bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Selective Multimedia Data Encryption Based on Discrete Hyperchaotic S-Box Generation with Motion-Based Fragmentation
Authors: G Megala , P Swarnalatha
Published: March 2022

Cloud computing has become the significant technology with rapid popularization offering many services with highly effective computation and large scale storage solutions. As the multimedia files are growing explosively, securely storing it for authorized access is the major task. Concentrating on video file storage in public cloud environment, security and privacy of those outsourced videos are major concerns. The semantic elements of the HEVC videos are extracted on the horizontal and vertical video fragments and Selective Encryption on those semantic elements of videos are done when the data owner uploads video for cloud storage. Modified AES is the proposed selective encryption scheme to protect the video by encrypting each fragments in cipher feedback (CFB) process mode. A dynamic, nonlinear 2D discrete hyperchaotic mapping based S-box generation is proposed to enhance the security level by providing good confusion, diffusion and scrambling. The performance analysis of generated S-box and experimental results shows that the proposed selective encryption highly resists attacks and encrypts with reduced time complexity.
G-CSF Upregulates the Expression of Aquaporin-9 through CEBPB to Enhance the Cytotoxic Activity of Arsenic Trioxide to Acute Myeloid Leukemia Cells
Authors: Fu Wanbin , Zhu Gelan , Xu Lan , Liu Jia , Han Xiaofeng , Wang Junying , Wang Xinpeng , Hou Jian , Zhao Huanbin , Zhong Hua
Published: March 2022

Background: Arsenic trioxide (ATO) is widely used for acute promyelocytic leukemia (APL) treatment, but it can’t show satisfactory efficacy in non-APL leukemia. Aquaporin-9 (AQP9), a transmembrane transporter, is required for ATO uptake. Acute myeloid leukemia (AML) other than APL cells express relatively lower levels of AQP9, which limits the cytotoxic activity of ATO in those types of leukemia cells. Recently, we found that granulocyte colony stimulating factor (G-CSF) can upregulate the expression of AQP9. We hypothesized that the combination of G-CSF with ATO may enhance the antitumor effect of ATO in non-APL leukemia cells. We also aimed to elucidate the underlying mechanisms by which G-CSF upregulates the expression of AQP9.Methods: AML cell lines including THP-1 and HL-60 were pretreated with or without G-CSF (100ng/ml) for 24 hours, followed by the treatment with ATO (2μM) for 48 hours. Cell morphology was observed under microscope after Wright-Giemsa staining. Flow cytometry was performed to evaluate the cell apoptosis levels. The intracellular concentrations of ATO were determined by the atomic fluorescence spectrometry. The mRNA and protein expression were respectively measured by quantitative reverse transcription PCR (RT-qRCR) and western blotting. Target genes were knocked down by transfection with small interfering RNA (siRNA), or overexpressed by transfection with overexpression plasmids. The cell line derived xenograft mouse model was established to confirm the results of the in vitro experiments.Results: Compared with using ATO alone, the combination of ATO with G-CSF induced apoptosis in AML cells more dramatically. G-CSF upregulated the expression of AQP9 and enhanced the intracellular concentrations of ATO in AML cells. When AQP9 was overexpressed, it markedly enhanced the cytotoxic activity of ATO. On the other hand, when AQP9 was knocked down, it dramatically attenuated the combinational effect. Moreover, we found that the upregulation of AQP9 by G-CSF depends on the transcription factor CCAAT enhancer binding protein beta (CEBPB). We also demonstrated that ATO and G-CSF combination significantly inhibited the tumor growth in xenograft mouse model.Conclusions: ATO and G-CSF combination may be a potential therapeutic strategy for AML patients.
Comprehensive profiling and characterization of cellular microRNAs in response to Coxsackievirus A10 infection in bronchial epithelial cells
Authors: Hu Yajie , Wang Lan , Zhong Mingmei , Zhao Wei , Wang Yujue , Song Jie , Zhang Yunhui
Published: March 2022

Coxsackievirus A10 (CV-A10), the causative agent of hand, foot, and mouth disease (HFMD), caused a series of outbreaks in recent years and often leads to neurological impairment, but a clear understanding of the disease pathogenesis and host response remains elusive. Cellular microRNAs (miRNAs), a large family of non-coding RNA molecules, have been reported to be key regulators in viral pathogenesis and virus-host interactions. However, the role of host cellular miRNAs defensing against CV-A10 infection is still obscure. To address this issue, we systematically analyzed miRNA expression profiles in CV-A10-infected 16HBE cells by high-throughput sequencing methods in this study. It allowed us to successfully identify 312 and 278 miRNAs with differential expression at 12 h and 24 h post-CV-A10 infection, respectively. Among these, 4 miRNAs and their target genes were analyzed by RT-qPCR, which confirmed the sequencing data. Gene target prediction and enrichment analysis revealed that the predicted targets of these miRNAs were significantly enriched in numerous cellular processes, especially in regulation of basic physical process, host immune response and neurological impairment. And the integrated network was built to further indicate the regulatory roles of miRNAs in host-CV-A10 interactions. Consequently, our findings could provide a beneficial basis for further studies on the regulatory roles of miRNAs relevant to the host immune responses and neuropathogenesis caused by CV-A10 infection.
Contraceptive Preferences and Adoption Following Female Genital Fistula Surgery in Uganda: A Mixed- Methods Study
Authors: Ayadi Alison M. El , Nalubwama Hadija , Painter Caitlyn , Kakaire Othman , Miller Suellen , Barageine Justus , Byamugisha Josaphat , Obore Susan , Korn Abner , Harper Cynthia C.
Published: March 2022

