bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Clinical placement models for undergraduate health professions students: A scoping review
Authors: Nyoni Champion N. , Dyk Lizemari Hugo- Van , Botma Yvonne
Published: March 2021

Background: Clinical learning is fundamental to undergraduate health professions students. There are several calls for the transformation of health professions education, which have direct implications on clinical learning. Clinical placement models provide structure to clinical learning. Therefore, this scoping review could contribute to supporting curriculum transformation to enhance optimal learning in the clinical environments for undergraduate health professions students.Objectives: This scoping review identified the characteristics of research evidence related to mapping the purpose, methodologies used, outcomes, and specific recommendations associated with clinical placement models in undergraduate health professions education. Design: A scoping review methodology was used in this study. A search string developed from the title of the review was used to search online databases to identify research published between January 2000 and March 2020. Results: Forty-eight articles reporting on ten clinical placement models were included in this review. The majority of these articles originated from Australia and predominantly report on nursing. The aims of these articles aligned with the evaluation of the implementation of a clinical placement model. Seven categories of outcomes of the clinical placement models are reported namely, relationships, influence, environment, facilitation, inputs, knowledge scores, and student perceptions.Conclusions: As clinical learning is fundamental to undergraduate health professions education, clinical placement models should prioritise the development of competence among undergraduate students. Insights into outcomes reported in literature could guide educators in fostering optimal learning in students who may then be able to influence community health outcomes positively.
Cell-Specific Transcriptome of the COPD Alveolar Niche
Authors: Sauler Maor , McDonough John , Adams Taylor , Kotahpalli Neeharika , Schupp Jonas , Barnthaler Thomas , Robertson Matthew , Coarfa Cristian Coarfa , Yang Tao , Chioccioli Mauricio , Omote Norihito , Cosme Carlos , Poli Sergio , Ayaub Ehab , Chu Sarah , Jensen Klaus , Timshel Pascal , Gomez Jose , Britto Clemente , Raredon Micha Sam , Niklason Laura , Nouws Jessica , Kaminski Naftali , Rosas Ivan
Published: March 2021

Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD) is a leading cause of death worldwide. To identify cell-specific mechanisms underlying COPD pathobiology, we analysed single-cell RNA sequencing (scRNAseq) profiles of explanted lung tissue from subjects with advanced COPD or control lungs. Findings were validated with scRNAseq of lungs from mice exposed to 10 months of cigarette smoke (CS), isolated human alveolar epithelial cells, and immunostaining of human lung tissue samples. We identified a subpopulation of alveolar epithelial type II cells with transcriptional evidence for aberrant cellular metabolism and reduced cellular stress tolerance, exemplified by decreased expression of the stress-response gene NUPR1. Network analyses identified an important role for inflamed capillary endothelial cells in COPD, particularly through CXCL-motif chemokine signalling. Finally, we detected a metallothionein expressing macrophage subpopulation unique to COPD. Collectively, these findings highlight cell-specific mechanisms involved in the pathobiology of advanced COPD.
Rural youth’s exposure to firearm violence and their attitudes regarding firearm safety measures
Authors: Jennissen Charles Anthony , King Ryan P. , Wetjen Kristel M. , Denning Gerene M. , Wymore Cole C. , Stange Nicholas R. , Hoogerwerf Pamela J. , Liao Junlin , Wood Kelly E.
Published: March 2021

Background

In the wake of an epidemic in firearm-related deaths and injuries, youth have become leading voices of concern. This study’s objective was to investigate rural youth’s personal experiences with firearm-related violence, and their attitudes towards firearms and gun violence prevention strategies.
Methods

Attendees of the 2019 Iowa FFA Leadership Conference were surveyed about personal experiences with firearm-associated deaths and injuries, and their attitudes regarding firearm-related issues. Descriptive (frequencies), bivariate (chi square, Fisher’s exact test) and multivariable logistic regression analyses were performed utilizing Stata 15.1 (StataCorp, College Station, Texas).
Results

Responses from 1,382 FFA members 13–18 years of age were analyzed. About 5% had personally seen someone threatened with a firearm. Over one-third (36%) stated they knew someone who had been killed or injured by gunfire. Of these, over two-thirds knew of someone who had died or was injured unintentionally and 30% knew of someone killed or injured intentionally (e.g. suicide).
Nearly all agreed or strongly agreed
that the right to use firearms for hunting and shooting sports
should be legal (94%), that a firearm safety course should be
required to get a hunting license (89%), and that there should be a
required background check before purchasing a firearm (89%).
Over three-fifths (61%) agreed or
strongly agreed that there should be laws requiring safe storage of
firearms in homes.
Although still high, lesser support for
firearm safety policies was seen among males, older youth,
participants living on farms or in the country, and youth who
hunted, had firearms in their homes, and/or were in homes with
unsafe firearm storage.
Conclusions

The majority of youth in this study supported firearm safety measures including required training, background checks, and safe firearm storage in homes. These findings are consistent with the national youth-led call for firearm safety. Additionally, over one-third of respondents personally knew someone who was killed or injured by a firearm and 5% had seen someone or been personally threatened with firearm violence. Our study did not investigate the effects of firearm violence on participants’ mental health and wellbeing, but future studies addressing this question seem highly justified.
Epidemiological Profile of Decision Making Competent Adolescents Engaged in Mental Health Therapy
Authors: Tsamadou E. , Voultsos Polychronis , Emmanouilidis A. , Demertzi E. , Ampatzoglou G.
Published: March 2021

