bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Auditory Time Thresholds for Subsecond but not Suprasecond Stimuli are Impaired in ADHD
Authors: Anobile Giovanni , Bartoli Mariaelisa , Pfanner Chiara , Masi Gabriele , Cioni Giovanni , Tinelli Francesca
Published: August 2021

Background. The literature on time perception in individuals with ADHD is extensive but inconsistent, probably reflecting the use of different tasks and performances indexes. Methods. A sample of 40 children/adolescents (20 with ADHD, 20 neurotypical) was engaged in two identical psychophysical tasks measuring auditory time thresholds for both subsecond (0.5-1s) and suprasecond (0.75-3s) stimuli. Results. Results showed a severe impairment in ADHD for subsecond thresholds (Log10BF=1.9). The deficit remained strong even when non-verbal IQ was regressed out and correlation with age suggests a developmental delay. Suprasecond thresholds were indistinguishable between the two groups (Log10BF = –0.5) and not correlated with subsecond thresholds. Conclusions. Since much evidence suggest that perception of subsecond stimuli does not load on cognitive control and working memory, the current results are consistent with a pure timing deficit in individuals with ADHD.
Low CCL19 Expression is Associated With Adverse Clinical Outcomes For Follicular Lymphoma Patients Treated With Chemoimmunotherapy
Authors: Zhou Yu , Wang Shasha , Tao Yunxia , Chen Haizhu , Qin Yan , He Xiaohui , Zhou Shengyu , Liu Peng , Yang Jianliang , Yang Sheng , Gui Lin , Lou Ning , Zhang Zhishang , Yao Jiarui , Han Xiaohong , Shi Yuankai
Published: August 2021

Background: This study aimed to recognize the hub genes associated with prognosis in follicular lymphoma (FL) treated with first-line rituximab combined with chemotherapy.Method: RNA sequencing data of dataset GSE65135 (n=24) were included in differentially expressed genes (DEGs) analysis. Weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was applied for exploring the coexpression network and identifying hub genes. Validation of hub genes expression and prognosis were applied in dataset GSE119214 (n=137) and independent patient cohort from Cancer Hospital, Chinese Academy of Medical Sciences & Peking Union Medical College (n=32), respectively, by analyzing RNAseq expression data and serum protein concentration quantified by ELISA. The Gene Set Enrichment Analysis (GSEA), gene ontology (GO) and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway enrichments analysis were performed. CIBERSORT was applied for tumor-infiltrating immune cells (TIICs) subset analysis. Results: A total of 3260 DEGs were obtained, with 1861 genes upregulated and 1399 genes downregulated. Using WGCNA, eight hub genes, PLA2G2D, MMP9, PTGDS, CCL19, NFIB, YAP1, RGL1, and TIMP3 were identified. Kaplan-Meier analysis and multivariate COX regression analysis indicated that CCL19 independently associated with overall survival (OS) for FL patients treated with rituximab and chemotherapy (HR = 0.47, 95%CI [0.25-0.86], p = 0.014). Higher serum CCL19 concentration was associated with longer progression-free survival (PFS, p=0.014) and OS (p=0.039). TIICs subset analysis showed that CCL19 expression had a positive correlation with monocytes and macrophages M1, and a negative correlation with naïve B cells and plasma cells. Conclusion: CCL19 expression was associated with survival outcomes and might be a potential prognostic biomarker for FL treated with first-line chemoimmunotherapy.
Alternative Migratory Strategies Related to Life History Differences in the Walleye (Sander Vitreus)
Authors: McKee Graydon , Hornsby Rachael , Fischer Friedrich , Dunlop Erin S. , Mackereth Robert , Pratt Thomas C. , Rennie Michael
Published: August 2021

BackgroundWhile Pace of Life Syndrome predicts behavioural differences between individuals with differential growth and survival, testing these predictions in nature is challenging due to difficulties with measuring individual behaviour in the field. However, recent advances in acoustic telemetry technology have facilitated measurements of individual behaviour at scales not previously possible in aquatic ecosystems. MethodsUsing a Walleye (Sander vitreus) population inhabiting Black Bay, Lake Superior, we examine whether life history characteristics differ between more and less mobile individuals as predicted by Pace of Life Syndrome. We tracked the movement of 192 individuals from 2016-2019 using an acoustic telemetry study, relating patterns in annual migratory behaviour to individual growth, and seasonal changes in optimal thermal-optical habitat. ResultsWe observed two consistent movement patterns in our study population — migratory individuals left Black Bay during late summer to early fall before returning to the bay, whereas residents remained within the bay year-round. The average maximum length of migrant Walleye was 5.5 cm longer than residents, and the sex ratios of Walleye caught during fall surveys was increasingly female-biased towards the mouth of Black Bay, suggesting that a majority of migrants were females. Further, Walleye occupancy outside of Black Bay was positively associated with increasing thermal-optical habitat. ConclusionsWalleye in Black Bay appear to conform to Pace of Life Syndrome, with more exploratory (migrant) individuals gaining increased fitness through increased maximum size, which, given size-dependent fecundity in this species, likely results in greater reproductive success (via greater egg deposition vs. non-migrants). Further, apparent environmental (thermal) controls on migration suggest that migratory Walleye (more so than residents) may be more sensitive to changing environmental conditions (e.g., warming climate) than residents.
Co-Occurrence of Ochratoxin a and Aflatoxins in Maize (Zea Mays) and Their Associated Health Risk Estimations in Some Selected Regions (Different Agro-ecological Zones) of Ghana
Authors: Kortei Nii Korley , Annan Theophilus , Kyei-Baffour Vincent , Essuman Edward Ken , Okyere Harry , Tettey Clement Okraku
Published: August 2021

