bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Investigation of Aberrantly Methylated Differentially Expressed Genes in Pancreatic Cancer by Integrated Bioinformatics Analysis
Authors: xue Cailin , gao Peng , zhang Xudong , cui Xiaohan , jin Lei , zhu Chunfu , qin Xihu
Published: January 2021

Background: Abnormal methylation of DNA sequences plays an important role in the development and progression of pancreatic cancer (PC). The purpose of this study was to identify abnormal methylation genes and related signaling pathways in PC by comprehensive bioinformatic analysis of three datasets in the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO). Methods: Datasets of gene expression microarrays (GSE91035, GSE15471) and gene methylation microarrays (GSE37480) were downloaded from the GEO database. Aberrantly methylated-differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were analysis by GEO2R software. GO and KEGG enrichment analyses of selected genes were performed using DAVID database. A protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed by STRING and visualized in Cytoscape. Core module analysis was performed by Mcode in Cytoscape. Hub genes were obtained by CytoHubba app. in Cytoscape software. Results: A total of 267 hypomethylation-high expression genes, which were enriched in biological processes of cell adhesion, biological adhesion and regulation of signaling were obtained. KEGG pathway enrichment showed ECM-receptor interaction, Focal adhesion and PI3K-Akt signaling pathway. The top 5 hub genes of PPI network were EZH2, CCNA2, CDC20, KIF11, UBE2C. As for hypermethylation-low expression genes, 202 genes were identified, which were enriched in biological processes of cellular amino acid biosynthesis process and positive regulation of PI3K activity, etc. The pathways enriched were the pancreatic secretion and biosynthesis of amino acids pathways, etc. The five significant hub genes were DLG3, GPT2, PLCB1, CXCL12 and GNG7. In addition, five genes, including CCNA2, KIF11, UBE2C, PLCB1 and GNG7, significantly associated with patient's prognosis were also identified. Conclusion: Novel genes with abnormal expression were identified, which will help us further understand the molecular mechanism and related signaling pathways of PC, and these aberrant genes could possibly serve as biomarkers for precise diagnosis and treatment of PC.
Assessment of Computed Tomography-Defined Muscle and Adipose Tissue Features in Relation to Length of Hospital Stay and Recurrence of Hypertriglyceridemic Pancreatitis
Authors: Yu Huajun , Huang Yingbao , Chen Lifang , Shi Liuzhi , Yang Yunjun , Xia Weizhi
Published: January 2021

Background: Analytic morphometric assessment has recently been proposed to be applied to the study of acute pancreatitis (AP). However, the relationship between body composition and the outcomes of hypertriglyceridemic pancreatitis (HTGP) is still unclear. The aim of this study was to evaluate body composition in relation to the length of hospital stay (LOS) and recurrence of HTGP.Methods: Patient characteristics, admission examination data, body composition parameters, LOS, and recurrence within 1 year were collected from the institutional pancreatitis database and follow-up records. Logistic regression analysis was used to identify risk factors for LOS and recurrence of HTGP.Results: Of the 196 included patients, 158 (80.6%) were men and 53 (27.0%) were sarcopenic. The average LOS was 15.83±10.02 days. The recurrence rate of HTGP was 36.7%. Multivariate analysis with multiple linear regression suggested that subcutaneous fat area (SFA) (p=0.019) and high-density lipoprotein-cholesterol (HDL-C) (p=0.001) were independently associated with the LOS for HTGP after adjusting for age and sex. The multivariate adjusted hazard ratios for SFA and HDL-C, with respect to the relationship between body parameters and LOS, were 1.008 (95% confidence interval [CI], 1.001–1.015) and 0.090 (95% CI, 0.022–0.361), respectively. No significant differences were observed between the AP and recurrent AP (RAP) groups in terms of characteristics, admission examination data, and body composition parameters.Conclusion: SFA and HDL-C are associated with LOS in patients with HTGP. The body composition of patients at the first symptom onset of HTGP cannot predict recurrence.
Hepatitis B in Pregnant Females. A Cross Sectional Study in Nile Delta, Egypt
Authors: Elkadeem Mahmoud , Elnaggar Ramy
Published: January 2021

Background &Aim:Hepatitis B infection is a worldwide health problem. Egypt classified as an area of intermediate endemicity. Hepatitis B has high materno-fetal transmission. The aim of this study was to assess hepatitis B virus infection in Egyptian pregnant females in Nile Delta as regards risk factors and magnitude of the problem.Methods:This cross sectional study was performed on 1948 pregnant females. Historical and sociodemographic data were collected through short simple questionnaire. They were screened for hepatitis B surface antigens. Positive ones were subjected to test hepatitis B e antigen and viral load by real time polymerase chain reaction.Results: Thirty patients (1.54%) were hepatitis B surface antigen positive. Only two of them (6.67%) were hepatitis B e antigen positive with high viral load. Others were hepatitis B e antigen negative and low viral load. Family history of hepatitis B, occupation, age more than 27 years, and history of surgical or dental procedures were significant risk factors associated with hepatitis B acquisition.Conclusion: Screening for hepatitis B is important as a part of antenatal care mainly in the presence of risk factors to follow up mother, and protect fetus so as to prevent wide spread of hepatitis B in Egypt.
Predisposing Conditions for Condylar Luxation After Intraoral Vertical Ramus Osteotomy 
Authors: Rokutanda Satoshi , Yamada Shin-Ichi , Yanamoto Souichi , Sakamoto Hiroshi , Omori Keisuke , Rokutanda Hiromi , Yoshimi Tomoko , Fujishita Ayumi , Morita Yukiko , Yoshida Noriaki , Umeda Masahiro
Published: January 2021

