bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Use of Lignosulfonate from Pulping Industrial Waste as a Potential Material for Proton Exchange Membrane in Fuel Cell
Authors: Liang Hunan , Zhu Guodong , Li Yan , Yu Dayu , Shang Wei
Published: September 2021

A polymer membrane as a proton exchange membrane (PEM) used in fuel cell is prepared by blending lignosulfonate (LS) from sulfite pulp industrial waste with sulphonated poly (ether ether ketone) (SPEEK). Different contents of LS ranging from 0 to 20% (w/w) were blended with SPEEK to measure the influence of LS content on performance of membrane. The results indicated that the proton conductivity of the prepared membrane was increased with the content of LS in membrane. For as-prepared membrane containing 15% LS, the proton conductivity is remarkably higher than that of membrane fabricated by sulfonated poly (aryl ether ketone) at the same test conditions. Nevertheless, the physical strength decreased as the LS content increased. Comprehensively, the blending membrane containing 15% LS can satisfy the PEM application, which implyes LS as a potential candidate for PEM application in a low temperature range.
Feasibility of a web-based stress management intervention for university students in Indonesia
Authors: Juniar Dilfa , Ballegooijen Wouter van , Schulte Mieke H.J. , Schaik Anneke van , Passchier Jan , Heber Elena , Lehr Dirk , Sadarjoen Sawitri Supardi , Riper Heleen
Published: September 2021

Background

University students are susceptible to excessive stress. A web-based stress management intervention holds promise to improve stress but is still at a novel stage in Indonesia. This present paper reports the feasibility of the intervention we developed ( ‘Rileks’ ) among university students in Indonesia in terms of acceptability and usability, and to propose recommendations for future improvements.

Methods

A single-group pre-test and post-test design was used. Participants with DASS-42 Stress scale score ≥ 15 were given access to the intervention (N= 68). The main outcome measures were the Client Satisfaction Questionnaire-8 (CSQ-8), the System Usability Scale (SUS), and intervention uptake. Participants’ experience in each session was evaluated using closed and open-ended questions for future improvements. Descriptive statistics were used to examine primary outcome and qualitative session evaluations. Participants’ responses to each topic of the open questions were summarized.

Results

The intervention was evaluated as being satisfactory (CSQ-8 average score 21.89 (SD 8.72), range 8-32). However, the intervention’s usability was still below expectation (SUS average score 62.8 (SD 14.74), range 0-100). The core modules were completed by 10 participants (14.7%) and the study drop out rate was 63.23% at post-assessment. The module content was rated generally positively with some notes for improvement covering content and technical aspects.

Conclusions

The study indicates that Rileks is potentially feasible for Indonesian university students. In order to be optimally applied in such context and before scaling up web-based intervention in general in Indonesia a further development and refinement are needed.
Changes in Televisit Modalities Due to the Covid-Pandemic in Chile: A Comparison of Patient Satisfaction.
Authors: Constanzo Freddy , Aracena-Sherck Paula , Benavides Luis , Garcés Jorge , Villalobos Rodrigo , Marrugo Mery , Kuzmanic Katia , Caamaño Ramón , Peña Lorena , Silva César , Alvarado Cristobal
Published: September 2021

BACKROUND: The corona virus 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic has impacted healthcare guidelines and modalities of patient consultation worldwide. The frequent cycles of quarantine confinement in Chile has caused mobility restrictions for both patients and physicians, which forced the Hospital Las Higueras de Talcahuano (HHT) to replace the assisted televisit modality with a more classic televisit program. This change may have impacted the satisfaction of patients.METHODS: Patient’s perception of satisfaction was evaluated through self-administered survey questionnaires, previously validated in the Spanish language. Cohorts were grouped according to two relational models:i) Assisted televisit, 503 neurology patients during the years 2018-2019; and ii) Televisit, 831 patients from different specialtiestreated during 2020. Perception of satisfaction was compared by gender, age, and type of televisit, and internal consistency (Cronbach alpha) and reliability (factorial analysis of main components) were assessed. RESULTS: Assisted televisit and televisit cohortswere composed by 64.2% and 67.6% women, respectively; patients under 65 years of age were 62.2% and 75%, respectively. Assisted televisit patients showed very high 94.4% (n=475) and high 5.2% (n=26) satisfaction levels, while televisit patients showed very high 22.3% (n=185), high 63.9% (n=531), and moderate 13.1% (n=109) satisfaction levels; this difference is statistically significant at p<0.001. Questionnaires showed excellent internal consistency, and all items showed point biserial correlations greater than 0.30. CONCLUSION: Lower perception of satisfaction due to the change in televisit relational modality underscores the importance of primary care professionals, who support the specialist inthe assisted televisit model. The results of this study suggest that assisted televisit contributes to delivering an integrative solution that helps to alleviate the fragmentation of the system.
Utilization of Antenatal Care Among Adolescent and Young Mothers in Ghana; Analysis of The 2017/18 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey
Authors: Anaba Emmanuel Anongeba , Alor Stanley Kofi , Badzi Caroline Dinam
Published: September 2021

