bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
The Effects of Insulin Therapy on Mothers’ Blood Pressure and Weight in Women with Gestational Diabetes Mellitus
Authors: Sun Tiange , Meng Fanhua , Zang Shufei , Li Yue , Zhang Rui , Yu Zhiyan , Huang Xinmei , Wang Fang , Zhang Liwen , Liu Jun 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
BackgroundThe primary mechanism of gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) was insulin resistance. Effects of insulin as the first - line medicine for GDM women was blurring. This work aims to investigate influences of insulin therapy on GDM mothers. MethodsThis retrospective cohort study recruited 616 GDM women with lifestyle intervention (diet and physician alone) and 92 GDM women with insulin therapy. Comparing the differences of variables (BMI, blood pressure, gestational weight gain, the incidence of macrosomia and so on) between GDM women with insulin and with lifestyle alone with univariate analysis. Employed paired sample test to evaluate the changes of BP from the time of intervention to one week before delivery, and used logistic regression to analyze the relationship between insulin therapy and gestational hypertension (GH).ResultsThere were no significant differences in delivery mode, newborn weight and the incidence of macrosomia between GDM women with insulin and with lifestyle alone. Insulin therapy slightly increased mothers’ weight despite there were no significant statistically differences in the rate of excessive weight gain comparing to the intervention of lifestyle alone which was attributed to short - term administration (about 12 weeks). In addition, the injection of insulin remarkably enhanced the incidence of gestational hypertension (GH). furthermore, the effect still existed after matching the time of insulin therapy, and from starting insulin usage to delivery systolic blood pressure significantly elevated 6mmHg (vs 4mmHg lifestyle alone, P = 0.529) and diastolic blood pressure 9mmHg (vs 5mmHg lifestyle alone, P = 0.032). Correlation analysis implied blood pressure near the delivery had significant positive correlation with BMI, 1 hour blood glucose, HbA1c, area under the blood glucose curve and gestational weight gain. Logistic regression analysis with enter selection confirmed that insulin therapy was an independent risk factor for the development of GH.ConclusionsThis work suggested that insulin therapy for short - term usage might slightly increase mothers’ weight, but had the marked risk of raising mothers’ BP, especially DBP.
No beneficial effect on survival but with a decreased postoperative adverse events for robotic surgery in patients with rectal cancer: A retrospective cohort study
Authors: Lei Xiong , Yang Lingling , Huang Zhixiang , Shi Haoran , Zhou Zhen , Tang Cheng , Li Taiyuan 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Aim

To compare the oncologic outcomes in patients with rectal cancer receiving robotic vs. laparoscopic surgery.
Methods

The clinical data of patients with rectal cancer receiving robotic surgery (Robot group, n = 317) or laparoscopic surgery (Laparoscopy group, n = 224) were collected for outcomes assessment. The primary endpoints were the survival outcome. The secondary outcomes were postoperative adverse events and pathologic characteristics.
Results

Patients in the Robot group have significantly shorter operation time (163.6 ± 41.1vs.190.6 ± 52.5min), shorter time to 1st gas passing [2(1)vs.3(1)d] and shorter hospital day [7(2)vs.8(3)d], compared to those in Laparoscopy group (P < 0.001, respectively). The incidence of urinary retention short- and long term in Robot group is significant lower than in Laparoscopy group (1.9% vs. 10.7%; 0.6% vs. 4.0%, P < 0.05, respectively). TNM stage II and III was more frequently observed in the Robot group than that in the Laparoscopy group (94.3% vs. 83.5%), whereas stage I was more common in the Laparoscopy group than in the Robot group (5.7% vs. 16.5%). No significant difference in the overall survival (OS) and disease-free survival (DFS) were observed in Robot group and Laparoscopy group at 1-, 3- and 5-year. By a multivariable-adjusted analysis, the robotic surgery was not an independent prognostic factor for OS and DFS.
Conclusions