Intraoral vertical ramus osteotomy (IVRO) is a surgical procedure for the treatment of mandibular prognathism and temporomandibular disorders. However, the improvement of temporomandibular disorders after surgery is considered to be due to the anterior and downward movement of the mandibular condyle, which may lead to condylar sag, and in the worst case, condylar luxation. In this retrospective cohort study, we examined factors potentially associated with condylar luxation. Univariate analysis indicated that condylar luxation was significantly associated with the following factors: magnitude of setback (P = 0.001); presence of temporomandibular joint (TMJ) symptoms (P = 0.002); occlusal cant correction ≥ 2 mm (P = 0.018); and mandibular condyle deformation (P < 0.001). The magnitude of setback (P = 0.035) and the presence of TMJ symptoms (P = 0.008) remained significant in the multivariate analysis. In the receiver operating characteristic curve, the cut-off value of the magnitude of setback for condylar sag and condylar luxation after IVRO was 3.25 mm. Thus, the risk of condylar luxation after IVRO is increased with a smaller magnitude of setback (≤ 3.25 mm) and the presence of TMJ symptoms. These factors should be carefully evaluated by surgeons during treatment planning for IVRO.
Pediatric Traumatic Cataracts : 10 Year-experience of a Tertiary Referral Center 
Authors: Gunaydın Nesrin Tutas , Oral Ayse Aydın
Published: January 2021

Background: To evaluate the factors influencing final visual acuity in pediatric traumatic cataracts. Methods: Data of patients who presented with traumatic cataracts were reviewed retrospectively. We evaluated sex; age at trauma; trauma type, cause, and zone; duration between the time of trauma and cataract surgery; surgical method used; time, location, and type of intraocular lens (IOL) implantation; initial and final corrected distance visual acuity (CDVA); amblyopia rate and complications. Results: In all, 61 eyes of 59 patients with cataracts after trauma, under 16 years of age, were included. The mean age of the children was 7.2 ± 3.9 years. Primary IOL implantation was performed in 70.9% of eyes. The CDVA was 0.7 LogMAR or better in 16.3% of the 49 eyes where the visual acuity could be measured at the time of trauma and in 69.1% of 55 eyes in which it could be measured after treatment. The evaluation of factors potentially influencing the final visual acuity revealed that eyes that had undergone posterior capsulotomy (PC) and anterior vitrectomy (AV) during cataract surgery had significantly better final vision compared to eyes that did not undergo these procedures. Conclusion: Good visual results can be obtained in children with traumatic cataracts using PC and AV together with lens aspiration and IOL implantation, followed by effective amblyopia treatment and close monitoring.
Circulation Patterns of Human Seasonal Influenza a Virus in Chile Before H1N1pdm09 Pandemic
Authors: Mena Juan , Tapia Rodrigo , Verdugo Claudio , Avendaño Luis , Parra-Castro Paulina , Medina Rafael , Barriga Gonzalo , Neira Victor
Published: January 2021

Understanding the diversity and circulation dynamics of seasonal influenza viruses is key to public health decision-making. The limited genetic information of pre-pandemic seasonal IAVs in Chile has made it difficult to accurately reconstruct the phylogenetic relationships of these viruses within the country. The objective of this study was to determine the genetic diversity and estimate the antigenic evolution of pre-pandemic human seasonal IAVs in Chile. We sequenced the complete genome of 42 historic IAV obtained between 1996 to 2007. The phylogeny was determined using HA sequences and complemented using other segments. Time-scale phylogenetic analyses revealed that diversity of pre-pandemic human seasonal IAVs in Chile have been influenced by continuous introductions of new A/H1N1 and A/H3N2 lineages and constant viral exchange between Chile and the rest of the countries every year. Besides, wide genetic and antigenic diversity was observed co-circulating in some years and introduced lineages every year become extinct at the end of each season. These results provide important knowledge about genetic diversity and evolutionary patterns of pre-pandemic human seasonal IAVs in Chile, which can help to design optimal surveillance systems and prevention strategies in the country, however, future studies with current sequences should be conducted.
Seven Autophagy-Related lncRNAs Associated With Clinical Prognosis in Hepatocellular Carcinoma.
Authors: Zhou Yaping , Yang Liu , Zhang Xiangxin , Zhao Xiaotong , Fu Jianfeng , Wang Lu
Published: January 2021