Background Complications during pregnancy and childbirth are the leading cause of death among adolescent girls. In Ghana, the prevalence of adolescent pregnancy remains high. Yet, little is known about ANC utilization among adolescents and young mothers. This study aimed to assess the prevalence of obtaining 4 or more ANC visits, and associated factors among adolescent and young mothers. Methods We analysed secondary data from the sixth round of the Ghana Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey 2017/18. A total of 947 adolescent and young mothers were included in this study. Data were analysed using STATA/SE, version 16, employing descriptive statistics and Multiple Logistic Regression. Results It was found the majority of the participants were aged 20-24 years (70%), married/in union (61%) and non-insured (64%). The prevalence of obtaining 4 or more ANC visits was 84%. Adolescent and young mothers with junior high school education, in the second wealth quintile, exposed to the internet, and resided in the Upper East Region had a higher likelihood of obtaining 4 or more ANC visits (p < 0.05). Conclusions This study demonstrated that optimal ANC utilization among adolescent and young mothers were determined by socio-economic factors. Going forward, maternal healthcare interventions must prioritize adolescent and young mothers from poor socio-economic backgrounds.
Evidence of Accelerated Epigenetic Aging of Breast Tissues In Patients With Breast Cancer Is Driven By CpGs Associated With Polycomb Related Genes
Authors: Rozenblit Mariya , Hofstatter Erin , Liu Zuyun , O'Meara Tess , Storniolo Anna Maria , Dalela Disha , Singh Vineet , Pusztai Lajos , Levine Morgan
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Age is one of the strongest risk factors for the development of breast cancer, however the underlying etiology linking age and breast cancer remains unclear. We have previously observed links between epigenetic aging signatures in breast/tumor tissue and breast cancer risk/prevalence. However, these DNA methylation-based aging biomarkers capture diverse epigenetic phenomena and it is not known to what degree they relate to breast cancer risk, and/or progression. Methods: Using six epigenetic clocks, we analyzed whether they distinguish normal breast tissue adjacent to tumor (cases) vs normal breast tissue from healthy controls (controls). Results: The Levine (p=0.0037) and Yang clocks (p=0.023) showed significant epigenetic age acceleration in cases vs controls in breast tissue. We observed that much of the difference between cases and controls is driven by CpGs associated with polycomb related genes. Thus, we developed a new score utilizing only CpGs associated with polycomb related genes and demonstrated that it robustly captured epigenetic age acceleration in cases vs controls (p=0.00012). Finally, we tested whether this same signal could be seen in peripheral blood. We observed no difference in cases vs. controls and no correlation between matched tissue/blood samples, suggesting that peripheral blood is not a good surrogate marker for epigenetic age acceleration. Conclusions: Moving forward, it will be critical for studies to elucidate whether epigenetic age acceleration in breast tissue precedes breast cancer diagnosis and whether methylation changes at CpGs associated with polycomb related genes can be used to assess the risk of developing breast cancer among unaffected individuals.
Existence, Fate And Risk Assessment of Pharmaceuticals During Treatment of Domestic Wastewater: Mass Flow And Consumption Calculation
Authors: Badawy Mohamed I. , El-Gohary Fatma A. , Abdel-Wahed Mahmoud S. , Gad-Allah Tarek A. , Ali Mohamed Eid
Published: September 2021

In Egypt, pharmaceuticals consumption is dramatically increasing, owing to the population growth and the unrestricted sale manner. Therefore, the occurrence and fate of nine pharmaceutical compounds (PhCs) were scrutinized at the different stages of sewage treatment plant (STP) in Giza, Egypt. Levels of these PhCs were assessed in wastewater and sludge phases by a high-performance liquid chromatography coupled. Nine PhCs were detected in both wastewater and sludge. Average concentration of the total PhCs detected in influent, primary sedimentation effluent and final effluent were 227, 155 and 89 µg/L, respectively. The overall removal efficiency of the individual PhCs ranged from 18 % to 72 % removal. The occurrence trend revealed that biodegradation and sorption are the concurrently removal mechanisms of the studied PhCs. As well, the calculated total mass load of individual PhCs were in the range 328 – 42256, 152 – 26180, and 257 – 6625 g d-1 for influent, effluent and sludge. Meanwhile, the calculated range of personal mass load of the individual PhCs was 193 – 15274, 120 – 10864 and 34 - 265 µg d-1 Pe-1, for the influent, the final effluent and the sludge, respectively. The overall personal pharmaceutical consumption per day in West of Greater Cairo was estimated based on influent concentration of STP. Sulfamethoxazole, paracetamol and diclofenac were identified with the highest levels in the influent of STP, PSE and FE as well as in the dewatered sludge. Furthermore, the high concentrations of these compounds in the sludge confirms the sorption pathway removal of PhCs. Generally, the average daily and annual consumption per capita of the most dominant PhCs in wastewater; sulfamethazole, paracetamol and diclofenac are 60.09, 34.79, and 26.69 mg d-1 Pe-1 and 22, 12.52, and 12.52 g y-1 Pe-1, respectively. Moreover, risk assessment (RQ) for the detected PhCs in FE is greatly higher than the predicted non-effect concentration (PNEC). Conclusively, the FE of STP is considered a risky source for PhCs in adjacent surface water.
Neonatal Circumcision Availability in the United States: A Physician Survey
Authors: Naha Ushasi , Arora Hans , Walton Ryan , Rosoklija Ilina , Skibley Lindsay , Johnson Emilie
Published: September 2021

