bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Staged graft replacement with thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for an extensive thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm after total arch replacement: case series
Authors: Yoshida Kazufumi , Nakamura Ken , Ishigami Masanosuke , Kinoshita Makoto , Koyama Tadaaki
Published: July 2021

BackgroundOpen surgery for thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm is highly invasive. Staged repair for extensive TAAA is effective because it has low morbidity and mortality, and preserves spinal cord perfusion. An initial total arch replacement can create a proximal landing zone for thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair.Case presentationWe performed a staged hybrid thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysm repair after total arch replacement, which consisted of a primary open repair procedure that converted Crawford Extent I and II thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms into Crawford Extent III and IV thoracoabdominal aortic aneurysms, and a secondary thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair for the residual lesions for four patients. No spinal cord injury was observed. In one patient, the residual descending aortic aneurysm ruptured six months after the primary open surgery.ConclusionsOverall, staged hybrid repair is effective and shows low morbidity and mortality. Secondary thoracic endovascular aneurysm repair should be performed as soon as possible to reduce the risk of residual aneurysm rupture.
The Implications of Treatment Delays In Adjuvant Therapy For Resected Cholangiocarcinoma Patients
Authors: Parsons Matthew , Lloyd Shane , Johnson Skyler , Scaife Courtney , Soares Heloisa , Kim Rebecca , Kim Robin , Garrido-Laguna Ignacio , Tao Randa
Published: July 2021

Purpose: To understand factors associated with timing of adjuvant therapy for cholangiocarcinoma and the impact of delays on overall survival (OS).Methods: Data from the National Cancer Database (NCDB) for patients with non-metastatic bile duct cancer from 2004 to 2015 were analyzed. Patients were included only if they underwent surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (RT). Patients who underwent neoadjuvant or palliative treatments were excluded. Pearson’s chi-squared test and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to assess the distribution of demographic, clinical, and treatment factors. After propensity-score matching with inverse probability of treatment weighting, OS was compared between patients initiating therapy past various time points using Kaplan Meier analyses and doubly-robust estimation with multivariate Cox proportional hazards modeling.Results: In total, 7,733 of 17,363 (45%) patients underwent adjuvant treatment. The median time to adjuvant therapy initiation was 59 days (interquartile range 45-78 days). Age over 65, black and Hispanic race, and treatment with RT alone were associated with later initiation of adjuvant treatment. Patients with larger tumors and high grade disease were more likely to initiate treatment early. After propensity score weighting, there was an OS decrement to initiation of treatment beyond the median of 59 days after surgery. Conclusions: We identified characteristics that are related to the timing of adjuvant therapy in patients with biliary cancers. There was an OS decrement associated with delays beyond the median time point of 59 days. This finding may be especially relevant given the treatment delays seen as a result of COVID-19.
Sustainable Functional Finishing For Cotton Fabrics Using Chestnut Shell Extract
Authors: Hong Kyung Hwa
Published: July 2021

Owing to global environmental concerns, sustainable industrial processes have become a topic of significant importance in various fields. Chestnut shells are byproducts of agricultural and food industries; however, they include various health-beneficial compounds such as polyphenols and flavonoids. In this study, the feasibility of using chestnut shell extract as a natural functional agent for textile finishing processes was investigated. The chestnut shell extract was prepared by boiling the inner and outer shells of chestnut in distilled water for 4 h. Subsequently, the extract was filtered, centrifuged, concentrated, and finally dried into powder form using a freeze dryer. The extract was then dissolved in distilled water at different concentrations and applied to cotton fabrics through a pad-dry-cure process. The finished cotton fabrics were investigated by scanning electron microscope, Fourier-transform infrared spectroscopy, etc. In addition, the antibacterial and antioxidant properties of the finished cotton fabrics were examined as functional properties. The results showed that the cotton fabrics finished by chestnut shell extract exhibited significant antibacterial, antioxidant, and deodorant properties when the concentration of the chestnut shell extract was above 10 wt% in the finishing bath.
Effect of Self-Compassion Training Combined With Core Stability Exercise For Patients With Non-Specific Chronic Low Back Pain: Study Protocol For A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Zheng Fuming , Xiao Weihui , Yang Jiajia , Liu Shufeng , Zheng Yiyi , Liang Wenjian , Li Yan , Li Zhicheng , Zhang Siyun , Zou Yingmin , Wang Yuyin , Wang Chuhuai
Published: July 2021

