bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Living habits affecting subsequent gastrointestinal cancer surgery: An interpretative phenomenological interview study
Authors: Blomquist Karin , Wennerholm Carina , Berterö Carina , Sandström Per , Björnsson Bergthor , Drott Jenny
Published: June 2021

Purpose

There is limited in-depth understanding of patients’ views and experiences with physical training, nutritional care, psychological support, and smoking/alcohol cessation prior to gastrointestinal cancer surgery. Therefore, patients' thoughts and influences regarding prehabilitation components are of interest in the effort to provide optimal supportive cancer care and to improve health. The aim of this study was to explore patients’ thoughts, lived experiences and influences regarding their living habits prior to gastrointestinal cancer surgery.
Methods

The participants in this qualitative study were recruited from a university hospital in southeast Sweden. In total, six in-depth digital interviews were held from November 2020 to March 2021. An interpretative phenomenological analysis approach was used throughout the research process.
Results

The interpretative analysis identified three themes: the influence of the cancer diagnosis on awareness and motivation, life circumstances affecting living habits and activities bringing mental strength. The main findings deepen the current understanding of the situation that patients face when committing to presurgical preparation plans. The participants expressed the impact of their motivation level and circumstances in life. Physical and mental health was promoted by various types of activities and support.
Conclusion

Motivation level and circumstances in life both influence living habits. Patients’ physical and mental health is promoted by various types of activities and support. Health care professionals need to investigate patients’ lived experiences when developing person-centred support to achieve health-promoting behaviour prior to cancer surgery.
The Role of The Medial Buttress Plate In The Treatment of Pauwels Type Ⅱ And Ⅲ Femoral Neck Fracture: A Retrospective Study And Preliminary Results
Authors: Ma Chao , Liu Yanshi , Liu Jialin , Chen Li , Huang Jinyong , Luo Xuefeng , Xie Zengru
Published: June 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to compare the effectiveness of multiple cannulated screws combined with medial buttress plate or not for the treatment of unstable femoral neck fracture.Methods: 69 nonelderly patients with Garden type III-IV femoral neck fracture were retrospectively analyzed. The patients were divided into MCS (multiple cannulated screws) group and CMBP (combined with medial buttress plate) group according to the surgical method. Patient’s demographic data, Harris Hip Score, EQ-5D index and complications at minimum of 2 years follow-up were analyzed.Results: There were 47 patients in the MCS group (35 male and 12 females) with a mean age of 40.28±12.64 years, whereas 22 patients in the CMBP group (17 male and 5 females) with a mean age of 43.86±12.55 years. In the MCS group, there were one avascular necrosis, five postoperative nonunion, five implant failure, and two femoral neck shortening. While one implant failure, two postoperative nonunion and two impingement in the CMBP group. The difference of HHS scores was statistically significant at 3 months after surgery between the two groups (P<0.05), whereas there was no statistical significance at 6 months, 1 year and 2 years (P>0.05). The same results were found in EQ-5D index.Conclusions: Anatomic reduction and stable fixation contribute to satisfactory outcomes in the treatment of nonelderly displaced femoral neck fractures. A buttress plate in the medial region of the femur neck with cannulated screws offers patients the best biomechanical microenvironment needed for fracture healing without obviously blood-supply disruption, especially in Pauwels type Ⅱ and III.
Knowledge, attitudes and practices of hospital cleaning services staff towards Coronavirus Disease-2019 (COVID-19) in a Middle Eastern country: A web-based cross-sectional study
Authors: Youssef Dalal , Abass Linda Abou , Hassan Hamad
Published: June 2021

Background Hospital cleaners are the unsung heroes in the fight against the COVID-19 pandemic. This study aims to assess the knowledge, attitudes, and practices (KAP) of hospital cleaners towards COVID-19 and to determine factors associated with good practices. Methods A cross-sectional study was conducted in Lebanon between 1st and 14th November 2020. Data was collected through an online survey that was sent to governmental-run and private hospitals. The questionnaire consisted of socio-demographic characteristics, clinical information, and KAP of hospital cleaners towards Covid-19. The collected data was exported to SPSS for analysis. The relation between nominal variables was tested using the chi-squared test. The variables in bivariate analysis with p-value<0.2 were entered into multivariable logistic regression. Adjusted odds ratio and their 95% confidence intervals were reported. The level of statistical significance was set at a p-value < 0.05. Results A total of 453 cleaners completed the survey of which 54.3% were females. Most of the participants had a good level of COVID-19 knowledge (98%) and good preventive practices (89.7%). Regarding attitude, 90.7% had a positive attitude toward health facilities, 78.8% towards cleaning and disinfection, and 73.5% towards health authorities. Sociodemographic characteristics including younger age, higher levels of education, working in private hospitals, and having more than 3 years of experience were positively associated with good preventive practices. Our results also showed that participants with good knowledge about COVID-19, COVID-19 prevention and treatment, cleaning and disinfection process, and COVID-19 risk factors had a higher likelihood of positive preventive practices. Finally, a positive attitude towards health facilities, health authorities, and cleaning and disinfection were positively associated with good practices. Conclusion Our results indicate that cleaners have a high level of knowledge, expressed positive attitudes towards health facilities and health authorities, and good preventive practices. Understanding the determinants of cleaning performance is critical in tailoring interventions to improve hospital cleaning.
Preparation of Cellulose-Based Fluorescent Materials as Coating Pigment by Use of DMSO/DBU/CO2 System
Authors: Cao Qinghua , Dai Jinyue , Bao Xin , Zhang Zhenyu , Liu Fei , Feng Yuhong , Na Haining , Zhu Jin
Published: June 2021

