bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Analysis of The Influence of The Critical Speed of Thermoelastic Instability of Transfer Case on The Torque Transmission
Authors: WANG Yu Ming , CHEN Liqing , LIANG Xiutian , LI Hongliang
Published: January 2021

Based on the thermoelastic instability theory, the variation trend of film thickness on the surface of transfer case friction pair is studied, and the basic process in which the thickness of lubricating oil film changes due to thermoelastic instability was obtained. According to this process, the critical speed of transfer case friction pair is used to reflect transfer torque stability. Based on above, firstly, the dynamic simulation model of the transfer case is established from which the dynamic characteristic equation of the transfer case under the combined action of asperity torque and viscous torque is obtained. Secondly, according to the result that the thickness of the transfer case lubricating oil film is affected by the joint action of lubricating oil pressure, contact pressure and thermal expansion, the condition of thermoelastic instability of the transfer case torque transmission is discussed. The result shows that the critical speed of the thermoelastic instability increases correspondingly with the increase of the thickness of the oil film. The critical curve divides the engagement process into the stable region at the upper part of the curve and the unstable region at the lower part of the curve, so as to calculate the thermoelastic instability region of the torque transfer of the transfer case. Finally, in order to further analyze the influence of thermoelastic instability on the characteristics of the transfer case, three factors, namely the surface roughness of the friction plate, the lubricating oil viscosity and the thermal conductivity of the dual steel disc, are mainly selected for analysis, and the thermoelastic instability is taken into account. The conclusion is expected to be used in the engineering practice of torque distribution control of the transfer case.
Minocycline Attenuation Of Rat Corpus Callosum Abnormality Mediated By Low Dose Lipopolysaccharide-induced Microglia Activation
Authors: Xiong Huangui , Zhang Jingdong , Zheng Ya , Liu Jianuo , Fox Howard S.
Published: January 2021

Background: Microglia are resident innate immune cells in the brain and the activation of these myeloid cells results in secretion of a variety of proinflammatory molecules, leading to the development of neurodegenerative disorders. Lipopolysaccharide (LPS) is a widely used experimental stimulant in microglia activation. We have previously shown that LPS produced microglia activation and evoked detectable functional abnormalities in rat corpus callosum (CC) in vitro. Here, we further examined the effects of low dose LPS-induced microglia activation and resultant white matter abnormality in the CC in vivo and its attenuation by an anti-inflammatory agent minocycline.Methods: Twenty-four SD rats were divided randomly into three groups and intra-peritoneally injected daily with saline, LPS and LPS+minocycline, respectively. All animals were subject to MRI tests 6 days post injection. The animals were then sacrificed for harvest the CC tissues for electrophysiology, Western blotting, and immunocytochemistry. One-way ANOVA with Tukey’s posttest of all pair of columns was employed statistical analyses.Results: Systemic administration of LPS produced microglial activation in the CC as illustrated by Iba-1 immunofluorescent staining. We observed that a large number of Iba-1 positive microglial cells were hyper-ramified with hypertrophic somata or even amoeba like in the LPS-treated animals and such changes were significantly reduced by co-administration of minocycline. Electrophysiological recordings of axonal compound action potential (CAP) revealed an impairment on the CC functionality as detected by a reduction on CAP magnitude. Such an impairment was supported by a reduction on fast axonal transportation evidenced by β-amyloid precursor protein accumulation. These alterations were attenuated by minocycline, demonstrating minocycline reduction of microglia-mediated interruption of white matter integrity and function in the CC. Conclusions: Systemic administration of LPS produced microglia activation in the CC and resultant functional abnormalities that were attenuated by an anti-inflammatory agent minocycline.
The association between cumulative dose of inhaled bronchodilators and mortality in patients with severe ARDS
Authors: Scott Ashley M. , Fadel R.A. , Asala E.D. Abou , Murskyi I.O. , Bachler J.L. , Ouellette Daniel R.
Published: January 2021

Background: The purpose of this study was to examine bronchodilator use in patients with severe acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS) to determine if such use affected mortality. We compared cohorts of patients receiving and not receiving bronchodilators to determine clinical differences between the groups. We then sought associations with clinical risk factors, including cumulative doses of bronchodilators, with in-hospital mortality.Methods: This study was a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with severe ARDS treated at a large health care system between December 1, 2012 and February 10, 2018. From 1195 patients selected from the electronic medical records (EMR) we identified 312 patients for study after the application of inclusion and exclusion criteria. We compared cohorts of patients receiving and not receiving inhaled bronchodilators. We then performed first a univariable, followed by a multivariable analysis of clinical risk factors including the cumulative dose of bronchodilators to study their relationship with in-hospital mortality. Results: Of the 312 patients with moderate or severe ARDS selected for this study, 260 received bronchodilators and 52 did not receive them. Most patients (n=230) received both albuterol and ipratropium. Patients receiving bronchodilators had longer intensive care unit length of stay (ICULOS; 18.6+/-14.9 days v 9.0+/-7.4 days, p=0.000) but similar mortality compared to patients not receiving bronchodilators (112/260 versus 26/52, p=0.364). Clinical risk factors significantly associated with in-hospital mortality in a univariable analysis included the mortality prediction model II score (MPM, p=0.000), age (p=0.000), the ratio of PaO2:FiO2 (PF, p=0.000), the cumulative amount of short acting bronchodilator (SABD, p=0.004), the maximum heart rate (HRmax, p=0.023), and the minimum serum potassium level (Kmin, p=0.000). In a multivariable analysis the MPM (p=0.000, OR=7.543), PF (p=0.002, OR=0.988), cumulative SABD dose (p=0.002, OR=0.996), HRmax (p=0.001, OR=1.021), and Kmin (p=0.000, OR=3.509) remained significantly associated with inpatient mortality. Conclusions: Inhaled bronchodilators are frequently used in patients with severe ARDS despite clinical evidence that beta-agonists do not improve clinical outcome. We have demonstrated an association between the cumulative dose of SABD and decreased in-hospital mortality in patients with severe ARDS. Further study is needed to confirm these observations.
Sequential blood lactate measurement as a predictor of mortality in patients with sepsis in the critical care unit
Authors: Borah Pollov , Saloi Dilip Kumar , Deka Bipul , Konwar Ranjumoni , Kalita Deepjyoti , Mahanta Putul , Deka Sangeeta , Phukan Chiranjita
Published: January 2021

