bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Distinct Infection Forms of SARS-CoV-2 Among People Living With HIV
Authors: Wu Mengmeng , Ming Fangzhao , Wu Songjie , Liu Yanbin , Zhang Xiaoxia , Guo Wei , Marly Gifty , Tang Weiming , Liang Ke
Published: June 2021

Background: People living with HIV (PLWH) are immunodeficient, it is vague if they are more susceptible to SARS-CoV-2 infection than HIV negative individuals. Methods: In this cross-sectional study, 857 PLWH and 1048 HIV negative individuals were enrolled from the Wuchang district in Wuhan, China. We compared the total rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection, the rate of COVID-19, asymptomatic carriers, and unapparent infectors in the two groups. The risk factors associated with SARS-CoV-2 infection among PLWH were explored. Results: Fourteen out of 857 (1.63%) PLWH were infected with SARS-CoV-2, while 68 of 1048 (6.49%) HIV negative individuals were infected. In PLWH, there were 6 confirmed COVID-19 (0.70%), 4 asymptomatic carriers (0.47%) and 4 unapparent infectors (0.47%). In the HIV negative group, the cases of COVID-19, asymptomatic carrier, and unapparent infector were 5 (0.48%), 0 (0.00%), and 63 (6.01%), respectively. After adjusting for age, gender, and chronic comorbidities, the rate of SARS-CoV-2 infection in PLWH was lower than that in HIV negative group (1.96% vs 5.74%, P=0.001). The morbidity of COVID-19 was similar between the two groups (P=0.107), but the rate of unapparent infection in PLWH was lower than that in the HIV negative group (0.54% vs 5.46%, P=0.001). Older age (aOR=4.50, 95%CI: 1.34-15.13, P=0.015) and OIs (aOR=9.59, 95%CI: 1.54-59.92, P=0.016) were risk factors for SARS-CoV-2 infection among PLWH.Conclusions: PLWH has different infection forms of SARS-CoV-2 compared with the general population. Older age and OIs were considered to driving causes of SARS-CoV-2 infection among PLWH.
Endobronchial Brachytherapy as Definitive Treatment for Endobronchial Metastasis After Surgery of Non-Small-Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Ito Atsushi , Yamaguchi Daisuke , Kaneda Shinji , Kawaguchi Koji , Shimamoto Akira , Kubooka Makiko , Nomoto Yoshihito , Takao Motoshi
Published: June 2021

Background

Endobronchial metastasis is a very rare type of recurrence after lung cancer surgery. Surgical intervention may be difficult to perform due to the postoperative reduction in the activities of daily living (ADL) and the invasiveness associated with redo surgery. In such cases, endobronchial brachytherapy (EBBT) plays an important role not only as palliative treatment, but also as definitive treatment with curative intent.
Case presentation:

Three men (64, 69, and 74 years old) underwent combination therapy of external beam radiation therapy (EBRT) and EBBT for endobronchial metastasis after lobectomy of Stage Ⅰ-Ⅱ non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC): 2 cases of squamous cell carcinoma and 1 of adenocarcinoma. We used a special source-centralizing applicator for EBBT to avoid eccentric distribution of the radiation dose. Follow-up was considered to start from the end of brachytherapy. None of our patients experienced severe adverse events, and none needed extensive outpatient treatment. Local control was achieved in all cases by a bronchoscopic evaluation. All patients were alive after 31, 38, and 92 months of follow up, respectively. In the adenocarcinoma patient, two metastases to the lung were discovered three years after EBBT, and the patient underwent partial wedge resection.
Conclusions

EBBT may be a promising treatment with curative intent for endobronchial metastasis after surgery of NSCLC.
Data Science Applications in Pandemic: A survey on COVID-19 Outbreak Tools
Authors: Alzhrani Amal , Almalki Ahmad salem
Published: June 2021

While the world steps backward, Saudi Arabia took two steps forward. the Saudi Vision 2030 framework was launched in 2017 to create digital transformation in the various sector to improve the quality of life. The COVID-19 has made it possible to promote and test the strength of digital transformation and adoption. In Saudi Arabia, the use of artificial intelligence applications to integrate multiple data sources across potential outbreaks should be further discussed. Decreasing the number of smartphone apps and combining their features may also improve and encourage their use. In this paper, in this paper we present an exhaustive survey on COVID-19 outbreak tools/apps and the role of Saudi Data and Artificial Intelligence Authority (SDAIA).
Differential Diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease and Mild Cognitive Impairment Using the Structural and Diffusion MRI Features of the Brain
Authors: Zamanpour Seyed Amir , Bigham Bahare , Sigari Mohamad-Hoseyn , Zare Hoda
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Accurate, fast, and reliable diagnosis of Alzheimer's Disease (AD) from Mild Cognitive Impairment (MCI) is crucial for prescribing proper treatment and prevention of disease progression. At first glance, structural and diffusion MRI images, are affected by neurodegenerative proceedings in AD and MCI. In this study, we are looking for the most effective features to detect and differentiate between healthy normal control (NC), AD, and MCI groups by non-invasive Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) method and propose the automatic multi-class classification using the structural and diffusion MRI Features of the brain. Methods: The structural and diffusion MRI data were downloaded from the Alzheimer’s Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI) database on three groups including AD, MCI, and NC subjects. Four famous classification models of machine learning were used to discover the best classification as a diagnostic tool for separation of the NC, AD and MCI groups. Results: Taken together, our results from this study lead to classify three groups for differentiation between the NC group and patients with MCI and AD, with average accuracy factor 89.9% for Support Vector Machine (SVM) and 91.9% for Artificial Neural Network (ANN) using selected features. Conclusions: Top 9 regions repetitive of WM based on four types of features are the caudate nucleus, corpus callosum, hippocampus, para hippocampus, temporal gyrus, putamen nucleus, cingulate gyrus, the region of 36 and 3 Brodmann. Therefore, these regions could be considered for identifying, monitoring, and future drug trials that could target this brain region to AD and MCI Management.
Metastatic Spinal Cord Compression as the First Manifestation of Malignancy – A Retrospective Study of Surgical Outcome from Single Institution Spine Tumor Registry
Authors: Ho Ue-Cheung , Lai Dar-Ming , Xiao Fu-Ren , Yang Shih-Hung , Chen Chang-Mu , Tsuang Fon-Yih
Published: June 2021