A series of cellulose-based fluorescent materials are prepared under relative mild conditions by use of the DMSO/DBU/CO2 system to utilize as coating pigments. Through the observation under 365nm UV light, the cellulose-based fluorescent materials exhibit good fluorescence response and bright color. Furthermore, due to the limitation of the molecular skeleton of cellulose, the intrinsic aggregation caused quenching phenomenon commonly existed in conventional organic fluorescent pigments can be effectively inhibited, which is very helpful to retain good fluorescence response in epoxy-based coating material and its coating films. Moreover, the addition of cellulose-based fluorescent materials also increases the mechanical properties of the coating film. The increase of tensile strength and tensile modulus respectively reaches ~39% and ~66%. Solvent resistance and thermal property of the coating films generally remain unchanged. The fabrication of cellulose-based fluorescent materials in DMSO/DBU/CO2 system provides a feasible way to develop the functional application of cellulose.
“Localism and Intimacy, and… Other Rather Imponderable Reasons of That Sort”: A Qualitative Study of Patient Experience in Community Hospitals in England
Authors: Davidson Deborah , Williams Iestyn , Glasby Jon
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe community hospital sector is characterised by high levels of upheaval, variation and dispute. Debates over the value and contribution of community hospitals are hampered by a lack of empirical assessment of the experience of patients using these services. This paper presents findings from a study of patient and family experiences in community hospitals in England.MethodsWe adopted a qualitative design involving nine case study hospitals, selected to represent a range of characteristics. Case study data collected included discovery interviews with patients (n=60) and semi-structured interviews with carers (n=28). We conducted thematic analysis of interview data.ResultsThe study confirms some of the distinctive functional and technical aspects of care associated with community hospitals, including: access to services facilities and equipment; the environment and atmosphere; information sharing; continuity, and; the potential for longer lengths of stay. The study also finds high reported levels of personalised care in community hospitals. Our study suggests the importance of additional social and psychological aspects of patient experience. Social aspects included having family and friends close, and the importance of being known and maintaining social connections during periods of hospital treatment. Psychological aspects included feeling less anonymous and frightened than they would in an acute setting, especially when coming to terms with loss and change. Conclusions Although the experiences uncovered in this study were not uniformly positive, patients and carers placed a high overall value on the distinctive qualities of the care provided by community hospitals. The study suggests the need to weigh the full range of these dimensions of patient experience – including functional, relational, social and psychological – when assessing the role and contribution of community hospitals.
Ruminal and Intestinal Morphometric Parameters of Lambs Fed Diets Containing Mimosa Tenuiflora (Willd.) Hay Replacing Buffel Grass Hay
Authors: Tolentino Mikael Leandro Duarte de Lima , Tolentino Laura Honório de Oliveira , Dantas Jackson Brendo Gomes , Gonçalves Larissa Maria Feitosa , de sousa Otávio Brilhante , Filho José Morais Pereira , Araújo Marcos Jácome
Published: June 2021

The objective in this study was to evaluate morphometric parameters of the ruminal papillae and intestinal villi of lambs fed diets containing Mimosa tenuiflora (Willd.) hay replacing Buffel grass (Cenchrus ciliaris L.) hay. Twenty-eight Santa Inês lambs with initial body weight of 20.3 ± 1.49 kg were used, being distributed in a completely randomized design with four treatments (0, 333, 670 and 1000 g/kg DM). The width of the ruminal papillae was not affected (P > 0.05), while their area linearly decreased (P = 0.01) as the level of M. tenuiflora hay increased. In the duodenum, the height (P < 0.0001) and the surface (P = 0.01) of the villi linearly decreased with the increase in the level of M. tenuiflora, while the width (P = 0.0001) and the area (P = 0.03) quadratically decreased with minimum values of 132.95 and 50,625.53 µm at the levels of 436 and 575 g/kg, respectively. There was a quadratic increase in the height of the jejunum villi (P < 0.0001) with a maximum value of 623.22 µm at the level of 333 g/kg, while the width quadratically decreased with a minimum value of 143.33 µm at the level of 526 g/kg and the area linearly decreased (P = 0.02). The height of the ileum villi (P = 0.0003) as well as the depth of the crypts in all segments (P < 0.001) linearly decreased. Therefore, it is suggested the substitution of C. ciliaris hay by M. tenuiflora hay up to 333 g/kg DM.
Designing a Restriction Enzyme-free Method to Construct a MicroRNA Precursor gene for microRNA Cloning
Authors: Amandadi Mojdeh , Hashemabadi Mohammad , sasan hosseinali
Published: June 2021