This study aimed at estimating ochratoxin A (OTA) and aflatoxin (AF) levels above international (European Food Safety Authority, EFSA) and local (Ghana Standards Authority, GSA) standards as well as the health risks associated with the consumption of maize (n=180) sampled from six (6) regions (Upper East, Northern, Ashanti, Eastern, Central, and Western) representing the agro-ecological zones of Ghana. Ochratoxins, total aflatoxins (AFTotal), and the integral aflatoxins (AFB1, AFB2, AFG1, and AFG2) were measured with High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) with a Fluorescence detector. Risk assessments were also conducted using models prescribed by the Joint FAO/WHO Expert Committee on Additives (JECFA). The general trend of occurrence of the aflatoxins was in decreasing order of AFB1> AFB2> AFG1>AFG2 and were in the ranges of 0-337µg/kg, 0-101.00µg/kg, 0-24.80 µg/kg, and 0-5.51 µg/kg respectively. The aggregated aflatoxins (AFTotal) were in the range of 0-441.02 µg/kg. While ochratoxins (OTA) levels ranged between 0-97.51 µg/kg. There were significant (p<0.05) differences observed in all categories of the tested samples. Out of the 180 samples analyzed for total aflatoxins (AFTotal), 131/180 tested positive and 127 (70.50%) exceeded the limits of EFSA and ranged 4.27-441.02 µg/kg. While for GSA, 116 (64.44%) of samples exceeded this limit and ranged between 10.18-441.02µg/kg. For OTA, 103/180 tested positive and 94(52.22%) of samples between the range 4.00-97.51 µg/kg exceeded the tolerable limit of the EFSA, whereas 89 (49.44%) and were in the range of 3.30-97.51 µg/kg exceeded the limits of GSA. Risk assessment values for total aflatoxins (AFTotal) ranged between 50-1150 ng/Kg.BW/day, 0.4-6.67, 0-0.0323 ng aflatoxins kg−1bwday−1 and 1.62-37.15 for Estimated Daily Intake (EDI), Margin of Exposure (MOE), Average Potency, and Cancer Risks respectively. Likewise, ochratoxin (OTA) values were in the ranges of 8.6x10-3-450 ng/Kg.bw/day, 0.05-2059.97, 0-0.0323 ng ochratoxins kg−1bwday−1 and 2.78x10-4-14.54. It was deduced that the consumption of maize posed adverse health effects on all age categories of people from some of the locations studied because all calculated MOE values were less than 10,000 respectively for aflatoxins and ochratoxins.
Effects of surgical treatment on 24465 patients with intestinal perforation complicated with septic shock in tertiary hospitals in China from 2017 to 2020: a systematic review
Authors: Wang Lu , Ma Xudong , He Huaiwu , Su Longxiang , Guo Yanhong , Shan Guangliang , Wang Ye , Zhou Xiang , Liu Dawei , Long Yun
Published: August 2021

Background

Intestinal perforation often leads to abdominal infection and is one of the main causes of septic shock. Prompt surgical treatment is an important treatment for this disease. We designed this study to investigate the effects of surgical treatment on patients with intestinal perforation complicated with septic shock in China.
Methods

Tertiary hospitals were enrolled from the China National Critical Care Quality Control Center (China-NCCQC). The data were collected between January 1, 2017 and December 31, 2020. Intestinal perforation includes duodenal perforation, jejunal perforation, ileal perforation, colonic perforation, and rectal perforation. Sepsis 3.0 criteria were used for the diagnosis of septic shock. According to the above criteria, 26747 patients from 247915897 patients were selected. After excluding the missing data of gender, age and discharge mode, 24465 patients were remained.
Results

Patients with intestinal perforation complicated with septic shock in tertiary hospitals in China are more male and older patients. A significant proportion of patients were hospitalized for more than one month. The hospitalization cost per capita of these patients far exceeds the overall hospitalization cost per capita. In the operative group, the hospitalization days were longer. The operative group spent more. However, the incidence of complications was lower in the operative group. Patients with coronary heart disease (CHD) tended to be treated nonoperatively, and patients with systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE) tended to be treated surgically. 20% of the patients discharged against medical advice, 12% of the patients died. The operative group had a higher rate discharging with medical advice and a lower mortality rate.
Conclusions

For intestinal perforation complicated with septic shock in tertiary hospitals in China, patients who had surgery stayed longer and cost more. However, the incidence of complications was lower in the patients who had surgery. At the same time, the rate of discharging with medical advice was higher and the mortality rate was lower in the patients who had surgery.
Ecological Niche Modeling of the Main Forest-Forming Species in the Caucasus
Authors: Pshegusov R. , Tembotova F. , Chadaeva V. , Sablirova Y. , Mollaeva M. , Akhomgotov A.
Published: August 2021

