bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Fabrication And Characterization of Cs0.33WO3 Nanorod Combined Within Dye Sensitized Solar Cells For Near-Infrared Light Absorption
Authors: Liu Bo-Tau , Hung Tai-Yuan , Gorji Nima E.
Published: August 2021

Near-infrared (NIR) light absorbing materials have been widely used in vehicle and building applications due to their transparent film structure with high absorption rate in NIR range and a high transmittance for the visible light. In this paper, Cesium-doped Tungstate (Cs0.33WO3) has been combined with dye-sensitized solar cell (DSSC) to convert the heat energy (absorbed from NIR light) into photocurrent. Cs0.33WO3 Nanorods were synthesized and used to prepare the active layer of the cell. The mesoporous Titanium dioxide (TiO2) on FTO has also been used as the electron transport layer (ETL). This simple structure of FTO/TiO2/Cs0.33WO3 resulted in a poor Fermi level alignment and a low voltage. However, a buffer layer made of Poly[(9,9-bis(3′-(N,N-dimethylamino)propyl)-2,7-fluorene)-alt-2,7-(9,9- dioctylfluorene)] (PFN-DOF) improved the Fermi level alignment and the quality of the interface in the modified structure of FTO/TiO2/PFN-DOF/Cs0.33WO3 which improved the initial Jsc from 0.38 μA/cm2 to 0.45 μA/cm2 for the NIR range. In addition, the Jsc of this modified structure improved from 18.84 μA/cm2 to 27.56 μA/cm2 for the visible light. Finally, by using a P25-doped TiO2 layer, the Jsc increased from 0.70 μA/cm2 to 31.12 μA/cm2 for both NIR and visible light, respectively.
Spatial distribution and determinants of childhood stunting among under-five children in Ethiopia: evidence from the 2019 Ethiopian demographic and health survey
Authors: Emwodew Delelegn , Tariku Binyam , Aschalew Getanew , Seid Elias , Hailegebreal Samuel , Desalegn Abel , Amede Endris Seid
Published: August 2021

Background: Childhood stunting is a major challenge to the growth and development of nations by affecting millions of children across the world. Although Ethiopia has made steady progress in reducing stunting, the prevalence of stunting is still one of the highest in the world. This study aims to investigate the spatial variation and factors associated with childhood stunting in Ethiopia.Methods: This study is a secondary data analysis of the 2019 Ethiopian Mini Demographic and Health Survey (EMDHS). A total of 4,971 children aged 0–59 months were included in the analysis. The Getis-Ord statistics tool has been used to identify areas with high and low hotspots of stunting. A multilevel logistic regression model was used to identify factors associated with stunting.Results: The prevalence of stunting was found to be 36.86% in Ethiopian under-five children. Statistically significant hotspots of stunting were found in northern parts of Ethiopia. Both individual and community-level factors determined the odds childhood stunting among under-five children. Children in the age group between 24–35 months were more likely to be stunted than children whose age was less than one year [AOR = 3.74; 95 % CI: (3.04–4.59)]. Children with mothers who had completed higher education had lower odds of being stunted compared to children whose mothers had no formal education [AOR = 0.55; 95%CI: (0.38–0.82)]. Children from the poorest wealth quintile had higher odds of being stunted compared to children from the richest wealth quintiles [AOR = 2; 95 % CI: (1.46–2.73)]. Children living in Tigray (AOR =3.64; 95 % CI: 2.17–6.11), Afar (AOR 2.02; 95 % CI 1.19-3.39), Amhara (AOR =2.29; 95 % CI: 1.37–3.86), Benishangul Gumz (AOR=1.87; 95% CI: 1.10-3.17) and Harari (AOR=1.95; 95% CI: 1.17-3.25) regions were more likely to be stunted compared to children living in Addis Ababa.Conclusion: This study showed that both individual and community-level factors were significant predictors of childhood stunting. Improving maternal education, improving the economic status of households, improving age-specific child feeding practice, and providing additional resources to regions with high hotspots of childhood stunting are recommended.
The Effect of Opioid-Free Anesthesia Protocol on the Early Quality of Recovery After Major Surgery (SOFA Trial): Study Protocol for a Prospective, Monocentric, Randomized, Single-Blinded Trial
Authors: Léger Maxime , Pessiot-Royer Solène , Perrault Tristan , Parot-Schinkel Elsa , Costerousse Fabienne , Rineau Emmanuel , Lasocki Sigismond
Published: August 2021

Background
Since the 2000s, Opioid Free Anesthesia (OFA) protocols have been spreading worldwide in anesthesia daily practice. These protocols avoid using opioid drugs during anesthesia to prevent short- and long-term opioid side effects while ensuring adequate analgesic control and optimizing postoperative recovery. Proofs of the effect of OFA protocol on optimizing postoperative recovery are still scarce. The study aims to compare the effects of an OFA protocol versus standard anesthesia protocol on the early quality of postoperative recovery (QoR) from major surgeries.
Methods
The SOFA trial is a prospective, randomized, parallel, single-blind, monocentric study. Patients (n = 140) scheduled for major plastic, visceral, urologic, gynecologic or ear, nose and throat (ENT) surgeries will be allocated to one of the two groups. The study group (OFA group) will receive a combination of clonidine, magnesium sulfate, ketamine and lidocaine. The control group will receive a standard anesthesia protocol based on opioid use. Both groups will receive others standard practices for general anesthesia and perioperative care. The primary outcome measure is the QoR-15 value assessed at 24 hours after surgery. Postoperative data such as pain intensity, the incidence of postoperative complication, opioid consumption will be recorded. We will also collect adverse events that may be related to the anesthetic protocol. Three months after surgery, the incidence of chronic pain and the quality of life will be evaluated by phone interview.
Discussion
This will be the first study powered to evaluate the effect of OFA versus a standard anesthesia protocol using opioids on global postoperative recovery after a wide range of major surgeries. The SOFA trial will also provide findings concerning the OFA impact on chronic pain incidence and long-term patient quality of life.
Trial registration:
ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04797312. Registered on 15 March 2021
Clinicopathological Characteristics and Survival Outcomes in Patients with Synchronous Lung Metastases Upon Initial Metastatic Breast Cancer Diagnosis in Han Population
Authors: Lin Shaoyan , Mo Hongnan , Li Yiqun , Guan Xiuwen , Chen Yimeng , Wang Zijing , Xu Binghe
Published: August 2021

