bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Crosstalk of Long Non-coding RNAs and EMT: Searching the Missing Pieces of an Incomplete Puzzle for Lung Cancer Therapy
Authors: Ashrafizadeh Milad , Shahinozzaman Md , Orouei Sima , Zarrin Vahideh , Hushmandi Kiavash , Hashemi Farid , Kumar Anuj , Samarghandian Saeed , Najafi Masoud , Zarrabi Ali
Published: February 2021

Background:

Lung cancer has the first place among cancer-related deaths worldwide
and demands novel strategies in the treatment of this life-threatening disorder. The aim of this review
is to explore the regulation of epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) by long non-coding
RNAs (lncRNAs) in lung cancer.

Introduction:

LncRNAs can be considered as potential factors for targeting in cancer therapy,
since they regulate a bunch of biological processes, e.g. cell proliferation, differentiation and apoptosis.
The abnormal expression of lncRNAs occurs in different cancer cells. On the other hand,
epithelial-to-mesenchymal transition (EMT) is a critical mechanism participating in migration and
metastasis of cancer cells.

Method:

Different databases, including Google Scholar, Pubmed and Science direct, were
searched for collecting articles using keywords such as “LncRNA”, “EMT”, and “Lung cancer”.

Results:

There are tumor-suppressing lncRNAs that can suppress EMT and metastasis of lung cancer
cells. Expression of such lncRNAs undergoes down-regulation in lung cancer progression and
restoring their expression is of importance in suppressing lung cancer migration. There are tumor-
promoting lncRNAs triggering EMT in lung cancer and enhancing their migration.

Conclusion:

LncRNAs are potential regulators of EMT in lung cancer, and targeting them, both
pharmacologically and genetically, can be of importance in controlling the migration of lung cancer
cells.
PROTACs: Promising Approaches for Epigenetic Strategies to Overcome Drug Resistance
Authors: Giardina Sarah F. , Valdambrini Elena , Warren J. David , Barany Francis
Published: February 2021

Epigenetic modulation of gene expression is essential for tissue-specific development
and maintenance in mammalian cells. Disruption of epigenetic processes, and the subsequent alteration
of gene functions, can result in inappropriate activation or inhibition of various cellular signaling
pathways, leading to cancer. Recent advancements in the understanding of the role of epigenetics
in cancer initiation and progression have uncovered functions for DNA methylation, histone
modifications, nucleosome positioning, and non-coding RNAs. Epigenetic therapies have shown
some promise for hematological malignancies, and a wide range of epigenetic-based drugs are undergoing
clinical trials. However, in a dynamic survival strategy, cancer cells exploit their heterogeneous
population which frequently results in the rapid acquisition of therapy resistance. Here, we
describe novel approaches in drug discovery targeting the epigenome, highlighting recent advances
the selective degradation of target proteins using Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) to address
drug resistance.
Anti-nociceptive and Anti-inflammatory Activity of Synthesized Novel Benzoxazole
Derivatives
Authors: Patil Mansi L. , Gaikwad Swati S. , Gaikwad Naresh J.
Published: February 2021

Introduction:

Pain is an immunological response to any infection or inflammation and long term use of pain management therapy includes use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs which is associated with occurrence of toxicity as well as gastrointestinal bleeding. Therefore, the investigation of new analgesic and anti-inflammatory agents remains a major challenge.

Aims:

The objective of this research study is to undergo the pharmacological evaluation of newly synthesized benzoxazole derivatives. These novel derivatives were evaluated for anti-nociceptive, anti-inflammatory and cytotoxic activity using various in-vivo and ex-vivo methods.

Methods:

The study was carried out using swiss mice (adult male) weighing between 20gm to 30gm and were divided into groups containing (n=6) six animals in each group for treatment. The anti-nociceptive activity was performed by using 0.1ml of 0.6% v/v acetic acid as nociception inducer and evaluated by the diminished number of abdominal writhes. The anti-inflammatory activity was done using 0.1 ml of 2% w/v Carrageenan induced paw edema method was observed which was evaluated by calculating the percent maximum possible effect. Histopathological evaluation and cytotoxic activity of the compounds was carried out.

Results:

The results of this research study revealed that synthesized derivatives (a, b, c, d and e) showed promising anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect along significantly higher cytotoxic activity in MCF-7 cell lines.

Conclusion:

It can be concluded that synthesized derivatives (a, b, c, d and e) have potential anti-nociceptive and anti-inflammatory effect along with cytotoxic activity and certain modification in structure may result in potent activity.
Thyroid Diseases During Pregnancy: Bibliometric Analysis of Scientific
Publications
Authors: Yuan Ning , Wang Li , Li Zhi , Zhang Xiaomei
Published: February 2021

Background:

Bibliometric analysis can analyze development trends and predict research
hotspots. We used these analyses to better understand the pregnancy-related implications of thyroid
diseases.

Methods:

Publications on thyroid diseases during pregnancy from 1926 to hitherto were retrieved
based on the Web of Science database. The publications and references, the institutions and countries,
the journals, the keywords and citations were analyzed by utilizing VOSviewer, CiteSpace and Cit-
NetExplorer.