Common cloning strategies depend on the enzymatic digestion of the insert. In addition, the enzymatic digestion of PCR product ends by restriction enzymes is of low efficiency. These limitations are related to the need for enzymatic digestion to produce sticky ends in the insert sequence. Hence, in the present study, we aimed to present a new generation of pre-microRNA cloning method without using restriction enzymes for constructing pre-microRNA gene. In this strategy, by engineering an expression vector's sequence and designing two intelligent primer sets for two consecutive PCR reactions, the pre-microRNA sequence with appropriate restriction sites related to the expression vector was produced, without restriction enzymes. The recombinant expression vector was transfected into HEK293 cells, and microRNA-21 expression was assayed in these cells by real-time PCR, confirming the high efficacy of the presented cloning method. The present method can be an inexpensive and reliable method for microRNA precursor cloning by providing a high-performance protocol.
Pachychoroid Disease And Its Association With Retinal Vein Occlusion
Authors: Keidel Leonie Franziska , Zwingelberg Sarah , Schworm Benedikt , Luft Nikolaus , Herold Tina , Priglinger Siegfried Georg , Siedlecki Jakob
Published: June 2021

The development of a retinal vein occlusion (RVO) is multifactorial. This study investigates pachychoroid as a risk factor for RVO or as an entity sharing common pathophysiology with RVO. A database screening at the University Eye Hospital, Ludwig-Maximilian University Munich, Germany was performed for patients diagnosed with central or branch RVO (CRVO/BRVO). In every patient a complete ophthalmologic examination was performed, including posterior segment enhanced depth spectral domain optical coherence tomography (EDI-SD-OCT). The SD-OCT scans of respective partner eyes without history of RVO were compared to an age and -refraction-matched, randomly recruited normal control group.In total, 312 eyes of 312 patients were included in this study, with 162 eyes in the RVO and 150 eyes in the control group. A significantly higher subfoveal choroidal thickness (SFCT) was found in the RVO (310.3 ± 72.5 (94 to 583) µm) as compared to the control group (237.0 ± 99.0 (62 to 498); p<0.00001). Moreover, the RVO group showed a significantly higher prevalence of a symptomatic pachychoroid (22 vs. 9 eyes; odds ratio: 2.46; 95 CI: 1.10 to 5.53; p=0.029). Since pachychoroid disease represents a bilateral entity, it might be a risk factor for RVO, or share risk factors with RVO.
Performance and Time Improvement of LT Codes-based Cloud Storage
Authors: Chakani Nastaran , Mirrezaei Seyed Masoud , Hodtani Ghosheh Abed
Published: June 2021

Outsourcing data on the cloud storage services has already attracted great attention due to prospect of rapid data growth and storing efficiencies for customers. The coding-based cloud storage approach can offer more reliable and faster solution with less storage space in comparison with replication-based cloud storage. LT codes as a famous member of rateless codes family can improve performance of storage systems utilizing good degree distributions. Since degree distribution plays key role in LT codes performance, recently introduced Poisson Robust Soliton Distribution (PRSD) and Combined Poisson Robust Soliton Distribution (CPRSD) motivate us to investigate LT codes-based cloud storage system. So, we exploit LT codes with new degree distributions in order to provide lower average degree and higher decoding efficiency, specifically when receiving fewer encoding symbols, comparing with popular degree distribution, Robust Soliton Distribution (RSD). In this paper, we show that proposed cloud storage outperforms traditional ones in terms of storage space and robustness encountering unavailability of encoding symbols, due to compatible properties of PRSD and CPRSD with cloud storage essence. Furthermore, modified decoding process based on required encoding symbols behavior is presented to reduce data retrieval time. Numerical results confirm improvement of cloud storage performance.
iCodon: ideal codon design for customized gene expression
Authors: Bazzini Ariel
Published: June 2021

Messenger RNA (mRNA) stability substantially impacts steady-state gene expression levels in a cell. mRNA stability, in turn, is strongly affected by codon composition in a translation dependent manner across species, through a mechanism termed codon optimality. We have developed iCodon (www.iCodon.org), an algorithm for customizing mRNA expression through the introduction of synonymous codon substitutions into the coding sequence. iCodon is optimized for four vertebrate transcriptomes: mouse, human, frog, and fish. Users can predict the mRNA stability of any coding sequence based on its codon composition and subsequently generate more stable (optimized) or unstable (deoptimized) variants encoding for the same protein. Further, we show that codon optimality predictions correlate with expression levels using fluorescent reporters and endogenous genes in human cells and zebrafish embryos.
Therefore, iCodon will benefit basic biological research, as well as a wide range of applications for biotechnology and biomedicine.
Developing First Microsatellites and Analysing Genetic Diversity in Six Chia Cultivars
Authors: Yue GH , Lai CC , Lee M , Wang L , Song ZJ
Published: June 2021

