bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Simple, Rapid and on Spot Dye-based Sensor for the Detection of Vibrio Load in Shrimp Culture Farms
Authors: Kumar Sweta Binod , Shinde Ambika Hemant , Behere Maheshawari Jagadishbhai , Italiya Dhruvi , Haldar Soumya 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
For the detection of Vibrio bacteria, a kit involving two-step method was developed. In the in first step a specific media was added in the water sample which selectively promote the growth of vibrios and inhibit the growth of other bacteria. The second step involved addition of dye-based sensor (already developed in our previous work) in the sample which detect the active Vibrio and changed the colour of the sample to red/pink. The vibrio detection kit was optimized on five different species of Vibrio (V. cholerae and V. parahaemolyticus, V. campbellii, V. harveyi & V. proteolyticus) and two negative control bacteria (Escherichia coli and Bacillus subtilis). The kit was further evaluated on aquaculture pond water and probiotics used in aquaculture farms. It successfully estimated Vibrio concentration of all the five strains and in aquaculture ponds. The negative control bacteria and probiotics were not sensed by the kit. Hence, the kit developed here is perfect for the detection of Vibrio, especially in aquaculture farms.
Cost-utility Analysis of Trabecular Micro-bypass Stents (TBS) in Patients With Mild-to-moderate Open-angle Glaucoma in Italy
Authors: Fea Antonio Maria , Cattel Francesco , Gandolfi Stefano , Buseghin Giorgio , Furneri Gianluca , Costagliola Ciro 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundGlaucoma is a disease characterized by progressive damage of the optic nerve. Several therapeutic options are available to lower intraocular pressure (IOP). In primary open-angle glaucoma (POAG) patients with inadequate IOP control (or controlled with multiple medical therapies or for whom medical therapy is contraindicated), the implantation of micro-invasive glaucoma surgery devices (MIGS) and concomitant cataract surgery has proved to be more effective in reducing intraocular pressure (IOP), as compared to cataract surgery alone. The objective of this study is to assess the cost-effectiveness of iStent inject® device with concurrent cataract surgery vs. cataract surgery alone, in patients with mild-to-moderate POAG, adopting the Italian National Health Service (NHS) perspective.MethodsSimulation of outcomes and costs was undertaken using a Markov model with 4 health states and one-month cycles, that is used to simulate the prognosis of these patients. Efficacy data were obtained from the randomized clinical trial (RCT). A lifetime horizon was adopted in the analysis. A discount rate of 3.5% was applied to both costs and effects. The Italian National Healthcare Service (NHS) perspective was considered, therefore only healthcare direct costs (acquisition of main interventions and subsequent procedures; medications; monitoring and follow-up; adverse events). Model robustness was tested through sensitivity analyses. ResultsResults of the base-case analysis showed that the total lifetime costs were higher in the iStent inject® + concurrent cataract surgery, compared with the cataract surgery alone group (€8,368.51 vs. €7,134.71 respectively). iStent inject® + concurrent cataract surgery was cost-effective vs. cataract surgery alone, with an incremental cost-effectiveness ratio of €13,037.01 per quality-adjusted life year (QALY) gained. Both one-way deterministic and probabilistic sensitivity analyses confirmed robustness of base-case results. The acceptability curve of cost-effectiveness (CEAC) analysis showed that iStent inject® + cataract surgery would have a 98% probability of being cost-effective, compared to cataract surgery alone, when the willingness to pay (WTP) is equal to €50,000 per QALY gained.ConclusionsThe results of the cost-utility analysis confirm that iStent inject® + cataract surgery is a cost-effective option for the treatment of patients affected by mild-to-moderate POAG, compared with cataract surgery alone, when evaluated from the Italian NHS perspective. Trial registration: Not applicable
Correlation Between Thyroid Autoantibodies and Cardiovascular Disease in Patients With Stages 3-5 Chronic Kidney Disease