Results:

A total of 3310 publications were retrieved and were cited 87913 times. The United States
took the dominant position in outputs and collaborations. Harvard University had the most articles 86,
which also had the highest h-index 30. Thyroid ranked first with 201 publications and Journal of Clinical
Endocrinology Metabolism had the highest h-index 67. Among the 49 burst keywords, "antibody"
had the longest burst period from 1991 to 2012, "thyroxine" had the strongest burst strength 16.7026,
"hypothyroxinemia" appeared most recently in 2018. The most frequent keyword was "pregnancy"
which occurred 1324 times. All the top 98 frequent keywords were clustered into 4 clusters. The citation
network visualization was grouped into 8 groups.

Conclusion:

The research focus of thyroid diseases in pregnancy ranged from clinical thyroid dysfunction
to milder thyroid dysfunction. Guidelines published by the American Thyroid Association enacted
a crucial purpose in the treatment and development of thyroid diseases during pregnancy. Some randomized
controlled studies of unresolved problems and long-term follow-up of offspring may be the
direction of future research. In the meantime, bibliometric methods can help scholars choose journals,
track research hotspots, and identify the direction or focus of future research.
Curcumin Efficacy in a Serum/Glucose Deprivation-Induced Neuronal PC12 Injury Model
Authors: Farkhondeh Tahereh , Ashrafizadeh Milad , Azimi-Nezhad Mohsen , Samini Fariborz , Aschner Michael , Samarghandian Saeed
Published: February 2021

Background:

Glucose/serum deprivation (GSD), has been used for understanding molecular mechanisms of neuronal damage during ischemia. It has been suggested that curcumin may improve neurodegenerative diseases.

Aim:

In this study, the protective effects of curcumin and its underlying mechanisms were investigated in PC12 cells upon GSD-induced stress.

Methods:

PC12 cells were cultured in DMEM overnight and then incubated in GSD condition for
either 6 or 12h. GSD-treated cells were pretreated with various concentrations of curcumin (10, 20,
and 40 μM) for 5h. The cell viability, apoptosis, reactive oxygen species (ROS) level, oxidative
stress, expression of apoptosis-related genes, and IL-6 were determined.

Results:

Curcumin increased cell viability and caused an anti-apoptotic effect in PC12 cells exposed for 12h to GSD . Curcumin also increased antioxidant enzyme expression, suppressed lipid peroxidation, and decreased interleukin-6 secretion in PC12 cells subjected to GSD. In addition, pretreatment with curcumin down-regulated pro-apoptotic (Bax), and up-regulated antiapoptotic (Bcl2) mediators.

Conclusion:

Curcumin mitigates many of the adverse effects of ischemia, and therefore, should be considered as an adjunct therapy in ischemic patients.
An Overview and Therapeutic Promise of Nutraceuticals Against
Sports-Related Brain Injury
Authors: Pottoo Faheem Hyder , Haque Syed Ehtaishamul , Iqubal Ashif , Bansal Pratichi , Iqubal Mohammad Kashif
Published: February 2021

Sports-related traumatic brain injury (TBI) is one of the common neurological maladies experienced by athletes. Earlier the term ‘punch drunk syndrome’ was used in the case TBI of boxers and now this term is replaced by chronic traumatic encephalopathy (CTE). Sports-related brain injury can either be short term or long term. A common instance of brain injury encompasses subdural hematoma, concussion, cognitive dysfunction, amnesia, headache, vision issue, axonopathy, or even death if remain undiagnosed or untreated. Further, chronic TBI may lead to pathogenesis of neuroinflammation and neurodegeneration via tauopathy, formation of neurofibrillary tangles, and damage to the blood-brain barrier, microglial, and astrocyte activation. Thus, altered pathological, neurochemical, and neurometabolic attributes lead to the modulation of multiple signaling pathways and cause neurological dysfunction. Available pharmaceutical interventions are based on one drug one target hypothesis and thereby unable to cover altered multiple signaling pathways. However, in recent time’s pharmacological intervention of nutrients and nutraceuticals have been explored as they exert a multifactorial mode of action and maintain over homeostasis of the body. There are various reports available showing the positive therapeutic effect of nutraceuticals in sport-related brain injury. Therefore, in the current article we have discussed the pathology, neurological consequence, sequelae, and perpetuation of sports-related brain injury. Further, we have discussed various nutraceutical supplements as well as available animal models to explore the neuroprotective effect/ upshots of these nutraceuticals in sports-related brain injury.
Old Rats Are More Susceptible to Induction of Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) at Comparative to Young Mature
Authors: Bespalov Vladimir G. , Alexandrov Valerij A. , Semenov Alexander L. , Tochilnikov Grigory V. , Ermakova Elena D. , Zmitrichenko Yuliya G. , Vasilyeva Irina N. , Ivantsov Alexandеr O. , Zhilinskaya Nadezhda T.
Published: February 2021

Aims:

The aim of the experiments was to find out the factors on which age-related sensitivity
to the occurrence of BPH depends.