Background: Female genital fistula, largely caused by prolonged obstructed labour, is treated by surgical repair. Avoiding pregnancy for a minimum period post-repair is generally recommended to ensure adequate healing, so contraceptive preferences and use are important for optimizing post-repair outcomes. Methods: We examined contraceptive preferences and use in the year following genital fistula surgery using mixed-methods. 60 Ugandan women were enrolled starting in December 2014 with data collection completed in August 2016. Sociodemographic characteristics, fistula-related incontinence, sexual activity, contraceptive use and pregnancy status were recorded quarterly for 12 months after surgery. In-depth interviews among purposively selected participants (n=30) explored intimate relationships, sexual experiences, reproductive intentions, and contraceptive use. Results: Median participant age was 28 years (interquartile range [IQR]: 21–36 years), and almost half (48%) were married or living with partners. Counselling was provided to 97% of participants on delaying sexual intercourse and 59% received counselling on contraception. Sexual activity was reported by 7% after 3 months and 50% after 12 months. 6 (10%) women became pregnant during the study period. Eighty-three percent reported not trying for pregnancy. Among sexually active participants, contraceptive use was low at baseline (36%) but increased (to 75%) at 12 months. Interview participants who desired children immediately were young, had fewer children, experienced stillbirth at fistula development, and felt pressure from partners. Women adopted contraception to fully recover from fistula surgery and avoid adverse outcomes. Others simply preferred to delay childbearing. Reasons cited for not adopting contraception included fecundity perceptions, family planning misconceptions, and healthcare provider advice.Conclusions: Contraceptive use following genital fistula repair increased over time, but unmet need still existed, and misconceptions were prevalent despite some counselling. Provision of comprehensive patient-centred contraceptive counselling at the time of fistula surgery and beyond is important for helping women to optimize healing from fistula and minimize recurrence, as well as to meet their own reproductive preferences.
The acceleration degradation processes of different aged refuses with the forced aeration for landfill reclamation
Authors: Lou Ziyang , Liu Yihang , Huang Qiujie , Cheng Zhaowen , Cao Weihua , Wang Xianghui , Yang Changfu , Liu Hui , Song Jia , Wang Luochun
Published: March 2022

Forced aeration is one of the promising ways to accelerate landfill reclamation, and understanding the relation between aeration rates and waste properties is the prerequisite to implementing forced aeration under the target of energy saving and carbon reduction. In this work, landfill reclamation processes with forced aeration were simulated using aged refuses (ARs) of 1, 4, 7, 10, and 13 disposal years, and the potential of field application was also investigated based on a field project, to identify the degradation rate of organic components, the O2 consumption efficiency and their correlations to microbes. It was found that the removal rate of organic matters declined from 20.3% (AR1) to 12.6% (AR13), and that biodegradable matter (BDM) decreased from 5.2–2.4% at the set aeration rate of 0.12 L O2/kg DM/day, respectively. A linear relationship between degradation rate constant (K) of BDM and disposal ages (x) was established: K=-0.0002193x + 0.0091 (R2 = 0.854), suggesting that BDM might be a suitable indicator to reflect the stabilization of ARs. The cellulose/ lignin ratio decrease rate for AR1 (18.3%) was much higher than AR13 (3.1%), while the corresponding humic-acid/ fulvic-acid ratio increased from 1.44 to 2.16. The dominant bacteria shift from Corynebacterium (9.2%), Acinetobacter (6.6%), and Fermentimonas (6.5%), genes related to the decompose of biodegradable organics, to Stenotrophomonas (10.2%) and Clostridiales (3.7%), which were associated with the humification. The aeration efficiencies of lab-scale tests were at the range of 5.4–11.8 g BDM/ L O2 for ARs with disposal ages of 1–13 years, and in situ landfill reclamation, ARs with disposal age of 10–18 years were around 1.9–8.8 g BDM/ L O2, as the disposal age decreased. The increased discrepancy was observed in ARs of lab-scale and field scale, indicating that the forced aeration rate should be adjusted based on aged refuses and the unit compartment combined, to reduce the operation cost.
3D finite element simulation for tool temperature distribution and chip formation during drilling of Ti6Al4V alloy
Authors: Zhu Zhaoju , Yunqi Zhu , Xinhui Sun , Chuhang Gao , Zhimao Lin , Bingwei He
Published: March 2022

A comprehensive 3D finite element simulation study has been conducted to investigate the tool temperature distribution along cutting edge and chip formation during drilling of Ti6Al4V alloy by using commercial finite element software Abaqus/Explicit. The Johnson-Cook material constitutive model and material failure criterion were implemented across the formulations to achieve the tool temperature and chip formation in the drilling process. The effect of different mesh sizes on simulation results was also analyzed. To assess and verify the accuracy of the simulation model, the corresponding experiment studies were carried out by measuring the thrust force, tool temperature, and chip morphology. Compared results show that the predicted thrust force, temperature distribution, and chip morphology are in good agreement with those tested from experiments. According to the combination of both simulations and experiments, it can be not only found the whole varying pattern of the thrust force but also reveal that the temperature decreases from drill center to outer corner along the primary cutting edge. In addition, it can provide a more detailed and profound knowledge about chip formation. All these are assumed to be recommendations for the optimization of tool geometry and drilling processing.
In-memory mathematical operations with spin-orbit torque devices
Authors: You Long
Published: March 2022

