative stress for thymus and spleen was further reveal in broilers.
Identifying Who Engages in Sustainable Adaptation in Large-Scale Commodity Agriculture
Authors: Wilson Robyn S. , Walpole Hugh
Published: October 2021

Global climate change is projected to negatively impact agriculture through increasingly severe weather. In the eastern Corn Belt of the United States, it is projected to get warmer and wetter overall, with more variability in the seasonal timing of rainfall. This will make it more difficult to get into the fields in the spring and fall due to wet conditions, while higher overall temperatures and decreased rainfall in the summer may limit crop growth. While there are multiple adaptations to reduce the vulnerability of agricultural production to a changing climate, these adaptations have varying implications for soil health, carbon sequestration and water quality. We explore the drivers of adaptations that vary in their provisioning of a variety of ecosystem services. We find that adaptation is driven in large part by self-reported past negative experiences with climate change that drive up concern about future climate change. Adaptation is also more likely among farmers that are younger, more educated, and more conservation minded, and who operate farms that are larger, more extensively insured, and will be passed on to a family member. However, increasing tile drainage will be the most common strategy in response to increased and more variable rainfall, indicating potential negative impacts for water quality. Practices that promote soil health and sequestration will be less common, and more driven by the identity of farmers as conservationists than by the weather. There will be a need to offset the potential negative impacts of increasing drainage through the promotion of edge-of-field filtration practices.
Comparing the surgical efficacy of a newly designed endoscopic visualized trephine and a conventional trephine for percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy with foraminoplasty for patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation: A retrospective case -control study
Authors: Niu Shangbo , Yang Dehong , Li Jie , Diao Wenbo , Gao Jian , Li Yiming
Published: October 2021

Background

Owing to the remarkable evolution of percutaneous endoscopic lumbar discectomy (PELD), the application of spinal endoscopy is shifting from the treatment of soft disk herniation to complex lumbar spinal stenosis. This study aim to compare the surgical efficacy of a newly designed endoscopic visualized trephine and a conventional trephine for PELD with foraminoplasty for patients with single-segment lumbar disc herniation (LDH).
Methods

A total of 54 patients who were diagnosed with single-segment LDH and received PELD with foraminoplasty at Xuzhou Central Hospital (Xuzhou, China) from January 2016 to June 2020 were included in this case-control study. Data related to the length of incision, amount of intraoperative bleeding, the time required to create the working channel, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) score was used to assess low back pain and leg pain. Besides, the Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) and Japanese Orthopedic Association (JOA) scores were utilized to evaluate patients’ pain intensity and their sitting and standing abilities. The X-ray fluoroscopy was performed to measure the horizontal and angular displacements of lumbar extension-flexion, and to evaluate the stability of lumbar spine.
Results

All the patients successfully underwent surgical procedures, except for two patients with injuries in the spinal nerve root of the responsible segment in the conventional trephine group, who were given nutritional supplements for nerve treatment. Besides, there was no significant difference in incision length and operative blood loss between the modern trephine and the conventional trephine groups. However, the time required to create the channel and the duration of fluoroscopy in the modern trephine group were significantly less than those in the conventional trephine group (34.24 ± 5.38 vs. 44.76 ± 6.37 min, P < 0.05). In addition, the VAS, ODI, and JOA scores significantly decreased postoperatively in the two groups. We also found no significant difference in horizontal and angular displacements of lumbar extension-flexion between the two groups pre-operation and at 3- and 12-month post-operation.
Conclusion

In spite of similar surgical efficacy of the two techniques, the newly designed endoscopic visualized trephine outperformed in terms of operation time and duration of fluoroscopy.
Comparison of Clinical Efficacy Between Arthroscopically Assisted Gracilis Autograft With Suture Reinforcement Technique and Transtibial Pull-out Technique in Treating Medial Meniscus Posterior Root Tears
Authors: Nie Si Si , Li Hongbo , He Jianyin , Liao Guanxiang , Ke Xuelei , Lan Min
Published: October 2021