Chia (Salvia hispanica L.), originated in central and southern Mexico and Guatemala, is an emerging industry crop due to its high content of omega‐3 fatty acids and dietary fiber in its seeds. The seeds also have a high concentration of proteins and essential amino acids, and are becoming a promising source of bioactive peptides. Polymorphic DNA markers are essential tools to analyse genetic diversity and to accelerate genetic improvement. However, in Chia, polymorphic and codominant DNA markers are still lacking. In this study, fourteen polymorphic microsatellites were identified from DNA sequences and were characterized. The average allele number was 4.8 while the expected and observed heterozygosity was 0.24 and 0.34, respectively. The average PI was 0.50 while the combined PI was 9 ×10-6. These first 14 microsatellites in Chia are useful in genetic analysis and traceability. These 14 polymorphic microsatellites were used in analysing genetic diversity and population relationships in six cultivars originating in Mexico, Australia and Bolivia. Results showed that allelic diversity and gene diversity were low and ranged from 2.79 to 3.64 and 0.27 to 0.38, respectively. The Mexico black cultivar showed the highest allelic (3.64) and gene diversity (0.38). The six cultivars were closely related with high identity (> 0.893). Taken together, these Chia cultivars contain low genetic variation. Therefore, to initiate a breeding program for improving traits, it is essential to use seeds from multiple cultivars to enlarge genetic variation in the founder population.
Anisotropic metamaterial with the ε-near-μ property in the entire angular domain enables broadband all-angle transmissions
Authors: Lv Qihao , Jin Cheng , Zhang Binchao , Liu Shuo , Cui Tie Jun
Published: June 2021

Epsilon-near-mu metamaterials play a significant role in many fields such as radar, communication, and stealth technology, due to their ideal transmission responses. However, when electromagnetic (EM) waves illuminate such metamaterials at large angles, undesired reflectance occurs that greatly restricts the applications. Here, we propose a theoretical approach that can fundamentally eliminate the adverse effects of the incident angle on the transmission response of an anisotropic ε-near-μ material by adjusting the structural permittivity and permeability tensors. We take advantages of the nonresonance regions of electric and magnetic resonators so that the material parameters can attain the desired values in a wide frequency band. This allows us to design a nonreflective material with broadband all-angle transmissions from 0° to almost 90°, which is further verified by experiments with good performance. This work opens up a new route for the design of ultrawide-angle transmission-type metamaterials with high-efficiency and wideband properties, reaching significant applications in antenna radomes.
Immune Dysfunction of T Lymphocytes may be a Risk Factor for Pleurisy Tuberculoma
Authors: Gao Weiwei , Yang Nan , Ji Saiguang , Dai Guangchuan , Hu Weiyi , Zeng Yi
Published: June 2021

Background: Pleurisy tuberculoma (PTM) is a benign proliferative disease that occurs most commonly after effective treatment of tuberculous pleurisy. In this study, we investigated the risk factors for PTM. Methods: The data of 56 consecutive tuberculoma patients treated at the Nanjing Thoracic Hospital and the Second Hospital between March 2013, and April 2020, were extracted from the hospital database and reviewed retrospectively. Sixty patients treated effectively for tuberculous pleurisy without PTM were included as the control group as most cases of PTM have a history of tuberculous pleurisy. We analyzed the clinical characteristics, laboratory examination results, and imaging features to identify potential risk factors for PTM.Results: The mean age of the PTM patients was 29.04 ± 6.95 years, with no difference between males and females. The onset of PTM was 4.29 ± 2.34 months from the diagnosis of tuberculous pleurisy. The PTM lesions were more commonly located in the lower lobes with no difference in the left and right lung distribution. There were no significant differences in the presenting symptoms and underlying disease of the patients in the PTM and control groups. Pleural thickening was more common in the PTM group (44.64% vs. 23.33% respectively, P = 0.015) and ADA activity was higher (48.32± 19.19 vs. 44.79± 24.57) compared with the control group. There were no significant differences between the groups in terms of the absolute numbers of CD4 + and CD8+ T lymphocyte cells or the CD4+/CD8+ T cell ratio (P > 0.05 ). Expression of the activation marker Ki-67 on CD4+ and CD8+ T cells was significantly increased in the PTM group compared with the control group (P < 0.05).Conclusions: Our results indicate that dysregulation of T lymphocytes may be a potential risk factor for PTM.
Identifying Hotspots in the Distribution of Human Infectious Diseases Using a Bayesian Framework: A Lead to Drivers, Prevention, and Surveillance of Disease Emergence
Authors: Jagadesh Soushieta , Combe Marine , Nacher Mathieu , Gozlan Rodolphe Elie
Published: June 2021

Background The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic underscores the need of surveillance system to detect threats and regions at high risk from emerging infectious diseases (EIDs). With the human-driven perturbations to the human-animal-pathogen interface at an ecological scale, the integration of these environmental drivers is essential. We propose robust mathematical models to map, detect, and identify significant drivers of EID outbreaks for three viral EID groups: Filoviridae, Coronaviridae, and Henipaviruses.MethodsWe modeled the presence-absence data in a spatially explicit, binomial and zero-inflation binomial (ZIB) logistic regression with and without autoregression (iCAR). The presence data were extracted from WHO and Promed archives for the three EID groups and we generated pseudoabsence points within the spatial distribution of the mammalian reservoirs. Various environmental and demographical raster were used to explain the distribution of EIDs. True Skill Statistic and deviance parameters were used to compare the accuracy of the different models.ResultsWe used hierarchical SDM binomial, ZIB with and without iCAR models to map the predictive risk of viral EIDs. ZIB models with autoregression were found to be near perfect in detecting the distribution of EID outbreaks with 70% of the models explained by environmental and demographic drivers. The common influencing drivers amongst the three groups of EIDs analyzed were climatic covariates minimum temperature and rainfall, and human-driven land modifications.ConclusionsOur study results conclude that using SDMs in a Bayesian structure is near perfect detecting hotspots and significant drivers of EID outbreaks. It also maps the sites needing active surveillance, which essential in epidemic prevention, and highlights the influence of human-driven modifications to environment on disease emergence.
Sleep Medication Use and Risk of Fractures in Breast Cancer Survivors
Authors: Haque Reina , Chlebowski Rowan T. , Chen LieHong
Published: June 2021