Authors: Xu Weicheng , Liang Shiyi , qian Ge , Li Chijian , Huang Yuxiang , Zhang Yunfang , Li Yongqiang 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Chronic kidney disease (CKD) interacts with thyroid disease and cardiovascular disease (CVD). Our research aimed to analyze the correlation between echocardiographic parameters E / A, E / E ', E' / A ', LVEF and thyroid autoantibodies, and evaluate the role of thyroid autoimmunity in the development of CVD in patients with stages 3-5 CKD.Methods: The patients who were diagnosed as stages 3-5 CKD in our department from January 2015 to May 2019 were recruited. We collected the routine medical history, general clinical data, and laboratory test index of patients. Echocardiography is performed by a trained echocardiographer to measure mitral valve blood flow velocity (E) in early diastole and Mitral valve flow velocity (A), E / A ratio, mitral annulus velocity (E ') in early diastole, mitral annulus velocity (A') in end-diastole, E / E 'ratio, and E' / A ' ratio. The SPSS 22.0 statistical software was used to analyze the data.Results: A total of 1164 patients with stages 3-5 CKD were included. Thyroglobulin antibody (TGAb) was negatively correlated with eGFR (r = -0.287, P <0.05). Thyrotropin receptor antibody (TRAb) was significantly positively correlated with CRP (r = 0.206, P <0.001). The titers of TPOAb and TGAb in male diabetic patients were higher (r = 0.137, P = 0.023; r = 0.159, P = 0.011). In female patients, both TPOAb and TGAb are significantly negatively correlated with HGB (r = -0.213, P = 0.018; r = -0.188, P = 0.019). The E / E’ of patients with TPOAb positive was higher (r = 0.181, P ＜ 0.001). The LVEF in patients with TPOAb positive were higher (r = 0.159, P = 0.007). In addition, LVEF was significantly negatively correlated with TRAb (r = -0.112, P = 0.026).Conclusion: The prevalence of AITD in stages 3-5 CKD gradually increases with the decline of renal function, and the titers of TPOAb and TGAb also gradually increase. In patients with stages 3-5 CKD, AITD may accelerate the incidence of CVD in CKD patients by affecting TG levels, accelerating the occurrence of anemia, and promoting the micro-inflammation. Female patients with high titers of TPOAb and TGAb should be paid more attention. The average E/E' of patients with stage 5 CKD was 16. Women with low FT3 and TPOAb positive maybe more likely to develop diastolic heart failure.
Clinically Localized Seizure Focus Maybe Not Exactly the Position of Abating Seizures: A Computational Evidence
Authors: Fan Denggui , Yang Zecheng , Yang Chuanzuo , Wang Qingyun , Luan Guoming 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Seizure focus localization is the key to control seizures. However, in this paper, we show that the clinically localized seizure focus may be not exactly the positions to abate seizures. Firstly, the reliability of a previously proposed methodology employed to estimate the synchronicity and directionality of information flows over time between EEG signals, is numerically assessed with a coupled mass neural model. Then 10 channels' EEG signals from a patient with focal epilepsy are used to reconstruct the dynamical complex network of pathological seizure. This may facilitate to identify the evolution paths of information flows and localize the potential seizure foci. What's more, based on the controllability and observability principles of complex systems, we can focus on the key nodes which is effective to control the network seizure behaviors and the key ones that can allow us to estimate the state of all other variables. Results show that to fully control the epileptic network may not just be related to the focus zone, it may also involves in other non-focus nodes. In addition, we use the spatiotemporal neural network model connected by our modeled dynamical adjacent matrix to successfully reproduce the original EEG signals which can be effectively abated by applying the normal distribution noise stimulation with cathodic phase pulses (cNDNs) on the identified key nodes or resecting them. Our results enrich the clinical results and provide new insights into the seizure resection and electronic stimulation therapies.
Fabrication of Integrated Ni-Ti&nbsp;Alloys Possessing Both Super-elastic and Shape Memory Properties by Laser Powder Bed Fusion
Authors: Lv Jianran , Shen Hongyao , Fu Jianzhong 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Purpose: Integrated Ni-Ti alloys possessing both super-elastic (SE) properties and shape memory effects (SMEs) greatly increase the flexibility of designing complex systems and have broad application prospects. However, existing research mainly focuses on connecting ready-made SE parts and SME parts though welding. Method: In this paper, laser powder bed fusion (LPBF) was used to fabricate integrated Ni-Ti alloys. First, SE parts with high relative density were fabricated with a Ni-rich powder. Then, different process parameters were used to fabricate the SME parts with a Ti-rich powder based on the SE parts. The integrated component with the best mechanical properties herein was selected. Metallographic analysis, energy dispersive X-ray spectroscopy, differential scanning calorimetry and micro-hardness analyses were carried out for this sample. Findings: The results show that the integrated component possessed both SE and SME properties at room temperature. Moreover, at the junction of the two materials, the grains were continuous and complete, which indicates that the joint had good quality. Originality: Our work confirms that LPBF is a feasible method to fabricate integrated Ni-Ti alloys possessing both SE and SME properties.