Analogue arithmetic operations are the most fundamental mathematical operations used in image and signal processing as well as artificial intelligence (AI). In-memory computing offers high performance and energy-efficient computing paradigm. To date, in-memory analogue arithmetic operation with emerging nonvolatile devices were usually implemented using discrete components, which limits the scalability and blocks large scale integration. Here, we experimentally demonstrate a prototypical implementation of in-memory analogue arithmetic operations (summation, subtraction and multiplication), based on in-memory electrical current sensing units using spin-orbit torque (SOT) devices. The proposed analogue arithmetic operation structures are smaller than the state-of-the-art CMOS counterparts by several orders of magnitude. Moreover, data to be processed and computing results can be locally stored, or the analogue computing can be done in the nonvolatile SOT devices, which were exploited to experimentally implement image edge detection and signal amplitude modulation with simple structure. Furthermore, we constructed an artificial neural network (ANN) with SOT devices based synapses to realize pattern recognition with high accuracy of ~95%.
Responsive nucleus accumbens deep brain stimulation restores eating control in severe obesity
Authors: Halpern Casey , Shivacharan Rajat , Rolle Cammie , Barbosa Daniel , Cunningham Tricia , Feng Austin , Johnson Noriah , Safer Debra , Bohen Cara , Keller Corey , Buch Vivek , Parker Jonathan , Azagury Dan , Tass Peter , Bhati Mahendra , Malenka Robert , Lock James
Published: March 2022

Cravings that precede loss of control (LOC) over food consumption present an opportunity for intervention in patients suffering from binge eating disorder (BED). Here, we used responsive deep brain stimulation (DBS) to record NAc electrophysiology during food cravings preceding LOC eating in two patients with BED and severe obesity (NCT03868670). Increased NAc low-frequency oscillations prominent during food cravings were used to guide DBS delivery. Over 6 months, we observed improved self-control of food intake and weight loss. These findings provide early support for restoring inhibitory control with electrophysiologically-guided NAc DBS. Further work is required to determine scalability of this approach. Trial Registration # NCT03868670.
Analysis Of Influencing Factors Of Plasma Concentration Of Oxcarbazepine Monotherapy In Children With Epilepsy
Authors: Yao Nannan , Huang Shan , Huang Aiwen , Song Hongtao
Published: March 2022

Purpose: The aim of this study was to investigate the factors affecting the plasma concentration of oxcarbazepine (OXC) monotherapy in children with epilepsy. Methods: We recruited 125 children with epilepsy who received OXC monotherapy. 27 single nucleotide polymorphisms were detected by MassARRAY genotyping technology to evaluate the influence of related factors on the plasma concentration of OXC monotherapy. The plasma concentration of 10-hydroxycarbamazepine (MHD), the main active metabolite of OXC, was determined by high performance liquid chromatography (HPLC). Results: The weight was found to be associated with concentration-dose ratio and maintenance dose. The duration of seizure was found to be associated with concentration-dose ratio. Carriers of the UGT1A4 rs2011425 mutant allele A or G had higher MHD plasma concentration than wild homozygous TT type. Carriers of the UGT2B15 rs1902023 mutant allele C had higher plasma concentration than wild homozygous AA types. The concentration-dose ratio of patients with ABCB1 rs1045642 mutation homozygous GG type is higher than heterozygous AG type. The concentration-dose ratio of patients with CACNA1H rs2753325 heterozygous AG type was higher than mutant homozygous GG type. We established a concentration prediction equation for OXC monotherapy in children with epilepsy. Conclusion: This study clarified the association of weight, duration of seizure, and gene polymorphisms of UGT1A4 rs2011425, UGT2B15 rs1902023, ABCB1 rs1045642 and CACNA1H rs2753325 with MHD plasma concentration. The concentration prediction equation of OXC monotherapy in children with epilepsy was constructed, which provides a reference for individualized clinical administration.
Pb-doped CuO thin films synthetized by sol-gel method
Authors: touka nassim , TABLI D. , TOUKA N. , BADARI K. , SELMI N.
Published: March 2022

Sol-gel thin films of undoped CuO and Pb-doped CuO were deposited using the spin coating method. In three thin layers, the lead was introduced at two different concentrations (5 and 7%). The films produced were in the tenorite phase, with high purity and crystallinity, according to XRD structural characterization. The grain size of CuO films is affected by the Pb concentration and decreases as the Pb concentration increases, although the strain and dislocation density values ​​increase as the Pb doping ratio increases. The structure of CuO was confirmed in all films by Raman and FTIR studies. In the presence of Pb dopants, SEM examinations revealed cubic and spherical nanostructured surfaces. With the value of the optical band gap increasing from 1.92 to 2.74 eV, there was a significant association between increasing Pb doping concentration and widening of the optical band gap.
Protection of insect neurons by erythropoietin/CRLF3-mediated regulation of pro-apoptotic acetylcholinesterase
Authors: Knorr Debbra Y. , Schneider Kristin , Büschgens Luca , Förster Jan , Georges Nadine S. , Geurten Bart R.H. , Heinrich Ralf
Published: March 2022