Background: Ecological niche modeling of the main forest-forming species within the same geographic range contributes significantly to understanding the coexistence of species and the regularities of formation of their current spatial distribution. The main abiotic and biotic environmental variables, as well as species dispersal capability, affecting the spatial distribution of the main forest-forming species in the Caucasus, have not been sufficiently studied.Methods: We conducted studies within the physiographic boundaries of the Caucasus, including Russian Federation, Georgia, Armenia, and Azerbaijan. Our studies focused on ecological niche modeling of pure fir, spruce, pine, beech, hornbeam, and birch forests through species distribution modeling and the concept of the BAM (Biotic-Abiotic-Movement) diagram. We selected 648 geographic records of pure forests occurrence. ENVIREM and SoilGrids databases, statistical tools in R, Maxent were used to assess the influence of abiotic, biotic, and movement factors on the spatial distribution of the forest-forming species.Results: Geographic expression of fundamental ecological niches of the main forest-forming species depended mainly on topographic conditions and water regime. Competitor influence reduced the potential ranges of the studied species by 1.2–1.7 times to the geographic expression of their realized ecological niches. Movement factor significantly limited the areas suitable for pure forests (by 1.2–1.8 times compared with geographic expression of realized ecological niches), except for birch forests.Conclusion: Distribution maps, modeled by abiotic, biotic variables and movement factor, were the closest to the real distribution of the forest-forming species in the Caucasus. Biotic and movement factors should be considered in modeling studies of forest ecosystems if models are to have biological meaning and reality.
Prevalence of Sleep Problems in Infancy and Developmental Outcomes From 6 to 24 Months
Authors: Valla Lisbeth , Wentzel-Larsen Tore , Slinning Kari
Published: August 2021

Background: The study objectives were to assess the prevalence of sleep problems in infants observed at 6, 12 and 24 months, to investigate the relationship between infants’ sleep problems and development from 6 to 24 months, and to determine to what extent sleep problems at 6 months were related to changes in the developmental course from 12 to 24 months.Methods: Infant sleep problems were measured by use of a parent-reported sleep questionnaire. The Ages & Stages Questionnaires (ASQ-II/ASQ:SE) were used to measure developmental skills in the areas of communication, motor, problem-solving, personal-social and social-emotional development in a large longitudinal study with a population-based sample of 1,555 infants. The sample was recruited from nine well-baby clinics in five municipalities in South-Eastern Norway. At 6, 12 and 24 months, ASQ domain scores were compared between infants with and without sleep problems by using two-sample t-tests. The relationship between infant sleep problems at 6 months and changes in ASQ/ASQ:SE scores from 12 to 24 months was investigated using linear mixed effects models.Results: The prevalence of infant sleep problems during the infants’ two first years of life decreased over time, with 14.6% at 6 months, 7.4% at 12 months, and 3.3% at 24 months. There was no clear evidence of differences in ASQ or ASQ:SE scores by sleep problems from 6 to 24 months, but the results suggested a slightly larger increase in communication and problem-solving ASQ scores for infants who had sleep problems at 6 months. Conclusion: Our findings indicate prevalence rates of parent-reported sleep problems between 3 and 14% in infants aged from 6 to 24 months, with the highest prevalence in the youngest age group. There was no clear evidence of early sleep disturbance and later development problems, but our results show evidence of a relationship between sleep problems at 6 months and positive changes in communication and problem-solving scores from 12 to 24 months.
Cortisol and Testosterone Induce Bax and Bcl-2 Gene Expression and Caspases-8 and -9 Activity in Colon Cancer Cells (ht29) and Reduced the Cell Viability
Authors: Sarkhosh Amin , Ahmadi Rahim , Khatami Seyyed Hossein , Ghasemi Hadi
Published: August 2021

Cortisol and testosterone can inhibit the proliferation of colorectal cancer cells. Cortisol may augment the anti-cancer activity of testosterone in colorectal cancer cells. This research aimed to assess the impact of cortisol and testosterone on the viability of colon cancer cells (HTCs). The cytotoxic effects of cortisol and testosterone were evaluated using the MTT assay. Bax and Bcl-2 expression levels were determined using real-time PCR. The colorimetric method was used to assess the activity of caspase-8 and -9 enzymes. The expression levels of Bax and Bcl-2 genes significantly increased (p<0.001), as well as the activity levels of caspase-8 and -9, were elevated (p<0.001). Testosterone may exert cytotoxic activity in colon cancer cells in the presence of cortisol, and cortisol and testosterone cotreatment may contribute to the elevated Bax and Bcl-2 genes expression and caspase 8 and 9 activity enhancement in colorectal cancer cells.
Biomaterial-based Nonvolatile Photonic Memristor
Authors: Chang Yu-Chi , Jian Jia-Cheng , Hsu Ya-lan , Chang Sheng-Po , Chang Shoou-Jinn
Published: August 2021

A photonic memristor is a component used in photonic and neuromorphic computing that can complete the high-speed programming of nonvolatile data through light illumination`. To date, photonic memristors have been fabricated using several methods. Applied principles include the photovoltaic (PV) effect-mediated Schottky barrier, PV effect-induced formation/annihilation of conductive filaments, photogating effect and photoinduced chemical reaction/conformation change5. However, currently proposed solutions are half sets only (i.e. either light writing or light erasing only), photoinduced electrical programming or photovoltaically modulated6-9. Moreover, these devices frequently require the use of special materials or complex device structures and circuitries5. Here, we used a mixture of apple pectin (AP) and nickel oxide (NiO) nanoparticles (NPs) as the resistive switching layer and fabricated a simple metal/insulator/metal sandwich structure. The surface defects between the interface of AP and NiO NPs can capture ultraviolet-excited electrons and convert the resistance state into low-resistance state (LRS). By expelling the electrons in the traps through green light, LRS can be transformed back into high-resistance state. The memory can be programmed purely through light and is compatible with electrical operation. This discovery provides a reliable method for fabricating photonic memristors that can be adopted in photonic and neuromorphic computing applications.
The risk factors of rupture and abortion of tubal pregnancy——a retrospective study based on 2280 tubal pregnancy cases
Authors: Tang Panpan , Li Xiaomao , Li Wenwei , Zhang Yu , Yang Yuebo
Published: August 2021

