bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Uso de hidrolizados de pescado en el campo de la acuicultura: una revisión de algunos resultados beneficiosos en dietas acuícolas
Authors:   , Cardoza Ramirez Alessandra Lucia , Guerra Espinoza Mariafernanda Graciela
Published: September 2021

Las industrias pesqueras y de acuicultura generan, cada año, un conjunto de residuos o desechos que incluyen piel, cabeza, vísceras, recortes y espinazos, representando más del 60% en volumen productivo. Estos residuos tienen altos contenidos de proteínas, y normalmente son procesados en productos de bajo valor comercial, como alimentos para animales, harina de residuos y fertilizantes. En los últimos años, se han venido desarrollando tecnologías para el aprovechamiento de estos residuos y convertirlos en bioproductos de mayor valor agregado, como son los hidrolizados de proteínas, con interesantes aplicaciones en la alimentación animal. Los hidrolizados proteicos de pescado son productos obtenidos de la degradación enzimática o química de las proteínas de pescado en péptidos más pequeños, aminoácidos libres y nucleótidos, obteniéndose un alto contenido proteico con buen balance de aminoácidos, alta digestibilidad y mejor aprovechamiento de sus nutrientes. La inclusión de éstos hidrolizados en los alimentos acuícolas puede mejorar el crecimiento y la eficiencia alimentaria de los organismos acuáticos en cultivo. Este artículo presenta una revisión sobre investigaciones de la inclusión de hidrolizados proteicos de pescado en dietas experimentales para peces, crustáceos, moluscos y algas, y los efectos en los desempeños productivos, en los últimos veinte años.
Lipid Dyshomeostasis and Inherited Cerebellar Ataxia
Authors: Zhao Jin , Zhang Huan , Fan Xueyu , Yu Xue , huai jisen
Published: September 2021

Cerebellar ataxia is a neurological disorder originating in the cerebellum and can be divided into different subtypes. The etiology of these disorders is complicated, especially in inherited disorders. Currently, nearly all disorders remain incurable. To precisely diagnose and treat these diseases, studies on their molecular mechanisms have been conducted extensively in the past. Accumulating evidence has demonstrated that some common pathogenic mechanisms exist within each subtype of inherited ataxia. However, no reports have indicated whether there is a common mechanism among the different subtypes of cerebellar ataxia. In this review, we summarize the available references and databases on neurological disorders characterized by cerebellar ataxia and show that a subset of genes involved in lipid homeostasis form a new group that may cause ataxic disorders through a common mechanism. This common signaling pathway can provide a valuable reference for future diagnosis and treatment of ataxic disorders.
NETosis and thrombosis in vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia
Authors: Chong Beng , Leung Halina , Perdomo Jose , Ahmadi Zohra , Rashid Fairooj , Enjeti Anoop , Ting Stephen , Chong James
Published: September 2021

Vaccine-induced immune thrombotic thrombocytopenia (VITT) is a rare yet serious adverse effect of adenoviral vector vaccines (AstraZeneca and Johnson & Johnson) against COVID-191. Anti-platelet factor 4 (PF4) antibodies are present in VITT patients2,3. Although the current view suggests that platelet activation by anti-PF4 antibodies is the cause of thrombosis there is as yet no direct evidence that the antibodies induce clot formation and thrombocytopenia (reduction in platelet counts) in VITT and the mechanisms involved remain unknown4. Here we show that VITT antibodies induce thrombosis and thrombocytopenia, and that thrombus formation is mediated by neutrophil extracellular traps (NETs). We found markers of NETosis, abundance of neutrophil/platelet aggregates and presence of neutrophils undergoing NETosis in patients with active VITT. VITT antibodies directly stimulate neutrophils to release NETs and induce thrombus formation containing abundant platelets, neutrophils, fibrin, extracellular DNA and citrullinated histone H3 using an in vitro blood flow microfluidic system. In transgenic mice expressing human PF4 and FcγRIIa, VITT antibodies lead to thrombosis, thrombocytopenia and formation of low density granulocytes. Pharmacological and genetic inhibition of NETosis prevents VITT-induced thrombosis in mice but not thrombocytopenia. In contrast, in vivo blockage of FcγRIIa abrogates both thrombosis and thrombocytopenia suggesting they are distinct processes. Our findings indicate that VITT antibodies activate cells via FcγRIIa and are responsible for thrombosis and thrombocytopenia. This study identifies NETosis as a pathogenic mechanism for thrombus formation in VITT. We anticipate our findings will motivate future development of NETosis and FcγRIIa inhibitors as potential specific therapies for VITT and consequently better patient outcomes.
Comparison of Fully Coated Anti-Reflux Metal Stenting and Per-Oral Endoscopic Myotomy in Patients with Achalasia: A Propensity Score- Matched Retrospective Study
Authors: tang yufen , Jin Peng , Tao Yu-rong , Xie Hui , Wang Xin , Yu Dongliang , Tang Shan , Sheng Jian-qiu
Published: September 2021