Background: To compare the short-term efficacy of the transtibial pull-out technique and gracilis autograft with suture reinforcement technique in the treatment of medial meniscus posterior root tears. Methods: A total of 64 patients with medial meniscus posterior root tears received reconstruction of the posterior root of the meniscus attachment point through the tibial tunnel between June 2018 and April 2019 were included in this study, patients were divided into 2 groups (transtibial pull-out technique group: 35 cases; gracilis autograft with suture reinforcement technique group: 29 cases) according to the different posterior meniscus root tear repair methods. Clinical outcomes were evaluated by the visual analogue scale (VAS) and Lysholm score and IKDC score, and the demographics and functional recovery of the knee were compared between the two groups.Results: Intraoperative and postsurgical complications such as infection were not found in the two groups, and there was a statistically significant improvement in the Lysholm score，IKDC score and VAS score (P<0.001; respectively). All the patients were very satisfied with the function of their knee at the last follow-up. However, compared with the transtibial pull-out repair group, the reinforced medial meniscal root reconstruction technique with gracilis autograft group were significant improvement in the meniscus healing rates and Lysholm score, IKDC score and VAS score at the end of follow-up (P<0.05; respectively).Conclusions: Compared with the transtibial pull-out technique, the reinforced medial meniscal root reconstruction technique with gracilis autograft is advantageous for treating these patients because it is a minimally invasive procedure with superior clinical outcome and meniscus healing rates.Levels of Evidence: Ⅲ, Case-control study Retrospective comparative study
CpG-activated Regulatory B-cell Progenitors Alleviate Murine Sclerodermatous Chronic GVHD
Authors: Agbogan Viviane A , Gastineau Pauline , Tejerina Emmanuel , Karray Saoussen , Zavala Flora
Published: October 2021

BackgroundDevelopment of chronic Graft Versus Host Disease (cGVHD) represents a major impediment in allogeneic hematopoietic stem cell transplantation (HSCT). This disorder is associated with severe impairment of B-cell homeostasis, regulatory B-cell function and distribution. Conversely, the presence of bone marrow and circulating hematogones is associated with reduced GVHD risks. These findings raised the question whether B-cell progenitors, which provide protection in various autoimmune disease models following activation with the TLR-9 agonist CpG (CpG-proBs), could likewise reduce disease symptoms in a sclerodermatous model of cGVHD. MethodsChronic sclerodermatous GVHD was induced in irradiated Balb/c recipients reconstituted with T- and B-cell-depleted bone marrow cells and splenocytes from C57BL/6J donors. CpG-proB-cell progenitors sorted from in vitro CpG-activated bone marrow cells were then adoptively transferred into GVHD recipients. Their effect on disease symptoms, such as diarrhea, skin fibrosis and survival was evaluated in the therapeutic window defined beforehand. Transferred progenitors were analyzed for migration, differentiation and cytokine expression using flow cytofluorimetric methods, which were also used to establish their impact on T-cell cytokine expression and follicular helper/regulatory T-cell ratios (Tfh/Tfr) in peripheral and mesenteric lymph nodes. Skin fibrosis was assessed by histology, identification of infiltrating cells and gene expression profiles of cytokines and molecules involved in the fibrotic process, using qRT-PCR microarrays in all tissue samples.ResultsWe found that CpG-proBs, adoptively transferred during the initial phase of disease, reduced the diarrhea score and mostly prevented cutaneous fibrosis. Progenitors migrated to the draining lymph nodes and to the skin where they mainly differentiated into follicular B cells. CpG activation and IFN-γ expression were required for the protective effect, which resulted in reduced CD4+ T-cell-derived production of cytokines critically involved in cGVHD, such as TGF-β, IL-13 and IL-21. Adoptive transfer increased the Tfr/Tfh ratio. Moreover, CpG-proBs privileged the accumulation of IL-10-positive CD8+ T cells, B cells and dendritic cells in the skin. ConclusionOur findings support the notion that adoptively transferred CpG-proBs provide an efficient strategy for alleviating sclerodermatous cGVHD either per se or as a beneficial adjunct to the HSC graft.
Association Between Primary School Students’ Unhealthful Behaviors and Overweight/Obesity: A Cross-Sectional Analysis in Urban Kenya
Authors: Gewa Constance A , Onyango Agatha Christine , Opiyo Rose Okoyo , Gittelsohn Joel , Cheskin Lawrence J.
Published: October 2021

Introduction

: Although obesity prevalence is known to be rising in East Africa, research on childhood obesity is still minimal. We conducted a cross-sectional study to examine the prevalence of unhealthful dietary patterns, physical activity and sleep behaviors among primary school children in two urban settings in Kenya and explored the association between the behaviors and overweight/obesity among the children.
Methods