Purpose: Sleep problems are more common in breast cancer survivors than those without a cancer history. Our goal was to examine the risk of fractures among breast cancers survivors who used prescription sleep aids. Methods: We conducted a retrospective cohort study of 21,346 adult women diagnosed with stage 0-III breast cancerbetween 2009-2016and followed them through 2017. We examined person-year rates of fracturesby sleep medication use and calculated adjusted hazard ratios (HR) and 95% confidence intervals (CI)with Cox proportional hazards models using time-dependent variables for sleep medications and covariate medications (antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and bisphosphonates) adjusted for demographics, comorbidities, and tumor characteristics and cancer treatments.Results: The sleep medication use was common (40%) in breast cancer survivors and was associated with a 33% increased risk of fractures(adjusted HR=1.33, 95% CI: 1.20-1.49). Bisphosphonateuse did not mitigate this risk. Further, in a sensitivity analysis based on new use of sleep medication, the fracture risk was even stronger (adjusted HR=1.44, 95% CI: 1.26-1.64).Conclusion:Given the high use of sleep medicationsand the high risk of fractures in breast cancer survivors, this study suggests that non-pharmacologic management of sleep problems might be considered as alternative therapy.
Using Nomogram and Machine Learning Models to Predict Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer Prognosis
Authors: Lei Haike , Liu Chun , Xu Zheng , Hong Na , Li Xiaosheng , Zhou Wei , Gong Mengchun , Wang Guixue , Wang Ying , Zhou Hong , Wu Yongzhong
Published: June 2021

BackgroundPatients with non-small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) often have a poor prognosis. Overall survival (OS) prediction through the early diagnosis of cancer has many benefits, such as allowing providers to design the best treatment plan for patients. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the prognostic factors in NSCLC patients, construct a nomogram, and develop machine learning models to predict the OS. We also conducted feature importance analysis to understand how relevant factors of NSCLC patients impact their OS.ResultsMultiple machine learning models were adopted in a retrospective cohort of patients from 2010 to 2015 in the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Independent prognostic factors for NSCLC were determined using Cox proportional hazards regression analysis. We modeled OS and vital status as the outcomes and constructed and validated a nomogram to predict the OS of NSCLC. Furthermore, we applied logistic regression, random forest, XGBoost, decision tree, multilayer perceptron, and LightGBM to predict the patients’ vital status. We tested the prediction ability of the models and evaluated their performances using accuracy, sensitivity, specificity, precision, and the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. A total of 34,567 patients selected from the SEER database that met our criteria were included in this study. The nomogram visualized the OS prediction results of the Cox regression model. Among the classifiers, XGBoost had the best prediction performance, with an area under the curve of 0.733.ConclusionsThe results demonstrated that machine learning-based classifier models are capable of predicting the outcomes of patients with NSCLC. And Cox regression model-based nomogram interpreted the results well and supports potential medical applications.
Experimental Preliminary Analysis of the Fluid Drag Effect in Rapid and Long-runout Flowlike Landslides
Authors: Gao Yang , Gao Haoyuan , Li Bin , Wei Tongyao , Li Zhuang
Published: June 2021

During a landslide, the multi-phase nature of landslide debris defines its mobility. Eventually, frictional forces cause the slide energy to dissipate, and contact forces transmit the energy into nearby material. To analyze the dynamic characteristics of high-velocity long-runout landslides, we conducted flume model tests to empirically determine the mobility characteristics of flow-like landslides with various slide materials. Our conclusions are as follows: (1) Liquid-phase flow-like landslides are highly mobility and have long runout; solid-phase flow-like landslides are highly destructive because of their higher kinetic energy; and two-phase flow-like landslides are both highly mobility. (2) During a two-phase flow-like landslide, the mobility ability of the liquid-phase material is stronger than that of the solid-phase material; when the liquid slide volume fraction is sufficiently large, the liquid phase exerts a drag force on the solid phase. (3) Various liquids exert different drag effects on the solid; the solid-liquid velocity difference and the liquid viscosity determine the drag intensity and the mobility and depositional characteristics of the landslide.
A Novel Prognostic Biomarker ARRDC2 has Potential to Define Tumor Microenvironment in Ovarian Cancer
Authors: Zhang Mengjun , Liu Yunduo , Liu Yuan , Hou Siyu , Li Hao , Ma Ying , Wang Can , Chen Xiuwei
Published: June 2021