Background: LncRNA may be involved in the occurrence, metastasis, and chemical reaction of hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) through various pathways associated with autophagy. Therefore, it is urgent to reveal more autophagy-related lncRNAs, explore these lncRNAs' clinical significance, and find new targeted treatment strategies. Methods: In our study, RNA-seq and clinical data of normal and HCC patients were obtained from the TCGA database, and autophagy genes were obtained from the human autophagy database. Results: The risk prediction model containing seven autophagy-related lncRNAs was constructed. Overall survival (OS) curves show that the high-risk group patients significantly shorter than the low-risk group (P=2.292e-10), and the five years survival rate of the high-risk group (HR 0.286, 95%CI 0.199-0.411) is less than half of the low-risk group (HR 0.694, 95%CI 0.547-0.77). Univariate Cox regression indicated that risk score of the risk prediction model (P<0.001, 95%CI 1.210-1.389 ), T (P<0.001, 95%CI 1.443-2.287), and stage (P<0.001 ,95%CI 1.466-2.408 ) were independent prognostic indicators. However, only the risk score remains the independent prognostic indicator(P<0.001, 95%CI 1.197-1.400 ) based on the multivariate analysis. This risk model's prediction efficiency is significantly higher than other clinicopathological factors for 1-, 3- and 5-year survival rate prediction (AUC are 0.853, 0.794, and 0.764, respectively). Remarkably, the 7 autophagy-related lncRNAs may participate in Spliceosome, Cell cycle, RNA transport, DNA replication, and mRNA surveillance pathway and be related to the biological process of RNA splicing and mRNA splicing. Conclusion: In conclusion, the 7 autophagy-related lncRNAs might be promising prognostic and therapeutic targets for HCC.
Profiling of Pulmonary Fungal Pathogens and the Prevalence of Pulmonary Tuberculosis Fungal Co-Infection in Presumptive Tuberculosis Patients Referred to Saint Peter’s Tuberculosis Referral Hospital, Addis Ababa, Ethiopia
Authors: Bitew Adane , Bati Solomon
Published: January 2021

Background: The burden of pulmonary mycosis is increasing and often misdiagnosed as pulmonary tuberculosis in developing countries where the prevalence of pulmonary tuberculosis is high. Objective: To determine the prevalence of pulmonary mycosis and pulmonary tuberculosis fungal co-infections. Methods: A hospital-based, cross-sectional study was conducted between October 2019 and May 2019. Sputum was collected from 636 study subjects. Part of the sputum was inoculated onto Brain Heart Infusion agar and fungi were identified following standard microbiological procedures. The remaining part of the sample was used for the investigation of pulmonary tuberculosis by GeneXpert.Results: Among 636 sputum samples, 75.9% (483), 25.6% (163), and 20% (127) were positive for fungal pathogens, pulmonary tuberculosis, and pulmonary tuberculosis fungal co-infection, respectively. Of 690 fungal isolates, 81.4% were yeasts compromising of 46.3% Candida albicans 52.7% Non-albicans Candida species, and 1.0% Cryptococcus neoformans. The remaining 128 (18.6%) isolates were molds, where Aspergillus species (79; 61.7%), Penicillium species (16; 12.5%), Scedosporium apiospermum (13; 10.2%), and Fusarium species (10;7.8%) being the major isolates. The isolation rate of fungi was higher in males (51.6%) than in females (48.4%). There was no statistically significant association between the prevalence of pulmonary fungal pathogens and sex (P=0.239). Patients in the age group of 35-44 and above were slightly more affected than younger age groups. The association of fungal pathogens and age was not statistically significant (P=0.50). Conclusions: Our study revealed a high prevalence of pulmonary fungal pathogens (75.4%) and pulmonary fungal co-infection (20%). The isolation rate of Non-albicans Candida species out-numbered that of C. albicans. High prevalence of pulmonary fungal pathogens in our study, especially in cases where sputum for pulmonary tuberculosis was negative alerts, the need to employ conventional microbiology tests along with clinical and radiological evidence.
Development of A Prognostic Index and Screening of Prognosis Related Genes Based on an Immunogenomic Landscape Analysis of Bladder Cancer
Authors: Qu GenYi , Yang Guang , Xu Yong , Xiang Maolin , Tang Cheng
Published: January 2021

Background: Bladder cancer (BLCA) is one of the most common urinary tract malignant tumors. It is associated with poor outcomes, and its etiology and pathogenesis are not fully understood. There is great hope for immunotherapy in treating many malignant tumors; therefore, it is worthwhile to explore the use of immunotherapy for BLCA.Methods: Gene expression profiles and clinical information were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA), and immune-related genes (IRGs) were downloaded from the Immunology Database and Analysis Portal. Differentially-expressed and survival-associated IRGs in patients with BLCA were identified using computational algorithms and Cox regression analysis. We also performed functional enrichment analysis. Based on IRGs, we employed multivariate Cox analysis to develop a new prognostic index.Results: We identified 261 IRGs that were differentially expressed between BLCA tissue and adjacent tissue, 30 of which were significantly associated with the overall survival (all P<0.01). According to multivariate Cox analysis, nine survival-related IRGs (MMP9, PDGFRA, AHNAK, OAS1, OLR1, RAC3, IGF1, PGF, and SH3BP2) were high-risk genes. We developed a prognostic index based on these IRGs and found it accurately predicted BLCA outcomes associated with the TNM stage. Intriguingly, the IRG-based prognostic index reflected infiltration of macrophages.Conclusions: An independent IRG-based prognostic index provides a practical approach for assessing patients' immune status and prognosis with BLCA. This index independently predicted outcomes of BLCA.
PTPN2 Expression in Cystadenocarcinoma Ovary and It’s Clinical Value Based on TCGA Database
Authors: Li Qian , Chen Yannan , Yang Li , Fan Yaguang , Li Feiyan , Zhang Feng , Ren Chenchen , Liu Jiaxi
Published: January 2021