Cytokine receptor-like factor 3 (CRLF3) is a highly conserved but largely uncharacterized orphan cytokine receptor that shares structural similarity with vertebrate classical erythropoietin receptor. CRLF3-mediated neuroprotection in insects can be stimulated with human erythropoietin and involves partly similar anti-apoptotic mechanisms as erythropoietin-mediated neuroprotection in mammals. To identify potential mechanisms of CRLF3-mediated neuroprotection we studied the expression and function of acetylcholinesterase which promotes apoptosis in different cell types, including mammalian neurons. We exposed primary brain neurons from Locusta migratoria and Tribolium castaneum to apoptogenic stimuli and/or dsRNA to interfere with acetylcholinesterase gene expression and compared survival and/or acetylcholinesterase expression in the presence or absence of the CRLF3 ligand erythropoietin. Hypoxia increases both apoptotic cell death and expression of both acetylcholinesterase-coding genes ace-1 and ace-2. Both ace genes give rise to single transcripts in both normal and apoptogenic condictions. Pharmacological inhibition of both acetylcholinesterases and RNAi-mediated knockdown of either ace-1 or ace-2 expression prevent hypoxia-induced apoptosis of primary brain neurons. Activation of CRLF3 with protective concentrations of rhEpo prevents the increased expression of pro-apoptotic acetylcholinesterase with larger impact on ace-1 than on ace-2. In contrast, high concentrations of rhEpo that commonly (and seemingly paradoxically) cause death of insect and mammalian neurons induced ace-1 expression and hence promoted apoptosis in insect neurons. Our study confirms the cell-intrinsic role of acetylcholinesterase as a major regulator of apoptotic death, that was previously described in mammalian neurons only. Moreover, we identify a mechanism (prevention of upregulation of pro-apoptotic acetylcholinesterase), by which CRLF3 activation mediates neuroprotection under apoptogenic conditions. Since both apoptosis and CRLF3 are conserved throughout the animal kingdom, the direct link between cytokine/CRLF3 activation and suppression of increased acetylcholinesterase expression underlying neuroprotection in insects may also be present in other cell types and other non-insect species.
Conducting Community-Capacity-Based Evaluation Framework of Importance and Performance for Earthquake Disaster Management
Authors: Lin Bih-Chuan , Lee Chun-Hung
Published: March 2022

The frequency and intensity of natural disasters have been increasing in recent decades, especially earthquakes are one of the causes of major natural disasters. Improving community adaptive against disasters based on community capacity has gradually become an effective means of coping with disaster risks and improve residents' well-being. However, few studies have explored the correlation between community adaptive to disasters and awareness of disaster preparedness. In the study, we establish an evaluation adaptive framework of development community earthquake disaster management (CEDM) based on community-capacity and their perspectives under importance-performance analysis (IPA) method in the eastern Taiwan, and identifies the factors. Features that affect the differentiation of community residents' participation on CEDM program are divided into four dimensions: 1) risk; 2) learn; 3) cope; and 4) change, revealing the degree of disaster prevention ability and awareness of urban and suburban residents, as well as residents' satisfaction with the government's community disaster prevention measures. The higher the residents' awareness of disaster prevention, the stronger the ability to adapt to disasters; the higher the ability of the government and non-profit organizations to cooperate with the community to deal with disasters, the stronger the community's ability to manage disasters. The research contributes a novel conceptual framework and the findings point to directions for the sustainable development of CEDM project management in Taiwan.
The Development And Psychometric Evaluation Of COVID-19 Staff Questionnaire For Infectious Disease Outbreak Readiness And Preparedness (SQIDORP)
Authors: Jokwiro Yangama , Urbanavicius Tracy , Robinson Ainsley M , Scott Cathy , Islam Md Rafiqul
Published: March 2022

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic has inundated the capacity of hospitals across the globe, exhausting resources, and placing extreme burden on health care workers (HCWs). Hospital preparedness during infectious disease outbreak involves development and implementation of appropriate strategies, procedures, and adequate training for HCWs. Reliable and valid tools to evaluate the perception of HCWs on the effectiveness of hospital preparedness strategies are imperative and literature is yet to fill that gap. Methods: Items for ‘The Staff Questionnaire for Infectious Disease Outbreak Readiness and Preparedness (SQIDORP)’ were selected from literature that addressed hospital preparedness during novel pandemic outbreaks. The SQIDORP was distributed within a regional hospital in Victoria, Australia. Psychometric evaluation included estimates of reliability and factor analysis while factors associated with the questionnaire were explored using regression analysis. Results: Omega coefficient of 0.89, Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of 0.88 and item-total correlations (>0.3) indicated adequate reliability of the SQIDORP. Factor Analysis yielded three meaningful latent factors that are effectiveness of training (Factor 1), self-confidence (Factor 2) and risk to self and stress (Factor 3). Demographic factors did not influence the correlation with SQIDORP. However, rating ‘the current plan for management of COVID-19 in your ward’ and ‘personal knowledge/skills in caring for patients with COVID-19’ had significant positive correlation and accounted for 33% of the variance in readiness and preparedness using SQIDORP (R2=0.33, F=10.227, P<0.001). Conclusion: Most of the items of SQIDORP questionnaire achieved adequate internal consistence reliability. This is a valuable tool that can be utilized by hospitals to explore aspects of preparedness and give insights to the knowledge, skills, and mental health of HCWs, as perceived by the HCW themselves.
Repellent Activity Of Carvacrol And Timol Encapsulated With Yeast Cell Wall Against Amblyomma Sculptum And Rhipicephalus Sanguineus (Sensu Lato) Nymphs
Authors: Costa Jhone Robson Silva , Vale Tassia Lopes , Silva Geovane Ferreira , Cavalho Naylene Silva Sales , Lima Aldilene Silva , Costa-Junior Lívio Martins , Luz Hermes Ribeiro
Published: March 2022