Background: A significant proportion of boys present to surgical specialists later in infancy/early childhood for elective operative circumcision despite the higher procedural risks. This study aims to assess physician perspectives on access to neonatal circumcision (NC) across the United States and identify potential reasons contributing to disparities in access. Methods: A cross-sectional survey was electronically distributed to physician members of the Societies for Pediatric Urology and the American Academy of Pediatrics Section on Hospital Medicine. Hospital characteristics and circumcision practices were assessed. Associations between NC availability and institutional characteristics were evaluated using chi-squared testing and multivariable logistic regression. Qualitative analyses of free-text comments were performed. Results: A total of 367 physicians responded (129 urologists [41%], 188 pediatric hospitalists [59%])). NC was available at 86% of hospitals represented. On univariate and multivariate analysis, the 50 hospitals who did not offer NC were more likely to be located in the Western region (odds ratio [OR]=8.33; 95% confidence interval [CI]=3.1-25 vs Midwest) and in an urban area (OR=4.2; 95% CI=1.6-10 vs suburban/rural) compared with hospitals that offered NC. Most common reasons for lack of availability included not a birth hospital (N=22, 47%), lack of insurance coverage (N=8, 17%), and low insurance reimbursement (N=7, 15%). Institutional, regional, or provider availability (68%), insurance/payment (12.4%), and ethics (12.4%) were common themes in the qualitative comments.Conclusions: Overall availability of neonatal circumcision varied based on hospital characteristics, including geography. Information from this survey will inform development of interventions designed to offer NC equitably and comprehensively.
The Effect of Inoculation With Amycolatopsis Strains On Yield and Nutrient Content of Wheat (Triticum Aestivum L.) and Soil Microbiological Properties
Authors: Kussainova Maira , Kızılkaya Rıdvan
Published: September 2021

In this study, the yield and nutrient content of wheat (Triticum aestivum L.) grown in greenhouse conditions and soil microbiological properties were investigated. Inoculating Amycolatopsis strains, including A.magusensis DSM 45510T, A.orientalis DSM 40040T, and A.azurea DSM 43854T was considered. The mixture of wheat straw (WS) was used to increase soil organic matter content by 5%. It was determined that the grain and straw yield of wheat increased significantly (P < 0.001) in inoculation with Amycolatopsis strains in soils without WS. However, inoculation with Amycolatopsis strains in soil with WS significantly decreased grain and straw of wheat yield. Also, it was found that soil microbial biomass and soil basal respiration (SBR) increased in inoculation with Amycolatopsis strains in both soils with and without WS. While it was established that Cmic:Corg ratio of the control group in the soil samples at the end of the harvest was 1.23, infusing with Amycolatopsis strains was observed to be around 2.95–3.31. Moreover, inoculation with Amycolatopsis strains in soils with WS varied between 0.32–0.40. In the same way, it was determined the microbial metabolic quotient (qCO2) was 2.58 in the control group. This meaning was between 5.67–5.82 in infusing with Amycolatopsis strains and 6.04–6.41 in inoculating with Amycolatopsis strains in soils mixed with ground wheat stalk. As a result, it suggested that the yield of wheat could be increased inoculation with A.magusensis, A.orientalis, and A.azurea, from Amycolatopsis strains, in soils with low soil organic matter content and soils that cannot be shown an increment in terms of organic matter content.
Detrimental Correlation Between Air Pollution With Skin Aging in Asian Population
Authors: Huang Chao-Hsin , Chen Szu-Chia , Wang Yi-Chian , Wang Chen-Feng , Hung Chih-Hsing , Lee Su-Shin
Published: September 2021

Background: Dissecting the complex relationships between skin aging and air pollution has been an ongoing effort. The increased exposure to air pollution over time imposed a negative effect on skin. This study explores the correlation between skin aging in the Asian population and levels of air pollutants to show differential effects of air pollutant.Materials and Methods: This study was a retrospective trial which included 389 patients, age between 30 and 74, who received a session of ND YARG laser treatment in KMUH (Kaohsiung Medical University Hospital) from 2006 to 2019. Preoperative skin condition quantified by VISIA Complexion Analysis System (Canfield Imaging Systems, Fierfield, NJ, US). Eight air pollutants such as CO, NMHC (non-methane hydrocarbon), NO, NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, O3, SO2 and 8 skin condition such as spots, wrinkles, textures, pores, UV spots, brown spots, red area and porphyrin were analyzed to explore correlation between air pollution and skin aging. Results: Strong correlation were found between NMHC exposure and texture, pores and brown spots formation. A positive correlation between O3 and better VISIA texture and pores scores was found. Brown spots was found to negatively associate with CO, NMHC, NO2, NOx, PM10, PM2.5, and SO2. The skin condition of population over age 45 affected by CO, NMHC, NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, and SO2. Skin condition of the bottom 10% strongly correlates with exposure to PM10 and SO2, whereas skin condition of the top 10% was affected by PM10.Conclusions: Air pollutants such as CO, NO2, NOx, PM2.5, PM10, SO2, and NMHC were found to correlate with negative skin quality strongly. In contrast, O3 exposure is associated with less texture and pores, which implies that air pollutants can have differential effects on skin condition. Future studies are warranted to further appreciate the effects on skin.
Few-cycle all-fibre supercontinuum laser for ultrabroadband multimodal nonlinear microscopy
Authors: Alamagro-Ruiz Azahara , Torres-Peiró Salvador , Muñoz-Marco Héctor , Cunquero Marina , Castro-Olvera Gustavo , Dauliat Romain , Jamier Raphael , Shulika Oleksiy V. , Romero Rosa , Guerreiro Paulo T. , Miranda Miguel , Crespo Helder , Roy Philippe , Loza-Álvarez Pablo , Pérez-Millán Pere
Published: September 2021