Ovarian serous cystadenocarcinoma (OV) is a malignant tumor that often has a poor prognosis because of its late detection. The expression of PTPN2 is associated with a variety of tumors, but its effect on OV is not well understood. Therefore, we analyzed the relationship between PTPN2 and the prognosis of OV. Analysis of patients with OV using The Cancer Genome Atlas revealed an association between PTPN2 expression and the prognosis of OV. We established a model of the relationship between these factors by logistic regression, which showed a significant correlation between the tumor grade and decreased expression of PTPN2. Kaplan-Meier survival analysis showed that low PTPN2 expression was associated with poor overall survival. Further analysis of the expression of immune cells in OV using the ssGSEA package revealed a significant correlation between the expression level of PTPN2 in OV and the numbers of mast, gamma delta, helper, and central memory T cells. We also found differences between the phenotypic pathways associated with low PTPN2 expression and pathways of genes and proteins that determine epithelial-mesenchymal transformation. Finally, a network diagram of protein molecular interactions was drawn using the STRING database, which showed that PTPN2 was closely related to the signal converter and transcriptional activator family and Janus kinase family. Thus, PTPN2 shows potential for use as a prognostic biomarker in OV and is associated with immune infiltration.
The Fatigue Behavior and Mechanism of Large FV520B-I Specimens in a Very High Cycle Regime
Authors: Zhang Han , Zhang Ming , Li Li Meng , Xie Bao Hai , Zhang Jun Li
Published: January 2021

We examined the fatigue properties in very high cycle regime of large FV520B-I specimens in an ultrasonic fatigue test. The fatigue mechanism in very high cycle regime didn’t change and the fatigue properties obviously degraded as the specimen size enlarged. The fatigue life decreased and the S-N curve moved downward due to the increase of inclusion size in large specimens. The maximum inclusion sizes in specimens were predicted by the method of statistics of extreme value. The prediction of fatigue strength using the modified Murakami model was closer to the test result, and the fitting of fatigue life using the corrosion fatigue crack initiation life model was less effective compared with the fitting of small specimen test results
Missed Nursing Care: Concept Analysis Using the Hybrid Model
Authors: Rahimi Shoeleh , Khankeh Hamid Reza , Sharifi Azam , Mohammadian Batol
Published: January 2021

Background and Objectives: Miss care is a quality index, which has been identified for nursing care and patient safety recently. However, no precise definition is available for the clinical dimensions and features of this concept. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the concept of miss nursing care based on the hybrid model.Design: A concept analysis was conducted using a three-phase(theoretical phase, fieldwork phase and final analysis phase) hybrid method.Methods:In the theoretical phase, the concept of miss care was explored in reliable databases from 1998 up to 2018. Using COREQ guidelines ,in the field work phase, in-depth interviews were conducted with six nurses and the data were analyzed using content analysis method. In the last phase, the final analysis was carried out.Results: The results indicated miss care as a healthcare error as a kind of negligence in which the nurse provides unmanaged patient care due to the adversity of organizational and process background factors, which results in the negligence of essential cares and leads to consequences for both the patient and the nurse.Conclusion: Based on the present concept analysis, unmanaged care was the main feature of miss care, which had not been included in the previous definitions. Nurses can create an accurate structure for nursing care and reduction of miss care through performance of process-based care and determination of nursing care priorities. Further studies are recommended to compare this concept to similar ones to determine the clinical distinctions.
Effects of a Single Bout of Exercise on Memory and Attention Following One Night of Sleep Loss: Results of a Randomised Controlled Pilot Study
Authors: Fleckenstein Johannes , Gerten Sina , Banzer Winfried
Published: January 2021

BackgroundSleep-loss is a severe problem in night-shift workers. It causes fatigue and a decrease in awareness that may be counter-acted by exercise. This randomised controlled study in 22 university students investigated the effects of exercise on cognitive and physical performance following sleep deprivation. MethodsWe were comparing a single bout of a 20-minutes circuit training to control in an experimental setting of overnight sleep loss. Outcomes included memory, cognitive tasks, and physical parameters. The occurrence of false memories was considered being the main outcome.ResultsExercise did not exert significant effects on false memories (p = 0.456). We could detect a trend to significanxe (p < 0.01) assessing cognitive dimensions, i.e. selective and sustained attention, and visual scanning speed. This revealed strong effects of exercise on attention (p = 0.091; Cohen’s d = 0.76; ∆14%), cognitive performance, performance speed, and perceived sleepiness (p = 0.008; d = 0.60; ∆2.4 cmVAS). ConclusionsThis study failed to show effects of exercise on memory function. Still, medium to strong effects on attention and consciousness can be considered clinically relevant. The results of this study encourage further research to determine its practicability and meaningfulness among night-shift workers.Trial registrationGerman Clinical Trials Register, DRKS00010655, registered 21. June 2016.
Retinoic acid metabolism-related enzyme signature identified prognostic and immunotherapeutic efficiency in sarcoma
Authors: Xu Huaiyuan , Hu JinXin , Song YiJiang , Chen HongMin , Xu YanYang , Deng ChuangZhong , Zhu XiaoJun , Wu Hao , Song GuoHui , Lu JinChang , Tang QinLian , Xia Liangping , Wang Jin
Published: January 2021