Background
We investigated the clinicopathological characteristics and survival of breast cancer lung metastases (BCLM) patients at initial diagnosis of metastatic breast cancer (MBC) in the Han population.
Methods
We attained clinical data of 3155 MBC patients initially diagnosed between April 2000 and September 2019 from the China National Cancer Center and finally included 2263 MBC patients in this study, among which 809 patients presented with lung metastases at first MBC diagnosis. The risk factors for BCLM were determined using multivariate logistic regression analysis and the prognostic factors of BCLM patients were assessed by univariate and multivariate Cox regression analyses.
Results
Patients with triple-negative subtype (42.3%) harbored the highest incidence proportions of lung metastases. Age ≥ 50 years, Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group (ECOG) 2 and triple-negative subtype were remarkably associated with higher incidence of lung metastases, while N3, liver and bone metastases were significantly correlated with lower odds of lung metastases at diagnosis. The median survival of BCLM patients was 41.7 months, with triple-negative subtype experiencing the worst prognosis of 26.8 months. ECOG 2, N3, hormone receptor-negative (HR-)/human epidermal growth factor receptor 2-positive (HER2) + subtype, triple-negative subtype, liver metastases and bone metastases were significantly correlated with poor survival of BCLM patients.
Conclusions
Our study provides essential information on clinicopathological features and survival outcomes of BCLM patients at initial diagnosis of MBC in China.
Event-Related Oscillations in Dementia with Lewy Bodies with a Mutation in the GBA Gene
Authors: Rosenblum Yevgenia , Maidan Inbal , Goldstein Orly , Gana-Weisz Mali , Orr-Urtreger Avi , Bregman Noa , Giladi Nir , Mirelman Anat , Shiner Tamara
Published: August 2021

Introduction. In dementia with Lewy bodies (DLB), mutations in the GBA gene are associated with a more severe cognitive phenotype. In basic science, event-related oscillations have traditionally been used to explore the neurophysiological underpinnings of various aspects of cognitive performance. Here, we aimed to compare event-related oscillations in DLB patients who are carriers and non-carriers of GBA mutations.Method. EEG was recorded during a visual oddball task in eight clinically diagnosed Ashkenazi Jewish DLB patients with the N370S mutation in the GBA gene (GBA-DLB) and eleven DLB non-carriers. The time-frequency power and inter-trial phase coherence were calculated from the Morlet wavelet convolution from the Fz electrode.Results. Task performance and cognitive assessments were comparable between groups. While the within-non-GBA-DLB group analysis revealed a significant increase relative to the baseline in the delta-band power (p=0.01, Cohen's d=1.0), the within-GBA-DLB-group analysis did not detect any event-related power change. In contrast, both subgroups showed an increase relative to the baseline in the delta and theta bands inter-trial phase coherence (all p<0.03, d>1.3). The between-group analysis revealed that event-related power - but not coherence - was lower in GBA-DLB compared to non-carriers in the delta band (p=0.04, d=-0.9).Conclusions. GBA-DLB patients showed decreased delta-band power compared to non-carriers despite the similar cognitive performance, whereas inter-trial phase coherence was comparable in both groups. These findings suggest that in carriers, preserved inter-trial phase coherence possibly compensates for the impaired power by eliciting the appropriate functional configuration needed for stimulus processing and task performance.
Study on Deformation and Failure Characteristics of Weak Cemented Roof in Shallow and Extra Thick Coal Seam Mining
Authors: Liu Chang , Zhang Pingsong , Yao Duoxi , Ou Yuancaho , Tian Yutong
Published: August 2021

Detecting the development height of water flowing fractured zone in the roof of coal seam is of great significance for the roof safety of working face with developed sandstone and thick loose layer. This paper analyzes the influence of the induced polarization effect of electrode on the traditional single-mode parallel electrical method. In order to avoid this interference, the dual-mode parallel electrical method is applied to monitor the roof deformation and failure of a coal mine in Ordos Basin. The monitoring results show that: under the influence of mining, the change of geoelectric field of coal seam roof is dynamic, the apparent resistivity of initial mining fracture is high, the apparent resistivity of surrounding rock water filling mining fracture is low, and the apparent resistivity of fracture water flowing to goaf is high again. According to the characteristics of geoelectric field, the maximum height of water flowing fracture zone is 122 M; The average mining coal thickness of the working face is 11 m, and the fracture / mining thickness ratio is 11.1. The results of plastic zone show that the maximum height of water flowing fractured zone above the working face is 122 m, which is consistent with the test results. The vertical stress response characteristics of roof monitoring points are zonal. Under the influence of mining, the loose layer near the surface above the working face is cracked. The edge type ground fissures exist for a long time, and there are a series of geological problems such as soil erosion, ground subsidence.
Credit Scoring Model in Imbalanced Data Based on CNN-ATCN
Authors: Peng Baicheng , Zhang Anqin , Zhang Ting
Published: August 2021