Temporally coherent supercontinuum sources constitute an attractive alternative to bulk crystal-based sources of few-cycle light pulses. We present a monolithic fibre-optic configuration for generating transform-limited temporally coherent supercontinuum pulses with central wavelength at 1.06 mm and duration as short as 13.0 fs (3.7 optical cycles). The supercontinuum is generated by the action of self-phase modulation and optical wave breaking when pumping an all-normal dispersion photonic crystal fibre with pulses of hundreds of fs duration produced by all-fibre chirped pulsed amplification. Avoidance of free-space propagation between stages confers unequalled robustness, efficiency and cost-effectiveness to this novel configuration. Collectively, the features of all-fibre few-cycle pulsed sources make them powerful tools for applications benefitting from the ultrabroadband spectra and ultrashort pulse durations. Here we exploit these features and the deep penetration of light in biological tissues at the spectral region of 1 mm, to demonstrate their successful performance in ultrabroadband multispectral and multimodal nonlinear microscopy.
Acupuncture for Olfactory Dysfunction in Infected COVID-19 Patients: Study Protocol for a Single Blind, Randomized, Sham-Controlled Clinical Trial
Authors: Zhong Linda LD , CHOY Chi-Fung , CHO Hung-Wai , WONG Yi-Ping , WONG Alan Yat-Lun , YAU Ka-Ming , WONG Rowena How-Wan , NG Bacon Fung-Leung , Bian Zhaoxiang
Published: September 2021

Background: Olfactory dysfunction (OD) was recognized as one of common symptom of COVID-19. OD, defined as the reduced or distorted ability to smell during sniffing (orthonasal olfaction) and may represent one of early symptoms in the clinical course of COVID-19 infection. A large online questionnaire-based survey found that some of post COVID-19 patients showed no improvement at one month after they were discharged from hospital. Therefore, this clinical trial is designed to explore the efficacy of acupuncture for OD in infected COVID-19 patients and to determine whether acupuncture could have benefits than sham acupuncture for OD in post- COVID-19 patients.Methods: This is a single blind, randomized controlled, cross over trial. We plan to recruit forty post-COVID-19 patients who are presenting with smell loss or smell distortions more than one month. Qualified patients will be randomly allocated into the intervention group (real acupuncture) or the control group (sham acupuncture) in a 1:1 ratio. Each patient will receive 8 sessions of treatment over 4 week (Cycle 1), and 2-week follow-up. After the follow-up, the control group will be conducted with real acupuncture for another 4 weeks (Cycle 2), and the real acupuncture group will be conducted with the 4-week sham acupuncture. The primary outcomes are the scores change on the questionnaire of olfactory functioning and olfaction related quality of life at weeks 6, 8, 12 and 14 from the baseline. Secondary outcome is the change on the Olfactory Test score at the week 6 and 12 from the baseline measured by using the Traditional Chinese version of the University of Pennsylvania Smell Identification Test (UPSIT-TC).Discussion: The results of this trial will help to determine the effectiveness of acupuncture for OD in post-COVID-19 Patients. This may provide a new treatment option for patients.Trial registration: ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT04959747, Registered on July 13, 2021.
Prostate Cancer Survival By Risk of Progression and Other Prognostic Factors in Mallorca, Spain
Authors: Montaño Juan-José , Barceló Antoni , Franch Paula , Galceran Jaume , Ameijide Alberto , Pons Jaime , Ramos Maria
Published: September 2021

Objectives: 1) to find out the distribution of prostate cancer by risk of progression; 2) to determine the cause-specific survival by risk of progression in prostate cancer; 3) to identify the factors associated with the risk of dying from this cancer.Methods: Incident prostate cancer cases diagnosed between 2006 and 2011 were identified through the Mallorca Cancer Registry. Inclusion criteria: invasive cases with code C61.9 and any histology. Cases identified exclusively through death certificate were excluded. We collected: age; date and method of diagnosis; date of follow-up or death; T, N, M and stage according to the TNM 7th edition; Gleason score; PSA; histology according to the ICD-O 3rd edition 6 ; comorbidities and treatments. We calculated risk in 4 categories: low, medium, high and very high. End point of follow-up was 31 December 2014. Multiple imputation (MI) was performed to estimate cases with unknown risk of progression. Survival analysis was performed using the actuarial and Kaplan-Meier methods, as well as the Cox regression model.Results: We identified 2921 cases. After MI, 9.5% had low risk, 24.9% medium risk, 42.7% high risk and 22.9% very high risk. Five years after diagnosis, survival after MI was 89% globally, that being 100% for low risk cases, 96% for medium risk, 93% for high risk and 69% for very high risk. Cases with histology other than adenocarcinoma, with high and, especially, very high risk of progression, as well as with systemic, mixed and observation/unspecified treatments have worse prognosis. Treatment showed a strong relationship with age and life expectancy.Conclusions: Risk of progression and treatment were the main variables associated to survival in prostate cancer.
Experimental Analysis And Parameter Optimization On The Reduction of NOx From Diesel Engine Using RSM And ANN Model
Authors: Chenniappan Maheswari , S Ramya A , Rajoo Baskar , Nachimuthu Selvakumar , Rajaram Rishab Govind , Malaichamy Vasanth
Published: September 2021