Background: Dynamic balance of retinoic acid metabolism plays a major role in a variety of biological functions including cell proliferation and differentiation, while its dysregulation often leads to cancer progression and disordered immunity. Targeting retinoic acid signaling has shown effectivity in re-educates tumor microenvironment so that they could enhance the efficacy of immunotherapies and received better outcome. However, a comprehensive analysis of retinoic acid metabolism abnormality in sarcoma is still lacking, which limits the development and application of related targeted drugs.Methods: The RA metabolism related enzymes data set was collected from several database. Then we systematically analyzed the molecular features of 19 retinoic acid metabolism-related enzymes based on TCGA/TARGET/GSE datasets and revealed two subtypes with distinct metabolic status and prognostic value. And we further generated a 7 genes signature to predict retinoic acid metabolism index based on LASSO-penalized Cox regression model.Results: Gene set enrichment analysis indicated a set of immune and oncogenic pathways were enriched in poor-prognosis group. Connectivity Map screened 56 potential small molecules specific to different sub-groups. Survival analysis demonstrated significant prognostic difference between high- and low-risk groups among all datasets. Several immune cells including CD8+ T cells, Treg cells, Monocytes, and Macrophages showed different abundance between these groups, and immune checkpoint blockade therapy response prediction indicated potential immunotherapeutic efficiency of poor-prognosis group.Conclusions: Taken together, our study elaborated two different retinoic acid metabolism status of sarcoma, which revealed the metabolic heterogeneity of sarcoma. Robust and powerful metabolic index risk model could provide insightful suggestions to explore the molecular functions and mechanisms of retinoic acid metabolism.
Effect of a Freezing-thawing Cycle on Overall and Inter-variability of Runoff and Soil Loss Components for a Loess Soil
Authors: Gharemahmudli Sudabeh , Sadeghi Seyed Hamidreza , Najafinejad Ali , Darki Behrouz Zarei , Kheirfam Hossein , Behbahani Ali Mohammadian
Published: January 2021

Background: Because control of runoff generation as well as soil loss is influenced by freezing-thawing, proper knowledge and insight into the freezing-thawing process in combination with other hydrological processes is essential for executives and planners. However, such dynamic phenomenon and corresponding consequences have not been studied adequately. The present study was therefore planned to comparatively analyze the effects of a freezing-thawing cycle on hydrologic behaviors of loess soil from northeast of Iran. Towards that, the small-size (0.5×0.50×0.30 m) erosion plots were subjected to a freezing-thawing cycle in accordance with governing conditions on the region of the origin soil. The plots were subjected to a freezing-thawing treatment through inducing cold air until temperature declined to below -20 °C and lasted for three days using a large cooling compartment system, and then were kept in the laboratory with ambient temperature of above 10 °C for two days. The treated plots as well as untreated (control) plots were then exposed to a simulated rainfall with an intensity of 72 mm h-1 and 0.5 h duration while they were placed on a slope of 20%. Results: The results indicated that the hybrid processes of freezing-thawing, and splash and interrill erosions significantly affected runoff generation and soil loss at small plots. So that the time to runoff reduced by 1.65 times in the freezing-thawing treatment compared to that reported for the control treatment. The runoff volume and soil loss also increased at tune of 1.38 and 2.90 times in treated plots in comparison with those measured for the untreated plots. Laboratorial results indicated significant differences (p< 0.006) between runoff and soil loss behaviors in plots subjected to a freezing-thawing cycle and those of control condition. Conclusion: The performance of ice lenses and freezing fronts and creating near-saturation moisture after completing the cycle were evaluated as the most important factors affecting the different soil behaviors under frozen-thawed cycle.
Effect of flow conditions on characteristics and morphological variations of urea deposits during preliminary stage in Urea-SCR Systems–A study using SEM and XRD
Authors: S Sadashiva Prabhu , Nayak Nagaraj Shivappa , Natesan Kapilan
Published: January 2021

Urea-Water Solution (UWS) is sprayed into the diesel engine exhaust gases of automobiles to generate reducing agent NH 3 in Urea-SCR system adopted to diesel engines of modern automobiles for the mitigation of NO x . Although, it is a very efficient technique, the deposit formation at low temperature is a major concern. The growth of deposits not only reduces the efficiency of NH 3 generation, but also generates non-depleting complex compounds. The temperature and Reynolds number have significant effects on these deposit formation. The compositional variation and crystallinity of deposits were experimentally investigated using EDX and XRD with respect to variation in temperature and flow rate at the preliminary stages. The elemental analysis done for different samples using EDX indicates urea as a major constituent in most of the deposits up to 250 0 C for overdosed conditions. The XRD results indicate the evolution of various traces of urea related compounds at different temperature and flow rate. Using Scanning Electron Microscopy (SEM), the morphological variations were studied. The comparative study of morphology of deposits during the initial stages of deposit formation indicates an extent to which growth can takes place and probable areas of deposits for further growth for varying exhaust gas flow rates.
Effect of Doped CeO with Si3N4 Powders on the Densification Mechanism During
Authors: Liu Yao
Published: January 2021

The densification mechanism of doped CeO with Si3N4 powder during Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS) was investigated under temperatures ranging from 1500 to 1750 °C at soaking pressures of 30, 40, 50 MPa. Results showed that the relative density of Si3N4 ceramics sintered at 1650 °C and 30 MPa was 97.9%. A creep model was employed to determine the mechanism, which can be interpreted on the basis of the stress exponent (n). The results showed that the mechanism was controlled by liquid phase sintering at low effective stress regime (n=1).
Drug Resistance and Its Related Factors in ART-failure Patients From 2018 to 2019 in Liaoning Province, China
Authors: Wei Qianqian , Zhao Yan , Lv Yani , Kang Xu , Pan Shan , Yao Shujie , Wang Li
Published: January 2021