Background: Achalasia is a rare primary esophageal motility disorder disease. It is reported that the long-term effect of fully coated anti-reflux metal stent (FCARMS) implantation is satisfactory. Operated by a skilled and experienced endoscopist, the effect of POEM treatment is equivalent to that of surgical myotomy. So far, there is still few evidence to prove stent implantation or POEM which is better for achalasia. The choice of treatment for achalasia is still controversial. Therefore, the aim of this study is to find a more suitable therapy for achalasia by comparing the efficacy of FCARMS implantation and POEM.Methods: A propensity score (PS) matching (1:2) was used in this retrospective cohort study. Data collected from consecutive patients of Achalasia, receiving FCARMS implantation or POEM therapy at the department of gastroenterology, the Seventh Medical Center of the Chinese People’s Liberation Army General Hospital from May 2007 to May 2018. According to their previous treatment, they are divided into two groups, FCARMS group and POEM group. Clinical efficacy and complications were compared between the two groups.Results: A total of 166 cases were collected, including 113 cases of FCARMS and 53 cases of POEM. By PS matching, 150 patients were enrolled (100 cases of FCARMS and 50 cases of POEM). By comparison, the FCARMS group has shorter operation time, shorter fasting time and lower hospitalization costs than the POEM group (p<0.05). Common complications in the FCARMS group are nausea, vomiting, and stent shift. Repetitions of gastroscopy in the FCARMS group was more often, which were 3.8±2.4（vs 2.1±1.8 of POEM）(p=0.00<0.05) The 6-month remission rates of the FCARMS combination POEM group were 89% and 94%, respectively (p=0.39), and the 2-year remission rates were 61% and 90%, respectively (p=0.00).Conclusions: Stent placement is a cost-effective and safe treatment option for achalasia. The short-term effect (less than 6 mons) of FCARMS is similar to that of POEM, the long-term effect (more than 2 years)，POEM is better than FCARMS. HRMⅡis most suitable for POEM treatment. It indicate that Patients can choose treatment methods according to their own conditions.
Analyzing Post-Disaster Recovery Success Factors in Developing Countries Using Interpretive Structural Modeling Approach
Authors: Pradhananga Piyush , ElZomor Mohamed
Published: September 2021

There remains a significant gap in emergency management efforts and governance during natural disasters in developing countries, leading to preventable losses of life and damages to properties. Recent efforts to improve disaster responses and achieve long-term post-disaster recovery are threatened by increasing frequency of natural disasters and consistent failures in managing and planning responses. This study aims to: (1) investigate current state of emergency management practices using two case studies i.e., hurricanes in South Florida, United States and earthquakes in Kathmandu, Nepal; and (2) investigate the critical success factors that foster faster post-disaster recovery in developing countries, rank them, and develop an Interpretive Structural Modeling (ISM) framework. To achieve these objectives, the study conducted a systematic literature review (SLR) and questionnaire surveys to stakeholders who reside in disaster-prone communities both in the United States and Nepal. The study results indicated that bolstering critical transportation systems is the most influential factor that impacts other success factors during post-disaster recovery in developing countries. Moreover, the study results also indicated that a significant gap exists in awareness and proactive decision-making skills among many Nepalese residents due to the lack of emergency management training, policies, and leadership in emergency situations. The findings of this study contribute to two bodies of knowledge: firstly, the construction management through embracing systematic ISM framework that bridges the gaps in post-disaster recovery efforts in developing countries; and secondly, disaster risk management by demonstrating the strengths and weaknesses of emergency management practices in disaster-prone communities of developed and developing countries.
Fermentation Quality of Herbal Tea Residue and its Application in Fattening Cattle Under Heat Stress
Authors: Zhuang Xiaona , Chen Zujing , Sun Xiaohong , Li Fangjun , Luo Junyi , Chen Ting , Xi Qianyun , Zhang Yongliang , Sun Jiajie
Published: September 2021

Background: Herbal tea residue (HTR) is generally considered to be the waste of herbal tea beverage production while it still retains rich nutrients and active substances. The main aim of the present study was to investigate the effect of fermentation technology on improving the quality of HTRs, and focus on the fermented HTR-induced alleviation of summer heat stress in fattening cattle.Results: In this study, the waste HTR was fermented and then fed to a total of 45 fattening cattles that were divided into 3 groups (fermented HTR replaced 0%, 15%, 30% of Pennisetum purpureum respectively), and the feeding experiment was lasted for 40 days. The physiological indexes, growth performance and fecal microorganisms of fattening cattle were evaluated and results showed that fermented HTR could effectively reduce the respiratory rate and rectal temperature of fattening cattle under heat stress, increase the daily feed intake and daily gain, and improve the antioxidant content and blood immune index. In addition, we studied the fecal microorganisms composition of 6 fattening cattles in each group and found fermented HTR significantly changed the composition of fecal microorganisms and increased microbial diversity, and correlation analysis suggested that the bacteria were closely related to fecal SCFA levels of fattening cattle under heat stress. Conclusions: we suggested that 30% of fermented HTR can help maintain health of fattening cattle and alleviate the heat stress of fattening cattle by the change of intestine microorganisms.
Mendelian randomization informs shared genetic etiology underlying exposure and outcome by interrogating correlated horizontal pleiotropy
Authors: Cheng Qing , Chen Lin , Liu Jin
Published: September 2021