Background and objectiveIn severe sepsis, increased blood lactate levels are observed indicating impaired oxidative phosphorylation, which secondarily causes hypoxic hypoxia and stagnant tissue hypoxia. Among all other related factors, a high rise of the lactate level in blood may be a useful predictor of sepsis patients' mortality. This study aims to determine the association of consecutive blood lactate levels with the patient's mortality with sepsis admitted in the Critical Care Unit (CCU). MethodsThis prospective study included 50 patient of septicemia at CCU above 18 years in a tertiary care centre. On admission, at 24 hours and 72 hours, blood lactate levels were monitored. Their clinical status was evaluated for 28 days to categorise as survivor and non-survivor. The statistical analysis was made with Microsoft Excel and SPSS version 20. To test the difference in mean blood lactate levels among survivors and non-survivors Student’s t-test was applied. A p-value of less than 0.05 was considered significant. Prior ethical clearance from the institutional ethics committee of human with informed consent from the patients was obtained for data collection.ResultsThe current study included 50 patients of septicemia, 23 were survivors, and 27 were non-survivors after 28 days of follow up. The mean lactate range for the 23 survivors was ranged from 0.43 mmol/l to 5.69 mmol/l, whereas for non-survivors, it was 1.64 mmol/l to 6.14 mmol/l. The mean value of lactate for the survivors and non-survivors during admission, at 24 hours and at 72 hours were 0.9545±0.45798 vs 2.5204±1.51498, 1.2461±1.21360 vs 2.5107±1.63678 and 1.5496±1.66788 vs 2.7904±2.00160. The differences between the mean lactate values between survivors and non-survivors at different time intervals were highly significant.ConclusionA slower rate of lactate clearance during hospitalisation may be a significant factor associated with severe sepsis patient mortality. Thus serial blood lactate levels is a significant predictor of mortality and should be monitored.
Evaluation of Mobile Supervision Application and Electronic Medicine Box for Tuberculosis Patients: Implementation Experience from Tianjin During 2019-2020
Authors: Li Xiaorong , pang Xuewen , Zhang Fan
Published: January 2021

Backgroud Poor tuberculosis (TB) medication adherence increases the risk of treatment failure and development of drug-resistant TB, while universal implementation of directly observed therapy (DOT) is not feasible in China. EHealth technologies were reported to be promising patient-centered tools for improving adherence. However, only pilot studies have assessed patients’ experiences and the results were discrepant. Methods This cross sectional study study was conducted among TB patients at the outpatient department from 3 March 2019 to 30 May 2020 in Tianjin, China. Data were downloaded from the Tuberculosis doctor App and TB Information Management System (TBIMS), and merged them using the TBIMS notification number. Logistic regression analysis was used to analyze the factors associated with regualar drug-intake. Odds ratios and 95% confident intervals were estimated with and without adjustment for age, gender, ethnicity and occupation. Results A total of 1193 TB patients were recruited, of whom 33.28% (397) patients were regular drug-intake. The whole drug-intake rate was 84.84%, except for the first month, the drug-intake rate decreased with the increase of monthly treatment sequence. After adjustment by age, gender, ethnicity and occupation, tuberculosis pleurisy (aOR: 0.42, 95CI%=0.26-0.69) and retreated patients (aOR: 0.40, 95CI% =0.27-0.59) were more likely to have poor medication compliance. Local resident tend to have better medication compliance (aOR: 1.80, 95CI% =1.16-2.79).Conclusions The medication adherence at the first month should be noticed. Medication adherence was poor in tuberculosis pleuritis and retreated patients, while local resident tend to have better medication adherence. To make full use of the application of eHealth in TB patient management, more incentive measures should be adopted for patients and doctors respectively.
Presence of secondary bladder cancer following radical nephroureterectomy for upper tract urothelial carcinoma: Characteristics, Risk Factors, and Predictive Value
Authors: Lai Shicong , Wu Pengjie , Liu Shengjie , Seery Samuel , Liu Jianyong , He Lei , Liu Ming , Zhang Yaoguang , Wang Jianye
Published: January 2021