Given the limited studies addressing the issue about the effect of different surgical modalities for metastatic spinal cord compression (MSCC) as the first malignancy manifestation, we conducted a retrospective case-control study to evaluate the surgical outcome of MSCC as the first malignancy manifestation. A total of 59 patients who were suspected of having metastatic spinal cord compression and underwent surgery from 2008 to 2017 were enrolled in the study. All patients were categorized into either ‘debulking group’ or ‘palliative group’. The primary outcome was progression-free survival (PFS). The secondary outcomes were overall survival (OS), Frankel scale, and Karnofsky scores. All the outcomes were analyzed with a data cutoff of December 31, 2017. There was a significant difference between groups in progression-free survival (PFS) (p = 0.0036). However, there was no significant difference between groups in the overall survival (OS) (p = 0.8669). Age of onset, gender, duration of symptoms, and location of spinal metastasis, initial Frankel, initial Tomita scores, and initial Karnofsky performance scale showed no significant differences between groups. In conclusion, debulking surgery was shown to provide better neurological recoveries and could be considered first in patients with metastatic spinal cord compression as the first malignancy manifestation.
Women’s Experiences of a Specialist Antenatal Service for Pregnancies After a Stillbirth or Neonatal Death: A Qualitative Interview Study and Social Return on Investment Analysis
Authors: Thomas Suzanne , Stephens Louise , Mills Tracey A , Hughes Christine , Arundale A. Michael , Smith Debbie M , Heazell Alexander E. P.
Published: June 2021

Background Pregnancy after the death of a baby is associated with a series of emotional and psychological challenges for pregnant women and their families. Specialist antenatal services have been proposed to address the increased biomedical and psychological risks in pregnancies after perinatal death. This study aimed to explore the pregnancy and postnatal experiences of women in a pregnancy after a perinatal death who were attending a specialist antenatal service and to evaluate the economic impact of the service.Methods To explore women’s views and experiences of care during their pregnancy this study used face-to-face semi-structured interviews following a topic guide comprising of four sections (history leading to care pathway, their experience of coping with new pregnancy after loss, support and advice for others). Following inductive thematic analysis, a deductive approach was taken to map themes to Stroebe and Schutt’s Dual Process Model of Grief.A Social Return on Investment (SROI) analysis informed by contributions from a subgroup of women and staff participants. Information was obtained from focus groups discussions, questionnaires and interviews. The SROI was reported as the ratio of the value generated by the clinic and the costs of providing the service.Results Thematic analysis of interviews (n=20) described how perinatal death was a quiet, unspoken subject and that navigating subsequent pregnancies relied on expecting the worst and hoping for the best. Mapping these themes onto the Dual Process Model of Grief found being pregnant complicated the grieving process, as increased awareness of the risk of stillbirth drew parents’ focus back to loss. Attendance at a specialist service was valued; SROI analysis found that for £1 invested, £6.10 of value was generated, mostly relating to the birth of a live baby, reduced negative psychological symptoms and fewer focussed contacts with health professionals.Conclusions Specialist antenatal care in pregnancies after perinatal death was viewed favourably by parents. Women’s experiences can be used to synthesise and develop models of care that aim to meet their needs but comparative studies are required to determine whether these models are superior to routine high-risk care and to identify which components are most valued.
Clinical Characteristics and Multi-Model Imaging Analysis of Moyamoya Disease: An Observational Study
Authors: Qin Bing , Gao Liansheng , Xu Weilin , Li Tao , Ocak Umut , Chen Gao , wang lin
Published: June 2021

The study was to analyze the clinical features and imaging characteristics of moyamoya disease (MMD) and to explore the significance of multi-model imaging in the diagnosis of MMD. A retrospective analysis of the clinical features, imaging characteristics, and treatment of 78 adult MMD patients enrolled from March 2010 to March 2013 was performed. The MMD patients in our series were between 23 and 53 years old, and the male to female ratio was 4:1. The main clinical manifestations were sensory abnormalities, headache, and motor dysfunction, depending on the type of MMD. Intracerebral hemorrhage (ICH) was detected in 54 patients (69.2％), cerebral infarction in 20 (25.6％), and ICH together with cerebral infarction in 4 (5.1%). Using computed tomography angiography (CTA), magnetic resonance angiography (MRA), and digital subtraction angiography (DSA), stenotic or occlusive lesions were observed in the internal carotid artery, anterior cerebral artery, and middle cerebral artery. Aneurysms accompanying MMD were found in 17 of the patients (21.8％). Ultimately, 21 patients underwent multiple burr-hole surgery and 57 underwent bypass surgery with or without temporalis muscle sticking. Fourteen patients underwent aneurysm embolization. The clinical manifestations of MMD vary, though the most common is ICH. DSA is the gold standard method for the diagnosis of MMD, and should be performed as early as possible in clinically suspected cases. CTA and MRA are non-invasive techniques used for MMD patient screening and follow-up.
Identification of Potential Biomarkers in PBMC of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus: Results from Bioinformatic Analysis
Authors: Sun Yan , Wang Chen-chen , Wang Fu-quan , Chen Rui , Yao Chun-lin , Wu Yan , Lin Yun
Published: June 2021