ZNF224 is a Mediator of TGF-β Pro-oncogenic Function in Melanoma
Authors: Cesaro Elena , Pastore Arianna , Polverino Alessia , Manna Lorenzo , Divisato Giuseppina , Quintavalle Cristina , Sanzo Maddalena Di , Faniello Maria Concetta , Grosso Michela , Costanzo Paola 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The zinc finger protein ZNF224 plays a dual role in human cancers, operating as both tumour suppressor and oncogenic factor depending on the cellular context and molecular partners. In this research, we investigated the role played by ZNF224 in the TGF-β signalling in malignant melanoma. Methods: Real-time qPCR, western blot, and chromatin immunoprecipitation assays were performed to examine the molecular mechanisms of ZNF224 in TGF-β signalling in melanoma. ZNF224-induced cell anchorage, independent growth, migration, and invasion were assessed by the colony formation, wound healing, and transwell assays.Results: Our findings showed that ZNF224, whose expression increased in melanoma cell lines after TGF-b stimulation, potentiated the activation induced by TGF-β on its target genes involved in epithelial-mesenchymal transition (EMT). Accordingly, overexpression of ZNF224 improved the tumourigenic properties of melanoma cells, promoting cell proliferation and invasiveness, while ZNF224 knockdown had the opposite effect. Moreover, ZNF224 promoted the transcriptional activation of TGF-β itself and its type 1 and 2 receptors (TβR1 and TβR2), thus highlighting a possible mechanism by which ZNF224 could enhance the endogenous TGFβ/Smad signalling. Conclusions: Our results provide evidence for the involvement of ZNF224 in TGF-β signalling as a mediator of TGF-β pro-oncogenic function and unveil a positive regulatory loop between TGF-β and ZNF224 to promote EMT, consequently increasing the tumour metastatic potential.
Chlorine and Chromium Elements, Proteins of Oxidative Stress and Dna Repair Pathways Are Related to Tumor Aggressiveness and Prognosis of Patients With Oral Cancer
Authors: Assis Arícia L. E. M. , Archanjo Anderson B. , Maranhão Raul C. , Mendes Suzanny O. , Souza Rafael P. de , Cicco Rafael de , Oliveira Mayara M. de , Borçoi Aline R. , Maia Lucas de L. , Nunes Fabio D. , Santos Marcelo dos , Trivilin Leonardo O. , Pinheiro Christiano J.G. , Álvares-da-Silva Adriana M. , Nogueira Breno Valentim 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundSquamous cell carcinoma (OCSCC), the most frequent cancer of the oral cavity, is extremely aggressive, the response to treatment is poor and markers for prognosis of disease are scarce. The comparison of chemical and histopathological data obtained from the analysis of excised tumor fragments with the demographic and clinical evolution data is an effective strategy scarcely explored in OCSCC studies. The aim was to analyse OCSCC tissues for trace elements and protein expression of enzymes related with oxidative stress and DNA repair that can be candidates as markers of tumor aggressiveness and prognosis. MethodsSeventy-eight tumor fragments from 78 OCSCC patients that had undergone ablative surgery were qualitatively analyzed by synchrotron micro-X-ray fluorescence (μ-XRF) for trace elements. Protein expression of superoxide dismutase (SOD-1) and thioredoxin (Trx) and DNA repair-related purinic/apyrimidinic endonuclease/redox factor-1 (Ref-1) and 8-oxoguanine glycosylase (OGG1/2) was performed by immunohistochemistry. Sociodemographic, clinical and hystopathological data were obtained from 4-year follow-up records. ResultsDisease relapse was higher in patients with chlorine and chromium presence and in those with tumors with strong OGG1/2 expression. Strong expression of SOD-1, Trx and Ref-1 was determinant of larger tumor. As expected, perineural, vascular invasions and alcohol consumption were markers of greater worse prognosis. ConclusionPresence of trace elements can be markers of disease prognosis. Strong expression of enzymes related with oxidative stress or DNA repair can be either harmful by stimulating tumor growth or beneficial by diminishing relapse rates. Interference on these players may bring novel strategies for the therapeutic management of OCSCC patients.