Background: A subset of adolescents with mental disorders maintain their ability to be fully engaged in shared clinical decision making process in the context of their psychiatric treatment engagement, thereby promoting an effective therapeutic process. Aim: This paper aims at exploring the epidemiological profile of adolescents who are already engaged in mental health treatment while maintaining their ability to be fully engaged in shared decision making process.Method: A single-center cross-sectional cohort survey was conducted. A sample of fifty participants recruited from Child and Adolescent Psychiatry outpatient setting of a tertiary hospital of Thessaloniki, the second largest city in Greece. An intelligence test (Wechsler Intelligence Scale for Children, WISC III) and a self-report measure of depression (Beck Depression Inventory, BDI II), in combination with a clinical assessment of participants’ practical wisdom. The mental disorders were defined and diagnosed using the ICD-10 (1992) (International Classification of Diseases), which is under a process of revision and the new edition of IDC-11 is expected to be put in effect in January 2022. At present, the last edition of ICD-10 is in use since 1992. Results: The largest percentage of adolescents (44,9%) were found to suffer from mood (affective) disorders, while 20,4% suffered from neurotic disorders. We also found pessimism (32,7%), reduction of energy (28,6%) and difficulty in concentration (32,7%) in high frequency. 22,4% of adolescents complained of sleep disorders. For the most part, the findings of our study were consistent with prior studies. However, a limited interest in sex was noted, a fact coming in contrast with international and Greek data, where interest and experimentation around sex seems to preoccupy an essential percentage of adolescents. Furthermore, sleep disorders, either as a symptom of an underlying disease, or as an independent clinical condition, seem to preoccupy adolescents and this may be a motive for their treatment engagement.Conclusion: For the most part, the findings enhanced prior studies which, however, did not exclusively include decision competent adolescents with mental disorders who were engaged in psychotherapy (for at least two months). Interestingly, however, we identified some nuances related to interest in sex and sleep disorders. Further research is recommended for the investigation of possible correlations between the lack of interest in sex or sleep disorders and the fact that the adolescents of our sample were decision making competent and engaged in psychotherapy.
Dynamical downscaling for regional climate projection in Central Asia based on bias-corrected multiple GCMs
Authors: Qiu Yuan , Feng Jinming , Yan Zhongwei , Wang Jun
Published: March 2021

Central Asia (CA) is among the most vulnerable regions to climate change due to the fragile ecosystems, frequent natural hazards, strained water resources, and accelerated glacier melting, which underscores the need to achieve robust projection of regional climate change. In this study, we applied three bias-corrected global climate models (GCMs) to conduct 9km-resolution regional climate simulations in CA for the present (1986–2005) and future (2031–2050) periods. Dynamical downscaling based on multiple bias-corrected GCM outputs obtains numerous added values not only in reproducing the historical climate but also in projecting the climate changes in CA, in comparison to the original GCMs. The regional climate model (RCM) simulations indicate significant warming over CA in the near-term future, with the regional mean increase of annual daily mean temperature (Tmean) in a range of 1.63–2.01℃, relative to the present period. This increase is expected to be higher north of ~ 45°N in each season except summer and the high-elevation areas have a weaker warming signal than the plains through the year. The season with the largest warming rate is not consistent among the RCM simulations, highlighting the necessity of using multiple GCMs as the boundary conditions to give a range of the projected climate changes. A slight increase in annual precipitation is consistently projected in most plain areas, although the changes over few areas are statistically significant. The climate projections presented here serve as a robust scientific basis for assessment of future risk from climate change in CA.
Simultaneous External Validation of Various Cardiac Arrest Prognostic Scores: a Single-center Retrospective Study
Authors: Tsuchida Takumi , Ono Kota , Maekawa Kunihiko , Wada Takeshi , Katabami Kenichi , Yoshida Tomonao , Hayakawa Mineji
Published: March 2021

Background: This study aimed to compare and validate the out-of-hospital cardiac arrest (OHCA); cardiac arrest hospital prognosis (CAHP); non-shockable rhythm, unwitnessed arrest, long no-flow or long low-flow period, blood pH < 7.2, lactate > 7.0 mmol/L, end-stage chronic kidney disease, age ≥ 85 years, still resuscitation, and extracardiac cause (NULL-PLEASE) clinical; post-cardiac arrest syndrome for therapeutic hypothermia (CAST); and revised CAST (rCAST) scores in OHCA patients treated with recent cardiopulmonary resuscitation strategies.Methods: We retrospectively collected data on adult OHCA patients admitted to our emergency department between February 2015 and July 2018. OHCA, CAHP, NULL-PLEASE clinical, CAST, and rCAST scores were calculated based on the data collected. The predictive abilities of each score were tested using the area under the curve (AUC) of the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve.Results: We identified 236 OHCA patients from computer-based medical records and analyzed 189 without missing data. In OHCA patients without bystander witnesses, CAHP and OHCA scores were not calculated. Although the predictive abilities of the scores were not significantly different, the NULL-PLEASE score had a large AUC of ROC curve in various OHCA patients. Furthermore, in patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA, the NULL-PLEASE score had large partial AUCs of ROC from sensitivity 0.8 to 1.0 and specificity 0.8 to 1.0. Conclusions: The NULL-PLEASE score had a high, comprehensive predictive ability in various OHCA patients. Furthermore, the NULL-PLEASE score had a high predictive ability for good and poor neurological outcomes in patients with bystander-witnessed OHCA.
Charge Carrier Mapping for Z-scheme Photocatalytic Water Splitting Sheet by Categorization of Microscopic Time-resolved Image Sequence
Authors: Ebihara Makoto , Ikeda Takeshi , Okunaka Sayuri , Tokudome Hiromasa , Domen Kazunari , Katayama Kenji
Published: March 2021