BackgroundThe discovery of biomarkers has become an attractive field in studying autoimmune diseases. For example, in the study of systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), various biomarkers such as genes and miRNAs have been identified for the diagnosis of SLE and its organ involvement. ResultsThe expression data of gene microarray GSE50772 was downloaded from the GEO, and 257 differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were obtained by using limma plug-in for R software. The tissue-specific gene expression analyses were performed in BioGPS database. Then, a protein-protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed with STRING and visualized in Cytoscape. Whereafter, top twenty hub genes derived from the PPI network, could basically differentiate the SLE samples from the non-SLE samples, were ascertained through CytoHubba. What is noticeable is that the five novel hub genes ( ORM1, SLPI, OLFM4, TCN1 and CRISP3) and a related miRNA (hsa-let-7e-5p) may be considered as candidate biomarkers of SLE. ConclusionsFive genes (ORM1, SLPI, OLFM4, TCN1 and CRISP3) and a miRNA(hsa-let-7e-5p) in this discovery-driven study may become potential biomarkers for diagnosing SLE and assessing its organ damage, and they also will provide valuable information on the pathogenesis of SLE.
A Feasibility Study to Assess Non-clinical Community Health Workers’ Capacity to use Simplified Protocols and Tools to Treat Severe Acute Malnutrition in Niger State Nigeria
Authors: Adesoro Olatunde , Oresanya Olusola , Counihan Helen , Hamade Prudence , Eguavon Dare , Emebo Chika , Marron Bethany , Kozuki Naoko , Isah Amina , Gimba Patrick , Isokpunwu Chris Osa , Maxwell Kolawole , Tibenderana James
Published: June 2021

Background: Severe acute malnutrition (SAM) is a major determinant of childhood mortality and morbidity. Although integrated community case management (iCCM) of childhood illnesses is a strategy for increasing access to life-saving treatment, malnutrition is not properly addressed in the guidelines. This study aimed to determine whether non-clinical Community Health Workers (called Community-Oriented Resource Persons, CORPs) implementing iCCM could use simplified tools to treat uncomplicated SAM.Methods: The study used a sequential mixed-method design and was conducted between July 2017 and May 2018. Sixty CORPs already providing iCCM services were trained and deployed in their communities with the target of enrolling 290 SAM cases. Competency of CORPs to treat and the treatment outcomes of enrolled children were documented. SAM cases with MUAC of 9cm to < 11.5cm without medical complications were treated for up to 12 weeks. Full recovery was at MUAC≥12.5cm for two consecutive weeks. Supervision and quantitative data capturing were done weekly while qualitative data were collected after the intervention.Results: CORPs scored 93.1% on first assessment and increment of 0.11 (95% CI: 0.05 – 0.18) points per additional supervision conducted. The cure rate from SAM to full recovery, excluding referrals from the denominator in line with the standard for reporting SAM recovery rates, was 73.5% and the median length of treatment was seven weeks. SAM cases enrolled at 9cm to <10.25cm MUAC had 29% less likelihood of recovery compared to those enrolled at 10.25cm to <11.5cm. CORPs were not burdened by the integration of SAM into iCCM and felt motivated by children’s recovery. Operational challenges like bad terrains for supervision, supply chain management and referrals were reported by supervisors, while Government funding was identified as key for sustainability.Conclusion: The study demonstrated that with training and supportive supervision, CORPs in Nigeria can treat SAM among under-fives, and refer complicated cases using simplified protocols as part of an iCCM programme. This approach seemed acceptable to all stakeholders, however, the effect of the extra workload of integrating SAM into iCCM on the quality of care provided by the CORPs should be assessed further.
The Effect of Different Vitrification Protocols on Cell Survival in Human Ovarian Tissue: A Pilot Study
Authors: Marschalek Julian , Egarter Christian , Nouri Kazem , Dekan Sabine , Ott Johannes , Frank Maria , Pietrowski Detlef
Published: June 2021