Background: Non-specific chronic low back pain (NCLBP) has a high incidence, which has a significant impact on a patient's body and mind, and is a common condition affecting people's quality of life. Core Stability Exercise (CSE) is a modestly effective treatment for NCLBP; however, NCLBP has only been shown to be a useful treatment option in the short-term. Many clinical practice guidelines recommend the use of a biopsychosocial framework to guide management of NCLBP. Self-Compassion Training（SCT）is a promising psychotherapy treatment option for NCLBP; however, there is still a lack of research on CSE combined with SCT. In this study, we will seek to determine whether CSE combined with SCT is an effective treatment option for patients with NCLBP compared to CSE alone.Methods: In this study, we will randomize 60 adults with NCLBP to a combined SCT and CSE arm or a CSE alone arm (30 participants per group). Both interventions will consist of four weekly 1.5-hour group sessions of CSE supplemented by home practice. The combined group protocol also includes 2 hours of SCT before CSE. Interviewers masked to the treatment assignments will assess outcomes at 4 and 12 weeks post-randomization. The primary outcomes will be back pain disability (based on the Roland-Morris Disability Questionnaire) and Pain intensity (NRS; average pain, worst pain, average pain) at 12 weeks.Discussion: If SCT is found to enhance the effectiveness of CSE for patients with chronic back pain, the results of the study may promote the development of mind–body therapies for chronic low back pain.Trial registration: The trial was prospectively registered with the Chinese Clinical Trials Registry Number:ChiCTR2100042810 .Registered on 21 Jan 2021.
Spirometric Reference Equations For Cameroonians Aged 4 To 89 Years Derived Using Lambda, Mu, Sigma (LMS) Method
Authors: Pefura-Yone Eric Walter , Balkisssou Adamou Dodo , Poka-Mayap Virginie , Djenabou Amadou , Massongo Massongo , Nguetsa Arsene Ofimboudem , Mayoh-Nguemfo Catherine Fanny , Tsala Antoinette Ghislaine , Hadjara Halidou , Amougou Francine
Published: July 2021

Background: Spirometric reference values ​​are well known in several ethnic groups but the normative spirometric values ​​of blacks living in Africa have been less studied. The purpose of this study is to establish normative spirometric equations from a representative population of Cameroonian children and adults and compare these equations with those developed by Global Lung Initiative (GLI) and in Nigerians.Methods: Spirometric data from healthy Cameroonians aged 4 to 89 years randomly collected between 2014 and 2018 were used to derive reference equations using generalized additive model for location (mu), shape (lambda) and scale (sigma).Results: A total of 625 children and adolescents (290 males and 335 females) and 1152 adults (552 males and 600 females) were included in the study. The prediction equation for any spirometric index was written as: M = Exp[a0 + a1*ln (Height) + a2*ln (Age) + Mspline, Mspline was age related spline contribution]. Applying the GLI standards for African Americans results in overall values ​​greater than those found in our study for forced expiratory volume in 1 s (FEV1) and forced vital capacity (FVC). These values ​​were very close in children and adolescents while the values ​​obtained with the GLI equations for African Americans were significantly higher in adults. FEV1/FVC ratio in our study was similar for adult males but lower in adult females (88% vs 85%, difference = + 3.5%) when applying Nigerian standards. Conclusions: FEV1 and FVC of the Cameroonian population are very close to those of black American children and adolescents. However, FEV1 and FVC of Cameroonian adults are significantly lower than those of black American adults. These equations should allow a more suitable interpretation of spirometry in the Cameroonian population.
Influence Factors of Sternal Healing and Comparison of Different Sternal Closure Methods：A Retrospective Analysis
Authors: Long Xuanren , Mei Kun , Qian Yongxiang , Zhang Xiaoyin , Wang Bin , Di Dongmei
Published: July 2021

Background

We determined the factors affecting sternum healing after a median sternotomy based on a retrospective analysis and compared the stability of different sternal closure techniques.
Methods

We collected information involving patients who underwent a median sternotomy in Changzhou First Hospital from 2014–2019 and had chest CT examinations 1–24 months postoperative, Main outcome includes the average of sternal healing score at the five specific anatomic levels and the adverse event of transverse displacement of sternum.
Results

In the short term healing group, Sternal score was only correlated with postoperative time (HR = 0.18, 95%CI:0.135–0.225, p < 0.001). In the long term healing group,old people had a higher risk of poor sternal healing than young (Age, HR=-0.028,95%CI:-0.05,-0.006, p = 0.013). Patients with left internal mammary artery grafting (LIMAG) had a high risk of poor sternal healing (HR=-0.444, CI:-0.869-0.019, p = 0.045).By binary logistic regression, It could be found that steel wire fixation was a favorable factor to prevent the transverse displacement of sternum (HR = 0.122, 95%CI:0.007–0.651, p = 0.047).
Conclusion

In summary, advanced age and internal mammary artery interception are risk factors that affect sternal healing based on imaging findings. this new method of sternal closure provides an effective way of ensuring sternal stability of both sternal plates and reduces the risk for complication after cardiac surgery in high-risk patients.
miR-3587 Targets HMOX1 to Attenuate Ferroptotic Renal Injury Following Ischemia-Reperfusion
Authors: Tao Wenqiang , Liu Fen , Zhang Jianguo , Fu Shangmiao , Zhan Hui , Qian Kejian
Published: July 2021