Mendelian randomization (MR) harnesses genetic variants as instrumental variables (IVs) to study the causal effect of exposure on trait/disease using summary statistics from genome-wide association studies. Classic MR assumptions are violated when IVs are associated with unmeasured confounders, i.e., when correlated horizontal pleiotropy (CHP) arises. Such confounders could be a shared gene or inter-connected pathways underlying exposure and outcome. We propose MR-CUE (MR with Correlated horizontal pleiotropy Unraveling shared Etiology and confounding), for estimating causal effect while identifying IVs with CHP and accounting for estimation uncertainty. For those IVs, we map their cis-associated genes and enriched pathways to inform shared genetic etiology underlying exposure and outcome. We apply MR-CUE to study the effects of interleukin 6 on multiple traits/diseases and identify several S100 genes involved in cross-traits etiology. We assess the effects of multiple exposures on type 2 diabetes across European and East Asian populations.
Spatial Heterogeneity and Socio-economic Correlates of Unmet Need for Spacing in India: Evidences From National Family Health Survey, 2015-16
Authors: Rahaman Margubur , Rana MD Juel , Roy Avijit , Chouhan Pradip
Published: September 2021

Background:The high unmet need for contraception among women who wants to delay their subsequent births for two or more years is a challenging issue in India. Therefore, the present study aims to display spatial heterogeneity and determine the associated factors underlying the unmet need for contraception among the currently married women aged 15-49 years with a demand for spacing births in India.Methods:The present study used data from the National Family and Health Survey, 2015-16. Unmet need for spacing (UNS) used as outcomes and socio-cultural and demographic factors as explanatory variables. Among the comprehensive family planning, 16.7% (56742 women) of currently married women had demand for spacing births were used for analysis. Univariate, bivariate with chi-square significance test, spatial natural break technique, and multivariate logistic regression were used to accomplish the study objectives. Results:Almost 17% of women had demand spacing out of total demand for family planning in India. High unmet need for contraception found among them except the women with higher-level education and wealth status. District level spatial heterogeneity of UNS shows 119 districts had very high unmet for spacing (69% and above). Results from multivariate logistic regression show that UNS's likelihood was noticeably high among the women with parity three or more (AOR: 1.42 [1.3-1.55]) compared to their counterparts. Similarly, 44% (AOR: 1.44[1.38-1.51]) more likely found among the OBC than General caste. Rural (AOR: 1.24[1.19-1.30]) women compared to urban, women living in South (AOR: 6.19 [5.76-6.65]), Central (AOR: 1.52 [1.43-1.61]), and West (AOR: 1.80 [1.68-1.92]) region compared to those from North had higher odds of UNS. Conclusion:Deal with the UNS in India requires scaling up women education, client choice-based services, campaign on benefits of spacing births and available contraception, and socio-economically backward group centric policies.
Screening in rheumatology: the impact on the everyday experience of patients in the Brazilian public health system
Authors: Serratto Varlei Antonoio , Kowacs Dora Pedroso , Kowalski Sérgio Candido
Published: September 2021

Background

In recent years, due to the increased incidence of rheumatologic diseases, the demand for consultations in rheumatology has risen. In the Brazilian public health system, patients with rheumatologic complaints are referred from primary care to specialized consultation, and must wait in a waiting list for the specialized care. In 2015, the waiting time for the first consultation in rheumatology, in Curitiba- Brazil, was 600 days. In attempt to reduce this time, in-person and remote screening was implemented that same year in a healthcare service in Curitiba. From 2015 to 2019 the variation in the number of patients in waiting lists for their first rheumatology consultation and the length of the waiting period for their first referral was evaluated.
Methods

Observational study in a time series. The patients in the study were referred to a primary healthcare center for an assessment of rheumatology in Curitiba, Brazil. The data was analyzed based on the first consultation with the rheumatologist. The variables were the number of patients in the waiting list and the waiting period for the appointment with the doctor. The research was carried out through a computerized system called “e-saude”[electronic health] runed by the Health Secretary of the Municipality of Curitiba. A comparison was made between the period of 2013–2015, in a model for treatment without screening, and 2015–2019, when the in-person and remote screening first began.
Results

Between 2015 and 2019 there was a reduction in the waiting list of 6,429 patients to 25 patients, while there was an average of 56.5 patients in the last two years;. With regard to the waiting period for the first appointment with the rheumatologist in 2019, there was a reduction of 600 days to a minimum of 4 days and a maximum of 52 days.
Conclusion

Both in-person and remote screening for asynchronous electronic consultations for rheumatologist in Curitiba led to a reduction in the waiting time and number of patients for the first appointment with the rheumatologist, proving to be a useful method for reducing the time and number of patients in the waiting list for a specialized consultation.
circPTP4A2-miR-330-5p-PDK2 Signaling Facilitates In Vivo Survival of HuMSCs on SF-SIS Scaffolds and Improves The Repair of Damaged Endometrium
Authors: Zheng Yuanyuan , Li Linhao , Bi Xuewei , Xue Ruyue
Published: September 2021

Background

Human umbilical cord MSCs (HuMSC)-based therapy has shown promising results in the treatment of intrauterine adhesions (lUA). In this study, our aim was to construct a HuMSC-seeded silk fibroin small-intestinal submucosa (SF-SIS) scaffold and evaluate the impact of repairing the damaged endometrium in an lUA mouse model.
Methods