Photocatalytic water splitting system using particulate semiconductor materials is a promising strategy for converting solar energy into hydrogen and oxygen. In particular, visible-light-driven ‘Z-schematic’ printable photocatalyst sheets are cost-effective and scalable systems. However, little is known about the fundamental photophysical processes, which are key to explain and promote the photoactivity. Here, we applied the pattern-illumination time-resolved phase microscopy (PI-PM) for the printed photocatalyst sheet, composed of Mo-doped BiVO4 and Rh-doped SrTiO3, indium tin oxide (ITO) as an electron mediator, to investigate photo-generated charge carrier dynamics. Using the PI-PM, we successfully observed for the first time the position- and structure-dependent charge carrier behavior, including visualization of the active/inactive sites in the sheet, under the visible-light irradiation via the time sequence images and the clustering analysis. This combination methodology could not only lead the maximum performance of photocatalyst sheets, but also applicable to other systems involving electron transfer.
Direct Comparison of Two Kinds of Linoleic Acid-docetaxel Derivatives: in Vitro Cytotoxicity and in Vivo Antitumor Activity
Authors: Jia Lirui , Liu Ying , Li Meng , Wang Yongjun , He Zhonggui
Published: March 2021

Rational designed lipid-drug derivatives provide a favorable approach to improve the druggability of highly hydrophobic prototypes. It has been regarded as common sense that good cytotoxicity is the guarantee of superior anticancer efficacy for candidate derivatives screening. Here, we established two lipid-drug derivatives with different bridge bonds (ester bond and mono thioether bond) linking docetaxel and linoleic acid. The IC50 of DSL NPs (DTX-S-LA nanoparticles) and DL NPs (DTX-LA nanoparticles) were 4.02 and 209.6 ng/mL (DTX equivalent concentration), respectively. However, DL NPs unexpectedly showed stronger tumor inhibition abilities than DSL NPs. To explain the non-positive correlation between cytotoxicity and anticancer efficacy, more experiments were carried out in depth. Remarkably, the drug release studies in blood and PK study both suggested that the DL NPs were more stable to remain the structural integrity in circulation, which resulted in more accumulation in tumor sites. As verified by the bio-distribution study, DL NPs performed a superior target effect than DSL NPs in tumors. Our data indicated that the biological fates of so-called smart bond inserted derivatives in vivo are complicated, thus, simple cytotoxicity is not enough for derivatives screening, and the comprehensive understanding of both in vitro and in vivo behaviors is essential.
Impact of Ferromagnetic Layer Thickness on the Spin Pumping in Co60Fe20B20/Ta Bilayer Thin Films
Authors: Hait Soumyarup , Husain Sajid , Gupta Nanhe Kumar , Behera Nilamani , Kumar Ankit , Gupta Rahul , Barwal Vineet , Pandey Lalit , Svedlindh Peter , Chaudhary Sujeet
Published: March 2021

We report the tuneable spin angular momentum transfer (spin pumping) from Co60Fe20B20 (CFB) amorphous alloy into the Ta heavy metal nanolayers. All the films are grown on Si (100) substrate at room temperature using ion-beam sputtering technique. Structural studies reveal that the grown Ta films over amorphous CFB are crystalline even at ultrathin regime. The bilayers possess very low interface roughness (<0.5 nm) and are continuous throughout the thickness range. Comparative analysis of the spin pumping in CFB (4, 6 and 8 nm) as a function of the Ta thickness (vary from 1 to 10 nm in step of 1nm) has been performed employing ferromagnetic resonance (FMR) spectroscopy. It is observed that the effective damping increase exponentially with the increase of Ta i.e., follows ballistic spin transport) in two series of CFB (4nm)/Ta (0-10nm) and CFB(6nm)/Ta (0-10nm) bilayers, which is characteristic of normal spin pumping. However, the anomalous behaviour has been observed for CFB (8nm)/Ta (0-10nm) bilayer series where the spin current generated in Ta with the thicker CFB behaves oppositely. The results demonstrate the strong dependence of ferromagnet thickness on the spin pumping into the Ta nanolayers. This study paves the way to choose suitable ferromagnetic layer thickness for spin current induced switching applications in spintronics.
Rab7 Reduces α-Synuclein Toxicity in Rats and Primary Neurons
Authors: Szegõ Éva M. , Szegö Eva M. , Haute Chris Van den , Höfs Lennart , Baekelandt Veerle , Perren Anke Van der , Falkenburger Björn
Published: March 2021