Renal ischemia-reperfusion (IR) is frequently observed in patients who are critically ill, yet there are no reliable or effective approaches to treating this condition. This study aimed to investigate the miRNA-mRNA regulatory networks that are involved in IR-related ferroptotic renal injury. Bioinformatics method was used to screen critical hub gene and its upstream miRNA from Renal IR-related data sets in Gene Expression Omnibus, and further experiments were conducted to verify the regulatory effect of miRNA on critical hub gene. Heme oxygenase-1 (HMOX1) was identified as a critical hub gene that was found to be significantly upregulated during the early stages of renal IR injury. miR-3587 was identified as a putative regulator of HMOX1. When a miR-3587 inhibitor was applied in a hypoxia-reoxygenation model system using renal tubular epithelial cells, HMOX1 expression was significantly increased relative to that observed in the control hypoxia-reoxygenation group, with concomitant increases in glutathione peroxidase 4 (GPX4) protein levels, enhanced cell viability, a reduction in malondialdehyde content, and the restoration of normal mitochondrial membrane potential. Preliminary evidence suggests that utilizing miR-3587 inhibitors can further promote HMOX1 upregulation, thereby protecting renal tissues from IR-induced ferroptosis.
Activation of Three Major Signaling Pathways After Endurance Training And Spinal Cord Injury
Authors: Bimbova Katarina , Bacova Maria , Kisucka Alexandra , Galik Jan , Zavacky Peter , Lukacova Nadezda
Published: July 2021

We aimed to investigate the effects of endurance training on expression of growth factors (GFs) and stimulation of neurotrophin-dependent signaling pathways (PI3k/Akt, PLCγ/PKC, PLCγ/CAMKII, Ras-Erk1/2 and Rac1-Cdc42) responsible for neuroplasticity, neuroregeneration, survival and growth after spinal cord injury (SCI). Wistar rats were divided into four groups: i) intact controls; ii) six weeks of endurance training; iii) SCI; iv) pre-training + SCI. The animals survived for six weeks after SCI. Firstly, endurance training markedly up-regulated mRNA expression and protein levels (up to four times) of growth factors (BDNF, GDNF) and their receptors (TrkB, Gfrα) in low thoracic segments (Th8-Th10) compared to levels in untrained animals. Secondly, we found that spontaneous neuroplasticity seen in the SCI alone group was GF-specific and was activated through both PLCγ-PKC and PLC-CAMKII signaling pathways. In addition, training prior to SCI markedly increased the activity of PLCγ-PKC signaling at both transcript and protein levels at and around the lesion site. Similar effects were seen in expression of PI3/Akt and Ras/Erk1/2 signaling responsible for cell survival and regeneration. Thirdly, rats which underwent physical activity prior to SCI were more active and had significantly better neurological scores at the 14th and 42nd days of survival. These results suggest that regular physical activity could play an important role after SCI, as it maintains increased expression of GFs in spinal cord tissue six weeks post-SCI. The BDNF- and/or BDNF+GDNF-dependent signaling pathways were significantly affected in pre-trained SCI animals. In contrast, GDNF-dependent Rac1-Cdc42 signaling was not involved in training-affected SCI response.
Study Protocol: A Pilot Randomized Control Trial of A Dyadic Mobile Health Intervention for Black Sexual-Minority Male Couples with HIV
Authors: Kim Hyunjin Cindy , Pollack Lance M , Saberi Parya , Neilands Torsten B , Arnold Emily A , Bright Darius J , III Robert W Williams , Kegeles Susan , Tan Judy Y.
Published: July 2021

Background: HIV care engagement is lower among Black sexual-minority men relative to other racial/ethnic groups of sexual minority men. Being in a primary relationship is generally associated with more successful HIV care engagement across various populations. However, among Black sexual-minority men, the association between primary-relationship status and HIV-related outcomes is inconsistent across the HIV care continuum. Given the ubiquity of mobile technology access and use among racial/ethnic minority communities, leveraging mobile technology for HIV care engagement appears a promising intervention strategy. This paper outlines the protocol of the LetSync study, a pilot randomized-controlled trial of an mHealth app intervention developed using the Framework of Dyadic HIV Care Engagement to improve care-engagement outcomes among Black sexual-minority male couples living with HIV.Methods/Design: Eighty Black sexual-minority men in couples (n= 160) will be enrolled to pilot test the LetSync app. At least one member of each dyad must be both HIV-positive and self-identify as Black/African American. Couples will be randomized to either a waitlist-control arm or an intervention that uses relationship-based approach to improve HIV care engagement. We will assess feasibility and acceptability of trial procedures and intervention protocols based on pre-defined metrics of feasibility and acceptability. Execution of the study will yield the opportunity to conduct analyses to test the measurement and analysis protocol on antiretroviral therapy (ART) adherence by comparing the intervention and waitlist-control arms on self-reported and biological (hair sample) measures of adherence. Discussion: Limited prior research suggests that mobile-health technology could be a promising approach to improving HIV care engagement among Black sexual-minority men. The LetSync intervention harnesses relationship dynamics to facilitate improvement in HIV care engagement by focusing on dyadically developed and jointly executed strategies for dealing with issues related to HIV care engagement among Black sexual-minority men in couples.Trial RegistrationThe study was registered on ClinicalTrials.gov (NCT04951544) on July 7, 2021.
Inter-Annual Climate Differences Supersede Grazing Effects on the Anatomy and Physiology of a Dominant Grass Species.
Authors: Bachle Seton , Nippert Jesse B
Published: July 2021