Multichannel and Super-flexible SiZrOC&nbsp;Ultrafine Fibers for High Temperature Thermal Insulation
Authors: Zhang Xiaoshan , Tian Qiong , Wang Bing , Wu Nan , Han Cheng , Long Xin , wang yingde 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Light but robust porous ceramic fibers with combined properties of super flexibility, excellent thermal stability and thermal insulation performance are attractive for use in extreme conditions, especially in the field of aerospace. However, the practical application of traditional porous ceramic fibers are usually limited by their brittle nature and poor mechanical properties. Herein, we designed a multichannel SiZrOC ultrafine fiber (MSUF) composed of ZrO2, SiOxCy and free carbon phases by electrospinning technique. The resulting fibers exhibited integrated properties of excellent fire resistance, high temperature stability, thermal shock resistance and temperature-invariant flexibility. More importantly, the fancy multichannel structure and components of the fiber provides it with outstanding thermal insulation performance with low thermal conductivity (0.041 W m-1·K-1 at 25 ºC and 0.141 W m-1·K-1 at 1000 ºC). The successful fabrication of such flexible porous MSUFs may provide a new approach to design high performance thermal insulators for high temperature thermal insulation.
Cost Analysis and Rational Use of Anti Glaucoma Therapy in A Tertiary Hospital&nbsp;in Ghana
Authors: OFEI-PALM CHARLES NII KWADE , Tagoe NAA Naamuah , ANKRAH DANIEL NII AMOO , Jatoe Dong , Agyare Angela 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
IntroductionGlaucoma is the leading cause of irreversible blindness worldwide. In Ghana, 19.4% of all blindness recorded is due to glaucoma. Reducing intraocular pressure medically (using eye drops) is the evidence-based therapeutic optionObjectives To determine the rational use and undertake cost analysis of anti-glaucoma drugs among patients attending clinic at the Lions International Eye Centre, Korle bu Teaching Hospital (LIEC).MethodsIn this cross sectional study, we reviewed all prescriptions presented to the pharmacy unit from 01/12/015 to 31/03/2016. The dispensed drops were classified and all anti-glaucoma drugs were identified. This was followed by cost analysis.ResultsA total of 588 prescriptions were captured, 27.3% (161/588) contained an anti-glaucoma medication. The mean number of anti-glaucoma medications was1.71 of which 52.7% was prescribed to females.Prostaglandin analogues were the most prescribed (37% (102/276)), followed by beta blockers (25.4% (70/276)), carbonic anhydrase group of medicines (16.3% (45/276)), combined beta blockers (11.2% (31/276)), alpha agonists (8.7% (24/276)) and miotics (1.4% (4/276)). The median (IQR) average cost of anti-glaucoma therapy per prescription per month was GHC 65.00 (GHC38.5-GHC140). Azopt (Brimonidine) was the most expensive with daily treatment cost of GHC 5.8 (about US$ 1.45), whilst the least expensive drug with a daily treatment cost of GHC 0.14 (about US$ 0.035) was timolol eye drops. ConclusionsProstaglandins analogues remain the most preferred treatment for managing glaucoma at the Korle-Bu Eye Centre in Ghana but are also the most costly. This may adversely affect treatment among the poor since prostaglandins are currently not reimbursed.