To identify the functional effect of HuMSCs-silk cellulose (SF)- small-intestinal submucosa (SIS) scaffolds on the repair of damaged endometrium, a mouse lUA model was established in this study. The uterine morphology and fibrosis were evaluated by hematoxylin - eosin (H&E) staining and Masson staining. CircRNA sequencing, real-time PCR and RNA fluorescence in situ hybridization were used to screen and verify the potential circRNAs that involved in the repair of damaged endometrium by HuMSCs. Real time integrated cellular oxygen consumption rate (OCR) was measured using the Seahorse XF24 Extracellular Flux Analyser. The potential down-stream miRNAs and proteins of circRNAs were analyzed dual-luciferase report and Western Blot.
Results

We found that HuMSCs-SF-SIS not only increased the number of glands, but also reduced the ulcer area in the IUA model. Furthermore, we demonstrated that circPTP4A2 was elevated in the HuMSCs seeded on the SF-SIS scaffolds and stabilized the mitochondrial metabolism through miR-330-5p-PDK2 signaling, which contributes to endometrial repair progression.
Conclusion

In this study, we demonstrated that circPTP4A2 was elevated in the HuMSCs seeded on the SF-SIS scaffolds and stabilized the mitochondrial metabolism through miR-330-5p-PDK2 signaling, which contributes to endometrial repair progression. These findings demonstrate that HuMSC-seeded SF-SIS scaffolds are an encouraging method for the treatment of lUA.
Electrospun Composite Nanofibers Based on Poly (ε-caprolactone) and Styrax Liquidus (Liquidambar Orientalis Miller) as a Wound Dressing: Preparation, Characterization, Biological and Cytocompatibility Results
Authors: Demir Didem , Özdemir Sadin , Ceylan Seda , Yalcin M. Serkan , Sakım Burcu , Bölgen Nimet
Published: September 2021

In this study, styrax liquidus (sweet gum balsam) extracted from Liquidambar orientalis Mil. incorporated PCL fibrous scaffolds were prepared using the electrospinning method. The effects of the styrax liquidus content on the prepared scaffolds were investigated using different physico-chemical and morphological analyses. Then, the styrax-loaded nanofibers were examined for their antioxidant activity, anti-biofilm, metal chelating, antimicrobial and DNA cleavage properties. The results obtained from these studies showed that the nanofibers exhibited effective biological activity depending on the weight ratio of the styrax liquidus. In light of the data obtained from the characterization and biological studies, a sample with high ratio of balsam was built for determining the cytocompatibility analysis in vitro. The cytotoxicity studies of the selected membrane were conducted using mouse embryonic fibroblast cells. The fibrous scaffolds lead to increase the cell number as a result of high viability. According to the results, we propose a novel biocompatible electrospun hybrid scaffold with antioxidant and antimicrobial properties that can be used as wound healing material for potential tissue engineering applications.
Development of a Deep Learning System To Reduce The Time Needed for COVID-19 RT-PCR: Can We Use Deep Learning To Get RT-PCR Test Results of COVID-19 Faster?
Authors: LEE YOONJE , KIM Yu-Seop , Lee Da-in , Jeong Seri , Kang Gu-Hyun , Jang Yong Soo , Kim Wonhee , Choi Hyun Young , Kim Jae Guk , Choi Sang-hoon
Published: September 2021

Reducing the time to diagnose COVID-19 helps to manage insufficient isolation-bed resources and adequately accommodate critically ill patients in clinical fields. There is currently no alternative method to RT-PCR, which requires 40 cycles to diagnose COVID-19. We proposed a deep learning (DL) model to improve the speed of COVID-19 RT-PCR diagnosis. We developed and tested a DL model using the long-short term memory method with a dataset of fluorescence values measured in each cycle of 5,810 RT-PCR tests. Among the DL models developed here, the diagnostic performance of the 21st model showed an area under the receiver operating characteristic (AUROC), sensitivity, and specificity of 84.55%, 93.33%, and 75.72%, respectively. The diagnostic performance of the 24th model showed an AUROC sensitivity, and specificity of 91.27%, 90.00%, and 92.54%, respectively.
Effect of the New Zero-Tolerance Drinking and Driving Law on Hospital Admissions Due to Road Traffic Accidents in Brazil: an Interrupted Time Series Study From 2008 to 2019 Short Title New Zero-tolerance Drinking and Driving Law on Hospitalization in Brazil
Authors: Souza Cássia Rebeca Lima , Russo Letícia Xander , Silva Everton Nunes da
Published: September 2021

We investigated the effect of the new zero-tolerance drinking and driving law (Law 12760) on hospital admissions due to road traffic accidents in Brazil by using interrupted time series from 2008 to 2019. We used ICD-10 codes for land transport accidents (V00-V89). The hospitalization rate was calculated per 100,000 inhabitants. The sources were the Hospital Information System and the Brazilian Institute for Geography and Statistics. For Brazil, the hospitalization rate decreased by 0.400841 (p=0.052; 95% CI -0.8060128 to -0.0043307) in the first month of the intervention (December 2012), followed by a significant change in the hospitalization trend. Compared to the period prior to the intervention, the monthly trend was reduced by 0.048215 (p<0.01; 95% CI 0.0614524 to 0.0349775) in the post period. These results stand in agreement with subgroup analyses for the Brazilian regions, although North and Northeast regions did not immediately reduce hospitalization rates (level change). Our results suggested that 436,581 hospitalizations for land transport accidents were averted by the new zero-tolerance drinking and driving law from Dec. 2012 to Dec. 2019 in Brazil.
The Biological Investigations of a Benzoguanamine-based Nickel Complex and Its Application as a Capable Nano‐catalyst for the Synthesis of Benzimidazoles
Authors: Oliaee Sajjad , Habibi Davood , Heydari Somayyeh , Karamian Roya , Ranjbar Nika
Published: September 2021