With the rapid growth of credit card and personal loan in finance industry, how to detect a potential default or bad debt with limited information has become extremely crucial. Meanwhile, one of the troublesome challenges in the field of credit scoring is the lack of positive samples. In this paper, we firstly introduced the idea of conditional tabular generative adversarial network(CTGAN) to generate sufficient default transactions into the origin data. Then we proposed a hybrid ensemble learning model based on CNN-ATCN to extract static features and dynamic features simultaneously, which CNN was utilized for finance attribute learning while the TCN with attention mechanism was used for extracting temporal dependencies from data. And LR, XGBoost, Adaboost, Random Forest are regarded as heterogeneous individual learners to form a stacking machine to output the classification results. We verified the designed default risk prediction model in two real world datasets. The results of the experiment indicate that CTGAN can effectively solve the data imbalance problem and the proposed CNN-ATCN model outperforms other state-of-art deep learning models in various way of metrics.
Geochemistry of Street Dust in Tyumen, Russia: Influence of Traffic Load
Authors: Moskovchenko Dmitriy , Pozhitkov Roman , Ukarkhanova Dzhamilya
Published: August 2021

The article presents the results of studying the composition of road dust in Tyumen, a large city in Western Siberia. On roads with different traffic intensities, 50 dust samples were taken, in which the particle size distribution, pH, and organic carbon content were determined. The content of 62 major and trace elements was studied using atomic emission spectrometry (AES-MS) и inductively coupled plasma spectrometry (ICP-MS). It was revealed that the dust has an alkaline reaction pH = 7.4 - 10.2, low organic carbon content (0.07 - 2.9%). The particle size distribution is dominated by particles PM = 100-250. The content of small particles (PM <2 and PM2-10) representing the greatest environmental hazard is minimal on roads with an average traffic intensity. Studies have shown that the main road dust pollutants in Tyumen are Ni, Sb, Cr, Zn, Co. The average geoaccumulation index (Igeo) values ​​are ranked as Ni (2.2) > Sb (1.5) > Cr (1.3) > Zn (0.4) > Co (0.4) > Cu (0.2). The contamination evaluation through enrichment factor (EF) calculation showed that road dust is highly enriched in Ni and significantly in Cr and Sb. More than 80% of Zn, Co, Cu and more than 90% of Ni, Sb, Cr come from anthropogenic sources. By the content of Ni and Cr, Tyumen surpasses all cities of the Earth where similar studies were carried out. The high Ni content is associated with the composition of local soils and roadways, increased content in vehicle exhaust gases, and abrasion of metal parts. Calculations of the total pollution indices (IPI and Zc) showed that the level of road dust pollution in most of Tyumen's territory is average, moderately hazardous.
Quality Monitoring of Assembled Products by Defect Prediction Models
Authors: Verna Elisa , Genta Gianfranco , Galetto Maurizio , Franceschini Fiorenzo
Published: August 2021

Typically, monitoring quality characteristics of very personalized products is a difficult task due to the lack of experimental data. This is the typical case of processes where the production volume continues to shrink due to the growing complexity and customization of products, thus requiring low-volume productions. This paper presents a novel approach to statistically monitor Defects Per Unit (DPU) of assembled products based on the use of defect prediction models. Unlike traditional control charts requiring preliminary experimental data to estimate the control limits (phase I), the proposed DPU-chart is constructed using a predictive model based on a priori knowledge of DPU. This defect prediction model is built on the structural complexity of assembled product. The novel approach may be of interest to researchers and practitioners to speed up the construction of the chart, especially in cases of low-volume productions due to the limited amount of data. The description of the method is supported by a real industrial case study in the electromechanical field.
Removal of U (VI) From Aqueous Solution By Effective Bio-Adsorbent From Walnut Shell And Cellulose Composites Stabilized Iron Sulfide Nanoparticle
Authors: Wang Huifang , Liu Renrong , Han Li , Hu Baowei , Qiu Muqing
Published: August 2021

FeS nanoparticles were easily aggregated and oxidized in the natural environment due to van der Waals forces between nanoparticles. Biochar could be used as a carrier to inhibit the agglomeration and oxidization of FeS nanoparticles. An efficient bio-adsorbent (CFeS-WS) from walnut shell (WS) and cellulose composites stabilized iron sulfide nanoparticle was synthesized by the modified method. It also was determined by SEM, EDS, XRD and FT-IR, respectively. The removal of U(VI) ions from aqueous solution by CFeS-WS were conducted. The reaction mechanism between CFeS-WS and U(VI) ions also were discussed in details. The experimental results were showed that the biochar successfully was supported with cellulose/FeS composites (CFeS). CFeS-WS exhibited an excellent removal performance for U(VI) ions in solution. The adsorption process of U(VI) ions by CFeS-WS was more consistent with pseudo second-order kinetic model and Langmuir isotherm model. The proposed reaction mechanism of U(VI) ions removal by CFeS-WS mainly consisted of ion exchange reaction, reduction reaction, hydrogen bonding and functional group, and pore of adsorbent filling. Recycle experiment indicated that CFeS-WS was a cost-effective bio-adsorbent.
The complexity of the relationship between spontaneous brain activity
and glucose metabolism
Authors: Volpi Tommaso , Silvestri Erica , Aiello Marco , Corbetta Maurizio , Bertoldo Alessandra
Published: August 2021