Six public schools, with children from low-, medium- and high-income households in Nairobi and Kisumu cities were purposively selected to participate in the study. Data was collected on randomly-selected students aged 10–12 years at each school. Students’ weights, heights, waist circumferences, and tricep, bicep, subscapular and suprailiac skinfolds were measured. Body-mass-index-for-age z-scores were used to classify students into underweight, healthy weight, overweight and obese categories. Waist-circumference-to-height ratio above 0.5 was used to define abdominal obesity and the total amount of body fat was estimated from the sum of skinfold measures. Parents, with the help of their children, completed questionnaires on student’s dietary, physical activity, and sleep behaviors. Anthropometric measurements and questionnaires were available for 390 students. We utilized prevalence ratio analysis to examine the association between socio-economic/demographic characteristics, unhealthful behaviors and overweight/obesity.
Results

Overall, 21% of the students were overweight or obese and 9% of them had abdominal obesity. Median total skinfold measurements was 32.5 mm. Prevalence of unhealthful behaviors varied significantly by student’s age, gender, school income levels, city, and frequency of consumption of restaurant foods. Students who consumed less than recommended amount of fruit servings had 1.68 times the risk of being overweight/obese, 2.49 times the risk of having abdominal obesity and 1.47 times the risk of having high total skinfold values compared to students with adequate fruit intake. Students with high frequency of consumption of red/processed meats had 1.50 times the risk of being overweight/obesity compared to students with less-frequent consumption.
Conclusion

We found a rather high prevalence of unhealthful dietary behaviors among primary school students in Kenya, identified their determinants, and the association between specific behaviors and overweight/obesity. These results can guide childhood obesity prevention measures in Kenya and other nations in East Africa.
Multiple Intestinal Lymphangiomas with Episodic Hemorrhage Requiring Partial Laparoscopic Resection: A Case Report
Authors: Kondo Hiroka , Ohki Takeshi , Ogawa Shimpei , Bamba Yoshiko , Kaneko Yuka , Koshino Kurodo , Nakagawa Ryosuke , Tani Kimitaka , Maeda Fumi , Aihara Hisako , Tokito Fumiaki , Fujikawa Shuji , Omori Teppei , Onizuka Hiromi , Nagashima Yoji , Inoue Yuji , Itabashi Michio , Yamaguchi Shigeki
Published: October 2021

Background:Lymphangioma is a non-epithelial tumor marked by aggregates of abnormally dilated lymphatics. Mesenteric occurrences account for <1% of all cases, and <0.05% involve the gastrointestinal tract. Most are confined to children, rarely affecting adults. Case presentation:Herein, we describe an elderly Japanese woman with anemia, hypoalbuminemia, and episodic bleeding due to multiple intestinal lymphangiomas. Abdominal computed tomography revealed multiple low-density defects of mesentery, with areas of intermediate (T1 images) or high (T2 images) signal intensity similarly dispersed in magnetic resonance scanning sequences. Single-balloon enteroscopy was undertaken, enabling identification and tattooing of a small intestinal bleeding source. Laparoscopy-assisted resection at this site served to control related hemorrhage, removing a histologically confirmed hemolymphangioma. Having recovered uneventfully, the patient remained stable 2 months postoperatively. Conclusions:Although rare in adults, mesenteric or gastrointestinal lymphangiomas must be considered in a setting of anemia and hypoalbuminemia. Complete resection is advantageous to improve patient symptoms, but limited resection of multiple lesions may be equally effective.
Prominin-1 (PROM1) Significantly Correlated With Bone Metastasis and Influenced Prognosis in Breast Cancer
Authors: Wu Yi-nan , Yu Cheng-Cheng , Hu Kai-min , Zhang Su-zhan
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThis study aimed to explore the important biomarker associated with bone metastasis (BM) in breast cancer (BRCA).MethodsThe GSE175692 dataset was used to detect significant differential expressed genes (DEGs) between BRCA samples with or without BM, and important pathways were then explored. Further, we constructed protein-protein interaction (PPI) network on GEGs and filtered 5 vital nodes. Through performing cox regression, Kaplan-Meier analysis, nomogram, ROC curve, and risk score model, significant prognostic factor was gradually identified. Finally, gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) analysis was performed to reveal the potential mechanism.ResultsTotally, 74 DEGs were detected, which mainly correlated with infectious disease, signaling molecules and interaction. The 5 important DEGs were filtered, and cox regression further showed that prominin-1 (PROM1) and C-C Motif Chemokine Ligand 2 (CCL2) were prognosis-related factors. A negative correlation was observed between the expression of these 2 genes and the overall survival of metastatic BRCA patients. Especially, PROM1 presented a better prognostic performance on the survival probability of patients. Prognosis verification analysis also confirmed the significant influence of PROM1 on patient’s survival. In addition, we found that PROM1 expression was related to the distant metastasis-free survival in BRCA. Finally, GSEA analysis revealed that PROM1 was negatively related to IGF1 and mTOR pathways involved in BRCA metastasis. Conclusion﻿PROM1 was identified as an important DEGs associated with BRCA bone metastasis. It acted as a vital prognostic biomarker involved in BRCA metastasis, which may be due to the negative regulation of IGF1 and mTOR pathways.
Factors That Influence Contraceptive Use Among Women Aged 35 - 49 Years and Their Male Partners in Gomoa West District, Ghana: A Qualitative Study
Authors: Takyi Amy , Sato Miho , Adjabeng Michael , Smith Chris
Published: October 2021