Methods:

45 Male Wistar rats aged 3 and 24 months were used. In each age group, there were intact
rats and animals with induced BPH (by surgical castration + testosterone injections, 25 mg/kg
x 7). On the 36th day of the experiment, blood was taken from rats to determine serum testosterone,
cholesterol, triglycerides and glucose; then, the animals were autopsied, their prostates were
weighed, and their morphology was studied.

Results:

Young mature intact rats had much higher testosterone levels (6.2±0.93 nmol/l) than old
intact (3.8±0.55 nmol/l), while the ratio of prostate weight was inverse. The weight of the prostate
and prostatic index in old rats with induced BPH was significantly higher not only in comparison
with the old intact rats but also with young animals after BPH induction. Morphologically, the inflammatory
foci were determined not only in the prostates of old rats, which induced BPH, but also
in intact animals. Besides, in old intact rats, the foci of prostate hyperplasia were often noted.

Conclusions:

Our experimental model indicates the important role of non-bacterial prostatitis in the
pathogenesis of BPH. No metabolic disorders in BPH induction were revealed. The sensitivity of
the prostate of old rats to BPH development is increasing despite the low concentrations of testosterone
in the body. Age sensitivity to BPH is probably determined by a higher expression of androgen
receptors in old animals.
A Pill to Find Them All: IoT Device Behavior Fingerprinting using
Capsule Networks
Authors: Chauhan Ritu , Varma Gatha , Singh Dhananjay
Published: February 2021

Aim and Background:

The aim of this study is the application of novel deep learning technique
of capsule networks for device behavior fingerprinting. Device behavior fingerprinting emerged
as an important means to characterize the network behavior of connected devices due to the dynamic
nature of smart systems. The study of device behavior fingerprinting strategies gave us an insight into
the strengths and weaknesses of different machine learning techniques. It also led us to some research
questions that we incorporated in the proposed framework. Firstly, we explored the means to improve
the efficiency of passive device fingerprinting techniques. Secondly, we needed to address the privacy
concerns that arise from the creation and maintenance of device fingerprints.

Objective:

To our best knowledge, this is the first time that device for fingerprints had been generated in
the form of images. The use of device fingerprints in image form best utilized the object recognition
capabilities of capsule networks.

Method:

We designed a novel method to classify and save the network behaviour of IoT devices that
are connected to a network. The proposed model was based on a two-fold innovation of the generation
of unique images based on packet parameters of device transmissions, and the design of a model that
could carry out efficient and accurate classification of device vendors based on their network behavior.

Results and Conclusion:

The generation of unique images offered a big advantage of saving the
memory of the system. While a packet capture file may take around 150kb or more, the generated images
were as small as the order of 2kb. For a smart system made up of thousands of devices, the order of
memory space saved would become significant. Furthermore, since the algorithm of image generation
could be customized by the network administrators, the images cannot be reverse- engineered by potential
attackers, thereby assuring a secure way to save device behavior fingerprints. The developed model
has compiled over 500 epochs that roughly translated to 100 minutes and gave the accuracy of the order
of 92%. This was the first time that device network behaviour has been translated into an image and
tested through classification using capsule networks. The translation of captured packet flows to black
and white images not only saved on memory space but also provided a safeguard against reverse engineering
by potential attackers. There is a vast scope to further use of this strategy to develop more complex
device fingerprinting methods.
Optimization, Kinetic and Thermodynamic Studies on Biosorption and Bio-reduction of Chromium Hexavalent by Myrtus communis Leaves
Authors: Metidji Toufek , Bendjeffal Hacene , Djebli Abdelkrim , Mamine Hadjer , Bekakria Hamida , Bouhedja Yacine
Published: February 2021

Aims:

The efficiency of Myrtus communis leaves to eliminate Cr(VI) from
aqueous solutions has been investigated.

Background:

Optimization, kinetic and thermodynamic studies on bio-sorption and bioreduction
of Cr(VI) by Myrtus communis leaves.

Objective:

To eliminate Cr(VI) from aqueous solutions.

Methods:

Batch mode studies, kinetic and thermodynamic studies.

Result:

The maximum bio-removal was obtained at an initial Cr(VI) concentration of
100 mg/L, biomass of 0.150 g, pH 2, and a temperature of 25°C. The modeling study
has shown that the bio-removal kinetics obeyed the pseudo-second-order model along
with an R2= 0.9947.

Conclusion:

A total removal of Cr(VI) after 60 minutes has been noticed. Also, the kinetic
studies have indicated that the bioreduction of Cr (VI) to Cr (III) coupled with biosorption
was produced on biomass sites. Based on the determined thermodynamic parameters
(Gibbs energy (ΔG0), enthalpy (ΔH0), and entropy (ΔS0)), the bio-removal
process was found to be endothermic and spontaneous in nature.