Grassland ecosystems are historically shaped by climate, fire, and grazing as essential ecological drivers. These grassland drivers influence morphology and productivity via physiological processes, resulting in unique water and carbon use strategies among species and populations. Leaf-level physiological responses in plants are framed by the underlying microanatomy, previously shown to reflect patterns of carbon assimilation and water-use in leaf tissues. However, the magnitude to which microanatomy and physiology are impacted by grassland drivers, remains unstudied. To address this knowledge gap, we sampled from three locations along a latitudinal gradient in the mesic grassland region of the central Great Plains, USA during the 2018 and 2019 growing seasons. We measured annual biomass and forage quality at the plot level, while collecting physiological and microanatomical traits at the leaf-level in cattle grazed and ungrazed locations at each site. Leaf-level measurements were focused on the dominant grass species Andropogon gerardii (big bluestem) because of its high abundance, continental-scale distribution, and forage value. The two sampling seasons received markedly different levels of precipitation: drought conditions in 2018 and excessive early season precipitation in 2019. Ambient drought conditions negatively impacted A. gerardii physiology and drastically reduced productivity regardless of grazing. Leaf-level microanatomical traits, particularly those associated with water-use, varied within and across locations and between years. Our results highlight how trait plasticity can serve as an important tool for predicting future grassland responses to climate change and variable disturbances. Specifically, climate played a stronger role than grazing in shaping above-ground processes in microanatomy and physiology.
Optimization of IL-1Ra Structure to Achieve a Smaller Protein with a Higher Affinity to its Receptor
Authors: Barkestani Mahsa Nouri , NASERIAN Sina , KHODAM Elnaz , KHEZRI Jafar , SHAMDANI Sara , BAMBAI Bijan
Published: July 2021

Background: Interleukine-1 family cytokines are key orchestrators of innate and adaptive immunity. In particular, up-regulation of IL-1R1 via its agonistic ligands consisted of IL-1β and IL-1α is implicated in a variety of human diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis, psoriasis, type I diabetes, amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, and dry-eye disease. Until now, there are no small-molecule inhibitors of the IL-1R1 with increased antagonistic potency to be used for the treatment of peripheral inflammation. The objective of this study was to engineer a low-molecular-weight version of IL-1Ra with increased affinity and enhanced antagonistic activity for potential therapeutic use. Methods: To develop a smaller protein-ligand with a better affinity to IL-1R, we used bioinformatics studies and in silico simulations to anticipate non-binding areas on IL-1Ra.Results: We have successfully reduced the size IL-1Ra to a 110-amino-acid protein which at the same time confers a higher affinity for its receptor, IL-1R1, than its wild-type counterpart. This truncated antagonist displays structural stability and flexibility to the sequence alteration that can be exploited for other β-trefoil family proteins.Conclusions: These findings should have an impact on the development of new treatments that block IL-1 signaling, although more research is needed in vitro and in vivo.
In situ determination of the extreme damage resistance behavior in stomatopod dactyl club
Authors: Dong Zheng , Chen S. , Gupta Himadri , Zhao Xiaoyi , Yang Yiming , Chang Guangcai , Xue Jian , Zhang Yiyang , Luo S. N. , Dong Yuhui , Zhang Yi
Published: July 2021

The structure and mechanical properties of the stomatopod dactyl club have been extensively studied for its extreme impact tolerance, but a systematic, in situ, investigation on the multiscale mechanical responses under high-speed impact has not been reported. Here we reveal the full dynamic deformation and crack evolution process within projectile impacted dactyl using combined fast 2D x-ray imaging and high resolution ex-situ tomography We show hydration states can result in significantly different toughening mechanisms inside dactyl under dynamic loading. We find a previously unreported 3D interlocking structural design in the impact surface and impact region using nano x-ray tomography (nano-CT). Experimental results and dynamic finite element modeling (DFEM) suggest this unique structure plays an important role in resisting catastrophic structure damage and hindering crack propagation. Our work will help to understand the key toughening strategies of biological materials and provide valuable information for biomimetic manufacturing of impact resistant materials in general.
Effect of The Tea Tree Oil on Meat Quality, Antioxidant Status, and Serum Biochemical Indices in Finishing Pigs
Authors: Yang Tianyu , Feng feifei , Zhan Kang , Ma Xiaoyu , Jiang Miaocheng , Datsomor Osmond , Zhu Xinyu , Huo Yongjiu , Zhao Guoqi
Published: July 2021