Background: To understand the prevalence of HIV-1 drug resistance and the mutation patterns in ART-failure individuals in Liaoning Province, China, we conducted a cross-sectional survey.Patients and methods: Plasma samples were collected from HIV-1-positive individuals who experienced ART failure in Liaoning Province between April 2018 and September 2019.Genotype resistance test was performed using an in-house assay on these collected samples. Factors associated with drug resistance were identified by logistic regression analysis.Results: A total of 256 HIV-1-positive individuals experiencing ART failure were tested for drug resistance from April 2018 to September 2019. Of these, the most predominant genotype was CRF01_AE, accounting for 77.73%. The resistance rate to any of the three classes of antiretroviral drugs (NNRTIs, NRTIs, and PIs) was 64.84%. Among 256 ART-failure patients, 62.89% showed drug resistance to NNRTIs, 50.39% to NRTIs, and 3.13% to PIs. G190S (31.25%) and Y181C (25.78%) mutations were the most common NNRTIs resistance mutations, and K65R (29.69%), M184V (28.52%) were the most common NRTIs resistance mutations. Factors associated with drug resistance included current ART regimen, viral load.Conclusion: The high drug resistance rate among ART-failure individuals in Liaoning Province needs more attention. Corresponding strategies for the risk factors associated with HIV drug resistance can better control and prevent the prevalence of resistance.
Using Nonlinear Dynamics of EEG Signals to Decode Hand Movement Directions Under Bimanual Movement
Authors: Wang Jiarong , Bi Luzheng , Fei Weijie
Published: January 2021

Background: Decoding hand movement parameters from electroencephalograms (EEG) signals can provide intuitive control for brain-computer interfaces (BCIs). However, most existing studies of EEG-based hand movement decoding are focused on single hand movement. Since the both-hand movement is common in human augmentation systems, to address the decoding of hand movement under the opposite hand movement, we investigate the neural signatures and decoding of the primary hand movement direction from EEG signals under the opposite hand movement. Methods: The decoding model was developed by using an echo state network (ESN) to extract nonlinear dynamics parameters of movement-related cortical potentials (MRCPs) as decoding features and linear discriminant analysis as a classifier. Results: Significant differences in MRCPs between movement conditions with and without an opposite hand movement were found. Furthermore, using the ESN-based models, the decoding accuracies reached 86.03± 7.32% and 88.45± 6.16% under the conditions without and with the opposite hand movement, 20 respectively. Conclusions: These findings showed that the proposed method performed well in decoding the primary hand movement directions under the conditions with and without the opposite hand movement. This study may open a new avenue to decode hand movement parameters from EEG signals and lay a foundation for the future development of BCI-based human augmentation systems.
Characterization of a Porcine Sapelovirus Strain Isolated in China
Authors: Li Nana , Li Benqiang , Tao Jie , Cheng Jinghua , Shi Ying , liu Huili
Published: January 2021

Background: Porcine sapelovirus (PSV) infections have been associated with a wide spectrum of symptoms ranging from asymptomatic infection to clinical signs including diarrhea, pneumonia, reproductive disorders, and polioencephalomyelitis. Although PSV is an important pathogen due to its wide distribution and high prevalence rate, researches on PSV have been relatively few so far.Methods: In this study, we isolated a PSV strain, SHCM2019, from swine faecal specimens from PK15 cells. To investigate the molecular characteristics and pathogenicity of the PSV strain, the genomic sequence of the SHCM2019 strain was analysed, and the clinical manifestations and pathological changes exhibited by inoculated neonatal piglets were observed. Results: Sequencing results showed that the full-length genome of the SHCM2019 strain was 7567 nucleotides in length excluding the 27-nucloetude poly(A) tail. Phylogenetic analyses demonstrated that the virus isolate belongs to PSV and was classified into the China cluster. RNA recombination analysis indicated that there may be a recombination breakpoint upstream of the 3D region in PSVs. Pathogenicity research demonstrated that the virus isolate could cause diarrhoea and pneumonia in piglets. Conclusion: This study presented the isolation of a recombinant PSV strain, SHCM2019 and demonstrated the isolate was pathogenic. Our results may provide a reference for future research investigating of the pathogenic mechanism and evolutionary characteristics of PSV.
Health professionals' sick absenteeism and determinants of incapacity leave approvals in a South African provincial health department
Authors: Ramsamy Roshnee , Ditlopo Prudence , Rispel Laetitia
Published: January 2021

BackgroundA well-performing health workforce is critical to the successful implementation of universal health coverage. Sickness absenteeism influences health worker performance, with potentially negative consequences for quality of patient care and staff morale. Within the South African public sector, incapacity leave is additional sick leave granted at the discretion of the employer.ObjectivesThe aim of this study was to examine approved incapacity leave and its determinants among health professionals in a provincial health department in South Africa.MethodologyElectronic records of approved incapacity leave absences of health professionals employed in the Gauteng Department of Health (GDoH) were obtained from the government’s Personnel Salary Administration System. The period of analysis was 1 January 2016 until 31 December 2016. A structured record review form was used to extract demographic, occupational and medical information on each approved leave episode. STATA ® 15 was used for descriptive and multivariate statistical analysis.ResultsIn 2016, the GDoH approved the incapacity leave of 518 health professionals. The mean age of health professionals with incapacity leave was 46 years (SD ± 10.2 years). Professional nurses accounted for 41.5% of incapacity leave approvals. The main medical reasons for incapacity leave episodes were mental disorders (12.8%) and musculoskeletal disorders (12.0%). The risk factors for incapacity leave among health professionals were: female, 35 years and older, from district hospitals and working in the Sedibeng health district (p < 0.001). The odds of incapacity leave was three times higher for health professionals who were older than 45 years (45 to 54 years – adjusted odds ratio (AOR) 3.0 95% CI 2.3-4.0) (≥ 55 years - AOR 3.1 95% CI 2.3–4.3). The odds of incapacity leave among health professionals was highest for those working in the Sedibeng health district (AOR 2.2 95% CI 1.5–3.3).ConclusionsSickness absenteeism is complex and influenced by individual, workplace and health system factors. The study findings suggest the need to improve the management of incapacity leave in the GDoH, through inter alia, improved information systems, monitoring of sickness absenteeism and the creation of positive practice environments.
Experience on Commissioning the first Halcyon Linear Accelerator in China
Authors: Yang Bo , Yu Lang , Wang Zhiqun , Wang Bei , Li Wenbo , Zhang Jie , Zhang Xin , Wu Zhufeng , Zhou Zongkai , Sui Hui , Hu Ke , Zhang Fuquan , Qiu Jie
Published: January 2021