A beneficial effect on survival of the robotic surgery for rectal cancer could not be demonstrated. However, the robot is a feasible surgical procedure due to the decreased postoperative adverse event.
Emergency treatment of ophthalmologic diseases during the first phase of SARS-CoV2 pandemic in a tertiary referral center in Germany – the COVID-DETOUR questionnaire study
Authors: Ehlken Christoph , von Medem Constantin , Lüdemann Maya , Kirsch Anna Maria Barbara , Roider Johann Baptist 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background:During the first wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, the need of treatment of urgent ophthalmological diseases and the possible risk of a SARS-CoV-2 infection had to be weighed against each other. In this questionnaire study, we aimed to analyze potential barriers and patients’ health beliefs during and after the lockdown early 2020 in a tertiary referral center in Kiel, Germany.Methods:Patients admitted for the treatment of urgent ophthalmic diseases between March 1st, 2020, and June 3rd, 2020, were asked to participate in a questionnaire study. After informed consent was obtained, patients were interviewed using a standardized questionnaire which addressed aspects of their medical history, their health beliefs concerning the COVID-19 pandemic and barriers on their way to the treatment center. The study group was subdivided into two subgroups, depending on the occurrence of their symptoms, before and after the lockdown was ended on April 20th, 2020.Results:Ninety-three patients were included, 43 in subgroup A (before April 20th) and 50 in subgroup B (April 20th or later). Retinal disorders were most common (approximately 60%), with retinal detachments being the most singular reason for admission. Only 8 patients (8.6%) experienced a delay between their decision to visit a doctor until the actual examination. Every fourth patient was afraid of a COVID-19 infection, and expected a higher likelihood for an infection at the hospital. Patients with comorbidities tended to be more likely to be afraid of an infection (correlation coefficient 0.183, p=0.0785) and were significantly more likely to be concerned about problems with organizing follow-up care (corr. coefficient 0.222, p=0.0328). Higher age was negatively correlated with fear of infection (corr. coefficient -0.218, p-value 0.034).Conclusion:In this questionnaire study, only a minority of patients indicated a delay in treatment, regardless of whether symptoms occurred before or after the lockdown before April 20th. While patients with comorbidities were more concerned about infection and problems during follow-up care, patients of higher age – who have a higher mortality – were less afraid. Protection of high-risk groups should be prioritized during the SARS-CoV-2 pandemic.Trial registration:The study was registered as DRKS00021630 at the DRKS (Deutsches Register Klinischer Studien) before the conduction of the study on May 5th, 2020.
Vitrectomy with Internal Limiting Membrane Peeling and Gas Tamponade for Myopic Foveoschisis
Authors: Zhang Jingyi , Yu Yanping , Dai Dongshu , Liu Wu 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background

We evaluated the effect of vitrectomy with internal limiting membrane (ILM) peeling and gas tamponade for myopic foveoschisis (MF),and analysed prognosis with different gas tamponade.
Methods

Retrospective, non-randomized study. The records of patients with MF treated by vitrectomy, were reviewed. Patients were followed up postoperatively mean 16.74 months, to record changes of Best-corrected visual acuity (BCVA) and central foveal thickness (CFT).
Results

62 eyes (59 patients) were analysed in total, with mean age of 55.29 ± 10.34 years, 49 females (83.1%). Foveoschisis completely resolved in all eyes at least 6 months post vitrectomy, except for two postoperative full-thickness macular holes (FTMH). Final BCVA improved significantly from 0.69 ± 0.39 to 0.44 ± 0.42 logMAR, and CFT from 502.47 ± 164.78 to 132.67 ± 52.26 µm. Patients were subdivided into three subgroups based on the different endotamponades used (C3F8, C2F6, and air). Baseline BCVA, baseline CFT and foveal detachment (FD) were not significantly different among the three groups. Eyes treated with air tamponade had better visual outcomes than eyes with C3F8 tamponade (P = 0.009). Baseline BCVA and FD were significant risk factors for postoperative BCVA (P<0.001 and P = 0.013, respectively).
Conclusions