Background: The increase use of antibiotics continues to posse a threat to public health due to the increasing concern of antibiotic residue. Tea tree oil [TTO] is an extract of the Australian plant Melaleuca alternifolia with anti-inflammatory and anti-oxidant properties. However, there is little information on TTO supplementation on the diet of finishing pigs. Hence, the aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of TTO supplemented diets on serum biochemical indices, fatty acid composition, the mRNA expression of genes, and antioxidant capability in finishing pigs. Results: Our results showed that TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) the mRNA expression of insulin-like growth factors -I (IGF-I), growth acceleration hormone [GH] and heart fatty acid binding protein (H-FABP), while the mRNA expression of myostatin gene (MSTN) and calpain-1 (CAST) decreased by TTO supplementation, compared with control group. In addition, TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP), immunoglobulin G (IgG), and IgM levels but decreased (P < 0.05) serum aspartate transaminase (AST) concentration, relative to controls. The TTO supplementation increased (P < 0.05) C18:2n6t concentration and decreased (P < 0.05) C12:0 and C16:0 concentration, relative to control group. Dietary supplementation with TTO decreased (P < 0.05) malondialdehyde (MDA) and increased (P < 0.05) glutathione peroxidase (GSH-Px) activity in serum. Compared with control group, TTO supplementation at 200mg/kg increased (P < 0.05) GSH-Px activity in LD muscle.Conclusions: These results indicated that TTO supplementation could improve serum biochemical indices, fatty acid contents, the relative mRNA of expression, and antioxidant capacity of finishing pigs. Therefore, TTO has potential positive effects as a feed additive in pigs industry.
Evaluation of the Hypothalamic Kisspeptin System Throughout the Estrous Cycle in Gilts.
Authors: Clapper Jeffrey , Jolitz Eric , Dhillo Waljit
Published: July 2021

Background: Kisspeptin has been demonstrated to affect reproductive cyclicity and the attainment of puberty in multiple species, presumably through its actions on gonadotropin releasing hormone and luteinizing hormone. Kisspeptin administration causes increased plasma concentrations of LH in pigs, sheep, and rats. The objective of this experiment was to evaluate changes in the hypothalamic kisspeptin system throughout the estrous cycle in gilts.Methods: Forty crossbred gilts (191 d, 121 kg) were administered an intramuscular injection of PG600. Twelve days after the administration of PG600, gilts were fed 15 mg of altrenogest daily for 15 d to synchronize estrus. Following estrus synchronization, estrus detection was performed by exposing gilts to a mature boar and the first day gilts stood immobile was denoted d 1 of the estrous cycle. Blood samples were collected via jugular venipuncture on d 1, 4, 7, 9, 14, 16, and 19 of the estrous cycle. Ten animals were slaughtered on d 1, 9, 14, and 21 of the estrous cycle when medial basal hypothalami, anterior pituitary glands, and blood were collected. Relative expression of hypothalamic kisspeptin (KISS1), kisspeptin receptor (KISS1R), estrogen receptors-α, anterior pituitary gland GnRH receptor and -β, β-actin and GAPDH was determined using real-time reverse transcriptase PCR. Fold changes in relative expression were determined using the Relative Expression Software Tool.Results: Relative expression of KISS1 was increased (P=0.006) 3.2 fold on d 1 versus d 21 and 2.3 fold (P=0.003) on d 9 versus d 21 of the estrous cycle. Relative expression of KISS1 was not different (P>0.05) among the remaining days of the estrous cycle. Relative expression of estrogen receptor-b was decreased (P=0.05) 0.8 fold on d 9 versus d 21 and (P=0.005) 0.7 fold on d 14 versus d 21. Relative expression of anterior pituitary gland GnRH receptor was increased (P<0.01) on d 1 and 21 versus d 9 and 14. Relative expression of estrogen receptor-b was not different (P>0.05) among the remaining days. Relative expression of KISS1R and estrogen receptor-a were each not different (P>0.05) among days of the estrous cycle.Conclusions: These data support the notion that medial basal hypothalamic expression of KISS1 changes throughout the estrous cycle and may influence reproductive cyclicity in the gilt.
The Impact of Hormone Receptor Testing on Breast Cancer Treatment in Dar es Salaam, Tanzania
Authors: Habila Magdiel , Segar Jennifer , Msami Khadija , Mwaiselage Julius , Sullivan Taylor , Trejo Mario , Jacobs Elizabeth , Bishop Maria , Soliman Amr
Published: July 2021

BackgroundHormone receptor (HR) testing was not available for tailoring treatment of breast cancer in Tanzania until 2015. The aim of this study was to compare effect of introducing HR testing on breast cancer treatment in Tanzania. MethodsThis retrospective study included 2 groups of breast cancer patients treated at Ocean Road Cancer Institute (ORCI) before introducing HR (2007-2009 and 2014 – 685 patients), and after HR introduction (2015-2017 –765 patients). Demographic, epidemiologic and clinical data were abstracted from the medical records of patients. Chi-Square and Wilcoxon rank sum analyses were used to compare treatment in the two periods. ResultsStage at diagnosis did not differ significantly by ER status (12.4% vs. 7.3%, stages I and II combined, 13.4% vs. 19.3% for stage III, and 30.7% vs 37.0% for stage IV with p-values of 0.08, 0.21, and 0.44, respectively). The proportion of patients who received both neoadjuvant chemotherapy alone (29.2% vs 28.1%) and adjuvant chemotherapy (53.5% vs 48.4%) did not differ significantly by ER status, (p=0.64 and p=0.29, respectively). After implementing ER testing, the proportion of patients who did not receive radiotherapy differed by ER status (43.6% vs 32.8%, p=0.04). Furthermore, approximately 13% of ER-negative patients received endocrine therapy, compared to 60% of ER positive patients (p < 0.0001).DiscussionThese finding suggest that there have been significant changes in breast cancer treatment practices since the introduction of hormone receptor testing. However, further research is needed to determine how hormone receptor status can be used to optimize standardized treatment protocols for patients diagnosed with breast cancer in Tanzania and other low-income countries that are taking steps to improve their breast cancer management practices and protocols.
Lockdowns Lose One Third of Their Impact on Mobility in a Month
Authors: Joshi Yogesh , Musalem Andres
Published: July 2021