Objective

To assess the characteristics, predictive risk factors, and prognostic effect of secondary bladder cancer (BCa) following radical nephroureterectomy (RNU) in upper tract urothelial carcinoma (UTUC).
Methods

Using the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database, the authors analyzed clinicopathologic characteristics and survival data from 472 UTUC patients with secondary BCa after RNU between 2004 and 2017. Cox’s proportional hazard regression model was implemented to identify independent predictors associated with post-recurrence outcomes. The threshold for statistical significance was p < 0.05.
Results

In total, 200 Ta-3N0M0 localized UTUC patients with complete data were finally included. With a median follow-up of 71 months (interquartile ranges [IQR] 36 -103.75 months), 52.5% (n = 105) had died, with 30.5% (n = 61) dying of UTUC. The median time interval from UTUC to BCa was 13.5 months (IQR 6–40.75 months). According to multivariable Cox regression analysis, patients with intravesical recurrence (IVR) located at multiple sites, advanced BCa stage, higher BCa grade, elderly age and a shorter recurrence time, encountered worse cancer-specific survival (CSS) (all p ༜0.05).
Conclusions

For primary UTUC patients experiencing IVR after radical surgery, advanced age, multiple IVR sites, shorter recurrence time, higher BCa stage, and grade proved to be significant independent prognostic factors of CSS. We ought to pay more attention to IVR prevention as well as to earlier signs which may increase the likelihood of early detection. Having the ability to manage what may be seen as the superficial BCa signs may enable us to improve survival but further research is required.
Clinical Observation and Retrospective Analysis of the Effect of Comprehensive Treatment on Hepatic Hemangiomas in HR Positive Breast Cancer Patients
Authors: Tan Linyan , Hu Manting , Sun Wenjing , Huang Saijun , Tian Yue , Ye Younan , Li Na , Liu Yang , Liu Dequan , Yan Chenxi , Nian YinHua , Wang Xi , Duan Yiyong , Chen Wenlin , Ge Fei
Published: January 2021

Objective: To retrospectively assess the size change of hepatic hemangiomas（HH） in hormone receptor positive (HR+) breast cancer patients after comprehensive treatment. Methods: Totally 364 confirmed invasive breast cancer cases with HH were diagnosed at the Breast Cancer Center of Yunnan Cancer Hospital in 2013-2018 by abdominal color Doppler ultrasound (ADUS) + contrast enhanced ultrasound (CEUS) and at least one upper abdominal CT imaging examination. Follow-up was 6-78 months, and changes in location, number and size of HH at different treatment stages were compared between the HR+ and 85 HR- groups. Subgroup analysis of patients receiving chemotherapy and endocrine therapy was also performed. Results: Totally 323 patients were enrolled, including 238 HR+ (73.7%) and 85 HR- (26.3%) cases. Changes in the longest diameter were similar in both groups (P=0.556), and size change of HH was not associated with axillary lymph node metastasis of breast cancer (P>0.05). HH showed no change during chemotherapy but was significantly enlarged after chemotherapy (P<0.01). There was no significant difference between the tamoxifen (TAM; endocrine drug) only and combination or sequential endocrine treatment (P>0.05) groups. Only the aromatase inhibitor group showed statistical significance (P<0.05) in the AI (letrozole, anastrozole and exemestane) group at the t1 time point. Conclusion: During chemotherapy and endocrine therapy for breast cancer patients with HH, the size of HH changes in some patients, while others develop new HH. No significant effect on size change of HH was observed in this study.
Comparison of The Effects of Methylphenidate Plus Betahistine and Methylphenidate Plus Placebo on Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder in Children
Authors: Gheshlagh Reza Ghanei , Nourbehesht Sajedeh , Andalibi Pedram , Ghaderi Ebrahim , Yousefi Fayegh , Mohammadzadeh Soleiman , Rezaei Farzin
Published: January 2021

Background: Attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) is a common disorder during childhood that leads to impairment in functioning in academic and career domains and social responsibility. Methylphenidate is a common treatment for ADHD that may not be taken by patients due to its complications. The goal of the present study is to examine and compare the effects of Methylphenidate plus Betahistine and Methylphenidate plus placebo on ADHD in Children.Methods: This was a randomized double-blind clinical trial with control group conducted with 76 children with ADHD referred to Be’sat Hospital in Sanandaj, Iran in 2019. The data was collected using the demographic form, a researcher-made form for assessing the reported complications of Methylphenidate and Betahistine, ADHD Rating Scale and the Clinical Global Impression – Severity scale (CGI-S).Results: There was no age difference between the two experimental groups. Both groups experienced a reduction in intensity of ADHD symptoms according to mean scores, but there was more reduction in the Methylphenidate plus Betahistine than the other group. The most common complications in the two groups were lack of appetite (weeks 2 and 4) and agitation and vertigo (week 2).Conclusion: Betahistine plus Methylphenidate may be more effective in treating ADHD symptoms compared to Methylphenidate alone.
Interest of Fluvoxamine as an Add-on to Clozapine in Children With Severe Psychiatric Disorder According to CYPs Polymorphisms: Experience From a Case Series
Authors: BEREL Camille , MOSSE Ulysse RIOT , Wils Julien , Cousin Lauriane , Imbert Laurent , Gerardin Priscille , Chaumette Boris , Lamoureux Fabien , Ferrafiat Vladimir
Published: January 2021