Vitrectomy with ILM peeling and gas tamponade results in good functional and anatomic outcomes in the treatment of MF. Good vision and no-FD pre-surgery are related with good visual prognosis. Air tamponade can provide faster visual recovery and reduce postoperative complications, compared with expansive gas.
Novel and naturally derived Hydroxyapatite/cellulose nanofibre/curcumin biocomposite for tissue engineering applications
Authors: S Sridevi , S Ramya , L Kavitha , Dhanaraj Gopi 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Hydroxyapatite (HAp) based composite materials are attaining increasing interest as a potential therapeutic agent for tissue engineering application. In the present study, HAp based composite material is synthesized from biowaste in a cost effective way. Fish bone derived HAp is combined with a cellulose nanofibre (CNF) and curcumin (Cur) as a composite for enhanced thermal, biological and mechanical properties. The HAp/CNF/Cur composite is prepared with different concentrations of CNF (1–3.wt%) and Cur (0.5–1.5 wt%), respectively. Different characterization techniques like Fourier transform-infrared spectroscopy (FT-IR), X-ray diffraction (XRD), Field-emission scanning electron microscopy (FESEM), energy dispersive X-ray (EDX) and thermal gravimetric (TGA) analysis were engaged to assess the functional groups, phase composition, morphology, elemental composition and thermal analysis of the composite. The mechanical strength of the composite is examined using Vickers micro-hardness test. In addition, antibacterial nature of the composite is evaluated against negative and positive bacteria. The viability of human osteosarcoma MG 63 cells over the composite is studied at different concentrations of 1, 3, 7, 10 and 15 µg for 24 h of incubation. Overall, the present investigation shows that the as-synthesized HAp/CNF/Cur composite with enhanced thermal, mechanical and biological properties will be a prospective aspirant for tissue engineering therapeutics.
A Novel Tumor Suppressor ASMTL-AS1 Regulates the Mir-1228-3p/SOX17/Β-Catenin Axis in Triple-Negative Breast Cancer
Authors: Sun Jie , Li Xiaohua , Yu Enqiao , Liu Jianxia , Sun Liang , He Qin , Lu Qiran 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background: Triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC) is a special type of breast cancer that lacks effective therapeutic targets. There is a significant need to clarify its pathogenesis, so as to bring new targeted approaches for TNBC management. Here, we identified a long-non coding RNA (lncRNA) ASMTL-AS1 that linked to TNBC development and progression. Methods: Quantitative real-time polymerase chain reaction (qRT-PCR) and Western blot assays were used to test gene and protein levels, respectively. The regulatory axis of miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin was determined by luciferase reporter and RNA pull-down assays. In vivo assay was conducted by using the nude mice model via subcutaneous transplantation of tumor cells.Results: ASMTL-AS1 was significantly downregulated in TNBC tissues compared to normal tissues, which was closely associated with aggressive clinical features and unfavorable prognosis. Lentivirus-mediated ASMTL-AS1 overexpression evidently inhibited TNBC cell colony formation, viability and invasion. RNA pull-down and luciferase reporter assays revealed that miR-1228-3p was the downstream target of ASMTL-AS1, ASMTL-AS1 increased SOX17 expression via sponging and repressing miR-1228-3p. Subsequently, the upregulated SOX17 trans-suppressed β-catenin expression, resulting in the inactivation of carcinogenic Wnt/β-catenin signaling, thereby restraining TNBC cell growth and dissemination. Importantly, the xenograft tumor model showed that the ASMTL-AS1/miR-1228-3p/SOX17/β-catenin regulatory axis was indeed existed in vivo.Conclusion: Our data characterize a novel tumor suppressor in TNBC, restoration of ASMTL-AS1 may be a candidate therapeutic intervention for TNBC patients.
Occupational noise-induced hearing loss among migrant workers in Kuwait
Authors: Buqammaz Mariam , Gasana Janvier , Alahmad Barrak , Shebl Mohammed , Albloushi Dalia 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Background–Although the effect of hearing loss on years lived with disability (YLD) is quite substantial, occupational hearing loss among migrant workers is significantly under-studied. In Kuwait, where nearly two-thirds of the population are migrant workers, the burden of occupational noise-induced hearing loss (ONIHL) is unknown. Objective–To assess the prevalence of ONIHL among migrant workers in Kuwait and explore workplace and individual risk factors that are associated with ONIHL. Subjects and Methods–We obtained data of annual physical exams for the year 2018 conducted by the Shuaiba Industrial Medical Center (SIMC) for all industrial workers in the area. We applied univariate and multivariate logistic regression models to estimate the effects of individual and occupational characteristics on ONIHL. Results–A total of 3,474 industrial workers visited SIMC for an annual exam. The vast majority were men (99%) and non-Kuwaitis (98%) with a median age of 38 years. A total of 710 workers were diagnosed with ONIHL with a prevalence of 20.4%. Age, years of experience, and self-reported exposure to noise were associated with statistically significant higher odds of ONIHL. When adjusted for age, years of experience and other individual level factors, type of industry was not a statistically significant predictor of ONIHL. Conclusions–The study uncovers the significant burden of hearing loss among the migrant workers subpopulation in Kuwait, an area of occupational health that is often underestimated or unrecognized. Although laws and regulations are in place to prevent and control noise in the workplace, local authorities must ensure that industrial workers are provided with the necessary training and controls to reduce noise exposure.
A scenario analysis of potential long-term impacts of COVID-19 on the Tunisian electricity sector
Authors: Gardumi Francesco , Mhiri Nesrine , Howells Mark , Bock Franziska , Necibi Thameur , Bouden Chiheb 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
The COVID-19 pandemic has affected the economy of Tunisia, like that of many other countries. With electricity consumption dropping, consumption patterns changing, international fuel prices plummeting and uncertainty raging, the pandemic has affected not least the planning of investments in electricity supply. Although the government seems unlikely to revise the decarbonisation targets downwards, questions arise on whether the investments planned before the pandemic are still relevant in the changed global landscape and what effects they may have on the country’s economy.In this study, we analyse post-pandemic scenarios for the electricity supply system of Tunisia with an energy-economy modelling framework, soft-linking the energy modelling tool OSeMOSYS and an open source Input-Output model. We extract insights on the cost-competitiveness of different – previously planned and new – electricity supply solutions and their impacts on job creation and loss in the entire economy. We find that renewable solutions based on solar photovoltaic remain highly competitive with gas-fired generation under different projections of gas prices and that several low-carbon and energy efficiency solutions have high potential for job creation.
Applicability of 12 PET estimation methods in different climate regions in China
Authors: Zhao Lingling , Xu Fei , Xia Jun , Wu Hai 
Published: March 2021