BackgroundThe use of contraception among women aged 35 to 49 years is imperative due to the risk of unplanned pregnancy and poor obstetric outcomes. However, the use of contraceptives in this age group has been reported to be low. In Ghana, studies are limited that determine factors influencing contraception among women in this age group, in particular the influence of husbands. This study aims to ascertain factors that influence contraception among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners. ObjectivesThe objective of the study was to describe factors that influence contraceptive use among women aged 35 to 49 years and their male partners in Gomoa West District of Ghana.MethodsA total of 44 informants participated in the study. In-depth interviews were conducted remotely for 22 women, 15 male partners of women interviewed, and seven family planning service providers. 21 informants participated in four focus group discussions organized. A simple thematic analysis was undertaken. ResultsFactors that influenced the use of contraceptives were achieved desired family size, counselling by health professionals, experience and/or fear of side effects, health reasons and influence of male partner. Barriers to using modern contraceptives included religious or socio-cultural reasons, experience or fear of side effects, rumors or misconceptions, and the belief that contraceptive use is a matter for women. Conclusions﻿This study described factors that influence contraception among women 35 to 49 years and their male partners. All informants used some form of contraception. Strengthening male involvement in family planning activities and health educational activities could alleviate fear and reduce misconceptions about using modern contraceptives.
A genetic toolkit and gene switches to limit Mycoplasma growth for a synthetic vaccine chassis
Authors: Broto Alicia , Gaspari Erika , Miravet-Verde Samuel , Santos Vitor Martins dos , Isalan Mark
Published: October 2021

Mycoplasmas have exceptionally streamlined genomes and are strongly adapted to their many hosts, which provide them with essential nutrients. Owing to their relative genomic simplicity, Mycoplasmas have been used for the development of chassis to deploy tailored vaccines. However, the dearth of robust and precise toolkits for genomic manipulation and tight regulation has hindered any substantial advance. Herein we describe the construction of a robust genetic toolkit for M. pneumoniae, and its successful deployment to engineer synthetic gene switches that control and limit Mycoplasma growth, for biosafety containment applications. We found these synthetic gene circuits to be stable and robust in the long-term, in the context of a minimal cell. With this work, we lay a foundation to develop viable and robust biosafety systems to exploit a synthetic Mycoplasma chassis for live attenuated vaccines or even for live vectors for biotherapeutics.
Spectral Image Contrast Based Flow Digital Nanoplasmon-metry For Ultrasensitive Antibody Detection
Authors: Wang Sheng-Hann , Kuo Chia-Wen , Lo Shu-Cheng , Yeung Wing Kiu , Chang Ting-Wei , Wei Pei-Kuen
Published: October 2021