BackgroundDespite its drastic efficacy in resistant psychiatric disorders, clozapine remains rarely used in youth due to its side effects. Clozapine plasma level is determined through its metabolism involving several isoforms of cytochromes 450 (CYP450) family. Isoform CYP1A2 appears as a limiting enzyme involved in the metabolism of clozapine while isoforms 2C19, 2D6, 3A4 and 3A5 also contribute in a minor way. Clozapine efficacy is limited by a significant inter-patient variability in exposure according to CYP’s polymorphisms. Clozapine plasma levels may be increased with CYP inhibitors such as fluvoxamine. This drug is a potent enzymatic inhibitor of CYP1A2 and to a lesser extent of CYP3A4 and CYP2D6. Hence, in case of CYPs polymorphisms in youth, the use of fluvoxamine as add on to clozapine could help reaching clinical and biological efficacy and allowing lower clozapine dosage and a better tolerance profile, as it has already been described in adults.Case ReportWe report four pediatric cases with severe psychiatric disorders underlying our experience with CYPs polymorphism explorations and the use of fluvoxamine as add on to clozapine. Our four patients clinically improved after the introduction of fluvoxamine, enhancing clozapine metabolism and therefore clozapine plasma level within therapeutic range. Despite the interesting results of fluvoxamine, we report a severe issue of tolerance for one patient, emphasizing the need for caution regarding possible drugs interactions when fluvoxamine is considered. Hence, we propose a detailed step by step multidisciplinary protocol.ConlusionThe results pointed out the positive clinical effects of fluvoxamine as add-on to clozapine in youth with severe neurodevelopmental disorders but stresses the need for caution regarding drugs interactions.
The Treatment of Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in a High HIV Prevalence Population
Authors: Brogden Danielle , Khoo Christopher , Kontovounisios Christos , Pellino Gianluca , Chong Irene , Tait Diana , Warren Oliver , Bower Mark , Tekkis Paris , Mills Sarah
Published: January 2021

Anal Squamous Cell Carcinoma (ASCC) is a rare cancer that has a rapidly increasing incidence in areas with highly developed economies. ASCC is strongly associated with HIV and there appears to be increasing numbers of younger male persons living with HIV (PLWH) diagnosed with ASCC in Greater London. This is a retrospective cohort study of HIV positive and HIV negative patients diagnosed with primary ASCC between January 2000 and January 2020 in a demographic group with high prevalence rates of HIV. 176 patients were included, and clinical data was retrieved from multiple, prospective databases. A clinical subgroup was identified in this cohort of younger HIV positive males who were more likely to have had a prior diagnosis of Anal Intraepithelial Neoplasia (AIN). Gender and HIV status had no effect on staging or disease-free survival. PLWH were more likely to develop a recurrence (p < 0.000) but had a longer time to recurrence than HIV negative patients, however this was not statistically significant (46.1 months vs. 17.5 months; p = 0.077). Patients known to have a previous diagnosis of AIN were more likely to have earlier staging and local tumour excision but there was no identifiable survival benefit in this cohort. Five-year Disease-Free Survival was associated with tumour size and the absence of nodal or metastatic disease (p < 0.000).
The Spatiotemporal Interaction Effect of COVID-19 Transmission in the United States
Authors: Liu Lingbo , Hu Tao , Bao Shuming , Wu Hao , Peng Zhenghong , Wang Ru
Published: January 2021

Background: Human mobility among geographic units is a possible cause of the widespread transmission of COVID-19 across regions. Due to the pressure of epidemic control and economic recovery, the states of the United States have adopted different policies for mobility limitations. Assessing the impact of these policies on the spatiotemporal interaction of COVID-19 transmission among counties in each state is critical to formulating the epidemic policies.Methods: The study utilized Moran’s I index and K-means clustering to investigate the time-varying spatial autocorrelation effect of 49 states (except the District of Colombia) with the daily new cases at the county level from Jan 22, 2020, to August 20, 2020. Based on the dynamic spatial lag model (SLM) and the SIR model with unreported infection rate (SIRu), the integrated SLM-SIRu model was constructed to estimate the inter-county spatiotemporal interaction coefficient of daily new cases in each state, which was further explored by Pearson correlation and stepwise OLS regression with socioeconomic factors.Results: The K-means clustering divided the time-varying spatial autocorrelation curves of 49 states into four types: continuous increasing, fluctuating increasing, weak positive, and weak negative. The Pearson correlation analysis showed that the spatiotemporal interaction coefficients in each state estimated by SLM-SIRu were significantly positively correlated with median age, population density, and the proportion of international immigrants and the highly educated population, but negatively correlated with the birth rate. The voting rate for Donald Trump in the 2016 U.S. presidential election showed a weak negative correlation. Further stepwise OLS regression retained only three positive correlated variables: poverty rate, population density, and the highly educated population proportion.Interpretation: This result suggests that various state policies in the U.S. have imposed different impacts on COVID-19 transmission among counties. All states should provide more protection and support for the low-income population, high-density populated states need to strengthen regional mobility restrictions, and the highly educated population should reduce unnecessary regional movement and strengthen self-protection.
Are Malaria Risk Factors based on Gender? A Mixed-methods Survey in an Urban Setting in Ghana.
Authors: Quaresima Virginia , Agbenyega Tsiri , Oppong Bismark , Awunyo Julia Ann D.A. , Adomah Priscilla Adu , Enty Eunice , Donato Francesco , Castelli Francesco
Published: January 2021