Brain glucose metabolism as assessed by [18F]FDG positron emission tomography (PET) is expected to be significantly related to resting-state functional MRI (rs-fMRI) activity and functional connectivity (FC), but the underlying coupling model is still incompletely understood. Employing simultaneous acquisitions, we related [18F]FDG standard uptake value ratio (SUVR) to 50 features pertaining to rs-fMRI 1) signal, 2) hemodynamic response, 3) static and 4) time-varying FC, and 5) phase synchronization. To assess which rs-fMRI variables better describe SUVR across regions, we employed a hierarchical approach, identifying the model at population level, and then estimating it on individual data. Multilevel modelling explained around 40% of the SUVR variance, with signal-related features as the most relevant fMRI variables. When the model was used to characterize between-network variability of the SUVR-fMRI coupling, the ranking changed. We demonstrate that local activity and synchronization are the most important predictors of glucose metabolism, while large-scale FC properties gain importance within specific networks.
Cocrystals of Ethenzamide With 2-Nitrobenzoic Acid - Conformational Analysis, MD Simulations And DFT Investigations
Authors: Mary Y. Sheena , Mary Y. Shyma , Razavi Razieh
Published: August 2021

In crystal engineering and pharmaceutical chemistry, cocrystals have a wide range of applications. Ethenzamide (EA) is found to form cocrystal with 2-nitrobenzoic acid (NBA). Geometry properties like stability energy, charge distribution, bond length, electronic properties and thermodynamic characteristics have been analyzed. The C-H…O hydrogen bond involves C-H of EA and oxygen of NBA. Configuration with the angle, N3-C4-C5-C6 gives the lowest energy conformation. Partition coefficient value suggests that EA-NBA has pharmaceutics behavior. RMSD values show the simulation’s relative stability and the complexes, remained stable throughout.
Argon- and nitrogen-plasma pulses decrease facial sebum excretion in oily human skin by regulating lipogenesis and proliferation in human sebocytes
Authors: Cho Sung Bin , Lee Seung-Ju , Yoo Dae San , Kim Song-Ee , Zouboulis Christos C. , Lee Sang Eun
Published: August 2021

Although several energy devices targeting sebaceous glands have been developed, an effective and safe therapeutic tool for hyperseborrhea is needed. Non-thermal atmospheric-pressure plasma (NTAPP) induces microscopic tissue reactions in sebaceous glands of rat skin in vivo. Fifteen healthy volunteers with oily facial skin underwent three sessions of argon- and nitrogen-NTAPP treatment. The casual sebum level, sebum excretion rate, porphyrin index, and histological analysis were evaluated. Argon- and nitrogen-NTAPP pulses were applied to testosterone and linoleic acid (T/LA)-treated human SZ95 sebocytes. Lipids were assessed using BODIPY and quantitative Nile red staining. Proliferation and differentiation markers were assessed. Argon- and nitrogen-NTAPP pulses suppressed casual sebum levels and sebum excretion rates in the skin, at week 4. The porphyrin index revealed a 38% reduction at week 2. Skin biopsy samples showed no obvious thermal coagulation, but the number of Ki67+ cells in the sebaceous glands decreased at week 2. Argon- and nitrogen-NTAPP inhibited T/LA-induced increases in lipid synthesis, Ki67+ cells, and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor-ɣ transcription in human sebocytes without apoptosis. Argon- and nitrogen-NTAPP therapy is a safe and effective method for reducing sebum excretion in oily human skin and inhibits lipogenesis and cell proliferation in human sebocytes.
Aronia Melanocarpa Polysaccharide Ameliotates Inflammation and Aging in Mice by Modulating AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB Signaling Pathway and Gut Microbiota
Authors: Zhao Yingchun , Liu Xinglong , Zheng Yinan , Liu Wencong , Ding Chuanbo
Published: August 2021

Aronia melanocarpa, as a natural medicinal plant, has been widely proved to have a variety of biological activities used as a novel food and medicine. Aronia melanocarpa polysaccharide (AMP) is the main component of the Aronia melanocarpa. The purpose of this research is to evaluate the delay and protection of AMP on aging mice by D-galactose (D-gal) induced, and to explore the effect of supplementing AMP on the metabolism of the intestinal flora of aging organisms.The aging model was established by intraperitoneal injection of D-gal (200 mg/kg to 1000 mg/kg) once per 3 days for 12 weeks, and administer AMP (100 and 200 mg/kg) were given daily by oral gavage after 6 weeks of D-Gal-induced.The results showed that AMP treatment significantly improved the spatial learning and memory impairment of aging mice through the eight-arm maze test, and H&E staining provedthat AMP significantly reversed brain tissue pathological damage and structural disorders.AMP alleviated inflammation and oxidative stress injury in aging brain tissue by regulating AMPK/SIRT1/NF-κB and Nrf2/HO-1 signaling pathways. Particularly, AMP reduced brain cell apoptosis and neurological deficits by activating PI3K/AKT/mTOR signaling pathway and its downstream apoptotic protein family.Importantly, 16S rDNA analysis indicated the AMP treatment significantly redarded the aging process by improving the composition of intestinal flora and abundance of beneficial bacteria. In summary, this study found that AMP delayed brain aging in mice by inhibiting inflammatory and regulating intestinal microbes, which providing the possibility for the amelioration and treatment of aging and related metabolic diseases.
Effects of an Oral Mucosa Protective Formulation on Chemotherapy- and/or Radiotherapy-induced Oral Mucositis: A Prospective Study
Authors: Ueno Takao , Yatsuoka Wakako , Ishiki Hiroto , Miyano Kanako , Uezono Yasuhito
Published: August 2021