Purpose: The abnormal expression of α-arrestin protein family plays a key regulatory role in the occurrence and development of many cancers, including colorectal cancer and cervical cancer, and is inseparable from changes in the tumor immune microenvironment. However, the role of ARRDC2, an important member of this family, in the malignant biological process of ovarian cancer (OC) has not been reported, and its role in the change of the immune microenvironment is also unknown.Methods: In this study, HPA, TCGA, GEO and other databases were used to explore the role of ARRDC2 in the diagnosis and prognosis assessment of ovarian cancer. Then, GO, KEGG analysis and GSEA analysis of the biological processes and cell signaling pathways that ARRDC2 may be involved in activated or inhibited. In addition, the TIMER and TISIDB database were used to conduct in-depth research on the role of ARRDC2 in the change of the immune microenvironment of ovarian cancer. Finally, the CMAP database explored and screened drugs that may be used for treatment.Results: There were significant differences between OC and ARRDC2 mRNA and protein levels. High ARRDC2 expression level is associated with poor overall survival and can be used as an independent prognostic factor. Interestingly, ARRDC2 expression is positively correlated with B cells, Neutrophils, Dendritic cells and CD8+ T cells, signifying that ARRDC2 may be related to infiltration of immune cells. ARRDC2 and its co-expressed genes are enriched in cell signaling pathways related to the immune system. Finally, we explored two possible drugs for the treatment of ovarian cancer.Conclusion: The differentially expressed ARRDC2 may be a potential prognostic and diagnostic indicator and can be used as a novel biomarker for exploring the immune microenvironment of ovarian cancer.
Enhanced Osteogenic Differentiation of Alendronate-Conjugated Nanodiamonds for Potential Osteoporosis Treatment
Authors: Ahn Guk Young , Kim Sung-Eun , Yun Tae Hoon , Choi Inseong , Park Daewon , Choi Sung-Wook
Published: June 2021

Background: Alendronate (Alen) is promising material used for bone-targeted drug delivery due to its high bone affinity and therapeutic effects on bone diseases. In addition, Alen can enhance the osteogenic differentiation of osteoblastic cell. Recently, nanodiamonds (NDs) with hardness, non-toxicity, and excellent biocompatibility are employed as promising materials for carrier systems and osteogenic differentiation. Therefore, we prepared Alen-conjugated NDs (Alen-NDs) and evaluated their osteogenic differentiation performances. Methods: Alen-NDs were synthesized using DMTMM as a coupling reagent. Morphological change of Mouse calvaria-derived preosteoblast (MC3T3-E1) treated with Alen-NDs was observed using the confocal microscope. The osteogenic differentiation was confirmed by cell proliferation, alkaline phosphatase (ALP), calcium deposition, and real-time polymerase chain reaction assay. Results: Alen-NDs were prepared to evaluate their effect on the proliferation and differentiation of osteoblastic MC3T3-E1 cells. The Alen-NDs had a size of about 100 nm, and no cytotoxicity at less than 100 μg/mL of concentration. The treatment of NDs and Alen-NDs reduced the proliferation rate of MC3T3-E1 cells without cell death. Confocal microscopy images confirmed that the treatment of NDs and Alen-NDs changed the cellular morphology from a fibroblastic shape to a cuboidal shape. Flow cytometry, alkaline phosphatase (ALP) activity, calcium deposition, and real-time polymerase chain reaction (RT-PCR) confirmed the higher differentiation of MC3T3-E1 cells treated by Alen-NDs, compared to the groups treated by osteogenic medium and NDs. The higher concentration of Alen-ND treated in MC3T3-E1 resulted in a higher differentiation level. Conclusions: Alen-NDs can be used as potential therapeutic agents for osteoporosis treatment by inducing osteogenic differentiation.
Food Consumption and Food Belief Among Paddy Farmers Households in Rural Area, Kedah, Malaysia
Authors: IBRAHIM AHMAD ZUBIR
Published: June 2021

Background

Food consumption influences food security household level, particularly among paddy farmers households especially in the rural area. At the same time food taboo or food belief among paddy farmers people in a rural area in certain food still exist until now. Therefore, this study aims to explore the food consumption and food belief among low-income households in the rural area, Kedah Malaysia
Methods

This qualitative study was carried out in Kubang Pasu, Alor Setar, Pendang, Kuala Muda and Baling district in Kedah, Malaysia. A total of 225 respondents were involved in this study. Data were collected from heads of households involve directly in paddy crops.
Results

The study found out, that paddy farmers households in a rural area of Kedah Malaysia consumed less food with a score of less than 30.0. This group uses chub mackerel fish as a protein resource because the price is low when compared to other saltwater fish (e.g. pomfret, king mackerel, grouper fish, mangrove red snapper, snapper, and barramundi), and also uses freshwater fish as a protein resource. Furthermore, food beliefs also influenced food consumption among the rural paddy farmers households in Kedah.
Conclusion

The findings reveal the food consumption patterns of low-income families especially, particularly in rural areas, and point to the need for more targeted and planned programmes within the low-income group to improve food security, particularly in food consumption households. However, food belief inseparable in their daily routine.
PTAFR Exaggerates Microglia-Mediated Microenvironment via IL10-STAT3 Signaling: A Novel Perspective on Potential Biomarker and Target for AD Diagnosis and Treatment
Authors: Liu Junxiu , Jiao Linchi , Zhong Xin , Yao Weifan , Du Ke , Lu Senxu , Wu Yuqiang , Ma Tianxin , Tong Junhui , Xu Mingyue , Jiang Wenjuan , Wang Yubao , He Miao , Xin Wei , Liu Mingyan
Published: June 2021