BackgroundVitrification has superseded the slow freezing method for cryopreservation of oocytes, embryos, and sperm, but there are yet no standard protocols for its use in ovarian tissue cryopreservation (OTC). Published protocols diverse mainly in the supplementation of dimethyl sulfoxide (DMSO) to the vitrification medium and the use of an open or closed vitrification system. We investigated the vitality of ovarian tissue of transgender patients by Fluorescence Activated Cells Sorting (FACS) and histomorphological analyses using a DMSO-containing (P1) and a DMSO-free protocol (P2) in an open or closed vitrification setting. ResultsTwelve ovarian samples were donated from female-to-male transgender patients: 6 were vitrified according to protocol 1, the other 6 according to protocol 2. The amount of vital cells was 90.1% (P1) and 88.4% (P2) before vitrification. After vitrification and subsequent warming, vital cells were reduced to 82.9% (P1, p=0.093) and 72.4% (P2, p=0.019). When comparing the closed and the open systems, the decline in cell vitality from pre- to post-vitrification was significant only for the latter (p= 0.037). Histological examination reveals no significant differences with respect to degenerated follicles before or after vitrification. ConclusionThese results lend support to the hypothesis that a protocol containing DMSO results in a higher vitality of ovarian cells than a protocol that uses ethylene glycol as cryoprotective agent in vitrification. The use of an open vitrification system led to significant decline in the rate of vital cells. Trial registration: NCT03649087, retrospectively registered 28.08.2018
“Epidemiology of Short QT Interval in Phase I of Kherameh Cohort Study: A Population-based Study on 4,363 Subjects in Southern Iran”
Authors: Nikoo Mohammad Hossein , Heiran Alireza , Mashayekh Fardin , Rezaianzadeh Abbas , Shiravani Abbas , Azadian Fatemeh
Published: June 2021

Aims: Short QT-interval is a condition that bear the suspicion of short QT syndrome (SQTS). SQTS is known to increase risk of life-threatening arrythmias and sudden cardiac death (SCD). Due to the insufficient population-based studies and use of various QT cut-off values it accounts for as an undiagnosed condition. In this study, we sought for prevalence of short QT interval in Kherameh cohort study, one of the southern sectors of the Prospective Epidemiological Research Studies in Iran (PERSIAN).Methods: Data of 4,363 adult subjects were analyzed from phase 1 of the cohort during 2014-2017. The corrected QT (QTc) intervals were calculated and electrocardiograms (ECGs) with QTc of less than 370 milliseconds (msec) were reanalyzed for bradycardia, early repolarization, atrial fibrillation (AF), arrhythmias, and other electrical conduction abnormalities. Results: Seventy-two subjects (1.65%) had a QTc of less than 370msec (mean QTc of 360.72±11.72). A male predominance and a lower mean heart rate observed in SQTS susceptible group (M/F of 1/0.26 vs. 1/1.145, p-value<0.0001; 58.389±9.787 vs. 70.899±11.775; p-value<0.0001) compare to the subjects with normal QTc. At least, 2 subjects with high-probability SQTS and 3 with intermediate-probability SQTS identified. The frequency of AF, syncope, bradycardia, early repolarization, low voltage ECG, and infantile SCD in first- and second-degree relatives were 16.67, 4.17, 33.33, 11.11, 6.94, 11.11%, respectively.Conclusion: The prevalence of short QT interval in our cohort was in line with previous studies. The higher proportions of cardiac symptoms, familial SCDs and ECG derived specific findings amongst SQTS-susceptible index persons than non-short QT interval normal population might implicate in gene study and family screening.
A Low power, Highly Efficient, Linear, Enhanced wideband Class-J mode Power Amplifier for 5G Applications
Authors: SRID NAGISETTY , Chinnaiyan Senthilpari‬ , Roslee Mardeni , Yong Wong , kumar T.Nandha
Published: June 2021

In wireless communication networks, the necessity for high-speed data rates has increased in emerging 5G application areas. The existing Power amplifier (PA) topologies reported to date demonstrated their potential in achieving desired Power Added Efficiency (PAE) and linearity with the aid of different efficiency enhancement and linearization techniques. However, these harmonically tuned switching power amplifiers are restricted to narrow bandwidth, which makes them less appealing for broadband applications. Therefore, the challenge of designing a power amplifier with improved efficiency by maintaining linearity for a dynamic range of bandwidth becomes increasingly critical for PA designers. Recently developed class-J PA topology has proven its potential to obtain good efficiency while maintaining the linearity for wide bandwidth applications. This research work presents a methodology to design a 5 GHz Class-J mode PA topology using Silterra 0.13-µm CMOS technology. This research's main objectives are to determine the Ropt of the transistor and design a proper Output Matching Network (OMN) to obtain Class-J PA operation to make it suitable for 5G wireless applications. The simulation results represent that the proposed Class-J PA provides 27 dBm of maximum power output along with a maximum large-signal power gain of 13.8 dB and the small-signal gain of 17dB for a band with more than 500MHz with a 5V power supply into a 50- Ω load.
A Scoping Review Protocol of Malaria Vectors in Malaysia
Authors: Ali Rafidah
Published: June 2021

Introduction: Malaria is still a public health threat. From 2010 to 2017, a total of 33, 181 malaria cases were recorded in Malaysia. Thus, effective intervention and key entomological information are vital to interrupt or in preventing malaria transmission. Therefore, availability of malaria vectors information is desperately needed. The objective of this study is to established protocols of new and potential malaria vector as a part of existing malaria vectors in Malaysia for human and zoonotic infection. Methods and analysis: Scoping review will be conducted based on Arksey and O’Malley’s methodology on four electronic databases; Scopus, PubMed, Google Scholar and Science Direct. Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses for Scoping Review (PRISMA-ScR) will be used as a systematic approach. All relevant finding will be managed by Mendeley software and Microsoft Excel program. Ethics and dissemination: Ethical approval is not required on secondary of data. Study findings will be submitted for peer-reviewed publication.
Prognostic value of preoperative serum alkaline phosphatase for predicting 3-year mortality in patients undergoing kidney transplantation: A retrospective study
Authors: Yoon Hei Jin , Ko Da Eun , Nam Sang Beom , Song Young , Yun Byung Hwan , Ham Sung Yeon
Published: June 2021