Background: Oral mucositis (OM) associated with cancer treatment not only impairs patients’ quality of life but also causes treatment delays or changes. This prospective exploratory study was conducted to evaluate the efficacy of episil® oral liquid, which is an approved protective formulation for the oral mucosa in patients with OM. The extent of the pain-relieving effect, feeling during use, and adverse events or problems were evaluated.Methods: In total, 10 Japanese cancer patients with OM receiving chemotherapy, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, or radiation therapy for head and neck cancer were enrolled. Results: A numerical rating scale (NRS) was used to assess oral pain intensity due to OM. Compared to baseline, the mean NRS began to decrease at 5 mins after using episil (7.1 ± 1.4 to 4.6 ± 2.87; p = 0.264). A significant decrease was observed in the pain score after using episil compared with that before using episil, and this effect lasted up to 120 mins. The protective effects of episil were observed 3–5 mins after application. Some patients felt slight soreness or discomfort when applying episil. However, this discomfort due to episil’s stimulation was within the allowable range and transient. No adverse events were observed in any of the cases.Conclusions: The results of this prospective study showed that episil could be an effective treatment to relieve oral pain in Japanese patients with moderate to severe OM, and this newly approved product might adequately support patients’ oral intake.Trial registration: University Hospital Medical Information Network Clinical Trials Registry (UMIN-CTR) (UMIN000031921).
Weather index insurance will offset heat-induced rice loss under global warming
Authors: Zhang Jing , ZHANG Z , Wang Chenzhi , Zhang LiangLiang , Tao Fulu
Published: August 2021

Global warming threatens food security through causing increasing and severe yield losses from heat extremes, especially for smallholder rice-cropping farmers in Asia. Weather index insurance (WII) could transfer weather-related risks, secure farms’ income, and recover agricultural systems. Under future warming scenarios, however, the related studies are still scarce. Here, compared with the historical period (1961-2010), heat-induced loss will approximately increase by up to 5%, 18%, and 26% at 2100 under three shared socioeconomic pathways of CMIP6, respectively. As an ex-ante strategy, county-specific WII will improve farmers’ income by up to 13% and stabilize it by up to 36%, even though the pure premium rate of WII will increase by 10% at 2050 and by 30% at 2100. For the first time, our study proves WII is one effective adaptation strategy for the most susceptible farmers under global warming and has the potential to be applied for other crops and countries.
Factors Influencing Degradation Kinetics of mRNAs And Half-Lives of MicroRNAs, circRNAs, lncRNAs In Blood In Vitro Using Quantitative PCR
Authors: Wang Chong , Liu Hui
Published: August 2021

Background: RNAs are rapidly degraded in samples and during collection, processing and testing. In this study, we used the same method to explore the half-lives of different RNAs and the influencing factors, and compared the degradation kinetics and characteristics of different RNAs in whole blood and experimental samples.Methods: Fresh anticoagulant blood samples were incubated at room temperature for different durations, RNAs were extracted, and genes, including internal references, were amplified by real-time quantitative PCR. A linear half-life model was established according to cycle threshold (Ct) values. The effects of experimental operations on RNA degradation before and after RNA extraction were explored. Quantitative analysis of mRNA degradation in samples and during experimental processes were explored using an orthogonal experimental design.Results: The storage duration of blood samples at room temperature had the greatest influence on RNA degradation. The half-lives of messenger RNAs (mRNAs) was 16.4 h. The half-lives of circular RNAs (circRNAs), long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) and microRNAs (miRNAs) were 27.6h, 21.1h and 11.4h, respectively.Conclusion: RNA degradation occurred mainly in blood samples, and the half-lives of mRNAs and miRNAs were similar. Quantitative experiments related to mRNAs should be completed within 2 h. The half-lives of circRNAs and lncRNAs were longer than those of the former two.
Investigation of the Effect of Compaction on the Anaerobic Digestion Process
Authors: Chen Guangyin , Cao Hai-Nan , Fan Xue-Qian , Sun Yi-Chen , Wang Jing , Dong Jingzhu , Wu Pei
Published: August 2021

This paper aims to evaluate the effects of compaction on the anaerobic biodegradability of straw. In the study, compaction tests were carried out at different applied pressures, i.e., 0 (CK), 277 (T1), 555 (T2), and 1109 Pa (T3), respectively. The changes in physicochemical indicators (i.e., pH, VFA, COD, and DHA) of the liquid digestate were monitored. Factor analysis was adopted to analyze biogas production's main factors in the bath Anaerobic digestion (AD) process. Changes in the surface structures and composition of solid digestate were analyzed. The results showed that the maximum gain in biogas production was 298.35mL·g− 1TS for the T2 reactor, significantly higher than that of CK and T3 reactors. The effect of compaction on the physicochemical index of liquid digestate was not significant during the batch-type AD process. The factor analysis results suggested that the major factors affecting biogas production were influenced by the compaction and varied based on the different stages of digestion. Scanning electron microscopy (SEM) showed that the straw surface was damaged as the compaction increases; however, the degree of damage was not significant. This research concluded that compaction on gas production via changing the environment during the bath AD process and proper compaction could positively affect biogas' yield, while excessive compaction will inhibit gas production.
Evaluation of Health-Related Quality of Life of Covid-19 Patients: A Hospital-Based Study in South Central Ethiopia
Authors: Kaso Abdene , Agero Gebi , Hurisa Zewdu , Kaso Taha , Ewune Helen Ali , Hailu Alemayehu
Published: August 2021