Association Between Vitamin D and Glycaemic Parameters in a Multi-Ethnic Cohort of Postmenopausal Women with Type-2 Diabetes in Saudi Arabia
Authors: Alharazy Shatha , Alissa Eman , Lanham-New Susan , Naseer Muhammad Imran , Chaudhary Adeel G. , Robertson Margaret Denise 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: The relationship between Vitamin D (VitD) with insulin sensitivity and secretion in Type-2 diabetes (T2D) has shown to be different amongst different ethnic populations. In Saudi Arabia, where both T2D and VitD deficiency are highly prevalent health concerns, little is known about the relationship between VitD, insulin sensitivity, resistance and the relative importance of ethnicity. Our aim in this study is to investigate influence of ethnicity on VitD association with glycaemic profile primarily and to measures of obesity secondarily, among multiethnic postmenopausal women with T2DM in Saudi Arabia.Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted at King Fahad Medical Research Center, King Abdulaziz University, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia. Postmenopausal females (n = 173, age ≥ 50 years) with T2D were randomly selected in this study. Anthropometric measures and fasting blood samples were obtained for all study participants. Several biochemical parameters were measured including 25-hydroxyvitamin D (25(OH)D), glycosylated hemoglobin (HbA1c), insulin, glucose and c-peptide. Surrogate markers for insulin resistance were calculated using Homeostasis Model Assessment 2 for insulin resistance and beta cell activity (HOMA2-IR, HOMA2-β).Results: Overall, 25(OH)D was inversely associated with fasting glucose (r=-0.165, P=0.037), insulin (r=-0.184, P=0.02), C-peptide (r=-0.19, P=0.015) and HOMA2- IR C-peptide (r=-0.23,P=0.004). Additionally, serum 25 (OH)D showed an overall a negative correlation with body weight (r=-0.173 P=0.028), waist and hip circumferences (r=-0.167, P=0.033; r=-0.22, P=0.004 respectively) but not with body mass index (BMI) or waist hip ration (WHR). In the white ethnic group but not in black or Asian population groups, 25(OH)D level was associated with only serum fasting C-peptide and HOMA2-IR C-peptide and BMI (P<0.05). Conclusions: Insulin resistance and obesity are associated with VitD status in T2D in this cohort. Our findings also suggest that these VitD associations in women from white ethnic background are different than in those from black/Asian ethnic backgrounds. Whether VitD supplements are able to improve degree of obesity and insulin sensitivity should be further investigated in different ethnic population groups.
Attitude and its Associated Factors Among Adults Towards Traditional Eye Medicine in Gondar City, North West Ethiopia
Authors: Munaw minychil Bantihun , anbesse Dereje hayilu , assefa natnael lakachew 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

Traditional medicines are commonly practiced in Africa. It is believed to be alternative health care used in the developing world. It is a more widely available and affordable alternative to pharmaceutical drugs. In Africa, about 13.2–82.3% of the population utilizes traditional eye medicine. This study aimed to assess attitude and its associated factors among adults towards traditional eye medicine in Gondar city, North West Ethiopia.
Methods

A community-based cross-sectional study was conducted on 600 study participants using a pre-tested structured questionnaire. Data analysis was performed using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 20 computer software. Association and strength between the outcome variable and independent variables were determined using the odds ratio with a 95 % confidence interval.
Results

A total of 633 subjects were included in the study with a 95 % response rate. From the total study subjects, 292 (48.7 %) (95% CI: 44.7–52.7%)) had a good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Variables like being male (AOR = 2.00(95% CI: 1.23–2.68)), family history of traditional eye medicine use (AOR = 3.31(95% CI: 2.01–5.47)), availability of traditional healer (AOR = 1.81(95% CI: 1.12–2.95)) and absence of health insurance (AOR = 1.63(95% CI: 1.14–2.55)) were variables significantly associated with good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use.
Conclusion

The result of this study shows that attitude towards traditional eye medicine use for the treatment of eye disease was fairly good. It indicates that almost half of the study participants had a good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Even though the attitude is fairly good, still it needs improvement. Male sex, family history of traditional eye medicine use, availability of traditional healers, and absence of health insurance had a statistically significant relationship with good attitude towards traditional eye medicine use. Community awareness creation through the joint up effort by the health ministry of Ethiopia and traditional healers about traditional eye medicine use can help to build the right perception and reduce the risk of complications.
Optimal Solution of the Fractional Order Breast Cancer Competition Model
Authors: Hassani H. , Machado J. A. Tenreiro , Avazzadeh Zakieh , Safari Elaheh , Mehrabi S. 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
This paper discusses the fractional order breast cancer competition model (F-BCCM), which considers population dynamics among cancer stem, tumor and healthy cells, as well as the effects of excess estrogen and the body’s natural immune response on the cell populations. Generalized shifted Legendre polynomials and their operational matrices are presented in the scope of a general procedure for the solution of the F-BCCM. The application of the Lagrange multipliers method transforms the F-BCCM into a system of algebraic equations. Additionally, the convergence analysis of the method and two illustrative numerical examples complement the study.Mathematics Subject Classification: 97M60; 41A58; 92C42.