The feasibility of the Non-thermal Plasma (NTP) process is examined by four operating parameters including NOx concentration (300-400 ppm), gas flow rate (2-6 lpm), voltage (20-30 kV) and electrode gap (3-5 mm) using a Dielectric Barrier Discharge (DBD) reactor for removing NOx from diesel engine exhaust. Based on the NTP study, the NOx removal efficiency and energy efficiency of the NTP reactor are measured. Optimization of process parameters have been carried out using response surface-based Box Behnken Design (BBD) method and Artificial Neural Network (ANN) method. ANN based optimization is carried out using feed-forward network algorithm which has 4 input nodes, 10 hidden nodes and 2 output nodes. Based on the RSM and ANN model study, R2 value are obtained as 0.98 and 0.99 respectively. These models demonstrates that they have strong agreement with the experimental results. The results are indicated that the RSM model's optimum conditions resulted in a maximum NOx reduction of 60.5% and an energy efficiency of 66.24 g/J. The comparison between the two models confirmed the findings, whereas this ANN model displayed a stronger correlation to the experimental evidence.
Treatment Outcomes of HIV Infected Children After Initiation of Antiretroviral Therapy in Southwest China: an Observational Cohort Study
Authors: Zeng Xiaoliang , chen huanhuan , zhu qiuying , shen zhiyong , lan guanghua , liang jiangming , liang fuxiong , zhu jinhui , xing hui , shao yiming , ruan yuhua , zhang jianfeng , Zhang Xiangjun
Published: September 2021

Background: The number of HIV infected children receiving antiviral treatment in Guangxi is increasing. Understanding factors and trends of mortality and attrition in HIV-infected children under antiretroviral therapy (ART) was an urgently need to improve treatment outcomes. This study aimed to describe and assess mortality and attrition after ART initiation between 2004 and 2018 among children with HIV in Guangxi, China.Methods: Cohort study data were extracted from the National Free Antiretroviral Treatment Program (NFATP) database, which has standard guidelines for core treatment indicators and other data at all HIV/AIDS treatment facilities of Guangxi. A total of 901 HIV-infected children who have started ART were included in the study. The study collected the following data: age, gender, WHO clinic stages before ART, CD4 cell count before ART, Cotrimoxazole prophylaxison (CTX) use before ART, initial ART regimen, malnutrition before ART, abnormal liver function before ART, abnormal kidney function before ART, severe anemia before ART, and time lag between a HIV diagnosis and ART initiation.Results: HIV-infected children under ART had a mortality rate of 0.87 per 100 person-years, and an attrition rate of 3.02 per 100 person-years. Mortality was lower among children with CD4 count between 200-500 copies/ml (Adjusted Hazard Ratio (AHR) 0.22, 95% Confidence Interval (CI) 0.09-0.54), and CD4 count ≥500 copies/ml (AHR 0.09, 95% CI 0.03-0.27); but higher among children with late ART initiation at 1-3 months (AHR 2.37, 95% CI 1.10-5.08), and at ≥ 3 months (AHR 2.22, 95% CI 1.05-4.72). Attrition was lower among children with a CD4 count ≥500 copies/ml (AHR 0.61, 95% CI 0.40-0.93), but higher among children with late ART initiation at 1-3 months (AHR 1.63, 95% CI 1.10-2.42), and at ≥ 3 months (AHR 1.26, 95% CI 0.85-1.86).Conclusion: Supportive programs are needed to educate children’s families and parents on early ART, link HIV-infected children to care, and retain them in care among other programs that treat and manage physical conditions of HIV-infected children before ART initiation.
Galectin-1, The New Player in Staging and Prognosis of COVID-19
Authors: Sekulic Sofija , Gajovic Nevena , Jurisevic Milena , Jovanovic Marina , Jovicic Biljana Popovska , Arsenijevic Nebojsa , Mijailovic Zeljko , Jovanovic Marina , Dolicanin Zana , Jovanovic Ivan
Published: September 2021

Background A new virus from the group of coronaviruses was identified as the cause of atypical pneumonia and called severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2) and disease called Corona Virus Disease (COVID-19). During the cytokine storm, the main cause of the death, proinflammatory cytokines are released which stimulate further tissue destruction. Galectin-1 is pleiotropic cytokine involved in many immune and inflammatory processes and its role in COVID-19 is still unknown. Objective The aim of this study was to determine systemic values of galectin-1 and correlations between gal-1 and proinflammatory cytokines and clinical parameters during COVID-19 progression. Design Observational and cross-sectional study. Patients 210 COVID-19 patients were included and divided into mild, severe or critical group according to COVID-19 severity. Main Measures Serum levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-23, IL-33 and galectin-1 were measured using sensitive enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) kits. Key Results Systemic levels of IL-1β, IL-6, IL-10, IL-23, IL-33 and galectin-1 were significantly higher in stage III of COVID-19 patients compared to stage I and II. There were no significant differences in ratio between Galectin-1 and IL-10 with proinflammatory cytokines. Positive correlation was detected between Gal-1 and IL-1β, IL6, IL-10, IL-23 and IL-33. Gal-1 positively correlated with chest radiographic finding, dry cough and headache and negatively correlated with normal breathing sound. Conclusions Linear regression model and ROC curve analysis point on Gal-1 as significant predictors for COVID-19 severity. Presented results implicate on Gal-1 and IL-10 dependent immunomodulation. The precise mechanism of Gal-1 effect in COVID-19 and its potential as a stage marker of disease severity is still to be clarified.
Use of Impulse oscillometry for Diagnostic of Asthma in Preschoolers: A Cost-effectiveness Analysis
Authors: Buendía Jefferson Antonio , Guerrero_Patiño Diana
Published: September 2021