As the novel coronavirus (COVID‐19) pandemic spread across the world over the past year, many countries imposed lockdowns in the form of stay at home requirements on their citizens to mitigate its spread. We analyze mobility data from 93 countries implementing lockdowns to investigate their effectiveness in immediately reducing mobility and the subsequent evolution of mobility. We find that at the start of a lockdown, median mobility is reduced to 36% below the baseline, and by another 18% in the subsequent two weeks. 70 countries had lockdowns lasting beyond four weeks and showed a significant reduction in mobility compared to that prior to the lockdown. Mobility was at its minimum 18 days into the lockdown for the median country. Comparing this minimum mobility to the average mobility two weeks before the lockdown, we observe a median reduction of 50 percentage points, evidencing that lockdowns are effective in reducing mobility. For 59 of these 70 countries, lockdowns lasted at least four weeks after reaching minimum mobility and most observed a significant rebound in mobility during the lockdown period. For the median country, 30.1% of the mobility reduction achieved is lost within four weeks, and lockdowns lose all their effectiveness in 112.1 days. Overall, our findings show that while lockdowns are effective at significantly reducing mobility, they are also subject to fatigue as the lockdown periods extend longer. The magnitude of lockdown reductions achieved and fatigues reported in this research can help policy makers anticipate the likely longevity of their lockdown policies and help them become more effective by accounting for lockdown fatigue.
Controlled Release 7-methoxytacrine-polycaprolactone Nanocapsules Drug-delivery System for Alzheimer's Disease Treatment: Synthesis and Physico-chemical Characterization
Authors: Mahmoudi Masomeh , Saeidian Hamid , Mirjafary Zohreh , Mokhtari Javad
Published: July 2021

Alzheimer’s disease is the most prevalent cause of dementia in aging people. 7-Methoxytacrine (7-MEOTA) is one of the approved drugs for the treatment of this disease. In the current study, a 7-MEOTA delivery system has been prepared based on the polycaprolactone nanocapsules (7-MEOTA@PCL) and its physico-chemical properties were investigated as well. The drug amount loaded in nanocapsules has been estimated 65%. The average particle size of the 7-MEOTA@PCL nanocapsules was around 237 nm with polydispersity index of 0.31 and negative surface charge (-21.2 mV). The prepared nanoparticles are stable upon 40 days storage at 25 °C, without any decomposition. The morphological analysis of the 7-MEOTA@PCL nanoparticles indicated that the nanoparticles are spherical, and free of any aggregation. In vitro release experiments revealed controlled release of the 7-MEOTA from the polycaprolactone nanocapsules. Application of the Korsmeyer-Peppas model to the release kinetics data showed that the release of the drug was by diffusion Fick’s law.
Mathematical Epidemiological Model of the Propagation and Prevention of Infectious Diseases Considering COVID-19 Vaccination
Authors: Omata Kazumi , Mitsuya Hiroaki
Published: July 2021

The duration of the necessity of current restrictions and preventive countermeasures against the COVID-19 pandemic is of great concern. While several previous epidemiological studies have discussed controlling the course of the epidemic with regard to social distancing, vaccination, care capacities, and future scenarios, we adopt an alternative approach to provide insights into the time scale of epidemic propagation in human populations. We show that the reproduction number modified by preventive countermeasures Rm implies a threshold R~m to reach the herd immunity level at time Th. While Th varies moderately for large Rm, it increases sharply around Rm=R~m, and Th is infinite below Rm=R~m. The transition region for this increase is minute, demonstrating that prevention of infectious diseases must consider the relatively asymptotic nature of their propagation, which varies unpredictably between steady transmission and explosive outbreaks. These results suggest the continuation of preventive countermeasures to suppress the transmission of COVID-19 for many years; if they were discontinued or reduced such that Rm exceeded R~m, the disease would be transmitted throughout the considered community, and the required herd immunity level would be reached within 250 days if Rm > 1.6. However, the implementation of vaccination programs could drastically alter this dynamic.
Water Management and Crop Resistant Varieties Adaptation Due to Climate Change By Farmers
Authors: TOWOLAWI Adeleke Taofik , Oguntoke Olusegun , Bada Babatunde S. , Adejuwon Joseph O.
Published: July 2021