Serum alkaline phosphatase (ALP) levels are related to high-turnover bone disease and reflect vascular calcification and inflammation. ALP has been reported to have a prognostic impact in various cohorts including chronic kidney disease. This study investigated whether preoperative serum ALP level could be used for predicting mortality in patients undergoing kidney transplantation. We retrospectively reviewed 1,718 patients who underwent kidney transplantation between November 2005 and June 2017. Finally, 1,533 patients who met the inclusion criteria were classified into tertiles based on preoperative serum ALP level (< 51, 51–72, > 72 IU/L). The incidence of mortality was compared among the three tertiles, and a stepwise logistic regression analysis was performed to evaluate the predictors for mortality. The incidence of 3-year mortality was the highest in the third tertile (1.0% vs. 2.5% vs. 4.4% in the first, second, and third tertile, respectively, p = 0.003). The third tertile of ALP level (odds ratio [OR] 1.855, 95% CI 1.192–2.886, p = 0.006), age (OR 1.052, 95% CI 1.022–1.082, p = 0.011), and history of hypertension (OR 0.401, 95% CI 0.210–0.765, p = 0.006) remained as independent predictors of mortality. Preoperative serum ALP level was significantly higher in the non-survivor group than in the survivor group (58.00 [44.00–76.00] vs. 75.00 [56.25–113.00], p = 0.003). The optimal cut-off value of serum ALP to predict 3-year mortality was 71 IU/L (area under the curve 0.636, 95% CI 0.554–0.719, p = 0.003). Therefore, preoperative serum ALP level was an independent predictor of 3-year mortality in patients undergoing kidney transplantation.
Efficacy and Safety of IL-2 injection for the treatment of childhood solid tumors or lymphoma with malignant pleural effusion, ascites and pericardial effusion
Authors: Zhang Yu-Tong , Zhong Xiao-dan , Gao Yan-li , Chang Jian
Published: June 2021

Background Currently, no available coherent management protocol exists for pediatric cancers associated with pleural effusion, ascites, and pericardial effusion. This study aimed to retrospectively present our experience in treating pediatric cancer patients with pleural effusion, ascites, and pericardial effusion using interleukin-2 (IL-2) and dexamethasone (DEX) intracavitary injections. Methods Between January 1st, 2008 and December 31st, 2020, medical reports of patients diagnosed with solid tumors or lymphoma were checked to identify those with concurrent > 2 cm pleural effusion and/or ascites and/or pericardial effusion. Patients diagnosed with effusions and treated with IL-2 were identified as being in the effusion group. Meanwhile, patients with the same primary tumors and effusions but did not receive interleukin 2 injection were reviewed and classified as the control group. Results Forty patients with solid tumors and Sixty-six patients with lymphoma were further diagnosed with pleural effusion, ascites, or pericardial effusion. A total of eighty-five patients received IL-2 injection while the remaining twenty-one did not. When lymphoma and solid tumor patients were combined, the Kaplan Meier analysis revealed a significant difference between the two groups, with p<0.01 for event free survival (EFS) and p<0.01 for overall survival (OS), both of which had p<0.01. Hazard ratio was found to be 0.344 for OS and 0.352 for EFS. Conclusions This retrospective study illustrates that thoracic, intraperitoneal, or pericardial injection of DEX plus IL-2 can be an effective and safe treatment for pediatric cancers with pleural effusion, ascites, and pericardial effusion.
Open Review and Open Science in The Social Sciences and Humanities: A "Double Blind" Gold Standard
Authors: Karhulahti Veli-Matti , Backe Hans-Joachim
Published: June 2021

Openings of research results, datasets, and scientific practices in general are currently being implemented across fields. Especially strongly data-driven areas like medicine are discussing publishing transparency too – in a context where open review formats now dominate. Social sciences and humanities (SSH), in turn, still rely on closed systems. In this study, we draw on 12 semi-structured interviews with chief editors of leading journals in SSH fields to better understand the transparencies of such review processes. We find that, within SSH, ‘double blind’ peer review represents a gold standard that credible journals follow by default. However, the actual review processes of these journals are multi-stage and largely open with the authors’ names standardly visible to decision-making peers, with ‘double blind’ principles forming but part of it. We recommend journals to communicate the transparencies of their review in more detail, also and especially if they are ‘double blind’.
Genetic Dissection Uncovers Genome Wide Marker-Trait Associations for Plant Growth, Yield and Yield Related Traits Under Varying Nitrogen Levels in Nested Synthetic Wheat Introgression Libraries
Authors: SANDHU NITIKA , Kaur Amandeep , Sethi Mehak , Kaur Satinder , Singh Varinderpal , Sharma Achla , Bentley Alison R , Barsby Tina , Chhuneja Parveen
Published: June 2021