Background: Covid-19 causes a wide range of symptoms in patients, ranging from mild manifestations to severe disease and death. This study assessed the health-related quality of life (HRQOL) and associated factors of Covid-19 patients using primary data from confirmed cases in South Central Ethiopia.Methods: We employed a facility-based, cross-sectional study design and conducted the study at the Bokoji Hospital Covid-19 treatment centre. A structured questionnaire and the EQ-5D-3L scale were used to collect the data for analysis. The HRQOL results measured by the EQ-5D-3L tool were converted to a health state utility (HSU) using the Zimbabwe tariff. The average health utility index and HSU–visual analogue scale across diverse sociodemographic and clinical characteristics were compared using the Mann-Whitney U test or Kruskal-Wallis test. We employed a multiple linear regression to examine the associations of predictor variables with HSU values simultaneously. The data were analysed using STATA version 15. Results: The overall mean HSU score from the EQ-5D was 0.688 (SD: 0.285), and the median was 0.787 (IQR: 0.596, 0.833). The mean HSU from the visual analogue scale score was 0.69 (SD: 0.129), with a median of 0.70 (IQR: 0.60, 0.80). Those who received dexamethasone and intranasal oxygen supplement, those with comorbidity, those older than 55 years and those with a hospital stay of more than 15 days had significantly lower HSU scores than their counterparts (p<.001).Conclusion: Covid-19 substantially impaired the HRQOL of patients in Ethiopia, especially among elderly patients and those with comorbidity. Therefore, clinical follow-up and psychological treatment should be encouraged for these groups. Moreover, the health utility values from this study can be used to evaluate quality adjusted life years for future cost-effectiveness analyses of prevention and treatment interventions against Covid-19.
FACT For Fast And Three-Dimensional Imaging of Intact Tissues
Authors: Farrar Zohreh , Khoradmehr Arezoo , Tsutsui Kazuyoshi , He Yuanyuan , Baghban Neda , Nabipour Iraj , Nowzari Fariborz , Tamadon Amin
Published: August 2021

Free of Acrylamide Sodium Fast Free-of-Acrylamide Clearing Tissue (FACT) is a developed technique using no acrylamide for clearing tissues. As the lipid removal normally is a harmful process and it causes loss of biological molecules such as proteins and on the other hand is crucial for transparency and efficient antibody staining throughout the whole tissue especially for microscopy and imaging, the FACT technique is suitable since it makes chemical bonding of membrane and intracellular proteins with the extracellular matrix creating a massive three-dimensional (3D) matrix and structural support to fortify the tissue during processing. Compared to other acrylamide-based techniques, FACT requires less labor, toxic, and harmful chemicals. Here we describe protocols encompassing every angle and dimension of the FACT protocol for antibody staining and imaging of whole-cleared tissues while preserving the structure and increasing the image quality. The entire protocol includes tissue perfusion, fixation, clearing, antibody staining, Refractive Index Matching (RIM), microscopy, and imaging; this timing varies due to the size, weight, different kind of tissues and the type of immunostaining. This technique has been favorably performed on different types of tissues for molecular interrogation analysis of large tissues.
“Visualization” of Pain using Cerebral 18 F-FDG PET/CT Following Surgical Treatment of Lumbar Disc Herniation
Authors: Støttrup Christian Christensen , Constantinescu Caius , Piri Reza , Khosravi Mohsen , Newberg Andrew , Andersen Mikkel Østerheden , Alavi Abass , Høilund-Carlsen Poul Flemming
Published: August 2021

We hypothesised that unilateral leg pain following surgical treatment of lumbar disc herniation (LDH) is associated with an increase in the glucose metabolism of the contralateral thalamus. Patients scheduled for surgery due to LDH underwent 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) less than two weeks prior to surgery. Their thalamic FDG uptake was measured and expressed as the mean and partial volume corrected mean standardized uptake values (SUVmean and cSUVmean). These measures were compared with patient-related outcome measures collected pre- and 1-year postoperatively: back and leg pain on a 0-100 VAS scale and health related quality of life as measured by the EuroQol-5D (EQ-5D). Twenty-six patients (10 females) aged 49.7 ± 7.4 (mean ± SD) years were included. There was a significant correlation between painful body side and increased contralateral thalamic uptake of FDG, with regard to cSUVmean values. Correlation analyses including clinical parameters and cSUVmean indicated some association with 1-year change in EQ-5D. These preliminary data sustain the hypothesis that unilateral pain in patients with LDH is associated with increased glucose metabolism in the contralateral thalamus, suggestion a central role of thalamus in chronic pain perception.
Genotype - Phenotype Correlation Among Haemoglobin E β-thalassaemia Patients
Authors: Masra Farin , Razak Siti , Murad Nor , Chong Doris , Loh C-Khai , Sabudin Raja , Aziz Nur , Muda Zulaiha , Ibrahim Hishamshah , Latiff Zarina
Published: August 2021

Background and objectives: Haemoglobin E β-thalassaemia has a variable clinical presentation. This study describes the clinical spectrum of these patients in two thalassaemia centers in Malaysia in addition to determining the prevalence of selected primary and secondary genetic modifiers which may influence its phenotype. Methods: A total of 99 patients were recruited in this cross-sectional study. Clinical parameters and severity scoring were determined. Molecular analysis was performed: Sanger sequencing and MLPA for β globin mutations; multiplex PCR for α-globin gene deletions and RFLP-PCR for XmnI polymorphism.Results: Patients with mild HbE β-thalassaemia were diagnosed at a later age as compared to the severe group (mean 3.14 and 1.6 years, p = 0.03). Haemoglobin level at diagnosis was higher for the mild group as compared to severe group (7.9 g/dL ± 1.97 and 6.0 g/dL ± 1.00, p = 0.02). The commonest β mutation in Malays were IVS1-5 (51.69%) and CD41/42 (20.2%) whereas in the Chinese, IVS2-654(44.4%) and CD41/42(33.4%). Single α-gene deletion (-α3.7/αα) was found in 4% of patients and none were homozygous for XmnI (+/+) polymorphism. Conclusion: Age at presentation and haemoglobin level at initial diagnosis is useful as clinical predictors of disease severity. The majority of our patients had β° gene mutation i.e. IVS1-5 and CD41/42, which accounted for the moderate to severe phenotype based on clinical severity scoring.
Female Tilapia Strategising Energy Mobilisation Differently For Growth Or Reproduction Depend On Living Environments
Authors: Razali Ros Suhaida , Rahmah Sharifah , Ghaffar Mazlan Abd , Lim Leong-Seng , Amornsakun Thumronk , Nhan Hua Thai , Chang Yu Mei , Liang Li Qun , Chen Young-Mao , LIEW HON JUNG
Published: August 2021