Other:

Myrtus communis leaves powder was characterized by spectroscopy (FTIR) and
scanning electron microscope analysis (SEM-EDX).
Pathogenesis and immune status in COVID-19 pneumonia - A minireview
Authors: da Silva Oliveira George Laylson , Martines Nidia Aparecida , da Costa Barbosa Oliveira Joelma
Published: February 2021

The novel coronavirus (SARS-CoV-2), which was isolated in January 2020, emerged as a result of natural
evolution and has already infected millions of people around the world due to its extensive human-to-human transmission
capacity. Highlighting the clinical manifestations, pathology and immune response against the SARS-CoV-2 infection
process, this review study was conducted through a comprehensive bibliographic search of academic papers that are
available online at the following data bases Science Direct, Pub Med, ACS Publications, Nature, BioRxiv and MedRxiv.
According to the analyzed works, people infected with SARS-CoV-2 may display fever and dry cough as the main clinical
symptoms and they may also present breathing difficulty, muscle pain (myalgia), chills, lack of appetite, fatigue, sore throat,
altered consciousness, diarrhea, vomiting, nasal discharge and syncope. When considering the immune status of patients
with COVID-19, it is highlighted that hypercytokinemia contributes to severity that can even result in death. Lymphopenia
is the most frequent prognosis described in cases of COVID-19. Thus, a detailed understanding of the specific inflammatory
pathways that result in the pathology of COVID-19 is crucial for the immediate development of clinical therapeutic
approaches.
Features of application of ESPRIT method for different configurations of antenna arrays
Authors: Shevchenko M. E. , Gorovoy A. B. , Balashov V. M. , Solovyov S. N.
Published: February 2021

The paper discusses the features of the application of the ESPRIT method, which provides direction finding of a variety of radio sources with minimal computational costs, including in real time. To be able to use ESPRIT, antenna arrays are required that have the property of shift invariance, and for practical implementation, antenna arrays are required that allow you to form estimates of the directions of arrival of the largest number of signals that overlap in the spectrum, with a minimum number of antennas and reception channels. The aim of the work is to analyze the influence of the antenna array configuration on the features of ESPRIT application for different antenna array with the same number of antennas. A comparative qualitative analysis of the properties and features compared to the MUSIC method is presented. The algorithms developed by the authors for processing multichannel data received by angle and square antenna arrays are presented. It is shown analytically that when using a corner antenna array, it is necessary to take into account the possible presence of signals from indistinguishable-mirror directions of arrival. With a square antenna array, there are no mirror directions of arrival of different signals, which simplifies the implementation of the algorithm. It is shown analytically and by simulation modeling that the configuration of a square antenna array allows to increase the number of simultaneously tracked signals that overlap in the spectrum, compared to a corner antenna array with the same number of antennas.
Nicolaus Mulerius (1564-1630): een geleerde uit Groningen in de discussies van zijn tijd
Authors: van Netten Djoeke
Published: February 2021

Nicolaus Mulerius werd bij de oprichting van de Groningse universiteit in 1614 aangesteld als eerste hoogleraar geneeskunde en wiskunde. In zijn leven, dat hem van Brugge via Holland en Friesland naar Groningen bracht, bemoeide Mulerius zich met verschillende uiteenlopende discussies die in zijn tijd zeer actueel waren. Zo hield hij zich bezig met de internationale politiek, religieuze meningsverschillen, het ziekbed van stadhouder Willem Lodewijk, het copernicanisme, kometen en de kalender. Dit boek toont leven en werken van deze interessante, veelzijdige zeventiende-eeuwse geleerde.
Rapid Diagnostic Test of Metal Turning Using Vibration Parameters Analysis
Authors: Artamonov E. V. , Vasil'yev D. V. , Voronin V. V.
Published: February 2021

Purpose of research. The work is devoted to the proof that the vibration of the cutting tool holder carries information about the current cutting force and the type of coming off chips, and the spectral analysis of vibration acceleration will allow to extract this information in full. Methods. The work logically substantiates a scientific assumption about the possibility of prompt diagnostics of the turning process by analyzing the vibration acceleration spectrum of the cutting tool holder. To confirm the consistency of the assumption, a full-scale experiment was carried out. Results. A series of experiments was carried out to register changes in the spectral composition of the vibration of the cutting tool. It has been proven that vibration really carries information about the basic parameters of the cutting process. Conclusion. Spectral analysis of vibration can become the basis for operational diagnostics of metal turning by cutting and form the basis of the Adaptive System for Controlling Cutting Conditions in numerically controlled machines.
Computer-Aided Design of the Robotic Platform Control System Using Adams and Matlab
Authors: Porkhalo V. A. , Rubanov V. G. , Bazhanov A. G. , Lutcenko О. V.
Published: February 2021

Purpose of research.The purpose of this study is to assess the possibility of developing and simulating an optimalcontrol system for the longitudinal movement of a robocars according to the criterion of maximum speed by using theMSC.Adams virtual modeling system and the MATLAB mathematical modeling packageMethods.One of the research approaches is system modeling, while a virtual modeling system is used as a softwaretool for synthesizing a virtual physical model of a robot, and a package of application programs for solving technicalcomputing problems MATLAB and a graphical environment for simulation Simulink are used to model a controlsystem. The Pontryagin maximum principle is used as a synthesis method for the longitudinal displacement controlsystem, and the maximum speed is used as an optimality criterion.Results:The structure of the control system for a robotic platform is presented; an optimal control algorithm isdeveloped and implemented in the Simulink environment. The structure of the physical model management systemwith data transfer to Adams has been developed. The acceleration curves and the phase portrait of the model controlsystem during the longitudinal movement of the robotic platform are presented and analyzed.Conclusion.As can be seen from the above simulation results, the optimal positional control law, which implementsthe maximum principle, fulfills the task with the required quality indicators. In this regard, the proposed algorithm canbe used in the development of control systems for the longitudinal movement of mobile robots. Joint modeling of thevirtual prototype and the object control system in the Matlab and Adams environment avoids the production of a fullscale model and makes it possible to take into account the physical properties of the object without creating ananalytical model.
Comprehensive Risk Analysis of a Cargo Port Based on Logic-Probabilistic and Simulation Modeling
Authors: Bondareva I. O.
Published: February 2021