BackgroundDuring the pathogenesis of Parkinson’s disease (PD), aggregation of alpha-synuclein (αSyn) induces a vicious cycle of cellular impairments that lead to neurodegeneration. Consequently, removing toxic αSyn aggregates constitutes a plausible strategy against PD. In this work, we tested whether stimulating the autolysosomal degradation of αSyn aggregates through the Ras-related in brain 7 (Rab7) pathway can reverse αSyn-induced cellular impairment and prevent neurodegeneration in vivo.MethodsThe disease-related A53T mutant of αSyn was expressed in primary neurons and in dopaminergic neurons of the rat brain simultaneously with wild type (WT) Rab7 or its dominant-negative T22N mutant as a control. The cellular integrity was quantified by morphological and biochemical analyses.ResultsIn primary neurons, WT Rab7 rescued the αSyn -induced loss of neurons and neurites. Furthermore, Rab7 decreased the amount of reactive oxygen species and the amount of Triton X-100 insoluble αSyn. In rat brain, WT Rab7 reduced αSyn -induced loss of dopaminergic axon terminals in the striatum and the loss of dopaminergic dendrites in the substantia nigra pars reticulata. Further, WT Rab7 lowered αSyn pathology as quantified by phosphorylated αSyn staining. Finally, WT Rab7 attenuated αSyn-induced DNA damage in primary neurons and rat brain.ConclusionRab7 reduced αSyn-induced pathology, ameliorated αSyn-induced neuronal degeneration, oxidative stress and DNA damage. These findings indicate that Rab7 is able to disrupt the vicious cycle of cellular impairment, αSyn pathology and neurodegeneration present in PD. Stimulation of Rab7 and the autolysosomal degradation pathway could therefore constitute a beneficial strategy for PD.
Maternal Exposure to Airborne Polychlorinated Biphenyls (PCBs) and Risk of Adverse Birth Outcomes
Authors: Kofoed Ane Bungum , Deen Laura , Hougaard Karin Sørig , Petersen Kajsa Ugelvig , Meyer Harald William , Pedersen Ellen Bøtker , Ebbehøj Niels Erik , Heitmann Berit Lilienthal , Bonde Jens Peter , Tøttenborg Sandra Søgaard
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Speciation and Spatial Distribution of Trace Metals in Sediments Around Gold Mining Areas in Northern Côte D’Ivoire
Authors: N'GORAN Koffi Pierre Dit Adama , Diabaté Donourou , Kouassi N’Guessan Louis Berenger , Yao Koffi Marcellin , Kinimo Kakou Charles , Ouattara Ahbeauriet Ahmed , Trokourey Albert
Published: March 2021

The purpose of this study was to investigate the spatial distribution, possible sources, and potential ecological risks associated with traces metals Cu, Mn and Ni in sediments around gold mine areas in northern Côte d’Ivoire. The sampling was conducted in industrial and artisanal and small-scale gold mining sites in Korhogo and Tengrela. Analysis of variance was performed to ascertain spatial differences. The possible sources of pollution were identified using the enrichment factor, principal component, and hierarchical cluster analysis. Trace metals Cu, Ni and Mn concentrations in sediments did not vary across the stations. The same spatial mapping distribution trend was observed for Ni, while those of Cu and Mn differed among the stations. The geoaccumulation index indicated low to moderate contamination of Cu, Mn and Ni at Korhogo and Tengrela. The results of principal component and hierarchical cluster analysis indicated that Cu, Ni, and Mn were generated both by anthropogenic and natural inputs, which were confirmed by the enrichment factor. The potential ecological risks indicated that Cu, Mn and Ni could pose low risk to organisms at Korhogo and Tengrela. This study provides first trace metals data in sediments across Korhogo and Tengrela gold mine areas. The sequential extraction procedure proposed by the Community Bureau of Reference (BCR) showed that a major portion (between 59.68 to 79.22 %) of Cu, Ni and Mn is highly associated with the residual fraction, showing their low mobility.
A Comparative Study of Single Theileria Lestoquardi and Mixed Infections with Theileria Ovis
Authors: Al-Hamidhi Salama , Elshafie Elshafie I. , Morrison Ivan , Johnson Eugene H. , Babiker Hamza
Published: March 2021

Background: Epidemiological surveys in Oman have revealed a high prevalence of the co-occurrence of the pathogenic T. lestoquardi and the non-pathogenic T. ovis among sheep in the Barka region, Oman. Our most recent data illustrated an interaction and reduced mortality risk in animals co-infected with T. lestoquardi and T. ovis, suggesting that the latter confers protection against pathogenicity of T. lestoquardi. The present study extends the above findings and examines disease outcomes; clinical markers, hematological parameters and parasite density in mixed and single T. lestoquardi infections. Methods: A total of 390 blood samples were collected from 16 sheep pens located in Barka, Oman between July and November 2019. Theileria spp were detected and quantified using qPCR assay targeting 18S rRNA, and the extent of genetic diversity was estimated by a panel of T. lestoquardi specific micro- and mini-satellites. The association of some disease markers with the presence of Theileria spp. and genetic diversity was tested. Results: Theileria spp were detected in 75 (19.2%) sheep; of these 65 (86.7%) had mixed infections (T. lestoquardi plus T. ovis), 8 (10.6%) were infected with T. lestoquardi alone and 2 (2.7%) with only T. ovis. Exotic breeds had a higher risk for Theileria spp infection. The density of both parasites was higher in single infection against mixed infection, and there was a relatively lower density of T. lestoquardi in mixed infections. However, there was no difference in hematological indices between single T. lestoquardi and mixed infections. High genetic diversity was observed among T. lestoquardi in Barka, with no differences of T. lestoquardi in single and mixed infections. The extent of diversity seen in Barka was higher (He = 0.772) than that reported in Oman in 2019 (He = 0.582), with distinct T. lestoquardi genotypes. Conclusion: The substantial prevalence of T. lestoquardi as mixed vs single infection supports the hypothesis that T. ovis confers protection against lethal T. lestoquardi infection. However, there were no differences in disease correlations (clinical markers, hematology parameters and density of parasites) or the extent of diversity of T. lestoquardi between the two types of infection. The presence of distinct T. lestoquardi genotypes in Barka, compared to that reported earlier in Oman, highlights the need for further analysis of the parasite populations to inform on novel approaches for controlling malignant theileriosis.
Hydrometeorological - hydrometric station network design using multicriteria decision analysis and GIS techniques
Authors: Theochari Aimilia-Panagiota , Feloni Elissavet , Bournas Apollon , Baltas Evangelos
Published: March 2021