【Objective】The morbidity of ectopic pregnancy is about 1%~2%, and it accounts for about 10% of maternal death. Tubal rupture and tubal abortion can both lead to massive hemorrhage, but their risk factors are lack of study. Through studying the ectopic cases at the third affiliated hospital of Sun Yat-Sen University, the study aims to analyze the risk factors of tubal rupture and tubal abortion. 【Methods】To collect the ectopic pregnancy cases undergoing surgeries from the year 2011 to the year 2019 retrospectively, divide them into ruptured group, aborted group, and unruptured and unaborted group. T-test, Mann–Whitney–Wilcoxon test and Pearson’s chi-square, and Fisher’s exact test were applied for univariate analysis. Multivariate logistic regression analysis was used to identify the risk factors of tubal rupture and tubal abortion (variables with a P value < 0.1 by univariate analysis were entered into the multivariate analysis). 【Results】Abdominal pain(OR:3.101, 95%CI:1.812–5.306, P < 0.001), cervical lifting pain(OR:2.942, 95%CI:2.046–4.231, P < 0.001), the mass diameter ≥ 4cm(OR:2.874, 95%CI:2.095–3.941, P < 0.001), HCG ≥ 5000U/L(OR:2.588, 95%CI:1.900-3.526, P < 0.001), adnexal tenderness(OR:1.893, 95%CI:1.296–2.764, P = 0.001), age ≥ 35(OR:1.781, 95%CI:1.232–2.573, P = 0.002), aspirating blood during culdocentesis(OR:1.497, 95%CI:1.081–2.074, P = 0.015) are the risk factors of tubal rupture, while vaginal bleeding(OR:0.271, 95%CI:0.196–0.375, P < 0.001) is the protective factor of tubal rupture. HCG < 2000U/L (OR:3.554, 95%CI:2.401–5.260, P < 0.001) and mass diameter ≥ 4cm (OR:2.732, 95%CI:1.900-3.929, P < 0.001) are the risk factors of tubal abortion. 【Conclusions】When facing an ectopic pregnancy patient considering pelvic bleeding happens, if HCG ≥ 5000U/L, it’s more likely to be tubal rupture, if HCG < 2000U/L, it’s more likely to be tubal abortion.
Removal of Mechanical Ventilation During Veno-Venous ECMO May Improve Outcome of Patients with Acute Respiratory Failure Due to Adult Community-Acquired Pneumonia
Authors: Li Lu-Lu , Song Cong-Ying , Shao Mei , Shang An-Dong , Meng Lin-Lin , Lu Yuan-Qiang
Published: August 2021

Background: As a life-saving therapy for patients with acute respiratory failure (ARF)Mechanical ventilation has catalyzed the development of modern emergency medicine and intensive care units.Another way to support respiratory or cardiac functions is extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO).Based on previous studies, the increased pre-ECMO time of mechanical ventilation is a significant independent predictor of the poorer outcome . Removal or maintaining of mechanical ventilation during ECMO is still debatable. Methods: We analyzed the clinical data of 23 patients veno-venous ECMO therapy with acute respiratory failure due to adult community-acquired pneumonia.They were divided into two groups: group A (removed of mechanical ventilation, n=10) and group B ( maintaining of mechanical ventilation,n=13).Demographic data, including gender, age, smoking habits were collected. General characteristics and Clinical characteristics of patients were also recorded, in order to discuss whether the retention or removal of trachea cannula and continued mechanical ventilation during ECMO can affect patients’ prognosis. Results: After analysis, patients in the Group B were older than the Group A (61.0 y [54.5-67.5] vs 39.0 y [24.0-61.8], P=0.021). The median APACHE Ⅱ score of 23 patients before ECMO therapy was 25.0 (IQR, 21.0-28.0), and the Group A had a lower initial APACHE Ⅱ score than the Group B (21.5 [20.8-24.3] vs 28.0 [24.0-29.0], P=0.005)(Table 1).The group A with a survival rate of 80% , and the group B presenting a survival rate of 23.1%.The difference in the survival rate between the two groups was statistically significant (P=0.012).No differences in other items were found between the two groups.Conclusions: The final results showed that the removing of mechanical ventilation during ECMO can improve the survival rate and prognosis in patients with ARF.
Genetic Variants in circRNA Biogenesis-Related Genes Contribute to the Susceptibility and Treatment Outcome of Pediatric Acute Lymphoblastic Leukemia
Authors: Zhang Ru , Liu Xiaodan , Cai Mansi , Yang Xu , Liu Xiaoping , Guo Haixia , Huang Ke , Luo Ailing , Yang LiHua , Xu Ling
Published: August 2021

Background: Acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL) is the most common malignancy in childhood. Recently circRNAs were proved associated with malignant hematopoietic differentiation process. However, evidence regarding single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNP) of circRNA biogenesis key regulator genes and the risk of ALL is still fairly elusive. Methods: To evaluate the novel circRNA biogenesis associated genes SNPs susceptible to ALL, we carried out a case-control study genotyping 6 SNPs in 782 cases of ALL and 1077 controls. Following that, stratiﬁed analysis and prognosis analysis were performed. In addition, we detected the gene expression levels of the ALL associated genetic variants. Results: After adjustment for multiple testing, we found two genetic variants, QKI (rs715020 A > G) and ILF3 (rs3810156 C > G), exhibited a signiﬁcant association with increased susceptibility to ALL. The associations were further validated by stratified analyses. Moreover, rs715020 A > G indeed affected the expression level of QKI, which showed higher mRNA levels. Of note, the polymorphisms QKI rs715020 was identified as a predictor of chemotherapy outcome.Conclusions: Our results suggested that circRNA biogenesis-related genes were associated with the ALL risk and highlight plausible interplay between genetic variants in ALL treatment.
Improving decision making, communication and documentation regarding advance resuscitation decisions in a tertiary care hospital in Sri Lanka
Authors: Appuhamy Shenal , Hewage Dinusha
Published: August 2021