Рurpose of research. Improvement of the effectiveness of the cargo port from the point of view of preventing the occurrence of risk situations based on the development of tools for a comprehensive risk analysis of a cargo port by integrating logical, probabilistic and simulation modeling. Methods. It is presented a structural model of the risk of failure to achieve the strategic goal of a cargo port, supplemented by several levels of consideration, a model of scenarios of all existing significant risks is developed, a hybrid logical-probabilistic model of the risk of failure to achieve the main strategic goal of the port is proposed, which makes it possible to link together the technology of formalizing risks using the constructed logical and probabilistic models, as well as simulation modeling, the interpretation of the results of which is possible using LP-models and scenarios. Results Various types of models for the occurrence of risk events in the cargo port were built based on the set research goal and the formulated tasks. The proposed models make it possible to carry out a comprehensive analysis of the risk of failure to achieve the strategic goal of a cargo port based on the scenario formalization of risks of various levels, and also to simplify the process of interpreting the results of simulation modeling taking into account external factors of influence. All this will allow you to develop timely informed management decisions. Conclusion. The formalization of risks of various levels and the interrelationships between them using logicalprobabilistic modeling is proposed on the basis of the task, which allows formulating management decisions based on a comprehensive analysis of the risk of failure to achieve the strategic goal of the cargo port using the interpretation of the results of simulation modeling.
Evaluación económica de la avena forrajera Altoandina para sistemas lecheros del trópico alto de Colombia
Authors: Enciso Valencia Karen Johanna , Castillo Sierra Javier , Burkart Stefan , Avellaneda Avellaneda Yesid , Vargas Martínez Juan de Jesús , Campuzano Luis Fernando , Mejía Kerguelén Sergio Luis
Published: February 2021

Conocer los requerimientos de ms en la finca es un indicador clave para la planeación forrajera y la mejora en la toma de decisiones. Por lo cual, la avena forrajera Altoandina, por su adaptación al trópico alto colombiano, se presenta como una alternativa eficiente para cubrir los requerimientos de alimento en épocas críticas de los sistemas de producción de leche en el trópico alto colombiano. Una dieta basada en un 35 % de silo de avena forrajera Altoandina para suplementación en épocas de escases de alimento permite mejorar la producción y rentabilidad de las fincas en la región (menor costo y mayor productividad por vaca).
Telemedicine Use and Health-Related Concerns of Patients With Chronic Conditions During COVID-19: Survey of Members of Online Health Communities
Authors: Horrell Lindsey Nicole , Hayes Sara , Herbert Leslie Beth , MacTurk Katie , Lawhon Lauren , Valle Carmina G , Bhowmick Amrita
Published: February 2021

Background

It has been widely communicated that individuals with underlying health conditions are at higher risk of severe disease due to COVID-19 than healthy peers. As social distancing measures continue during the COVID-19 pandemic, experts encourage individuals with underlying conditions to engage in telehealth appointments to maintain continuity of care while minimizing risk exposure. To date, however, little information has been provided regarding telehealth uptake among this high-risk population.

Objective

The aim of this study is to describe the telehealth use, resource needs, and information sources of individuals with chronic conditions during the COVID-19 pandemic. Secondary objectives include exploring differences in telehealth use by sociodemographic characteristics.

Methods

Data for this study were collected through an electronic survey distributed between May 12-14, 2020, to members of 26 online health communities for individuals with chronic disease. Descriptive statistics were run to explore telehealth use, support needs, and information sources, and z tests were run to assess differences in sociodemographic factors and information and support needs among those who did and did not use telehealth services.

Results

Among the 2210 respondents, 1073 (49%) reported engaging in telehealth in the past 4 months. Higher proportions of women engaged in telehealth than men (890/1781, 50% vs 181/424, 43%; P=.007), and a higher proportion of those earning household incomes of more than US $100,000 engaged in telehealth than those earning less than US $30,000 (195/370, 53% vs 241/530 45%; P=.003). Although 59% (133/244) of those younger than 40 years and 54% (263/486) of those aged 40-55 years used telehealth, aging populations were less likely to do so, with only 45% (677/1500) of individuals 56 years or older reporting telehealth use (P<.001 and P=.001, respectively). Patients with cystic fibrosis, lupus, and ankylosing spondylitis recorded the highest proportions of individuals using telehealth when compared to those with other diagnoses. Of the 2210 participants, 1333 (60%) participants either looked up information about the virus online or planned to in the future, and when asked what information or support would be most helpful right now, over half (1151/2210, 52%) responded “understanding how COVID-19 affects people with my health condition.”