The benzoguanamine-based nickel complex was prepared, characterized by several methods and its biological (anti-bacterial, anti-cancer and anti-oxidant) activities were investigated. Also, the benzoguanamine-based nickel complex was used as a capable heterogeneous nano-catalyst for the synthesis of diverse 2-phenyl-1H-benzo[d]imidazoles from the reaction of o-phenylenediamine (PhenDA) with various aldehydes in chloroform at reflux conditions.
Characteristics and Outcomes of Frail Patients with COVID-19 Admitted to ICU: An Individual Patient Data Meta-Analysis
Authors: Subramaniam Ashwin , Anstey Christopher , Curtis J Randall , Ashwin Sushma , REDDY Mallikarjuna PONNAPA , ALIBERTI Márlon Juliano Romero , AVELINO-SILVA Thiago Junqueira , Welch Carly , Koduri Gouri , Prowle John R , Wan Yize I , LAURENT Michaël R , Marengoni Alessandra , Lim Jun Pei , Pilcher David , Shekar Kiran
Published: September 2021

Purpose: Frailty is often used in clinical decision-making for patients with COVID-19, yet studies have found variable influence of frailty on outcomes in those admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). In this individual patient data meta-analysis, we evaluated the characteristics, and outcomes of frail patients admitted to ICU with COVID-19.Methods: We contacted the corresponding authors of sixteen eligible studies published between December 1st 2019 and February 28th 2021 reporting the clinical frailty scale (CFS) in patients with confirmed COVID-19 admitted to ICU. Individual patient data was obtained from 7 studies. We classified patients as non-frail (CFS=1-4) or frail (CFS=5-8). The primary outcome was hospital mortality. We also compared the use of mechanical ventilation (MV) and the proportion of ICU bed-days between frailty categories. Results: Of the 2001 patients admitted to ICU, 388 (19.4%) were frail. Increasing age and sequential organ failure assessment (SOFA) score, CFS ≥4, use of MV, vasopressors, renal replacement therapy and hyperlactatemia were risk factors for death in a multivariable analysis. Hospital mortality was higher in frail patients (65.2% vs. 41.8%; p<0.001), with adjusted mortality increasing with a rising CFS score beyond 3. Younger and non-frail patients were more likely to receive MV. Frail patients spent less time on MV (median days [IQR] 9 [5-16] vs. 11 [6-18]; p=0.012) and accounted for only 12.3% of total ICU bed-days. Conclusion: Frail patients with COVID-19 were commonly admitted to ICU and had greater hospital mortality but spent relatively fewer days in ICU when compared with non-frail patients. Frail patients receiving MV were at greater risk of death than non-frail patients. Systematic review registration: Registration protocol in PROSPERO (CRD42020224255).
Wearable Multimodal - Serious Game System For Hand and Cognitive Rehabilitation After Stroke
Authors: Song Xinyu , de Ven Shirdi Shankara van , Kang Peiqi , Gao Qinghua , Chen Shugeng , Jia Jie , Shull Peter Bradley
Published: September 2021

Objective: Stroke often leads to both motor control and cognitive dysfunction, and effective rehabilitation requires keeping patients engaged and motivated. We introduce a wearable multimodal system based on force myography, electromyography, and inertial sensing with two associated serious games for stroke rehabilitation of twelve hand movements related to activities of daily living and the Fugl Meyer Assessment.Methods: In the ‘Find the Sheep’ serious game, patients performed corresponding hand movements to select the correct sheep card, and in the ‘Best Salesman’ serious game, patients performed corresponding hand movements to grab specific food and drink items in a store. A multi-sensor fusion model was developed for movement classification via linear discriminant analysis. Ten stroke patients with mild to moderate motor impairments (Brunnstrom Stage for Hand II-VI) performed validation testing, and effectiveness was evaluated by movement classification accuracy and qualitative patient questionnaires.Results: Classification accuracy for twelve movements using combined force myography, electromyography, and inertial sensing was 81.0%, and accuracies for using electromyography, force myography, or inertial sensing alone were 69.6%, 63.2%, and 47.8%, respectively. All patients reported that they were more enthusiastic about rehabilitation while playing serious games than conventional rehabilitation, and a majority reported the wearable multimodal-based system was easier to wear than a sensorized data glove. Significance: Results showed that multi-sensor fusion could improve hand gesture classification accuracy for stroke patients and demonstrated that the proposed wearable multimodal-serious game system could potentially facilitate upper extremity rehabilitation and cognitive training after stroke.
Non-invasive Monitoring of Core Body Temperature for Targeted Temperature Management in Post-Cardiac Arrest Care
Authors: Fiorini Kyle , Tamasi Tanya , Dorie Justin , Hegazy Ahmed F. , Lee Ting-Yim , Slessarev Marat
Published: September 2021