Objective: This study is aimed to establish a proper clinical commissioning procedure for the Halcyon 1.0 linear accelerator (linac) with pre-configured reference beam data (RBD) set and to ensure the commissioning results meet the clinical treatment requirements. Methods: Four parts were carried out during the commissioning work on the first Halcyon linac in China, which were according to the characteristics of this linac, the experience of the acceptance tests and commissioning procedure of our existing linacs and treatment planning systems (TPS), reports of AAPM & IAEA and relevant publications with the choice of appropriate quality assurance (QA) tools and procedures. These four aspects were as follows: 1. Commissioning of the Halcyon linac; 2. commissioning of the Eclipse TPS; 3. QA and quality control (QA & QC) of the Halcyon linac; 4. QA & QC of the Eclipse TPS and developing the corresponding procedures. Results: The 3D radius of the isocenter of gantry and collimator rotation from Winston-Lutz test was 0.64mm, the coincidence of the virtual isocenter and the treatment isocenter was quite well, and the maximum travel position deviation was 0.7mm. Percentage Depth Doses (PDDs) was 63.3% at 10cm at the reference setup and the tolerance was within 1%. The Machine Performance Check (MPC) results were within the relevant tolerance, and the gantry isocenter size measured from MPC test was 0.67mm. The pre-configured beam model data was in agreement with the measured data. In the process of rotation, the speed of gantry rotation and multi-leaf collimator (MLC) movement and the control of dose rate were all accurate with all deviations were controlled below 2%. The CT values of Surface and Interior of the carbon fiber treatment couch were -750HU and -950HU, respectively. All MPPG 5.a recommended regular field gamma compare tests met the requirements. The task group 119 test was also performed on Halcyon, the point dose difference for intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT) and RapidArc techniques were -0.003 ± 0.011 and - 0.012 ± 0.006, respectively, with confidence limits of 0.025 and 0.024. Conclusion: The measured data of the Halcyon linac are in good consistency with the pre-configured beam model data in Eclipse TPS. The commissioning results of the IMRT technique and the RapicArc technique are all within the tolerance ranges recommended by AAPM and relevant publications, which could meet the needs of clinical requirements. The pre-configured data can facilitate the commissioning work and the validation and replace fully collecting beam data, which will be the trend of the commissioning of linac in the future.
Low-dose Radiotherapy for Unstageable Pressure Ulcer:A Case Report
Authors: Lin YuPing , Mao MiaoBin , Guan BingJie , Shi ShengHong , Shi GuiQing , Li XiaoBo , Zheng Rong , Xu BenHua
Published: January 2021

Background：Pressure ulcer is a common complication of long-term bedridden patients, but current treatment strategies have limited efficacy for pressure ulcer. Case presentation：We present a 17-year-old man with unstageable pressure ulcer treated with three-dimensional conformal radiotherapy. We irradiate the posterior lumbosacral pressure ulcer with 3D-CRT using a 6 MV photon beam. The patient was placed in a prone position and a total dose of 50cGy was administered. Then, the healing was evaluated using PUSH scale score on days 8，12 and 3 months after radiotherapy. After radiotherapy, beefy red tissue with a shiny, moist, granular appearance tissue are present in the wound bed, exudate amount was decreased, the depth of the pressure ulcer became significantly shallower and the wound surface area was reduced. PUSH scale score descreased from15 to 7.Conclusion: Radiotherapy could be a promising treatment strategy of unstageable pressure ulcer.
Frictional Stability of Porous Tuff Breccia Under Subsurface Pressure Conditions and Implications for Shallow Seismicity
Authors: Mizoguchi Kazuo , Uehara Shin-ichi , Hirose Takehiro , Iizuka Sachiko
Published: January 2021

Thick layers of unconsolidated sediments are widespread in the Japan island’s surface, and their frictional properties significantly affect the shallow slip behavior during earthquakes. However, laboratory data on the properties of the shallow zone remain limited. We collected tuff breccia samples from deep borehole cores of the Miocene “Green Tuff” formation, a major surface cover, and performed velocity-stepping friction tests on them under in situ stresses of 2 to 20 MPa to assess the velocity-dependence of frictional strength. The samples exhibit predominantly frictionally stable, velocity-strengthening behavior over the range of normal stress tested, which supports the hypothesis that shallow sediment layers are seismically quiescent. The result is consistent with the low seismicity and attenuation of coseismic slip in the shallow zone observed for the regional earthquakes. Microstructural observations of the postmortem samples through optical and scanning electron microscopies indicate a fabric transition from boundary shear localization to distributed cataclastic flow with increasing normal stress. Our laboratory investigation on depth-variable distribution of friction velocity dependence of a shallow sediment layer would provide further insight into the mechanical role for earthquake rupture dynamics and shallow seismicity.
Promises and partnership in human-robot interaction
Authors: Cominelli Lorenzo , Feri Francesco , Garofolo Roberto , GIANNETTI Caterina , A.MELENDEZ-JIMENEZ Miguel , Greco Alberto , Nardelli Mimma , Scilingo Enzo Pasquale , Kirchkamp Oliver
Published: January 2021