This study was conducted to investigate the energy mobilization and ionoregulation pattern of tilapia living recirculating aquaculture system (RAS) and cage culture environments. Three different groups of tilapia were compared as tilapia cultured in RAS (Group I - RAS), tilapia cultured in open water cage (Group II - Cage) and tilapia transferred from cage to RAS (Group III - Compensation) as physiology compromising model. Results revealed that Group II tilapia mobilized glycogen as primarily energy for daily exercise activity and promoted growth, whilst tilapia from Group I and III mobilised lipid to support gonadogenesis and protein reserved for somatogensis. The gills and kidney NKA activities remained relative stable to maintain balance homeostasis with a electrolytes level. As a remark, this study revealed that tilapia re-strategized their energy mobilization pattern in accessing glycogen as easy energy to support exercise metabolism and mobilized lipid and protein for growth and gonadal development.
Dieulafoy's Lesion in the Gaster Secondary to the Resection of Lung Cancer: A Rare Case Report Presentation
Authors: Liu Boheng , Xu Yanzhao , Gai Chunyue , Qie Anran , Tian Ziqiang
Published: August 2021

Background: Dieulafoy’s lesion is a dilated, aberrant, submucosal vessel that erodes the overlying epithelium without obvious ulceration. Dieulafoy's lesion is a rare disease, meanwhile the lesion secondary to resection of lung cancer is even extremely rare. It is most commonly located in the lesser curvature of the stomach but rarely occurrences in extragastric sites have also been reported. To summarize the key points in the diagnosis and treatments of this disease, we present a clinical case of acute gastrointestinal bleeding due to Dieulafoy's lesion in the gaster secondary to resection of lung cancer.Case presentation: An 58-year-old woman presented with a clinical condition of haematemesis and haematochezia associated with anaemia and haemodynamic instability, needing blood transfusion. After many changes of body position, when the patient was in prone position, we finally found jet bleeding on the gastric body near the great curvature of gastric fundus under gastroscopy, and then we performed successfully with hemostatic clip placement. Hospitalization occurred without further com plications. There was no recurrence after 18 months follow-up.Conclusion: It is essential to be aware of this lesion as a possible cause of gastrointestinal bleeding and especially thoracic postoperative acute gastrointestinal appears. Timely and effective endoscopy can improve the diagnosis rate of these lesions and reduce the related mortality. At the same time, we need to pay attention to the patients with the risk factors in the perioperative period to reduce the incidence of Dieulafoy's lesion.
The Value of Diffusion Kurtosis Imaging In Detecting Delayed Brain Development of Premature Infants
Authors: Zhao Xin , Zhang Chunxiang , Zhang Bohao , Yan Jiayue , Wang Kaiyu , Zhu Zitao , Zhang Xiaoan
Published: August 2021

Objective Preterm infants are at high risk of adverse neurodevelopmental outcome. Our aim is to explore the value of diffusion kurtosis imaging (DKI) in diagnosing brain developmental disorders in premature infants.Materials and Methods A total of 52 subjects were included in this study, including 26 premature infants as the preterm group, and 26 full-term infants as the control group. Routine magnetic resonance imaging and DKI examination were performed. Mean kurtosis (MK), radial kurtosis (RK), fractional anisotropy (FA), mean diffusivity (MD) values were measured in the brain regions including posterior limbs of the internal capsule (PLIC); anterior limb of internal capsule (ALIC); parietal white matter (PWM); frontal white matter (FWM); thalamus (TH); caudate nucleus (CN); genu of the corpus callosum (GCC). The X2, t test, Spearman’s correlation analysis and receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC)were used for data analyses.Results In the premature infant group, the MK and RK values of PLIA, ALIC, and PWM were lower than those in the control group (P<0.05). The FA values of PWM, FWM and TH were also lower than those of the control group (P<0.05). The AUCs of MK in PLIC and ALIC, MD in PWM, and FA in FWM were 0.813, 0.802, 0.842 and 0.867 (P<0.05). In thalamus and caudate nucleus, the correlations between MK, RK values and PMA were higher than those between FA, MD values and PMA.Conclusions DKI can be used as an effective tool in detecting brain developmental disorders in premature infants.
An Overview of the Trajectory of Brazilian Individuals with 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome Until Diagnosis.
Authors: Silva Isabela Mayá Wayhs , Gil-da-Silva-Lopes Vera Lúcia
Published: August 2021