Conclusions

Nearly half of the study sample reported participating in telehealth in the past 4 months. Future efforts to engage individuals with underlying medical conditions in telehealth should focus on outreach to men, members of lower-income households, and aging populations. These results may help inform and refine future health communications to further engage this at-risk population in telehealth as the pandemic continues.
Prognosis Score System to Predict Survival for COVID-19 Cases: a Korean Nationwide Cohort Study
Authors: Cho Sung-Yeon , Park Sung-Soo , Song Min-Kyu , Bae Young Yi , Lee Dong-Gun , Kim Dong-Wook
Published: February 2021

Background

As the COVID-19 pandemic continues, an initial risk-adapted allocation is crucial for managing medical resources and providing intensive care.

Objective

In this study, we aimed to identify factors that predict the overall survival rate for COVID-19 cases and develop a COVID-19 prognosis score (COPS) system based on these factors. In addition, disease severity and the length of hospital stay for patients with COVID-19 were analyzed.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed a nationwide cohort of laboratory-confirmed COVID-19 cases between January and April 2020 in Korea. The cohort was split randomly into a development cohort and a validation cohort with a 2:1 ratio. In the development cohort (n=3729), we tried to identify factors associated with overall survival and develop a scoring system to predict the overall survival rate by using parameters identified by the Cox proportional hazard regression model with bootstrapping methods. In the validation cohort (n=1865), we evaluated the prediction accuracy using the area under the receiver operating characteristic curve. The score of each variable in the COPS system was rounded off following the log-scaled conversion of the adjusted hazard ratio.

Results

Among the 5594 patients included in this analysis, 234 (4.2%) died after receiving a COVID-19 diagnosis. In the development cohort, six parameters were significantly related to poor overall survival: older age, dementia, chronic renal failure, dyspnea, mental disturbance, and absolute lymphocyte count <1000/mm3. The following risk groups were formed: low-risk (score 0-2), intermediate-risk (score 3), high-risk (score 4), and very high-risk (score 5-7) groups. The COPS system yielded an area under the curve value of 0.918 for predicting the 14-day survival rate and 0.896 for predicting the 28-day survival rate in the validation cohort. Using the COPS system, 28-day survival rates were discriminatively estimated at 99.8%, 95.4%, 82.3%, and 55.1% in the low-risk, intermediate-risk, high-risk, and very high-risk groups, respectively, of the total cohort (P<.001). The length of hospital stay and disease severity were directly associated with overall survival (P<.001), and the hospital stay duration was significantly longer among survivors (mean 26.1, SD 10.7 days) than among nonsurvivors (mean 15.6, SD 13.3 days).

Conclusions

The newly developed predictive COPS system may assist in making risk-adapted decisions for the allocation of medical resources, including intensive care, during the COVID-19 pandemic.
Leadership in Digital Health Services: Protocol for a Concept Analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Laukka Elina , Pölkki Tarja , Heponiemi Tarja , Kaihlanen Anu-Marja , Kanste Outi
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Due to the rapid digitalization of health care, leadership is becoming more complex. Leadership in digital health services is a term that has been used in the literature with various meanings. Conceptualization of leadership in digital health services is needed to deliver higher quality digital health services, update existing leadership practices, and advance research.

OBJECTIVE

The aim of this study is to outline a concept analysis that aims to clarify and define the concept of leadership in digital health services.

METHODS

The concept analysis will be performed using the Walker and Avant model, which involves eight steps: concept selection, determination of aims, identification of uses, determination of defining attributes, construction of a model case, construction of additional cases, identification of antecedents and consequences, and definition of empirical referents. A scoping literature search will be performed following the search protocol for scoping reviews by the Joanna Briggs Institute to identify all relevant literature on leadership in digital health services. Searches will be conducted in 6 scientific databases (CINAHL, MEDLINE, Scopus, ProQuest, Web of Science, and the Finnish database Medic), and unpublished studies and gray literature will be searched using Google Scholar, EBSCO Open Dissertations, and MedNar.

RESULTS

An initial limited search of MEDLINE was undertaken on October 19, 2020, resulting in 883 records. The results of the concept analysis will be submitted for publication by July 2021.

CONCLUSIONS

A robust conceptualization of leadership in digital health services is needed to support research, leadership, and education. The concept analysis model of Walker and Avant will be used to meet this need. As leadership in digital health services appears to be an interprofessional and intersectoral collaboration, defining this concept may also facilitate collaboration between professionals and sectors. The concept analysis to be conducted will also expand our understanding of leadership in digital health services.

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

PRR1-10.2196/25495
Effects of Message Framing on Cancer Prevention and Detection Behaviors, Intentions, and Attitudes: Systematic Review and Meta-analysis (Preprint)
Authors: Ainiwaer Abidan , Zhang Shuai , Ainiwaer Xiayiabasi , Ma Feicheng
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

With the increasing health care burden of cancer, public health organizations are increasingly emphasizing the importance of calling people to engage in long-term prevention and periodical detection. How to best deliver behavioral recommendations and health outcomes in messaging is an important issue.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to disaggregate the effects of gain-framed and loss-framed messages on cancer prevention and detection behaviors and intentions and attitudes, which has the potential to inform cancer control programs.