Nitrogen is one of the most important macronutrients for crop growth and metabolism. To identify marker-trait associations for complex NUE-related agronomic traits, field experiments were conducted on nested synthetic wheat introgression libraries at three nitrogen input levels across two seasons. The introgression libraries were genotyped using the 35K Axiom® Wheat Breeder’s Array and genetic diversity and population structure were examined. Significant phenotypic variation was observed across genotypes, treatments and their interactions across seasons for all the 22 traits measured. Significant positive correlations were observed among grain yield and yield attributing traits and root traits. Across seasons, a total of 233 marker-trait associations (MTAs) associated with fifteen traits of interest at differential levels of nitrogen (N0, N60 and N120) were detected using 9,474 genome-wide single nucleotide polymorphism (SNP) markers. Of these, 45 MTAs for 10 traits in the N0 treatment, 100 MTAs for 11 traits in the N60 treatment and 88 MTAs for 11 traits in the N120 treatment were detected. We identified putative candidate genes underlying the significant MTAs which were associated directly or indirectly with various biological processes, cellular component organization and molecular functions involving improved plant growth and grain yield. In addition, the top 10 lines based on N response and grain yield across seasons and treatments were identified. The identification and introgression of superior alleles/donors improving NUE while maintaining grain yield may open new avenues in designing next-generation nitrogen efficient high yielding wheat varieties.
Characterization and Evaluation of a Recombinant Multiepitope Peptide Antigen MAG in the Serological Diagnosis of Toxoplasma Gondii Infection in Pigs
Authors: Song Yongle , Zhao Yongjuan , Pan Ke , Shen Bang , Fang Rui , Hu Min , Zhao Junlong , zhou yanqin
Published: June 2021

Background
Toxoplasmosis caused by toxoplasma gondii (T. gondii) is a serious disease threatening human and animal health. People could be infected with T. gondii by ingesting raw pig meat contaminated with cysts or oocysts. Serological test is a sensitive and specific method usually used for large-scale diagnosis of T. gondii infection in humans and animals (such as pigs). Since commercial pig toxoplasma antibody ELISA diagnostic kits are too expensive, it is difficult to use them widely, moreover, the native antigen composition used in these diagnostic kits is still unclear and difficult to standardize. The multiepitope peptide antigen is novel diagnostic marker, and it has the potential to be developed into more accurate and inexpensive diagnostic kits.
Methods
The synthetic multiepitope antigen (MAG) gene encoding a protein with epitopes from 5 T. gondii dominant antigen (SAG1, GRA1, ROP2, GRA4, and MIC3) was designed, synthesized, and expressed in Escherichia coli BL21 (DE3) strain. The recombinant protein was detected through western blot with pig anti-T. gondii positive and negative serum, then IgG enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay (ELISA) named MAG-ELISA was designed. The MAG-ELISA was evaluated in terms of specificity, sensitivity, and stability. The MAG-ELISA was also compared with a commercial PrioCHECK® Toxoplasma Ab porcine ELISA (PrioCHECK ELISA). Finally, the trend of pig anti-T. gondii IgG level after artificially infection with RH tachyzoites was evaluated through MAG-ELISA and two other ELISA methods (rMIC3-ELISA and PrioCHECK ELISA).
Results
MAG antigen could be specifically recognized by pig anti-T. gondii positive but not negative serum. MAG-ELISA possessed a high diagnostic performance in terms of specificity and sensitivity. The overall coincidence rate between MAG-ELISA and a commercial PrioCHECK Toxoplasma antibody ELISA was 78.47%. MAG-ELISA could be used for detecting anti-T. gondii IgG in the early stage of T. gondii infection in pigs (at least 7 days after artificial infection).
Conclusions
Our results suggest that MAG antigen could be applied to specifically recognize anti-T. gondii IgG in pig, and MAG-ELISA has the potential for large-scale diagnosis of T. gondii infection in pig farms and intensive industries.
Treatment Strategies for Improving Surgical Outcomes of Ruptured Abdominal Aortic Aneurysm
Authors: Maze Yasumi , Tokui Toshiya , Murakami Masahiko , Kawaguchi Teruhisa , Inoue Ryosai , Hirano Reina , Hirano Koji , Chino Shuji , Nakajima Ken , Kato Noriyuki , Higashigawa Takatoshi , Nakamura Bun , Itou Hisato , Shoumura Yu
Published: June 2021

PurposeWe examined the surgical outcomes at our hospital and considered strategies for improving surgical outcomes for ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm.MethodsWe examined 95 surgical cases of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm performed from January 2009 to December 2020.We examined the preoperative characteristics hospital mortality, postoperative complications and long-term results. Results24 were dead in hospital (hospital mortality 25.2%). The majority of the causes of death were hemorrhage/DIC and intestinal necrosis. 10 cases required preoperative aortic clamp by thoracotomy or insertion of intra-aortic balloon occlusion and 8 of them died. 10 cases required open abdominal management and 5 of them died. Examining the long-term results of the open repair group and the EVAR group, there was no significant difference between the two groups. ConclusionsIn order to improve the surgical outcomes of ruptured abdominal aortic aneurysm, it is necessary to start surgery immediately in a situation where hemodynamics is stable. Whether to select open surgery or EVAR as the surgical method should be selected by each hospital so that it can be started immediately. In order to prevent postoperative intestinal necrosis, it is necessary to consider risk factors of acute compartment syndrome and actively introduce open abdominal management.
Impact of Spatial and Environmental Variables on Aquatic Macroinvertebrates in Hilly Ponds
Authors: Zhang Dan , Kehong Wang , Guanxiong Zhang , Shuangshuang Liu , Fang Wang , Yuanzhen Pan , Xingzhong Yuan
Published: June 2021