Background: Gold nanoparticles (AuNPs) have been widely used as local surface plasmon resonance (LSPR) immunoassay for biomolecule sensings. It is primarily based on two conventional methods - absorption spectra and colorimetric. While the low figure of merit (FoM) of the LSPR and high-concentration AuNPs requirement restrict their limit of detection (LOD), which is around ng to μg per mL in antibody detection if there is no other signal or analytes amplification. By now, the improvement of sensitivity has bogged down for years. It also reveals a great challenge of the current LSPR immunoassay in biosensing - pushing the boundary of the current LOD.Results: In this work, we developed a spectral image contrast-based flow digital nanoplasmon-metry(FDNM) to push the LOD boundary. Comparing the scattering image brightness of AuNPs in two neighboring wavelength bands near the LSPR peak, the signal of peak shift is extremely amplified and quickly detected. Introducing the digital analysis, the FDNM provides an ultra-high signal-to-noise ratio and less sample volume requirement. Compared to conventional analog LSPR immunoassay, FDNM has a LOD down to 1 pg mL-1 within only a 15-minute detection time and 500 μL sample volume. Antibody against spike proteins of SARS-CoV-2 in artificial saliva that contained various proteins was also conducted to validate the detection of FDNM in complicated samples. Of the detection, FDNM shows significant discrimination with a LOD of 10 pg mL-1 and a broad dynamic detecting range of five orders of magnitude. Conclusion: Together with the quick readout time and simple operation, this work outstandingly demonstrated the high sensitivity and selectivity of the developed FDNM in rapid antibody detection. The spectral image contrast and digital analysis further provide a new generation LSPR immunoassay of AuNPs.
A Part Per Trillion Isotope Ratio Analysis of 90Sr/88Sr using Energy-Filtered Thermal ionization mass spectrometry
Authors: Takagai Yoshitaka , Wakaki Shigeyuki , Aoki Jo , Shimode Ryoya , Suzuki Katsuhiko , Miyazaki Takashi , Roberts Jenny , Vollstaedt Hauke , Sasaki Satoshi
Published: October 2021

Strontium-90 is a major radioactive nuclide released by nuclear accidents and discharge waste. Input of such radioactive nuclide into earth surface environment causes potential threat of long-term internal exposure when taken up by organism. Rapid and precise measurement of 90Sr in variety of environmental sample is important to understand the distribution and dynamics of 90Sr in the local environment after the accident and to assess the effect of radioactive nuclide inputs on bodies. However, previous 90Sr measurement techniques have drawbacks such as long measurement times for radiometry and high detection limits for mass spectrometry. Here we present a technique to accurately measure a significantly small amount of 90Sr in natural environmental samples using an energy-filtered thermal ionization mass spectrometry. Our technique achieved a 90Sr detection limit of 0.23 ag, which corresponds to a 90Sr activity of 1.2 µBq. The detection limit was lowered by two orders of magnitude compared with the previous mass spectrometric 90Sr analyses. The ability of our technique will expand the applicability of mass spectrometric 90Sr survey not only to the rapid 90Sr survey upon nuclear accidents but also to study a long-term environmental diffusion of radioactive materials using size-limited environmental and biological samples.
Isolation and Identification of Plant Growth Promoting Rhizobacteria from Sago Palm (Metroxylon sagu, Rottb.)
Authors: Lihan Samuel , Benet Flonia , Awang Husaini Awang Ahmad Sallehin , Apun Kasing , Roslan Hairul Azman , Hassan Habsah
Published: October 2021

Plant growth promoting rhizobacteria (PGPR) are strains of naturally occurring soil bacteria that live in close vicinity to the plant’s rhizosphere region which possess the capability to augment host growth. This study was conducted to isolate and identify potential PGPR isolates indigenous to Metroxylon sagu, Rottb. rhizosphere. These potential isolates were characterised based on their beneficial plant growth promoting (PGP) properties and identified by molecular analysis via 16S rDNA sequencing. A total of 18 isolates were successfully isolated, out of which five isolates were tested, and designated as (S1A, S2B, S3A, S3C and S42). Among the five isolates, two isolates (S2B and S3C) were found to produce high levels of indole-3-acetic acid (2.96 μg/mL and 10.31 μg/mL), able to fix nitrogen and show significant activity in phosphate solubilisation. The analysis of their sequences via National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) suggested their close identity towards Lysinibacillus sphaericus and Bacillus thuringiensis. It can be concluded that the isolated PGPR possesses beneficial PGP attributes. It can be implied that the isolated PGPR are potential to be used as inoculant biofertilisers, beneficial for Metroxylon sagu, Rottb. growth. Hence, further studies need to be done to evaluate the effectiveness of the beneficial microbes towards sago seedlings growth, under pot experiment.
Preliminary Study on the Effect of Nitrogen Fertilisation on Phytochemical Content Quality of Gynura procumbens
Authors: Mohamad Bukhori Mohamad Fhaizal , Jaafar Hawa , Ghasemzadeh Ali , Sinniah Uma Rani , Karipaya Gayatri
Published: October 2021