BACKGROUND

Resuscitation decisions made in advance are especially important to prevent negative patient outcomes at end-of-life. We conducted a clinical audit to assess the current practice of these decisions in Sri Lanka and then introduced interventions to improve the same.
MATERIALS AND METHODS

An auditor-administered questionnaire developed through a focused group discussion among experts was used to analyze the medical records of deaths during a period of sixty days focusing on advance resuscitation decisions and factors affecting them. The junior doctors directly involved in the care of each patient were interviewed regarding their retrospective judgement about the most appropriate resuscitation decision, which was later compared with the decision of an expert panel, who decided on the most appropriate resuscitation decision based on the medical records of the patient. An educational session for doctors was then conducted to improve their knowledge about advance resuscitation decisions including the importance of meticulous documentation of such decisions. The outcome was assessed after sixty days following the introduction of the intervention using the same questionnaire.
RESULTS

There was a significant improvement in the number of documented advance resuscitation decisions from 4/40 (10%) to 17/38 (44.73%) (Z = 3.5, P = 0.0006), with a significant increase in DNACPR decisions from 4/40 (10%) to 14/38 (36.8%) (Z = 2.8, P = 0.005) following the intervention. Unsuccessful CPR attempts decreased significantly from 31/40 (77.5%) to 14/38 (36.8%) (Z = 3.6, P = 0.0003) in the post-intervention period. The resuscitation decisions suggested by junior doctors that matched with expert decision increased significantly for both interns ((from 11/40 (27.5%) to 22/38 (57.9%) (Z = 2.7, P = 0.0066)) and registrars ((18/40 (45%) to 27/38 (71.05%) (Z = 2.3, P = 0.0202)) in the post-intervention period.
CONCLUSION

Documentation and practice regarding advance resuscitation decisions is suboptimal in Sri Lanka. This can be improved by interventions targeting improving the knowledge about the concept and its proper documentation among health care professionals.
An Analytical Approximation to the Seismic Response of Light Linear Nonstructural Components in Resonance With Linear Structures
Authors: Miranda Julio Cesar
Published: August 2021

This paper considers the analytical calculation of the seismic response of light nonstructural components resonant with the buildings to which they are affixed. The mechanical systems thus conformed are presumed to be linearly elastic and classically damped, such that a traditional modal analysis can be carried out. Intended to estimate the upper limit of the response, the procedure developed is indicated for resonance with the fundamental mode, a condition which usually controls the response of the components. The correlation of the two closely spaced modes resulting from the dynamics of the component-building system, is accounted for through a spectral analysis. Comparison of the results predicted by the procedure described in this paper with limited numerical applications, corroborates that it is successful in predicting the response of the components when these are tuned to low order modes of the carrying structure. However, as also seen, the procedure is inappropriate to calculate the response of the components when their tuning involves higher modes of the supporting structure. Given the successful numerical forecasting of the response of the components, and given the compact form of the proposed equations, the feasibility of developing their codified form merits further investigation.
A Variable Neighborhood Search Algorithm with Constraint Relaxation for the Two-Echelon Vehicle Routing Problem with Simultaneous Delivery and Pickup Demands
Authors: Liu Ran , JIANG Shan
Published: August 2021

This paper considers a special vehicle routing problem, the two-echelon vehicle routing problem with simultaneous delivery and pickup demands (2E-VRPSDP). The 2E-VRPSDP differs from classic transportation and vehicle routing problems in two ways. First, freight delivery from the depot to the customers is managed by shipping the freight through intermediate satellites. Second, each customer in the 2E-VRPSDP may have simultaneous delivery and pickup demands. The 2E-VRPSDP is an extension of the two-echelon vehicle routing problem (2E-VRP) and the vehicle routing problem with simultaneous delivery and pickup (VRPSDP). A variable neighborhood search algorithm is designed to solve the 2E-VRPSDP in which both feasible and infeasible solutions can be explored. Numerical results show that the proposed algorithm is effective and that the algorithm can provide reasonable solutions within an acceptable computational time.
Genetic Diversity and Variety Identification of Panax Species Based on EST-SSR Markers
Authors: fan xin-yuan , Hui He-tong , Wang Tian-qi , Wang Ming-hui , Liu Mo-Yi , Su Feng-he , Wu Lun-peng , Liu Li-mei
Published: August 2021