Ponds are “islands” of independent habitats and research hotspots of regional biodiversity. This paper got some basic information about habitat conditions and aquatic macroinvertebrates in hilly ponds. Then we tried to provide a theoretical basis for the regional biodiversity conservation and sustainable development of the pond networks among basins. In this paper, the environmental and spatial variables concerned about aquatic macroinvertebrates in the ponds with different small basins of Liangping District, which is located in the east of Sichuan Basin, China, were investigated. The results showed that drainage basin effect did not occur among basins. The aquatic macroinvertebrates in the hilly ponds were mainly affected by altitude, nutrients, pH and other environmental factors. Within the basin scale, pond isolation was also one of the important factors affecting community structure. Considering the spatial pattern of the macroinvertebrate assemblages in the hilly ponds, the protection and management of those ponds need to focus on pond network other than a single pond, improve the habitat quality of the ponds, and ensure the cost-effectiveness and ecological benefits.
Collective Transient Ratchet Transport Induced by Many Elastically Interacting Particles
Authors: Beims Marcus Werner , César Manchein , de Oliveira Tulio M , Silva Rafael M da
Published: June 2021

Several dynamical systems in nature can be maintained out-of-equilibrium, either through mutual interaction of particles or by external fields. The particle's transport and the transient dynamics are landmarking of such systems. While single ratchet systems are genuine candidates to describe unbiased transport, we demonstrate here that coupled ratchets exhibit collective transient ratchet transport. Extensive numerical simulations for up to N=1024 elastically interacting ratchets establish the generation of large transient ratchet currents (RCs). The lifetimes of the transient RCs increase with N and decrease with the coupling strength between the ratchets. We demonstrate one peculiar case having a coupling-induced transient RC through the asymmetric destruction of attractors. Results suggest that physical devices built with coupled ratchet systems should present large collective transient transport of particles, whose technological applications are undoubtedly appealing and feasible.
Highly Efficient Production of D-xylonic Acid From Corn Stover Hydrolysate in Gluconobacter Oxydans By mGDH Overexpression
Authors: Mao Xinlei , Zhang Baoqi , Zhao Chenxiu , Lin Jinping , Wei Dongzhi
Published: June 2021

Background: D-xylonic acid is a versatile platform chemical with wide potential applications as the water reducer and disperser for cement and the precursor for 1,4-butanediol and 1,2,4-tributantriol. Microbial production of D-xylonic acid with bacteria like Gluconobacter oxydans from cheap lignocellulosic feedstock is generally regarded as one of the most promising and cost-effective methods to industrial production, but xylonic acid productivity is reduced by high substrate inhibition and hydrolysate inhibitors. Results: D-xylonic acid productivity of G. oxydans DSM2003 was improved by overexpressing the mGDH gene, which encoded the membrane-bound glucose dehydrogenase. Using the mutated plasmids based on pBBR1MCS-5 in our previous work, the recombinant strain G. oxydans/pBBR-R3510-mGDH with the significant improvement in D-xylonic acid production and the strengthened tolerance to hydrolysate inhibitors was obtained. The fed-batch biotransformation of D-xylose by this recombinant strain reached the record high titer (588.7 g/L), yield (99.4%), and space-time yield (8.72 g/L/h). Moreover, up to 246.4 g/L D-xylonic acid was produced directly from corn stover hydroxylates without detoxification at a yield of 98.9% and a space-time yield of 11.2 g/L/h. In addition, G. oxydans/pBBR-R3510-mGDH performed strong tolerance to typical inhibitors, i.e., formic acid, furfural, and 5-hydroxymethylfurfural. Conclusion: Through overexpression of mgdh in G. oxydans, we obtained a recombinant strain G. oxydans/pBBR-R3510-mGDH. It was capable to efficiently produce xylonic acid from the corn stover hydrolysate under high concentrations of inhibitors. The high D-xylonic acid productivity made G. oxydans/pBBR-R3510-mGDH an attractive choice for biotechnical production.
Factors Associated With Malaria in Indigenous Children Between 2007 - 2018, Amazonas State, Brazil
Authors: de Aguiar Mateus Ferreira , Meireles Bruna Martins , Monteiro Wuelton Marcelo , Goncalves Maria Jacirema Ferreira
Published: June 2021

Background: malaria is a serious problem in the Amazonas state, especially in areas near forests. Indigenous populations living in these areas are very vulnerable to malaria infection. In addition, the disease severely affects children because their immune system is less well developed, and thus causes more severe symptoms. Therefore, the intersection between these two groups, indigenous people and children, is characterized by an important public health problem. The objective is to identify the factors associated with malaria in indigenous children in the Amazonas state, Brazil, from 2007 to 2018.Methods: This is an epidemiological, quantitative and cross-sectional study involving children under 15 years, and using data from health system notifications between 2007 and 2018, with the Amazonas state, Brazil, as a place of residence and probable infection setting. The variables are clinical-epidemiological, laboratorial and case follow-up, which were analyzed then stratified as to whether the case involved indigenous children or those of other races and entries for which no race data was given. The estimation of Odds Ratio with a confidence interval was obtained by multivariate logistic regression. Results: the factors associated with malaria in indigenous children were attributed to being of the female sex, age from 0 to 4 years, passive case surveillance, high load of parasitemia or lack of data regarding the level of parasitemia, parasitic forms containing Plasmodium falciparum were more frequent, as well as timeliness of treatment, which corresponds to the time between the onset of symptoms and the start of treatment being less than 48 hours. Conclusion: the factors associated with malaria in indigenous children highlight the difference in race, suggest more severity of the disease and more malarial infections in this population, and, as a result, malaria has a great impact on the health of the indigenous children.
Gastric proton pump with two occluded K+ engineered with sodium pump-mimetic mutations
Authors: Abe Kazuhiro , Yamamoto Kenta , Irie Katsumasa , Nishizawa Tomohiro , Oshima Atsunori
Published: June 2021