Abstract
Potential evapotranspiration (PET) is a comprehensive factor that characterises climate change, and considering the numerous methods to calculate PET, it is difficult to objectively select a method according to the requirements. In this study, the applicability of 12 commonly used PET estimation methods in China was studied. Based on temperature and humidity, China is divided into 11 temperature zones (TZ) and 5 arid and humid regions (AHRs). The study used the FAO Penman–Monteith (P-M) method as the standard, and the applicability of the 12 methods was analysed using four factors: correlation, annual mean values, seasonal distribution, and parameter characteristics. The results show that the radiation-based methods have the best monthly correlation with the P-M method, the temperature-based methods are second best, and mass-transfer-based methods perform the worst. Among these, the P-T method is the best, and the Hamon method is the worst. The Kharrufa and Abtew methods have the better applicability in higher TZs, whereas the Harg method has the least applicability. The seasonal distribution of radiation-based methods (excluding the Jensen method) in the different AHRs and different TZs is better than that of temperature-based and mass-transfer-based methods. According to the evaluation results of all factors, the Rohwer, P-T, and Mark methods are recommended when the data conditions are not conducive for the P-M method.
O TRABALHO DE MULHERES JORNALISTAS DURANTE A PANDEMIA DA COVID-19
Authors: Solon Marina , Araújo Mayara , Rodrigues Naiana , Vidal Nunes Márcia 
Published: March 2021

Este artigo traz reflexões sobre o trabalho de mulheres jornalistas no Ceará durante a pandemia de Covid-19. Com o isolamento social imposto pelo governo do Estado como uma das ações de combate à pandemia, mulheres tiveram que adequar atividades profissionais ao espaço da casa, dividindo a força de trabalho entre a profissão, as tarefas domésticas e o cuidado com a família (BIROLI, 2018; FEDERICI, 2019; HUWS, 2014). Para observar esse cenário, este estudo de caso exploratório (YIN, 2001) se vale de dados obtidos pela pesquisa nacional “Como trabalham os comunicadores em tempos de pandemia da Covid-19”, realizada pelo Centro de Pesquisa em Comunicação e Trabalho (CPCT-ECA-USP); e de informações procedentes de entrevistas semi-estruturadas com oito jornalistas cearenses . Os resultados apontam que os regimes de home office e rodízio redação-casa, adotados durante a pandemia, aprofundam o cenário já consolidado de precarização do trabalho jornalístico (FÍGARO, 2013; MICK; LIMA, 2013;) e do trabalho de mulheres jornalistas, especificamente (FIGARO, 2018; LELO, 2019;); e geram intensificação do ritmo de trabalho, maior cobrança por produtividade e desgaste psicológico/emocional das profissionais; além de evidenciarem uma divisão sexual do trabalho ainda prevalente, porém seletiva.
O COVID -19 NO TERRITÓRIO DAS MULHERES PREFEITAS
Authors: Brasileiro Cyntia , Albuquerque Terezinha , Borborema José Silvan 
Published: March 2021