The design of an optimum hydrometeorological and hydrometric station network constitutes a key factor for the collection of comprehensive and reliable hydrometeorological and flow data that are necessary both for decision making in water resources policy and management and for the hydrometeorological risk assessment. This article describes a methodology developed in a geographic information system (GIS) assisted by a multicriteria decision making (MCDM) approach, which combines a set of spatial criteria in order to propose suitable locations for such a station network installation. Through the design for two networks that meet different requirements, various aspects concerning this methodology are illustrated, such as, the methods regarding criteria classification and weighting, as well as, the effect of weighting itself on the location rating. In particular, the implementation is performed for the Sarantapotamos river basin, an area located in the western part of Attica region, Greece, which is characterized by a great diversity of economic activities, mainly industrial, rural and urban fabric in the lowlands. Finally, the analysis indicates that, in terms of station density as proposed by the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), the optimum hydrometeorological station network consists of three stations and the hydrometric one of two stations.
DNA methylation of Vesicular Glutamate Transporters in the mesocorticolimbic brain following early life stress and ethanol exposure in adulthood
Authors: Vrettou Maria , Yan Liying , Nilsson Kent , Wallén-Mackenzie Åsa , Nylander Ingrid , Comasco Erika
Published: March 2021

DNA methylation and gene expression can be altered by early life stress (ELS) and/or ethanol consumption. The present study aimed to investigate whether DNA methylation of the Vesicular Glutamate Transporters (Vglut)1–3 is related to previously observed Vglut1-3 transcriptional differences in the ventral tegmental area (VTA), nucleus accumbens (Acb), dorsal striatum (dStr) and medial prefrontal cortex (mPFC) of adult rats exposed to ELS, modelled by maternal separation, and voluntary ethanol consumption. Targeted next-generation bisulfite sequencing was performed to identify the methylation levels on 61 5′-cytosine-phosphate-guanosine-3′ sites (CpGs) in potential regulatory regions of Vglut1, 53 for Vglut2, and 51 for Vglut3. In the VTA, ELS in ethanol-drinking rats was associated with Vglut1-2 CpG-specific hypomethylation, whereas bidirectional Vglut2 methylation differences at single CpGs were associated with ELS alone. Exposure to both ELS and ethanol, in the Acb, was associated with lower promoter and higher intronic Vglut3 methylation; and in the dStr, with higher and lower methylation in 26% and 43% of the analyzed Vglut1 CpGs, respectively. In the mPFC, lower Vglut2 methylation was observed upon ELS- or ethanol-only. The present findings suggest Vglut1-3 CpG-specific methylation signatures of ELS and ethanol drinking, underlying previously reported Vglut1-3 transcriptional differences in the mesocorticolimbic brain.
Long noncoding RNA SH3PXD2A-AS1 promotes NSCLC proliferation and accelerates cell cycle progression by interacting with DHX9
Authors: Zhou Yeqing , Yong Hongmei , Chu Sufang , Li Minle , Li Zhongwei , Bai Jin , Zhang Hao
Published: March 2021

Background
As the most commonly diagnosed lung cancer, non–small cell lung carcinoma (NSCLC) is regulated by many long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs). In the present study, we found that SH3PXD2A-AS1 expression in NSCLC tissues was upregulated compared with that in normal lung tissues in The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. However, the role and molecular mechanism of SH3PXD2A-AS1 in NSCLC progression require further exploration.
Methods
The expression of SH3PXD2A-AS1 in NSCLC and normal lung tissues in a TCGA dataset was analysed by using the GEPIA website. K-M analysis was performed to explore the effects of this molecule on the survival rate in NSCLC. The functional characterization of the role and molecular mechanism of SH3PXD2A-AS1 in NSCLC was performed with a series of in vitro and in vivo experiments.
Results
SH3PXD2A-AS1 expression was increased in human NSCLC, and high SH3PXD2A-AS1 expression was correlated with poor overall survival. SH3PXD2A-AS1 overexpression sufficiently promoted tumour cell proliferation and accelerated cell cycle progression in vitro and tumour growth in vivo. Moreover, SH3PXD2A-AS1 interacted with DHX9 to enhance FOXM1 expression, promote tumour cell proliferation and accelerate cell cycle progression.
Conclusions
SH3PXD2A-AS1 promoted NSCLC growth by interacting with DHX9 to enhance FOXM1 expression. SH3PXD2A-AS1 may serve as a promising predictive biomarker for the diagnosis and prognosis of patients with NSCLC.
Evolutionary loss of thermal acclimation accompanied by periodic monocarpic mass flowering in Strobilanthes species
Authors: Ishida Atsushi , Nakamura Tomomi , Saiki Shin-Taro , Yoshimura Jin , Kakishima Satoshi
Published: March 2021