The gastric H+,K+-ATPase mediates electroneutral exchange of 1H+/1K+ per ATP hydrolysed across the membrane. Previous structural analysis of the K+-occluded E2-Pi form of H+,K+-ATPase showed a single bound K+ at cation-binding site II, in marked contrast to the two K+ occluded at sites I and II of the closely-related Na+,K+-ATPase which mediates electrogenic 3Na+/2K+ translocation across the membrane. The two pumps show significant differences in structure in and around Site I, but which are critical for blocking K+ binding in the gastric pump and contribute to binding in the sodium pump is unclear. We have a series of crystal structures and a cryo-EM structure of H+,K+-ATPase mutants with changes in the vicinity of site I based on the structure of the sodium pump. The number of bound Rb+, determined by its anomalous dispersion, remains one in the luminal-open E2BeF form of the Lys791Ser single mutant and Lys791Ser/Glu820Asp double mutant, mutation that could create space and may directly bind the cation. We next introduced mutations in peripheral residues Try340Asn and Glu936Val. A strong and spread-out Rb+ anomalous density observed in the quadruple mutant suggests that a certain population ATPases has two Rb+ bound. We then added gate-closing mutation Try799Trp and determined its cryo-EM structure in the occluded E2-AlF form. This quintuple mutant unambiguously has two separate densities at the cation-binding site. The step-wise construction of the K+ binding site offers new insight into how it is blocked in the one pump and constituted in the other.
Dynamics of Microbial Communities on Eggshells and on Nest Materials During Incubation in the Oriental Tit (Parus Minor)
Authors: Song Hokyung , Lee Keesan , Hwang Injae , Yang Eunjeong , Ha Jungmoon , Kim Woojoo , Park Sungjin , Cho Hyunjoon , Choe Jae Chun , Lee Sang-im , Jablonski Piotr G.
Published: June 2021

Eggshell microbial communities may affect hatching success and nestling’s condition. Nest materials are in direct contact with the eggshells, but the relationships with the eggshell microbiome during incubation have not been fully elucidated. Here, we characterize eggshell and nest-material microbial communities and their changes during incubation in the Oriental Tit (Parus minor). Microbial communities on the nest material were relatively stable and remained distinct from the eggshell communities, and had higher diversity and greater phylogenetic clustering compared to the eggshell communities from the same nest, resulting in lower phylogenetic turnover rate of nest material microbiome during incubation than expected by chance. While the species diversity of both communities did not change during incubation, we found significantly greater changes in the structure of microbial communities on the eggshell than on the nest material. However, eggshell microbiome remained distinct from nest material microbiome, suggesting independent dynamics between the two microbiomes during incubation. We detected an increase in the relative abundance of several bacterial taxa on the eggshell that likely come from the bird’s skin, feathers or cloaca/intestine, which suggests some exchange of bacteria between the incubating bird and the eggshell. Furthermore, incubation appeared to promote the abundance of antibiotic producing taxa on the eggshell, which may hypothetically inhibit growth of many bacteria including pathogenic ones. Our results suggest that the future studies should focus on simultaneous monitoring of absolute abundance as well as relative abundance in communities on eggshells, nest materials and the incubating bird’s body.
Calculation of the Optimal Number of Nurses Based on Nursing Intensity by Patient Classification Groups in General Units in South Korea: a Cross-sectional Study
Authors: Ko Yukyung , Park Bohyun
Published: June 2021

Background: Calculating the accurate number of nursing personnel based on a patient classification system that clearly reflects the nursing needs of patients is a problem directly related to the nursing unit’s budget management, productivity, etc. This study aimed to calculate the total daily nursing workload and the optimal number of nurses per general unit based on the nursing intensity and direct nursing time per inpatient through patient classification.Methods: Three units at one general hospital were investigated. To calculate nursing intensity, patient classification according to nursing needs was performed for over 10 days in each unit in September 2018. The direct and non-direct nursing time and nursing intensity scores were analyzed using descriptive statistics (e.g. frequency, percentage, and average) generated using Microsoft Excel.Results: For the internal medicine unit, the average direct nursing time per patient was 1.0, 1.5, 2.2, and 2.9 hours for Groups 1, 2, 3 and 4, respectively. For the surgical unit, the average direct nursing time per patient was 0.9, 1.4, 2.1, and 2.6 hours for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4, respectively. For the comprehensive nursing care unit, the average direct nursing time per patient was 0.8, 1.2, 1.7, and 2.2 hours for Groups 1, 2, 3, and 4. The optimal number of nurses was 25 in the internal medicine unit, 37 in the surgical unit, and 22 in the comprehensive nursing unit. There was a shortage of five nurses in the internal medicine unit and nine in the surgical unit.Conclusion: Based on the nursing time according to patient classification groups, this study confirmed that the optimal number of nurses cannot be secured and that the nursing intensity is very high. The results of this study suggest that long-term efforts, such as improving the nursing environment, should be made to secure an optimal number of nurses in various hospital nursing units.