The threats of climate change on agricultural systems, water availability and crop performance put pressure on food security and zero hunger. The effects call for multifaceted mitigation and necessitate this research to investigate water management (W.M.) and crop varieties (CRV) adaptation being used by the rain-fed farmers that have the records of yearly high agricultural produce. The research distributed 1600 copies of pretested questionnaire across four (Benue, Edo, Niger and Ondo) states in Nigeria through the national Agricultural Development Programmes offices. The retrieved copies were coded in Excel spreadsheet, descriptively analysed in SPSS v23 and subjected to multiple regression analysis. The results indicated that three W.M. (riverside cultivation, irrigation practising and mulching) entered the Benue model but each for Ondo, Edo and Niger, respectively. All the CRV (SDT: selecting different technology, HYV: high yielding varieties, WRV: water-resistant varieties, DRV: drought-resistant varieties except DiRV: disease-resistant varieties) entered the Benue model, but DRV for Edo, WRV and DRV for Niger while DiRV for Ondo. General data of each state was significant (p < 0.05). Benin and Niger States had the highest variance (12.5 % W.M. and 21.7 % CRV). Durbin-Watson value < 2 indicated positive autocorrelation. Mulching worked best for farmers across the states while WRV and DRV were not in Ondo and Edo. Choice of W.M. and CRV differed across the study states and the research would suggest different climate change adaptation for farmers on both water management and crop varieties.
Co-designing New Tools for Collecting, Analysing and Presenting Patient Experience Data in NHS Services: Working in Partnership With Patients and Carers
Authors: Small Nicola , Ong Bie Nio , Lewis Annmarie , Allen Dawn , Bagshaw Nigel , Nahar Papreen , Sanders Caroline
Published: July 2021

Background: The way we collect and use patient experience data is vital to optimise the quality and safety of health services. Yet, vulnerable patients and carers may be excluded because of the limited ways data is collected, analysed and presented. In this study, we worked together with researchers, staff, patient and carer participants, and patient and public involvement and engagement (PPIE) contributors to co-design new tools for the collection and use of patient experience data in multiple health settings. This paper outlines how the range of PPIE and research activities enabled the co-design of new tools to collect patient experience data.Methods: Eight public contributors represented a range of relevant patient and carer experiences in specialist services with varied levels of PPIE experience, and eleven members of Patient and Participation Groups (PPGs) from two general practices formed our PPIE group. Slide sets were used to trigger discussions and facilitate co-design with patient and carer research participants. Feedback from PPIE contributors alongside verbatim quotes from staff, patient and carer research participants is presented in relation to the themes from the qualitative research data. Results: PPIE insights from four themes: capturing experience data; adopting digital or non-digital tools; ensuring privacy and confidentiality; and co-design of a suite of new tools with guidance, informed joint decisions on the shaping of the tools and how these were implemented. Our PPIE contributors took different roles during co-design and testing of the new tools, which supported co-production of the research study. Conclusions: Our experiences of developing multiple components of PPIE work for this complex study demonstrates the importance of tailoring PPIE to suit different settings, and to maximise individual strengths and capacity. Our study shows the value of bringing diverse experiences together, and a shared approach to managing involvement in co-design. We reflect on how we managed to work together to create a supportive environment when unforeseen challenges emerged (such as, sudden bereavement).
Research on the Flow Experience of Tai Chi Chuan
Authors: Zhang Ying , Feng Yang , Song Lin
Published: July 2021

(1) ObjectivesTai Chi Chuan has substantial benefits of strengthening the body, helping people to maintain a high level of energy, etc. In this paper, we investigated the experience and psychology state of Tai Chi Chuan exercise.(2) Equipment and methodsBased on flow theory, we used semi-structured interviews and Chinese flow state scale 2 (CFSS2) to study the experience and psychology state of college students exercising Tai Chi Chuan. (3) ResultsIn the process of Tai Chi Chuan, there did exist flow experience or a similar mental state. The score of "autotelic experience " dimension increased with exercise years increased, and the increasing time spent on Tai Chi Chuan after class was positively related to the score of "action-awareness merging " and "concentration on the task at hand "dimension. Also, an interaction effect was found.
A Numerical Study on the Effect of CO2 Addition for Methane Explosion Reaction Kinetics in Confined Space
Authors: Wang Jingyan , Liang Yuntao , Tian Fuchao , Chen Chengfeng
Published: July 2021

To explore the influence of the CO2 volume fraction on methane explosion in a confined space over wide equivalent ratios, the explosion temperature, the explosion pressure, the concentration of the important free radicals, and the concentration of the disastrous gas generated after the explosion in a confined space were studied. Meanwhile, the elementary reaction steps dominating the gas explosion were identified through the sensitivity analysis. With the increase of the CO2 volume fraction, the explosion time prolongs, and the explosion pressure and temperature decrease monotonously. Moreover, the concentrations of the investigated free radicals also decrease as the increase of the CO2 volume fraction. For the disastrous gas, the concentration of the gas product CO increases and the concentrations of CO2, NO, and NO2 decrease as the volume fraction of CO2 increases. When 7% methane is added with 10% CO2, the increase rate of CO is 76%, and the decrease rates of CO2, NO, and NO2 are 27%, 37%, and 39%, respectively. If the volume fraction of CO2 is constant, the larger the volume fraction of methane in the blend gas, the greater the mole fraction of radical H and the lower the mole fraction of radical O. For radical OH, its mole fraction first increases, and then decreases with the location of peak value of 9.5%, while the CO concentration increases with the increase of the methane concentration. For all the investigated volume fraction of methane, the addition of CO2 reduces the sensitivity coefficients of each key elementary reaction step, and the sensitivity coefficient of reaction promoting methane consumption decreases faster than that of the reaction inhibit methane consumption, which indicates that the addition of CO2 effectively suppresses the methane explosion.
Water Cavitation From Ambient to High Temperatures
Authors: Magaletti Francesco , Gallo Mirko , Casciola Carlo Massimo
Published: July 2021