The main way to avoid contact with ticks and consequently tick-borne disease is the use of synthetic repellents. The search of new repellent compounds to increase the possibilities of use in strategies controls are necessary. The present study evaluated the repellent activity of two natural terpenes carvacrol and thymol in each one two different formulation (encapsulated and nonencapsulated with yeast cell wall) against the ticks Amblyomma sculptum and Rhipicephalus sanguineus sensu lato nymphs. Nymphs of A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l. of a single generation were used. The vertical filter paper repellency assay were performed with different concentration of both terpenes encapsulated and nonencapsulated in yeast cell wall. The repellent concentration 50% (CR50) were calculated to each compound formulation. Both carvacrol and thymol (encapsulated and nonencapsulated), had a repellent activity against A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l nymphs. Amblyomma sculptum was more sensitive to nonencapsulated carvacrol (RC50 values: 0.0032 to 0.0082 mg/cm2 after 1 and 15 min) (P < 0.05), while R. sanguineus s.l. was more sensitive to encapsulated carvacrol (RC50 values: 0.00008 to 0.0035 mg/cm2 after 1 and 15 min) (P < 0.05). Among tick species, R. sanguineus s.l. was more sensitive for most compounds than A. sculptum (P < 0.05). Although with distinct repellent activities, carvacrol and thymol encapsulated can be a promising alternative to synthetic repellents against A. sculptum and R. sanguineus s.l.
Predictors of Health Dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L in People with Impaired Vision
Authors: Macedo Antonio Filipe , Hellström Amanda , Massof Robert , Tuvesson Hanna , Rask Mikael , Ramos Pedro Lima , Safipour Jalal , Marteinsdottir Ina , Nilsson Evalill , Fagerström Cecilia , Årestedt Kristofer
Published: March 2022

Background
The EQ-5D index often fails to detect the effect of ophthalmic diseases and sight loss. Investigating predictors of individual EQ-5D health dimensions might reveal the underlying reasons. The aim of this study was to investigate predictors of health dimension ratings obtained with the EQ-5D-3L from participants with impaired vision representing a spectrum of eye diseases.
Methods
Observational cross-sectional study with participants recruited at four public hospitals in the north of Portugal. Out-patients with visual acuity of 0.30 logMAR (6/12) or worse in the better-seeing eye were invited to take part in the study. Higher values of acuity in logMAR correspond to worse vision. Participants completed two instruments: the EQ-5D-3L and the Massof Activity Inventory (MAI). The MAI provides a measure of visual ability ‒the ability to perform vision-related activities. Higher values of visual ability correspond to greater ease performing activities. The EQ-5D-3L is a generic instrument that frequently is used to quantify the participants’ perceived health-related quality of life. This study used logistic regression models to identify factors associated with self-reported health status estimated from patient responses to the EQ-5D-3L.
Results
The study included 492 participants, mean age 63.4 years (range = 18–93) and 50% females. The most common diagnosis was diabetic retinopathy (37%). The mean visual acuity in the better seeing eye was 0.65 logMAR (SD = 0.48) and the mean visual ability was 0.62 logits (SD = 2.04), correlation between the two was − 0.511 (p < 0.001). Mobility and self-care were the health dimensions with the fewest problems (1% reported extreme problems), anxiety and depression the dimension with the most problems (24% reported extreme problems). Visual ability was an independent predictor of the response for all dimensions, higher ability was always associated with a reduced odds of reporting problems. The odds of reporting problems were increased for females in 3 out of 5 dimensions. Comorbidities, visual acuity and age-category were predictors of the odds of reporting problems for one dimension each.
Conclusions
The odds of reporting problems for the five health dimensions of the EQ-5D-3L are strongly influenced by the ability to perform vision-related activities (visual ability). These findings are informative and relevant for the clinic and for research evaluating the impact of eye diseases and disease treatments in ophthalmology.
Deubiquitinating enzyme USP42 promotes breast cancer progression by inhibiting JNK/p38-mediated apoptosis
Authors: Wang Gongxian , He Chongwu , Chen Jing , He Wenrui , He Longbo , Li Jianglong
Published: March 2022

Ubiquitin-specific protease 42 (USP42) exerts crucial roles in various cancers, while the detailed functions and mechanisms of USP42 on breast cancer are still uncovered. In this study, we found that USP42 was upregulated in breast cancer tissues and cells compared with normal samples. Overexpression of USP42 significantly promoted breast cancer cells growth, invasion and migration while knockdown of USP42 exerted adverse effects. Additionally, silencing USP42 dramatically increased apoptosis rate of breast cancer cells and facilitated the activation of JNK in addition of p38. Moreover, JNK or p38-MAPK specific inhibitor partially eliminated effects of silencing USP42 on the progression of breast cancer cells. In conclusion, our present investigations revealed that USP42 facilitated breast cancer cells development by reducing the activation of JNK as well as p38 and suppressing cell apoptosis.
Adjuvant chemotherapy for resected duodenal adenocarcinoma: a case-matched analysis in nation wide cohort
Authors: de Bakker Jacob , Meijer L.L. , Zonderhuis B.M. , Vliet H.J. van der , Daams F. , Grieken N.C.T. van , Lissenberg-Witte B.I. , Kazemier G.
Published: March 2022