BackgroundMalaria still represents one of the most debilitating and deadly disease in the world; an estimated 229 million cases of malaria occurred globally in 2019 resulting in 409 000 deaths. The ongoing struggle for malaria elimination requires the scientific community to employ new methods. Gender-based medicine continues to acquire more importance in non-communicable as well as communicable diseases. It has been suggested that malaria has different impact on women and men due to both social and biological factors. A gender perspective is therefore important to understand how to eliminate malaria. MethodsThe enrolment of this study was conducted between June and October 2018 at the HopeXchange Medical Centre (HXC), located in the suburbs of Kumasi (Ghana). A sequential mixed-methods design comprising quantitative and qualitative methods was used. The quantitative methods consisted in the prospective assessment of malaria cases presented to hospital with malaria infection, along with a case-control investigation in the hospital catchment area. Whereas focus group discussions and in-depth interviews were employed as qualitative approaches. ResultsOne hundred-and-twenty-four individuals were diagnosed with malaria at HXC and enrolled. This study found a low ownership (40%) and use (19%) of insecticide-treated nets (ITNs) compared to the national data (57%). Most malaria cases were women (62%), who were less educated and had more external risk factors associated with infection. Our study reported a trend of preferring malaria self-medication at home. This was practiced mostly by men (43%) and more among cases (38%) than controls (21%). Many misconceptions and beliefs about malaria still exist in some Kumasi communities. ConclusionsThe mixed methods approach employed in this study allowed the identification of gender differences in risk factors for malaria infection. The study unexpectedly found a decreased ITN use and an increased self-medication preference among respondents. Our data suggest that women are more likely to be exposed to malaria infections than men, especially due to their prolonged exposure to mosquito bites during the most dangerous hours. Our study highlighted the need for future malaria control policies to be more focused on social and behavioral aspects, and not only concentrated on biological or clinical factors.
Exploring the Effect of the Number of Primary Care Health Workers on Diarrhea Morbidity and Where the Health Resources Should Go: a Community-based Geospatial Analysis Study From China
Authors: Guan Xujin , Lan Tianjiao , Liao Weibin , Wu Xueer , Pan Jay
Published: January 2021

Background: Diarrhea remains a major threat to developing countries like China. Improved water, sanitation, and hygiene (WASH) have been known as cost-effective ways for reducing the morbidity of diarrhea. Primary healthcare institutions in China have been playing pivotal roles in the maintenance of WASH facilities as well as providing health education intended for improving residents’ appropriateness and safety in using those facilities. In this study, we aimed to explore the association between the number of primary healthcare workers and diarrhea morbidity at community levels in order to provide evidence-based implications for optimizing primary healthcare resource allocations.Methods: We collected annually time series of diarrhea morbidity, the number of primary healthcare workers, and relevant data of 4,321 communities in Sichuan Province with 83.41 million residents, China, from 2017 to 2019. The global and local Moran’s I were calculated to detect the spatial clustering of diarrhea morbidity each year as well as to identify areas where increased primary healthcare resources should be allocated. The spatial lag fixed effects panel data model was adopted to explore the association between the number of primary healthcare workers and diarrhea morbidity.Results: Positive global autocorrelation of diarrhea morbidity was identified based on Global Moran’s I. Significantly high-high and low-low clusters of diarrhea cases as indicated by Local Moran’s I were found to be mainly distributed in western and eastern Sichuan during the studied period years, respectively, which demonstrated consistency with regional economic development status and primary healthcare resource allocations among different regions. The diarrhea morbidity was found to be negatively associated with the number of primary healthcare workers with a coefficient of -0.187 and the P-values <0.05, indicating that a 0.187 reduction of diarrhea morbidity (1/10,000) was associate with doubled amounts of primary healthcare workers.Conclusions: Our findings highlighted the role of primary healthcare resource allocation in the process of diarrhea prevention and control which was reflected by the number of primary healthcare workers among different regions. Our findings also implied that constant efforts should be addressed at governmental and health administrative levels in order to facilitate diarrhea prevention and control, especially in the remoted area where the regional economic development status and primary healthcare resource allocation remain relatively underdeveloped.
Identifying new COVID-19 receptor Neuropilin-1 in severe Alzheimer’s diseases patients group brain using genome-wide association study approach
Authors: Lim Key-Hwan , Yang Sumin , Kim Sung-Hyun , Joo Jae-Yeol
Published: January 2021

Background

Numerous studies have been conducted on different aspects of the COVID-19 (coronavirus disease 2019) pandemic, which is caused by SARS-CoV-2, since its emergence in late 2019. Mutual relations among SARS-CoV-2 and neuro-pathophysiological phenomena are continuously being demonstrated, and several underlying diseases, such as those in the elderly, are positively correlated with susceptibility to SARS-CoV-2 infection. The expression of angiotensin converting enzyme 2 (ACE2), which is required for SARS-CoV-2 infection, was recently demonstrated to be increased in Alzheimer’s disease (AD) patients.
Methods