Background: The roots of Panax species are widely used in the East because of their high medicinal and economic value. They are similar in plant morphology and chemical composition, but have quite differences in medicinal properties and efficacy, therefore, genetic diversity and variety identification of Panax species is particularly important. Methods: We screened 7 Simple Sequence Repeat (SSR) markers from expressed sequence tags (ESTs) database of Panax species in NCBI. Using these markers test SSR polymorphism in Panax species. Results: Seven SSR markers could successfully identify Panax ginseng, Panax quinquefolium, Panax notoginseng, and their commercial products. Among three ginseng varieties, garden ginseng, forest ginseng, and wild ginseng, the polymorphism of EST-SSR markers decreased gradually, which may be related to age and environment. Two pairs of EST-SSR primers can specifically identify three ginseng cultivars. The phylogenetic relationships analysis showed that Panax ginseng and Panax quinquefolium were closer than Panax notoginseng. Compared with wild ginseng, the relationship between the garden ginseng and the forest ginseng was closer. Conclusion: SSR molecular markers have high repeatability and can be used as reliable molecular markers for genetic diversity and variety identification of Panax species.
Nursing Professionals’ Perception of Health Care Quality Management
Authors: Ribeiro Danielle P. , Barbosa Maria A. , Fernandes Marcos R. , Silva Ludimila C. , Silva Júlio C. , Silva Edinamar A. , Prado Marinésia A. , Porto Celmo C. , Queiroz Maria C. , Filho Aroldo Vieira Moraes , Bezerra Ana Lúcia Q.
Published: August 2021

To understand the perception of nurses in quality management of nursing care at a public health institution in Brazil. Qualitative, participation of 18 nurses. Conducted with an interview, open questions with independent variables: characterization of professionals and outcome (perception of quality management, before - 1st phase - and after - 2nd phase - the intervention). Data organized with the help of ATLAS.ti software, Bardin analysis, with the theme “Delivery of value” in the first phase and the theme “Quality indicators focusing on delivering results” in the second phase. The third theme, “Management of care”, in 2 phases. Results showed that the perception of nursing managers about quality management varied between the first and second phases. Considering the revelations about scarce knowledge about quality management, we point out the need to carry out training with a health management approach focused on the management of the quality of care.
Dysfunction of CD27+IgD+B Cells Correlates With Aggravated Systemic Lupus Erythematosus
Authors: zhang wei , Wang YF , Hu Fanlei , Lu Fuai , Wu Tao , Li Ke
Published: August 2021

Objective：The apoptotic signaling pathway is obviously disordered in systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE). Natural IgM (nIgM) is important in clearing apoptotic cells and preventing them from triggering deleterious autoimmunity. B-1- and innate-like B- (ILBs) cells are the main nIgM producers. Human CD27+IgD+B cells (un-switched memory B cells) are considered ILBs. However, their functional properties in SLE remain undefined.Methods：Peripheral blood samples of 50 SLE patients and 50 healthy control were collected, and twelve SLE patients were assessed in a follow-up study. The amounts of CD27+IgD+ B cell was analyzed by flow cytometry. The IgM and IL-10 levels of CD27+IgD+ B cell were assessed by ELISPOT and qRT-PCR. SPSS 17.0 (SPSS, USA) was employed for data analysis. P<0.05 indicated statistical significance.Result：92.0% were females, 17-67 years. CD27+IgD+B cell amounts are significantly decreased in SLE patients than healthy control (p<0.01). CD27+IgD+B cell amounts were positively correlated with WBC(r=0.337, p=0.017), platelet count(r=0.396, p=0.004) and serum C3 levels(r=0.415, p=0.003), CD27+IgD+B cell amounts showed negative correlations with serum creatinine levels(r=-0.285, p=0.045), SLEDAI(r=-0.724, p=0.000), anti-dsDNA(r=-0.477, p=0.000) and CRP(r=-0.398,p=0.004). The IgM and IL-10 levels of CD27+IgD+B in SLE were decreased than healthy control (p<0.001), moreover CD27+IgD+B cells are increased in SLE cases after treatment in SLE patients than before treatment(p<0.001).Conclusion：CD27+IgD+B cell amounts are significantly decreased and it was correlated with clinical and immunological features in SLE patients. CD27+IgD+B cells had impaired function regarding IgM and IL-10 production in SLE, however, CD27+IgD+B cells amounts are recovered in SLE cases with treatment-related disease remission.
Research on Expansion and Classification of Imbalanced Data Based on SMOTE Algorithm
Authors: Wang Shujuan , Dai Yuntao , Shen Jihong , Xuan Jingxue
Published: August 2021

With the development of artificial intelligence, the research of medical auxiliary diagnosis based on big data classification is considered as a new technology that can be expected. Due to the different condition in the collection of different samples, medical big data often has imbalances. The class imbalance problems have been reported to severely hinder classification performance of many standard learning algorithms, and have attracted a great deal of attention from researchers of different fields. Focusing on this problem, an improved SMOTE algorithm based on Normal distribution is proposed in this paper. The principle of Normal random distribution is introduced to expand the minority sample, so that the new sample points are distributed closer to the center of the minority sample with a higher probability. In addition, the distribution of the generated data is controlled based on the characteristics of the Normal distribution. And the influence of the statistical characteristics of the original data on the parameter(variance) selection is analyzed based on the inter-class distance and sample variance. Experiments show that the proposed algorithm has better classification effect on the Pima, WDBC, WPBC, Ionosphere and Breast-cancer-wisconsin imbalanced datasets than the original SMOTE algorithm according to AUC, OOB, F-value, G-value.
Subaxial Lordosis Loss and Influence Factors After Posterior Atlantoaxial Fusion
Authors: Liu Shaoqiang , Liu Boling , Liang Guiqing , Chen Qiyong , Wang Huafeng , Lin Yuhan
Published: August 2021