METHODS

A search of three electronic databases (Web of Science, Scopus, and PubMed) was conducted for studies published between January 2000 and December 2020. After a good agreement achieved on a sample by two authors, the article selection (κ=0.8356), quality assessment (κ=0.8137), and data extraction (κ=0.9804) were mainly performed by one author. The standardized mean difference (attitude and intention) and the odds ratio (behaviors) were calculated to evaluate the effectiveness of message framing (gain-framed message and loss-framed message). Calculations were conducted, and figures were produced by Review Manager 5.3.

RESULTS

The title and abstract of 168 unique citations were scanned, of which 53 were included for a full-text review. A total of 24 randomized controlled trials were included, predominantly examining message framing on cancer prevention and detection behavior change interventions. There were 9 studies that used attitude to predict message framing effect and 16 studies that used intention, whereas 6 studies used behavior to examine the message framing effect directly. The use of loss-framed messages improved cancer detection behavior (OR 0.76, 95% CI 0.64-0.90; P=.001), and the results from subgroup analysis indicated that the effect would be weak with time. No effect of framing was found when effectiveness was assessed by attitudes (prevention: SMD=0.02, 95% CI –0.13 to 0.17; P=.79; detection: SMD=–0.05, 95% CI –0.15 to 0.05; P=.32) or intentions (prevention: SMD=–0.05, 95% CI –0.19 to 0.09; P=.48; detection: SMD=0.02, 95% CI –0.26 to 0.29; P=.92) among studies encouraging cancer prevention and cancer detection.

CONCLUSIONS

Research has shown that it is almost impossible to change people's attitudes or intentions about cancer prevention and detection with a gain-framed or loss-framed message. However, loss-framed messages have achieved preliminary success in persuading people to adopt cancer detection behaviors. Future studies could improve the intervention design to achieve better intervention effectiveness.

CLINICALTRIAL
Do online support groups help individuals affected by HIV/AIDS?: A systematic review of the quantitative and qualitative literature (Preprint)
Authors: Coulson Neil Stewart , Buchanan Heather
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Online support groups provide opportunities for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS to seek information, advice and support from peers. However, if and how engagement with online support groups helps individuals affected by HIV/AIDS remains unclear.

OBJECTIVE

To systematically review the evidence (both quantitative and qualitative) around the benefits of online support groups for individuals affected by HIV/AIDS in terms of psychosocial wellbeing and/or illness management. In addition, the review sought to identify and describe any negative aspects experienced by individuals as well as the types of social support exchanged within such online groups.

METHODS

A systematic review of English language articles was undertaken using Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines. Databases searched included Medline, PubMed, EMBASE, CINAHL, PsycINFO, CENTRAL (Cochrane Register of Controlled Trials) and SCOPUS. Key findings were critically synthesized using a narrative and thematic approach.

RESULTS

22 papers met the inclusion criteria from an initial pool of 4501 abstracts. These papers included 5 quantitative, 2 mixed-methods and 15 qualitative studies published between 2007 and 2019.

CONCLUSIONS

Some cross-sectional and qualitative studies suggest there may be an association between engagement and a range of psychosocial processes and outcomes. However, studies with robust methodological designs are needed to definitively establish whether HIV/AIDS-related online support groups improve psychosocial well-being and/or illness management. Qualitative data highlights users can have negative experiences in terms of interpersonal conflict and the challenges of encountering negative content. In addition, there may be aspects of the internet-mediated nature of the online communication which compromise member experiences. Finally, HIV/AIDS-related online support groups are venues through which individuals can solicit support, most commonly informational or emotional support. Future research should seek to examine the impact of engagement with online support groups over time including appropriate control or comparison groups.

CLINICALTRIAL

N/A
Prevalence and Predictors of the Persistence and Incidence of Adolescent Internet Addiction in Mainland China: A 2-Year Longitudinal Study (Preprint)
Authors: Bu He , Chi Xinli , Qu Diyang
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

Although Internet addiction (IA) has been considered a stable problem among adolescents, there can be different development patterns of IA (i.e., remission/persistence and incidence/absence). Such conversions of IA are less addressed in previous research. Due to the large and increasing number of adolescent Internet users in Mainland China, it has also become an obligation for health professionals to investigate the prevalence and conversations of IA and identify factors that can prospectively predict IA persistence and incidence.

OBJECTIVE

The current study investigated the prevalence of persistence and incidence regarding internet addiction (IA) among adolescents in Mainland China across three years using a 2-wave longitudinal design.

METHODS

A total of 1544 students from five secondary schools in the 7th grade participated in the study, and 1301 remained after two years. Self-report questionnaires were delivered to assess the developmental patterns of IA (i.e., persistence and incidence) and intrapersonal and interpersonal factors that predicted persistence and incidence respectively.