Background: Early diagnosis and effective intervention become the key points for delaying Alzheimer’s progression. Therefore, we aim to find new biomarkers for early diagnosis of Alzheimer (AD) by bioinformatics, and to reveal the possible mechanisms. Methods and results: GSE1297, GSE63063, and GSE110226 in the GEO database were used to screen out the differentially highly expressed genes. We found out a potential biomarker PTAFR differentially highly expressed in the brain tissue, peripheral blood and cerebrospinal fluid of AD patients. Furthermore, we found higher PTAFR level in the plasma and brain tissues of APP/PS1 mice. Simultaneously, it was uncovered that PTAFR mediated the inflammatory response to exaggerate microenvironment specially mediated by microglia through the IL10-STAT3 pathway. In addition, we also found PTAFR was a possible target for some anti-AD compounds such as EGCG, donepezil, curcumin, memantine, and Huperzine A.Conclusions: PTAFR was a potential biomarker for early AD diagnosis and treatment correlated with microglia-mediated microenvironment, and an important possible target to make novel strategy for clinical treatment and new drug discovery in AD.
Does Primary Tumour Location Affect the Prognosis of Patients with Colorectal Cancer Peritoneal Metastases Treated with Cytoreductive Surgery and Hyperthermic Intraperitoneal Chemotherapy?
Authors: Chen Haipeng , Zhou Sicheng , Bi Jianjun , Feng Qiang , Jiang Zheng , Xu Jianping , Pei Wei , Liang Jianwei , Zhou Zhixiang , Wang Xishan
Published: June 2021

Background The impact of primary tumour location on the prognosis of patients with peritoneal metastasis (PM) arising from colorectal cancer (CRC) after cytoreductive surgery (CRS) and hyperthermic intraperitoneal chemotherapy (HIPEC) is rarely discussed, and the evidence is still limited.Methods Patients with PM arising from CRC treated with CRS and HIPEC at the China National Cancer Center and Huanxing Cancer Hospital between June 2017 and June 2019 were systematically reviewed. Clinical characteristics, pathological features, perioperative parameters, and prognostic data were collected and analysed.Results A total of 70 patients were divided into two groups according to colonic or rectal origin (18 patients in the rectum group and 52 patients in the colon group). Patients with PM of colonic origin were more likely to develop grade 3-4 postoperative complications after CRS+HIPEC (38.9% vs 19.2%, P=0.094), but this difference was not statistically significant. Patients with colon cancer had a longer median overall survival (OS) than patients with rectal cancer (27.0 vs 15.0 months, P=0.011). On the multivariate analysis, independent prognostic factors of reduced OS were rectal origin (HR 2.03, 95% CI 1.02–4.24, P = 0.044) and incomplete cytoreduction (HR 2.33, 95% CI 1.05-5.28, P = 0.039).Conclusion CRS is an originally complex and potentially life-threatening procedure, and we suggest that the indications for CRS+HIPEC in patients with PM of rectal origin be more restrictive and cautious.
Impact of genomic preselection on subsequent genetic evaluations with ssGBLUP - using real data from pigs
Authors: Jibrila Ibrahim , Vandenplas Jeremie , Napel Jan ten , Bergsma Rob , Veerkamp Roel F , Calus Mario P.L
Published: June 2021

Background Empirically assessing the impact of preselection on subsequent genetic evaluations of preselected animals requires comparison of scenarios with and without preselection. However, preselection almost always takes place in animal breeding programs, so it is difficult, if not impossible, to have a dataset without preselection. Hence most studies on preselection used simulated datasets, concluding that subsequent genomic estimated breeding values (GEBV) from single-step genomic best linear unbiased prediction (ssGBLUP) are unbiased. The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of genomic preselection, using real data, on accuracy and bias of GEBV of validation animals. Methods We used data on four pig production traits from one sire-line and one dam-line, with more intense original preselection in the dam-line than in the sire-line. The traits are average daily gain during performance testing, average daily gain throughout life, backfat, and loin depth. Per line, we ran ssGBLUP with the entire data until validation generation and considered this scenario as the reference scenario. We then implemented two scenarios with additional layers of genomic preselection by removing all animals without progeny either i) only in the validation generation, or ii) in all generations. In computing accuracy and bias, we compared GEBV against progeny yield deviation of validation animals. Results Results showed only a limited loss in accuracy due to the additional layers of genomic preselection. This is true in both lines, for all traits, and regardless of whether validation animals had records or not. Bias too was largely absent, and did not differ greatly among corresponding scenarios with or without additional layers of genomic preselection. Conclusion We concluded that impact of recent and/or historical genomic preselection is minimal on subsequent genetic evaluations of selection candidates, if these subsequent genetic evaluations are done using ssGBLUP.
Technogenic transformation of the underground hydrosphere of Kazan. Lower Kazanian aquifer complex
Authors:   Kazan (Volga region) Federal University, Dar’ya Ivanovna PETROVA
Published: June 2021