BackgroundAccurate monitoring of core body temperature is integral to targeted temperature management (TTM) following cardiac arrest. However, there are no reliable non-invasive methods for monitoring temperature during TTM. We compared the accuracy and precision of a novel non-invasive Zero-Heat Flux Thermometer (SpotOnä) to a standard invasive esophageal probe in a cohort of patients undergoing TTM post cardiac arrest. MethodsWe prospectively enrolled 20 patients undergoing post-cardiac arrest care in the intensive care units at the London Health Sciences Centre in London, Canada. A SpotOnä probe was applied on each patient’s forehead, while an esophageal temperature probe was inserted, and both temperature readings were recorded at 1-minute intervals for the duration of TTM. We compared the SpotOnä and esophageal monitors using Bland-Altman analysis and Pearson correlation, with accuracy set as a primary outcome. Secondary outcomes included precision and correlation. Bias exceeding 0.1°C and limits of agreement exceeding 0.5°C were considered clinically important.ResultsSixteen (80%) of patients had complete data used in the final analysis. The median (interquartile range) duration of recording was 38 (12-56) hours. Compared to the esophageal probe, SpotOnä had a bias of 0.05 ± 0.35ºC and 95% limits of agreement of -0.64 to 0.74 ºC. Pearson correlation coefficient was 0.98 (95% confidence interval 0.9796-0.9805), with a two-tailed p-value of <0.0001. ConclusionThe SpotOnä is an accurate method that may enable non-invasive monitoring of core body temperature during TTM, although its precision is slightly worse than the pre-defined 0.5°C when compared to invasive esophageal probe.
Characterization of Methyltransferase from Apramycin Biosynthetic Gene Cluster and Improvement Production of Apramycin in Engineered Streptoalloteichus Tenebrarius
Authors: Sun Junyang , Gao Hongjing , Yan Danyang , Liu Yu , Ni Xianpu , Xia Huanzhang
Published: September 2021

BackgroundApramycin is a structurally unique aminoglycoside, used in veterinary medicine or the treatment of Salmonella, Escherichia coli and Pasteurella multocida infections in farm. Although discovered and used many years ago, many biosynthetic steps of apramycin are still obscure. ResultsIn this study, we identified a HemK family methyltransferase, aprI, involved in apramycin biosynthesis. The function of aprI was studied by using gene disruption and biochemical experiments, and a new aminoglycoside antibiotic demethyl-apramycin was purified from aprI disruption strain. Experiments proved that AprI converted demethyl-aprosamine to aprosamine in vitro. Based on this, the apramycin production strain was improved by overexpression the AprI to decrease the impurity production. ConclusionsWe have identified aprI is a 7’-N-methyltransferase gene in apramycin biosynthesis and confirmed the substrate of methyltransferase. Engineering of aprI resulted in a strain producing a new aminoglycoside demethyl-apramycin and apramycin mono-producing strain with less impurity production. Finally, the yield of demethyl-apramycin in apramycin mono-producing strain decreased from 196±36 mg/L to 51±9 mg/L, and the yield of apramycin increased from 2227±320 mg/L to 2331±210 mg/L.
Characteristics and Temporal-Spatial Analysis of Overseas Imported Dengue Fever Cases in Outbreak Provinces of China, 2005-2019
Authors: Lun Xinchang , Wang Yiguan , Zhao Chunchun , Wu Haixia , Zhu Caiying , Ma Delong , Xu Mingfang , Wang Jun , Liu Qiyong , Xu Lei , Meng Fengxia
Published: September 2021

(1) Background: Overseas imported dengue fever is an important factor in the local epidemic of dengue fever in mainland China. Therefore, in order to effectively prevent and control the local epidemic of dengue fever in mainland China, the epidemiological characteristics and temporal-spatial distribution of overseas imported dengue fever cases in provinces where dengue fever is endemic in mainland China are explored. (2) Methods: Through the infectious disease report information management system of the Chinese Disease Prevention and Control Information System, we sorted out overseas imported dengue fever cases in local outbreaks of dengue fever in mainland China from 2005 to 2019. Using Excel 2016 to sort out the data and draw the epidemic curve and population characteristic distribution of overseas imported cases in each province. Using ArcGIS 10.7 and SaTScan 9.5, we analyzed the temporal-spatial distribution of dengue fever in provinces where dengue fever is outbreak in mainland China. (3) Results: A total of 11407 imported cases, mainly from Southeast Asia, were recorded from 2005 to 2019 in 13 provinces, of which 62.08% were imported into Yunnan and Guangdong provinces. Among the imported cases, there were more males than females, mainly from 21-50 age group. 59.18% of the cases were farmers, businessmen, housework or unemployed. The hot spots were concentrated in parts of Yunnan and Guangdong provinces. Meanwhile,we found the clustered areas were expanding northward. (4) Conclusions: Focus on the publicity and education of dengue fever prevention knowledge among men, 21-50 years old, farmers, business services, housework or unemployed professionals. Further improve the awareness of the prevention and control of imported cases in border areas and economically developed cities. At the same time, the northern region cannot relax its vigilance.
Naloxone and nalmefene absorption delivered by hollow microneedles compared to intramuscular injection
Authors: Papich Mark G. , Narayan Roger J.
Published: September 2021