Summary of Background Data: Cervical sagittal balance, an important evaluation index of cervical physiological function and surgical efficacy. Subaxial kyphosis after atlantoaxial fusion is negatively associated with worse clinical outcome and higher incidence of lower cervical disc degeneration. Objectives: This study aimed to confirm the factors that influence subaxial lordosis loss after posterior atlantoaxial fusion. Methods: We performed a retrospective review of all patients following posterior C1-C2 fusion for atlantoaxial dislocation between January 2015 and December 2017. All charts, records, and imaging studies were reviewed for each case, and preoperative, immediate postoperative, and final follow-up plain films were evaluated. Comparing final follow-up and preoprative C2-C7 angle, patients were divided into two groups for further comparison: subaxial lordosis loss group and subaxial lordosis increase group.Results: A total of 18 patients were included in the review, with an average radiographic follow-up of 8.4 ± 3.7 months (range, 6 to 17 months). Subaxial lordosis loss was observed in 5 cases (27.8%) at the final follow-up, whereas 13 cases had an increase of subaxial lordosis. The cervical sagittal parameters of preoperative and final follow-up between two groups were compared, the preoperative C2-C7 angle of the subaxial lordosis loss group was bigger than the subaxial lordosis increase group (27.6°±10.5° vs 10.5°±10.5°, P<0.05), but there was no statistical difference in other parameters. Univariate chi-square analysis showed that reduction of subaxial lordosis after posterior atlantoaxial fusion was associated with preoperative C2-C7 angle ≥20° (χ2=4.923, P=0.026). However, Logistic regression analysis showed that the preoperative C2-C7 angle ≥20° was not an independent risk factor (OR=0.147, P=0.225). Conclusion: Our study demonstrates that subaxial lordosis loss may occur after posterior atlantoaxial fusion, and preoperative C2-C7 angle ≥20° was a risk factor of postoperative loss of subaxial lordosis.
Beta-Lactam Dosing During Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy: A Survey of Practices in French Intensive Care Units
Authors: Matusik Elodie , Lemtiri Justine , Wabont Guillaume , Lambiotte Fabien
Published: August 2021

BackgroundLittle information is available on current practice in beta-lactam dosing during continuous renal replacement therapy (CRRT). Optimized dosing is essential for improving outcomes, and there is no consensus on the appropriate dose regimens. The objective of the present study was to describe current practice for beta-lactam dosing during CRRT in intensive care units (ICUs).MethodsWe conducted a nationwide survey by e-mailing an online questionnaire to physicians working in ICUs in France. The questionnaire included three sections: demographic characteristics, CRRT practices, and beta-lactam dosing regimens during CRRT.Results157 intensivists completed the questionnaire. Continuous venovenous hemofiltration was the most frequently used CRRT technique, and citrate was the most regularly used anticoagulant. The median prescribed dose at baseline was 30 mL/kg/h. The majority of prescribers (57%) did not reduce beta-lactam dosing during CRRT. The tools were used to adapt dosing regimens during CRRT included guidelines, therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM), and data from the literature. When TDM was used, 100% T > 4 time the MIC was the most common mentioned pharmacokinetic/pharmacodynamic target (53%). Pharmacokinetic software tools were rarely used. Prolonged or continuous infusions were widely used during CRRT (88%). Institutional guidelines on beta-lactam dosing during CRRT were rare. 41% of physicians sometimes consulted another specialist before adapting the dose of antibiotic during CRRT.ConclusionsOur present results highlight the wide range of beta-lactam dosing practices adopted during CRRT. Personalized TDM and the implementation of Bayesian software appear to be essential for optimizing beta-lactam dosing regimens and improving patient outcomes.
A Nomogram From The SEER Database For Predicting The Prognosis of Small Cell Lung Cancer With Different Patterns of Metastases
Authors: Ruan Hongli , Liu Yanmei , Sun Huali , Ding Yan , Ying Shenpeng , Lin Peipei
Published: August 2021

Backgroud: Distant metastases are one of the leading causes of high mortality in small cell lung cancer (SCLC). This research is aimed to investigate the different patterns of metastases in SCLC patients and their impact on prognosis based on the data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results (SEER) database. Methods: The 2010-2015 SEER database of 15637 SCLC patients diagnosed from January to August were used as a training set for development of a nomogram. 7310 SCLC patients diagnosed from September to December were used as the validation set. Results: The overall survival (OS) of SCLC patients with no distant metastases, bone metastases, brain metastases, and liver metastases were 16.6, 9.1, 8.8 and 6.0 months, respectively. Patients with solitary liver metastases have the worst prognosis in the cases with single metastatic site. In the patients with multi-site metastases, the clinical outcomes of the cases combined with liver metastases were the worst. Our Cox model indicated that age, gender, American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) stage, metastases, chemotherapy, radiation and surgery were independent predictors for OS in SCLC patients. The c-index value of nomogram was 7.52 in training set and 7.48 in of validation set for predicting OS in SCLC, indicating that the predictive ability of our nomogram model was of great superiority.Conclusion: The prognosis of SCLC patients with liver metastases alone or combined with other metastatic sites were worse than other metastatic models. Our nomogram model that integrated significant factors can aid as an individualized clinical predictive tool in SCLC patients.
Validating an Amharic Version of the 36-item Short Form Health Survey (SF-36) in Individuals With Leprosy in Ethiopia.
Authors: Lambert Saba Maria , Nigusse Shimelis D. , Alembo Digafe T. , Walker Stephen L. , Nicholls Peter G. , Lockwood Diana N.J.
Published: August 2021