The study was carried out to examine the effects of nitrogen (N) fertilisation on phytochemical content quality, to determine types of phytochemicals compositions, and to establish phytochemicals marker compounds in Gynura procumbens. In this two factors study, three stages of harvesting (H) time and three rates of N were laid out according to Randomised Complete Block Design (RCBD). Physiological and biochemical attributes were recorded to exhibit the trend for plant quality. The results showed that, N has affected phytochemical content significantly (p < 0.05) with stronger effect on physiological and biochemical attributes (p < 0.01). The results suggested that 0 and 90 kg/ha N, respectively are highly and least effecting the Photo, Cond, TChlC, TCC, TPrc, TLiC, TPC and TFC.
Effects of Recreational Camping on the Environmental Values of National Parks in Sri Lanka
Authors: Mallikage Shashini Tara , Perera Priyan , Newsome David , Bandara Rangika , Simpson Greg
Published: October 2021

Camping is a popular activity in the contemporary nature-based tourism domain and rapidly gaining momentum as a key recreational activity in Sri Lanka’s national parks (NPs). Recreational uses such as camping in natural areas can induce significant and often localised resource impacts that can affect soil, vegetation, wildlife and water, with the severity of such impacts varying according to the intensity of use. Hence, monitoring of the biophysical conditions of campsites has become an important component in the reserve management agenda in many places, especially in developed countries. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study to examine the biophysical impacts associated with the recreation ecology of camping in Sri Lanka. Ten campsites from three dry zone NPs were selected to assess biophysical impacts of camping activities. Field measurements were based on the fixed radial transect method. Gathered data included the total area of the campsite, erosion potential measured as the area of exposed soil (devoid of vegetation or organic litter), number of exposed roots and human damage to trees, number of fireplaces/ fire scars on the ground, visual counts of litter, soil compaction measured by penetrometer, loss of woody debris. This study reports significant levels of environmental degradation related to all the indictors of biophysical impacts at both high and low use campsites. There was no evidence for any difference in the level of environmental degradation associated with high and low use campsites. The loss of natural values associated with campsites negatively impacted visitors’ nature-based experience. These findings highlight the importance of managing biophysical impacts in campsites to provide a high-quality visitor experience, while sustainably managing tourism activities in NPs.
Coriolis force impact on lump kinematics in a grinder workspace
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Kosarev Nikolai P.
Published: October 2021

Research relevance. Currently produced rotary grinders are not efficient enough, while their efficiently is mainly characterized by the degree of fineness. This is due to sparse knowledge of the processes occurring in the counter-impact labyrinth rotor when the material is being ground, and therefore insufficient scientific substantiation of the design methods. The grinding member’s geometry and rotation speed have been set empirically according to the similarity principle, which inevitably results in grinding fineness and efficiency deviation from the set values. It seems impossible to improve the design and therefore the running efficiency of the equipment unless the kinematics of a lump in the channel of the grinder is analyzed. Particular attention should be paid to the Coriolis force impact on the kinematics of a lump. It will make it possible to scientifically substantiate the dependence between equipment design and technological parameters. Methods of research included the factor analysis, data synthesis, and methods of mathematical and physical modeling. Object of research is a rotary grinder preparing rocks for sampling. Subject of research is the workflow of the counter-impact rotary grinder. Research objective is to increase the efficiency of the ore rotary grinder by analyzing particles movement in the rotor channels. Methods of research includes the analysis of particles motion in the rotor channels using the provisions of theoretical mechanics and the theory of impact. The differential calculus acts as a mathematical apparatus. Results and summary. Based on the proposed particle motion theory analysis and qualitative representations of the processes in the rotor of the counter-impact grinder, it is essential to form the foundation to obtain quantitative dependencies for design calculations. This will improve the methods of design and construction of a new type of rotary grinder. It was found that the Coriolis force reduces the relative speed of a lump by not more than 20.3% depending on the assumptions made
Regularities in aerodynamic efficiency control for gas cooler fans
Authors:   Ural State Mining University, Makarov Nikolai V.
Published: October 2021