While life history, physiology and molecular phylogeny in plants have been widely studied, understanding how physiology changes with the evolutionally life historical change remains largely unknown. In two closely related understory Strobilanthes plants, the molecular phylogeny has previously shown that the monocarpic 6-year masting S. flexicaulis have evolved from a polycarpic perennial, represented by the basal clade S. tashiroi. The polycarpic S. tashiroi exhibited seasonal thermal acclimation with increased leaf respiratory and photosynthetic metabolism in winter, whereas the monocarpic S. flexicaulis showed no thermal acclimation. The monocarpic S. flexicaulis required rapid height growth after germination under high intraspecific competition, and the respiration and N allocation were biased toward nonphotosynthetic tissues. By contrast, in the long-lived polycarpic S. tashiroi, these allocations were biased toward photosynthetic tissues. The life-history differences between the monocarpic S. flexicaulis and the polycarpic S. tashiroi are represented by the “height growth” and “assimilation” paradigms, respectively, which are controlled by different patterns of respiration and nitrogen regulation in leaves. The obtained data suggest that the monocarpic S. flexicaulis with the evolutionary loss of thermal acclimation will more often exhibit increased vulnerability to global warming.
A Robot Learning from Demonstration Framework for Skillful Small Parts Assembly
Authors: Hu Haopeng , Yang Xiansheng , Lou Yunjiang
Published: March 2021

Increasing demand for higher production flexibility and smaller production batch size pushes the development of manufacturing expertise towards robotic solutions with fast setup and reprogram capability. Aiming to facilitate assembly lines with robots, the learning from demonstration (LfD) paradigm has attracted attention. A robot LfD framework designed for skillful small parts assembly applications is developed, which takes position, orientation and wrench demonstration data into consideration while utilizes impedance control to deal with the motion error. In view of constraints in industrial assembly applications, we propose a robot LfD framework where policy learning is carried out with separated assembly demonstration data to avoid potential under-fitting problem. With the proposed assembly policies, reference orientation and wrench trajectories are generated as well as coupled with the position data to boost their generalization and robust performance. Effectiveness of the proposed LfD framework is validated by a printed circuit board assembly experiment with a 7-DOF torque-controlled robot.
Classification for Avian Malaria Parasite Plasmodium Gallinaceum Blood Stages by Using Deep Convolutional Neural Networks
Authors: Kittichai Veerayuth , Kaewthamasorn Morakot , Thanee Suchansa , Jomtarak Rangsan , Klanboot Kamonpob , Naing Kaung Myat , Tongloy Teerawat , Chuwongin Santhad , Boonsang Siridech
Published: March 2021

Background: The infections of an avian malaria parasite (Plasmodium gallinaceum) in domestic chickens presents a major threat to poultry industry because it cause economical loss in both quality and quantity of meat and egg productions. Deep learning algorithms have been developed to identify avian malaria infections and classify its blood stage development. Methods: In this study, four types of deep convolutional neural networks namely Darknet, Darknet19, darknet19_448x448 and Densenet 201 are used to classify P. gallinaceum blood stages. We randomly collected dataset of 10,548 single-cell images consisting of four parasite stages from ten-infected blood films stained by Giemsa. All images were confirmed by three well-trained examiners. Results: In the model-wise comparison, the four neural network models gave us high values in the mean average precision at least 95%. Darknet can reproduce a superior performance in classification of the P. gallinaceum development stages across any other model architectures. In addition, Darknet also has best performance in multiple class-wise classification, scoring the average values of greater than 99% in accuracy, specificity, sensitivity, precision, and F1-score.Conclusions: Therefore, Darknet model is more suitable in the classification of P. gallinaceum blood stages than the other three models. The result may contribute us to develop the rapid screening tool for further assist non-expert in filed study where is lack of specific instrument for avian malaria diagnostic.
The Effect of Prolonged Drought Legacies on Plant-Soil Feedbacks
Authors: Hassan Kamrul , Carrillo Yolima , Nielsen Uffe N.
Published: March 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
The Real-World Efficacy and Safety of Anlotinib in Advanced Non-Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Wang Fen , Jin Feng , Cheng Boran , Zhang Yue , Zhou Qing , Wang Shubin
Published: March 2021