Este artigo objetiva discutir sobre a incidência do novo coronavírus na gestão das mulheres prefeitas do Nordeste do Brasil, na pespectiva de traçar um panomara sobre como a pandemia se apresenta nestas gestões. Trabalhos de Brollo & Troiano (2012) e Grossi & Miguel (2001); apontam para o desempenho das mulheres enquanto gestoras, principalmente na área da saúde pública, o que nos faz questionar: As gestoras municipais brasileiras conseguiram, em suas estratégias, diminuir o número de contágio e morte? Neste sentido, buscamos introduzir uma discussão a respeito das mulheres em cargos públicos (CARVALHO & YASUDA, 2017, DAHLERUP&FREINDEVALL, 2010; PRÁ, 2013; VIOTTI, 1995) e, a partir disso (1) Mapear o panorama nordestino, destacando onde há incidência de casos em gestão de prefeitas; (2) Identificar estados com maior predomínio no número de casos com óbitos nos municípios gestados por mulheres (3) Destacar o município onde ocorre a maior incidência do Covid-19. Trata-se de uma pesquisa exploratória e quantitativa, cujas metodologias para a produção foram: dados do Covid-19 retirados dos boletins diários do Ministério da Saúde, casos confirmados e mortes nos municípios nordestinos até 17 de Maio, avaliando dois meses depois do primeiro óbito. Com a tabulação e cruzamento de dados, podemos visualizar que a incidência de casos e mortes no recorte proposto são relativamente baixos. A pesquisa se justifica visando compreender fenômenos que são particulares e que geram impactos sociais, assim como defender a inclusão de mais mulheres em cargos de chefia na política.
Genetic Diversity of Omani Durum Wheat (Triticum turgidum sub sp. durum) Landraces
Authors: Al Lawati Ali H. , Nadaf Saleem K , AlSaady Nadiya A. , Al Hinai Saleh A. , Almamari Almandhar , Al Adawi Masoud H. , Al Hinai Rashid S. , Al Maawali Abdulaziz 
Published: March 2021

Introduction:The Sultanate of Oman is rich in diversity of the most important crops like wheat, which not only has a global significance but is also regarded as one of the strategic crops in the country. The country has an ancient cultivation history of both bread wheat (Triticum aestivumL.s.l.) and durum wheat (Triticum turgidumsub sp.durum) because of its characteristic location on the eastern edge of the Arabian Peninsula. Wheat landraces constitute the prime genetic resources of cultivated wheat not only in Oman but also in several MENA (the Middle East and North Africa) countries. Indigenous landraces have paramount significance for their potential utilization in crop improvement and conservation programs. Hence, the present study was undertaken to subject 17 indigenous durum wheat accessions for analyses of diversity to select parents for hybridization in national crop improvement programs.Materials and Methods:The trial was conducted consecutively for two cropping seasons (2017-2018 and 2018-2019) during winter from November to March on the layouts of a loamy soil site under sprinkler irrigation system in Augmented Design with five check varieties replicated five times randomized and distributed throughout the experimental area under spacing and crop husbandry practices as per national recommendations. The data on 9 quantitative (Plant descriptors) and 6 qualitative traits on the presence (score 1) or absence (score 0) of pigmentation on 6 plant parts were collected. These traits were subjected to both Principal Component Analysis (PCA) and Hierarchical Cluster Analysis (HCA) to comprehend the contribution of these characters towards diversity and form prime diverse clusters from 17 indigenous durum wheat landraces to select appropriate parents for crossing.Results:The results indicated that indigenous durum wheat accessions were significantly different (p>0.05) with respect to all the quantitative characters except the number of tillers. Of 36 combinations of associations among 9 agro-morphological characters’ studied, only six correlations involving four charactersviz. tiller no., spikelets/ spike, grains/spike, and grain length were found significant (p<0.05). The results of two multivariate analyses indicated the formation of four diverse clusters with different compositions of accessions, thus not supporting each other in discerning diversity. The parents were selected for hybridization for improving characters of growth for higher yield or productivity with one or two identifying markers of pigmentation on plant parts.Conclusion:The indigenous durum wheat landraces / accessions were found to be more diverse and potential for use in the national crop improvement programs for higher productivity.