Naloxone and nalmefene were administered to seven research Beagle dogs, (mean weight approximately 12 kg) at a dose of 0.04 mg/kg and 0.014 mg/kg for naloxone and nalmefene, respectively. Each dose was administered intramuscularly (IM) with a standard IM injection and with a hollow microneedle device array using needles of 1 mm in length. The IM injection was delivered in the epaxial muscles, and the microneedle injection was delivered in the skin over the shoulder of each dog. Each dog received the same injections in a cross-over design. Following the injection, blood samples were collected for plasma analysis of naloxone and nalmefene by high pressure liquid chromatography with mass spectrometry detection (LCMS). The plasma sample concentrations were plotted for observed patterns of absorption and analyzed with non-compartmental pharmacokinetic methods (NCA). The results showed that the injection of naloxone from the microneedle device produced a higher peak concentration (CMAX) by 2.15x compared the IM injection of the same dose, and time to peak concentration (TMAX) was similar. For the nalmefene injection, the peak was not as high (lower CMAX) by 0.94x for the microneedle injection compared to the IM injection of the same dose. The microneedle produced an exposure, measured by area under the curve (AUC)) that was 0.85x and 0.58x as high for naloxone and nalmefene, respectively, than the injection by the IM route. We also observed that although the dose for naloxone was approximately 3x higher for naloxone compared to nalmefene, the mean peak concentration achieved from the naloxone injection was more than 12x higher than the nalmefene injection. These studies were designed to test the feasibility of using the hollow microneedle array as an effective method of naloxone and nalmefene delivery for emergency treatment of opioid-induced respiratory depression (OIRD). The results of these studies will form the basis of future studies, using the dog as a model, for development of hollow microneedle microarray devices to deliver opioid antagonists for treatment of OIRD in people.
Transmission dynamics of the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 infections in Daejeon, South Korea
Authors: Hwang Hari , Lim Jun-Sik , Song Sun-Ah , Achangwa Chiara , Sim Woobeom , Ryu Sukhyun , Kim Giho
Published: September 2021

Background
The delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 is now the predominant variant worldwide. However, its transmission dynamics remain unclear.
Methods
We analyzed all case patients in local clusters and temporal patterns of viral shedding using contact tracing data from 405 cases associated with the delta variant of SARS-CoV-2 between 22 June and 31 July 2021 in Daejeon, South Korea.
Results
Overall, half of the cases were aged under 19 years, and 20% were asymptomatic at the time of epidemiological investigation. We estimated the mean serial interval as 3.26 days (95% credible interval 2.92, 3.60), and 12% of the transmission occurred before symptom onset of the infector. We identified six clustered outbreaks, and all were associated with indoor facilities. In 23 household contacts, the secondary attack rate was 63% (52/82). We estimated that 15% (95% confidence interval, 13–18%) of cases seeded 80% of all local transmission. Analysis of the nasopharyngeal swab samples identified virus shedding from asymptomatic patients, and the highest viral load was observed two days after symptom onset. The temporal pattern of viral shedding did not differ between children and adults (P = 0.48).
Conclusions
Our findings suggest that the delta variant is highly transmissible in indoor settings and households. Rapid contact tracing, isolation of the asymptomatic contacts, and strict adherence to public health measures are needed to mitigate the community transmission of the delta variant.
Invasiveness prediction of pure ground glass nodules(≤3cm)
Authors: Wang Ziyi , Zuo Lindan , Liao Zhimin , Zheng Wei , Hu Qi , Pan Lei , Guo Xiongwen , Huang Weijiang
Published: September 2021

Background
Pure ground-glass nodules are considered to be radiologically noninvasive in lung adenocarcinoma. However, some pure ground-glass nodules are found to be invasive adenocarcinoma pathologically. This study aimed to find out the correlation between the clinical imaging features and the degree of invasion of pulmonary pure ground glass nodules (≤ 3cm).
Methods
The clinical data of 886 patients who underwent minimally invasive surgery for pulmonary nodules from June 2013 to June 2016 were collected. Among them, 72 patients had complete clinical data and isolated pulmonary ground glass nodule resection, and the diameter of pulmonary ground glass nodule was less than or equal to 3 cm.
Results
A total of 72 eligible patients were included in the study. Univariate analysis showed that there were significant differences in carcinoembryonic antigen, maximum diameter and area of pure ground glass nodules in patients with pre-invasive lesions and invasive lesions(P < 0.05). Multivariate logistic regression analysis showed that there were only statistical differences in the maximum diameter of nodule pre-invasive lesions and invasive lesions. The optimal cutoff value for CT-maximal diameter to predict pre-invasive lesions or invasive lesions was 1.08cm.
Conclusion
It is reliable to predict the pathological types of nodules (pre-invasive and invasive) by measuring the maximum diameter of pure ground glass nodules, and the most reliable cut-off value is 1.08cm.
Prediction of micro milling force and surface roughness considering size-dependent vibration of micro-end mill
Authors: Yicong Du , Song Qinghua , Zhanqiang Liu
Published: September 2021