Purpose: Anlotinib is an anti-angiogenetic multi-targeted tyrosine kinase inhibitor. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy and safety of anlotinib in advanced non-small cell lung cancer (aNSCLC) in the real world.Methods: Patients with aNSCLC receiving anlotinib were enrolled in two cohorts (treatment-naive and previously treated). The endpoints included progression-free survival (PFS), overall survival (OS) and anlotinib-related adverse events (ar-AEs).Results: 203 patients accrued in the study. In the treatment-naïve cohort (n=80), the PFS was 7.4 (95% confidence interval [CI], 4.1-10.7) and OS was 10.8 (95% CI, 5.8-15.8) months of monotherapy group (immature survival for combination group). In previously treated cohort (n=123), The PFS was 8.0 months (95% CI, 6.1-9.9) in the combination group and 4.3 months (95% CI, 2.1-6.6) in the monotherapy group (hazard ratio [HR], 0.49; 95% CI, 0.29-0.83; p=0.007), respectively. The OS was 18.5 months (95% CI, 10.5- to 26.6) in the combination group and 7.8 months (95% CI, 7.1-8.4) in the monotherapy group (HR, 0.38; 95% CI, 0.22-0.66; p=0.001), respectively. The ar-AEs of grade ≥3 in the monotherapy and the combination groups were hypertension (9.0% and 8.7%), fatigue (8.1% and 7.6%), hand-foot syndrome (8.1% and 6.5%), diarrhea (5.4% and 8.7%), proteinuria (5.4% and 5.4%), and mucositis oral (6.3% and 8.7%).Conclusion: In aNSCLC, anlotinib monotherapy has a promising efficacy in the first-line setting. It may be an option for those who are ineligible for chemotherapy; anlotinib combination therapy in a ≥ second-line setting showed manageable toxicities and encouraging efficacy, indicating a good application prospect.Trial registration: This study was retrospectively registered with ISRCTN Registry (ID ISRCTN35543977) on January 26th, 2021 and Chinese Clinical Trial Register (ChiCTR2000032265) on April 4th, 2020.
Simple Prediction of Reasonable Lumbar Lordosis Based on Patient's Postoperative Quality of Life Score
Authors: Wang Chunlei , Meng Xianzhong , Wu Jiangnan , Chang Hengrui , Liu Chang
Published: March 2021

Background: Scarce information exists on the relationship between lumbar lordosis (LL) and health-related quality of life (HRQOL) after lumbar surgery. The aim of this study was to derive a predictive equation for lordosis using pelvic incidence and to establish a simple lumbar lordosis prediction method to improve the quality of life after surgery.Methods: A number of 146 patients with lumbar surgery were included in the study. Spinopelvic parameters and Oswestry Disability Index (ODI) were measured at the final follow-up. At the 75th percentile cut-off value, patients with ODI were assigned to a good HRQOL group. Stepwise multiple regression analysis was used to analyze the correlation between parameters and ODI, and simple linear regression analysis was conducted to deduce the predictive equation for the recovery of reasonable LL by posterior lumbar interbody fusion (PLIF).Results: In the good HRQOL group, we included 108 patients with an ODI score less than 29 (75% cut-off value) at the last follow-up. All patients had had completed their posterior lumbar interbody fusion (L4-S1) by the same experienced surgeon. Multiple regression analysis revealed that LL (P < 0.001) was significantly associated with ODI as radiological parameters. The close relationship between PI and LL is highly evident from the value of the regression coefficient (r = 0.765, P < 0.001). Based on the correlation established between the above parameters, the following prediction equation for PI and LL was derived: LL = 0.59 × PI + 12 (r = 0.765, P < 0.001). Conclusions: This simple calculation method can provide a more effective and simple prediction of lumbar lordosis in the Chinese population. This approach can be used as a decision-making tool for restoring LL in lumbar correction surgery and plays an important role in improving the quality of life of patients after lumbar surgery.
A predatory soil bacterium reprograms a quorum sensing signal system to regulate antifungal weapon production in a cyclic-di-GMP-independent manner
Authors: kaihuai Li , Xu Gaoge , Wang Bo , Wu Guichun , Hou Rongxian , Fengquan Liu
Published: March 2021

Soil bacteria often provide multiple weapons for eukaryotes or prokaryotes to use against predators. Diffusible signal factors (DSFs) represent a unique group of quorum sensing (QS) chemicals that modulate interspecies competition in bacteria that do not produce antibiotic-like molecules. However, the molecular mechanism by which DSF-mediated QS systems regulate weapons production for interspecies competition remains largely unknown in soil biocontrol bacteria. In this study, we found that the necessary QS system component protein RpfG from Lysobacter, in addition to being a cyclic dimeric GMP (c-di-GMP) phosphodiesterase (PDE), regulates the biosynthesis of an antifungal weapon (heat-stable antifungal factor, HSAF), which does not appear to depend on the enzymatic activity. Interestingly, we showed for the first time that RpfG interacts with three hybrid two-component system (HyTCS) proteins, HtsH1, HtsH2, and HtsH3, to regulate HSAF production in Lysobacter. In vitro studies showed that each of these proteins interacted with RpfG, which reduced the PDE activity of RpfG. Finally, we showed that the cytoplasmic proportions of these proteins depended on their phosphorylation activity and binding to the promoter controlling the genes implicated in HSAF synthesis. These findings reveal a new mechanism of DSF signalling in antifungal weapon production in soil bacteria.
Anti-Infection Roles of mir155-5p Packaged in Exosomes Secreted by Dendritic Cells Infected with Toxoplasma Gondii
Authors: Jiang Dan , Wu Shuizhen , Xu Liqing , Xie Guantai , Peng Hong-Juan
Published: March 2021