BackgroundDuodenal adenocarcinoma (DA) is a rare tumor for which survival data on adjuvant chemotherapy in patients after surgical treatment are unclear. This case-matched study in a nationwide cohort aims to investigate the benefit of adjuvant chemotherapy for patients with resectable DA on overall survival.Methods All patients diagnosed with DA and intestinal type periampullary adenocarcinoma (PVA) in the Netherlands between 2000 and 2015 were included (n=1316). Patients with disease stage II and III who underwent resection and adjuvant chemotherapy were matched (1:2), based on identified covariates associated with OS, with patients who underwent surgery alone. Overall survival was compared using Kaplan-Meier estimates.ResultsThe median OS was 49.9 months in patients who underwent curative resection (n=649). Univariate and multivariate analysis showed a significant influence of age, lymph node involvement, and T- stage on survival. The group of patients receiving adjuvant treatment consisted of 43 patients and the non-adjuvant group of 83 case matched patients. The median OS of the complete matched cohort (n=126) was 26.9 months. No statistically significant survival benefit was found for the adjuvant group as compared to the group treated with surgery alone (median OS=34.4 months and 23.0 months, P=0.20). Conclusion This population-based, case-matched analysis demonstrates no statistically significant survival benefit for adjuvant chemotherapy after curative resection in stage II and III patients. Future studies with specified treatment regimens as well as thorough stratification for prognostic factors will be required in order to more definitively determine the role of adjuvant therapy.
Flow-Controlled Ventilation May Reduce Mechanical Power and Increase Ventilatory Efficiency in Severe Coronavirus Disease-19 Acute Respiratory Distress Syndrome
Authors: Grassetto Alberto , Pettenuzzo Tommaso , Badii Flavio , Barzaghi Francesca , Carlon Riccardo , Dellarole Sandro , Pipitone Marilena , Versaci Alessandra , Paolera Michele Della , Sella Nicolò , Navalesi Paolo
Published: March 2022

Background. The prevention of ventilator-induced lung injury is the mainstay of the management of mechanical ventilation in patients with acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS). Reducing mechanical power during invasive mechanical ventilation may be beneficial. Flow-controlled ventilation (FCV) (Evone®, Ventinova Medical, Eindhoven, The Netherlands) is a ventilatory mode providing low and controlled flow rates throughout both inspiration and expiration. We hypothesize that FCV would reduce mechanical power and ventilatory ratio, by allowing the reduction of minute ventilation, in coronavirus disease (COVID)-19 patients developing refractory hypoxemia despite optimization of conventional constant-flow volume-targeted mechanical ventilation (CMV) and prone positioning.Methods. The study was performed in the intensive care unit of the Vittorio Veneto Hospital (Italy). We included 10 sedated and paralyzed patients with ARDS secondary to COVID-19, with arterial partial pressure of oxygen to inspired oxygen fraction ratio (PaO2/FiO2) < 150 mmHg during CMV while in prone position for at least 12 consecutive hours. All measurements were obtained in CMV prior to switching to FCV (CMV1), after 4 hours of FCV, and then again after 4 hours of CMV (CMV2). Results. During FCV inspiratory flow rate, respiratory rate, and minute ventilation were significantly lower than with both CMV1 and CMV2. Mechanical power was 10.8 (9.9-13.4) J/min, as opposed to CMV1 [22.7 (20.3-25.6) J/min (p=0.006)] and CMV2 [20.1 (19.0-24.0) J/min (p=0.006)]. Ventilatory ratio also significantly decreased to 1.40 (1.28-1.44) from CMV1 [2.22 (1.90-2.56) (p=0.006)] and then increased again during CMV2 [2.20 (1.79-2.57) (p=0.006)]. Arterial partial pressure of carbon dioxide, pH, and PaO2/FiO2 were not significantly different among the three conditions.Conclusions. FCV reduced mechanical power and increased ventilatory efficiency in severely hypoxemic COVID-19 patients receiving CMV and prone positioning.
Genetic background and development stage of maize influence disease severity and yield loss due to maize lethal necrosis (MLN) and Maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV)
Authors: L.M. SURESH , Beyene Yoseph , Jumbo MacDonald B. , Makumbi Dan , Mwaura Wilson , Njeru Faith , Burgueño Juan , Prasanna Boddupalli M.
Published: March 2022

Nine inbred lines and nine hybrids of maize (Zea mays) were tested in an insect-free net-house in Naivasha, Kenya, by inoculating them with either maize chlorotic mottle virus (MCMV) alone or together with sugarcane mosaic virus (SCMV), a combination that causes maize lethal necrosis, and the impact was assessed in terms of disease severity and grain yields. The effect of the combination was much more in plants inoculated while at the early growth stage: the disease severity scores were higher, the area under disease progress curve (AUDPC) was greater, and titres of MCMV were higher. Seeds from all the inoculated plants were contaminated with MCMV irrespective of the stage at which they had been inoculated and irrespective of their level of resistance. The study highlights the need to take proper prophylactic measures before sowing, such as using disease-free seeds or treated seeds to eliminate any possible contamination with MCMV at early growth stages, to lower the adverse impact of maize lethal necrosis in countries in which the disease is endemic. Also, genotypes susceptible to the disease need to be replaced with those resistant to it.
Highway traffic flow prediction model with multi-component spatial-temporal graph convolution networks
Authors: Tao Ning , Jiayu Wang , Xiaodong Duan
Published: March 2022