When the characteristic structure size of the component is at the micron level, the internal crystal grains, grain boundaries and pore defects of the component material with the same size at the micron level cannot be ignored, so the micro-sized component will show different physical properties from the macro-sized component, which is called size effect. Since the tool diameter of micro-end mill is in the micron level, the micro-end mill will also show a significant size effect phenomenon. In addition, in micro milling process, because the surface roughness that affects the performance and service life of micro parts is mainly influenced by the vibration of micro-end mill, in order to enhance the machined surface quality, it is crucial to research the formation mechanism of surface topography in micro milling process. In this paper, a comprehensive method is proposed to predict micro-end mill vibration, micro milling force and surface roughness. At first, a size-dependent dynamic model of micro-end mill is presented based on the strain gradient elasticity theory (SGET). Secondly, considering the feedback of micro-end mill vibration, the micro milling force model is presented and solved through iterative method. Then the machined surface topography is simulated through the actual cutting edge trajectory considering the micro-end mill size-dependent vibration and material elastic recovery. The results show that the vibration of the micro-end mill will increase the micro milling force and surface roughness. In order to verify the accuracy and efficiency of the presented method, experiments are performed, and it is found that the experimental results are consistent with the predicted results.
Meta-analysis of economic evaluation studies: Data Harmonisation and Methodological issues
Authors: Bagepally Bhavani Shankara , Chaikledkaew Usa , Chaiyakunapruk Nathorn , Attia John , Thakkinstian Ammarin
Published: September 2021

Background
In the context of ever-growing health expenditure and limited resources, economic evaluations aid in making evidence-informed policy decisions. Cost utility analyses (CUA) are often used in this context, but limitations include pairwise contrasts, missing contrasts, and different sources or quality of data.
Results
Synthesis of CUA data from multiple studies is therefore desirable to assist policy makers, but there are many challenging methodological issues including: inconsistent reporting of results using different economic parameters, and multiple sources of heterogeneity including: setting, time horizon, perspective, modelling approaches and assumptions, currency, willingness to pay (WTP) threshold, level of country income, and input parameters. In this paper, we provide a step by step description of the methods for data harmonisation and synthesis of aggregated data from CUA studies, as well as a framework for handling heterogeneity; we demonstrate these methods using the example of agents for type 2 diabetes.
Conclusion
These meta-analytic methods for the synthesis of economic evidence synthesis should be useful for policy makers.
Analysis of Cyber Security In E-Governance Utilizing Blockchain Performance
Authors: Nagaraju Regonda , Shanmugam Selvanayaki Kolandapalayam , Rajeyyagari Sivaram , Pentang Jupeth Toriano , Bala B Kiran , Subburaj Arjun , Nomani M.Z.M.
Published: September 2021

E-Government refers to the administration of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) to the procedures and functions of the government with the objective of enhancing the transparency, efficiency and participation of the citizens. E-Government is tough systems that require distribution, protection of privacy and security and collapse of these could result in social and economic costs on a large scale. Many of the available e-government systems like electronic identity system of management (eIDs), websites are established at duplicated databases and servers. An established validation and management system could face a single failure point and the system is prone to Distributed Denial of Service Attacks (DDoS), denial of service attacks (DoS), malware and other cyber attacks. The execution of a privacy preserving and a secure decentralized system is enabled by the block chain technology. Here any third-party organizations do not have any control over the transactions of the Government. With the help of block chain technology, new and existing data are encapsulated within ledger or blocks, which are evenly distributed through the network in an enduring and sustainable way. The privacy and security of information are improved with the help of block chain technology, where distribution and encryption of data are performed through the total network. This analytical paper maps out the analysis of the security in the e-government system, utilizing the block chain technology that provides privacy and security of information and thereby enhancing the trust among the public sector. Qualitative and theoretical analysis is made for the proposed topic and implications of privacy and security of the proposed system is made.
Exploration and Validation of Metastasis-associated Genes for Skin Cutaneous Melanoma
Authors: Luan Hong , Jian Linge , He Ye , Zhang Tuo , Su Yanna , Zhou Liping
Published: September 2021

Background: Skin cutaneous melanoma is a malignant and highly metastatic skin tumor, and its morbidity and mortality are still rising worldwide. However, the molecular mechanisms that promote melanoma metastasis are unclear. Methods: Two datasets (GSE15605 and GSE46517) were retrieved to identify the differentially expressed genes (DEGs), including 23 normal skin tissues (N), 77 primary melanoma tissues (T) and 85 metastatic melanoma tissues (M). Gene Ontology (GO) analysis and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) enrichment were performed to explore the functions of the DEGs. The protein–protein interaction (PPI) network was constructed using the STRING tool and Cytoscape software. We used the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape to identify the most significant hub genes by five topological analyses (Degree, Bottleneck, MCC, MNC, and EPC). Hub gene expression was validated using the UALCAN website. Clinical relevance was investigated using The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) resources. Finally, we explored the association between metastasis-associated genes and immune infiltrates through the Tumor Immune Estimation Resource (TIMER) database and performed drug-gene interaction analysis using the Drug-Gene Interaction database.Results: A total of 294 specific genes were related to melanoma metastasis and were mainly involved in the positive regulation of locomotion, mitotic cell cycle process, and epithelial cell differentiation. Four hub genes (CDK1, FOXM1, KIF11, and RFC4) were identified from the cytoHubba plugin of Cytoscape. CDK1 was significantly upregulated in metastatic melanoma compared with primary melanoma, and high expression of CDK1 was positively correlated with poor prognosis. We found that CDK1 expression correlated positively with the infiltration levels of macrophage cells (Rho = -0.164, P = 2.02e-03) and neutrophil cells (Rho = 0.269, P = 2.72e-07) in SKCM metastasis. In addition, we identified that CDK1 had a close interaction with 10 antitumor drugs. Conclusions: CDK1 was identified as a hub gene involved in the progression of melanoma metastasis and may be regarded as a therapeutic target for melanoma patients to improve prognosis and prevent metastasis in the future.