BackgroundImpulse oscillometry is an alternative to measure lung function in preschoolers because is much simpler and can be performed in tidal breathing with minimal patient cooperation. The introduction of new health technologies such as impulse oscillometry raises concerns as if the extra benefit offered outweighs the additional cost compared to spirometry This study aimed to evaluate the cost-effectiveness of impulse oscillometry in preschoolers in Colombia.Methods We conducted a decision tree model to estimate the cost and proportion of correctly diagnosed cases of asthma of impulse oscillometry compared to spirometry in preschooler’s children between 3-6 years old . The analysis was carried out from a societal perspective. Multiple sensitivity analyses were conducted. Cost-effectiveness was evaluated at a willingness-to-pay value of $19,000. ResultsWith impulse oscillometry, the proportion of correctly diagnosed cases was 42%, while with spirometry was 39%. The expected cost estimated by the model for a patient diagnosed with IOS was U$ 174 while with spirometry was U$ 99. The incremental cost-effectiveness ratio estimated in the probabilistic model was US$ 6881. The one-way and probabilistic sensitivity analyses, our base‐case results were robust to variations of all assumptions and parameters Conclusion Impulse oscillometry was found to be cost-effective for the diagnosis of asthma in preschoolers. Our results should stimulate further research to expand the use of this diagnostic test in developing countries.
Prognostic Values of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 Expression in Human Pancreatic Cancer Tissues Based on mIHC and Spatial Distribution Analysis
Authors: Zhu Yulan , Chen Junjun , Liu Yingting , Zheng Xiao , Feng Jun , Chen Xuemin , Jiang Tianwei , Li Yuan , Zhang Jinping , Chen Lujun
Published: September 2021

Background: Pancreatic cancer (PC) is one of the most malignant cancers and its 5-year survival rate remains poor. Although immunotherapy has achieved certain therapeutic efficacy in some clinical trials, such treatment still shows low responsiveness and overall remission rate. Therefore, it is urgently necessary to dissect the tumor microenvironment and optimize the immunotherapeutic strategies against this malignancy.Methods: Using the multi-color immunohistochemistry, we investigated the expressions of B7-H3, B7-H4, HHLA2, CD8, and CD68 in 63 cases of PC tissues with the tissue microarray. Moreover, we analyzed immunolocalization features, prognostic values of this immune contexture, and clinical associations.Results: The expressions of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2 could be detected in cytokeratin (CK)+ tumor cells, CD68+macrophages, and even stromal cells. Higher expression of B7-H3 in tumor cells could predict a better survival of the PC patients. A positive correlation was found between the expressions of B7-H3 and HHLA2 in tumor cells, while there was a negative correlation between the expressions of B7-H4 and HHLA2 in tumor cells. A positive correlation was found between the expressions of B7-H3 and B7-H4 or HHLA2 in tumor-associated macrophages (TAMs), but not B7-H4 and HHLA2. Tumor-infiltrating CD8+T cells in combination with CD68+TAMs could serve as an important predictor for the postoperative prognosis of PC patients. Higher expression of B7-H3, or HHLA2 in CD68+TAMs could serve as an important predictor for poorer prognosis of PC patients. Patients with B7-H3lowB7-H4low, B7-H3lowHHLA2low, or B7-H4lowHHLA2low on CD68+TAMs could have a better postoperative prognosis compared with the other sub-populations in the combinational analysis.Conclusions: Taken together, our study indicated variable expressions and prognostic values of B7-H3, B7-H4, and HHLA2, in human PC tissues, and distinctively demonstrated that these immunosuppressive co-stimulators expressed by CD68+TAMs could be used as important bio-markers for the prognostic prediction of PC patients. Moreover, these results supported that the evaluation of these markers could be used as essential candidate targets for immunotherapy against PC.
Identification and Validation of a Novel 16-Gene Prognostic Signature for Patients with Breast Cancer
Authors: Zhong Zhenhua , Jiang Wenqiang , Zhang Jing , Li Zhanwen , Fan Fengfeng
Published: September 2021

Background: Despite increased early diagnosis and improved treatment in breast cancer (BRCA) patients, prognosis prediction is still a challenging task due to the disease heterogeneity. This study was to identify a novel gene signature that can accurately evaluate BRCA patient survival. Methods: The gene expression and clinical data of BRCA patients were collected from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) and the Molecular Taxonomy of BRCA International Consortium (METABRIC) databases. Genes associated with prognosis were determined by Kaplan–Meier survival analysis and multivariate Cox regression analysis. A prognostic 16-gene score was established with linear combination of 16 genes. The prognostic value of the signature was validated in the METABRIC dataset. Gene expression analysis was performed to investigate the diagnostic values of 16 genes. Results: The 16-gene score was associated with shortened overall survival in BRCA patients independently of clinicopathological characteristics. The signalling pathways of cell cycle, oocyte meiosis, RNA degradation, progesterone mediated oocyte maturation and DNA replication were the top five most enriched pathways in the high 16-gene score group. The 16-gene nomogram incorporating the survival‐related clinical factors showed improved prediction accuracies for 1-year, 3-year and 5‐year survival (area under curve [AUC] = 0.91, 0.79 and 0.77 respectively). MORN3, IGJ, DERL1 exhibited high accuracy in differentiating BRCA tissues from normal breast tissues (AUC > 0.80 for all cases). Conclusions: The 16-gene profile provides novel insights into the identification of BRCA with a high risk of death, which eventually guides treatment decision making.
Relationship Between Meibomian Gland Loss in Infrared Meibography and Meibum Quality
Authors: HA Minji , Oh Si-Eun , Whang Woong-Joo , Na Kyung-Sun , Kim Eun Chul , Kim Hyun-Seung , Kim Jin Soo , Hwang Ho Sik
Published: September 2021