Recent preclinical studies have shown that Neuropilin-1 (NRP1), which is a transmembrane protein with roles in neuronal development, axonal outgrowth, and angiogenesis, also plays a role in the infectivity of SARS-CoV-2. Thus, we hypothesized that NRP1 may be upregulated in AD patients and that a correlation between AD and SARS-CoV-2 NRP1-mediated infectivity may exist. We used an AD mouse model that mimics AD and performed high throughput total RNA-seq with brain tissue and whole blood. For quantification of NPR1 in AD, brain tissues and blood were subjected to western blotting and RT-qPCR analysis. In silico analysis for NRP1 expression in AD patients has been performed on the human hippocampus data sets (GSE4226, GSE1297).
Results

Many cases of severe symptom of COVID-19 are concentrated in elderly group who have complications such as diabetes, degenerative disease, and brain disorders. Total RNA-seq analysis showed that Nrp1 gene was commonly overexpressed in AD model. Similar to ACE2, NRP1 protein also strongly expressed in the AD brain tissues. Interestingly, in silico analysis revealed that the level of expression for NRP1 was distinct at age and AD progression.
Conclusions

Given that the NRP1 is highly expressed in AD, it will be important to understand and predict that NRP1 may a risk factor for SARS-CoV-2 infection in AD patients. This will support to development of potential therapeutic drug to reduce SARS-CoV-2 transmission.
Identification of germ cell-specific Mga variant mRNA that promotes meiotic entry via impediment of a non-canonical PRC1
Authors: Kitamura Yuka , Uranishi Kousuke , Hirasaki Masataka , Nishimoto Masazumi , Suzuki Ayumu , Okuda Akihiko
Published: January 2021

A non-canonical PRC1 (PRC1.6) prevents precocious meiotic onset. Germ cells alleviate its negative effect by reducing their amount of MAX, a component of PRC1.6, as a prerequisite for their bona fide meiosis. Here, we found that germ cells produced Mga variant mRNA bearing a premature termination codon (PTC) during meiosis as an additional mechanism to impede the function of PRC1.6. The variant mRNA encodes an anomalous MGA protein that lacks the bHLHZ domain and thus functions as a dominant negative regulator of PRC1.6. Notwithstanding the presence of PTC, the Mga variant mRNA are rather stably present in spermatocytes and spermatids due to their intrinsic inefficient background of nonsense-mediated mRNA decay. Thus, our data indicate that meiotic onset of germ cells is controlled in a multi-layered manner in which both MAX and MGA, which constitute the core of PRC1.6, are at least used as targets to deteriorate the integrity of the complex to ensure initiation of meiosis.
Epstein–Barr Virus Positive Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma Transformed Into Angioimmunoblastic T-Cell Lymphoma After Treatment: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: Wang Chaoyu , Gong Yi , Liang Xiping , Chen Rui
Published: January 2021

Background: Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma (AITL) is the sub-type of mature T-cell non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Compared with diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL), AITL patients are frequently accompany with Epstein–Barr virus(EBV) infection. To date, there is no report on the subsequent development of AITL in patients with EBV-positive DLBCL. We performed a rare case of EBV-positive AITL developing one year after initial diagnosis of EBV-positive DLBCL. The patient showed poor response to the chemotherapy regimen, and poor survival.Case presentation: A 83-year-old Chinese male presented with enlarged lymph nodes in the neck and bilateral inguinal. Immunohistochemically (IHC), the atypical cells were strongly positive for CD20, CD19, PAX-5 and MUM-1, but negative for CD3, CD5, CD10, Bcl-6, CyclinD1, CD138 and TdT. Besides, in situ hybridization for EBV-encoded small RNA (EBER) staining was also strongly positive. The patient was diagnosed with EBV-positive DLBCL, and transformed to Angioimmunoblastic T-cell lymphoma one year after initial diagnosis of EBV-positive DLBCL. Unfortunately, the patient ultimately died three months after diagnosed AITL. The overall survival time of this patient is fifteen months. Conclusions: Transformed EBV-positive AITL is a rare type of lymphoma with high malignancy and a generally poor prognosis. The accurate diagnosis should be depended on immunophenotype and morphology.
Evaluation of the Implementation Process of the Mobile Health Platform ‘WelTel’ in Six Sites in East Africa and Canada Using the Modified Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (mCFIR)
Authors: Joueidi Samia El , Bardosh Kevin , Musoke Richard , Tilahun Binyam , Moslim Maryam Abo , Gourlay Katie , MacMullin Alissa , Cook Victoria J. , Murray Melanie , Mbaraga Gilbert , Nsanzimana Sabin , Lester Richard
Published: January 2021