RESULTS

Generally, of the 187 students with IA in 7th grade, the addiction persisted for 40.64% of students by grade 9. Of the 1114 students without an IA in 7th grade, 10.32% had initiated IA by grade 9. Multilevel logistic regression analyses indicated that higher levels of depression (OR = 1.04; 95% CI: 1.00, 1.09; P = .04) and maternal education (OR = 2.23; 95% CI: 1.20, 4.15; P = .01) could increase the likelihood of IA persistence. Significant predictors of IA incidence were males (OR = 0.59; 95% CI: 0.37, 0.94; P = .03), single children (OR = 1.91; 95% CI: 1.15, 3.17; P = .01) low family income (OR = 1.21; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.39; P < .001), and school maladjustment (OR = 1.01; 95% CI: 1.05, 1.16; P < .01).

CONCLUSIONS

The persistence and incidence of adolescent IA are worthy of attention in the context of rapid social development. Psychosocial factors identified in the current study that are predictive of IA persistence and incidence should be addressed in future studies.
Prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 Infection in Children by Antibody Detection in Saliva: Protocol for a Prospective Longitudinal Study (Coro-Buddy) (Preprint)
Authors: Pinilla Yudi T , Friessinger Evelyn , Griesbaum Johanna Marie , Berner Lilith , Heinzel Constanze , Elsner Käthe , Fendel Rolf , Held Jana , Kreidenweiss Andrea
Published: February 2021

BACKGROUND

The world has been confronted with the COVID-19 pandemic for more than one year. Severe disease is more often found among elderly people, whereas most young children and adolescents show mild symptoms or even remain asymptomatic, so that infection might be undiagnosed. Therefore, only limited epidemiological data on SARS-CoV-2 infection in children and young adults are available.

OBJECTIVE

This study aims to determine the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 antibodies in children from the city of Tübingen, Germany, and to measure the incidence of new cases over 12 months.

METHODS

SARS-CoV-2 antibodies will be measured in saliva as a surrogate for a previous SARS-CoV-2 infection. Children will be sampled at their preschools, primary schools, and secondary schools at three time points: July 2020, October to December 2020, and April to July 2021. An adult cohort will be sampled at the same time points (ie, adult comparator group). The saliva-based SARS-CoV-2–antibody enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay will be validated using blood and saliva samples from adults with confirmed previous SARS-CoV-2 infections (ie, adult validation group).

RESULTS

The first study participant was enrolled in July 2020, and recruitment and enrollment continued until July 2021. We have recruited and enrolled 1850 children, 560 adults for the comparator group, and 83 adults for the validation group. We have collected samples from the children and the adults for the comparator group at the three time points. We followed up with participants in the adult validation group every 2 months and, as of the writing of this paper, we were at time point 7. We will conduct data analysis after the data collection period.

CONCLUSIONS

Infection rates in children are commonly underreported due to a lack of polymerase chain reaction testing. This study will report on the prevalence of SARS-CoV-2 infections in infants, school children, and adolescents as well as the incidence change over 12 months in the city of Tübingen, Germany. The saliva sampling approach for SARS-CoV-2–antibody measurement allows for a unique, representative, population-based sample collection process.

CLINICALTRIAL

ClinicalTrials.gov NCT04581889; https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT04581889

INTERNATIONAL REGISTERED REPORT

DERR1-10.2196/27739
Bioactive fractions from Streptococcus macedonicus MBF 10-2 produced in an optimized plant-based peptone medium fermentation
Authors: Musnadi Amira Aulia , Malik Amarila , Khayyira Amalia Sitti
Published: February 2021

Background: Postbiotic fractions of several lactic acid bacteria have potential as microbial therapeutics for skin health and may also appeal to consumers who wish to avoid animal-based products. We aim to establish the optimum plant-peptone fermentation of Streptococcus macedonicus MBF10-2, which possess Bacteriocin Like-Inhibitory Substance activity in our previous study, to produce bacterial bioactive fractions. We evaluate their potential antibacterial and antioxidant actions, and as well assess the preliminary safety for human skin application.

Methods: Fermentation was carried out by using plant peptone modified MRS, i.e., soy peptone and Vegitone, a non-animal-carbon sources that substitute proteose peptone in MRS medium. Fractions of MBF10-2 lysate and cell-free supernatant were collected and processed as follows, i.e. cell disruption, fraction separation and fractions freeze-drying. Fractions were confirm for antibacterial properties by the agar well diffusion method and assess for antioxidant activity using DPPH, while safety assessment was carried-out by skin patch assay.

Result: Maximum growth of MBF10-2 achieved by fermentation in soy peptone- and in Vegitone-modified media was 9.00 and 7.99 g total cell mass, respectively. The antibacterial property of fractions was most effective against Micrococcus luteus T18. The lysate fraction exhibited a mild antioxidant potency (IC50 840 µg/mL), and all bioactive fractions were proven safe and non-allergenic for human skins.

Conclusion: Strep. macedonicus MBF10-2 postbiotics bioactive fractions were indicated as being safe for topical application. This is the first report on the production of a safe Strep. macedonicus bioactive postbiotic possessing mild antibacterial and mild-to-weak antioxidant.

 

Keywords: antibacterial; antioxidant; lysate; soy peptone; Streptococcus macedonicus MBF 10-2