BackgroundIn this study, to determine the correlation between meibomian gland loss (dropout) and meibum quality, we evaluated the correlation between meibomian gland dropout in the central eight meibomian glands of the eyelid and meibum quality in the same central eight meibomian glands of the eyelid.MethodsNinety nine eyes of 91 patients were included in the study. Dropout at the central eight meibomian glands of eyelids was graded as grade 0,1,2,3 according to the dropout area. The meibum quality was graded as follows: grade 0, no secretion; 1, inspissated/toothpaste consistency, 2: cloudy liquid secretion, and 3: clear liquid secretion. For 68 eyes of 68 patients, correlation analysis between dropout and meibum quality was performed. To precisely analyze the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality, we evaluated 31 eyes of 23 patients with focal dropout in meibography.ResultsThe mean meiboscore (±SD) was 1.1±1.1 in the upper eyelids and 0.7±1.0 in the lower eyelids. The mean meibum quality grade (±SD) was 2.3 ±0.9 in the upper eyelids and 1.3±0.6 in the lower eyelids. There was no significant correlation between the meiboscore and the meibum quality grade in the upper (p =0.445) and lower (p =0.405) eyelids. Analysis of the direct correlation between meibomian gland dropout in meibography and meibum quality in patients with focal dropout (loss of 1 or 2 adjacent meibomian glands), however, indicated that meibomian glands with dropout secrete little to no meibum.ConclusionsOverall, there appeared to be no relationship between meibomian gland dropout and the meibum quality, but more detailed investigation of each meibomian gland alone revealed that meibomian glands with dropout secrete little to no meibum.
Menin directs regionalized decidual transformation through epigenetically setting PTX3 as an obstacle balancing FGF and BMP signaling
Authors: Wang Haibin , Liu Mengying , Deng Wenbo , Tang Lu , Liu Meng , Bao Haili , Guo Chuanhui , Zhang Chang Xian , Lu Jinhua , Lu zhongxian , Kong Shuangbo
Published: September 2021

During programmed decidualization in rodents, uterine stromal cells undergo extensive cellular and molecular reprograming into morphologically and functionally distinct decidual cells, forming the discrete regions defined as the primary decidual zone (PDZ), the secondary decidual zone (SDZ) and the layer of undifferentiated stromal cells respectively. However, the underlying mechanism governing this spatiotemporal specificity of decidualization remains elusive. Here, we demonstrated that uterine deletion of Men1, a key component of the MLL1/2 histone methyltransferase complex, disrupted the terminal differentiation of stromal cells, resulting in chaotic decidualization and pregnancy failure. Genome-wide epigenetic profile reveals that Men1 distribution in chromatin recapitulates the enrichment of transcription active modification H3K4me3 orchestrating spatiotemporal decidualization of stromal cells. Further transcriptomic investigation demonstrates that Men1 directly regulated the expression of PTX3, an extra-cellular trap for FGF2, in a H3K4me3 dependent manner in decidual cells. Decreased Ptx3 upon Men1 ablation leads to aberrant activation of ERK1/2 in the SDZ due to the unrestrained FGF2 signal emanated from undifferentiated stromal cells, which blunt BMP2 induction and stromal cell differentiation during decidualization. In brief, our study provides genetic evidence and molecular mechanism for epigenetic rewiring mediated decidual regionalization by Men1 and shed new light in pregnancy maintenance.
Rare Earth Electrolysis: key issues for measurement of greenhouse gases from oxide-fluoride systems
Authors: Fukurozaki Sandra Harumi , Landgraf Fernando José Gomes
Published: September 2021

Over the past decade, the reduction of greenhouse gases (GHG) has been recognized as one of the key factors for sustainable primary metal production, in which the rare earth (RE) industry can be affected both in terms of price and use by GHG reduction policies and nontariff technical barriers. From environmental and economic standpoint, the perfluorocarbons (PFC) emissions generated in RE electrolysis during events known as anode effects (AE) are strong infrared-absorbing GHG and play an important role for RE metals process improvements. However, there is no standard methodology to account these GHG emissions from RE metal production industry and the assessment of the contribution of PFC emissions from different technologies to the global warming is urgently needed. This paper focuses on the analysis of PFC measurements from RE metal production in terms of GHG inventory and sustainable production. The state of art of RE fused oxide-fluoride electrolysis, particularly of neodymium electrolysis, provides the technical fundamentals for the evaluation of PFC emissions factors reported in scientific articles. Based on International Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) standard methods and US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and International Aluminium Institute (IAI) protocol applied to analogous industrial process, the analysis of key issues for estimate CF4 and C2F6 emission factors from electrolytic RE production indicates the additional refinements are necessary to optimize the accuracy of total PFC emission amount from each currently RE technology. Additionally, the selection of emission estimation technique (EET) or mix EET should be considered on case-by-case basis as to their purposes and suitability for a particular process and facility. Finally, this paper highlights the technological implications related to the PFC emissions measurements and trends towards to set goals and develop strategies for GHG mitigation.
Autoimmune Glial Fibrillary Acidic Protein Astrocytopathy in Children: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Zhuang xiamei , Jin Ke , Li Xiaoming , Li Junwei
Published: September 2021