BackgroundHealth systems globally are investing in integrating secure messaging platforms for virtual care in clinical practice. Implementation science is essential for adoption, scale-up, spread and maintenance of complex evidence-based solutions in clinics with evolving priorities. In response, the mHealth Research Group modified the existing Consolidated Framework for Implementation Research (mCFIR) to evaluate implementation of virtual health tools in clinical settings. WelTel® is an evidence-based digital health platform widely deployed in various geographical and health contexts. ObjectivesTo identify the facilitators and barriers for implementing WelTel and to assess the application of the mCFIR tool in facilitating focus groups in different geographical and health settings. MethodologyBoth qualitative and semi-quantitative approaches were employed. Six mCFIR sessions were held in three countries with 51 key stakeholders surveyed. The mCFIR tool consists of 5 Domains and 25 Constructs and was built and distributed through Qualtrics XM. “Performance ” and “Importance” scores were valued on a scale of 0 to 10 (Mean + SD). Descriptive analysis was conducted using R computing software. NVivo 12 Pro software was used to analyze mCFIR responses and to generate themes from the participants’ input. Semi-structured interviews were conducted with the focus group facilitators to understand their experience using the mCFIR tool. ResultsWe observed a parallel trend in the scores for Importance and Performance. Of the five Domains, Domain 4 (End-user Characteristics) and Domain 3 (Inner Settings) scored highest in Importance (8.9 + 0.5 and 8.6 + 0.6, respectively) and Performance (7.6 + 0.7 and 7.2 + 1.3, respectively) for all sites. Domain 2 (Outer Setting) scored the lowest in both Importance and Performance for all sites (7.6 + 0.4 and 5.6 + 1.8). Areas of strengths included timely diagnosis, immediate response, cost-effectiveness, user-friendliness, and simplicity. Areas for improvement included training, phone accessibility, health authority’s engagement, and literacy. ConclusionThe mCFIR tool allowed for a comprehensive understanding of the barriers and facilitators to the implementation, reach, and scale-up of digital health tools. Participants emphasized the importance of creating partnerships with external organizations and health authorities in order to achieve sustainability and scalability.Trial Registration: NCT02603536 – November 11, 2015NCT01549457 – March 9, 2012
A Hyperglycemic Blood Mimicking Fluid with Good Acoustic and Physical Properties for In-Vitro Ultrasound Flow Studies
Authors: Dakok Kyermang Kyense , Matjafri M. Z. , Suardi Nursakinah , Sirisena Anil U.I , Oglat Ammar A.
Published: January 2021

BackgroundA blood mimicking fluid (BMF) is made up of a mixture fluid and ultrasound scattering particles that stay neutrally buoyant in the fluid. For these particles to be able to remain suspended in the fluid, their density must be very close or equal to the density of the mixture fluid and the BMF must also have its acoustic properties (speed of sound, attenuation and backscatter power) and physical properties (density and viscosity) close to the internationally acceptable standard. This paper introduces D(+)-Glucose (DG) as an important component of a mixture fluid consisting of Propylene Glycol (PG) and water for preparing a hyperglycemic blood mimicking fluid (BMF). MethodologyThe BMF was prepared by first preparing different samples of ternary mixture fluids in which a fixed amount of PG was mixed with various amounts of water and DG to get a particular and suitable percentage combination that yielded a density similar to that of poly (4-methylstyrene) scatter particles. A required amount of the scatter particles was mixed with the suitable mixture fluid to form a BMF with good physical and acoustic properties accepted by the International Electrochemical Commission. ResultsA very good BMF was produced consisting of 84% distilled water, 5% of PG and 11% of DG as the ternary mixture fluid mixed with 0.8% Poly (4-methylstyrene) scatter particles. It has a density of 1.040 g/cm3, viscosity of 4.30 mpa.s, speed of sound of 1580 m/s and attenuation of 0.017 dB/cm at 5MHz, having a good back scatter property. ConclusionDG is a good substance that forms part of the ternary mixture fluid for the preparation of a hyperglycemic BMF with suitable physical and acoustic properties.
Inhibition of the Long non-coding RNA ZFAS1 attenuates pathogenic ferroptosis by sponging miR-150-5p to activate CCND2 against diabetic cardiomyopathy
Authors: Ni Tingjuan , Chen Xiaorong , Huang Xingxiao , Pan Sunlei , Lu Zhongqiu
Published: January 2021

Background

Diabetic cardiomyopathy (DCM) needs to be responsible for the increasing morbidity and mortality in diabetic patients with heart failure. Unfortunately, the pathogenesis of DCM has yet to be elaborate. Here we investigate the important role of lncRNA-ZFAS1 in the pathological process of DCM associated with ferroptosis.
Methods

Microarray data analysis of DCM in the patients or mice model from GEO was presented that ZFAS1 was significantly upregulated, miR-150-5p and CCND2 were significantly downregulated. High glucose (HG)-treated cardiomyocytes and db/db mice were simulated DCM in vitro and in vivo. Ad-ZFAS1, Ad-sh-ZFAS1, mimic miR-150-5p, Ad-CCND2, Ad-sh-CCND2 were injected into mice model or transfected into HG-treated Cardiomyocytes to clarify whether ZFAS1 can regulate miR-150-5p and CCND2 on ferroptosis. Effect of ZFAS1 on the left ventricular myocardial tissues in db/db mice and HG-treated cardiomyocytes, ferroptosis and apoptosis was determined by Masson staining, immunohistochemical staining, western blot, MBB staining, immunofluorescence staining and JC-1staining. The relationship among ZFAS1, miR-150-5p, CCND2 was identified by dual luciferase reporter assay and RNA Pull-down assay.
Results