Background: Toxoplasma gondii is a zoonotic intracellular protozoon that is estimated to infect about 30% of the world’s population, resulting in toxoplasmosis in immuno-compromised patients and adverse outcomes in the primary infection during pregnancy. Exosomes are tubular vesicles secreted by cells, and they function in intercellular communication. It has been reported that the exosomes secreted by T. gondii-infected immune cells transmit infection signals to the uninfected cells. However, the mechanism and effect of the exosome transmission are still vague. We therefore investigated the function of the exosomes transmitted from DC2.4 cells infected with T. gondii RH strain (Tg-DC-Exo) to the uninfected cells, as well as their roles in anti-infection. Methods: We conducted exosome isolation and identification with ultracentrifugation, transmission electron microscopy (TEM), nanoparticle tracking analysis (NTA) and Western blotting. Recipient cells taken up exosomes by PKH67 assay. The signal transmission and the abundance of mir155-5p were determined using transwell assay and qRT-PCR. For the immune responses, cytokines was evaluated. T. gondii B1 gene was determined to evaluate tachyzoites proliferation.Results: We observed that Toxoplasma infection up-regulated mir155-5p expression in DC2.4 cells secreted exosomes, and those exosomes can be ingested by murine macrophage RAW264.7 cells. Tg-DC-Exo and mir155-5p stimulating host proinflammatory immune responses such as proinflammatory cytokine (IL6,iNOS and TNF-α) production increased and NF-κB signal pathway activation by down regulating SOCS1, leading to inhibit T. gondii tachyzoite proliferation in RAW264.7 cells. Conclusion: Our findings provide a novel mechanism for how infected cells transmit infection signals to the uninfected cells through exosome secretion after T. gondii infection, followed by inflammatory responses and anti-infection reactions, which may help us develop a new intervention strategy for toxoplasmosis prevention, especially in immuno-compromised patients.
Perceived risk of COVID-19 in Central Indian population
Authors: Kokane Noopur , Kokane Vandana , Kaur Jasleen
Published: March 2021

Background: risk perception influences the behavior of the people. With gradual unlocking in India it is important to understand the perceived risk of people for COVID-19 issue as it might influence number of new positive cases in India.Material and method: this was an online survey which measured the perceived risk under two domain, risk perception of disease and trust people have in authorities and themselves to fight against COVID-19. SPSS 23.0 was used for data analysis.Result: Total sample size is 797. Only participants above age of 60 have high risk perception. But overall risk perception is low. All have high trust in scientist to develop an effective vaccine soon. The overall trust of participants is high which resulted in low risk perception. According to our study participants have low perceived risk. Conclusion: with low perceived risk, there and chances of increase of cases in COVID-19 positive patients. And people should not be misled by false sense of immunity and authorities should be prepared for second wave.
Secular Trends in the Incidence of Migraine in China From 1990 to 2019: a Joinpoint and Age-period-cohort Analysis
Authors: Wang Yufeng , Huang Xueying , Ma Huan , Yue Suru , Liu Jie , Li Shasha , Wu Jiayuan , Hu Liren
Published: March 2021

Background Migraine is a common disorder of the nervous system in China, imposing heavy burdens on individuals and societies. Optimal healthcare planning requires understanding the magnitude and changing trend of migraine incidence in China. However, the secular trend of migraine incidence in China remains unclear. Methods Data were collected from the Global Burden of Disease Study 2019 in China from 1990 to 2019 to investigate changes in the incidence rate of migraine. The average annual percent change and relative risk were calculated using joinpoint regression and an age–period–cohort model, respectively. Results From 1990 to 2019, the age-standardized incidence rates of migraine in China increased by 0.26% (95% CI: 0.22 to 0.31) and 0.23% (95% CI: 0.19 to 0.28) per year in males and females, respectively. The age effect exerted the most significant impact on the incidence of migraine. The period effect showed a slightly decreasing trend in the incidence of migraine. In terms of the cohort effect, people born after the 1960s presented a higher risk of migraine as compared with the total cohort, with the occurrence risk of migraine increasing with birth cohorts. Conclusion Migraine incidence shows an overall increasing trend in China, with a significant gender difference. An intensive understanding of the risk characteristics and disease pattern of migraine could allow the early detection of persons with a high risk of developing migraine and promote the development of timely intervention measures to relieve this burden effectively.
Impact of COVID-19 Infection Among Myasthenia Gravis Patients- a Cerner Real-world DataTM Study 
Authors: Digala Lakshmi , Prasanna Shivika , Rao Praveen , Qureshi Adnan , Govindarajan Raghav
Published: March 2021

Background: Myasthenia gravis (MG) is an auto-immune disease, and the mainstay of therapy is immunomodulation. Such patients are at high risk of acquiring any infections. Hence, we sought to determine the impact of the current global pandemic COVID-19 infection in MG patients.Methods: For our study, we used Cerner Real-World DataTM that was provided through Cerner’s HealtheDataLab research tool. We ran a database query from January 2019 to July 2020 in our study. To extract these patients’ data, we used ICD 9-CM, ICD-10, and SNOMED-CT codes. We report data using means, range, and prevalence rates. The p-values were calculated using the two-sample t-test and Pearson’s chi-squared test. Results:In the COVID-19 data set, a total of twenty-seven myasthenia patients were identified with a positive COVID-19 infection, and four diagnosed with an exacerbation. Male to female ratio was equal and one unknown gender (3.7%) with a mean (± SD) age of 64.33 ± 18.42 years. This study group was compared with a non-COVID-19 data set in which a total of sixty-four myasthenia patients were identified, and twenty-three had an exacerbation. Among the hospitalized patients in the two groups, the mean length of hospitalization for all the myasthenia patients in the COVID-19 data set was 8.28 days (n=7), and the non-COVID-19 set was 4.33 days (n=6), and it was statistically significant (p-value= 0.007). Conclusion: The mean length of hospital stay is prolonged in Myasthenia patients who tested positive for COVID-19.