Background: 22q11.2 Deletion Syndrome (22q11.2DS) is a rare disease that has as an important characteristic the clinical heterogeneity. The diversity of organs, regions, and systems of the body that can be affected requires periodic updating of health professionals so that they can recognize this clinical signs as belonging to 22q11.2DS. Updated health professionals are equally important for the appropriate and timely establishment of clinical management for individuals with a positive diagnosis. In this context, this article aimed to map and analyse the access to health care for individuals with 22q11.2DS until the moment of diagnosis. Results: We analysed clinical data of 111 individuals with 22q11.2DS registered in the Brazilian Database on Craniofacial Anomalies (BDCA) from 2008 to 2020. In this study, individuals were diagnosed with a median age of 9 years (mean = 9.7 years). Before genetic investigation, they accessed 68.75% of the international recommended evaluations available at BDCA. Recurrent 22q11.2DS clinical manifestations as delayed neuropsychomotor development, lip and/or palate defects, cardiac malformation and/or hematological/immunological alteration co-occurred in at least 72.06% of individuals. Cardiac malformation was the only clinical alteration that led to a lower median diagnostic age, corresponding to 6.5 years of age with a cardiac malformation versus 11 years of age without a cardiac malformation (p = 0.0006). Conclusions: In Brazil, 22q11.2 DS is under recognized and early diagnosis and management of affected individuals are still a distant reality. In this sense, the identification followed by the correction of obstacles that do not allow this reality are essential to increase life expectancy and improve the quality of life of these individuals in Brazil
Correlation of Hyperandrogenemia and Metabolic Syndrome in Thai Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS).
Authors: Indhavivadhana Suchada , Kuichanuan Matinuch , Wongwananuruk Thanyarat , Techatraisak Kitirat , Chantrapanichkul Panicha , Dangrat Chongdee
Published: August 2021

Objective: To investigate the prevalence of metabolic syndrome compared between hyperandrogenemia and non-hyperandrogenemia in Thai women with PCOS, and to identify factors significantly associated with metabolic syndrome in this PCOS population.Methods: Thai PCOS women were conducted during 2010-2018. Patients were categorized into the non-hyperandrogenemia group or the hyperandrogenemia group defined by total testosterone >0.8 ng/mL or free testosterone >0.006 ng/mL or dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S) >350 mcg/dL. Metabolic syndrome was diagnosed according to National Cholesterol Education Program-Adult Treatment Panel III criteria. Demographic, anthropometric, clinical, and biochemical blood data were collected and analyzed.Results: 520 PCOS women were included. 22.6% had metabolic syndrome and 75.0% had hyperandrogenemia. Free testosterone cut-off to define hyperandrogenemia for determining metabolic syndrome in PCOS yielded the highest sensitivity (88.9%) and the highest negative predictive value (90.8%). The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was 27.1% in hyperandrogenemia and 9.2% in non-hyperandrogenemia. Factors significantly associating with metabolic syndrome in Thai PCOS women were age, BMI, free testosterone, and DHEA-S.Conclusion: The prevalence of metabolic syndrome was to be significantly higher in hyperandrogenemia women than in their non-hyperandrogenemia counterparts. Older age, higher BMI, higher free testosterone, and lower DHEA-S were all identified as factors significantly associated with metabolic syndrome.
Effects of supplementation with heat shock cognate 17 KDA protein (HSC70) on in vitro bovine embryo viability
Authors: Arredondo Aimé Jazmín Garza , Ávila Diana Elisa Zamora , Velásquez Uziel Castillo , Degollado Gustavo Moreno , Sánchez José Fernando De La Torre , Reynozo Sandra Pérez , Vega J. Rubén Cervantes
Published: August 2021

Endogenous heat shock cognate 71 kDa protein (HSC70) has a vital role in early embryonic development. This study assessed the effects of exogenous HSC70 on bovine embryo development and expression of genes associated with apoptosis. Expression analyses of HSPA1A, HSPA8, Bcl-2, and Bax genes were performed in bovine embryos in vivo on day 7 of development. Subsequently, expression of HSPA1A and HSPA8 were associated with apoptotic genes (Bcl-2 and Bax) in cultured bovine embryos in vitro that were supplemented with various concentrations (0 or control group, 50, and 100 ng) of HSC70. The results indicated that the control group (0 ng) in vitro embryos had higher expression of HSPA8, Bax, and Bcl-2 genes, compared with the vivo embryos (P < 0.01). In vitro-produced embryos supplemented with 50 ng or 100 ng HSC70 had higher expression of HSPA1A, HSC70, Bcl-2, and Bax genes, compared with the control group (P < 0.01). Embryos supplemented with 100 ng had greater expression of the HSPA8 gene compared with the control group and the group supplemented with 50 ng. However, embryos supplemented with 50 ng had better characteristics (i.e., stage of development and quality) than the control and 100-ng groups. In conclusion, supplementation of in vitro culture medium with HSC70 promoted development to the blastocyst stage and improved blastocyst quality.
First Report Of IgE Sensitization To Anisakis Simplex In a Healthy Population in Colombia
Authors: Garzon Jenniffer Alejandra Castellanos , Ubeira Florencio , Pustovrh Maria , Salazar Liliana , Daschner Alvaro , Cuellar Carmen
Published: August 2021

The anisakiasis is little known in Colombia and rarely diagnosed. However, reports of fish parasitized by anisakid larvae in South America are increasing. The objective was determine the prevalence of sensitization to Anisakis simplex in a healthy population in Colombia. Cross-sectional survey of 150 volunteers from Universidad del Valle’s community, Cali, Colombia. Past medical history, including eating habits associated with fish consumption was assessed. Prevalence of IgE antibodies was determined by the ELISA- Trisakis 170 kit for the recombinant allergens Ani s 1 and Ani s 7. Two sera (1.3%) of blood tested were positive to the Ani s 7 antigen, while for Ani s 1 all sera were negative. This research is the first exploratory study on Anisakis prevalence conducted in Colombia, the results do not indicate a major problem. Nevertheless, more epidemiological studies are needed.