Background: Health-related quality of life (HRQoL) has now become an indispensable outcome measure in many randomized clinical trials and other studies. It provides the patient’s voice in measuring health improvement or decline and assessing treatment effectiveness. A validated Amharic version of HRQoL assessment tool was needed for leprosy clinical trials in Ethiopia. The SF-36 was chosen but a validated Amharic version was not available. We describe how this was developed.Methods: The SF-36 was translated from English into Amharic and evaluated for content acceptability in a patient focus group. Back translation was performed. Validity and reliability of Amharic SF-36 in leprosy affected individuals was tested with 100 patients with leprosy attending the leprosy clinic at ALERT hospital and compared to the Amharic version of the WHOQOL-BREF.Results: Amharic translations of both the WHOQOL-BREF and the SF-36 had good reliability and validity amongst leprosy affected individuals. Internal consistency reliability estimates for each domain/scale exceeded 0.70. The Amharic SF-36 had better convergent and discriminant validity than WHOQOL-BREF in this group of patients. Good known-group validity was seen in both WHOQOL-BREF and SF-36 in leprosy affected patients. Amharic SF-36 had good inter-rater reliability with seven out of 8 domains scoring above 0.8 in intra-class correlation.Conclusion: This Amharic version of the SF-36 is a valid instrument to measure HRQoL in clinical trials involving leprosy affected individuals in Ethiopia.
Crystal Structure and Cellular Functions of uPAR Dimer
Authors: Yu Shujuan , Sui Yaqun , Wang Jiawei , Li Yongdong , Li Hanlin , Jiang Longguang , Yuan Cai , Huang Mingdong
Published: August 2021

Receptor dimerization of urokinase-type plasminogen activator receptor (uPAR) was previously identified at protein level and on the cell surface. Recently, a dimeric form of mouse uPAR isoform 2 was proposed, which induced kidney disease. Here, we report the crystal structure of human uPAR dimer at 2.96 Å. The structure reveals enormous conformational changes of the dimer compared to the monomeric structure: D1 of uPAR opens up into a large expanded loop that captures a β-hairpin loop of a neighboring uPAR to form an expanded β-sheet, leading to an elongated, highly intertwined dimeric uPAR. Based on the structure, we identify the E49P mutation promoting dimer formation. The mutation increases receptor binding to amino terminal fragment (ATF) of its primary ligand uPA, induces the receptor to distribute to the basal membrane, promotes cell proliferation, and alters cell morphology via the ERK activation of β1 integrin signaling. These results reveal the structural basis for uPAR dimerization, its effect on cell function, and provide new insight and tools to study this multifunctional receptor.
A Hybrid Machine Learning Method in detecting anomalies in IoT at the fog layer
Authors: Ayodele Believe , Jones Michaela Tromans
Published: August 2021

The authors have requested that this preprint be removed from Research Square.
Experimental Studies on Frozen Soil
Authors: Gaur Kshitij , Sahu Anil Kumar
Published: August 2021

Various studies have been carried out for soils at normal room temperature but the studies on frozen soils are meagre. For every construction, soil investigation is the most important and the primary step for a site. For constructions at normal room temperature, there are plenty of experimentation and research data on soil is available. But lack of research data for colder regions, where the ambient temperature is below zero degree Celsius for most of the time. It is therefore the need to study soil under iced condition to get a better idea about the behaviour of frozen soils. There are few research on construction and mechanical behaviour of frozen soil but no study on the very basic parameters of like void ratio, bulk density, porosity, and the degree of freezing and how these parameters change as the soil temperature changes from normal room temperature to negative values. The main emphasis is on the study and experimentation on frozen soil and to formulate different relationships between individual soil parameters at various temperatures. The methodology used is to model the soil surface (open grounds in colder regions) by taking sand as the soil after sieving. The model samples are taken into beakers with different bulk densities to replicate real site condition in the freezer. Then by calculating factors like density, porosity, void ratio, etc at negative temperature (-5, -10, -15, -20 degree Celsius) and forming relationship with same parameters with that on room temperature. The experimental data obtained is used in “Eureqa software” that will utilize the input so provided and will find mathematical relation that exist in the soil parameters.
Leptomeningeal Disease in Glioblastoma: Endgame or Opportunity?
Authors: Akmal Sarfraz , Ginalis Elizabeth E. , Patel Nitesh V. , Aiken Robert , Hanft Simon J.
Published: August 2021

Introduction: Glioblastoma is an aggressive cancer with a notoriously poor prognosis. Recent advances in treatment have increased overall survival, though this may be accompanied by an increased incidence of leptomeningeal disease (LMD). LMD carries a particularly severe prognosis and remains a late stage manifestation of glioblastoma without satisfactory treatment. The objective of this review is to survey the literature on treatment of LMD in glioblastoma and to more fully characterize the current therapeutic strategies. Methods: The authors performed a systematic review following PRISMA criteria on PubMed. Articles that included adult patients with LMD from glioblastoma multiforme were retrieved and reviewed. Results: LMD in glioblastoma patients is increasing in incidence, with reports of up to 21%. The overall survival without treatment is alarmingly brief, with patients surviving between 1.6-3.8 months. All studies showed that treatment does improve overall survival significantly, increasing to 11.7 months in one study. However, no one adjuvant or surgical therapy has been shown to improve survival in LMD significantly over another. Direct treatment methods include chemotherapy (standard, anti-angiogenic, intrathecal, immunotherapy), and radiation. Hydrocephalus is a complication in LMD that can be treated with ventriculoperitoneal shunt placement, however treating hydrocephalus and delivering intrathecal chemotherapy is a challenge. Conclusion: Though evidence remains lacking and there is no consensus, treatments show a trend towards improving survival and should be considered on a case-by-case basis. Further studies are necessary in the pursuit of a standard of care.