Cavitation is a ubiquitous phenomenon which is in principle well understood. However predicting its occurrence has proved a formidable task, particularly for the most common case of water, even for the simplest, homogeneous, conditions. Experimentally, the main difficulty is related to the unavoidable contamination of the sample, whose purity is difficult to control. Nevertheless there is nowadays substantial consensus on the remarkable tensile strength of water, on the order of-120 MPa at ambient conditions. Many factors concur in making the theoretical predictions even more difficult. The reference theory is the classical nucleation theory which leads, though the adaptation of Kramers’s theory of chemical reactions, to a qualitatively correct description. As recently pointed out, accounting for the surface tension dependence on the interface curvature may lead to a much better correspondence with experiments. Nevertheless the prediction still depends on elaborate fitting procedures based on data from model-fluid molecular dynamics simulations. Here a self-contained model is discussed which is shown able to accurately reproduce cavitation data for water over the most extended range of temperatures for which accurate experiments are available. The computations are based on a diffuse interface model which, as only inputs, requires a reliable equation of state for bulk free energy and interfacial tension of the water-vapor system combined with rare event techniques.
Fluorescent and Colorimetric RT-LAMP as a Rapid and Specific Qualitative Method for Chronic Myeloid Leukemia Diagnosis
Authors: Aoki Mateus Nóbrega , Marin Anelis Maria , Zanette Dalila Luciola , Nardin Jeanine Marie , Munhoz Eduardo Cilião , Blanes Lucas , Munhoz Francielle Boçon de Araújo , Coelho Bruna de Oliveira
Published: July 2021

The detection of BCR-ABL1 mRNA transcripts is essential to molecular chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) diagnosis. In most cases, the RT-qPCR technique is performed as the gold standard diagnosis tool for clinical cases. However, this method requires expensive reagents and equipment, such as a real-time thermal cycler, probes and master mix. Consequently, the development and validation of simple and low-cost methods are essential for a rapid CML diagnosis in less specialized and equipped centers. In this study, we develop and demonstrate an accessible, rapid, and low-cost method using RT-LAMP for BCR-ABL1 detection in both cell lines and CML clinical samples, using colorimetric and fluorescent assays. Differently to the Q-LAMP assay described in 2019 by Stella and collaborators, the samples here were analyzed by RT-qPCR and the results were compared to the results obtained by fluorescent and colorimetric RT-LAMP. The obtained data indicates that the proposed method here described is a cheaper, robust and specific approach for CML diagnosis with outstanding performance.
Residual Capacity of Reinforced Concrete Frame With and Without Steel Plate Shear Wall Under Sequence Earthquakes By Incremental Dynamic Analysis
Authors: Rouhi Hamze , Gholhaki Majid
Published: July 2021

The residual capacity of a damaged structure after the main earthquake is equal to the smallest spectral acceleration of the first mode, which causes local or general failure during the aftershock. In this research, the effect of seismic sequence on the residual capacity of reinforced concrete frame systems and a relatively new system of reinforced concrete frames eqquipped with steel plate shear wall has been investigated. Based on this, four system of 4, 8, 12 and 24 stories, which represent short, intermediate, tall, are modeled in finite element software and subject to three sets of of single and real seismic sequence, taking into account the damage, The effects of mainshock earthquakes have been analyzed under aftershock earthquakes nonlinear increment dynamic analysis. The analysis showed that in the real seismic sequence, the residual capacity of reinforced concrete frame with steel plate shear wall in short and intermediate structures on average 3 times and in tall structures up to 8 times compared to the residual capacity of reinforced concrete frame without steel plate shear wall. Also, in the real seismic sequence, the residual capacity of the structure decreased with increasing the height of short to intermediate structures and intermediate to tall structures, so that this capacity reduction decreased by an average of 65% in reinforced concrete frame with steel plate shear wall and 75% in reinforced concrete frame without steel plate shear wall.
Seismological Effects on Spectral and Pseudospectral Acceleration Proximities Based on Random Vibration Theory
Authors: Zhang Haizhong , Zhao Yan-gang
Published: July 2021

Although spectral absolute acceleration, Sa, is a useful tool for estimating the inertial forces of structures in seismic designs, seismic codes typically specify only the pseudospectral acceleration, Spa. Many studies have been performed to clarify the relationship between these two spectra to relate them. A recent study indicated that this relationship could be affected by not only the structural damping ratio and period but also seismological parameters, such as magnitude and distance. However, how seismological parameters affect their relationship is not clearly understood. To clarify this issue, an approach that relates the two spectra, including seismological parameters, is proposed herein based on random vibration theory. The proposed approach is verified by comparison with the results of time-series analysis. Furthermore, the seismological effects are then explored and explained based on the proposed approach. It is found that Spa approaches Sa with increasing moment magnitude and source-to-site distance, particularly at long structural periods, with the main reason being attributable to the increase in the long-period components of earthquake ground motions. Finally, a practical formulation for estimating Sa from Spa considering the seismological effects is constructed and verified using real seismic records.