Highway traffic flow forecasting is highly nonlinear and complex, so it is technically and operationally difficult to predict traffic flow accurately. In order to accurately predict the traffic flow of highway and alleviate its traffic congestion, a multi-component spatial-temporal convolution network model (MCSGCN) based on deep learning is proposed. The characteristics of short-term, daily cycle and weekly cycle of traffic data is modeled through three components and each component effectively captures the spatial-temporal correlation of traffic data by using spatial dimensional graph convolution and time dimensional convolution at the same time. Then input the sample data into the integrated model to train and extract the characteristics of traffic flow data. Finally, the model is tested on Highway England in England and PEMS-BAY, a public data set of Highway traffic in California. It is known through the experimental results that the integrated deep learning model is better than the single model in predicting the traffic flow of highway. The accuracy of traffic flow prediction on weekdays is higher than that on holidays. The prediction effect of MCSGCN is better than the existing model of traffic flow prediction.
Heterogeneous treatment effects of intensive glycemic control on major adverse cardiovascular events in the ACCORD and VADT trials: a machine-learning analysis
Authors: Edward Justin , Josey Kevin , Bahn Gideon , Caplan Liron , Reusch Jane E.B. , Reaven Peter , Ghosh Debashis , Raghavan Sridharan
Published: March 2022

Background: Evidence to guide type 2 diabetes treatment individualization is limited. We evaluated heterogeneous treatment effects (HTE) of intensive glycemic control in type 2 diabetes patients on major adverse cardiovascular events (MACE) in the Action to Control Cardiovascular Risk in Diabetes Study (ACCORD) and the Veterans Affairs Diabetes Trial (VADT).Methods: Causal forests machine learning analysis was performed using pooled individual data from two randomized trials (n=12,042) to identify HTE of intensive versus standard glycemic control on MACE in patients with type 2 diabetes. We used variable prioritization from causal forests to build a summary decision tree and examined the risk difference of MACE between treatment arms in the resulting subgroups.Results: A summary decision tree used five variables (hemoglobin glycation index, estimated glomerular filtration rate, fasting glucose, age, and body mass index) to define eight subgroups in which risk differences of MACE ranged from -5.1% (95% CI -8.7, -1.5) to 3.1% (95% CI 0.2, 6.0) (negative values represent lower MACE associated with intensive glycemic control). Intensive glycemic control was associated with lower MACE in pooled study data in subgroups with low (-4.2% [95% CI -8.1, -1.0]), intermediate (-5.1% [95% CI -8.7, -1.5]), and high (-4.3% [95% CI -7.7, -1.0]) MACE rates with consistent directions of effect in ACCORD and VADT alone.Conclusions: This data-driven analysis provides evidence supporting the diabetes treatment guideline recommendation of intensive glucose lowering in diabetes patients with low cardiovascular risk and additionally suggests potential benefits of intensive glycemic control in some individuals at higher cardiovascular risk.
Insight into Trichinella britovi infection in pigs: effect of various moderate infectious doses on larvae density and spatial larvae distribution in carcasses and comparison of the detection of anti-T. britovi IgG of three different commercial ELISA tests and immunoblot assay
Authors: Gondek Michał , Grzelak Sylwia , Knysz Przemysław , Pyz-Łukasik Renata , Ziomek Monika , Bień-Kalinowska Justyna
Published: March 2022

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Community Surveillance of Omicron in Ontario: Wastewater-based Epidemiology Comes of Age.
Authors: order: Authors presented in alphabetical , Arts Eric , Brown Stephen , Bulir David , Charles Trevor C. , DeGroot Christopher T. , Delatolla Robert , Desaulniers Jean-Paul , Edwards Elizabeth A. , Fuzzen Meghan , Gilbride Kimberley , Gilchrist Jodi , Goodridge Lawrence , Graber Tyson E. , Habash Marc , Jüni Peter , Kirkwood Andrea , Knockleby James , Kyle Christopher , Landgraff Chrystal , Mangat Chand , Manuel Douglas G. , McKay R. Michael , Mejia Edgard , Mloszewska Aleksandra , Ormeci Banu , Oswald Claire , Payne Sarah Jane , Peng Hui , Peterson Shelley , Poon Art F.Y. , Servos Mark R. , Simmons Denina , Sun Jianxian , Yang Minqing , Ybazeta Gustavo
Published: March 2022

Wastewater-based surveillance of SARS-CoV-2 RNA has been implemented at building, neighbourhood, and city levels throughout the world. Implementation strategies and analysis methods differ, but they all aim to provide rapid and reliable information about community COVID-19 health states. A viable and sustainable SARS-CoV-2 surveillance network must not only provide reliable and timely information about COVID-19 trends, but also provide for scalability as well as accurate detection of known or unknown emerging variants. Emergence of the SARS-CoV-2 variant of concern Omicron in late Fall 2021 presented an excellent opportunity to benchmark individual and aggregated data outputs of the Ontario Wastewater Surveillance Initiative in Canada; this public health-integrated surveillance network monitors wastewaters from over 10 million people across major population centres of the province. We demonstrate that this coordinated approach provides excellent situational awareness, comparing favourably with traditional clinical surveillance measures. Thus, aggregated datasets compiled from multiple wastewater-based surveillance nodes can provide sufficient sensitivity (i.e., early indication of increasing and decreasing incidence of SARS-CoV-2) and specificity (i.e., allele frequency estimation of emerging variants) with which to make informed public health decisions at regional- and state-levels.
DRG group analysis of hospitalization costs in elderly patients with cerebral infarction
Authors: Yan Jing , Luo Ming-wei , Luo Ming-yang , Xie shi-wei , Pang Jie
Published: March 2022