Relevance. By the beginning of the XXI century, the growth of cities, population concentration and the revival of industrial production led to an intense technogenic pressure on the underground hydrosphere. In ecological and hydrogeological studies, it becomes necessary to conduct monitoring observations of groundwater based on GIS technologies. Purpose of the work: study of the hydrogeochemical characteristics of underground waters of the aquiferous lower Kazanian carbonate-terrigenous complex to provide Kazan with high-quality drinking water from protected underground sources. Research methodology. Hydrochemical data from geological reports and archival materials for the period from 1960 years to 2019 years were used. Methods of mathematical statistics (basic, cluster and factor analyzes) made it possible to differentiate into natural and man-made components. Geographic information modeling using the “ArcGisMap” package showed the spatial variability of the main components in the waters of the Neogene complex at the turn of the 20th and 21st centuries. Conclusion. The hydrochemical parameters of the aquiferous lower Kazanian complex are assessed as favorable, since practically all the main components do not exceed the MPC values for drinking water.
The challenges of Industry 4.0 and the need for new answers in the mining industry
Authors:   Nosov Magnitogorsk State Technical University, Vladimir Semenovich VELIKANOV
Published: June 2021

Relevance of the work is due to the need for further modernization of the economy of the Russian Federation, which involves solving both basic theoretical and applied problems of the domestic mining industry. This circumstance largely determines not only the state of the state’s production resources, but also its scientific and technical potential. The global trend in the development of mining operations in the world is mainly determined by open pit mining of raw material resources. Open pit mining is characterized by an increase in the volume of processed rock mass, improved production processes through the use of advanced technologies, which entails the use of high-capacity mining machines. The main problems of open-cut mining are the following: complex mining and geological and mining-technical conditions; depletion of the mineral resource base; and constantly changing environmental conditions. All this leads to an increase in the cost of mining and a decrease in the competitiveness of the products of mining companies. Objective of the work. To establish the need to modernize traditional technologies in open pit mining with the possibility of integrating the main ideas of Industry 4.0. Research methodology. When solving the set tasks a complex approach was used, including: scientific analysis and synthesis of previously published research, analytical studies, laboratory experiment and observations of the work of open-pit excavators in real operating conditions. The methods of mathematical statistics include system analysis and modeling with the use of information technologies form the methodological basis of the research. Results. This paper deals with the issues of modelling the cab of a quarry crawler excavator to meet the technical requirements for the excavator cab in protecting against tipping and rock impacts. Model setup and analysis of simulation results after loading are performed using Autodesk Inventor software. An optimal finite-element model of an excavator operator’s cabin has been developed to assess the effectiveness of its structural protection. Conclusions. Implementing the core ideas of Industry 4.0 is a complex scientific and technical challenge. Its solution is connected with significant economic costs, including modernization of mining equipment, infrastructure, as well as changes in the technology of open-cast mining. The implementation of complex automated control systems and practical application of the latest information and geoinformation technologies will unambiguously give high estimated figures and have high applied potential, and ultimately ensure safety of open pit mining, increase of efficiency and productivity, possibility of mining in regions with complex mining and geological and mining-technical conditions.
Geological and Tectonic Setting of Andesitic Rock in Central Eastern Desert, Egypt
Authors:   Southern Federal University, Hamdy Ahmed Mohamed AWAD , Ibrahim Abu El-Leil ALI ,   Al-Azhar University, Aleksey Valer’evich NASTAVKIN ,   Southern Federal University, Abdellah Sadek TOLBA ,   Al-Azhar University, Mostafa Kamel ABDEL GHANI ,   Al-Azhar University, Musab Awad Ahmed HASSAN ,   Peoples’ Friendship University of Russia (RUDN University), Mohamed Mahmoud Fathy GHONEIM ,   Nuclear Materials Authority, Ahmed El Sayed Abde GAWAD ,   Nuclear Materials Authority
Published: June 2021

Objective. The current study aims to detect the geologic features, geochemical characteristics and tectonic setting of the investigated rock using field observations and geochemical analyses. Research methods. This work contains both field work (Collection samples and drawing of a new geological map) and laboratory work (preparation of thin sections for petrographic studies by polarizing microscope), X-ray Fluorescence analysis (XRF) in Institute of Biology, Southern Federal University and Mass-Spectrometer with Inductively Coupled Plasma (ICPMS) at the central Laboratory of Russian Geological Institute. Result. Investigated andesitic rock belongs to Dokhan volcanic that located in the Central Eastern Desert of Egypt a long Qena-Safaga Road. It is considered as one of the most important shear zones in Eastern Desert that includes distinctive rocks and economic mineral deposits. The investigated rock belongs to late to post tectonic magmatism of the East African Orogeny (EAO). Petrographically: Dokhan volcanic is represented by andesite according to petrographical studies. It consists of plagioclase, quartz, in addition to mafic minerals. Geochemically, the investigated andesite samples plotted in calk-alkaline nature. Conclusion. Tectonically, andesite samples fall in arc lava and continental fields. They are enriched in Ba, Sr, Rb, K, Nb and Ce with marked depletion in the most HFSEs like those of island arc calc-alkaline series.
A clinical and morphological analysis of a retinal and optic nerve astrocytic hamartoma case
Authors: Saakyan S. V. , Khoroshilova-Maslova I. P. , Amiryan A. G. , Zakharova G. P. , Tsygankov A. Yu. , Panteleeva O. G. , Zhiltsova M. G.
Published: June 2021

A clinical and morphological description of a case of pilocytic astrocytoma (astrocytic hamartoma) of the retina and optic nerve in an 11-year old girl is presented. The clinical and instrumental characteristics of the tumor are determined by ultrasound and MRI tests. Detailed cytological and pathomorphological description of the tumor, which is rarely observed, is given. The tumor poses a threat to the eye and requires that the eyeball be removed.