Research relevance. The paper establishes the regularities in the impact the geometry and structural elements of a fan system piping have on the fan system’s aerodynamic efficiency in a wide range of the specific speed variation. Objectives and methods of research. A mathematical model has been obtained for the dependence of fan system’s geometry and kinematic parameters and the aerodynamic efficiency on the specific speed. Results. It has been proved that in order to reach higher aerodynamic efficiency of fan systems, in view of the increasing specific speed of fan systems, the aerodynamic quality of the impeller blade profiles should be increased and the aerodynamic resistance of the piping elements should be reduced. It has been shown that it is possible to create a gas cooler fan system with at least 400 specific speed and at least 0.85 efficiency if the impeller profiles aerodynamic quality is more than 25, and piping drag coefficient doesn’t exceed 0.2.
Narratív interjú a pedagóguskutatásban
Authors: Bencsikné Molnár Réka , Szabolcs Éva
Published: October 2021

A tanulmány célja a narratív vizsgálódás módszertanának bemutatása, amely az elmúlt évtizedekben a különböző tudományágak széles körében jelentősen elterjedt. A tanulmány az elméleti áttekintést követően arra vállalkozik, hogy a narratív módszer alkalmazhatóságát a kvalitatív pedagóguskutatáson belül néhány példán keresztül szemléltesse, és felhívja a figyelmet arra, hogy a narratív interjúk többféle elemzési dimenziót kínálnak. A témájukat és a narratív elemzési módszertanukat tekintve sokszínű pedagóguskutatások példái alapján kirajzolódik, hogy a narratív interjús technika alkalmazhatósága sokoldalú lehetőséget nyújt a kutatók számára, továbbá a pedagóguslét megismerésének és megértésének széles horizontját nyitja meg.
REAÇÕES EM CASCATA ENZIMÁTICA, QUIMIOENZIMÁTICA E FOTOENZIMÁTICA: PERSPECTIVAS PARA UMA SÍNTESE ORGÂNICA MAIS SUSTENTÁVEL
Authors: Castilho Shirley , Milagre Humberto , Milagre Cintia
Published: October 2021

ENZYMATIC, CHEMOENZYMATIC AND PHOTOENZYMATIC CASCADE REACTIONS: PERSPECTIVES FOR A MORE SUSTAINABLE ORGANIC SYNTHESIS. Chemicals are rarely the result of a single transformation but rather the consequence of several individual reaction steps. Classically, these individual steps are carried out in sequence, including isolation and purification of the intermediate products. However, the reasons for choosing to carry out cascade reactions can be multiple, such as (i) the chance to prepare unstable and/or toxic intermediates, which are consumed directly in a subsequent step, (ii) the option to shift the equilibrium of a reaction by removing the co (product), or (iii) simply bypass the tedious work of isolating and purifying intermediates, saving reagents, solvents, time and money, and still generating less waste. Therefore, it is not surprising that so-called cascade reactions are gaining considerable interest in academic and industrial research. The purpose of this review is to show recent, promising research and new trends, the potential and current limitations of cascade reactions in organic synthesis that involves at least one enzymatic step in the cascade. This review will address cascades involving multi enzymatic, chemoenzymatic, and photoenzymatic cascades, where all steps are performed in one reaction vessel simultaneously or sequentially and the cascades in the regime of continuous flow.
Exploring behavioral determinants of handwashing with soap after defecation in an urban setting in Bangladesh: findings from a barrier analysis
Authors: Kalam Md. Abul , Davis Thomas P. , Islam Md. Ariful , Islam Shahidul , Kittle Bonnie L. , Casas Marc Pérez
Published: October 2021

Social and behavior change (SBC) has long been recognized as a necessary step in the promotion of handwashing with soap (HHWS), and identifying the barriers and enablers of this behavior are key to increasing its adoption. Based on the health belief model (HBM), the theory of reasoned action (TRA) and other behavioral models, this barrier analysis study was conducted to identify the barriers and enablers of HWWS after defecation in an urban setting in Bangladesh. We conducted interviews with 45 adults who washed their hands with soap after defecation (doers) and compared them to 45 adults who did not (non-doers). The analysis showed that the main barriers of HWWS after defecation were related to perceived self-efficacy, difficulty to remember to buy soap, access to low-cost soap, low perceived severity of diarrhea, and not believing that HWWS would reduce diarrhea. Believing that it is Allah's will when one gets diarrhea was mentioned more frequently by the non-doers, while feeling clean and keeping free from illness were reported as benefits of HWWS significantly by the doers. The results suggest that an SBC strategy that addresses these key barriers and enablers would be more effective in promoting the adoption of HWWS.