BackgroundAcute cerebral infarction is a serious disease threatening to human life and health, causing a serious disease burden on the patient himself, his family and society. The purpose of this study is to reasonably predict the cost of grouping DRG cases in patients with acute cerebral infarction and to provide reference for medical insurance payment decision-making. MethodsWe used the case coding system to retrieve 1425 elderly hospitalized patients with cerebral infarction in 2021, and extracted the information from the first page of medical records, as well as used univariate and multiple linear regression analysis to screen node variables affecting hospitalization costs, and constructed a decision tree model for case group analysis of hospitalization costs.Result The age of the samples was 74.37±6.691 years old, and the hospitalization time was 13.15±10.629 days. The total hospitalization costs were 9589.94 yuan (6892.905, 14480.625 yuan), and gender, marriage, cost category, admission route, treatment outcome, complications, and treatment method were statistically significant from the total hospitalization costs (P < 0.05). The important factors affecting the total hospitalization costs include marriage, expense category, admission route, treatment outcome and treatment method (P < 0.05) . The standardized partial regression coefficient of treatment method is the largest, which shows that it has the greatest influence on the total hospitalization costs of elderly patients with cerebral infarction. The main independent variables affecting hospitalization costs of elderly patients with cerebral infarction include marriage, expense category, admission route, outcome and treatment method, which are important classification nodes variables of regression tree.ConclusionThe case grouping of hospitalization costs of elderly patients with cerebral infarction has good homogeneity and heterogeneity between groups, and the grouping is reasonable, which can provide some reference for the reform of medical insurance payment.
Clinical Features of Cholangitis After Pancreaticoduodenectomy
Authors: Kihara Yasuhiro , Yokomizo Hiroshi
Published: March 2022

Background: Postoperative cholangitis is a late complication of pancreaticoduodenectomy (PD). This study aimed to elucidate the pathogenesis of post-PD cholangitis (PPDC) and explore its optimal treatment.Methods: We retrospectively analyzed 210 patients who underwent PD at our institute between 2009 and 2018. Patients who underwent follow-up for less than one year or had cholangitis caused by cancer recurrence, were excluded from the analysis. Diagnostic criteria for cholangitis and its severity were determined based on the classification of acute cholangitis provided by the 2018 Tokyo Guidelines (TG18).Results: PPDC occurred in 19 (11%) of the 176 included patients. Of these 19 patients, nine experienced more than one episode of cholangitis (total episodes, 36). For 14 patients (74%), the first episode of PPDC occurred within two years after surgery. Based on the TG18, 21 episodes were mild and 15 episodes were moderate; none were severe. Blood culture test results were positive for 16 of 24 episodes. Most patients were hospitalized and treated with intravenous antibiotics (median, seven days). The blood test values improved promptly after treatment was started. Four patients with recurrent cholangitis underwent endoscopic examination, and three of them had anastomotic stenosis of the hepaticojejunostomy. The univariate and multivariate analyses did not indicate any significant predictive factors for PPDC development.Conclusion: Mild and moderate PPDC occurred and improved with short-term antimicrobial treatment. Temporary reflux into the intrahepatic bile ducts may have been the cause of PPDC while anastomotic stenosis may be involved in recurrent cases.
Trilobatin Ameliorates Inflammatory Response Through Mir375-Mediated FABP4 Expression In Adipocytes
Authors: Li Xingan , Wu Yucui , Jiang Xiaoqing , Fei Yin , Jianhui Liu , Yin Li
Published: March 2022

Fatty acid binding protein 4 (FABP4) is predominantly expressed in adipose tissue and functions as an important mediator of inflammation. However, small molecules that regulate the expression of FABP4 in adipocytes have not been well characterized. In this work, we found that, together with decreasing the mRNA expression and secretion of proinflammatory cytokines, including tumor necrosis factor α (TNFα) and interleukin -6 (IL-6). Treatment with trilobatin dose-dependently attenuated the mRNA and protein levels of FABP4 in lipopolysaccharide (LPS)-induced differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. Meanwhile, administration of 10 mg/kg trilobatin for 4 weeks (i. g.) also decreased the mRNA and protein levels of FABP4 and the mRNA expression of TNFα and IL-6 in epididymal white adipose tissue (eWAT) and the contents of TNFα and IL-6 in serum of ob/ob mice. In addition, we screened and identified that trilobatin protected against the decrease of microRNA precursors including premiR-375, premiR-338 and premiR-129, but only miR-375 inhibitor prohibited the role of trilobatin on the expression of FABP4, hinted that miR-375 might be involved in trilobatin regulating FABP4 expression in LPS-treated differentiated 3T3-L1 adipocytes. The findings of this study suggested that trilobatin might be a promising compound for the management of obesity because of its anti-inflammatory activity by suppressing the expression of FABP4 in adipocytes.