Objective: To describe the clinical features of autoimmune glial fibrillary acidic protein (GFAP) astrocytopathy in children.Method: Data from 11 pediatric patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathywas retrospectively analyzed.Results: All of the patients showed encephalitis and meningoencephalitis or meningoencephalomyelitis with or without myelitis, include fever (45.4%), headaches (27.3%), dizziness (18.2%), drowsiness (18.2%) and mental disorders (18.2%). Cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) were detected in all patients. The white cell counts (WBC) (90.9%), lactic dehydrogenase levels (72.7%), protein level (36.4%), and adenosine deaminase activity (ADA) level (27.3%) were elevated, and the CSF glucose levels (72.7%) were slightly reduced. Nine patients (90%) were found to have brain abnormalities, of which five (50.0%) patients had abnormal symmetrical laminar patterns or line patterns hyperintensity lesions on T2-weighted and fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) images in the basal ganglia, hypothalamus, subcortical white matter and periventricular white matter. The linear radial enhancement pattern of the cerebral white matter was only seen in two patients, the most common being abnormal enhancement of leptomeninges (50%). Five patients had longitudinally extensive spinal cord lesions.Conclusion: The findings of pediatric patients with autoimmune GFAP astrocytopathy is different from the previous reports.
Genome-wide identification, structural analysis and expression profiles of SRS gene family in quinoa
Authors: zhu xiaolin , wang baoqiang , wang xian , wei xiaohong
Published: September 2021

Based on the whole genome data information of quinoa, the CqSRS gene family members were systematically identified and analyzed by bioinformatics methods, and the responses of CqSRS genes to NaCl (200 mmol/L), SA (200 umol/L) and low temperature (4℃) were detected by qRT-PCR. The results showed that a total of 10 SRS genes were identified in quinoa, and they were distributed on 9 chromosomes, and there were 4 pairs of duplicated genes. The number of amino acids encoded ranged from 143 to 370, and the isoelectric point ranged from 4.81 to 8.90. The secondary structure was mainly composed of random coil(Cc). Most of the CqSRS genes were located in the cytoplasm (5 CqSRS). Phylogenetic analysis showed that the CqSRS gene was divided into three evolutionary groups, and the gene structure showed that the number of exons of CqSRS was between 2–5. Promoter analysis revealed that there are a total of 44 elements related to plant hormone response elements, light response elements, stress response elements and tissue-specific expression in the upstream of the gene. Protein interaction showed that all 10 CqSRS proteins appeared in the known protein interaction network diagram in Arabidopsis. Expression profile analysis showed that CqSRS genes had different expression patterns, and some genes had tissue-specific expression. qRT-PCR showed that all SRS family genes responded to SA, NaCl and low-temperature treatments, but the expression levels of different CqSRS genes were significantly different under various stresses. This study lays a foundation for further analyzed the function of CqSRS family genes.
Cytoprotective Effect and Clinical Outcome of Perioperative Progesterone in Brain Tumors. A Novel Randomized Mono-Centeric Microscopic Evidence Based Research.
Authors: Raouf Mina Maher , Hanna George Abdel-shaheed , Gayd Marian Fathi
Published: September 2021

Objectives.The primary end-point of the current study was to to provide contemporary estimate about both cytoplasmic and nuclear effects of intramuscular progesterone therapy prior to craniotomy. Secondary end-points were to track post-operative course and short term (3 months) neurological sequele.Measurments.Cellular neuronal microscopic examination by immuno-histochemistry (Progesterone receptor density ) and by H&E. Allred score for nuclear staining for PR receptors . Post-operative course included time to wean from mechanical ventilation (hours), Length of ICU stay (days) and brain neuro-imaging by brain CT). Short term outcome included sensory, motor and autonomic assessment. Patients.Two hundred fifty two (252) adult patients of both sexes aged 18–60 years, American society of anesthesia (ASA class І-ІІ ) candidate for intra-parenchymal intra-axial elective brain tumors resection , Excluded candidates included refusal to sign document for intervention, urgent craniotomy, history of endometrial or ovarian neoplasia, redo craniotomy, stented coronary arteries or history of deep venous thrombosis. Design. This research was a randomized, double-blind, placebo controlled single center study. Intervention. Two groups, the control group and Progesterone (PR) group. PR group received 1mg/ kg intramuscular progesterone five days before and five days after craniotomy, while Control group received intramuscular isotonic saline daily, five days before and five days after surgery.Setting.Fixtures performed in Minia university hospital, Neurosurgery operative theatre, Floor two (non trauma floor). The study was registered in local ethical committee on April 2020. First patient enrollment was on first of June 2020 and the patient allocation in the rank ended on 30 of December 2020. Main resultsProgesterone therapy successfully increased expression of active nuclear PR receptors on oligodendrocytes and astrocytes, provided cytoplasmic and nuclear neuro-quiescence. Progesterone gave better neurological outcome on 3 month follow- up.Conclusions.Neuronal biopsy examination represented a leap in confirming anti-neuro-inflammatory action offered by progesterone.Name of the registry. Clinical trial .gov.Trial registration number. NCT04414020.Date of registration. 30 of May 2020.URL of trial registry record. ttps://register.clinicaltrials.gov/prs/app/action/SelectProtocol?sid=S0009WLW&selectaction=Edit&uid=U0004XC5&ts=2&cx=-vrqng9