Inhibition of ZFAS1 led to the reduced collagen deposition, decreased cardiomyocytes apoptosis, ferroptosis and attenuated the DCM progress. ZFAS1 can sponge miR-150-5p to regulate CCND2 expression. Ad-sh-ZFAS1, miR-150-5p mimic and Ad-CCND2 transfection contributed to attenuate ferroptosis and DCM both in vitro and in vivo, while transfection Ad-ZFAS1could reverse the positive effect of miR-150-5p mimic and Ad-CCND2 both in vitro and in vivo.
Conclusion

lncRNA-ZFAS1 acted as a ceRNA to sponge miR-150-5p can regulate CCND2 to promote cardiomyocytes ferroptosis and developed DCM, and inhibition of ZFAS1 could be a promising therapeutic target for the treatment and prevention of DCM.
Novel Dynamic Scaling (NDS) Algorithm to Balance Energy Level in Eiot For Efficient Cloud Computing Process
Authors: Kumar M Vinoth , Ram R Saravana , Abouhawwash Mohamed , Nam Yunyoung , K Venkatachalam , Padhy Venkat
Published: January 2021

The cloud computing is very efficient platform for storing and processing huge data applications. IoT, Edge computing models helps the cloud infrastructure for processing data with less network latencies, efficient data processing with minimum energy consumption for better infrastructure. More researches on cloud computing process makes them matured in providing best services to the users. Also IT services on cloud have developed rapidly. The different cloud services have different energy level with is memory, processing speed, bandwidth and system capability. The users have different data and requirements to process their job. Process of finding the best resources with less energy consumption is main goal of our proposed article. The edge devices, IoT devices first focused to help cloud architecture. Edge and IoT are promising supportive technology to address the NP hard problems like less latency and consume less energy during data transfer. However, when the information and data are increasing in cloud, it’s very difficult to solve the energy consumption problem in heterogeneous cloud infrastructure. In our proposed work edge server clouds and central server clouds works collaboratively for reducing the energy consumption. in this article we implemented the novel dynamic speed (NDS) scaling algorithm . This NDS algorithm computes the workload of CPU for particular data application. The speed processor scaling is a methodology used for consuming less energy and gaining less rates. if processing speed is high then energy consumption will be higher vise versa if processing speed is low then energy consumption will be less. This ideology is developed using NDS algorithm in edge cloud devices to compute data using less energy. The proposed algorithm is compared with existing energy saving algorithms and its efficiency is better than other algorithms is evaluated.
Location-sharing Protocol for Privacy Protection in Mobile Online Social Networks
Authors: Ruan Ou , Zhang Lixiao , Zhang Yuanyuan
Published: January 2021

Location-based services are becoming more and more popular in mobile online social networks(mOSNs) for smart cities, but users' privacy also has aroused wide concern, such as locations, friend sets and other private information. At present, many protocols have been proposed, but these protocols are inefficient and ignore some security risks. In the paper, we present a new location sharing protocol, which solves these two issues by using symmetric/asymmetric encryption properly. We adopt the following methods to reduce the communication and computation costs: only setting up one location server; connecting social network server and location server directly instead of through cellular towers; avoiding broadcast encryption. We introduce dummy identities to protect users' identity privacy, and prevent locationserver from inferring users' activity tracks by updating dummy identities in time. The details of security and performance analysis with the related protocols show that our protocol enjoys two advantages: (1) it's more efficient than the related protocols, which greatly reduces the computation and communication costs; (2) it satisfies all security goals, however, most previous protocols only meet some security goals.
Quality of Life and Its Correlates Among Clients Visiting Antiretroviral Therapy Clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Shimels Tariku , Bogale Gelila , Asrat Rodas , Gedif Teferi
Published: January 2021

Background: As a chronic illness with potential complications in physical, emotional, social, and economic aspects, HIV poses deterioration in patients’ quality of life.The aim of this study was to assess status of the functional and current quality of life, and associated factors among clients visiting ART clinics in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia. Methods: A multi-site cross-sectional study was conducted in August 2020. All adults with HIV and on active ART at least for 6 months earlier to the study period, and visiting the selected public health facilities were considered. Facilities were selected purposively, and clients were enrolled using a systematic random sampling technique after a proportion to size allocation. Data were collected using a modified and translated questionnaire of the EQ 5D and EQ-VAS. The analysis was done using SPSS v.26 for windows. Descriptive statistics and non-parametric inferential tests namely; Mann Whitney U test, Kruskal Wallis test, and Spearman’s correlation tests were carried out to test the presence of correlates with dependent variables. Ethical approval was sought from Saint Paul’s Hospital Millennium Medical College and Addis Ababa regional health bureau. Results: Out of 371 clients, the majority were from health centers (58%), aged 43 years or below (54%), males (63%), either with primary or secondary education (61%) and married (46.6%) while half were either government or private employees. Pain/discomfort and depression/anxiety were the dimensions most affected with predominance in the age group above 43. The mean score of EQ 5D index values was 0.87 (SD: ±0.05; 95% C.I; 0.86-0.87) and that of EQ-VAS was 81 (SD: ±15, 95% C.I: 80-83). About 38% and 43% of the clients showed an altered health state of any degree in functional and current overall status respectively. Comorbidity, history of current substance use, facility type, social support, and sleep disturbance showed a statistically significant correlation with the functional and current overall health status. Conclusion: A considerable proportion of clients have altered functional and overall health status with pain/discomfort and depression/anxiety most affected. Inclusion of multidisciplinary treatment for HIV and the highlighting of psychosocial issues that are likely amongst this group are warranted.