Understanding human trust in machine partners has become imperative due to the widespread use of intelligent machines in a variety of applications and contexts. The aim of this paper is to investigate whether human-beings trust a social robot - i.e. a human-like robot that embodies emotional states, empathy, and non-verbal communication - differently than other types of agents. To do so, we adapt the well-known economic trust-game proposed by Charness and Dufwenberg (2006) to assess whether receiving a promise from a robot increases human-trust in it. We find that receiving a promise from the robot increases the trust of the human in it, but only for individuals who perceive the robot very similar to a human-being. Importantly, we observe a similar pattern in choices when we replace the humanoid counterpart with a real human but not when it is replaced by a computer-box. Additionally, we investigate participants' psychophysiological reaction in terms of cardiovascular and electrodermal activity. Our results highlight an increased psychophysiological arousal when the game is played with the social robot compared to the computer-box. Taken all together, these results strongly support the development of technologies enhancing the humanity of robots.
Improved Progression-Free Survival for Bulky and Non-Bulky Advanced Stage Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma with Consolidative Radiation Therapy: A Bi-Institutional Analysis
Authors: Syed Yusef Ali , Jiang Cecilia , Switchenko Jeffrey , Kirmani Khadija , Kelsey Chris , Khan Mohammad K
Published: January 2021

Background: The role of consolidative radiation therapy (RT) for advanced stage diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL) is not fully established. Retrospective data provide evidence for the use of consolidative RT in stage III-IV DLBCL and emerging data from randomized studies address the role of RT in bulky disease for these patients.Methods: Patient with stage III-IV DLBCL treated at two institutions who achieved clinical complete response to systemic therapy were included. Kaplan-Meier analysis was performed to determine the impact of consolidative RT. Univariate and multivariable analyses were performed using a Cox proportional hazards model.Results: One hundred eighty-eight patients received systemic therapy consisting of R-CHOP (79%), another Rituximab-based regimen (9%), or chemotherapy alone (12%). Clinical response was assessed using conventional CT or PET-CT. Sixty-eight patients (36%) received consolidative RT (median dose 30 Gy). Consolidative RT conferred a 36.7% absolute benefit in five-year progression-free survival (85.9% vs. 49.2%, log rank p < 0.0001), and a 14.5% absolute benefit in five-year overall survival (87.4% vs. 72.9%, log rank p = 0.0134). On multivariable analysis, consolidative RT was associated with improved PFS (HR 0.23, 95% CI 0.10-0.52, p < 0.001). Patients receiving consolidative RT demonstrated significantly improved PFS for tumors measuring both <5 cm (log rank p = 0.0454) and ³5 cm (log rank p = 0.0003).Conclusions: For patients with stage III-IV DLBCL who achieve clinical complete response after systemic therapy, consolidative RT improves PFS for all patients, including those with non-bulky disease. This benefit persists in the setting of rituximab-based systemic therapy.
The Efficacy and Safety of Topical Microbicide Gels to Prevent Sexual Transmission of Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) Infection: a Systematic Review and Meta-analysis
Authors: Gillies-Podgorecki Jamie , Gaalen Sarah van , Abdulwahid Tiba , Becker Marissa , Lê Mê-Linh , Rabbani Rasheda , Zarychanski Ryan , Abou-Setta Ahmed M.
Published: January 2021

Background: Topical microbicide gels are a potential method to reduce sexually transmitted human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, especially in women. Several randomized controlled trials (RCTs) of topical microbicides to prevent HIV transmission have yielded promising results, however trial results have been inconsistent. The objective of this study was to determine the efficacy and safety of topical microbicide gels to prevent HIV transmission.Methods: We conducted meta-analyses, stratified by microbicide gel type, using a random-effects model. We included 25 RCTs that met the inclusion criteria: 13 RCTs examined gel efficacy during heterosexual contact, and an additional 12 trials reported on gel acceptability, participants’ adherence to intervention, and adverse reactions (allergic reaction and pain). Results: With this limited data, topical microbicide gels were not found to be significantly better than placebo in preventing HIV infection (risk ratio (RR) 0.93, 95% CI 0.82 to 1.04; I2 14%; 13 trials; 31,764 participants). It should be noted that low adherence rates were frequently reported within trials. In one trial with high participant adherence (>70%) to intervention, there was a significant protective effect of gels (RR 0.63, 95% CI 0.43 to 0.93; 889 participants). While measures of acceptability and adherence to intervention were similar between groups, administration of topical microbicides were associated with an increased incidence of pain at the application site (RR 1.16, 95% CI 1.00 to 1.36, I2 0%, 15 trials, 19,554 participants).Conclusions: In conclusion, efficacy of topical microbicide gels may relate to baseline risk and compliance with the intervention. In the general population it is not associated with protection from sexually transmitted HIV infection.